Promoting Night Keepers by Jessica Andersen

Check out this upcoming release by debut author Jessica Andersen titled The NightKeepers. It is Jessica Andersen's first novel in The Final Prophecy Series and is to be released on June 3. 2008. The premise of this new paranormal series is rooted in an ancient Mayan prophecy and sounds like a unique and refreshing new take on the paranormal. Check it out! The following blurb is quoted from Ms. Andersen's website:

According to the Mayan doomsday prophecy, time ends on December 21, 2012. In Nightkeepers, the last king of an ancient race of magi must team up with a sexy Miami-Dade narcotics detective in order to reunite his scattered warriors and fight the gods of the Mayan underworld. Wielding ancestral blood magic, the king must choose between his duty to avert the 2012 apocalypse and his love for the woman who is the gods' destined sacrifice.

The girls over at The Book Binge are holding a contest for a free copy of this paranormal novel. But hurry! You have until 12:00 pm PST TODAY to enter. The details about the contest can be found here.

Be sure to check out Holly's review of Night Keepers, and don't miss Holly's author interview with Jessica Andersen as well.

REVIEW: Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: BOOK 6

A loving shout out to to my 'darling' California girl for sharing her ARC of Lover Enshrined with me. You've got great taste in authors and heroes, girl! I have such a blast reading books with you (across the continent) and discussing all the juicy bits and pieces along the way. You're the best, baby girl! MUAH! xoxo ;)

If you've been reading J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, a.k.a. the BDB, a.k.a. crack, you basically know what's going on at the onset of this book. Always acting the hero, Phury volunteered to take the role of the race's Primale away from Vishous so he (Vishous) could be monogamous with Jane. So as the Primale, Phury is supposed to save the race by mating with the forty Chosen so that more vampire warriors will be born to fight in the war against the Omega and his lessers. But there is a few problems. Phury took a vow of celibacy since way before his transition hundreds of years ago and is therefore still a virgin. Well sort of. There was that one time in the bathroom at ZeroSum a few months ago, but since he pulled out, he seems to think he's still somewhat of a virgin. Anyway, he's got another problem as well, and this one is really fucking him up and putting him in a bad place. Phury is a drug addict and it's not only affecting his relationships, which is sad in and of itself, but it's also interfering with his ability to do his job.

Since Lover Unbound was a somewhat controversial installment in this series, many followers of Ward's BDB series have been waiting with uncertainty for Lover Enshrined. While I certainly cannot predict readers' responses to this series, I can say with fair amount of confidence that Lover Enshrined will satisfy many a crack... errr... BDB addict. It is not Ward's best love story, as the romance between Phury and Cormia is somewhat overshadowed by so many other intense events that are taking place, yet the novel is a very well written and cohesive installment to this mesmerizing series.

Aside from the less than stellar romance (which still works, by the way--its just not super developed-- better than Jane & V, though IMHO), there are two hang ups I have with this book, one being significantly disappointing and the other being more of an annoyance. Fortunately both these line items take place in the first few chapters of Lover Enshrined, but thankfully I put these issues aside, and moved on because the rest of the story was intense and amazing, and I really loved it.

The significant disappointment occurs in the prologue and made me heave such a sigh that my hopes for the entire story's integrity almost plummeted to nothing. Without revealing all the specifics, a particular character basically goes back in time to oversee an important event (an event that said character had previously gone back in time to initiate), and then poofs back to present time once the character's mission is set in motion. *heave-ho-sigh* Why has this time travel ability never been revealed before? And most importantly, if this character had this ability all along, said character would have gone back in time to set many other agendas in motion way before this! And I'm sure said character would have done this more than once. Is this rule breaking? Or am I missing something? Hence, the disappointing sigh while reading the prologue. I read on, shelving this disappointment to work out later--or maybe even forget. Or at least forgive. Maybe.

Next up is the annoyance factor. Enter on scene, the Omega's new Forelesser. This dude annoys the hell out of me. Yes, he's a lesser, so I know I'm not supposed to like him. He has the worst grammar and vocabulary ever. It's bad enough that he speaks horribly, but Ward also uses this language when she narrates his scenes. *head desk* I found it rather annoying, if not insulting, that Ward describes him, his thoughts and his perceptions using the same atrocious language. I suppose she was just trying to get the reader into the mindset of the character, but it was a bit much. Again, thankfully it doesn't take long for the story to progress away from the specifics surrounding the Forelesser, so the language wasn't revisited too often after his opening scenes.

One more item that might be disappointing news to many BDB fans is the genre style of Lover Enshrined. Whereas the first three novels in Ward's BDB series clearly focused on the love story between the hero and heroine with a few minor subplots, the love story between the hero and heroine in both Lover Revealed and Lover Unbound are each subsequently more and more overshadowed by other important plots within the novels. Ward's trend in this plot style continues with Lover Enshrined, as the love story between Phury and Cormia is once again not the central plot of the novel. But....

With that being said, however, I think that Lover Enshrined is possibly Ward's most intense and cohesive story yet. The character developments in Lover Enshrined are strong, natural and accurate extensions to the characters we already know and love. In addition, each character is well connected to the overall series story arc, and to each other, which really makes this novel so tight. After reading Lover Enshrined, you will feel like you know and understand many of the characters and their relationships more so than ever before.

At one time, I looked forward to seeing how Phury's mate would simply help him overcome his drug addiction and his martyr complex, but I got so much more than I expected from both Phury and his mate. Maybe their love story doesn't take center stage in the novel, but the impact both Phury and Cormia have on each other and on the entire vampire world is huge and wonderful... more so than any other couple within the Brotherhood thus far. Phury's addiction is sad, debilitating and dangerous, but forces him to confront his past, address the present and think about the future in ways he's never done before. Ward actually uses some really beautiful symbolism for this in one or two scenes. Cormia is a quiet observer, yet not afraid to verbalize her insight to those she cares about in a confident yet calming way. Despite the fact that the romance between Phury and Cormia is not super strong, their relationship develops realistically and their love for each other is believable, so it works for me.

There is also some long awaited resolution to Phury's martyr complex that involves his relationship with his twin, Zsadist. As one of the best continually developing characters in this entire series, Zsadist's role in this story as a secondary character is, as always, heart-wrenching and beautiful. It's truly no wonder he is still the most favorite Brother. Although after reading Lover Enshrined, I confess that Qhuinn is fast becoming my favorite. Okay, okay!... my equal favorite to Z.

The dynamics between the troika of John Matthew, Blaylock and Qhuinn are absolutely amazing. The bonds that these three vampires are forging as the series progresses are undeniably strong and genuine and their relationships are a literally a working definition of Brotherhood. Readers won't be disappointed with this troika-- they're fun, sexy, dangerous, and truly males of worth.

As expected, Rehv has a more visible role in this story and there are many new insights to this enigmatic half sympath, half vampire male of worth. For readers who don't quite get the appeal of this male, if you don't get it after you read Lover Enshrined, you're not really reading these books. He's already a hero in my eyes, albeit it a dangerous one whose stability is marginally kept in check, but a hero nonetheless. If you don't believe me, you'll just have to take a certain fallen angel's word for it. ;) He's extremely amusing and quite lethal....

Lover Enshrined is a fast paced, action packed, dark, heart wrenching, insightful, uplifting, and hopeful story.I truly laughed and cried and panicked several times throughout this book. Every single chapter contains many plot twists, insights and revelations on characters and plot --the kinds that fans of Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood have been waiting for and will eagerly devour and savor. And you'd better savor this story, because the next novel in this world, Rehv's story titled Lover Avenged, isn't going to be released until May 2009 and you'll be dying for your next fix! *eep!* So far away.....

GRADE: B++

Although I haven't written reviews on J.R. Ward's previous books, in retrospect, I would give the novels the following grades. This way you can compare your feelings on the series so far to mine and get a better feel for what my grade of B++ for Lover Enshrined translates for you. See the post on my grading system for a more detailed explanation of the grades.

Dark Lover (Book 1): A

Lover Eternal (Book 2) : A

Lover Awakened (Book 3) : A

Lover Revealed : (Book 4) : B

Lover Unbound (Book 5) : C

Lover Enshrined (Book 6) : B++

PLEASE NOTE: If you've read Lover Enshrined and want to leave a comment that contains a spoiler, please include ****SPOILER**** at the beginning of your comment so other visitors can avoid them, if they choose. Thanks! :)

Other reviews:

Ramblings on Romance, etc.

Cupid's Chokehold

Darque Reviews

Enchanting Reviews

Dear Author

The Good, The Bad, and The Unread

My Friday Fifteen List

My blogging friend Sarai consistently posts her Thursday Thirteen lists each week on her blog. Each week I read her list, and think, "what a great idea." Maybe I'll do a list next week. Pfft! Never happens. This week, two other blogging friends made Thursday Thirteen lists and I loved them! One is Ciaralara who posted the Top Thirteen Authors Who Rock at Writing Heroes from the Desert Island Keeper (DIK) Hero Draft. The other is Holly & Casee over at The Book Binge who posted their list of Thirteen Heroines That Need To Die LOL They're so extreme! ;) 

So anyway, I have a ton of things to do this weekend and made up my very own invented Friday Fifteen list to keep track of my three-day weekend agenda. Here it is:

FRIDAY FIFTEEN

1. Mow the lawn. 

2. Put together silk drawstring bags with Cadette girl scout troop's patches and awards for tonight's end of year dinner.

3. Buy ice cream cake for said Cadette dinner. Yum.

4. Yikes!!! Remind husband to come home early (to watch 9 year old and his old man) so that Maria and I can actually get to said Cadette dinner on time. 

5. Buy replacement part for the grill.  I so want to be cooking on the grill now. 

6. Transplant perennials in vegetable garden AND flower garden to some remote area of the property.  (Preparation for construction and both these garden beds are close to the house).  .... started this... still a lot more to go.... there's always next weekend. 

7. Scrub the girls' outdoor toy house and move to front yard.   Put 'House for Sale by Owner' sign on house and hope it sells. Not so sure about today's market. A brand new one sells for $500. How much do you think I can get for a used one? Seriously... what do you think?   The girls scrubbed the house, but we didn't get it to the front with the for sale sign on.  

I have so, so, so many sweet memories of my girls (and me) playing in this house, that its kinda sad to let it go, but omg so ridiculous to keep it when no one is playing in it, you know?  *sniff*

8. Clean out garage. No really... totally clean it out. It will be knocked down in a few weeks for construction.  God I hope its only a few weeks time.  Just got blueprints emailed to me... they're almost done!! :)   

9. Make alterations to 10 TEN!! TEN!!!!! over-priced (like ridiculously-embarrassingly over-priced-I-can't-even-tell-you-how-much-I-spent-on-these over priced) dance recital costumes for my girls. Dress rehearsals are next week and recitals (yes, they're in three shows) next weekend.  Well... organized the costumes and know exactly what I need to do... and dress rehearsals start Tuesday night! Eeep! And realized I need to go buy several pairs of tights. @.@

10. Take Maria to a really special, super cool tap dance workshop with world renowned tap dancer Savion Glover on Sunday. Holy smokes she's so excited about this opportunity. 

11. During the course of completing Item No. 8., find all pieces to the hammock and set it up in the backyard.

12. Finish reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer (hopefully IN said hammock) ..... and write review.  

13. Write a review for Lover Enshrined by JR Ward. I finished the crack book almost three weeks ago. I was so not kidding about how badly I procrastinate. OMG SO BAD.

14. Sew a year's worth of badges, patches and other achievements to both girls Girl Scout uniforms for the Memorial Day Parade.  Okay.. no time! SKIP THIS ONE! 

15. March in the parade with Girl Scout troops, honoring the men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedom. 

Oh shoot. I forgot one. Go see the Iron Man with my husband. We don't get out alone anywhere near as much as we should, and we both want to see this movie.  Plus I think its one that would be really nice to see on the big screen, not at home on DVD in a few months, so I hope we get to this.  

Oh! And another one! Watch the film The Orphanage (El Orfanato) that just came in the mail from Netflix. I LOVED Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del fauno)--the Spanish film written and directed by Guillermo del Toro.  del Toro isn't the director of The Orphanage, but he is "presenting" it (not sure what that exactly means...), and this film came highly recommended by Thea at The BookSmugglers. I think we may get to watch this tonight when I get home from the girl scout dinner thing. :) 

Send me lots of productivity vibes! Please!!! This procrastinator needs it desperately. And with that, I'm off to tackle ITEM No. 1 before the kidlets get home from school! 

Have a great long weekend everyone! :) 

ETA:  Comments in red if anyone cares to note my progress.... I actually accomplished more than I expected.  And inserted a few things not on this list... like take teen daughter to the mall to go clothes shopping (killed three hours and $100+), went to a barbeque at some friends house this evening, and played many games of Boggle with the hubby and kids.  Can't beat that! :)  

TBR Challenge: The Beast Within by Lisa Renee Jones

This is my review for the TBR Challenge I am participating in at avidbookreader.com, but I'll be honest and say that it wasn't the book I intended on reading for today's post. I started reading Rapture In Death by J.D. Robb last week, but have had a busy few weeks with end of school year stuff going on (and a kid home sick for the last few days) that I didn't get to finish it in time. The Beast Within by Lisa Renee Jones was released November 1, 2007, so really hasn't been on my TBR pile for too long, but I did read it earlier this month and it's still one book off the pile, right?

The Beast Within by Lisa Renee Jones

The Beast Within is the first novel in Lisa Renee Jones' The Knights of White paranormal series published by the Silhouette nocturne line. The Knights of White were created by the Archangel Raphael to protect humankind from the evil that preys on them in the form of the Darkland Beasts who are ruled by Cain--the fallen one of Biblical Cain and Abel. The Knights were at one time humans who were victimized by the Darkland Beasts, but saved and immortalized by Salvador, Archangel Raphael's trusted companion. The Knights have spent their immortal lives fighting the Beasts--both the Darkland Beasts, as well as the Beast that lives within them as they share some of the same blood as Cain's beasts. Each Knight must now face and defeat the Beast within themselves in order to become the powerful warriors they need to be to successfully defeat the Darkland Beasts.

In this first Knights of White novel, the leader of the Knights of White, is the first of the Knights to overcome the Beast within. Jag is a strong willed and determined leader who has the utmost respect and reverence from his fellow knights. There is no doubt that he wants to do the best he possibly can by his knights while following out his duty to defeat evil. Having spent the last several hundred years silently mourning the death of his wife at the hands of a Darkland Beast, Jag still carries tremendous guilt that he was not able to stop her violent murder. When Karen Gibson shows up at the Knights' ranch with her sister entranced by the leader of the Darkland Beasts, Jag recognizes Karen as the woman from his erotic dreams and doesn't know whether she is a gift or a curse. When it is revealed that Karen has the same erotic dreams as Jag, they are driven to determine whether their connection serves the purpose of good or that of evil before it is too late and the price is that of a life--as the lives of Karen, Jag, the Knights, and Karen's sister Eva are all at stake.

As a first novel in a series, Ms. Jones does a great job at setting up the world and introducing the main and secondary characters. While the plot seems a bit cliche and predictable, it is still fast paced, entertaining and sexy. Jag was a wonderfully silent and brooding hero, devoted to his men and his mission to fight evil. Karen's determination to protect her sister and her bravery to stand up to Jag and his Knights were both admirable qualities in a heroine.

The sex between Jag and Karen was very sexy in both their dreams and in reality when they did finally come together, but I felt that the build up of emotion between them was not there and the romance was left to the device that they shared love in their past, so poof! They shared it in the present as well. It was very sweet the way this one woman was finally able to bring out a tender and sensual side of Jag that has laid dormant since his wife's death all these hundreds of years. But, I would have still liked to see the romance developed between them without fully relying on their past connection.

I also felt like the author was repeating the same inner dialogue over and over again with Jag's perpetual struggle with whether or not Karen was delivered to him to tempt him or save him. It was explained one too many times in the narration without any progress in Jag's resolution of what to make of Karen's presence.

In addition, I felt Karen's behavior toward Jag was a bit unbelievable. One minute she was furious with him and wanted to get her sister and run fast and far from the Knight's Ranch, and then a split second later, she was melting into his impulsive kisses without even a mental struggle, let alone a physical one. That was a bit unbelievable to me, even if he did feel familiar to her. Also, I expected Karen to do more to try to escape the Ranch with Eva once she realized they were being kept under lock and key and Marisol's healing methods were so unconventional. Bravery aside, I would expect survival instincts to tell her to get the hell out of there, not make out with the leader when he comes to her room to question her.

Two secondary characters from The Beast Within that I really enjoyed were the Knight named Rock and the healer of the Knights of White, Marisol. Both have tragedies in their past and are denying their feelings for each other as it is forbidden for them to be together. I don't see their story on the horizon since according to Ms. Jones' website as the heroes and heroines of the next five books are named and Rock and Marisol aren't there! :(

The Beast Within is a sexy and sweet story, but with a fairly predictable plot and some repetitiveness in the narration.

GRADE: C+

I haven't yet decided if I'll pick up the next book in this series. I probably will if I come across it, but I'm not rushing out to get it.

Wherein Colin Ames-Beaumont raises DIK standards.

The following fantastic comment was posted on Round 5 of the Desert Island Keeper Hero Draft yesterday by none other than the Colin Ames-Beaumont.

(... And in case you live under a rock, Colin Ames-Beaumont is from the Guardians Series by Meljean Brook, and hero in Demon Moon. If you haven't already, you really need to read this series. Start at the beginning, you won't be disappointed... its smart, sassy, and sexy.)

To the lovely ladies who worship their DIKs,

I have, of course, a list of requirements that must be fulfilled before I reside in a hut.

(I will, at this time, forgo listing my objections to living in any building that can be described as a 'hut.' Good God. The list would be far too exhaustive, and an eternity not long enough to write it.)

1) All mirrors shall be removed from the premises. In any case, no one will be looking at themselves--anyone with sense will be looking at me.

2) One woman cannot supply all of the blood I require, and therefore I must be granted access to every hut.

3) If I am not provided the women I need, I will take your men. I will give them a shagging unlike any they've ever had, and for some time afterward they will be good for nothing, and very likely crawl after me, ignoring you and hoping for another tumble. At such times, they will be unavailable for mohito-making, cleaning, and various other activities that you have planned for them.

4) I prefer not to sunbathe. If you wish to see me in a bathing suit, it will have to be in the dark or indoors. If you wish to see me nude, you have only to ask -- but you must prepare yourself for the glory that awaits you, and either sit or lie on a bed first. It is so tedious to always be catching fainting women.

5) If I am traded, I prefer not to be in a hut with Hugh Castleford. It is inconceivable to me that he was chosen before me; I may very well kill him.

If, of course, he does not first lecture me to death.

6) I must have a closet, access to a shower, a toothbrush, and the Wilkes Bashford website. Upon request, I will critique the other heroes' appearances, but I will not purchase clothing for anyone but myself.

7) I will not kiss McCabe.

Forever yours,
Colin Ames-Beaumont



Posted by Anonymous to The happily ever after . . . at May 14, 2008 6:35 PM

Pssst! Meljean! You rock! ;)

Name Your Dessert Island Keeper!

a.k.a. Desert Island Keeper Hero Draft: Round 5 of 7.

Welcome players and spectators to today's (and maybe tomorrow's) round of DIK Madness. The game where friends come together and try to stake a claim on their favorite hero before their so-called friends STEAL THEM FROM YOU!!!! Nah. I'm kidding. No hard feelings. I'm sure we'll all be talking to each other again by the time Round 7 is over. Or at least by the end of next week. Definitely by 2009. Seriously. We're friends!

Below is a list of the women who selected six 'Desert Island Keeper' books to bring to our island's library almost two weeks ago. Since then, we've begun a 'Desert Island Keeper Hero Draft' for which the we are taking turns in rounds to pick seven heroes to join our island adventure.

If you need to email me your pick:

Round 1 picks are in RED.

Round 2 picks are in PURPLE.

Round 3 picks are in BLUE.

Round 4 picks are in GREEN.

Round 5 picks will be in ORANGE.

CURRENT HOLDINGS:

1. Tracy - Zsadist (Black Dagger Brotherhood series, JR Ward), Phineas Tucker (Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie), Dorian (Psy/Changeling Series, Nalini Singh), Wrath (Dark Lover, BDB series by JR Ward), Caine Allen (Caine's Reckoning, Sarah McCarty)

2. Thea - Jamie Fraser (Outlander, Diana Gabaldon) Joscelin Verreuil (Kushiel's Legacy series, Jacqueline Carey), Jacob Black (Twilight Series, Stephanie Meyer), Batman! , Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Gambit (Uncanny X-Men, Chris Claremont),

3. Sula - Rhage (Black Dagger Brotherhood series, JR Ward) Asa McIntyre (Promises Linger by Sarah McCarty), Dain (Lord of Scoundrels, Loretta Chase), Ian Witherspoon (At Love's Command, Samantha Kane), Nathaniel Bonner (Into the Wilderness, Sara Donati),

4. Shannon - Sam Donovan (Mr. Perfect, Linda Howard) Sam Starrett (Troubleshooters series, Suzanne Brockmann), Max Baghat (Troubleshooter series, Suzanne Brockmann), Adam Hauptman (Mercedes Thompson series, Patricia Briggs), Captain Malcom Reynolds a.k.a. Capt. Tight Pants (Firefly/Serenity franchise & comics, Joss Whedon),

5. Sarai - Jake Riordan (Adrien English series, Josh Lanyon) Rejar (Rejar, Dara Joy),Vaughn D'Angelo (Visions of Heat, Nalini Singh), Zarek of Moesia (Dance with the Devil, Sherrilyn Kenyon), Jonas (Breed Series, Lora Leigh),

6. Samantha Kane - Doyle/The Queen's Darkness (Merry Gentry Series, Laurell K. Hamilton) Cat, a young pirate (The Windflower, Laura London),Chief of Police Jack West( All U Can Eat, Emma Holly), Tom Paoletti (Unsung Hero, Suzanne Brockmann), Angel a.k.a. Angelis (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Angel Chronicles, Nancy Holder and or Angel: After the Fall, Brian Lynch and Franco Urru),

7. Naida - Edward Cullen (Twilight, Stephanie Meyers) John Atlantis (Entangled, Kathleen Dante), Frederick Wentworth (Persuasion, Jane Austen), Aragorn aka Strider (Lord of the Rings trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien), Tristen (Legends of the Fall, Jim Harrison),

8. MaryKate - ROARKE (In Death series, JD Robb) Lucas Hunter (Slave to Sensation, Nalini Singh), Maximillian Pesaro,( Gardella Chronicles, Colleen Gleason), Cameron Quinn (Sea Swept, Nora Roberts), Jacob Green (Vampire Queen Servant series, Joey W. Hill),

9. Lisabea - Adrien English (Adrien English series, Josh Lanyon) Colin Ames Beaumont (Demon Moon, Meljean Brook), Jake Romero (With Caution, J.L. Langley), Nate (My Fair Captain, J.L. Langley), Savitri Murray (Demon Moon, Meljean Brook),

10. KristieJ - Derek (Dreaming of You, Lisa Kleypas) Dax Silverbrake (Sky Pirate, Justine Davis) Ciaran Tamberlane (My Forever Love, Marsha Canham), Branden Kel-Paten (Games of Command, Linnea Sinclair), Gray Rouillard (After the Night, Linda Howard),

11. Katie(babs) - Alexander (The Bronze Horseman, Paullina Simons) Rehvenge (Black Dagger Brotherhood series, JR Ward), James Diaz (Cry No More, Linda Howard) Gabriel "Sully" Sullivan (Gabriel's Ghost, Linnea Sinclair), Rain Tairen Soul (Tairen Soul Series, C.L. Wilson),

12. JenB - Vane Kattalakis (Night Play, Sherrilyn Kenyon) Angel (Angel, Johanna Lindsey) Rule, (The Demon You Know, Christine Warren), Kade (Riley Jenson Guardian series, Keri Arthur), Challen (Warrior's Woman, Johanna Lindsey),

13. Ciaralira - Ethan McCabe (Demon Night, Meljean Brook) Hugh Castleford (Demon Angel, Meljean Brook) Westley (The Princess Bride, William Goldman), Lord Robert Andreville (Robin) (Angel Rogue, Mary Jo Putney), Kieran vel Solande (Tairen Soul Series, C.L. Wilson),

14. Christine - Acheron (Dark Hunter series, Sherrilyn Kenyon) Qhuinn (Black Dagger Brotherhood series, JR Ward) Vishous (Black Dagger Brotherhood series, JR Ward), Butch O'Neill (Black Dagger Brotherhood series, JR Ward), Belial (Guardians Series, Meljean Brook),

15. Carolyn Jean - Eric Northman (Sookie series, Charlaine Harris), Joe Morelli (Stephanie Plum, Janet Evanovich), Ranger (Stephanie Plum, Janet Evanovich), Michael (Guardian Series, Meljean Brook), Adrian a.k.a. Hawker (The Spymaster's Lady, Joanna Bourne)

16. Sarah - Clay (Women of the Otherworld series, Kelley Armstrong), Nathaniel (Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Series), Barinthus ( Meredith Gentry), Lucas (Heaven Sent Series, Jet Mykels), Jericho Barrons (Fever Series, Karen Marie Monings),

17. LesleyW - John Matthew aka Tehrror (Black Dagger Brotherhood series, JR Ward), Jeremy Danvers (Women of the Otherworld series, Kelly Armstrong), Vayl (Jaz and Vayl series, Jennifer Rardin), Curran (Magic Bites and Magic Burns, Ilona Andrews), Richard Tremayne High Lord of the Darkyn (Darkyn books, Lynn Viehl)

18. Tumperkin - Mick Tremore (The Proposition, Judith Ivory), Michael McNeil (Patricia Gaffney's Wild at Heart), Christian, Duke of Jervaulx (Flowers from the Storm, Laura Kinsale), Graham Wessit (Black Silk, Judith Ivory), Sebastian Verlaine (To Have and To Hold, Pat Gaffney),

19. Ana - Bowen MacRieve (Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night, Kresley Cole), Sebastian St. Vincent (Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas), Royce Westmoreland (A Kingdom of Dreams,Judith McNaught), Conrad Wroth (Dark Needs at Night's Edge, Kresley Cole), Logan a.k.a. Wolverine (X-Men),

20. Bridget Locke - Mr. Jules Cassidy (All Through the Night, Suzanne Brockmann), Bones (One Foot in the Grave and Halfway to the Grave by Jeannie Frost), Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy (Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen), Judd Laurens (Caressed by Ice, Nalini Singh), Simon Hunt (Secrets of a Summer's Night, Lisa Kleypas),

Step 1. Find your name. That is the order you choose in.

Step 2. When it's your turn, “Call” ONE hero in the comments.

(Anybody from all of literature, but you can’t have somebody who is already picked!)

Who will you pick? Tracy gets to start. Tracy, leave your hero’s name in the comments. Then Thea gets to go. And so on. After this round, everybody will have five heroes, and draft round 6 will start at Kristie(J) & Katie(babs)'s. At the end of 7 drafts, everybody will have a group of 7 heroes to bring. Yes, trades are permitted. And if you missed last night's trade between CarolynJean and Lisabea... you've got some gossip to catch up on!

Don't worry about obsessively monitoring this thing. If you don't call your hero in 24 hours, 1 hour we'll skip you. LOL Just kidding. Maybe two hours. Or three. ;)

RULES:

• No picking out of order. Once the woman above you has chosen, it’s your turn.

• Trades are permitted, but be clear about announcing the results in the comments or email so your host doesn’t have to play sleuth.

• If it’s your turn and we don’t hear from you for 24 hours a few hours, sorry, you’re skipped. But you can email your host ahead of time with your pick. Or comment as soon as you come back and your pick will be entered.

• Latecomers: SORRY, we wish everybody could play, but there has now been a moratorium placed on add-ons, due to the record-keeping nightmare this will soon become.

ROUND 1: (now over) Hosted at CarolynJean's.

ROUND 2: (now over) Hosted at Sarai’s

ROUND 3: (now over) Hosted at lisabea's.

ROUND 4: (now over) Hosted at MaryKate's.

ROUND 5: Hosted at Christine's.

ROUND 6: Hosted at Katie(babs) & Kristie(J)'s.

ROUND 7: Hosted at Sula's!