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!

REVIEW: Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke

I actually read Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke back in March, and even wrote this review shortly afterward. I think I was sitting on it all this time because I was having a difficult time deciding on a grade. But I read two posts at other blogs today that made me realize I had t oget myself in gear. First, I read an interesting post by Holly on The Book Binge about what she looks for in a review, so I decided it was time I finalize a detailed explanation of my grading system for book reviews. Then, I read a post by Jill D. on The Romance Rookie. Jill's young daughter gave her Kiss of Fire for Mother's Day and Jill was asking if anyone has read it yet. Hello?! If those two blog posts aren't signs that I ought to decide on a grade for this book and finally post my review, I don't know what is!

Kiss of Fire is the first novel in the Dragonfire Series by Deborah Cooke. In this new paranormal romance series, shape-shifting dragons live alongside humans, keeping their dragon shifting secret. These dragon shifters, known as the Pyr, command the four elements--air, earth, water and fire. The Pyr warriors are the dragon shifters who live peacefully among humans and in fact, do what they can to protect the humans. The Slayers, on the other hand, are a faction of dragon shifters who wish to kill off all the humans so that they may claim earth for theirs alone. They will stop at nothing to achieve their goal, including killing the Pyr warriors who protect the humans. In this first Dragonfire novel, the final showdown between the Slayers and the Pyr warriors begins.

The Pyr mythology is laid out in this first Dragonfire novel alongside the love story of dragon shifter Quinn Tyrrell and human Sara Keegan. Quinn has been betrayed more than once by his own kind in his youth and therefore refuses to associate himself with other dragon shifters. Many, many years later, he is still denying his place among his fellow Pyr. What he cannot deny, however, is the firestorm, or irresistible mating bond, that he feels for Sara.

Sara is devastated by the recent deaths of both her parents and her beloved and quirky aunt and has decided to run her aunt's New Age bookstore. When she becomes the victim of a vicious attack by the Slayers, Sara is rescued by Quinn in his dragon form, as he has already sensed the firestorm with Sara and will do whatever it takes to protect her. As Sara and Quinn work through their firestorm, they are also discovering the crucial roles they both play in the survival of the Pyr and are forced to make decisions of grave importance to the species.

Kiss of Fire is a commendable start for a new paranormal series. The Pyr mythology and the rules of this paranormal world are woven neatly into the story and are explained clearly. The descriptions of the Pyr in their dragon from are richly detailed and the fighting scenes are vivid and exciting. Also, Ms. Cooke offers her own unique twist on the concept of 'destined mates' in her series that still gives the hero and heroine control over their happily ever after since the couple is only destined to be mates to bear Pyr offspring. Falling in love along the way is not guaranteed and isn't even expected among the Pyr. They have to work at that without the help of destiny, if it is to happen at all.

I really liked both the hero and heroine. Quinn is the strong silent type of alpha male. He is assertive and protective, but not overly bossy. and he respects Sara's need for time and space to digest the Pyr world and her role in it. I really liked that he didn't pressure or rush her. Sara is an average woman, intelligent and attractive enough, and thinks of herself as a simple person. Throughout the story, she learns that she is indeed special and although she is skeptical, she is reasonable enough think through different possibilities no matter how absurd and bravely embraces her destiny. Her journey to realize and accept her place in the Pyr world was well paced.

My only complaint with Kiss of Fire is that the heat between Quinn and Sara fizzled out during the second half of the book. In the beginning, the firestorm built up this wonderful sexual tension between Quinn and Sara. But then just when I thought they were going to be consumed by their passion, it just sort of fizzled out. Once they finally came together, they became quickly preoccupied with the Pyr warriors and then the eminent conflict with the Slayers. Then just like that, the firestorm between Sara and Quinn was over and there was no denouement of their romance, which was very disappointing. I do plan on reading the next book in the series, however, because I really love the premise of the overall story arc of the Dragonfire series and think Ms. Cooke's writing is very good. I just hope the happily ever after for the next couple is followed through more satisfyingly.

GRADE: B-

Kiss of Fury is the next book in

Deborah Cooke's Dragonfire series

and will be available in August 2008.

It features Donovan, the Warrior.

My Grading System for Book Reviews

I enjoy reviewing books because I like to share what I have read with other readers, and also what I liked and didn't like about a novel. I honestly don't like giving grades for books, but I know a lot of readers look for that when reading reviews, so I do feel its important to include them. Maybe I'll get more comfortable about giving grades as I become a more experienced reviewer.

Always keep in mind that book reviews are highly subjective.  Sometimes the readers own life experience plays a significant role in how a book works for them, and lets be honest...  some of us women can also be emotionally swayed on a book based on what time of the month it is! Sorry, but its a fact of life. ;p 

I chose a letter grade system similar to the kind used in most American school systems, simply because I think most people can quickly and easily identify with it.  

A+ (5.0 ) A perfect book! Not even one teeny tiny word was out of place in this book. A very rare grade. 

A (4.0) Absolutely loved everything about this book... the world building, characters, story line, romance (if applicable). Author was able to stir a wide range of emotions in me while I read. I usually don't want to start reading another book for several days after I read an A book. Very highly recommended. 

A- (3.75) Excellent book! Very similar to an 'A' book, but perhaps there were only a few very minor things that kept me from giving it an A. 

B+ (3.5) Very good book. Entertaining and satisfying. Maybe just a few things didn't live up to expectations, but I would read this book again and highly recommend it. 

B (3.0) Very good book, with few flaws. I would reread certain scenes and recommend this book. 

B- (2.75) Overall good book, but something fell short for me. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy this genre or the author. 

C+ (2.5) Decent Book, but there was a flaw in either the romance, character development, or story arc throughout most of the book. Would still read the next book if it is in a series, or another book by this author. Would still recommend, but with some reservations.

C (2.0) This book is okay. Several significant flaws in either story arc, the relationships, or it had a disappointing ending. May or may not read the next book if it is in a series, or another book by this author.

C- (1.75) Only one or two good things about this book kept me reading. Maybe I really liked a character or just wanted to find out how the conflict was resolved but I wasn't vested in the world or the characters. Most likely would not read the next book in the series or another book by this author.

D (1.0) Did not like this book at all, but still managed to finish it.

F (0) Did not finish. This is very rare for me.

Upcoming Review and Contest: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

From the back cover ...

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Many of my reader friends know I'm a huge fan of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. Meyer's latest novel, The Host, was released earlier this week on May 6, 2008, and is Meyer's debut in adult fiction. Touted as the 'science fiction novel for people who don't like science fiction,' The Host promises a compelling blend of science fiction and romance. I was captivated by Meyer's amazing story telling voice in her Twilight novels, and am truly looking forward this new creative endeavor of Meyer. Revisit my blog in the near future to read my review of The Host and enter for a chance to win your own copy of The Host.

Shake It!!!

I just had to share this fun and energetic video starring my teenage daughter (ack!) and her twin BFFs. It is a video response set to the pop hit "Shake It" by Metro Station.  Be forewarned... the song is frighteningly addictive and will make you want to get up and SHAKE IT!   

My kid is the one in the middle wearing the white sweatshirt and then in other scenes wearing the white miniskirt.  So silly, but oh so cute.

What Happens In Vegas by Copeland, Bast, Dane and Tunstall

Winning it big.

That's the name of the game at Las Vegas' Liege Hotel and Casino, where the hottest fantasies hinge on a roll of the dice... and the tantalizing knowledge that anything could happen before sunrise.

What Happens In Vegas is an erotica anthology published by Spice publishing that includes erotic romance stories by Jodi Lynn Copeland, Lauren Dane, Kit Tunstall, and Anya Bast. Each story is connected in one way or another to Las Vegas' Liege Hotel and Casino, yet each tale is completely stand alone.

"Hot for You" by Jodi Lynn Copeland.

Carinna is a cocktail waitress at The Liege and doesn't do relationships. In fact, she recently broke up with her last boyfriend as soon as he proposed marriage to her. One night on a whim, Carinna decides to hit the poker tables at the end of her shift. She ends up sitting at a table across from her long time friend, firefighter Jack Dempsey, with whom she has barely spoken to since their one night stand four months ago. Now sitting face to face again at the poker table, the heat stirs between Carinna and Jack again and it doesn't take long before they're having smoking hot sex. While burning up the sheets is all Carinna is interested in, Jack has other plans. He'll turn up the heat, all right, but this time he's ready to win her for keeps.

"Hot for You" is a scorchingly hot and sexy romance. The story is told in the first person from both Carinna and Jack's points of view. This was a fun and clever way for the author to really get the reader into the heads of both characters and helped convey their emotions and intentions at every shift in the story. I quickly became vested in both characters emotional interests which I think made their happily ever after twice as meaningful to me. I am thoroughly impressed at how well Ms. Copeland developed her characters, conveyed an emotional and entertaining plot, and wrote several meaningful and erotic sex scenes all in one novella.

GRADE: A


"Stripped" by Lauren Dane.

Dahlia Baker is a graduate student by day and a burlesque dancer at The Dollhouse by night. Nash Emery, the wealthy playboy brother of Dahlia's boss at The Dollhouse sees her dance one night and propositions her for a night of drinks and 'private dancing.' Dahlia not only turns him down, but puts him in his place. Of course he offers sincere apologies, but Dahlia is not so easily seduced. So Nash spends the next couple of months coming to The Dollhouse whenever he is in town and casually getting to know her. Finally Dahlia agrees to a date and their sexual chemistry is amazing. Still, Dahlia is cautious about the depth of her involvement with Nash. Namely because she has issues with their class differences, his playboy reputation, as well as the fact that she's always been misunderstood and mistreated because of her bombshell looks. It will take time, patience and trust before Nash is able to strip Dahlia of her defensive armor so that she'll let him into her heart.

"Stripped" is a hot and sexy and at the same time, a very romantic love story. The relationship between Dahlia and Nash developed at a believable rate and I really appreciated Dahlia's reluctance at starting a dating or sexual relationship with Nash after his insulting proposition. Not only was Dahlia's response realistic, but it forced the characters to get to know each other on personal and emotional levels, not just physical. This made the romantic element of their story ring true and their happily ever very sweet.

GRADE: A

"Red-Handed" by Kit Tunstall.
Amy Gerard gets caught red-handed while cheating the Liege Casino by Roan Cavello, the casino's wealthy and intimidating owner. When Roan threatens to involve the authorities, Amy tries to strike a deal to keep herself from trouble. She suggests that she be Roan's companion for several weeks in order to pay off her debt. Roan agrees, as long as she agrees to be his submissive for the duration of their pact. Somewhat out of Amy's comfort level, but better than imprisonment, she proceeds with the deal, and surprises abound when both Amy and Roan's sexual and emotional boundaries are tested.

"Red-Handed" is the story in this anthology with the most kink. Roan likes his sex naughty and is experienced in BDSM. What Amy lacks in experience, however, she makes up for in willingness. Roan didn't waste anytime coming onto Amy once the deal was made, which despite his eager dom, came across too forceful. Combined with Amy's quick and easy sexual response, their sexual relationship felt a bit contrived, even for those who enjoy BDSM in their sex life. While I did get somewhat emotionally vested in their relationship toward the end, as Ms. Tunstall was able to convince me that Roan and Amy came to care about each other, the happily ever after was a bit sudden and I still wasn't fully convinced that they truly loved each other. That being said, it was still fun and enlightening to read the hot and kinky sex scenes and know that the couple was happy together in the end.

GRADE: C


"The Deal" by Anya Bast.

Cassidy has spent the last year getting over being left at the alter by her ex-fiance. The last thing she wants is a relationship because she's not going to run the risk of ever getting hurt like that again. Working as a professional shill for the Liege Casino, Cassidy is starving for sex and finds herself hot for her best friend and Liege blackjack dealer, James Carter. When he proposes a "friends with benefits" relationship, she can all but resist him. Cassidy panics after their first rendez-vous, but James is not about to let her go. He playfully suggests five nights of blackjack--winner picks the sex act of the night-- all in order to break her down and find a way into her heart.

"The Deal" delivers plenty of fun, steamy sex in a heartwarming romance. Ms. Bast clearly conveys the friendship between Cassidy and James through both their dialogue and body language and it was enjoyable to watch their relationship slowly shift from friends to lovers. James' playful pursuit of Cassidy with his sexy win-win version of blackjack was creative and sinful. James' efforts to carefully win Cassidy's trust and love was just as convincing as Cassidy's reluctance to give in to his love. Both characters' actions and reactions were always realistic as was the final resolution of their love story, which made Cassidy and Jack's happily ever after truly heartwarming.

GRADE: A

I loved the level of heat in What Happens In Vegas and the way the very different stories all revolved around the same hotel and casino. Each story is both sexy and romantic, delivering the perfect blend of sugar and spice. What Happens In Vegas is delightfully sinful--as it should be for a collection of erotic romances straight from Sin City. Each sexy story is topped with a happily ever after making this erotica novel a jackpot winner.

OVERALL GRADE: B+

CONTESTS!

I won't be giving away my copy, because I already know I'm going to be rereading this one whenever I'm in the mood for some sugar and spice. Which is often. But.....

For a chance to win a FREE copy of What Happens In Vegas, visit Ann Aguirre's blog here. Ann is running yet another fabulously generous contest, giving away FIVE copies to some lucky players!!! Ann will announce her winner on May 5.

AND.... Cynthia Eden is also giving away a copy of What Happens In Vegas here. Cynthia will announce her winner on May 6.

A Desert Island Keeper Book Tour

Last night, I was chatting with a few of my romance reading blogging friends (I heart AIM.  And YIM.) and in a matter of seconds the discussion was focused on books. Duh. Then in a matter of minutes we were declaring our DIK or Desert Island Keepers. The whirlwind discussion ensued and all of a sudden we were all stranded on this said island, each of us having six books in our waterproof survival bag, and none of us carrying a book that someone else brought. 

I feel compelled to confess that I was slowest to claim my DIK books in the chat, and alas, Lisabea, CarolynJean and Katiebabs claimed Meljean's books before I got to grab one. So there is no Meljean book in my ziploc, which I feel terribly awful about. I even tried to trade a book with CarolynJean, but she would not relinquish claim on Demon Night, so I will just have to covet everyone else's Meljean books on the island. Because I heart Meljean and her Guardians. 

Here is my list of six books for the DIK library: 

1. Dark Lover by JR Ward. 

2. Lover Revealed by JR Ward.

3. Lover Unbound by JR Ward. 

'Nuff said. We had to have the complete set of BDB crack. Seriously.

4. The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne. 

I don't read much historical romance. Not that I don't like it, I'm just generally not drawn to it. But this one got so much positive buzz, that I did pick it up and was so glad that I did. The Spymaster's Lady was sooooo good. Just like everyone said. Wonderfully developed characters. The heroine was fantastic... I loved her. Lots of intrigue and emotions layered within a really wonderful love story. 

5. Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas.

*sigh* I don't even know where to begin or what to say about this story. I read it the week it was released and have already declared it my favorite book of 2008. It is absolutely wonderful and moved me so deeply. 

6. The Smoke Thief  by Shana Abe. 

This is one of my most favorite paranormal romance novels--and can be considered historical, too. The writing style is beautiful, the mythology and plot are unique and compelling, and the love story was wonderful. I enjoy rereading this one now and then, so it comes along, too. 

What six books would you choose to add to the DIK bookshelf if you were stranded, too? And no repeats! 

To discover the rest of our Desert Island Keeper bookshelf, go here to see what Katie(babs) chose. If you just started your island tour here, don't miss checking out the DIK selections of Kristie(J), Sula, Lisabea, and CarolynJean. 

REVIEW: One Foot In The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress Novel, BOOK 2

One Foot In The Grave is the second novel in The Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost. Half human, half vampire Cat Crawfield works for a secret government agency that was established in order to track and kill rogue vampires. Because a half human, half vampire is extremely rare, vampires are unable to sense her true nature, yet Cat is still able to detect them by their aura. This unique trait puts Cat at a great advantage as she is able to hunt vampires by baiting herself, and then using the element of surprise along with her part-vampire enhanced strength to go in for the kill. It is for this valuable trait, and her kick ass fighting skills, that the government hired Cat as leader of this new agency's field team four years ago. It was also four years ago that Cat claimed to have killed the master vampire called Bones. Unbeknownst to the agency, Bones was both her personal trainer, partner and lover. By making that claim, Cat walked away from their love forever, thinking she was protecting his life. She has not seen or heard from him since.

In the four years since Halfway to the Grave, Cat has settled into her job and has dedicated herself unconditionally to her men and the agency, despite the fact that some of them doubt her. At the opening of One Foot in the Grave, Cat is on assignment and about to make her kill when in a moment of despair her victim reveals his true name-- that of Bones' sire. In a moment of reverence for he who gave Bones the immortality to have lived long enough to have eventually come into her life as the only man she has ever loved, Cat allows him to escape. This act may prove to be a life threatening mistake, as Cat then becomes the target of several assassination attempts. Shortly thereafter, Bones returns to Cat's life and will stop at nothing to be at her side. Still on personal mission to hunt and kill her father, and in need of serious protection, Cat may have no choice but to accept his help, and in the end his love, too. He's that irresistible.

One Foot In The Grave is full of surprises and plot twists that had me at one moment wanting to rush through to find out how all the complications got sorted out, and at the next moment wanting to read it slowly so that I could savor Cat and Bones and all their predicaments. Cat is a fighter and a survivor, but often impulsive which usually gets her into trouble. Which in turn usually brings out her frankness and sarcasm, interjecting a good dose of humor into the otherwise tense story line.

Cat has also grown more mature and less discriminatory against any and all vampires or other creatures of the night. She is learning to judge individuals on their actions, not soley on whether they're human or other. In fact, in a heated discussion with one of Bones' ex-lovers, Cat defends Bones by stating, "We are who we become, not who we start out as." And the best part is that I think she finally believes this about herself, too.

Bones is a fantastic hero. As a master vampire, he is one of the most powerful and impressive vampires, yet he never flaunts it-- especially to Cat. He never uses his power as a means to win her over, and in fact, he actually holds back whenever possible, just to make her feel comfortable. His love for Cat is steadfast and unconditional. He's sexy, romantic and will do anything to protect her. And let's not forget that he is an amazing lover. ;)

One Foot In The Grave is an entertaining combination of intense action and sexy romance splashed with laugh out loud witticisms. Surprise turn of events and Cat's stubbornness to let Bones back in her heart kept me captivated by the story. At times, though, I did find myself waiting for the conflict of the story to have a more profound impact on the vampire-human world and the mission of the agency--not just on Cat's personal well being and agenda. However, it is a Night Huntress novel, hence centered on Cat and even told from her point of view, so it does make sense that the storyline would focus strongly on Cat. Still, I do look forward to future conflicts in the series that threaten their entire world and put Cat and her team into action. I also look forward to Cat and Bones' relationship getting more intense, which I'm sure is inevitable because there's already a whole new complication between them by the end of this story. I can't wait to find out what's next on the horizon for the endearing Cat Crawfield, the delicious Bones and Cat's supercharged team!

GRADE: B

Edited to Add: Jeaniene Frost's third Night Huntress novel titled At Grave's End is scheduled to be released in January 2009!

Kate & Christine do NY ComicCon :)

As the Romantic Times Convention was drawing near last week, I started lamenting on the good times I'd be missing... meeting favorite authors and blogging friends and attending panel discussions. I was even considering driving 5 1/2 hours each way to go to to the author signing that took place last Saturday, but really couldn't justify the travel time and expense for such a short visit. So when I heard that Sherrilyn Kenyon was going to be at NY Comic Con in Manhattan promoting her Lords of Avalon series in comic form and the much anticipated novel, Acheron, I thought it would be a fun alternative to RT. I mentioned my idea, somewhat in passing, to my fellow romance reading friend, and Jersey girl, Katiebabs, and she was instantly enthusiastic about said NY Comic Con adventure. Kate told me that Melissa Marr, NYT and LA Times best selling author of Wicked Lovely was a last minute add on for a panel discussion at Comic Con, and that pretty much sealed the deal for us. If you haven't yet read Wicked Lovely, I recommend you do... its an awesome urban fantasy romance. I loved it.

For anyone who has never been to the Jacob Javitz Center in Manhattan, it is a huge convention center. Huge. Eleven thousand people roamed the floors on Saturday, attending discussion panels, sneak previews of upcoming movies, visiting vendor booths, publisher booths, artist galleries, demonstrations, gaming tables, costume contests, and so on. Overwhelmed upon our arrival, we decided to first stake out where Melissa's panel was going to be since she was a short notice addition, we had no information at all other than her panel was at 4:00 pm. The staff was friendly and considerate, but still not able to tell us which panel Melissa was on. So we sat in on a panel discussion on NYC through its authors. Then we ventured up two levels to the program floor. So many people, so many booths, so little time. Being the voracious readers we are, we decided to hit a few publisher booths.

Our first stop was the Penguin booth where we bumped into (almost literally) Anton Strout, author of recently released urban fantasy novel, Dead to Me. He is also a member of the League of Reluctant Adults site and the Fangs, Fur & Fey LiveJournal community. He is such a sweet guy. Friendly, witty and laid back, Kate and I had a fun time chatting with him. Anton had had a signing at Comic Con the day before and sold all the books he had there (way to go, Anton!), so we got a postcard signed instead.

We finally found Melissa Marr's panel, which was a discussion on today's voices in graphic novels and got a few minutes to chat with Melissa afterward. We asked a few quick questions about her writing, she got to sign my copy of Wicked Lovely that I brought along, and she gave us some beautiful temporary tattoos that Melissa's own personal tattoo artist designed, inspired by the art for Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange.

Ink Exchange is Melissa Marr's next novel, scheduled for release on April 29, 2008. Melissa was so warm and humbled that we sought her out--I really wish we had more time to talk with her. She just had this aura about her that made me feel comfortable enough to want to sit and chat with her over coffee, tea, or something stronger! Maybe next time. Melissa even gave us the heads up about Ink Exchange being available at the Harper booth so Kate and I could get a copy. I'll be reading it this week!

Supercool sidenote: While getting the link to Melissa's site and blog .... I noticed Melissa mentions meeting Kate and me at Comic Con in her blog post today! Yay!!! :)

Kate and I make it back to Sherrilyn Kenyon's booth where we got free books and other neat promo stuff, including an exclusive excerpt to Ash's story, and a handful of intriguing quotes from Acheron, scheduled for release on August 8, 2008. Here's one of my favorites: (hmm... I hope I'm allowed to post this... :s )

"He's willing to end the world for you. You should be impressed. I am." ~Nick Gautier

Sherrilyn said she'll be back in Manhattan in August for Ash's book tour.

I'm sure you all can imagine that New York City is a prime location for people watching. Well, go to a comic convention in New York City and it is people watching haven. At first, I tried not to stare, ogle and gawk. Then I woke up and realized these people dressed like they did because they want to express their affection for their favorite characters and they absolutely revel in the attention. So I eventually got over my concerns about not staring, kept my camera out and started snapping pictures. As you can see, fans really get into their roles. They even have poses and actions rehearsed!

Of course, I couldn't help but stage some pics of Kate groping Superman and Batman. I mean... its important for a girl to weigh her options, right? (pun intended)

For the rest of Kate's search for the perfect superhero, you'll have to........

TUNE IN TOMORROW TONIGHT! ...errr... its more like later tonight

SAME BAT-TIME! ...well, actually in an hour or so....

SAME BAT-CHANNEL ...um. no. not here. at kate's blog HERE

""" da na na na na na na na na na na na na BAT MAaaaaan! ""

POW Kazam! POP

Our last panel of the day was a Spotlight on Gail Simone. Gail Simone is a critically acclaimed and award winning comic writer, having written countless works, possibly her most famous work being Birds of Prey. Gail is currently the writer of DC's Wonder Woman comic. She is the first permanent, ongoing female writer of Wonder Woman. How cool is that? Kate and I stood on line for awhile for Gail's panel, exhausted as we were, we were lucky to have gotten seats in the crowded room. But it was well worth it. Gail was gracious, and funny, and clearly loves her job. I'm so glad we stuck it out to hear her speak.

What a fun day. I have a feeling this was the first of many future annual Kate-and-Christine-do NY-Comic-Con adventures!