Run Wendy Run

OK, I'm officially done. I've hit the wall, backed up to get a running start and hit it again. I'm just beat. Which makes me exceedingly glad I had no plans/invites/obligations for Friday night. I had a nice quiet dinner with Rosie, and now I'm up in my hotel room blogging, vegging, and letting my brain decompress. So, what did I do today? You know, before I ran straight into a wall? Well, let me tell you....

My voice is toast. It's getting to be slightly comical that every year at RWA I end up sounding like a poor man's Kathleen Turner, but there you have it. So I hit the bar this morning to get some Earl Grey loaded with honey and made my way to two Publisher Spotlights. The Kensington Spotlight was slightly disappointing for me because I was hoping for some tidbits on upcoming releases and/or new authors they had signed, and it was mainly all about their company and how to submit to them - which admittedly 99.9% of the audience was likely more interested in. Heh. But some interesting tidbits? They're the largest independent publisher that deals in multiple formats (so hard cover and paperback), and they've not only been making money, they've seen growth in recent years.

The other Spotlight I got to today was for Pocket, and that was very interesting, because they talked a lot about books/authors. Some big news? Anne Stuart will be writing a paranormal series for them under the name "Christina (Kristina?) Douglas," and Teresa Medeiros has a book scheduled for early 2011 entitled Goodnight Tweetheart (yep, told entirely in tweets/Twitter-style). The editors described it as "funny, witty and smart."

In the Big Pimpin' department - lots o' love for Meredith Duran - along with new-to-Pocket authors Carrie Lofty and Kris Kennedy. I was sitting next to Lynn from AAR and I'm amazed both of us didn't jump out of seats, squeee and start dancing in the aisle. Pocket has also launched Pocket After Dark - a social networking-style site where their authors and readers can connect.

There were a few publisher booksignings today, including Harlequin, Avon, Berkley and Pocket. I attended all four and picked up just a few books. Honestly, I scored the biggest haul for my Lil' Sis. There seems to be quite a few YA authors this year! I also picked up some books for friends and coworkers - even braving Nora's line (which honestly, was fairly reasonable) to pick up some signed books for our Noraholic ILL clerk in the office. I also happened to run into SandyM from TGTBTU before one of these signings and she must have thought me totally brain-dead because it took me more than a few minutes to realize that she was the Sandy that I "know" from TGTBTU. Geez Wendy. Where is your brain? Oh yeah, it's toast.

I then spent about an hour at a Carina Press sponsored cocktail party where I caught up with the fabu So. Cal. author, Zoe Archer, along with Samhain and soon-to-be Carina author, Vivian Arend, newly minted Pocket author, Carrie Lofty, and Dear Author reviewer Sarah Franz.

After all of this, my voice was even more shot than before, and tomorrow is another full day capped off by the Golden Heart/RITA award ceremony. For that reason, I suspect this might be my last blog post from Orlando. Which means a recap of the final day may have to wait until after I'm back in So. Cal. In which case, happy trails, safe travels, and I'll see you all on the other side of the world.

La Nora, Lee Child, And Foreign Lands

As I mentioned in my last post, Thursday is technically "start day" here at the conference for 90% of those in attendance. For me it's the day I start to hit the wall. Wednesday is so jammed for me with librarian "stuff," that I'm half out of my mind with exhaustion before the "regular" conference even starts. Hence, me being in my room right now blogging (and probably making no sense) and not hanging out at the Harlequin Pajama Party.

Today started with me going to breakfast with AnimeJune, KristieJ and Rosie. Then we hit the
Goody Room, where I scored some pretty, pretty bookmarks, notepads, magnets, and even a couple more books. Then I went up to the room to snag the box I had to ship. Yes, the Librarian Goody Room had been so obscene the day before that I already had a full box of books to ship back home. Then I just kind of chilled out and chatted with folks (Magdelan, Victoria Janssen, the AAR brigade) before the luncheon.

The Keynote Luncheon kicks off the conference and this year's keynote was Nora Roberts. I've heard Nora give talks before, and she's always great fun. Her speech started out with reminiscing. (Her and Ruth Langan met at conference in 1981 and have been roommates at RWA since 1984 (?) - that's so full of awesome that words fail.) The gist of her speech? Writing is hard. Publishing is hard. It's as hard today as it was "back then." But if you want to "swim in the pool" you need to stop wasting your breath, jump in, and learn to swim. Paraphrasing wildly here, but that's the germ of the idea.

Then the workshops started, and a bunch of us headed in to hear Suzanne Brockmann and Lee Child talk on blurring the boundaries between "women's" and "men's" fiction. I'll be honest - I went to this for Lee Child. Around the office I'm known as "Wendy The Romance Novel Girl," and frankly I wanted to be able to say to my colleagues that I shared breathing space with Lee Child (hugely popular at my library!). Sort of a neener, neener, neener type thing. This was a very enjoyable workshop, and ladies I'm sad to report that while Mr. Child is cute, with an even cuter accent - he's also married with children. Bugger.

After that I hit a workshop on foreign rights sales, mostly because 1) we carry foreign editions at my library and 2) I find the whole concept of "rights" selling interesting. Audio book rights, large print rights, foreign rights etc. Despite some technical difficulties, I also found this workshop interesting. The panel consisted of Kristin Nelson (agent), Sherry Thomas (kickass historical romance author), Bettina Steinhage (editor for Harlequin Germany) and Kris Alice Hohls, who publishes LoveLetter Magazine, the premiere German publication dedicated to romance novels. Lots of good information about promoting to foreign readership, how rights are sold, and the different ways publishers package those rights.

There was another set of workshops after that, but nothing that tickled my fancy so I headed up to the room to relax a bit before dinner. A bunch of us went out to dinner with the fine folks from Carina Press, including the lovely Angela James. I also finally was able to catch up with Smart Bitch Sarah who I hadn't run into up until that point.

After a delicious dinner off hotel property, I had every intention of hitting that Pajama Party, but um - yeah, here I am. I called home long enough to check in with My Man (his dentist appointment yielded no nasty (and expensive) surprises), and now I'm blogging. It's an early day tomorrow, with workshops getting started at 8:30AM. I'm hoping I attend several, but as already stated....Hitting. Wall. Hopefully a good night's sleep is in my immediate future.

ETA: Once again, blogging after midnight. Plus, no picture taking today. So forgive the lack of graphics, photos, and any semblance of coherence.

Wendy's Brain-Fryin' Day

While the RWA conference traditionally starts with Thursday's keynote luncheon, it actually kicks off for me on Wednesday with Librarian Day. This year was the first time I was going to be presenting and I was nervous. I pretty much go into any public speaking engagement with the fear that I'm going to suck. Pessimistic soul that I am.

Tessa Dare and I talked about romance collection development in public libraries, and it's not a terribly sexy topic, but an important one. We were the last panel before lunch, which had me worried since I figured I'd look out into the audience and see people gnawing their arms off from hunger. But what was really tough? Yeah, the panel before us? Was all on Young Adult romance and it kicked ass. You could literally hear Tessa and I thinking during that whole presentation "oh crap." It was a tough act to follow! But afterward we did have people come up and tell us they liked our presentation. Not everyone is ever going to like everything, but I'm relieved that at least some people liked us. Heh.

After the librarian luncheon, it was Librarian Goody Room time - which is always obscene. Obscene in a massive book-orgy-promo kind of way. The amount of stuff I got? Oh Lordy! Romance authors are too generous for words. I had to make a quick pit-stop in my room to dump my loot and then it was mix and mingle time with Librarian Day attendees and a bunch of authors. I got to chat with so many people, including RWA's Librarian Of The Year, Jennifer Lohmann , kickass historical romance authors Carrie Lofty and Deb Marlowe, and YA romance writer Simone Elkeles - who was very happy to hear that my Lil' Sis could not keep her book, Perfect Chemistry, on the shelf of her classroom lending library. It was being read by her students THAT much!

After the mix and mingle it was Literacy Signing time. I met up with AztecLady, Rosie, KristieJ, Lisabea and AnimeJune to stand in line. I have to say, that this year's space for the signing was really nice. A big room, with lots of space. I didn't feel crushed in a sea of bodies, and I didn't spend the whole time saying "Excuse me, I'm sorry, pardon me" etc. etc. etc. I spent a bit more money than I planned on - but buying three trade paperbacks will do that to a person! But one of those was for a good cause. I had to buy My Man's mother a copy of Maid To Match by Deeanne Gist.

The Lit. Signing led right up to the second Blogger Bar Bash. I thought this was going to be a small affair, since there are several parties that happen after the Signing that I knew would keep some folks away. Holy cow! I can't believe how many people turned out! Several authors, several aspiring authors, our merry contingent of bloggers, several folks from AAR, and even Jill from Romance Rookie! I totally blanked on her being a Florida gal, and she drove in to attend the Lit. Signing. She literally flagged me down at the Signing when we wandered down the same aisle together. See, I told you that room was big and roomy. There was even space to read name tags!

This made for a hugely long day, so now Kristie and I are back in our room. As we happen to do (quite often) we got talking and Kristie said....

"Wendy, I'm so glad you're my roommate."

Me: "Awwwww, that's so sweet of you to say. What with me being blatantly obnoxious and all."

Kristie: ::totally deadpan delivery:: "Well, I'm one of the few people who can handle you."

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!

Me: "OMG! I am so putting that on the blog!"

And I have. And that's what is so great about RWA. Banding together with fellow romance novel lovers and smart-asses. Seriously, what's not to love about KristieJ?

Blogger note: Hopefully this is a semi-coherent post. Did I mention this is a long-ass day for me? It's now officially "tomorrow" (Thursday!) and I'm still awake. Seriously? Wendy? Get your ass in bed.

First Blogger Bar Bash!

OK, first an apology. I suck and forgot to take a single picture at the first Blogger Bar Bash last night! Argh! I know! I suck! What can I say? I was chatting, having fun, and getting my drink on (but oy! should not have had that last one!) and my camera stayed in my purse. BUT, I think some others snapped some photos, plus we have another Bash tonight after the Literacy Signing, so I will do better to not suck then. Although I promise nothing since, yeah - my day is loaded today and being brain-dead (well more so than usual) is a definite possibility.

So, anywho.....

The first Bash last night was great! The nice thing about having it at one of the bars is that people came and went as they pleased, or as other obligations came up. So many people stopped by, even if for just a few minutes. Fellow So. Cal'ers Tessa Dare, Sabrina Darby, and Rachel Jameson; Harlequin Historical author Blythe Gifford; the sparkling and witty Ms. Megan Frampton; historical authors Cara Elliott and Deb Marlowe; aspiring historical romance author (and tweeter extraordinaire) Keira Soleore; the effervescent Magdalen; fellower blogger, Kim In Hawaii; Lynn from AAR fame; PJ who is with The Romance Dish; author K.A. Mitchell, and so many more people that my tiny pea brain can't conjure up this early in the morning. I think everyone who came had a good time, and hopefully I'll keep running into them throughout the week as the conference wears on.

Now....today. It's early here and I'm taking a bit stop to blog before I head down to Librarians Day and my (::gulp::) presentation. Tessa and I are as prepared as we're ever going to be, so it's just a matter of doing this thang. Wish us luck!

And remember, when I don't suck and do remember to take photos? They're in my RWA 2010 photo album on Flickr. That photo above? A bunch of us chickies reading the cool excerpt booklet put together by Miss Courtney Milan and a scad of other historical romance authors. And trust me when I say that it is gorgeous! And an extremely clever idea.

More updates later - promise. But probably not until tomorrow. Oy! Today is jammed for me....

Travel, Books And Tote Bags - Oh My!

Rosie and I got an early start yesterday when we met at the airport around 7AM. Our travel went fairly smoothly, but it was a long day with little food. See, we were unable to score a direct flight, so we made a stop in Phoenix. We got off the plane in Phoenix, hit the restroom, got to our next gate - and they were boarding our flight to Orlando already! So lunch for us consisted of Ritz crackers with nuclear orange cheese and candy bars we had purchased in California and stuffed in our purses. Ahhhhh, nutritious!

We opted to take a cab to the Swan & Dolphin Hotel, and it turns out that there were four others going there as well - so we split the cost on a van. Which was really nice, because we didn't have the multitude of stops to make like a shuttle service would. Sounds like KristieJ's flight leaves around the same time as ours on Sunday, so I think the three of us will split a cab when we go to head home.

Speaking of KristieJ - she arrived before we did, and was hanging out in the hotel lobby while I was checking in! I got my room keys (after getting stuck behind a tourist family with umpteen questions - seriously how do people live in Orlando?) and I hit our room to get settled in. The rooms here are pretty nice. Not the nicest hotel I've been in for an RWA conference (damn, some really nice hotels over the years) - but still nice. And the staff has been friendly and helpful so far. Of course I'm sure they're bracing themselves for the influx of romance authors that will be descending on them over the course of today and tomorrow!

While we stood in line for dinner (by this point I was ready to gnaw off my arm) we met a reader who made the trip from Australia. Madelyn was on holiday with her husband and decided to hit Florida just to attend to the conference! We had a nice dinner and chat - complete with book recommendations of course!

Later that evening, AnimeJune swung by our room. Her travel experience to Orlando was just short of Hell, so she got into Orlando later than she had planned. But we had a nice chat with her, complete with her and me dissecting Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas (which somehow Kristie survived - Heh).

After a fairly decent night's sleep, we got up this morning for breakfast and went down to stuff tote bags. Rosie and Kristie tagged along, and with the added help we made quick work of it! After an hour we ran out of books. Tote bags everywhere! And piles of books (including the Meredith Duran and Karin Harlow titles pictures above). The tote bags are a nice size this year. Roomy without being ginormous.

And now? Now I'm blogging, Kristie is on an errand, and Rosie has left to check into her room (Ms. Lisabea is apparently at the airport and should be arriving soon-ish). Registration opens at 1PM, and I want to get that taken care of - and then it's just relaxation until the Blogger Bar Bash at 7PM.

Until my next update, I've downloaded a couple of pictures to my Flickr stream and have created a photo album called RWA 2010. The plan right now (Ha!) is for me to add pictures to this album all week. So check back often (and hopefully I won't flake out!). Right now? Just three pictures from the tote bag stuffing....

Hitting The Road For RWA 2010!

Today is my last day at home, and my last day of any sort of normalcy, before RWA 2010 in Orlando. Rosie and I are flying out early tomorrow morning, and we'll (hopefully!) be arriving at the Swan And Dolphin Hotel in time to contemplate dinner with the lovely, sparkling KristieJ. So what have I been doing to get ready for RWA? Besides slowly losing my grip on my sanity? Well, let me tell you....

• Shopping. I lack the "girly" gene that instills a love of shopping, so I'm one of those people who will only shop when I absolutely have to. RWA is usually what forces my hand. That, and the fact that I wear clothes until they fall apart. This year I needed just about all the essentials. You know what I learned ladies? It's time to buy new bras when you try one on at Department Store X and your first thought is "Wow, so this is support?" This coming from a girl who has never been accused of being uh....well endowed. Which is probably how I went so long without buying new bras. Heh.
  

• Hair cut. My hair is all one length (I had layers for a short while, but got bored with them) and I tend to put hair cuts off until the last minute. I finally got in to see my stylist on Friday, and told her to lop off two inches. I think she took off more like 2.5 because dang my hair seems short! But I think it's more likely that I just haven't had a hair cut in so dang long that it was a bit of a shock to my system. (I do like it though).
  

• Laundry, laundry, laundry.
  

• Figure out exactly what Tessa Dare and I are going to say during our presentation at the Librarians Day event on Wednesday. I had this written in my head for about three months, and finally wrote it all down about....oh a month ago. Tessa added some things. I added some more things. My boss looked at it and declared it "good." Hopefully I won't suck (please, like I'm worried about Tessa? I know she'll be awesome). In the meantime I'm trying to convince myself it's "fine" and "stop tinkering already Wendy."

• Print more "Official Wendy @ The Library" business cards. I don't keep a huge stock on hand, and really only burn through a handful every year (uh, usually at RWA). This year I'm guessing I'll go through more than usual (see above bullet point).
  

• Pimp the Blogger Bar Bashes some more. Uh, like now for instance. Come one, come all!

• Figure out a plan of attack for Literacy Signing, which I haven't done. I'll probably do what I've done the last several years. Start at one end and work my way down the line. Also, I need to remember to buy a book from and author who 1) doesn't have a line of people waiting for her and 2) I've never read before. It's my one act of good karma every year.
  

• Pack. And try to remember important stuff that I bring every year - like motion sickness medicine and packaging tape (gotta ship those books home!). Note to self: Remember to pack extra tote bag this year. Last year's RWA tote bag was large enough to stuff a dead body in but some years they are teeny-tiny. Prepare for teeny-tiny. Oh, and Wendy? Remember your dang sunscreen this year. You're not just pale, you're see-through. You've been this shade of death for 35 years, and yet last year in D.C.? You forgot your sunscreen. D'oh!
  

• Make sure digital camera battery is charged and remember to take a few pictures. Otherwise Nath will be unhappy, and I like it when Nathie is happy.
  

• Figure out what I'm going to attend. Honestly, no clue. Will look at schedule when I register. I'm thinking it will be very few workshops, and mostly Publisher Spotlights (usually good info for job and personal reading) and Signings. The rest of time I'll probably be crying over my cosmopolitan in the bar about how broke my library is right now.
  

• Track down the one author who never e-mailed me back (I'm going with evil spam filter theory) about doing my library's literary event in 2011. I've got two romance authors confirmed, I need one more.
  

The next time I blog, I'll be in Orlando! This year, for a change of pace, I'm hoping I won't be posting updates at 2AM - which is what I seem to do every blessed year ::sigh:: We shall see though. Honestly, blogging at a reasonable time of day is probably too much to hope for. As for Twitter? Yeah, probably a dead zone where I am concerned, but there are bound to be loads of others filling the void, so it's not like I'll be missed much.

See y'all when it hit the east coast!

Mountains O' Tote Bags!

According to the RWA web site, the conference next week in Orlando is sold out. I've been registered for ages (uh, January? February?) - so haven't really been back to check the web site all that much. I'm really happy to see this though. I had originally wondered how well-attended this year would be - what with the economy being a craptacular suck fest - and when the venue had to change mid-stream (who could have predicted that awful flooding in Nashville?), things seemed slightly on the doomed side. And while Orlando in July has humidity levels this side of Hell, I think the Disney World locale definitely enticed some "on the fence" folks to attend.

Over the last couple of weeks, RWA has been sending out e-mails begging pleading asking for volunteers, and since Librarians Day is Wednesday (conference really doesn't start cooking until Thursday), I tend to arrive a wee bit earlier than a lot of people. Which means, I'm an ideal candidate to volunteer my services to stuff conference tote bags. Not the sexiest job in the whole world, but one that needs to be done, since every attendee gets a tote bag with various goodies inside.

Well, I got an e-mail yesterday detailing when and where - I have a Tuesday morning shift - and learned a couple of things. 1) There will be 7 books in the tote bags (woohoo!) and 2) they need 2100 tote bags stuffed.

That bears repeating....

2100!!

2100 x 7 books = 14,700 books! 14,700 of the same 7 titles, but still....

I can't wait to see that room with my own beady lil' eyes. And if you're coming to the Blogger Bar Bash Tuesday night? If you're extra nice to me ("Hey Wendy, nice to meet you.") I might just tell you what our freebies are going to be this year. Assuming you can't wait the 12 hours until registration opens for business. Heh.

TBR Challenge 2010: Because I'm Scared Of KristieJ

The Book: Never Love A Lawman by Jo Goodman

The Particulars: Historical western romance, Zebra, 2009, In Print

Why Was It In The Bat Cave TBR?: Hello? Are you new here? Wendy love, love, loves historical western romances!

The Review: I normally like to dip a lot further back in the TBR when picking a TBR Challenge read. I broke that "rule" this month for one reason, and one reason only. I'm rooming with KristieJ at RWA next week and if she had found out that I still hadn't read this book? OMG, there would have been no living with her. Seriously.

Rachel Bailey is an attractive newcomer to Reidsville, Colorado and has set up shop as a seamstress. Half the men in town are crazy about her, including the sheriff, Wyatt Cooper, who takes to watching her walk down the street when she's running errands. However, Rachel pays none of these men any mind. To say she's standoffish and aloof is a bit of an understatement. She keeps to herself, minds her own business, and expects everyone else to mind theirs. However it all comes crashing down around her ears when Wyatt delivers her a telegram stating that her former benefactor has died.

That telegram sets off a chain of events, including Rachel's inheritance of the railroad that runs through town, and the stipulation in her benefactor's will that she has to marry Wyatt. Yep, before you can say "marriage of convenience" these two are hitched. Which is a good thing, since it appears that Rachel is going to need Wyatt's protection. Yep, an old enemy is lurking in the shadows....

I've never read Goodman, but from various comments about her past work I've read online, Never Love A Lawman seems typical in the sense that she takes her time setting the stage. For readers who have been complaining of late that historical romances feature watered-down characters and thin plots (and I know you're out there - I've seen you on Twitter!), this book is a must read. Goodman takes a huge chunk of this story setting her stage, introducing her characters and essentially painting an entire fictional Colorado town with her pen (or computer keyboard - whatever). Yes, I know it's not set in Regency England and it's a western. But honest, there are no such thing as western romance cooties. That I'm aware of at any rate...

Wyatt sells this book to me. He's just....amazing. Amazing in a charming, intelligent sort of way. He's the kind of guy, if he existed in real life, that I would adore flirting with. Back when I was still single and knew how to flirt (sort of). These days I'm so out of practice I'd likely just embarrass myself. Rachel is a much harder sell for me. I understand why she's standoffish and aloof to the townsfolk - but she also comes off that way to the reader. I never really felt like I was "let in" to her character until much later in the story, and by that point, it seemed a bit late to me. She's smart, a nice girl - but I just never really warmed up to her much. For that reason, for a good chunk of this story, the romance lacked "anticipation" for me. I liked Wyatt. I liked Rachel well enough. But it took a long time for me to get invested in them being a couple. Not until the halfway point or so (and we're talking 200+ pages here!).

I did have that anticipation (and in spades!) with the secondary romance featuring Wyatt's deputy and the town madam. I'll be honest, I wanted that romance. A ton of it. And instead the author gave me paltry crumbs that I was ravenously flipping forward in the book to get to, and at the end? Let's just say the lack of closure on that score didn't please me. I'm currently deluding myself into thinking this means a full-length book down the line, although it's more likely they'll continue to be "secondary characters."

I appreciate this novel for it's scope, the writing, and the richly detailed characters. But I didn't love it. Which probably isn't going to help my reputation for being a completely unreasonable hard-ass. Oh well. I totally "get" why so many people out there loved this book. The characters and writing really are extremely well done. It just didn't sink it's claws into me as much as I wanted it to. Bad timing? Me being a hard-ass? Or feeling that disconnect with Rachel's character for too long in the story? I'm going with the latter two. Still, I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Goodman can flat-out write, and that's never something to scoff at.

Final Grade = B

On The Road, RRS Hiatus, And Movie Talk

It's my turn in the rotation over at Access Romance Readers Gab. Today I'm talking about authors wandering into territories that you (the reader) don't necessarily want to travel to. Why not head on over, have a read, and leave a comment?

+++++

For the three of you who look forward to the feature, you'll probably notice I didn't do a Random Romance Sunday post yesterday. That's because I sort of hit a wall, what with me being spread a little thin these days between work, home and preparing for my trip to Orlando for RWA. Also, with RWA coming up on me at light speed, the next couple of Sundays will be spent posting about that - so RRS will be on hiatus until after the conference. Again, for the three of you who actually look forward to those posts. Heh.

+++++

It was hotter than sin here in Southern California this weekend (low humidity doesn't really matter much when it's 104-frackin-degrees outside!), so My Man and I hit the movies to soak up some air conditioning that won't jack up our electric bill. We saw Inception.

Yeah, wow.

Wowee, wow, wow.

I haven't seen a movie that good in a long-ass time. Like My Man said, it was just great to see an intelligent, grown-up movie with a good cast and excellent script. We used to go to the theater almost every weekend and these days, it's a monumental occasion for us to bother - mostly because....well, we like grown-up movies. Men who don't act like petulant little boys and women who aren't brainless twits. Seriously, is this too much to ask? Apparently. Hence the hardly ever going to the theater these days...

Oh and another thing? Cute guys wearing suits. Just sayin'.

+++++

I was sad to learn this weekend that veteran character actor James Gammon passed away after a battle with cancer. Gammon, age 70, had a long and varied career thanks to his distinctive appearance and even more distinctive gravelly voice. However, he went to his grave probably best known for playing Lou Brown, tire salesman turned manager of the sad sack Cleveland Indians in one of the all-time classic baseball movies - 1989's Major League.

While I consider Bull Durham the all-time greatest baseball movie ever - Major League runs a very close second. It's one of those movies that I literally have to stop and watch when I run across it on cable. It's funny, it's heart-felt, and it has one of the more realistic portrayals of a librarian I've ever seen in a movie (played by the sexy Rene Russo no less!).

Gammon is survived by his wife of 38 years and two daughters. Oh, and the Indians just happened to sweep my insanely hapless Tigers this weekend in a four game series. I like to think they did it for Gammon - as opposed to my Tigers just sucking.

God speed Lou.

Arrrrrrmaaaaaannnnnnddddoooooo!

So remember a month back when I did a Little Miss Crabby Pants post that involved much frothing at the mouth over baseball umpire, Jim Joyce, losing his damn mind and calling a base runner (who was clearly out by like 7000 ft.) safe and thereby robbing my guy Armando Galarraga of a perfect game? Well it ended well enough - with Armando sucking it up, accepting Joyce's apology, and turning the whole ordeal into the feel good story of the season. Kudos to the city of Detroit for actually looking good in the media spotlight for a change!

(See L.A., that's how it's done.)

Well, Joyce and My Armando recently reunited on stage for ESPN's ESPY award show (no clue, honestly) and hubba, hubba - look at Armando! No, not the old white guy (although nice suit Jimmy!) - the cutie-patootie Venezuelan standing next to him. In a suit! And tie! ::Swoon:: Be still my wee lil' librarian heart!

Seriously, this is the closest I'll ever get to posting nekkid beefcake on this blog. Yep, guys wearing suits. Hey, it takes all kinds. Just sayin'.

Ebook Review: Dark Side Of Dreaming

I tend to bristle a bit when the romance genre is described as "escapist." Given enough time, all books (be they fiction or nonfiction) can be described as "escapist." Plus, as any fan of romance will and can tell you - there are many subtle shades of "escapism." If Dark Side Of Dreaming, the latest novella by Ann Bruce were an escapist color, it would probably be fuschia. Or maybe neon green. This is a story you read on the beach, or on the deck of a cruise ship, while nursing a drink that the bartender, required by law, has to garnish with a tiny paper umbrella.

Cleo Moran, former professional cat burglar, has come out of retirement to steal a statue. Not just any statue, but one that she feels is responsible for a host of problems that has plagued the women in her family for generations. Unfortunately her skills were rustier than she thought, and after being knocked unconscious, she wakes up tied to Alexander "Sasha" Michaels' bed. Seriously, we women (and gay men) should all be so lucky.

Sasha needs Cleo's help in tracking down the man who attacked his sister - and the statue is at the heart of the matter. However he did not plan on the sizzling sexual attraction that practically bounces off the walls every time he's near her. He also didn't plan on the man who hurt is sister returning, this time settings his sights on Cleo.

So we have a former cat burglar now out of retirement, and a mysterious hero with rumored shadowy underworld connections. Yeah, this requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. Readers unwilling or unable to do that? This story is not going to go over so well, especially coupled with the reason why Cleo wants that statue. Yep, we have woo-woo. Now, as someone who is beyond over anything remotely paranormal-y, let me assure you - this aspect of the story is handled with a very light touch. It's not pervasive. It doesn't overwhelm the story. It's a very minor issue. And interestingly enough, I found that disappointing.

As a romantic suspense story, this one feels a bit thin. Mostly, I suspect, because it's a novella. There's quite a bit that I wanted more of here. More of the bad guy. More of Cleo's past. More of why she needed that statue. And a lot more of Sasha's motives and actions. A few more chapters, a bit more meat on the bone, and this could have been a suspense thread I really could have sunk my teeth into. As is though, I found it lacking.

Now, all that said, if you're looking for an erotic romance (Which, hello? Ellora's Cave ebook here), this is where the story cooks. The chemistry between Sasha and Cleo is immediate, electric, sizzling and hot. There's passion, there's intensity, there are sex scenes that literally peel wallpaper. Also the relationship aspect of this story ends on a believable note (no marriage proposal and no heroine knocked up with triplets in final chapter), which is fitting for a story featuring two characters who are, how shall I say this?, living in a moral gray area.

So there you have it. If you're looking for a smokin' hot erotic romance? This is good stuff. It's a quick, sexy read that screams "Beach Read!" However, if you're hungry for an involved, intense, romantic suspense novel? Yeah, this novella is a bit like Chinese food. It's tasty, but you'll be hungry again an hour later.

Final Grade = B-

This story can be purchased via Ellora's Cave.

Wendy Takes Crime Detour

I seem to be in an excessively cranky mood about...well...everything at the moment. And instead of subjecting my cranky, irrational mood on the Interwebs (see people, it's call restraint....) I thought I would embrace my crankiness by highlighting an upcoming crime novel filled to the brim with pulpy goodness that I'm tempted to sell one of my ovaries to get my hands on.

Choke Hold by Christa Faust, the second book to feature former porn star turned vigilante, Angel Dare, is due out March 2011. And the only thing keeping me from turning into a brainless, slobbering, fangirl-y mess is the fact that her publisher, Hard Case Crime (part of Dorchester) tends to send me books in advance here at work. Dear God, I hope this will be one of them.

Description:

INSIDE THE WORLD OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS—AND MURDER...

Angel Dare went into Witness Protection to escape her past—not as a porn star, but as a killer who took down the sex slavery ring that destroyed her life. But sometimes the past just won’t stay buried. When a former co-star is murdered, it’s up to Angel to get his son, a hotheaded MMA fighter, safely through the unforgiving Arizona desert, shady Mexican bordertowns, and the seductive neon mirage of Las Vegas...

I loved the first book in the series, and am beyond ecstatic that Faust has decided to return with another book featuring Angel. Of course like an idiot, I made the mistake of reading the sample chapter on the Hard Case Crime web site, and now I'm wondering if storming the Dorchester editorial offices and taking Faust's editor hostage until I get my hands on the full manuscript might be a tad excessive. Too much you think? Maybe? But seriously, what self-respecting crime lover could blame me after reading snippets like this:

"Look," Vic continued. "I know you got no reason to give me the time of day, not after the way I fucked everything up between us. But I just want a few minutes of your time, to make amends."

"Amends?" I looked over at the old guy at the counter, waiting for his pie. He was starting to look annoyed. "It’s ancient history, Vic."

"Indulge me, Angel," Vic said. "It’s part of my recovery."

The old charm was pretty threadbare but it still made me smile despite myself.

"Is a blow job for old time's sake part of your recovery too?" I asked.

He cracked a grin that took years off his weathered face.

"Come on." He put his hand to his heart, mock offended. "What kind of guy do you think I am?"

"I know exactly what kind of guy you are," I told him. "That’s the problem."

"Just a few minutes, Angel," Vic said. "Please? The blow job is optional."

I laughed and rolled my eyes.

"Go talk to your kid," I told him. "I’m off at midnight, okay?"

Seriously. Can. Not. Wait. To. Read. This. Now to distract myself for the next 9 months....

Random Romance Sunday: Barbie And Ken Trapped In Wind Tunnel

The Book: Colby Velocity by Debra Webb

The Particulars: Harlequin Intrigue #1222, August 2010

The Blurb:

Former Equalizer Leland "Rocky" Rockford did not have a problem working with Colby Agent Kendra Todd. As far as he was concerned, partnering with her was one of the benefits of their agencies' merger. Something about her calm and composed air made him want to ruffle her feathers—until they were assigned to a murder case.

Fully in professional mode, Rocky was willing to do whatever necessary to support Kendra—and keep her safe. But as the case started cracking, so did the walls around her guarded heart. Now, with questions and the bodies piling up, they must outmaneuver the shadowy element that not only wants them to fail, but wants them dead….

Is It In Wendy's TBR?: No, and I'm unlikely to add it for the sole reason that holy mother, is this a mammoth series! Assuming Webb's web site it current? Yeah, this is Book #40 featuring "The Colby Agency." Seriously, authors? My advice is to find a series idea that will "hit" with one of the HQ lines. Talk about job security!

Any Reviews?: Not that I could find, but then even though this book is currently on sale via eHarlequin - it's technically an August release.

Anything Else?: I personally feel that Harlequin has made wonderful strides with their cover art the last couple of years in particular. That said, WTFBBQ covers still do happen on occasion, and for reasons I'm not quite sure of, they tend to happen more frequently in the Intrigue line. Maybe it's merely my perception - or maybe it's just really hard to convey "danger, excitement and romance" all on the same cover.

Anyway, I was going to crack a bunch of "Rocky" related jokes here ("Yo, Adrian!") but man, that cover. I keep waiting to see if the heroine's skin will peel off her face. And the way she's looking up towards the sky? It's like there's a UFO off-cover that's sending down a tractor-beam to suck her brains out of her skull. In comparison, the hero has this totally vacant, dumbfounded look on his face that makes me question his IQ. Snap to it buddy! You have a gun strapped to your chest, and there's your poor hapless honey getting her brains sucked out by an alien tractor beam.

Heh, although who knows? Maybe he's a hero who wants his heroine rendered completely brain-dead. Hard to tell without reading the book to find out....

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?