Biltmore Fangirl

Just like athlete's foot, I'm baaaaaack! I got in yesterday afternoon and was welcomed by a heat wave of epic So. Cal. proportions. An interesting change of pace considering I spent the last part of my time away in the cold and damp of North Carolina. And while the Getaway With Dee was pretty much met by a steady stream of rain, that doesn't mean I didn't have a fabulous time. Proceed with caution, as this blog post is likely to sound like one giant Love Fest.

I got in to North Carolina on Sunday and checked in to the fabulous, beyond words Inn On Biltmore Estate. People, I cannot stress enough that if you have the means and opportunity that this hotel was off the hook. I have never, in my life, had a more positive hotel experience. The staff was amazing. Professional, courtesy, helpful, just obscenely excellent. It was like they required the entire lot to attend hotel hospitality school. Oh, and did I mention they serve afternoon tea? As in, a real pot of tea. Not a tea bag stuck in lukewarm water. I'm talking loose tea in a real tea pot, finger sandwiches, lemon curd, and clotted cream afternoon tea. Swoon

That alone was worth the trip. See how easy to please I am?

Anywho, the festivities kicked off with the Gilded Age party on Sunday evening. So many fantastic costumes! Dee and her daughters looked especially amazing. Parlor games were played. Desserts were consumed. Books were swapped. The best part of the evening? When Dee demonstrated how a Victorian lady got dressed. Dear Lord! Now I've always known that women during this time period wore an obscene amount of undergarments, but I think it takes it to another level to actually see a dressing in person. How many of us have read historical romances over the years where the lusty hero takes the heroine up against a tree in the garden, in a closet, on a back staircase etc.? Yeah, so would never happen! It would take the guy 30 minutes alone to wade past all her clothes!

Monday was a bit of a free day. I took a quick stroll through the Biltmore Estate and snapped a couple of sub par photos before my digital camera battery gave up the ghost. The estate itself sits on roughly 8000 acres, and the house (I believe) takes up 4 acres all on its own. It also illustrates the difference between "merely rich" and "obscene, gaudy wealth." The "house" is stunning, and is still owned by the Vanderbilt family. I saw one of Edith Vanderbilt's Louis Vuitton trunks with my own beady lil' eyes. This was also the day that a bunch of us toured the winery on the estate, and I resisted the urge to not buy about a dozen bottles of the stuff.

Monday evening was our private tour of the house. We got a "behind the scenes tour" and the tour guides designed it around Dee's latest book, Maid to Match. Which means we saw the kitchens (amazing), the servant's quarters (pretty nice actually!), and the guest rooms. This tour, top to bottom, from basement to 4th floor, took roughly 2 hours! It required a lot of walking, and a lot of stair climbing, but it was so worth it.

That private tour pretty much signaled the end of the getaway. Everyone said goodbye, and we all went our separate ways. I flew back to Cali Tuesday morning, and hit the ground running....until about 7:30PM when I promptly passed out and slept the whole night through. I'm not sure who said vacations were supposed to be relaxing. Mine never seem to be at any rate!

I had such a wonderful time at the Biltmore, that I'm dying to go back. It was simply that amazing, rain and all. Honestly, if you love historical romance, it should probably be required by law that you go. Although seeing a place like this just makes me more angry that American-set historicals are currently seen as "uncool" and "unmarketable" (unless, of course, you write inspirational romances, and then the setting is OK. Yes, I am riding the Bitter Bus, why do you ask?). I'm no writer, but even I was aware of the hundreds of stories screaming out of the walls of this estate.

I can't thank Dee enough for picking my name out of the drawing she had at RWA, and I'm so glad that My Man told me I had to go, and that I better not even think about declining this prize. It was really a fantastic trip, one that I'm not likely to forget anytime soon. As soon as I catch my breath, and get those photos on the disposable camera I had to buy developed, I plan on posting more pictures to my Flickr account (yes, I'll post the link when I do!). In the meantime, I'm currently trying to figure out how to make millions of dollars so I can build myself a library like George Vanderbilt had. Seriously, if they would let me, I would so move in.

Random Romance Sunday: Inside The Actor's Studio

The Book: Miss Billings Treads the Boards by Carla Kelly

The Particulars: Traditional Regency romance, Signet, 1993, Out Of Print

The Blurb:

Playing a Perilous Part

Miss Katherine Billings was cast in a most unlikely role for a vicar's daughter. But beautiful Kate was an impoverished orphan--and her only escape from a lecherous employer's embraces was to go upon the stage. It was dangerous enough that a charming French playwright wanted her as his leading lady, and an ambitious impresario demanded that she bare her charms to an eager audience. But when a magnificent marquess, Lord Henry Grayson, proposed that she join him in a masquerade of mating in a mock marriage, Kate found that putting on an act in public could be even more perilous in private...if the act was an act of love....

Is It In Wendy's TBR?: Brace yourselves - no, I've actually read it!

Any Reviews?: In a review that honestly read more negative than positive to me, All About Romance gave this one a B:

Even though this is not Carla Kelly's best book (Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind and Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand are my own favorites), it still is a novel worth reading. Unfortunately it has been out of print for years, but if you can lay hands on a copy, you are in for an unusual and, for the greatest part, enjoyable Regency Romance.

And that's really about it - other than a few customer reviews over at Amazon.

Anything Else?: As I mentioned, I've actually read this book. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) for you all - I read it pre-blogging days, so no review. I have a vague memory of reading it while traveling, and I suspect it was when I went to Denver in 2002 for RWA (my first conference and I only attended the Librarians Day event and the Literacy Signing).

A few things I remember about this book? The hero is going bald, Kelly put a lot of "story" in this book without making it feel "overstuffed" and I found it quite charming. Not fantastic. Not OMG Bestest Book Evah! SQUEEEEE!!1!1!! - but charming. I read very few trads, but when I read this one I kinda "got" why so many fans of the sub genre rave endlessly about Kelly. I don't exactly remember the hero being selfish (as some of the reviews suggest) and I don't remember being bothered by the "coincidences" that the AAR reviewer points out - so obviously it worked for me.

Or else I did notice these issues at the time and they didn't bother me enough for those moments to stick in my memory some 8 years later.

And before any desperate Kelly fans ask - the copy I read is no longer in my possession. Otherwise I would be tempted to sell it to the highest bidder....

Library Book Sale Goodness

So I come to Michigan on vacation and what do I do? I buy books. Like I need more books - but honestly, it wasn't my fault. I stopped by The Old Job yesterday to catch up with my former colleagues. While there I ran into one of their branch managers and lo and behold, it's used book sale time for them! And since I can't say no to used book sale (seriously, I'm sick), I thought it wouldn't hurt to stop by and take a look around. Plus, back in the dark ages, I was the "interim manager" at that location and I was hoping to see more of the staff (which I did - yippee!).

The single title pickins' were pretty slim, but Holy Harlequins Batman! A decent mix of lines were for sale - but I noticed a lot of Harlequin Romance and Harlequin American. Also, the inspirational lines were very well represented. My purchases generally ran towards sweet - just because that's what I was in the mood for. I gave them $10 and told them to keep the change - because that's how I roll.

Of course between these, the book I bought at a used bookstore earlier in the week, and the three books my Big Sis returned to me, that means I need to ship a box home. I can only imagine how happy My Man will be to see more books wandering into the Bat Cave, although he tells me he misses me. Maybe he misses me enough that another box of books arriving on our doorstep won't faze him all that much. Um, maybe?

In other news, the Daddy/Daughter baseball game is Saturday. Yes, pictures will be taken. Then Sunday morning I'm off to North Carolina and the Biltmore Estate. That means, it will be Wendy Media Blackout Time. I didn't feel like wrestling with the laptop. Which means I'll be unplugged from Sunday to Tuesday afternoon. Hey, I'll probably be OK. I've always heard the shakes don't get real bad until Day 3.

The HGH Epic

When I first heard about Sylvester Stallone's latest opus, The Expendables, my immediate thought was "Damn, I wish I lived closer to my Dad." This steaming pile of mindless action, explosions, HGH abuse, and inane dialogue is just BEGGING for me to watch it with my Dad, the connoisseur of action movies (the good, the bad and the really ugly). So imagine my shock when this movie actually opened well enough to still be in the theaters a month later. Dad took the day off work today so we could spend it together, and this is what we did. We saw The Expendables. And boy howdy, it was EPIC.

I'm not actually going to write a review, because honestly? Do you really need one? Oh, all right - here it is:

It's like Rambo, if Rambo was a "people person."

That's pretty much it.

There's a bunch of guys running around throwing knives, shooting guns, bustin' out the Kung Fu, bad-guy-decapitation, a bunch of stuff blowing up and/or catching on fire. There's a token appearance by the governor of the state where I currently live, and the best "acting" in the whole movie is done by Bruce Willis, whose cameo lasts all of 5 minutes.

But as any action movie watcher will tell you, there are many subtle levels of bad. This movie was exactly what I thought it was going to be. Basically bad with some laughably terrible dialogue....but still watchable in an odd, how many hits did I take off that crack pipe?, sort of way. And heck, after watching part of The Prince Of Persia on DVD last week with My Man, The Expendables is like Gone With The Frickin' Wind in comparison. Uh, except with more HGH. And explosions. And decapitations. And knife throwing.

If that ain't quality Daddy/Daughter time, I'm not sure what is.

Nothing To See Here

I'm on the road! First, it's my turn in the rotation over at Access Romance Readers Gab. Today I'm talking about romance reader stereotypes. Stop on by and share what makes you 1) not a stereotype and 2) unique....like a snowflake!

I also have three, count 'em three!, reviews over at TGTBTU. I read Vicki Lewis Thompsons' Sons Of Chance Harlequin Blaze series back-to-back-to-back and naturally reviewed all of them at once.

In other news, after a delayed flight out of So. Cal. and hiking roughly 42.9 miles through the Minneapolis airport, I made it to Michigan. And yes, I finished The Night Season by Chelsea Cain on the plane.

(So good!)

Random Romance Sunday: Cave Man Meet Woman

The Book: Getting Lucky by Susan Andersen

The Particulars: Contemporary romance, Avon, 2003, Book 2 in a series, In Print

The Blurb:

LUCKY YOU!

Lily Morrisette wants roots, respect, her own business, and independence. So what is she doing on a road trip with a good-looking marine who's carrying her into the heart of serious peril?

It started out as an impulsive lark fueled by her strong chemical reaction to sexy Zach Taylor -- a tough, blustery, yet tender-in-spite-of-himself career military man who's determined to break up his darling "baby sister" Glynnis's wedding engagement. But there's no Glynnis waiting for them at the end of the line -- only a ransom note . . . and a death threat.

Amid a dangerous nest of family secrets, the heat between Zach and Lily soon becomes unbearable as a kidnapper's dark and twisted scheme pulls them closer than either dreamed possible. And when passion explodes, Lily's reckless act could prove to be either the best risk she's ever taken . . . or her last.

Is It In Wendy's TBR?: Nope.

Any Reviews?: Oh man. It's honestly hard to know where to begin. So I just better get to it.

The Romance Reader gave this 2 Hearts (equivalent to a D grade):

Like most - if not all - romance readers, I like alpha heroes, but there’s alpha and there’s alpha. Give me the alpha hero whose high testosterone level doesn’t need to compensate for his low I.Q. and lousy P’s and Q’s. There are some guys whose social skills consist of hanging out with his buds chugging down pitchers of beer, talking in monosyllables and grunts about sports, and scratching themselves in private places. Yeah, sometimes these guys tie the knot, but this kind of behavior doesn’t harbinger a happily ever after. I kept hoping Lily would shake Zach’s hand, say “It’s been real,” and walk out. Sadly, she keeps the lunk.

All About Romance was a teeny bit kinder with it's B- grade:

Yes, Zach is the usual Andersen hero, the kind of guy who's so alpha it's a wonder he doesn't club Lily over the head with his penis. Even for those used to Andersen's ultra-alpha heroes, Zach may be a little hard to take. He huffs and he puffs and he stomps around misjudging everyone in sight. He's wrong about Lily, he's wrong about the family of Glynnis's fiancé, he's wrong about both villains. It would have been nice if he'd been right about something to make him less of a cocky blowhard.

Publisher's Weekly offers this insight (you can read full review at Amazon):

Zach is surprisingly ineffective and unlikable right up to his 11th-hour romantic capitulation, while Lily's sexual, culinary and financial sophistication seems unusual for a woman who curses by saying "holy petunia" and "oh, poop." But perfect pacing, steamy sex and a fun cast of secondary characters make up for what's missing in character consistency. From David's belatedly blossoming sister to Zach's charming Marine buddies, the story's supporting cast adds human warmth and an extra dose of fantasy.

And you know I'm saving the best for last right? Mrs. Giggles gave this a 56:

I love Zach. He's wrong, 200% wrong, I wonder sometimes if there's anything beyond static going on in that head of his. Maybe his moronic overcompensating bullying behavior is a result of repressed memories of his shower room hazing by the Marines. Sssh, it's okay, Zach, you don't show, I won't tell. Of course, Lily is always right, but what little joy that is in seeing her being right again and again is ruined by Zach insisting on being stupid and wrong just as again and again. Lily is no pushover at the surface, but I seriously question the sanity of any woman who puts up with so much crap from a man who demonstrates again and again that he is only slightly smarter than a brain-damaged sloth.

Anything Else?: Yes, this makes me a very bad girl - but I had loads of fun reading these reviews. Just did. And the author is still going strong. She's got a new book out now, four books (three are reissues) slated for 2011, and a slew of fans.

Gone Fishin'

The time has come for me use those baseball tickets My Man got me for my birthday this year. Of course the plan was for the Tigers to not suck and be in contention, but oh well. At least the White Sox are now 9 games back. I can handle the Twins winning the division, but the White Sox? ::shudder:: Anywho, even though my team, once again, fell apart in the second half, I'm sure the game will still be fantabulous since I'm going with Big Daddy. Hot dogs will be eaten. Beer will be consumed. And I'll try to remember to snap some pictures.

After the trip home for the ball game (oh yeah, and to see my peeps), I'm heading south to North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate and that getaway I won from Deeanne Gist at RWA this summer. I got the official This Is What Is Going On When e-mail this week, and it looks like Gist and her crew have lots of stuff planned. I can't wait to spend time on the grounds, snap an obscene amount of pictures, and talk books with people.

In other news, I'm making myself crazy trying to get all my ducks in a row for this trip. I know I can't be the only woman who does this. My Man is more than capable of taking care of himself, but I still like making sure everything is "set" before I take off. Cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, bills paid, yada yada yada.

Then of course, there are the books to consider. I actually fret about this a lot less ever since I got my Sony Reader. I just load that up with my Harlequin backlog and hit the road. Uh, and since I have like 60 books on that darn thing right now, I doubt I'll get bored while I'm stuck in airports. However, I did come home from work yesterday to find a present had arrived in the mail. A most glorious wondrous present! And yes, this means I'm actually taking a paper book with me as well.

That's right kiddies, Night Season by Chelsea Cain is in my hot little hands thanks to the sheer awesomeness that is Liz Maverick. Liz is not only awesome because of the ARC gift, and the fact that she writes romance, but because as I learned from Megan Frampton recently, she also has a cocktail ring collection.

Liz might be my new BFF.

She also might now be Big Sis' and Lil' Sis' new BFF. Just sayin'.

And while I plan on reading this on the plane, it's not actually due out until March. So uh, don't expect a review to go live on this blog anytime soon. Just cuz that's how I roll.

As for blogging? Well I've got a couple Random Romance Sunday posts ready to go, so the three of you who like those won't be bored the next couple of Sundays. I won't actually be Internet-less for this entire trip, so I'll do my best to pop in every now and then. Although I'm sure my Twitter account will be like the Sahara....

TBR Challenge 2010: Finding Home

The Book: In the Shelter of His Arms by Jackie Braun

The Particulars: Harlequin Romance #3840, 2005, Out of Print

Why Was It In The Bat Cave TBR?: Harlequin Romance author Liz Fielding stopped by the Bat Cave many moons ago and recommended this one to me. I ordered it from Paperback Swap and voila!

The Review: Oh man, Liz was right. This is a good book.

Roz Bennett has been dealt a pretty shitty hand. Abandoned as a toddler, bounced around the foster care system her entire childhood, and then unceremoniously given the boot at 18 - she has little education, no roots, no money, and now no car. Which is how Mason Striker (Best. Romance. Hero. Name. Ever!) finds her - walking along the side of a deserted road after her car breaks down. Roz has no money (which she is not about to tell this guy) and her concrete plans consist of "heading west."

Mason returned to his tiny hometown in Michigan's Upper Peninsula after his last attempt at rescuing a woman ended with a bullet in his shoulder. He's done rescuing people. Or so he thought. But something about Rose (as he takes to calling her) calls to him. Before you know it, he's hiring her as the new waitress at his bar and offering her the tiny apartment above his garage. And wouldn't you know it? He starts falling for her. But Rose's past is beyond complicated and messy. Our girl has baggage. Coupled with Mason's baggage, can these two crazy kids make a go of it?

What we have here kiddies is straight up rescue fantasy. Down on her luck heroine meets honest-to-goodness Mr. Nice Guy. But you know what? It works because Braun avoids the obvious pitfall. Rose doesn't need rescuing because she's Too Stupid To Live. No, our girl deserves to be rescued. She's a survivor. And if she had never met our hero, I have no doubt she'd keep on surviving. No, our girl deserves to be rescued. She deserves a romance, a home, a life.

Mason is classic Beta hero all the way. Patient. Understanding. But not a syrupy, sappy goody-goody. He knows what Rose needs, and he wants to help her, but he does so quietly. Given her background, Rose doesn't trust easily, and it's Mason's quiet way that helps to win her over. In turn, the reader isn't subjected to a lot of needless bickering between a blustering couple. Both of them are strong characters - just in different ways - and they compliment each other beautifully.

However, as great as the romance is, I found this story not entirely perfect. The biggest stumbling block was the hero's sister, who I would have happily throttled, shot, beaten, and run over with a SUV....uh, several times. She's one of those types that cheerfully brow-beats everyone around her with what she thinks "is best for them" because golly, she's right and they're completely clueless. To the hero's credit, he tells her a couple of times to back-off, but does this chick take the hint? OF COURSE NOT! Every time she showed up in this story my blood pressure spiked.

Also, I "get" that this is a Harlequin Romance book - which means if there is s-e-x it's behind closed doors. That's actually one of the elements I really like about this line. However, sexis interruptis - we haz it. Every romance reader knows what I'm talking about here. Hero and heroine start to get hot and heavy, then something (usually someone) has shitty timing and interrupts them. I suspect authors throw these moments in to "build tension" when as the reader all I manage to feel is annoyed that the inevitable is delayed. Admittedly, the fact that it was Annoying Sister Who I Wanted To Bludgeon Until I Saw Grey Matter doing the interrupting probably didn't help matters.

Have I mentioned how much I intensely loathed that woman?

The conflict in this story is pretty heavy stuff and there were moments when I couldn't help thinking "Gee, I wish this were a SuperRomance with a larger page count" - but Braun makes the hand work with the cards she's dealt. I also appreciated that while the heroine was from the wrong side of the tracks, and didn't have the rosiest of lives, she wasn't a bitter hissing cow or poor little orphan girl. She was vulnerable, but also tough enough to have survived on her own for so long. The hero is really the perfect foil for her, and watching him woo her in his own quiet way makes the romance all the more poignant. Yes, I had nit-picks, but man - what a nice, solid read. Thanks again Liz!

Final Grade = B+

The Month That Was August 2010

Lemon Drop: Why yes Auntie Wendy, tell me more about the books you read in August. I am ever so interested in hearing more.

Me: OK, Lemon Drop. Just don't tell your Mommy what we've talked about. None of these books are ::ahem:: very age appropriate for a 5 month old.

I hit a bit of a slump in mid-August, but managed to rebound somewhat and finished six books. OK, one of these was a short story. So sue me. Here's how it breaks down:

Title links will take you to full reviews.

Blame It On The Moonlight by Tracie Sommers, Harlequin Spice Briefs, 2010, Paranormal erotic romance digital short story, Grade = B

• Nice atmosphere, well-done erotic elements and a neat spin on the whole "soul mates" thing that tends to crop up in werewolf stories. Harlequin Cheat Sheet: Heroine Done Wrong, One Slimy Asshole Ex, Hot And Sexy Werewolf.
  

Hell For Leather by Beth Williamson, Samhain, 2009, Historical western erotic romance, Grade = C-

• Good erotic elements, interesting characters, interesting backdrop/setting - but too much story stuffed into too few pages left the romance lacking.
  

Warrior by Zoe Archer, Zebra, 2010, Historical adventure fantasy romance, Grade = B

• Just an all-around fun and interesting story. A manly non-titled hero, an unconventional heroine, interesting historical setting (Mongolia!), treasure hunting, convincing bad guys, and a light touch with the fantasy/paranormal elements. Looking forward to the next three books in this series.
  

The Family Man by Trish Milburn, Harlequin American #, 2010, Grade = B

• A nice romance about nice people. Cop and single mother falls for former military man determined to live a no-strings, no-commitments, slacker lifestyle. Naturally when their paths cross, and attraction ignites, complications ensue. Harlequin Cheat Sheet: Single Mom, Kindly Neighbor Woman, Former Military Hero With Shades Of PTSD, One Runaway Kid, One Cutesy Toddler, One Well-Adjusted Teen Girl.
  

The Accidental Countess by Michelle Willingham, Harlequin Historical, Historical romance, Grade = C-

• Nice spins on the old amnesia and Cinderella tropes. A solid compelling mystery, but a romance that didn't always work for me. After a while, I wanted Cinderella to grow a spine and the insensitive hero to catch a clue. Harlequin Cheat Sheet: Heroine With Scandalous Family, Disapproving Family Members, Amnesia!, Cinderella, Mean Old Society Biddies.
  

The Accidental Princess by Michelle Willingham, Harlequin Historical, Historical romance, Grade = B

• Military hero who may be a long lost Prince falls for a proper young lady who is "too good for him." Liked that the heroine acted the way a well-born Victorian lady might. The hero is the stuff of all good romance heroes - smart, brave, honorable and flirtatious. After a while the "We can't be together because...." did get tiresome, but otherwise, I rather liked this one. Harlequin Cheat Sheet: Long Lost Royalty?, Soldier Hero, Heroine Trapped In Gilded Cage, Scandal!, Reverse Cinderella.
  

Lemon Drop: Wow! You're right. Mommy might not be happy to hear that you told me all that. We'll keep it our little secret.

Me: Good idea. Mommy might not think you're ready for sexy werewolves just yet. She can be unreasonable like that...

Random Romance Sunday: The Great Gatsby In Miniature

The Book: Spring Fancy by LaVyrle Spencer

The Particulars: Contemporary romance, Harlequin Temptation #1, 1984, reprinted several times but all editions look out of print.

The Blurb:

Sometimes destiny follows no rules...

Winnifred Gardner, maid of honor at her best friend's wedding, never dreamed she'd be tempted by handsome, teasing Joseph Duggan, the best man. Her own wedding was only three months away!

The attraction was dangerous, and Winn knew it was wrong. But the initial thrill developed into a sensuous blaze, one that threatened to flare out of control. Winn was faced with an agonizing choice....

Is It In Wendy's TBR?: Nope.

Any Reviews?: Uh, not really. Mileage varies on the Amazon customer reviews. Everything from 5 to 1 stars. But Spencer is a beloved author in the romance genre, even long after her retirement. Opinions always welcome in the comment section!

Anything Else?: This cover caught my eye mostly because of the clothes. Also, I'm mesmerized by teeny-man in the left hand corner. I'm assuming our Robert Redford as The Great Gatsby look-a-like is the none-too-thrilled fiance' that the heroine is throwing over for The Other Guy. Geez, how unreasonable can a guy get? /end sarcasm.

For that reason, I'd rather be boiled in oil than read this book (I loathe Engaged To Someone Else At Start Of Book books) but you wanna know what I found neat-o? This bad boy was Harlequin Temptation #1. Numero Uno. May that line rest in peace.

And "Introductory Price, Only $1.50!" Sigh, those were the days.

Contemporary Cowboys: The New Black?

It's entirely possible I just haven't been all that observant (I don't read every blog on the Internet after all!), but I'm surprised nobody has pointed out the fact that contemporary westerns seem to be experiencing a heck of a resurgence at the moment. I tend to like my cowboys of the historical variety, but you know what? Being all about the western that I am - I'm not about to scoff at a sexy contemporary hero rockin' the boots, hat and faded blue jeans. Hell, I'm breathing. I'm straight. They're cowboys. What's not to love here people?

If it pleases the Romance Bloglandia court, here is my evidence in the case of Calling Out Of The Contemporary Cowboy Trend:

Linda Lael Miller:












R.C. Ryan:












Joanne Kennedy:












Carolyn Brown:












Vicki Lewis Thompson:












Lorelei James:












Beth Williamson:












Granted, Linda Lael Miller and R.C. Ryan (who is Ruth Ryan Langan) have had long and distinguished publishing careers, with resumes loaded with titles featuring cowboys (historical and contemporary). So yeah, this sub genre is not "new" for them. But I think it's telling that they're still working the West. Also telling, that all of these titles (which exception of the last three Lorelei James titles - which are 2010 print reprints of 2009 digital releases) are all 2010 books. Yes. All of these contemporary westerns have landed, or will be landing, in 2010.

And let's be honest here - I've left off scads of Harlequins from this list. Cowboys have thrived over there for decades - I chose to specifically highlight the Thompson trilogy because 1) I'm reading them right now and 2) those book covers make me all tingly.

So what, you might be asking, is the appeal? Oh, so glad you asked! When you think cowboy - you think "man's man." He's strong, he's sexy, he's take charge. He's Alpha enough to swoop in and save the day, and sensitive enough to know how to treat a woman properly. Also, cowboys have a built-in code of honor. A personal moral code of right vs. wrong. Whether or not that's actually true - the "history" of the American cowboy is that he knows injustice when he sees it, hates it, and fights it. And in a contemporary setting - it's easy to pair your modern day cowboy hero with a modern woman, with modern sensibilities. Readers get a hunkilicious cowboy and a heroine who can stand toe-to-toe with him.

Damn, I'm finding this scenario even more appealing than I did before. How is that possible?

So what say you? Have you noticed this rebirth of the contemporary cowboy? Do you think I'm spinning fantasies out of whole cloth (again)? And the real question: if this is a trend, how long can it possibly last (and keep me ever so happy)?

Oh and in case anyone is curious? A decent variety of publishers represented here. In order: Harlequin (HQN), Grand Central, Sourcebooks, Sourcebooks, Harlequin (Blaze), NAL, Samhain, and Berkley.

Alice Walker: Blog Advisor

Undoubtedly best known for The Color Purple, which won her both the Pulitzer and the National Book Award (wowzers!), Alice Walker has the kind of career I suspect a lot of writers would sell their souls for. Which was probably just one of the many reasons why Writer's Digest approached her for an interview, which can be found in their October 2010 issue. She has a lot of interesting things to say, but this is what (naturally) jumped up and bit me:

WD: Now that you've been blogging for a while, how do you feel about the format?

AW: Well, I like it, I think. It's hard to know who's reading, or whether it's being read. Which is fine, because my responsibility is actually just to put it there. ....I also like it that it's free. I love that part. I've always wanted to offer what I offer freely, and I would like to do that as long as I can.

Yeah, this.

I used to get the occasional e-mails from wee lil' baby bloggers looking for advice, to which I am convinced I was no help at all. My expert advice? Jump in head first, and figure it out as you go along. It's your Internet wall, throw a bunch of "stuff" up against it and see what ends up sticking. Some people will like it, some people won't. Some of it will get read, and some of it won't. Blogging for me has always been a way for me to hear myself talk type. Mostly I'm doing it to amuse myself. To sort of throw up on my "Internet wall" whatever is rattling around in my 2 cent head. Connecting with other readers who share similar interests? A major bonus, and honestly the best part about this whole blogging exercise.

Is my blog ever going to be considered "important," "vital," or even "noteworthy?"

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! ::wiping tears::

Um, no. But you know what? That's OK. Because it's mine. My shiny pretty private bubble. An oasis away from...well...whatever I'm fretting about at any given time. And I'm a middle child, so you know I can be a champion fretter.

There's no right or wrong way to blog. Honest, there isn't. There's no secret handshake, no golden ticket, no secret formula, and the joy of blogging is that everybody does it differently. My three golden rules have always been 1) Be consistent 2) Be passionate and 3) Entertain yourself. I figure if I'm doing those three things, my tiny private blogging bubble will continue to float merrily along the Internet waterways. Others would probably argue with me that it's more complex than that - to which I say, "Uh, no. Not really." Be yourself. Find your voice. And blog about whatever the heck you want.

All this from an Alice Walker interview. If she knew I existed, I'm sure she'd be slightly mortified. Heh.

Street Fighting Man

Swashbuckling adventure, secret societies, plenty of bad guys, exotic locales, and a heated romance - Zoe Archer has really hit upon something with Warrior, the first book in her Blades Of The Rose quartet. This is the stuff of old-fashioned Saturday matinees, Errol Flynn movies and Indiana Jones.

Captain Gabriel Huntley has resigned his commission from Her Majesty's army with no concrete plans for the future. He's got a letter in his pocket from an old army buddy who says he can get him a nice, steady (read: boring) job and help hook him up with a nice, steady, proper English bride (read: boring). Gabriel doesn't have any better ideas, which is why he heads back to England even though he's not particularly anxious to "settle down." It's on his way to a pub to quench his thirst that he comes across a man getting the crap kicked out of him in a dark alley. Gabriel rides to the rescue, but the man is gravely injured. As he lays dying, he gets Gabriel to promise him that he'll deliver a message to Mongolia. Delivering a cryptic message he doesn't understand, from a dying man he didn't know from Adam, is enough to spur our hero into action. Plus an adventure in Mongolia sounds a bit more exciting then the quiet, staid (read: boring) life that awaits him in the English countryside.

It's in Mongolia that he delivers the message to Thalia Burgess' father. Gabriel might have no clue what the message means, but Thalia and her Daddy certainly do! The bad guys are headed their way to steal an ancient magical artifact. Before the bad guys can get their grubby mitts on it, Thalia needs to find it. What she wasn't planning on was the ever resourceful, Captain Huntley tagging along. They don't call them secret societies for nothing, and she's not entirely sure she can trust this Captain - no matter how sexy he is.

What we have here is your classic road romance, with plenty of adventure and derring-do tossed in on the side. Thalia, while English, has spent the majority of her years being raised by a single father and in Mongolia, of all places. She's hardly proper. She's slightly rebellious, smart, resourceful, and just the sort of woman that Gabriel finds himself extremely attracted to. He's been in the army so long, he has no clue how to act around a "proper lady." But Thalia? This is a girl after his own heart. The more time he spends with her, the further in love he falls.

This entire story takes place in the deserts of Mongolia, with the hero and heroine trying to outrun, outsmart, and out-maneuver the bad guys. The plot ebbs and flows, with moments of high action, and quieter moments where the pace slows a bit. It culminates in a final battle scene, and sets up the remaining three books in this series quite nicely.

A word about the fantasy elements in this story. The secret society that Thalia's father belongs to is charged with guarding the world's magical artifacts and protecting them from falling into the wrong hands. As someone who is beyond (as in, way way way beyond) burnt out on anything remotely otherworldly/paranormal, I can tell you these elements of the story are painted with a light brush. Certainly there are fantastical inventions, and magical feats, but honestly this story reads very much like a Victorian historical romance first, adventure novel second, fantasy novel third. For readers who think they're not all that wild about paranormal, but they love historicals? I encourage you to give this one a go.

Plenty of action, intriguing characters, a completely different-from-the-norm setting, and a good old fashioned adventure yarn made this a fun read. I'm looking forward to the next three books in the series.

Final Grade = B

Random Romance Sunday: Love And Murder On The Gridiron

The Book: Impulsive by Catherine Hart

The Particulars: Romantic Suspense, Kensington Zebra, 1998, Out Of Print

The Blurb:

THE REPORTER
Jessica Myers is a spirited freelance journalist who has just caught her biggest break: a feature story on the NFL expansion team, the Columbus Knights. She figures the perfect place to start is by hiding out in the team locker room--until she finds herself trapped inside a jammed locker and running out of air. Now, Jessica has no choice but to reveal her embarrassing predicament to the dazzling Knights' quarterback, Tyler James, who mistakes her for some whacked-out groupie.

THE QUARTERBACK
Ty had enough on his mind worrying about taking the Knights to the playoffs. But then management orders him to pose as the headstrong reporter's lover so that his fellow players will open up to her during interviews. Ty is absolutely furious. Instead of chasing adoring cheerleaders, he's being sidelined by this nosy woman who had the audacity to trespass on sacred team ground and has a knack for putting her two cents in where it doesn't belong.

THE BIG PLAY
Now, in close quarters, the inescapable attraction between the feisty reporter and the ultimate player is too hot for either to ignore. And soon, the pair discovers they are in desperate danger of losing a game where no rules apply...the game of hearts.

Is It In Wendy's TBR?: Uh, no. After picking up too many "sports romances" that spiked my blood pressure because the author didn't do her homework, I pretty much stay away from them now. Note to authors: girls like sports too. We're not going to overlook sloppy research just because you give us a Mr. Hunky McHunkikins. Well, at least I'm not. /end rant

Any Reviews?: Quite a few actually. The Romance Reader gave this one 3 Hearts (equivalent to a C Grade):

Impulsive is basically a very lighthearted romance-romance, and when it stays a lighthearted romance it works well. It's the addition of the grim subplot (with all the players dying) that seems very out of place. The villain is obvious and the suspense is not very suspenseful.

All About Romance was a teeny bit kinder with a B- Grade:

The mystery subplot is a let down. Players begin to turn up dead, and as the bodies piled up, I began to lose it. The ending is way over the top even for me and I am more than willing than most to suspend disbelief. However, if you ignore the subplot and concentrate on the wonderful romantic comedy byplay between Ty and Jesse, you will have a good time with this book - even if you are not a football fan. If you are a football fan, well, so much the better.

And RT gave this one 4 Stars:

Ms. Hart chooses to set her latest tale of romantic suspense in the high profile world of professional sports. Those looking for danger and passion spiced with humor will find she delivers.

Anything Else?: The college football season kicked off this weekend, hence you all get a "football romance" for Random Romance Sunday. I also thought it would be a good idea to showcase a Catherine Hart book, on the off-chance that someone out there has news to share. She was extremely prolific back in the day, dropping off the radar in the late 1990s. But I'm not kidding folks, I still routinely see her books (especially her historicals) come through InterLibrary Loan here at work. So people are still reading her. Anyone know what her story is? Is she still with us? Retired? Still writing, but publishers ain't buying? Curious minds want to know.

And on a final note: Cherubs? Really, Kensington? Romantic suspense featuring a football playin' hunky hero gets us cherubs holding a trophy on the front cover? If a quarterback hero doesn't warrant a beefcake cover, I'm not sure what does!

The Official Librarians In Romance Page!

After collecting titles, and taking all of your incredible suggestions, for the last couple of days, I've gone ahead and launched the Librarians In Romance Novels page! You can find a link to this page in the left-hand side bar of my blog listed under About The Bat Cave.

As I stumble across titles, I will be sure to add them, and if you all ever stumble across titles - please let me know. I've posted a link to my e-mail address at the bottom of that page, or you can always feel free to leave a random comment here on the blog, regardless of whatever the particular post is about. I'll catch 'em and add 'em.

Thanks again everybody, and happy hunting!