We Gonna Party Like It's Yo Birthday

It's party with a side of denial time here at the Bat Cave. Yep, it's my birthday. I'm 35 today. Which probably seems painfully young to some of you, and painfully old to the rest of you. I'm in denial because I'm not sure how I got to be 35, and holy cow - where exactly have the years gone? I mean, wasn't I in college like....last week? I'm pretty sure I was.

Today is a normal scheduled day off work for me, so I woke up this morning and got my birthday present from My Man (get your mind out of the gutter!). Longtime readers of this blog know that My Man has mighty, mighty gifting giving powers that he uses for good (never evil) twice a year. Christmas and my birthday. This year's gift?

On Saturday, September 25 me and the Super Librarian Daddy-O will be at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan watching my Tigers play the Minnesota Twinkies Twins.

Yes, a baseball game.

But oh, not just any baseball game. Let me explain, because my birthday should not only be about fun and frivolity, but learning as well....

There are two leagues in Major League Baseball. The American League and the National League. Each league is then divided up into divisions, with X number of teams in each division. Winning your division = your team going to the playoffs. The Tigers and Twins are both in the American League Central Division and for the last several years it's come down to the wire - with the Twins being victorious since second half of the season = Twinkies on a tear, and second half of the season = Tigers rolling over and dying. So this game on September 25? Could be huge. Assuming 1) my Tigers are still in the hunt and 2) the pure evil Chicago White Sox, who are now inexplicably in second place, don't throw a wrench in the works.

And I get to watch all this excitement (well, hopefully it will be exciting - we're still two months out!) with my Dad! In some really kick ass seats I might add! Woot!

Which means I now have some planning to do. Time to get off work, decide how many days I'm going home for (probably close to a week), and buy some plane tickets. More stuff for the To-Do List, but hell - To-Do Lists are pretty fun when you...well...actually want to do them.

Money, That's What I Want

Dear Lebron,

So today is the big day you're going to make your announcement. I must commend you on the exorbitant amount of hype your free agency year has managed to generate the past two years now. I mean, really - it's been a thing of awe and wonder. And all this press can only mean good things for you and the sizable, obscene contract you're likely going to get from....well, whomever.

However, that's not why I'm choosing to write to you today. No, I'm writing because I've now seen preliminary budget figures for my library's new fiscal year. I suspected that it was going to suck so bad that I'd lose fillings. Turns out I not only need to worry about my fillings, but also the two crowns I have, and the possibility of losing a couple of permanent teeth. It's pretty bad Lebron. It's not good at all.

I understand that you're from Ohio, and not California, but if you found it in your heart to throw...oh say, a million or two my library's way, we'd be most appreciative. Yes, I know it would make more sense to give Ohio libraries money, but did I mention my parents are from Ohio? I'm only one degree separated from your home state! Plus, I'm a librarian who actually likes sports and talks about them on my blog. OK, so I don't talk about basketball all the much. OK, ever. And OK, sure, you're a big Yankee fan and uh, me not so much. Oh, and you like the Dallas Cowboys, and my bile ducts start twitching when I even think about Tony Romo's smug face....

(that I need to stop thinking about right now because I have the sudden urge to punch something....)

But really, we shouldn't let any of that stand in the way of what could be a mutually beneficial relationship.

You sign big free agent contract with....whomever and then throw a million or so dollars at my library. Just think of the tax write-off! Seriously, who couldn't use a tax write-off these days? I mean, your stock portfolio can't be doing all that well. Plus, I'm sure my boss would be more than happy to fill out a donation receipt for your accountant. We'll hold a preschool story time in your honor! Invite you to sit in on one of our computer classes! If you had come to us sooner, we could have helped you fill out job applications online. Hey, and if you need help deciphering the legalese in that new contract you'll be signing, we have some books that could help you out with that. We're librarians. We're good people.

It's something to consider when you're not busy hanging with your entourage, signing huge free agent contracts, consulting whatever sports apparel company about your new shoe etc. Plus, just think of how proud your mother would be of you. The whole NBA superstar who can hold an entire fan population and sports league in limbo while he weighs his options? A mere pittance of pride compared to you tossing a million or so bucks at a California library system.

Thank you for your consideration, best of luck wherever your career takes you next and I eagerly await your reply.

Sincerely,
Wendy the Super Librarian

On Series, On Rizzoli/Isles, On Fangirl-dom

I finished Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen over the weekend, and instead of contemplating an "official" review, I've found myself ruminating on the subject of series. Why I'm quick to jump on a mystery/suspense series bandwagon while 95% of all romance series either don't appeal, or leave me only marginally interested. Oh sure, I do read romance series. A few. But I'm not reading them because they are series books. No, I'm generally reading them because 1) I like the author or 2) it's a sub genre (ex: westerns) I want to support. I don't get that big anticipation rush with romance series like I do mystery/suspense. Just don't. Case in point? This new book by Gerritsen, which had me taking note of the release date, and plotting how, when and where I was going to buy my copy (in print, on my lunch break at work, at Costco).

Seriously, I had a plan of attack.

I don't do this with romance series. Just don't. The reason for this? The confines of the romance genre do not allow authors to follow the same protagonist(s) over the course of several books. That tends to shoot the happily-ever-after in the foot, which is what the genre hinges on (and FYI, I don't consider J.D. Robb romance). The only requirement of a mystery/suspense novel is to give me some resolution to the crime at hand. Where the characters are at? Yeah, the authors can play around all they want....well, within reason. Which brings me to what struck me most about Ice Cold.

As a suspense novel, it's very good. Oh sure, I have a few nit-picks, but it delivers as far as a page-turner, and the ending was tre' magnifique! But it was the series aspect that struck me the most. That now, with this eighth book following the same characters, Gerritsen has done what a lot of her contemporaries struggle with. She has allowed her characters to change and grow, while not straying from their foundations, all while keeping me interested in their fictional lives.

Writing about the same characters over and over is harder than it sounds. There are two common pitfalls. 1) The characters don't change or grow at all and the reader gets bored reading the same book over and over again (see: Stephanie Plum) or 2) The author gets bored, starts tinkering too much, and the characters morph into pod people (see: Kay Scarpetta). Gerritsen has struck a very nice balance with the first eight books in her Rizzoli/Isles series. "Stuff happens" to her characters, their lives change, but peel back the layers and they're still inherently the same people they were in book one. Jane Rizzoli's life in book eight is light years away from her life in book one, but she's still Jane. Deep down, under the layers, she's still who she is.

To put it another way, I like it when authors remodel the kitchen, or maybe put in a swimming pool. What I tend to hate is when the author packs the house with plastic explosives, pours several gallons of gasoline on the living room carpet and lights a match. Adding new dimensions to characters is good. Totally rewriting history? Yeah, that sucks. Major.

I also find it really interesting that while Gerritsen probably gets a fair amount of crap from her suspense-only fans about her romance writing past (icky, love cooties!), I think her romance writing past is the reason why her suspense novels are so good, and popular. Certainly characters are important in mystery/suspense. I wouldn't be so stupid to suggest otherwise. But compared to the romance genre? Oh man. If you can't write good, interesting, "real" characters in romance, you're sunk. Because without the reader believing in the characters? Yeah, how exactly is the author going to deliver on the happily-ever-after? In mystery/suspense, even if the characters are so-so, the author can still salvage the proceedings somewhat by giving the reader a crackin' good mystery. In romance, lackluster characterization = dead on arrival. Good luck with that.

Was Ice Cold my favorite in this series to date? No. The Sinner and Body Double are still tops in my mind. But it was still very, very good. An extremely strong entry that delivers on suspense, manages to wrap up some character baggage and add another layer to the onion. I loved where this book started (and ended), and I can't wait to see where the author leads her characters next.

And now....I wait. ::tap, tap, tap::

Final Grade = B+

Annoucing The RWA Blogger Bar Bash!

Where: The Cabana Bar And Beach Club at the The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel (the conference hotel)

When: It's so nice, we're doin' it twice! Tuesday, July 27 @ 7PM to uh, whenever and Wednesday, July 28 @ after the Literacy Signing to uh, whenever.

Who: I'm calling this the Blogger Bar Bash mostly because I like the alliteration. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is welcome to show up throw down a mojito and hang out. Bloggers, readers in town just to attend the Literacy Signing, authors, agents, editors, Fabio, vampires, woodland fairies, Navy SEALs, werewolves, sailors on shore leave etc.

Why Then: If this will be your first time going to RWA you won't quite understand this yet - but the later in the week it gets, the more brain-dead you become. We're also doing two gatherings to snag as many people as possible, and because there are some parties and merriment that go on after the Literacy Signing that will likely keep some folks away that evening.

Why A Bar?: Uh, because I'm a lush? No, it's mostly because I wanted this affair to be as low-key as humanly possible. Having a party in your room (OK, a room that I can afford) gets claustrophobic really quick, plus there's no booze and/or food in my room outside of the mini-bar. Also, we had a blogger miss our gathering last year because of a food allergy issue, and I figure a bar has something for everybody, whether you're on the wagon or not!

Lastly: I hope everyone can make it either one or both of these times. If not? If you see me wandering around the conference during the week, or you're attending the Librarians Day wing-ding, be sure to come up and say howdy!

Oh and lastly, lastly: Mucho thanks to efficient and insanely organized AnimeJune for suggesting our meeting spot. I think it's going to be work out just fantabulously!

Random Romance Sunday: Wendy Vs. The Vampires

The Book: Just One Sip by Katie MacAlister, Jennifer Ashley & Minda Webber

The Particulars: Love Spell, 2006, In Print

The Blurb:

Bring Out Your Dead by Katie MacAllister

Battling a demon lord is all in a day's work for the Dark One named Sebastian. But now he must take on a horde of unhappy zombies and an obnoxious teen vampire if he wants to win the hand of the one woman who can make him whole.

Viva Las Vampires by Jennifer Ashley

A sunbathing vamp in Vegas? Meredith Black is absolutely positive the tanned god with the gorgeous smile couldn't have possibly made her his for eternity with just one glance. But he'll sure have fun proving it.

Lucy and the Crypt Casanova by Minda Webber

Talk show host Lucy Campbell has made a career of interviewing Druid witches, trolls, and an occasional goblin. But now she wants more. Only she wasn't expecting to get involved with a vampire detective who has a slight incubus problem.

Is It In Wendy's TBR?: Nope, I apparently have read it. I was trolling around The Romance Reader archives and stumbled across this one. I didn't remember it, so clicked on my review - at which point it all came rushing back to me like I had just read it yesterday.

Any Reviews?: A treasure trove!

The Romance Reader (uh, this would be my review) gave it 2 Hearts (equivalent to a D grade):

With Katie MacAlister leading the pack, it’s safe to assume that this latest vampire anthology is going to fall under the “light-hearted” and “humorous” umbrella. Unfortunately it also falls under the “infuriating” and “brain-melting” ones as well.

All About Romance (Lisa handled the duties here) was kinder with a C+:

While there were some problems, I wouldn’t take back choosing this one. It might have averaged slightly above mediocre, but each author has a good voice and a novel take on the myth.

The gushing (Get it? Gushing? Vampires? Ha!) is saved for the more mainstream review publications. Publisher's Weekly said:

...this fast, funny and twisty collection proves good to the last drop.

And Booklist says:

All three tales are entertaining and enjoyable, and it is a delight to see nongruesome takes on vampires.

Booklist and PW reviews can be found in full at Amazon.

Anything Else?: Not really. The first paragraph from my TRR review pretty much says it all. Although I will add that Katie MacAlister is still churning out titles in her Dark Ones series, so if you're hooked on it, this anthology may be worth your time if you're anal about continuity.

The Month That Was June 2010

Wow. I'm not sure how it happened, but I managed to get through ten books in June. OK, so technically nine books since I ended up slapping one of these with a DNF. My C grades were higher than I like, but there were a handful of stand-outs this past month. Here's how it breaks down:

Title links will take you to full reviews.

Song Of Seduction by Carrie Lofty - Carina Press, Historical romance ebook, 2010, Grade = B+

• A passionate romance set in Salzburg against a classical music backdrop. Two deeply emotionally scarred characters, excellent use of history, and passion that sings off the pages. I did find the pacing a bit slow going in the beginning, but everything else about this story is a real winner.
  

One Night In Texas by Jane Sullivan - Harlequin Temptation, 2005, Grade = D+

• Another duddy read for Keishon's TBR Challenge. Secret Agent Man hero runs up against heroine, a woman he had a sizzling affair with for a week and got his Dear Jane letter as thanks. A hero who lies for a living and a heroine who can't seem to control her hormones around the hero even though he treats her like dirt. Joy. Harlequin Cheat Sheet: Secret Agent Hero Who Had A Crap Childhood, Reunited, A Heroine Who Keeps Losing Her Panties, Grovel Scene At End.
  

Erotique: Alex by Susan Lyons - Spice Briefs, Erotic romance short story ebook, 2010, Grade = C

• The final story (uh, I think) in a Spice Briefs trilogy. Erotic romance author in need of inspiration goes to exclusive sex club (seriously is there like one of these on every corner in Erotic Romancelandia?) and hooks up with former crush. The back story gave me some pause (she was a 22-year-old student teacher and he a 19-year-old student when they met) and the way safe sex was handled in this story annoyed me. But, this entire trilogy has been spicy and steamy while not being kinky and weird - so if you're desperate for "hot vanilla," these may be right up your alley.
  

The Irish Warrior by Kris Kennedy - Kensington Zebra, Medieval historical romance, 2010, Grade = B

• Warrior hero and independent-minded heroine find themselves on the run together thanks to eviiiilllll villain. A strong Alpha hero who falls hard for the heroine and will do anything to protect her. Intelligent heroine who finds her family roots coming back to haunt her. An excellent, well-done medieval. Strongly recommended.
  

Parker's Price by Ann Bruce - Carina Press, Contemporary romance ebook, 2010, Grade = C

• Category length romance featuring a yummy beyond words Alpha hero and a heroine whose conflict response didn't really work for me. Sizzling sex scenes, and did I mention the yummy hero? Worth a look, especially for Harlequin Presents and Silhouette Desire fans.
  

Night Moves by HelenKay Dimon - Harlequin Intrigue, Romantic suspense, 2010, Grade = B

• Brainiac heroine is being framed for an explosion that destroys the research lab where she was working. She turns to the hero for help, a man she has an uncomfortable past with. Intelligent characters, plenty of action scenes, and some nice tweakage of a common Harlequin trope. Harlequin Cheat Sheet: Inexperienced Heroine, Disgraced Former Cop Hero, Framed And On The Run.
  

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist - Bethany House, Inspirational historical romance, 2010, Grade = B

• A romance between a parlormaid and a footman set at the Vanderbilt's Biltmore estate. Light touch with the inspirational elements, excellent use of history, but I could have used a little more oomph to the romance.
  

Island Fantasy by Kayla Perrin - Kimani Romance, Contemporary romance, 2010, Grade = C+

• Heroine calls off wedding after she catches fiance' cheating. She keeps the honeymoon though, heads to Jamaica and gets her groove back with sexy hero. The conflict lacked enough juice to keep me interested, and this book dragged for the majority. However, great sassy heroine, hunky hero, and some angst during the final third salvage the proceedings. Harlequin Cheat Sheet: Jilted Heroine, Widower Hero, One Lyin' Cheatin' Ex, Family, Is This Love?
  

The Horseman's Bride by Elizabeth Lane - Harlequin Historical, Early 20th century western romance, 2010, Grade = DNF

• Petulant spoiled brat heroine who wants to raise champion race horses on her Daddy's ranch gets into argument with drifter hero in chapter one because he had the gall to repair her elderly grandmother's broken fence. Seriously, the nerve of the man! Also, when it became apparent that 19-year-old heroine was still unaware of the family baggage that's been hauled out over the previous two books of the series, I knew the author was going to have to let her in on it during this book and frankly? I'm over it. Dropped it after the first couple of chapters, so no full-length review.
  

Miss Winthrope's Elopement by Christine Merrill - Harlequin Historical, Historical romance, 2010, Grade = C+

• Wanting to get out from under her brother's thumb, heroine decides to elope with perfect stranger she pulls out of the muck near Gretna Green. When it turns out he's a Duke, things get complicated. Nice heroine saddled with a hero who I thought was a slimy asshole. However, strong romantic scenes and really good chemistry step in to save the day. Harlequin Cheat Sheet: Bookish Plain Jane Heroine, Rake Hero, Evil Other Woman, Marriage Of Convenience.

I'm hoping to keep the momentum going through July, especially since I have an obscene backlog of Harlequins. I don't want Sybil to show up on my doorstep and break my legs....

On Sale Today!

Today is July 1! OK, normally not a day that stands out in one's mind. But today just isn't any ol' July 1. Oh noes! It's the day that the latest round of digital Blogger Bundles go on sale over at eHarlequin and various other ebook retailers!

What do readers have to look forward to? Lots of fantastic titles of course!

• Dear Author polled their community and came up with a Community Picks bundle - featuring titles by Alison Kent, Cheryl Reavis, Nancy Warren and Fiona Brand. I've read the Reavis and it kicks ass. Just sayin'.

• SB Sarah presents Harlequins That Hooked You, which includes titles from Jennifer Crusie, Suzanne Brockmann, Emilie Rose, Rachel Lee and Beverly Barton.

• And then there's my modest wee lil' bundle - the entire America's Bravest series from Kathryn Shay. Shay was my first autobuy author from the HSR line, and the author I still largely credit for getting me hooked on Harlequins.

And there you have it. Prices vary depending on where you purchase your ebooks - but the eHarlequin prices are extremely reasonable considering the number of books you score per bundle. Buy early, buy often, heck why not buy all three?