Monday, June 30, 2008

"Heat of the Night" Provides PLENTY of Steamy-ness!

SYNOPIS from B&N.com:
Bad boys are her weakness and no one is as wicked as Connor Bruce . . .

He is the realization of every woman's erotic fantasies. Existing in the Twilight between sleep and consciousness, Connor brings them decadent pleasures, fueled by their sexual energy. But violence and strife now tear apart both worlds, and Connor must embark on a perilous quest into the mortal realm . . . and into the arms of one intoxicating enchantress.

Stacey Daniels has always been attracted to the wrong type of men - and the muscular, Viking-like champion on her front doorstep is no exception. She can hardly believe the wounded warrior is from another world, a world where erotic dreams are needed to survive, a world of terrible danger that has followed him to her home. Connor finds solace in her passion, but only time will tell if he can defeat the dark foe who hunts them . . . and if Stacey can surrender to the promise he offers with every electrifying touch.


Though Heat of the Night by Sylvia Day was written as part of a series, like most romances, it is one that you can read without picking up the first book and not risk getting confused or lost. Of course, reading the first one will not hurt you, and if it's anywhere near as good as the second, you'll love it also!

I love a good steamy paranormal book. So when I read books from that genre, I am usually kind of harsh on them when I review them-- that is, if the books was not up to my standards. However, I have nothing bad to say about Heat of the Night, it was just that good! Unlike some paranormal type romances that seem to be yet another 'vampire story' or just another 'demons are attacking' story (Both of which I love, when they are done correctly.), Sylvia Day's newest series is unique and gripping, providing a great story to get lost in on a hot summer's day. But be warned: Before starting this book, grab a huge pitcher of ice cold lemonade and a fan--heck, forget the lemonade part, just grab the pitcher of ice! Because when you open up this book, only a few chapters in and you'll be submerged in the hot, steamy love of Connor and Stacey. This book's content are not for that faint of heart.

As much as I love the romance behind a, you guessed it!, romance book, I also like the story to be more than just the gushy, heartwarming emotions that cause something in your stomache to flutter (butterflies, perhaps?). Don't get me wrong, those emotions are precious and they are what makes a book- and a relationship- about more than just straight up no-strings-attached sex. But I want more, I want to read about the reckless passion that started all of those feelings. The wild, untamed, slightly more baser emotions that humanity has had to deal with from the beginning of time, the one that reminds us that men were meant to be created different from women so that they could join, becoming two halves of one whole. Heat of the Night delivers all of that and so much more.

For centuries, Connor has been the hard Elite killer, keeping both the Dreamers and fellow Guardians safe from the Nightmares. But when he makes the choice of moving to the Twilight, AKA regular Earth, to track down an evil being out to harm their civilization, possibly destory it forever, he had no idea that on the other side, a hot-blooded single mother would be waiting for him-- and waiting to turn his whole world upside down! When he shows up at Aidan, his best firend and fellow ex-Elite member, he wasn't expecting the curvy, beautiful woman to open the door, to both the house and his heart.

Stacey can't believe that there is a sexy man standing in her friend's doorway, looking like an ancient Viking stepping off his ship, set on conquering anything. Thought she doesn't understand what's going on, and she wants to shove him back out the door, her body seems to think differently. Of course, after he rests (The journey over always weakens his kind.) he sets out to seduce her-- but does he end up with more than he set out for? Instead of simply an exchange of bodies, does it end up being a deeper, more meaningful exchange of hearts and souls? Both of them are hesitant to believe that a permanent relationship will work out between the two of them, but they both try, because they know that they cannot live without each other. It would simply be existing, a body physically alive, but not truly living.

Besides the great romance and steamy sex, Heat of the Night also provides some action and adventure. Together they save her son from the clutches of the ex-Guardian that Connor was originally sent her to follow. In the end, all ends well, and they settle down to become one big happy family.

5/5 stars! Heat of the Night is a great book if you love your romances to be more supernatural than realistic and borderline erotic instead of a tamer courtship. Don't miss this great series by a wonderful author!

Until next time... Read plenty, laugh often, love unconditionally, and live each day to the fullest!

~TBQ~

Sunday, June 29, 2008

"The Beast in Him" Is Unleashed and Wild!

SYNOPIS from B&N.com:

In The Mane Event, Shelly Laurenston introduced a whole new breed of heroes-sexy, shape-shifting hunks who redefine the term Alpha male. Now, in The Beast In Him, one gorgeous lone wolf is about to meet his match.
Some things are so worth waiting for. Like the moment when Jessica Ward "accidentally" bumps into Bobby Ray Smith and shows him just how far she's come since high school. Back then, Jess's gangly limbs and bruised heart turned to jelly any time Smitty's "all the better to ravish you with" body came near her. So, some things haven't changed. Except now Jess is a success on her own terms. And she can enjoy a romp-or twenty-with a big, bad wolf and walk away. Easy.


The sexy, polished CEO who hires Smitty's security firm might be a million miles from the lovable geek he knew, but her kiss, her touch, is every bit as hot as he imagined. Jess was never the kind to ask for help, and she doesn't want it now, not even with someone targeting her Pack. But Smitty's not going to turn tail and run. Not before proving that their sheet-scorching animal lust is only the start of something even wilder.



When I picked up The Beast in Him a few months ago while snooping in Borders, I knew that it was more of a steamy romantica (romance/erotica) than straight out romance. With this in mind, I never really thought it would be an amazing book by any means. I knew that it would be something hot and steamy, something to grab when you want something sinful. Plus, it was about shifters, which I love in a romance book. Bring on the alpha males.



Boy, was I wrong!



The Beast in Him is the perfect book, if, like I said before, you want to read something sinful and lite. But after reading it, I have to change that last part-- it's not really lite. It isn't complicated, but it's not a straight out erotica, nor is it a chick lit. However, it is a nice combination of romance and erotica, living up to the proper nickname of romantica.



It has it's cliches, like many books in the general romance genre. Jessie Ann was the geeky girl in highschool. The one that all the girls picked on (And unlike in regular highschool, these girls didn't just shove and taunt. No, being She-wolves, they were more of the punch and kick ass kind of bullies.) and all the boys laughed at. Except for Bobby Ray, who had a soft spot for her, even clear back then. Sure, he sowed his wild oats with more than his fair share of girls, but it was all because, as a maturing male wolf, their hormores rage out of control, and how was a 17-18 year old boy suppose to know that his destined mate was right there in front of him? Not that I am saying what he did was right, but Jessie doesn't hold it too much against him. No, instead the one thing she holds against him was when he pushed her away-- while he was drunk, no less. I think he deserves extra points for that! Come on, a teenage male, an alpha male wolf to boot, drunk, and yet he still gains control and walks away without even a kiss? If I was her, I'd be pissed off too, at first, but I'd give him points for it later.



Anyway, he leaves for the Navy, and not long after, she leaves the small town in Tennesse to make something of herself. And she does, becoming the alpha femal of her own pack. As a wild dog, the lowest breed out there, in the snotty wolves' eyes, she isn't quiet as tame as your average 'nerdy girl'. Nope, quiet the opposite, in fact, especially if you touch her "pups", AKA, the teenage wolf that she's going to adopt, and the various teens and young kids of her Pack members--- and best friends.



Bobby, AKA, Smitty, tracks her down, and the chase begins. After many failed attempts (in front of his buddies, cats, no less) to get her attention again, they finally hit his apartment. Needless it say, the scenes that follow are steamy, hot enough to burn the very clothes on your body off. Smitty is the ultimate Alpha Male, and he shows it. But don't get the wrong idea-- Jessie isn't exactly a submissive person either!



As time goes on, Jessie starts to realize that even if she had originally only planned on this 'relationship' being simply really hot sex, it's not going to stay that way. Smitty tries his hardest to convince her that they are meant to be together (though even he doesn't think of the word 'mates' at first). After many arguments, misunderstandments, 'help' from both of their Pack members, and quiet a few heavy items thrown at Smitty's head (by Jessie, of course... Don't leave items lying around the place when she's angry!) they both give in and he claims her. She gets pregnant, they get married, and every one's happy. Heck, she even got the big tough Bubba *Smitty's daddy* to cry at the wedding.



The only thing that I had a problem with in this book, was the names. Okay, so judging the characters and book based on mere names isn't the best thing to do. But I do it anyway, whether I mean to or not. Every time I saw their true names written in the book (Bobby Ray Smith and Jessie Ann Ward) all I could picture in my mind was the two of them in a double wide, going at it on a creaky bed, with Jessie shouting, in a very thick Southern/hick accent "More, Bobby Ray, more!!". Maybe it's just me, but for some reason, that name just kind of ruined those scenes for me. Even though they call him Smitty more often than Bobby Ray, Smitty isn't exactly the sexiest name either. **Or is this just me? Comments, please!** Nothing against people who have these names, live in the south, etc. It just didn't quiet do it for me, not for the plot line involved. And we know that they all have accents-- did she have to keep up with the "y'all"? It kind of slowed the conversations down while I was reading it. I'd rather hear their voices/accent in my own mind, not have the author keep 'reminding' us through out the whole book.



All in all, The Beast in Him is a good book when you want to get carried away by naughty sex scenes, witty and sarcastic humor, and, most importantly, True Alpha Males. If you can't stand your 'romance' to be extra lusty, than this book may not be for you. However, if you don't mind that, and you have no problems with 'paranormal', in this case shapeshifters *bears, wolves, dogs, hyennas, big cats, etc* then I recommend this book. I did, unfortunately, start The Beast in Him, which is the second one in the series, before reading the first one, The Mane Event, which covers the story of Mace and Dez, a semi-main couple in TBIH. Since I have not read the first one, I couldn't really tell you if skipping one will mess up the story line any or not, but since this one was a good book, I don't think it would hurt to maybe read The Mane Event before moving onto this one. I will be reading the first one as soon as I can find it at the bookstore, and I believe I now have a new author to add to my favorites list.



4.5/5 stars. Steamy, lush, wild--and I'm not just talking about the sex! This is a don't miss book for any paranormal fanatic who doesn't mind that it's not a straight out heartwarming romance.



Until next time... Read plenty, laugh often, love unconditionally, and live each day to it's fullest!



~TBQ~

Friday, June 27, 2008

"The Wedding Bargain" Wins Handsdown

SUMMARY FROM AMAZON.COM:
London's most scandalous beauty, Pandora Effington, intends to marry a hero—not one of those boring, run-of-the-mill bachelor lords who leave her cold. No, the husband she desires must be someone special, someone whose touch sends delicious shivers down her spine, and who will do absolutely everything in his power to win her love. Someone like . . . Maximillian Wells.

The dashing Earl of Trent cannot believe his ears . . . or his eyes. Here before him stands beautiful Pandora Effington, and the fiery, unattainable heiress is making him a most tantalizing offer. Maximillian can have the lady's hand in marriage . . . if he agrees to play a game of her devising—one involving great risk, ingenuity, passion, and determination.


It is a game he has no intention of losing . .


If I was not already hooked on romance books, I think The Wedding Bargain would have accomplished it all by itself! I have read some of Victoria ALexander's novels before, and I found that I liked pretty much all of them (some more than others, of course, though I cannot remember specific ones right now), but TWB showed her writting in a whole new light-- and not in a bad way! It was in my TBR pile for a while, but when I picked it up Thursday morning, I had it finished by Friday morning *today*. There were very few, if any, flaws I found in the writting/story. It was heartwarming, yet lusty at the right times. Add to that a touch of spice, AKA, Pandora and Max's 'Wedding Bargain', and I dare any avid reader of historical romances to tell me they did not love it.

Though this is one of her older books, I think it may have been her best one *that I have read* so far! From the beginning I liked Pandora's character, because she was not a silly little twit like some authors' make the heroine out to be during this time period. She was strong, a hellion in Society's eyes (though this nickname was all started by a certain friend of the hero's...), and she is everything that 98%+ of the women in this time period were not. She reminded me a lot of myself, which probably helped me to enjoy this book as much as I did. But nontheless, I think I would have loved it even if we did not have so much in common.

Max is, as Pandora so accurately names him from the beginning, "A rake, a scoundrel, a rogue, and a beast!". As this is the standard for many hero's in this type of book, it's nothing new. But I did actually like Max because, unlike some hero's from other books, he did not act like any of those, or at least not during the time period of the story. From the first page, he's already telling the reader how he has wanted her, both in his bed and as his wife, for a while, and now he is willing to do anything to get her there. Of course, love is not mentioned in the first part of the book, on either one of their parts, not because it's not there, but because neither one expected it (or accepted it, though subconciously I'm sure they knew for a long time), nor wanted it at the time. But they both come to realize that they are falling in love during their little challange.

One reviewer on B&N.com said that she didn't like it because of the way that both characters doubted their love for one another 3 or 4 times through out the story, and she found this bothersome. Well, yes, they did question their love a few times, but in real life, love does not always happen to everyone the same way. Some believe in love at first sight, others don't. Some come right out with their true feelings as soon as they realize what they are. Others do not. I think that, especially since neither one of them had ever been in love before, questioning whether or not you would die for this person, whether your love ran that deep, whether you wanted to spend the rest of your life together (especially on Pandora's side, because she does not want to wed unless their is a deep affection between both parties), is not stupid or unreasonable. Emotions are sometimes hard to handle, because they are just that-- emotions. Some people handle them as what they are, others stop and try to think rashionally before jumping too soon. I personally think that, in most cases, the latter helps a person a great deal in their life and will probably help to prevent too many mistakes that they will regret later *though a few are not bad since, after all, a person has to learn from their mistakes*.

The one and only flaw I saw in the story that kind of bothered me was how Pandora's favorite line to use on any guy she was putting down, mostly Max, but it mentions a few of her older suitors too, always stayed the same-- and she used it again, and again, and, you guessed it, again. Now, the first time, it was nice, and it showed you early own what her character was like-- stubborn and a hellion. Twice, okay. But 10 times in a book? It got old. Choose one from each of the following groups of options to fill in the sentence and you have her favorite line, with slight variations:
"I would rather be (attacked by wild beasts/held hostage by wild Savages/pulled apart by rogue camels) in (South America/Africa/North America/Egypt) than (marry/kiss/dance) with you!"

Okay, so mostly only the 'marry' option on that last part, but still. I simply found it tiring.
If she had used it less in the book, I may have given it that last .5 star needed to make it a 100% perfect 5 star in my review. But don't let this one annoyance stop you from reading the book!

4.5/5 stars. This is a don't miss romance classic! The Wedding Bargain is a great romantic book, set in historical England, with great characters, interesting conversations, sexual tension through out, and a mixture of heartwarming and lusty love scenes *well, one love scene, a few of kissing, et cetera*. This is a don't miss romance classic!

Until next time... Read plenty, laugh often, love unconditionally, and live each day to it's fullest.

~TBQ~

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

"Sucks to Be Me" Does anything But!


Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
Publisher: Mirrorstone (August 26, 2008)
Series: Sucks to Be Me, 1
Genre: YA

 

Mina Hamilton's parents want her dead. (Or undead to be precise.) They're vampires, and like it or not, Mina must decide whether to become a vampire herself. But Mina's more interested in hanging out with best friend Serena and trying to catch the eye of the too-hot-for-high-school Nathan Able than in the vampire training classes she's being forced to take. How's a girl supposed to find the perfect prom date and pass third-year French when her mom and dad are breathing down her neck--literally?

 

Where to Buy*:
Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK
More Info:



My Review:

When I requested Sucks to be Me through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's Group, I didn't really think that: A) I would actually get the book or B) Really like the book. I mean, it's about vampires, which I love, hence the reason I requested it (well, okay, I mainly requested it because nothing else really looked good that month...), but I noticed afterwards that it was written for a younger age group-- it recommends the age group of '12 and up'-- and it's not that thick, which is another thing that usually bugs me. Now, I don't mind books written for teens-- more along the lines of 16+ -- but younger than that, and it seems like it'll be.. Oh, I don't know.. Not very interesting? But when I finally got Sucks to be Me in the mail, I was excited and, as I started reading it, very surprised: I actually really liked this book!

The first thing that really grabbed my attention in this book was on the first page. And no, it was not the introduction, which is what usually does the trick. No, it was a sentence a few paragraph's down, when Mina is talking about how her father, a vampire, is nothing like the vampires Hollywood and literature has lead us to believe: "He wouldn't know (or care) who Stephenie Meyer was if she came up and bit him."  This was one of the first things that made me start to like the book. Maybe it's an odd reason, but it was one of mine nonetheless.

The book is written almost like a journal of Mina's thoughts and actions. Mina is just about like every other regular teenager in the country: she has parents that she is not always happy with, she has to worry about school work, friends, and her love life (or lack thereof), and, oh yeah, the fact that her parents and uncle are vampires-- and now she has a little over a month to decide if she wishes to become one also! Okay, so maybe she's not so normal.. but she is still human, and she does still have some of the same problems anyone else would!

Mina is always telling the readers just how wrong our views on vampires are: they can go out in sunlight, though they get bad sunburns; they can eat, though they don't have to; they do have a reflection; they don't sleep, and especially not in a coffin; they are not usually bitten, instead it is passed on through a turning ceremony, which only requires the newbie to drink his/her sponsor's blood. She is always very witty and sarcastic through out the book, but never to the point of being annoying or rude. She's shy and bashful around boys, just like many other girls around her age, and, in this case, she can actually say that her parents are freaks.

For her first book, Kimberly Pauley twists together the normal thoughts of an average teenage girl with the slightly abnormal (not to me, of course) plot of living with vampire parents in a world where the humans are not to know that they exist. In fact, Mina's parents were not suppose to have had her. Vampires don't reproduce, but since her mother got pregnant before she was turned, well, her Mina is today! But they hid their existance for years and Mina's up until recently. Now she must take 'classes' to prepare her on whether or not she will become a vampire. But if she chooses not to, her parents will be fined even more, they will be moved again, given a new identity, and her memory will be wiped by the vampire special forces, making her believe, along with the other humans, that her parents have truly died-- and they were only regular humans. So what's a girl to do? Be a bloodsucking vampire who will live for centuries, forcing her to leave behind her best friend (and almost sister) Serena? Or stay human and watch her parents get shipped away, only to forget it afterwards? As if highschool wasn't already hard enough....

Along the way, she meets three guys: two that she places in the 'hot' category, and one who is 'sweet, not too bad looking'. Aubrey is from her vampire prep class, as is George, the sweet one. Nate is the hottest, most popular guy in their school. Translation: He's human. But she spends some time crushing on both Aubrey and Nate. Aubrey is a jerk, though still hot, and doesn't last long (he even decides against becoming a vampire). Nate lasts a little bit longer, but it soons becomes apparent that he's falling for Serena instead. But in the end, she gets George, the caring, funny, and, yes, even fairly good looking boy, in the end.And most importantly, he is a really good kisser! They both become vampires, and, though the story stops after that, will live 'happily ever after'.

Picking it up, I didn't have high hopes for this book. But by a few chapters into it, I knew I was hooked! This was a great first work from new teen author Kimberly Pauley and I only hope that she continues the great work soon!

4.5/5 stars. Don't miss this fun and witty book!



Enjoy!

  

Until Next Time,
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*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Prince of Swords Ends Up on Top.....



Prince of Swords by Linda Winstead Jones
Publisher: Berkley (May 1, 2007)
Series: Children of the Sun, 3
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

In the last installment of the Children of the Sun trilogy, a shackled virgin must choose between the monster she knows and a sexy stranger who could spell doom-or help her fulfill the Prophecy of the Firstborn


 

Where to Buy*:
 KindleNOOK

My Review:


Though the short and somewhat lacking summary shown online makes Prince of Swords seem like yet another mediocore book, things are not always what they seem. After buying the book on impulse almost half a year ago while in the grocery store, I put it in my piles and there it stayed for a while. A few times before, I tried to pull it out and make myself read it, but for some reason, I had doubts and did not feel like (as I thought at the time) forcing myself through a less than great book. Instead, I passed it over again and again. Finally, two days ago, I made myself grab it out of the pile and sit down and read it. And boy was I surprised!
Though at first glance the plot seems like a repeat of one that almost every romance reader has probably read (virgin damsel is locked away in a dungeon, waiting to be wed, unwillingly, to a demon possesed Prince, she is rescued by handsome 'knight', in this case the Prince of Swords, an important and high position in the kingdom's "army", they have to defeat the evilness that is cloaking their world and along the way, they fall into lust and then love), it is more than just that.
Rayne grew up in a slightly less than perfect family. She had a loving mother, who unfortunately died too young. Her father, a wizard who did not practice benign white magic, was not always a good father. After her mother died, he willingly gave her to Ciro, the Prince who was recently possessed by a horrible demon (and right now, I cannot remember the demon's name for the life of me! Sorry!), knowing that the demon had planned to use her to bear his child, a child who would rule the new world they were created--by, of course, destroying the current one. Rayne was put in the dungeon for four+ months in order to await their marriage. While sitting down in the dungeon, Lyn, the Prince of Swords, arrives-- though not to save her. Instead, he is there looking for the Crystal Dagger, which is talked about in the Prophecy of the First Son, which refers to him. He must use this unique and powerful dagger to kill Ciro-- and bind the demon inside for all eternity. Of course, the dagger is with Rayne. Made by her mother, who she thought did not possess any magical powers at all (though they never really tell you if she did or not, or if she was simply... different), years ago, the dagger is the only way that the demon and Ciro can be destroyed, and the war between their world's inhabitants and the Demon's Own put to rest for good. But when he shows up at the keep, he finds more than a simple dagger.
Of course, he saves Rayne (by stopping time, a little gift he has, and moving the sword that was headed her way) and brings her along on his journey. Along the way, Lyn is betrayed by his use-to-be best friend, who, it seems, was also possesed by a demon working for Ciro, meant to bring Rayne to them (Ciro and the demon).
In the middle of all this, Rayne decides she must rid herself of her 'pure soul, heart, and body' that Ciro and the demon want her for. She starts by having one of the guards teach her how to curse, but finds that this is not to her liking-- and it's not enough. So next she decides to get rid of her virginity, which she thinks will ruin the 'pure body' required of her. She mentions this to Lyn and asks if he will send one of his men to her during the night-- it does not matter who, since she simple wants to get rid of her innocence, and the only thing the man has to do is not talk (so in the morning, she will not know who it was, therefore, there will be no akwardness between them the rest of the way). He tells her he will send someone, but says he 'has not decided yet'. Of course, he goes instead, after a few hours of wrestling with his conscious, and they enjoy a lovely night full of passion, which lasts more than one coupling.
They continue along, both of them becoming slightly closer, especially on Rayne's part. She finds out that she has a great deal of powers-- white magic, thankgoodness-- and that she is an Earth Goddess.
The story goes on (Sorry, it's late, and I am not really up to going through every other main event along the way.. plus I don't want to give too much away!!) and Lyn destroys Ciro and binds the demon in the dagger. They find the long lost heirs (twins) of the throne. The eldest is crowned emperor and life is good. The followers, the Demon's Own, are succesfully tracked and killed, the dagger (and demon) are rid of in Level Thirteen, with (major!) help from Rayne's newfoun powers. Everything is great.. except, of course, Lyn has made no promises to Rayne and soon he will head back home.
After some help from Jahn, the new emperor, and a new found determination found within herself, Rayne gets Lyn, they get married that night, at a ceremony for the newly crowned heir, Rayne tells Lyn that she is pregnant, and all is great in the world.
Though my review of the events makes the book sound rushed, it's not. This is simply my trying-to-make-it-short-but-understandable summary. It was actually a very good book, and now I want to go back and read the other 2 in this trilogy and the 3 in the connected trilogy that covers some of Lyn's (I believe...) aunt's stories. It has a classic romance plot but with a twist, which makes it fresh and enjoyable.
If you don't mind your romance to have demons, witches, and wizards, then Prince of Swords is a great book for you! 4.5/5 stars!


Enjoy!



Until Next Time,
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   *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Deliciously Outlander!

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Publisher: Delta (August 10, 1998)
Series: The Outlander Seies, 1
Genre: Time Travel/Historical Romance


Unrivaled storytelling ... unforgettable characters ... rich historical detail ... these are the hallmarks of Diana Gabaldon's work. Her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured millions of readers.

Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages....

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon — when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach — an "outlander" — in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord ... 1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life ... and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire ... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Where to Buy*:
More Info:



My Review:

In the two years that I have been devouring romance novels, I have come across the book Outlander many times, whether it was while searching for romance books on Barnes and Nobles, talking on LibraryThing, or simply listening to friend's recommendations. But for some unknown reason, I never picked it up. Oh sure, I always told myself--or the friends telling me to read it-- that I'd put in on my TBR lis, but I honestly never thought I would. I coudn't tell you why I didn't. After I've read it, I'm even more confused as to why I've never read the series before! I've tried going through different reasons. Was it because it was about time travel? No, I don't mind this theme. Was it because it was in Scotland? Once again, no, I love this location for a romance novel. Was it because of the title/cover? Honestly, I hate to say this, but this is possible. I have the unfortunate problem of sometimes judging a book by it's cover. If the name doesn't reach out and grab my attention, and the cover fails to also, I probably won't even pick it up and turn it over to read the summary. I regret this sometimes, like now, and I wish I could prevent myself from doing this...



But now that I have read it, I now know the reasons why everyone else has picked it up and loved it. It has a lush location, one that brings to mind strong, brawny men and rugged terrain. It is set in two different time periods, each one unique. It has it's moments of sweet sigh-and-wish-that-was-you romance along with it's more steamy, wild ones. It has a great plotline that does not simply revolve around the romance. It's more than that. It has plenty of spots of historical accuracy, which I didn't mind, though some have said that they might have liked it better it she had put less in there.



And then there is Jamie Fraser, the blushing virgin Highlander with a big heart-- among other things. ;) Like many other Outlander lovers, I feel in love with Jamie from the very start. What's not to love? He's innocent, but not so much so that he doesn't know what he wants. He's caring, though, yes, he does have his moments when he is slightly more callous. He was funny, yet serious. He was hard, yet soft. He was wild, yet gentle. And most importantly, he was a Highlander from the 1740's! (Okay, so maybe this is only the most important thing to me, because for the longest time, I've always wanted to have a good looking brawny Highlander from centuries past....*SIGH* They just don't make them like that anymore...)
Do I wish that Diana had made the love scense slightly more explicit/longer? Sure, at times I did. But the thing is, that was simply something I would have enjoyed, as a side dish, sort of speak. But unlike other books, that are so lacking in the writing/plot area that the author and reader both feel it needs more sex scenes to keep your attention *which isn't always bad....*, Outlander did not NEED it. Some of us may not have MINDED more, but it was not needed because it was more than satisfying as is.



Unlike some romances that seem to have little to no true plot line to back them up, Outlander has one that is to die for. Diana Gabaldon has an amazing talent-- the talent to be able to weave together a spectacular story, filled with more than just romance, and yet less than simple straight fiction. She combines the best of both worlds, and you love them both. She tells the story from Claire's point of view so smoothly that from the start, you find yourself not simply reading a book, but instead actually following Claire through the whole thing, as if you were but a few steps behind her! Very few authors take this plunge and write a romance novel from first person, and of those, even fewer can actually pull it off well. Diana has no problem with this. There is only one suggestion I have about the way Outlande was written, and it's not really to say that it was not written well--quiet the opposite, in fact. I would simply have loved to have heard Jamie's version of this wonderful story also.  I loved it from Claire's perspective, don't get me wrong! I just think that it would very interesting to read the same story from Jamie's.



Outlander reminds you what a book from the genre 'romance' is truly suppose to do for the reader. A romance book is meant to make you fantasize, to want, sigh over and dream about. Some of the books published under this genre lately have not accomplished that for me. Outlander does all of that and more. Through all of the roadblocks and troubles that both Claire and Jamie have in their own personal lives, they still manage, in the end, to stay together, making each other stronger, and showing their love for each other in new and unique ways.It's the little things, as people say, that matter most. And Jamie and Claire prove this, time and again. How many other romance H/H's do you know of that have to deal with: clan wars, being followed constantly by soldiers who will not hesitate to capture--or kill, having a price on their head, being tried as a witch, seeing death all around them, captured multiple times, tortured so much it makes the the reader physically and emotionally feel their pain, being so ill he was practically on his death bed, nightmares that we couldn't even begin to imagine, overcome rape, and, let's not forget, come from two different times and still be together, even stronger, in the end? True, there were plenty of rough spots along the way, but the thing is, they made it. What says 'romance' more than all of that?



By the end of Outlander, I was a jumbled mass of emotions. I was happy, because they were both together again; upset, because I knew, deep down, that it wouldn't last forever *or at least, not without periods of them being apart, not because they were having troubles, but for the obvious--she's from 200 years in the future...*; devistated, after hearing all of what Jamie had been through with the horrible Captain; and anxious to know what happens next. Not many books, especially romance books, can really do that for you. Oh sure, some leave you with many emotions at the end: confused, upset, and empty. But those are not the emotions you want a book to make you feel.



After years of putting it off, I now regret the wait. I do NOT, however, regret reading the book. I now plan on going to B&N and buying all 6 books in the Outlander Series. I can now join the hundreds of Outlander fans out there who are impatiently awaiting her 7th book. And did I mention that I loved how thick they are? Very few truly great books can be covered in less than 400 pages, yet so many authors cram it all into 250-300 pages. Sometimes this works out well, mostly it does not. Diana goes beyond, which I am happy for. Hey, if the book is over 500 pages, it's for me!



As if my gushy review did not say it enough, I am giving Outlander-- and the rest of the series-- 5/5 stars and a place on my 'One of my Favorite' list. Thought it is too hard to rank that list, I do know for certain that Outlander is easily towards, if not at, the very top. If I could give it 10/5 stars, I would. If you haven't read this phenomenal series yet, run, don't walk, to your local library/bookstore and get them--I promise, you will not regret it! If you have already read it, you already knew everything I've told you, but hopefully you enjoyed it anyway, and are willing to welcome me into the 'group'. :)



Hungry for more, I am now starting Firefly in Amber. I now have a new obsession *or two, actually*: the Outlander series and Jamie Fraser.



Since I can't sooth my itch for the second obsession *At least not the way I'd like...Dang!* I'll just have to go and work on the first one.



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I bought this book and chose to review it.
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Enjoy!
  


Until Next Time,
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*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Welcome!

Hello and welcome!


I wish I could remember enough about all the books I've ever read to post reviews on here, but, alas, I do not. With as many books as I finish a year, it is very hard to keep some of the details/plots straight-- unless, that is, it was a book that I loved. If it is one that I absolutely loved and revisit often, I never forget. By tomorrow, I should have my first review up.


To start out with, I'll mention what books I am currently reading. Then you know what reviews to look forward to in the coming days. Currently I am reading:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

and also

In Darkness Reborn by Alexis Morgan




After about 2 years of many people telling me how good Outlander is, I finally picked it up. I am not sure why I didn't before, honestly, because as soon as I read the excerpt my friend sent me in an email, I had to run out to the library to grab the first two books. I haven't had as much reading time lately as I would like, so even though I am flying through it, I still have about 200 pages left. 



As for In Darkness Reborn, I have not really read more than a chapter or so, not because it's not interesting, but because I am so hooked on Outlander. 


If anyone is reading tis already, I hope you enjoyed, or at least tolerated it, and I hope you come back once I have more on here. Until then...

~TBQ~