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Friday, November 20, 2009:
A mini review of Covet by JR Ward (2009)
 Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charge with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option.
Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough-talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior, and a woman who makes him question his destiny. With an ancient evil ready to claim him, Vin has to work with a fallen angel not only to win his beloved over...but to redeem his very soul.
Really, what can I say about this book that hasn't been said numerous times? Not much, if anything. "Covet" has been reviewed by better and more eloquent people than me, however I still feel compelled to add my jumbled thoughts to the mix. The premise of the book sounds intriguing, and if anyone is addicted to the crack that is the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by Ms. Ward, it was only a matter of time before this book would be consumed by said addicts. I would almost describe myself as a recovering addict, because while I loved the first 4 books (yes dammit I did love Butch's & Marissa's book, and no, you can't take that away from me!), the next 3 books started to lose the magic. I'm sorry to say that I feel like JR Ward promises big yet delivers little. She holds back from really giving us the genuine goods. Take the whole Butch/V thing. Come on, why not go there? And who isn't irritated with the Scribe Virgin, right? Yet at the same time, the author doesn't follow through in her own mythology. And don't get me started about Jane... However this is not a review of the BDB books. This is about "Covet". We have this guy, Jim, who teeters on the edge of being good and bad, who ends up being chosen to save the world because of it. Okay, I'm good with that. Then there's Vin, this mega rich hottie who is about to propose to his girlfriend. Loved Vin when we first meet him. And finally we have Marie-Terese, an extremely reluctant prostitute who's in it for her own personal reasons. I really liked M-T, and felt sympathetic towards her situation. But then once all the players are in place, the action begins to drag. Turning each page is an effort as we try to follow along with the rules of the game without falling asleep. We discover some interesting facts about Vin, and his past, which should have been a huge freakin' clue to the guy why bad stuff was going down. We also find out some things about his girlfriend, which, even if you weren't paying attention, were pretty obvious from the minute she shows up on stage. There are no real surprises here. Even the discovery of the guy tracking M-T is rather anti-climatic. If there is anything good to be said, at least JR doesn't lapse completely into the BDB slang, though the word "freshies" makes an appearance, and makes me cringe every single time. I know many readers were annoyed by the silly lack of question marks. Count me in with that. The lacklustre performances were hurtful. I didn't even care for Jim by the time the movie is over. That is probably the biggest disappointment - not feeling anything while reading this book, other than relief when it was over. Seriously, getting through the book was like fighting a battle, a battle to stay awake. Now I know this review doesn't really "say" anything. I'm not giving you plot, or the order of events. I'm sure if you look at a lot of reviews out there, you can find it. I just wanted to express my feelings about the story. As I stated, I have nothing original to add. I think I'm mostly patting my back here that I actually finished the book. It does feel like a major accomplishment. But I have a feeling I'm in it for the long haul. I'm rather disappointed in myself for deciding to stick with it, but at this point it's some compunction that won't let me stop. It's embarrassing really, this need to continue reading. But that's how it's gonna be. Rating: ***1/2 out of ***** : a big fat MEH. Labels: JR Ward, quickie review
posted by Stacy~ at 11/20/2009 07:38:00 AM
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Thursday, November 19, 2009:
Mini reviews: "Don't Tempt Me" & "Yours For the Night"
 WHO IS SHE? Simon Quinn can have any woman he wants, but he prefers them jaded, worldly, and free of illusions. His life is one of danger and temporary pleasures. An Irish commoner, he has nothing more than his expertise as a lover and mercenary to recommend him and no title, property, or family to redeem him. Lysette Rousseau is a deadly beauty who can seduce or betray with equal skill. She should be just the sort of woman Simon entertains, but something about her sets him on edge. At times she is a femme fatale he cannot abide, at others she is warm, sweet, and irresistibly alluring. His reactions to both sides of her are equally powerful, but for opposite reasons. It seems almost as if there are two women in one...
TWINS!
...one wounded and exploited, the other innocent but strong. Lynette Rousseau will do anything to reclaim the sister who doesn't remember her. She will gain the proficiency required to enter the underworld her sibling occupies. But how will she defend herself against the enigmatic, seductive Simon Quinn? A man who can liberate Lysette, but whose insatiable desires may ensnare Lynette forever...
I am a long-time fan of Sylvia Day, have been way before her Marked series came out, and this one is another of her wonderful historicals. This one is a continuation of her Georgian series, this being book #4, and probably my 2nd favorite out of the series.
What I liked:
Simon. He was a wonderful hero, protective of the heroine, yet not so perfect he was boring. He was a gorgeous Irish gangsta in a sense, and while he disliked Lysette, his feelings for Lynette were completely different. Their attraction is explosive, and they have a fabulously hot night of lovin' together where Simon treated her right for her first time.
Lysette and Mr. James. As much as I enjoyed their interactions, this was a relationship I would have liked to see develop further. Lysette had been abused in her past and recently survives a horrible fire, and Mr. James is a gruff, ordinary man who develops a reluctant passion for her.
The intrigue. Spies, and secrets and vendettas. I love that stuff. Flushing out the villain and facing dangers from long ago. Starr-crossed lovers. It's all good.
What I didn't like:
Too quick of a read. This book seemed to be so much shorter than previous installments, and I felt like there were things missing. Almost like the Cliffs' Notes version in a sense. Plus, like most readers, I don't like it when the main characters spend so much time apart. They only know each other briefly. I would have liked to have seen Simon and Lynette interact more with each other and "watch" them fall in love. I know it can happen in an instant, but I like to savor the experience.
The heroine's mother. While I didn't quite hate her, I really didn't care for her. She does what she does all for love, and yeah that's great, but then she tries to separate her daughter and Simon. Which just may have been indictative of her being a protective parent, but I wasn't happy with her about that. Overall though, there's not much to dislike. My issue was that it was a quicker read than I was anticipating, so I feel like I do when I only get one piece of chocolate: that's it??? I definitely wanted more, and felt a bit cheated. So it wasn't a bad book, just not enough of one to satisfy me. I'm wondering if there will be another installment. I couldn't find anything @ Sylvia's site under "coming soon", but I'll keep my fingers crossed... Rating: **** out of *****
 Transformed into mistresses of the night, three women discover that sometimes fulfilling your deepest desire is the most dangerous thing you can do. Meet Marianna Whitney, Dominique Lowe, and Noelle St. James-three ordinary women who discover that becoming modern-day courtesans can help them satisfy their clients' most extraordinary fantasies, as well as their own.
I saw Dear Author's review of this book and pretty much have to agree with the commentary. I was expecting something totally different than what I got out of the first 2 stories. I thought I would find naughty tales of women who enjoy their work and make no apologies for it.
The Girlfriend Experience: Marianne pretty much has to find some way to make money, and one of her friends tells her all about Courtesans, Inc., which sounds like the answer to her prayers. But she has reservations about it. Understandable. But her behavior and actions were more in line with that of 23-year old fresh out of college struggling to make ends meet rather than that of the 35-year old woman she actually is. I couldn't respect her for being such a ninny. Then she goes and finds her knight in shining armor almost right out of the box. And Chase, the knight? Wouldn't he have more of an issue about falling for someone who gets paid to have sex? It just seemed to perfect.
Payback: I wavered on this one because I liked it in a lot of ways, but in others I didn't. Dominique's motivation in becoming a courtesan was revenge. Her husband dumps her for a younger woman, and the only way she can get validation is by having mega rich men pay for her sexual favors. When she ends up sleeping with Gabriel as a one-night stand instead of as a paid escort, it seems pretty evident that Gabriel was attracted to her from the start, but once she tells him what she does for a living, she can't wrap her head around his feelings. So there were moments when she was a strong, empowered woman who enjoyed being a courtesan and the power it granted her, but in others she was still entangled in her feelings of unworthiness due to her painful divorce. Finally she came to her senses.
Triple Play: This story was more what I was expecting, yet it was still remarkably romantic in an unconventional way. Noelle LOVED being a courtesan, and it wasn't needing the money or needing validation that made her do it. She reveled in her sexuality and lived out her fantasies with the men who paid for her. But after a time, the experience has lost its spark, and she needs something new to keep the excitement alive. She finds it in Dax Deacon (yes, that's his name), a man who's greatest pleasure is to watch. He's all about the woman's pleasure, whether it's with him, or other men. He pushes her to the limits, and she loves it all. That is until it appears that Dax might be losing interest. Then Noelle realizes that she might have just found the perfect man only to have him not want her. Of course by the end they realize how wonderful they are together, and we get the impression all will be well with Noelle and Dax. Naughty, exciting and wild as well. I actually liked this story the best, even though once again the heroine is a little too motivated by a man's thoughts and opinions. I'm not big on having the heroine so emotionally dependent on the hero. That sounds like an oxymoron in an athology about courtesans, but each of the women displayed a varying level of subjection to the man in her life, needing his validation to make them feel worthy of him. That always rubs me the wrong way.
Some readers may enjoy these three very different stories, so I won't tell anyone it was a bad book, because it's not. It just didn't have the empowering message that I was rather expecting to find.
Rating: ***1/2 out of ***** Labels: Jasmine Haynes, Sylvia Day
posted by Stacy~ at 11/19/2009 07:06:00 AM
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009:
Book alert: "Cold Sight" by Leslie Parrish
 Her Black CAT series “crackles with dark, edgy, danger.”* Now Leslie Parrish introduces eXtreme Investigations, a band of psychic investigators interested only in the cases nobody else wants—the coldest ones …
After being made a scapegoat in a botched investigation that led to a child’s death, Aidan McConnell became a recluse. Still, as a favor to an old friend, Aidan will help on the occasional XI case. But under his handsome, rugged façade, he keeps his emotions in check—for fear of being burned again. Reporter Lexie Nolan has a nose for news—and she believes a serial killer has been targeting teen girls around Savannah. But no one believes her. So she turns to the new paranormal detective agency and the sexy, mysterious Aidan for help. But just as the two begin forging a relationship, the case turns eerily personal for Lexie—and Aiden discovers that maybe he hasn’t lost the ability to feel after all…
Slated for a July 2010 release.
It is so mine! Labels: Leslie Parrish
posted by Stacy~ at 11/18/2009 06:52:00 AM
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009:
Spotlight: P - Leslie Parrish
 A few months ago, some of you may remember that I was all gushy over Leslie Parrish's recently released romantic suspense series. Though some time has passed, that hasn't changed a bit. In fact, I'm hoping quite madly that there will be more books in the Black Cat series for us to enjoy. There are things we need to know!
And that is partially the reason why Leslie is the featured guest in this week's author spotlight. In addition to being one of the Plotmonkeys, a group of 4 wonderful writers and friends whom I've had the pleasure of meeting over the years, she has also been incredibly generous with her time, letting me harass, um, interview her for my blog. (Here is my interview with Leslie). I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity, because not only is Leslie one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, she's also someone I like a whole heck of a lot. The girl's a good egg :)
Something I recently learned about at Leslie's blog and am quite excited about is that though it's not about a Black Cat book, Leslie continues to write like a fiend, and this here is the cover (but perhaps not the final version) to her new eXtreme investigation series, Extra Sensory Agents. If she writers paranormal half as well as she writes romantic suspense, I am going to be one damn happy reader. I don't know any more details than that, but I will try to stay on top of things because if nothing else, I'm dying to find out. I find it interesting that she's not electing to have a 3rd pen name for these books. It makes sense to me that she isn't, if the series are similar in mood and subgenre, with just a hint of something extra thrown in the mix. Personally though it wouldn't make a difference one way or another if she elected to go with a completely different name or not. The writing is what matters most to me. So here's to another awesome-sounding series being written by one of my favorite writers. It's definitely going to be an auto-buy for me. Just out of curiosity: would you follow a favorite author into a subgenre that doesn't appeal to you?
Labels: Leslie Parrish, spotlight
posted by Stacy~ at 11/17/2009 06:55:00 AM
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Monday, November 16, 2009:
August Rush (2007) - movie review
 http://www.booksamillion.com/: AUGUST RUSH is part romance, part gentle fantasy, but this sweet drama is all heart. When young cellist Lyla (Keri Russell) and rock musician Louis (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) meet at a party in the mid 1990s, it's love at first sight, and they spend the night in each other's arms. But Lyla's father forces them apart, even though she later learns she's pregnant. Later, an accident lands Lyla in the hospital, and though her father tells her that her baby died, the child survives and is given up for adoption.
AUGUST RUSH jumps to the present and begins to follow Evan (Freddie Highmore), an 11 year old who has grown up in a boys' home. As Evan embarks on a crusade to find his parents, he imagines he can communicate with them through his gift for music. His journey to New York City brings him into contact with Wizard (Robin Williams), a man eager to capitalize on the child prodigy's talent. Wizard gives Evan the name August Rush as he begins performing all over the city, but the boy's ultimate goal is to find the parents he has never met.
From FINDING NEVERLAND to CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Highmore has displayed an almost prodigious talent himself. He's a gifted young actor, and this emotional story is the perfect venue for his acting. AUGUST RUSH isn't a film for the cynics, but even the hard-hearted in the audience will have difficulty not being touched by this sentimental film. As in Evan's life, music plays a central role in AUGUST RUSH, and it's tough not to let your heart soar along with the melodies. Though it could draw comparisons to OLIVER! and ANNIE, this is a unique and heartwarming film.
I've wanted to see this movie since it came out in theatres almost 2 years ago, but I never did. Though it's been in my Netflix queue for awhile, it finally made its way up to the top, and I watched it over the weekend. I must have been in the right frame of mind for it, because I ended up enjoying it much more than I imagined I would. Part of the reason is because I am completely in awe of music, and I can relate to Evan (August Rush) on some level with his affinity for it. He hears music everywhere - in the trees, in a dog barking, in the dribble of a basketball. To him, he's able to create something wondrous and beautiful out of seemingly unrelated sounds. The music flows through him, and he harnesses its sound to create something powerful and harmonious. Evan has an unwavering belief that his parents are out in the world looking for him, and that the only way they will find him is through the music they gave to him. He leaves the boys' home he's lived in for the last 11 years to go search for them. His journey leads him to New York, a place filled with incredible music, but also a place that can be dangerous and scary for a young boy. He ends up under the wing of a street performer, who takes Evan in, acting as a paternal figure, in a fashion. But his eyes are on a bigger prize as he tries to intimidate Evan out of his desire to find his parents. However Evan will not be swayed. His belief in the music and its connection to his parents is too strong, and soon he finds himself in an incredible situation that will allow his music to be heard by thousands.
Meanwhile, Louis and Lyla, have felt something missing for over ten years, after they spent one magical night together. Circumstances tore them away from each other back then, but neither has forgotten, and though they put away their music as a way of moving on, eventually they find their way back to it. Lyla learns that the son she thought she'd lost in an accident is very much alive, and Louis realizes that his desire to find the woman he cannot forget is too strong to ignore. So they both go in search of their past, not realizing what a precious gift awaits them...
Yes, I cried during this movie. I was moved by the music; Lyla's concert performances, Louis' bar band, and most especially Evan's incredible symphonies. It's a sappy movie, but sweet as well. The music keeps it from being too cheesy, I think. But who cares if it didn't, because I love cheese! The film focuses on August and his journey to find his parents, and also how music has always lived within him. I loved how even the most unlikely sounds could bring a smile to his face.
I liked Keri Russell as Lyla. She plays this heartbroken, lovely woman with such dignity. She's fragile but has a stronger side to her, and I thought she was the perfect choice to play August's mother. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a bit more removed, but there is a sweet scene between him and August that made me smile. One thing I thought was cool is how they let Louis (JRM) be Irish. I could listen to him talk all day. I'm not a huge JRM fan, but I have flashes where I can totally understand his appeal. Freddie Highmore was August, no question. And the ending of the movie was just right. I cannot picture it happening any other way.
So yeah, if you are in the mood for a sentimental movie and you haven't seen this, go check it out. I loved for the music alone, but the love stories are quite nice as well.
Added bonus: Marshall, Louis' brother, is played by Alex O'Loughlin, who also played Mick in the short-lived t.v. show "Moonlight". I'd like me some of that ;)
Rating: **** out of ***** Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 11/16/2009 06:53:00 AM
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Friday, November 13, 2009:
Catching up with online friend Dani :)
Danielle & me
Y'all know me as the world's biggest procrastinator, so it should be no surprise it took me 3 days to finally post about my meeting with online friend Danielle. I've known Dani for a few years, being on the same loops and all, but had no idea we lived so close to each other. I think we were talking about a booksigning on one of the loops when I finally figured it out. So of course after some time had passed, we were able to find some time where we were both free to have lunch. For those of you who already know Dani, she's a total doll. I felt immediately comfortable with her, and it was a pleasure talking with someone who loves romance as much as I do. Our tastes are a little different, but there's still nothing like gushing over books with a fellow romance reader. (Just ask my Twitter pimps, er, pals).
The other impressive thing about her is her incredible knowledge. The woman can run circles around me, especially when it comes to talking ebooks and ereaders and finding great bargains. I'm still locked in the 20th century and haven't been swept away by the magic of the ebook reader, but if I ever find myself yearning to buy one, Dani is going to be my go-to girl. She does her homework and knows more than I would even think to ask. After lunch we had hit the nearby B&N, where the upcoming Nook was being featured. It was obvious she knew more than the salesperson, an older gentleman who probably didn't know any more about ereaders than I did. That day I bought 6 books, 4 in the Jeaniene Frost series of which I took a picture of with my new phone, but it came out too small for some reason. (Once I figure it out, I might try posting it again). I also bought 2 by Simone Elkeles since I'm a bit infatuated with YA after reading her "Perfect Chemistry". After that we parted ways, but what a fun way to spend the afternoon. We made plans to catch up in a few months, after the craziness of the holidays settles down. I never tire of catching up with online friends, especially those who love romance, since none of my RL friends do, outside of the Twilight series, which I'll be honest, just doesn't cut it. Can't wait to do it again. Thank you Dani, for a wonderful day spent talking books, bargains, and ebook readers :) How far would you travel to meet your online friends? Labels: friends
posted by Stacy~ at 11/13/2009 06:50:00 AM
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Thursday, November 12, 2009:
"Skin Game" by Ava Gray (2009) - review
 A beautiful fugitive—wanted dead or alive.
Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target’s strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist—anything she wants… for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father’s murder; with deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano’s inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.
A hit man who never misses the mark.
Reyes has nothing but his work. Pity for Kyra, he’s the best and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He’s been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash—and bring her back to face Serrano’s “justice.” Dead will do, if he can’t locate the loot. He’s never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce heat and her outlaw heart. So Reyes has a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.
Really, what can I say about this book that hasn't been said already? Basically what it comes down to is that Ann Aguirre is a master at whatever she writes. Truly. Whether it be science fiction or urban fantasy or paranormal. Whatever. This story, while having some otherworldly elements, is closer to a straight contemporary than anything else, proving that Ms. Aguirre, here as Ava Gray, doesn't need any extra trimmings to write an incredibly absorbing and entertaining tale yet still evoking powerful emotion and longing. Despite the gritty and rawness of this novel, it nevertheless tugged at my heartstrings most insistently and shows that love can be found in even the most unlikely of places.
Kyra is unlike any other heroine that you'll probably come across, mostly because she stays true to herself all the way through, despite how she changes after meeting Reyes. She may finally have connected with another person, but deep down she's still the same person she's always been. Also, Kyra does whatever she can to survive. She doesn't just talk the talk. This woman has done things that you can't walk away from, yet instead of turning away from her, I found myself admiring her for how she's survived. She's never known any other kind of life, and she has her own code that she lives by. You won't see her sitting behind a desk or being a soccer mom, but that doesn't make her any less appealing.
Reyes is the man sent to kill her for conning a dangerous and powerful man, and he intends to do just that. No, he's not too soft to kill a woman, but he has his own moral code as well, and believing she killed her father, he convinces himself she deserves to die for it. However the woman he tails is not the woman he thought she was. Despite his reservations though, he still plans to carry out the hit, waiting only long enough to find out where she hid the money she took when she ran from Gerard Serrano.
But this fearless, edgy woman surprises him again and again, arousing him more than any other woman, and he feels more alive when he's around Kyra, suffused in her irresistible energy. He knows that breaking away from her is inevitable, but he wants it to last as long as possible. Together they experience a wild, crazy, dangerous adventure, and for a little while, neither of them feel so alone...
My thoughts:
Loved this book. Absolutely, positively. It's not a fluffy, sweet, light-hearted love story, but it's still incredibly sexy and romantic in a very basic, elemental way. Kyra and Reyes are unlike any couple I can ever remember reading about, even those written about by the same author. They are truly like a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde in a sense, on the run, avoiding the law at all costs. They go where the thrill of the con draws them, but their choices are also based on their conscience. No assaults against innocent, good people. They are compatible in so many ways, and these similarities surprise them. Reyes doesn't expect such a delicate, lovely woman to indulge in rough sex and have a history of breaking the law and being involved in unavoidable violence, but it's the life she's always known. Kyra has an extraordinary gift that she cannot share with others without risk to herself, yet Reyes accepts this about her quite easily, sensing something different about her from the moment they meet.
While theirs is not a life I can imagining living, nor would I want to, I can't help but feel all these warm and fuzzy feelings about two hard, dangerous and magnetic characters, not to mention being rather envious of their incredibly erotic sexxin'. Kyra is not a breakable woman dreaming of being wooed with sweet promises and soft touches, and Reyes is not the kind of man prone to tender words and grand gestures, but together, these two create something memorable and lasting together. Brought together by a dangerous man bent on revenge, Reyes and Kyra forge a connection that they cannot easily walk away from, no matter how hard they want to. Their's is not an easy life, but it's one lived on their terms, without apology.
So thank you Ann Aguirre for writing such a powerful, moving, gritty story, one that stays with you long after you finish the last page and has you longing for more. Also a story that isn't your traditional romance but still incorporates all of my favorite things about a memorable story. You're already an auto-buy author for me, but now I'm DYING for the next installment. "Skin Tight" cannot be released soon enough for my taste.
Rating: ***** out of *****
Labels: Ava Gray, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 11/12/2009 07:14:00 AM
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009:
"In the Flesh" by Livia Dare (2009) - review
AN INFAMOUS BEAUTY. A DARING WARRIOR. . .
For five years, Sapphire has been the King of Sari’s most treasured concubine. Independent at last, she refuses to put herself in anyone’s control again. But now another’s meddling has led her into the path of proud, arrogant Wulfric, Crown Prince of the rival kingdom of D’Ashier. . . a man who is dangerous to her in every way.
AND A SEDUCTION THAT COULD DESTROY THEM BOTH
The daughter of Wulfric’s fiercest opponent, Sapphire is a prized warrior in her own right and highly skilled in the sensual arts—in short, Wulfric’s perfect match. A lasting union is unthinkable, but the bargain they strike—to spend one night together, and then part—proves impossible in the face of a desire powerful enough to bring two countries to the brink of war, and two hearts to the point of surrender. . . I've been a fan of Sylvia Day for years, and having recently loved her SJ Day books, I was excited to see yet another series, under the name Livia Dare, being released. This is a story Sylvia wrote 5 years ago, which has now been renamed "In The Flesh". Sapphire is the king's favorite concubine, yet despite the pride she takes in her work, this is not a love match, at least not for her. Sapphire is a pragmatic woman, and knows the king doesn't really love her, at least not the way she deserves to be loved, and she's fully aware of the strain her presence places on his marriage to Queen Brenna. In fact she encourages him to go to his wife, to start a family so that he will finally have an heir, but the king is obsessed and wishes to be with no other woman but Sapphire. However the king does agree to release her from her contract, making her a free woman, with the belief she will return to him. However Sapphire has other ideas.... Prince Wulfric knows something is amiss while out on patrol with his men, but by the time he fully realizes it, it's much too late, and the prince is taken prisoner. Beaten and tortured, his death is almost assured, until Queen takes matters into her own hands and devises a devious plan that will most assuredly end in Sapphire's death. By placing Prince Wulfric as Sapphire's prisoner, the queen believes once Wulfric realizes who is holding him captive - the daughter of his enemy - he will murder her. Of course because this is a romance novel, things don't go according to her evil plan. For one thing, Sapphire doesn't count on the immediate lust she feels when she gazes at Wulfric's masculine perfection, or that her body would betray her so shockingly in his presence. For another, Wulfric is near death, and almost embraces his fate, until he witnesses the sensual concubine's inability to disguise her intense attraction to him. Something about the way her hungry eyes gaze upon him evokes a strong need, one that urges him to fight to live instead of giving up to die....
My thoughts: "In The Flesh" is a very sexy story, but also an emotional one, which I love. You have two very strong-willed people fighting each other to get their own way, both stubborn, proud, and very attracted to each other. First you have Wulfric, who is used to always getting his way. Everything in life has come easily to him, so to have this striking, fearless female stand up to him baffles him as much as it entices him. He's torn by his desire, knowing nothing good can come of it. In fact to pursue it would surely mean war between their countries. Yet he cannot think of anything beyond possessing this fiery woman and making her his. Then there's Sapphire, a woman who's been trained since birth in the sensual arts of a concubine, a rather prestigious role, especially as that of the favored treasure of the king. She reminded me so much of Inara from "Firefly" here, practical about her position, revered and respected, she accepts her fate while not exactly embracing it. For her, she's never known the touch of a lover whose purpose was to please her, so her attraction to her father's enemy stuns her. Why he should be the one to awaken her passion is beyond her comprehension. Together, these two set each other on fire. It's not long before they both give into the overwhelming desire that doesn't let them think of anything else. What brings them together is lust, but from these earthy feelings grows a stronger, truer bond. Despite their wariness, their distrust, neither can ignore the feelings that develop over time. Because despite their differences, both Sapphire and Wulf begin to recognize the rightness of their union, and see how evenly matched they are to each other. I won't lie, there is a lot of sex in this book. In fact these two can barely breathe without crawling all over each other. But what makes it so much more interesting is that while they engage in numerous heated, raw, needy bouts of sex, each encounter is tempered with incredible emotion. Usually at this point of the book when the hero and heroine can't keep their hands off each other for the 15th time, I get bored and flip the pages. The scenes become filler at that point. But both Wulf and Sapphire are helpless not just to passion, but to the love that grows so strongly and quickly between them. In that moment when they first saw each other, something happened that changed them both forever, something they cannot walk away from, no matter how hard they try. What also intrigues me is their future. This was book #1 in the Sapphire trilogy, and while it ends happily, there is this sense that all of that could change, which kinda makes me nervous. Their countries are at war, and the king is not ready to let Sapphire go. I admit that I do worry the direction the story may take. But that's rather premature of me. Right now I'm just very glad I read it, and I'm happy that there are 2 more books in the series. Rating: ****1/2 out of *****
Labels: Livia Dare, review
posted by Stacy~ at 11/11/2009 10:10:00 AM
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009:
the happenings at my place
It's been awhile since I've talked about what I've been up to, other than reading, plus I don't have an "O" author for my spotlight, and I'm not ready with "P", so I'm taking this week off. Since I'm the most boring person on the planet, I haven't really had much to talk about lately, other than books, and my serious case of reader envy LOL. Which, in case anyone misunderstood, was all (mostly) tongue-in-cheek. I think if I stepped away from the computer more, I'd actually get some reading done! Yeah, good luck with that *g* 
Sunday was a lot of fun, as I trekked into the city to meet up with some friends at the Drake Hotel for afternoon tea, something I've never been before. The weather was so nice - almost 70 degrees in November - and the train ride was smooth and quick. Grabbed a taxi the rest of the way there which took a few minutes. I love taxi cab drivers. They get to where you need to go, and fast. And while I waited, I did try to take some pictures on my new phone, but I only saved one. I'll need to figure out a way to make them bigger....
Now I've made no secret that I'm not much of a tea drinker, or at least I wasn't much of one until about a few years ago when I stepped inside Teavana to buy a gift, and tasted the most wonderful tea I'd ever could have imagined. It was a combination of 2 different teas, the kinds of which escapes me at the moment, but it was an amazing blend. Anyway, each of us got to choose our own tea, which they brought out in individual teapots for us, and I went with a caffeine-free blend, the chocolate mint truffle, which was very good, not too strong and not too sweet. I would definitely have that one again. We sat right next to the harp player, which I really liked. I didn't think she was too loud, though some of her musical selections had us cringing. Still, it's a beautiful instrument, and if you didn't listen to closely, very enjoyable to listen to while sipping tea and eating cucumber sandwiches. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. Tomorrow I'm meeting up with an online friend I've never met before - Danielle. She lives not all that far from me, but this is our first opportunity to get together, and I'm really looking forward to it :) I think I will take my regular camera and use that instead of my phone, which I still have to master. I hope to have some good pictures to post. Danielle's been warned LOL. I am just about to finish the 7th and final season of The Gilmore Girls; 2 more episodes left. All in all, I liked it way more than I thought I would. It was a pleasant surprise. Now I'm going to try and clear out my Netflix queue before asking for more viewing selections. I have about 70 dvds in there, some movies, mostly t.v. shows, so I hope to whip through those more finding more new shows to love. Do I dare start 24 when it's just about to go into, what, it's 8th season?????? Now I'm off to go read for a bit. I have a few days off from work and I FINALLY got my copy of Ava Gray's "Skin Game", which I've been whining about for days on Twitter. Now that it's in my hot little hands, I plan on spending some quality time with Reyes. So off I go..... What have you been up to lately? Labels: ramblings
posted by Stacy~ at 11/10/2009 07:00:00 AM
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