Digital Review: Mask of the Gladiator

Mask of the Gladiator by Georgie Lee is a short story set in Ancient Rome in 41 AD.  You know what that means right?  Yep, that wacky Caligula is emperor.  Needless to say, Lee uses the unrest surrounding Caligula's rule as the back-drop for her romance between a widow and a Senator posing as a gladiator.

Livia Duronius is at the Colosseum and has just watched an amazing gladiator emerge victorious.  She's entranced by the man, but as a respectable widow with a reputation to uphold, having an affair with a slave just won't do.  That is until she has a run-in with the emperor and her only desire is to escape the stench of death surrounding Rome.  Before you can say Thank You Kindly Ma'am, her and the mysterious gladiator are having a sexy-times encounter.

Little does Livia know that her gladiator is none other than Senator Titus Marius, a man her uncle wants her to marry.  Her first husband turned out to be such a blatant coward, that she's sworn herself off the institution.  But will she change her mind once she realizes the man her uncle has hand-picked to protect her is the same man she saw fight so valiantly in the Colosseum?

This variation on the Mistaken Identity trope doesn't tend to work for me in full-length novels, but in a short story?  It's a nice bit of conflict because there is no threat of it being dragged on for too long.  Unfortunately, the rest of this romance could have really benefited from a longer word count.  It's just a matter of the rest of the conflict.  You have political intrigue, a plot to assassinate Caligula, the threat the emperor poses to Livia, on top of the romance.  Something has to give, and unfortunately, it's the romance.

There's quite a bit of Insta-Love going on here.  Certainly Titus and Livia have some great sexual chemistry, and their attraction is very immediate.  But getting from that to love?  It should take more than flipping on a light switch.  Especially given that Livia has major trust issues when it comes to men.  Granted, she did see Titus kick butt as a gladiator, a role he was playing to aid in Caligula's downfall, but she seems to easily set aside her past history, and literally lay her life in his hands.  It just didn't ring true for me.  Again, this is where a longer word count could have fleshed out Livia's hesitation and trust issues a bit more.

The story itself is a pretty good one, it just wasn't one I thought worked well in this short format.  The author uses the history well, while making some healthy tweaks to it for the sake of her story.  Also the juxtaposition of political intrigue, violence, sex and romance was very interesting.  I'm sure not all romance readers want to read about Caligula ordering a "traitor" to his death, but I found it intriguing to have that side-by-side with the first sexual encounter between Livia and Titus.

Which means while this didn't knock my socks off, it was a quick read with some intriguing bits to it.  If nothing else, it filled my need to read something a little different.

Final Grade = C+

Passion & Prose, Non-Bookstores, Heroic Librarians & Fatty McFattins

So, I haven't posted jack on this blog since Monday.  I also haven't read a single word in any book since last weekend.  Not good considering I'm knee-deep in stuff I really need, and want!, to read.  I need to stop getting distracted by The Shiny.  In the meantime, while I look around for my
misplaced mojo, here are some linky highlights I've culled off the Interwebs the last few days.

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For romance junkies that live in Southern California, there is the Passion and Prose event in Long Beach on February 25.  The event is a wee bit on the pricey side - but there is a fantastic mix of authors on board, plus keynote speakers like Meg Cabot, Christina Dodd and Gail Carriger.  This certainly looks like it could be a nice alternative if ponying up for the entire RWA conference in Anaheim this summer isn't an option.  I'm planning on attending, hopefully I'll see some of you there!

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I've been kicking around this blog post in my head about publishers and libraries, but Amber takes care of the task for me with this lovely, succinct post When Is A Bookstore Not A Bookstore?  Seems Amber decided to visit the Barnes & Noble where she used to work and was none too pleased with what she encountered.  Can't say I blame her.

Publishers, you know besides Borders going belly-up, this would be another good reason why you shouldn't be jerking libraries around.  Frankly?  You need us.  A lot.  Because if this is the future of brick and mortar bookstores?  Y'all are screwed.

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Speaking of libraries being awesome-sauce, there is this list of 20 heroic librarians who save the world.  See publishers, librarians can even save the world!  I'm quite pleased to see that my alter ego made the list, although to have her sitting behind Noah Wyle?  I mean, really?!

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And finally, in baseball news.  Yes, the Detroit Tigers have lost their damn minds and given a bloated, fat contract to....well, Prince Fielder.  Yes folks, this is the fine athletic specimen we've got for the next 9 years at over $200 million dollars.

For the record, I'm the only Tigers fan on the planet who hates this deal.  Oh sure, there will be a lovely honeymoon period of about three years, and then after that I foresee Jabba The Hutt wearing the Old English D.  Also, moving Miguel Cabrera to third base?  Whatever drugs they're doing in Detroit, someone pass some this way because it's obviously something potent.  I now have the slowest, fattest infield in the history of the world.  Oh sure, they'll mash some taters, but defense?  You know, the other half of the game?  Just sayin'.

The Month That Was December 2011

Lemon Drop: OMG, seriously Auntie Wendy?  Seriously?!  You finally show up just when I'm getting ready to conquer a mountain?  Has anybody ever told you your timing stinks?

Me: Well you're not the first to say so young lady, nor do I doubt you'll be the last.  What can I say?  I was busy.  Plus I had to recap the whole reading year of 2011 first....

Lemon Drop:  Yeah, and don't think I didn't notice I was mentioned, like, nowhere in those posts ::pout::

Me: Sweetie, you shouldn't pout.  Smart girls looking pretty in pink shouldn't pout.

Lemon Drop:  ::mollified::  Well, I might be able to spare a few moments before Mommy takes me sledding.....

Title links will take you to full reviews

All Fall Down by Megan Hart, Contemporary general fiction, Mira, 2011, Grade = B+

• Thought-provoking fiction from Hart featuring a young woman, with three babies, who escapes a religious cult on the eve of them committing mass suicide.  I love how Hart takes ordinary people and puts them in extraordinary circumstances.  Excellent choice for book clubs. 

Maggie's Wish by Sharon Ihle, Historical western romance, Zebra, 1996, Grade = DNF

• My aborted TBR Challenge read.  I was looking for angst in a story about a woman who hires the hero to track down her scumbag ex so their little girl won't be disappointed again at Christmas.  Instead, the "heartbroken" little girl is a mischievous imp who gets up in everybody's business and the author shoots for farcical humor by having the hero try to man-up the scumbag ex into being a suitable husband and father.  Yeah, so not what I wanted.

Another Chance by Portia Da Costa, Erotic romance digital short story, Spice Briefs, 2011, Grade = B+

• Vintage Da Costa, with a lovely playfulness to the erotic shenanigans.  Also, a heroine in her 40s.  Sign me up! 

A Seduction at Christmas by Cathy Maxwell, Historical romance, Avon, 2008, Grade = C

• Super thin historical back-drop not aided by an equally thin suspense subplot.  I'm telling you though, there's something about Maxwell's writing that reels me in.  It's like drinking liquid candy.
  

Craving the Highlander's Touch by Michelle Willingham, Historical romance digital short story, Harlequin Historical Undone, 2011, Grade = B

• A short story with surprising depth and a whole lot of plot.  Connected to a series, but stands alone well.  Says me.

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston, Historical fiction, Ecco, 2011, Grade = B+

• A picture book for grown-ups (scrapbook), that tells the story of a young woman in the early 1920s.  Great stuff for social history nuts and crafty types.

One Night as a Courtesan by Ann Lethbridge, Historical romance digital short story, Harlequin Historical Undone, 2010, Grade = B-

• A sexy story with a nice historical feel about a rakish Duke and a gently-born heroine down on a her luck.  Had my issues, but really appreciated the slow, sensual feel to the love scenes.

One Wicked Christmas by Amanda McCabe, Historical romance digital short story, Harlequin Historical Undone, 2011, Grade = D+

• This one breaks my heart because I normally like McCabe's Undones.  Hero pining for his BFF's widow comes off as distasteful in this short format.

The Queen's Consort by Leia Rice, Erotica digital short story, Spice Briefs, 2011, Grade = B-

• Uber-lusty heroine paired with a hero who could set a world record in stamina.  Yeah, it's pretty much all about the sex here.  But you know what?  That's not always a bad thing.

Me: And that was that.  Lots of short stories this month because I was trying to delude my way into hitting 100 books read in 2011.  It didn't happen, and instead I hit 95.

Lemon Drop: Yeah, yeah, yeah - that's nice Auntie Wendy.  Now, where's Mommy with my sled?

Me: I'm lucky she stood still this long....

Digital Review: Romancing The Toe Bone

It shouldn't take anyone who likes to read short stories very long to generate a list of go-to authors who work well within a shorter format.  Barbara Monajem is one of those authors for me.  Her work for Harlequin Historical Undone tends to feature a nice historical flavor, interesting characters, and "different" plot-lines to keep me from feeling like I'm reading a retread.  In the case of The Unrepentant Rake, the "different" was what held me back. 

Readers first met Simon Caling in another Undone short story, The Wanton Governess.  A younger son, he's a bit of a cad.  A charming, sexy cad - but a cad nonetheless.  One of his acquaintances is hopelessly in love with a young lady, but he's too damn tongue-tied to offer for her.  He's hoping Simon can help him out.  Simon, with nothing more amusing to do, agrees - only to find himself captivated by the girl's governess, Beatrix March.

Beatrix will soon my leaving her employer, but she cannot do that until she finds her missing relic.  Her family has had possession of a toe bone of St. Davnet for generations.  She believes the relic is what has been responsible for family harmony all these years.  And now her foolish young charge has swiped it from her thinking it will help with her love life!  Bah!  To make matters worse, Simon Caling, a rake of the first order, is visiting and he's sniffing around.  The lady of the house is completely unconcerned, which means it is up to Beatrix to protect the girls.  Little does she know Simon only has eyes for her.

As much as I enjoyed the previous short story, this latest entry didn't really cook for me.  While I enjoy Monajem's light touches of humor, and she continues to write excellent banter, the whole sub plot revolving around the missing toe bone (seriously?) was just a bit too farcical for my blood.  It was just....silly.  And unfortunately, since I found it silly, the heroine, who deeply believes in the powers of said toe bone, comes off as silly. 

Simon is what carries this story for me.  He's charming, he's rakish without being slimy, and it's a wonder that all the females in this story manage to keep their clothes on around him (well, Beatrix doesn't succeed - but then she's the heroine).  But I couldn't help but think Simon would have been better matched with a more mature heroine.  Someone who has been around the block.  Someone who didn't believe in magical, saintly toe bones. 

So where does that leave us?  Well, with personal preference.  If you can swing with a little bit of farce, enjoy sexy banter, and don't mind heroines who participate in a bit of "magical thinking" - you will likely enjoy this story more than I did.  I still enjoyed the author's writing, and she continues to work well in this tough shorter format.  It's just this particular story wasn't really my cup of tea.  Someone pass the Earl Grey....

Final Grade = C+

TBR Challenge 2012: Family At Stake

The Book: Family at Stake by Molly O'Keefe

The Particulars: Contemporary romance, Harlequin SuperRomance #1365, 2006, First book in duet (book two = His Best Friend's Baby), Out of Print, Available In Digital 

Why Was It In Wendy's TBR?: Well, I can tell you I bought it at a local used bookstore that has since closed up shop - so my guess is I read a description somewhere and it sounded good.  This particular book did win Best Category Romance in AAR's annual reader's poll in 2007 - so that might be the reason too.

The Review:  After falling totally in love with a Molly O'Keefe Super last year, I immediately pulled out the giant Rubbermaid tote I have wedged in a storage closet where I house my print collection of category romance.  The mission?  See if I have any other books by this author collecting dust in the mountain range.  And sure enough, I did - including this one which happens to be the first story she wrote for SuperRomance.

Rachel Filmore and Mac Edwards were BFFs in high school.  Before you can say This Isn't Going To End Well, the two succumb to their teenage hormones and have sex the night of their graduation.  Mac has been hopelessly in love with Rachel forever, but she has one mission - and that's to get the hell out of her tiny hometown and as far away from her father, who beats on her, and her mother, who enables Daddy's drinking.  Having sex with Mac doesn't change that mission, although he foolishly hopes that it might.

Fast forward many years later, and Rachel is a social worker who hasn't strayed far from her hometown (a scant 30-odd miles away in fact).  There's been a retirement higher up the food chain, which means cases are getting shuffled among existing staff.  That's when Rachel sees Mac Edwards' name on a folder with a scary red flag on it.  Seems Mac is having issues with his 12-year-old daughter, Amanda.  Serious enough issues that the guy who just retired?  Yeah, made a notation that maybe it was time for Amanda to be removed from the home.  Rachel cannot reconcile this Mac in the file with the Mac she grew up with - so she volunteers to take the case, without telling her new superior that there just might be a teensy conflict of interest.

Mac is floored to see Rachel standing on his doorstep.  Her leaving broke his heart.  When he learns she's their new case worker?  He doesn't know what to think.  This new Rachel - this Rachel who is aloof, cold, and acts like they have no history really depresses him.  However, he loves his daughter, and he's desperate to find out what has been troubling her.  She seemed to handle her mother's death fairly OK (considering), so why now, many months after the fact, is she falling apart?

I generally look to Supers to get my emotional angsty fix, and this story is pretty much textbook.  Mac and Rachel have a lot of baggage, mostly because as 18-year-old kids they were too stupid to talk to each other.  Also, it's easy to understand Rachel's desire to get the heck out of Dodge given how craptastic her family life was.  She couldn't be bothered to think about the people around her (Mac, her brother) who would be effected by her leaving.  All she knew was that 1) this is a bad place and 2) anyplace else has to be better.

I found myself enjoying this book, but for all the other reasons besides the romance - which honestly was incidental for me.  I was intrigued by Amanda.  What was she hiding?  What was slowly eating away at her?  I also found myself terribly interested in Rachel's past.  Was she going to stop running from it?  Was she finally going to take the steps to address the toxic sludge in her life that she was pushing to the side?

The romance is rather heavy, given the past that Mac and Rachel share.  They have a tendency to say things to each other that are rather hurtful.  I did find Mac's response to Rachel rather Pavlovian after they finally hit the sheets (when we first had sex she left ergo now that we've had sex a second time she'll leave again) - and I also found myself feeling really sorry for Mac's dead wife.  She was a pretty, popular girl who wanted Mac but found herself competing with the fact that he was in love with Rachel.  Naturally this eventually wears on her, and while I won't necessarily say the author demonizes her for it - I can see how some readers would feel that she does.

So where does that leave us?  Well, this was a strong read with many enjoyable elements to it.  I also really appreciated that the author addressed the ethical issues concerning Rachel's job and her history with Mac - when in many other romances one would see an issue like this swept under the rug entirely.  While I didn't love it and want to have babies with it - if it had been my first introduction to O'Keefe's writing?  Yeah, she would have landed on my Check Out Her Next Release list.  As it is, I've now gone back and ordered her backlist titles that I didn't already have buried in the TBR.  So much for this challenge being about making progress with my hording....

Final Grade = B-

Reminder: TBR Challenge For January 2012

For those of you participating in the 2012 TBR Challenge, a reminder that your commentary is "due" on Wednesday, January 18. 

The theme this month is Category Romance.  You know, one of those cute little books with the dippy titles.

Remember, the themes are completely and totally optional.  If you're not much for category romance, or heck - you just don't feel like reading one this month, that's totally cool!  The themes aren't nearly as "important" as digging some long neglected book out of your TBR pile.

And hey, and it's only January!  It's not too late to sign-up for the challenge and join in on the fun.   If you're interested, or just want to be a snoop, please check out the TBR Challenge 2012 information page.

Unusual Historical Spotlight: Retro Rippin', Cowboys, Egypt, Gladiators, Ottoman Empire, and Vikings

Love and War by Patricia Hagan

What You Need To Know: Publication date December 13, 2011; Digital Release; originally published in 1978 by Avon; first book in series

Description:

A tale of sizzling passion in a world consumed by the Civil War.

Beautiful and spirited Southerner Kitty Wright is torn between Rebel Nathan Collins and Yankee Travis Coltrane, the dashing Cavalry officer who can melt her heart with desire while sending fury coursing through her veins.

As war erupts, Kitty is abducted and ravished by a war-crazed Rebel. Rescued by Yankees, she is held captive and thrust into the battlefields to help tend the wounded. But from the first moment Travis Coltrane ignites—and satiates—the wild, raw desire in her that she never knew existed, she realizes her heart is imprisoned as well as her body.

Hating Travis for his Yankee loyalty, while loving him despite their different worlds, Kitty struggles with her guilt over Nathan, the Rebel to whom she is promised…all while struggling to survive as the world explodes around them all.

This title was originally published by Avon Books in 1978.

Product Warnings
This sweeping Civil War saga features accurate and graphic descriptions of battlefield wounds, nursing, and the brutality of war.

What Makes It Unusual: Dude, a Civil War saga!  Plus it sounds like just the ticket for those of you who are yearning for some Old School Bodice-Rippin' Action (see review at Get Yer Bodices Ripped Here)

Susanna's Choice by Sara Luck

What You Need To Know: Publication date December 27, 2011; debut

Description:

A Chance Encounter
Soon after stepping off the train, Rab rescues a beautiful woman from an oncoming wagon, and they are consumed by the strength and seduction of their embrace. Susanna is an aspiring writer and agrees to interview a stranger, who she is shocked to discover is none other than Rab Trudeau, the man that everyone is talking about and the man that saved her life.

A Life Changing Choice
Promised in marriage to another, Susanna fights her overwhelming desire for Rab, but as the scandal surrounding his company heats up, Susanna must make an impossible choice—one that could bind her to Rab forever or destroy any hope of their future happiness.

What Makes It Unusual: Dude, a debut western!

Priestess of the Nile by Veronica Scott


What You Need To Know: Publication date January 23, 2012; Digital Release, short story

Description:

Egypt, 1500 BC

Drawn to his abandoned temple on the banks of the Nile by an enchanting song, Sobek the Crocodile God is even more captivated by the sight of the singer herself. Appearing to her as a man, he learns she is Merys, a descendant of his last priestess. Though filled with lust, Sobek believes Merys deserves to be more than just his mistress. But the rules that govern the Egyptian pantheon forbid anything beyond a physical joining of a Great One and a human.

Merys is attracted to the handsome stranger, who arouses passions in her that no man ever has. But with no dowry and no hope of ever leaving her village, she dares not dream of the future—or love.
Sobek takes every opportunity to visit Merys, taxing his resolve to leave her pure. When he saves her life, their mutual desire must be sated. But can a love between a human and an immortal survive the ultimate test of the gods?
21,000 words

What Makes It Unusual: Dude, ancient Egypt!

 Mask of the Gladiator by Georgie Lee

What You Need To Know: Publication date January 30, 2012; Digital Release, short story

Description:

Rome, 41 AD
Livia Duronius is driven to seek out a gladiator after watching him triumph in the Colosseum. His touch arouses a sense of hope she hasn't felt since Rome fell under the tyrannical rule of Caligula—and her late husband betrayed her. Though in danger of losing more than her heart, she vows to see him again, even after she learns her uncle has arranged her marriage to a senator.

Senator Titus Marius cannot resist indulging in a passionate encounter with the veiled woman who waits for him after the games, though he faces execution if his true identity is discovered. Bound by honor to wed another, and embroiled in a plot to free Rome from madness, he never expects to see the mystery woman again.

When the fates reunite them in the marriage bed, Titus vows to protect Livia at all costs—even from the lecherous eyes of the emperor...
17,000 words

 What Makes It Unusual:  Dude, ancient Rome!

A Secret in Her Kiss by Anna Randol

What You Need To Know: Publication date January 31, 2012; debut

Description:

She would gladly relinquish her life of intrigue…

A rare beauty, raised in the exotic heart of the Ottoman Empire, Mari Sinclair knows it’s time to end her career as a British spy when she narrowly avoids a brush with death. Unfortunately her employers think otherwise—and they are not above using blackmail to keep Mari in the Game.

Saddled with a handsome, duty-obsessed “minder” to ensure that she completes—and survives—one last mission, Mari is incensed…for her guardian, Major Bennett Prestwood, is simply too dedicated, too unbending, and too disarmingly attractive. But in the face of dark secrets and deadly treacheries, as the true peril to Mari is slowly revealed, loyal soldier Bennett realizes that, to save and win this extraordinary woman, he will have to do the unthinkable and break the rules—rules that passion and desire have suddenly, irrevocably changed.

What Makes It Unusual: Dude, a debut novel published by Avon (all England, all the bloody time) set in the Ottoman Empire.  

The Viking's Touch by Joanna Fulford

What You Need To Know: Publication date February 21, 2012; sequel to The Viking's Defiant Bride

Description: 

Wulfgar and his band of warriors are on their way to join Rollo when their ship is damaged in a storm, and puts into a small bay off the Anglian coast.  They need to carry out urgent repairs and this looks like a perfect haven.  However, it turns out to be anything but.  For a start there is Lord Ingvar’s war band who make it clear that the newcomers are not welcome. Then there is Anwyn, the beautiful and wealthy widow, on whom Ingvar has designs.  Having escaped one forced marriage she is not about to embark on another.  Striving to maintain her independence and protect her young son, she feels increasing isolated and under threat. When she agrees to help Wulfgar he is grateful and, on learning of her predicament, even sympathetic. Unfortunately, he won’t be around long enough to become involved, and anyway it’s none of his business.  However, Anwyn, soon realises that he is the one person who could help her.

What Makes It Unusual:  Dude, Vikings!

• This is just a small sampling of upcoming and recently released titles. Have you read any promising unusual historicals of late?   (Seriously, the last time I did a UH post was back in September!  In other words, let the recommendations fly!)

The Year That Was 2011: The Best Of Everything Else

Now that I've corralled the best reading I did in category romance last year, it's time to talk about everything else.  This also marks my last post on the subject of rehashing 2011.  It's time to look forward, and kick my reading butt in gear if I have any hopes of cracking 100 books read in 2012.  So, what were some of the gems that I read last year that weren't category romance?  Here they are!

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran (historical fiction, Crown, 2011)

• My other A read of the year.  Compelling, riveting, historical fiction detailing the life of Madame Tussaud (of wax museum fame) before she was a madame and living in Paris on the eve of the French Revolution.  Loved it!

You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin (YA crime, Little Brown, 2011)

• Pulpy crime noir set in a suburban high school.  Not a book for everybody (Lil' Sis DNF'ed it!), but if you love crime noir, and can deal with a mother-lode of slang, this is a really clever read.

Fourth and Goal by Jami Davenport (digital erotic romance, LooseID, 2011)

• An erotic romance with some lovely character depth.  Also, a sports-themed romance (professional American football) that didn't make me want to drive my fist through a wall.  Can't wait for the next book in the series.

Portrait of Seduction by Carrie Lofty (digital historical romance, Carina, 2011)

• A fantastic star-crossed lovers story with a happy ending!  Beautiful period detail, compelling conflict, and achingly romantic.

Flawless by Carrie Lofty (historical romance, Pocket, 2011)

• A wastrel hero who grows up and a heroine who learns to stop running scared.  All while set against the back-drop of Victorian South Africa.  Seriously, someone needs to lock Lofty in an attic and tell her to keep churning out historical romances.  They're really magical.

Fall From Grace by Wayne Arthurson (mystery/suspense, Forge, 2011)

• Thought-provoking suspense with a seriously eff'ed up hero and a great sense of place (Canada!).  The ending warped my fragile little mind, but I couldn't stop thinking about it for days afterward.  A winning debut.

The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen (mystery/suspense, Ballantine, 2011)

• Gerritsen has been on a roll for me with her last several Rizzoli/Isles books.  This one has a great mystery set in Boston's Chinatown and it's a "Jane book."  Yippee!

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston (historical fiction, Ecco, 2011)

• A picture book for grown-ups.  Tells the story of Frances "Frankie" Pratt through her scrapbook.  Yeah, it's a gimmick - but it's a clever gimmick.  If you're a social history junkie, look no further.

All Fall Down by Megan Hart (general fiction, Mira, 2011)

• I love the way Hart takes "ordinary people" and puts them in extraordinary circumstances.  Heroine wakes up one morning to discover her husband had a child by his first wife.  A child who is now 20, with three kids of her own, and oh - just escaped from a cult that committed mass suicide.

Princess Forever by Meg Cabot (YA, HarperTeen, 2009)

• The final chapter in the author's popular Princess Diaries series.  I'm putting this one on the list mostly because it's a series that ended - and it ended beautifully.  The author gives her fans what they want, and wraps it up in such a way to make me believe that an 18-year-old girl is going to live happily-ever-after.

This is probably the most variety I've ever had in a Best Of list before.  Part of this is thanks to work.  Two of these, including the lone A read?  Yeah, I picked up to prepare for a "book talk" I did at a local senior center.

I hope you enjoyed looking back with me on my reading year in 2011.  It's always fun for me to go back and reminisce on some of the great stuff I read over the course of the year.  And hopefully you were able to cull a couple of suggestions from this trip down memory lane.

The Year That Was 2011: Best Category Romance

My reading psychology has two very distinct personalities: 1) Category Romance and 2) Everything Else.  For the sake of looking back at my best reads of 2011, I've decided to take these split personalities and give them each their own blog posts.  First up, a look back at some of the really great category romance I read last year.

Title links will take you to full reviews.

His Wife For One Night by Molly O'Keefe (Harlequin SuperRomance 2011)

• One of my two A reads for this year and a book so good I wanted to have babies with it.  Friends-to-lovers, marriage-in-trouble, and a spitfire heroine who is tired of taking the self-absorbed hero's crap.  Seriously, so good I had to remove this book from my desk and put it in a storage tub because I kept picking it back up to skim large chunks of it.  Have I mentioned how much I loved this book?  Squee-worthy, danger danger Wendy's getting more obnoxious than usual.....

Mommy Said Goodbye and Revelations by Janice Kay Johnson (Harlequin SuperRomance 2004)

• Johnson's strength as a writer, in my opinion, is in her conflict.  She writes such fantastic conflict that I really think Harlequin is missing a cash cow by not packaging her in trade paperback to snag the Book Club Crowd.  This is a connected duet.  Mommy Said Goodbye didn't really work for me as a romance, but the story was so frackin' good that I didn't care.  Revelations featured my very favorite sort of heroine, and was stronger on the romance front.

The Big Guns by HelenKay Dimon (Harlequin Intrigue 2011)

• This is actually the last book in Dimon's Mystery Men series and, while it was my favorite, I'm also putting it on the list to represent the whole series.  Great plotting, page-turning action, with steamy romances.  Granted I'm not widely read in the Intrigue line, but Dimon is the one author that I pick up without even reading the back cover copy.

A Man of His Word by Sarah M. Anderson (Harlequin Desire 2011)

• A debut Desire that reminded me so much of why I used to love this line - well, it made me a little bereft.  A real hero-worthy hero, a haunted heroine, and so much story....it's really accomplished.  I met Anderson briefly at RWA, which is the sole reason why I picked up this book - and oh man, so glad I did.  A one-sitter kind of a read.

Honeymoon with the Ranger by Donna Alward (Harlequin Romance 2011)

• I read several books by Alward this year, all of which I enjoyed, but this was the stand-out.  A lovely setting (Argentina!) and a heroine who has to find herself again after a relationship goes bust.

Molly Cooper's Dream Date by Barbara Hannay (Harlequin Romance 2011)

• A total throw-back kind of read, the kind of book I would equally love to share with a grandmother or a teenage girl.  Couple agrees to a home-swap vacation and end up falling for each other through their e-mail exchange.  A little old-fashioned, a whole lot sweet - it was just downright lovely.
  

Mr. Right There All Along by Jackie Braun (Harlequin Romance 2011)

• A charming friends-to-lovers story featuring a young woman who is still haunted by high school and a hero with abandonment issues.  Just flat-out nice characters, and a nicely drawn New York setting. 
  

The Army Ranger's Return by Soraya Lane (Harlequin Romance 2011)

• Lane had three books out this year, and this - her second release - was my favorite.  Hero and heroine meet through a pen-pal program for military personnel.  When he returns home thanks to an injury, he meets the heroine in the flesh - which is scarred by her fight with breast cancer.
  

Heart of a Hero by Barbara Wallace (Harlequin Romance 2011)

• An opposites attract kind of story.  Hero is surly ex-military and moved to a tiny island to escape people.  Instead he gets stuck next door to the heroine, who needs a handyman (he's the only one on the island!) and has an obnoxious dog that won't stay in its own frackin' yard.  Loved the way the author handled the issue of the hero's PTSD.  No pat solutions and no miracle recovery once he falls in lurve.

And those are the highlights in category romance.  It really was a strong year and it was fun to go back over my spreadsheet to revisit them.  Of course now I want to reread them all.  Next up?  The best of everything else that wasn't category.....

The Year That Was 2011: The Numbers

Of all my annual Year In Review posts, this one is likely to bore the majority of Bat Cave followers.  But, what can I say?  I like looking at the numbers.  I like seeing how many books I read, what the grades were, and the various "labels" I slapped on them.  I use a pretty stripped down spreadsheet in Google Docs to keep track of my reading.  It's simple, it's easy, and it works for me.  I'm a if it ain't broke don't fix it kind of gal - and as tempting as GoodReads is at times, I just can't pull the trigger (I have my reasons).  Anyway, here's how 2011 stacked up for me:

My goal for 2011 was to crack 100 books read, and I fell short at 95.  I'm a little disappointed in myself, but considering I read 94 in 2010 and 95 in 2009, it's hard to berate myself over....consistency.

My grades this year were also fairly consistent when compared to 2010.

A = 2 (4 in 2010)
B = 54 (59 in 2010)
C = 23 (24 in 2010)
D = 11 (4 in 2010)
DNF = 5 (5 in 2010)

My reputation for being stingy with A grades holds.  The defining element for me has always been do I want to drop my entire life and immediately reread the book.  People, my TBR is so legendary, and the guilt that comes with such hording, that rereading is a rarity for me.  So if the story passes the Must Reread Someday test, it's an A.

A word about DNF grades - I pretty much stopped giving F grades when I left TRR.  My personal policy is life is too short to keep reading a book I absolutely loathe, and TGTBTU has the same policy.  So yeah, Wendy no longer gives F grades.  It's probably not fair to count books I didn't finish in my final numbers (OK, it isn't), but I tend to only count books that I invested a significant amount of time in.  And since we're talking genre fiction, the bulk of which is somewhere around 300-400 pages?  I'm looking at 50+ pages, with a decent chunk of skimming ahead.

I did pretty good with my variety of publishers this year, even considering I only review category romance for TGTBTU.  Instead of giving you the numbers, let's just go with a list:

Aphrodisia, Avon, Ballantine, Brava, Carina, Cleis, Crown, Ecco, Forge, Hard Case Crime, Harpercollins, Harlequin Historical, Harlequin Historical Undone, Harlequin Blaze, Spice Briefs, Love Inspired Historical, Mira, Kimani, Harlequin Desire, Harlequin Intrigue, Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Romance, Harlequin Special Edition, Harlequin Superromance, Hyperion, Kensington, Samhain, Little Brown, St. Martin's, LooseID, Warner, Minotaur, Zebra, Pocket, Signet.

Publication dates were a lovely mix this year, even if my reviewing means that the 2011 are significantly higher.

1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001 (2), 2003 (2), 2004 (3), 2005 (2), 2007 (2), 2008, 2009 (2), 2010 (9), 2011 (68)

Now that's all interesting (OK, maybe just to me), but what exactly did I read this year?  Well, let's take a look at my tagging.  Now these won't add up to 95 because I tend to slap multiple tags on the books I read.  For example, a Harlequin Romance is going to be tagged C, S for "Contemporary" and "Series."  

Anthology = 4
Contemporary = 31
Inspirational = 2
Romantic/Suspense = 8
Women's Fiction = 4
Series = 26
Erotic Romance = 6
Short Stories = 17
Erotica = 7
Historical = 33
England = 2
Medieval = 4
Regency = 12
Victorian = 2
Western = 7
Historical Fiction (not romance) = 2
Mystery/Suspense = 9
Non-Fiction = 1
Paranormal = 1
Science Fiction Romance = 1
Young Adult = 2

Every year I tell myself I'm going to get more consistent with my tagging, and every year I can't seem to get it together.  So I'm not sure how helpful these numbers are, but they are interesting, if for no other reason than to see the variety (or lack thereof) that I read.

One other thing I found interesting is that of the 95 books I read this year?  Yeah, I reviewed all of them (either on this blog or TGTBTU) except for 6.  Of those 6 I didn't do full-fledged reviews for?  3 were C reads, 3 were DNFs, and all 6 were books I didn't "promise" anyone I'd write a review for.

Discipline, I haz it.

Just goes to show that one reason I started blogging (to talk about the books I was reading) still holds true today as it did back in the stone ages of 2003.

The Year That Was 2011: TBR Challenge Books

Hello 2012, goodbye thank you sweet baby Jesus 2011!  Which means it must be time, once again, for the bonanza that is my Year In Reading Review posts here at the Bat Cave.  I like to drag these reflections out over the course of several blog posts, mostly because it flips some secret librarian switch I have in my brain, and also because I like looking back.  My wee lil' geeky heart likes looking at numbers, and I also like thinking back to all the great books I read over the last 12 months.  The not-so-great ones?  Yeah, let's let sleeping dogs lie.

I thought a good way to kick off my recaps would be to start with what I read for the 2011 TBR Challenge.  I was able to complete the challenge every month, which means a total of 12 books read and reviewed out of my ginormous TBR Mountain Range.  Here's how the numbers break down:

Grades:
A = 0
B = 4
C = 5
D = 3

Blah.  I had the impression that my reading this year for the challenge was pretty sucky, and these numbers kinda back me up.  Hey, 4 B reads are great, but C books always leave me feeling uninspired and....3 D reads?!  Ugh.

Genres Read:
Category Romance = 3
Romantic Suspense = 1
Historical Romance = 5
Mystery/Suspense = 2
Young Adult = 1

I'm pretty happy with the variety I read, and even more pleased with the mix of publication dates!

Publication Dates:
1993
1995
1997
2003
2004 (2)
2005
2007 (2)
2008
2009 (2)

So what were all those books I read for the challenge?  Here they are, a trip down memory lane (title links will take you to full reviews).

The B Reads:

• Mommy Said Goodbye by Janice Kay Johnson - Didn't really work for me as a romance, but amazing conflict and a humdinger of a mystery.  Loved it!

• Land of Dreams by Cheryl St. John - Vintage St. John that delivered exactly what I expect out of one of her books - pure comfort read.

• Montana Wife by Jillian Hart - Like St. John, Hart is another author I tend to slap the "comfort" label on.  Oodles of angsty conflict and a nice historical back-drop.

• Princess Forever by Meg Cabot - Last book in the Princess Diaries series.  A bit padded, but a very good book to end a very good series.

The C Reads:

• The Last Cheerleader by Meg O'Brien - Amateur sleuth suspense that suffered from unbelievable character behavior and a secondary character who annoyed the crap out of me.

• Wife for a Week by Kelly Hunter - Loved the sexy bantering couple, but the silly slapped on "suspense" sub plot was beyond tedious.

• With This Ring by Carla Kelly - Loved the historical back-drop and the heroine, the hero and, at times, farcical storyline?  Not so much.

• A Seduction at Christmas by Cathy Maxwell - Thin historical detail with a suspense sub plot to match.  But Maxwell continues to reel me in with her brain-candy writing style.

• Beyond Desire by Thea Devine - Another cracktastic soap opera from Devine.  Has it's moments, but pretty low on the cracky-goodness scale I tend to rate her books by.

The D Reads:

• Billion Dollar Baby Bargain by Tessa Radley - What can go wrong when you're someone who impulse reads category romance.  The Cult of Biology strikes again!

• Dead Shot by Annie Solomon - Major issues with the heroine and a big ol' plot hole a convoy can drive through.  Yummy damaged hero though.

• Officer Down by Theresa Schwegel - Well-written, page-turning suspense featuring a dumb, dumb, dumb heroine.

And there they are.  All the books I read to complete the 2011 TBR Challenge.   My "goal" for the 2012 TBR Challenge?  Well, I'm hoping I find myself at least one yummy A read buried somewhere in the depths of my hording collection (come out, come out where ever you are!).

Speaking of the 2012 TBR Challenge?  Maybe it's time for you to sign-up!  It really is a lot of fun, and a great way to make progress on your own hording collection.  Check out the information page for all the details.

Lemon Drop: Book Reviewer-In-Training

Lemon Drop: Thanks for the Christmas presents Auntie Wendy!  Even if you and Auntie Big Sis need to work on your communication skills a bit....

Me: How was I supposed to know that we were both going to buy you the same T-shirt?  Oh well, it's a good thing I bought you two gifts - otherwise I might have gotten thrown out on my ear.

Lemon Drop: I was tempted, but Mommy wouldn't let me.  Besides, all is forgiven since you got me this awesome book!

Me: So, how did you like The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss?  It's a classic you know. 

Lemon Drop: Oh, it's very good Auntie Wendy.  You'll have to thank Bat Cave Reader, Jami, for recommending it.  I was riveted by this book!

Me: Tell me all about it cupcake....

Lemon Drop: Well, it's about a little boy who plants a carrot seed, and everybody tells him it won't grow.  His parents, his brother, everybody!  But the little boy believes, takes care of the seed, waters it, tends to it and one day.....

It grows and grows and grows!  The boy gets a big giant ginormous carrot to grow!

Me: Wow, that does sound exciting.  What do you think the message of this story is?

Lemon Drop:  Well, it's obvious isn't it Auntie Wendy?  Never listen to grown-ups, they have no idea what they're talking about.

Me: Uhhh.....

Lemon Drop: Seriously, what did that little boy's parents really know?  He didn't listen to them and look what happened!  He grew a giant carrot that could feed an entire third world country!  Yep, adults and older brothers have like, no clue.

Me:  Uhhh..... 

Lemon Drop: Why do you look so worried all of the sudden Auntie Wendy....

Me: Oh man, your Mama is going to kill me.

Lemon Drop: Dude, Uncle My Man was right.  You are easy to mess with.  Geez, I know that's not what the story is really about Auntie Wendy!  It's about believing in yourself.   That if you believe and work hard, anything is possible.  Man, you are gullible.  Are you sure you were really Librarian of the Year?

Me:  Whew!  Dodged a bullet with that one.....