Just One of Those Things

All I wanted to do was put books on my reader for DH to read them. Yep. That simple. Of course, it wasn't that simple. Nope. So what happened? Glad you asked. I wanted to add the books I'd written to the ereader because DH takes the reader to work. He reads at lunch. Sometimes I'm not sure how he does it because some of those are darned hot. Anyway, that's what I wanted to do.

I plugged in the reader. Accessed the program. Score and score. I grab the title and proceed to drag and drop it into the reader file. WHAM! Nothing happened. "Transfered 0 of 1 files" Well, crap. Tried again. Like four times. Same thing every time.

I could've given up and moved onto something else. I could've. I didn't. Why? I hate giving up. So I went to the instruction manual. "File Corrupt" GRRRRRRR!!

Fine. I go to the website. I figure that if they have customer service, then I'm heading there. Thankfully it was free customer service. I've seen plenty of places that have 'free' customer service, unless you haven't bought an extended service plan. Then you're just stuck. So I got lucky. Connected to the CS person and got the situtation sorted out. Only took me another hour to do so, but hey, it's fixed.

I'm not sure what all was wrong, but I can put the books on and all is well. I've got stories to work on and things to do tonight. But isn't it funny how one thing can spiral into a couple hours of work you never expected to spend? Just one of those things...

Sex, Sex and More Sex!

I happened to be talking to a good friend of mine and we discussed television shows. There was a certain drool worthy actor on a particular show and she asked me (since I haven’t seen that particular set of episodes), why are books that are made into movies have more sex? The books are best sellers - garnered thousands of fans ..and yet...it's not good enough and they have more sex than the books... why?

I’m not sure if I want to mention the particular show we were talking about. I don’t want to prejudice anyone or really piss anyone off. I like my shows to be sexy. The hotter the better. But she makes a good point. If the book is hot, I mean HAWT, then isn’t that enough to go by? Or better yet, if the show/movie is based on the book, why add to it?

I see the point of the television show has more time to show what’s going on and can show things the book can’t. For example. In 13 episodes of a show, we can see more bits and pieces of the lives of say the secondary characters whereas in a book, we want to focus on the central characters. I get that.

But do the words ‘based on’ mean ‘deviate here please because the audience is made up of hornballs?’ Doesn’t to me. I’m a hornball. I’ll admit it. President of the club, actually. But I want a story in my sex. If they are having all-out, hotter than hottest sex and it’s JUST because they are hornballs...my interest wanes. I can watch porn if I want that. I want to see them being in love and caring about each other WHILE going at it like a couple of rabbits. And if the book does just that, then why wreck something good?

Because it has to be fantastic? Because it has to be over-thought? Because we as a culture NEED to see anatomy? I’m not sure.

Then again, we have the other stand point. The person getting credit for the screenwriting in many cases isn’t the author. Its someone else brought in to ‘enhance’ the script. Okay, if that’s the case, then that person needs paid and credit given. If the author doesn’t want the script to deviate from the book, then you’d think he/she should do the screenwriting. Maybe she doesn’t want to because she’s writing. Maybe he likes the changes the screenwriters and whoever else have made to it. Who knows. Or maybe still, the changes are like edits the editor might make—one person’s opinion on how to make it better. Just a thought.

I have this theory and while it could be wrong, it’s mine. Someone wrote the book. Someone else who had to edit it, must’ve loved it enough to contract it. Along the way, the book/story/whatever went through changes. It’s not the first draft as the author saw it—in almost all cases, it’s better. So how is the screenwriter/director/producer suggesting changes any different?

Because the fans like continuity. We like the commitment to what we read. Are we right? Are we wrong? You decide. I’d love to know what you think. And yes, Joe, there was the man in question. OOOh he is so yummy!

Thursday Thirteen: Books!

Thirteen FABULOUS Books I've Read Recently:

1. Ashley Drake, Zombie Hunter by Dana Fredsti

My heart is STILL pounding after reading this one. I'm not usually into the zombie thing, but the author's warped sense of humor appealed to me when I read the excerpts, and I can't express how much I enjoyed this book.

2. The Search by Nora Roberts

I'm a sucker for good romances and dog stories, and this book combines them both along with a little mystery. It satisfied me on several levels.

3. The Vampire and the Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks

Honestly, I like all the Kerrelyn Sparks books, but this one in particular really tickled my fancy. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. What's not to like about tortured heroes and strong women?

4. One Tough Marine by Paula Graves

Any time I want a decent suspense novel, I turn to Paula Graves. She's one of my fave romantic suspense authors. This book had a sexy marine in it, so is one of my faves.

5. Lessons for Teacher by Emma Jay
Holy WOW! This story had it all -- smoking hot sex scenes and a story with meat. If you want a quickie to really get the libido going and make your heart sigh, this is the one.

6. Rough Justice by KyAnn Waters

I really love a good menage story, and KyAnn Waters is one of my absolute favorite erotic romance authors -- mix the two together and what do you get? A fabulously hot, wildly romantic story. Oh yeah...

7. Soulless by Gail Carriger

I'm not a big fan of steampunk, but I really enjoyed this book more than I thought possible. Maybe because it included plenty of my fave paranormal critters as well? Regardless, I highly recommend it.

8. The Spurned Viscountess by Shelley Munro

I'm not usually one for historical romance, but Shelley Munro is one of my fave authors, so I gave it a shot. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and I bet you will, too!

9. Shadow of the Sheikh by Nina Bruhns

Oh WOW! This series is amazing! If you like paranormal romance, and wish there was something out there just a little different, then grab this book (and the one before it). Incredible!

10. Tall, Dark And Wolfish by Lydia Dare

Speaking of good paranormal romance, here's another series I love. Lydia Dare is one amazingly talented author... I can't get enough of her.

11. Surrender At Sea by Becca Dale

An eBook that tickled my funny bone, touched my heart and really got the blood pounding. What more could I ask for?

12. Banging the Superhero by Rebecca Royce

HA! I admit, this book's title is what made me pick it up -- but I wasn't sorry. Snarky humor, lots of heat and a solid plot really made it worth every penny.

13. Protect and Serve: Badge Bunny by Cynthia Sax

Short and SO fun! If you want a quickie to make you grin and heat you up from the inside out, this is the story for you.

What about you? What books can you recommend for me?

As an aside -- the post right below this one is one with a contest entry -- you can enter to win a $10 Amazon GC just by commenting. Plus, there are pictures of a hottie to enjoy :-)

What Makes You Buy a Book....

I've had this question on my mind for a while and decided now was as good a time as any to ask it. What makes you buy a book?

I promised the youngling I'd buy him a book if he accomplished a goal. Real exciting? Hey, if you like books, it's a jackpot. Plus it was a good reason to troll the bookstore. I looked at the typical children's books and found the one he wanted. It's not hard when I know he's very much into comic-type books.

But any good reader-slash-aspiring-author knows, you can't just pass by the books in your intended genre and you can't leave the store without a perusal of what's there. It's unhead of.

I'll admit right now I am a cover snob. I've totally walked away from books that had covers I hated. One in particular had a woman who resembled Marilyn Monroe draped around a man who looked like an average romance cover model. Ok...so I read the blurb. The blonde on the cover looked NOTHING like the heroine in the book. The cover made the heroine look cheap and cheesy, which she was not. It really got under my skin. To boot, it was an author I'd usually auto-buy. No joke, I put it back and walked away. Now I happen to know the book was actually really good. How? The cover was redone and more tasteful for a subsequent printing. Thank Goodness. Sheesh.


I've read others that had covers to make the mouth water. (There is a Harlequin cover model who could model on the cover of the phone book and I'd probably buy it because I think he's so yummy. Sad, I know. Yup, that's him, right up there. **Le sigh*** (and I recommend the book, too.)

Then there are the misnomers. The ones with striking covers that happen to be the only thing going for the book. Drives me nuts. Yes, I'm a visually oriented person. I want to see the characters and have the book cover convey the story. Is that wrong? Maybe, but it's my opinion.

So once the cover is no longer an issue and the book has gotten to the level of...hmm...should I buy this, I read the blurb. Oy. Talk about a way to kill a perfectly good book. I've done more than my share of reading. There are some blurbs that totally sell the book. Reel you in. Then there are the turkeys. Does the turkey blurb turn you off? Does me. Great cover, check. Tag line hooky, check. Blurb....oh dear. Yes, I read a blurb that had this in it: He was bitten. He wasn't thrilled and he was having a bad day. First off, three versions of was in the same line? Passive voice? Telly... I shook my head and wandered far from the book. And I'm usually an easy sell for paranormals.

Can you get past a bad cover, a poor blurb, and a so-so tag line? Truly, there are books out there that just plain get screwed. Good story but the presentation sucks. Then there are those that have gorgeous presentation, but lousy writing.

What do you think? I'd love to hear you sound off on this topic. Might give me some titles to check out that I might have passed on before. You never know unless you post. :)

Ciao baby.

Reading

Recently, I had to stop reading a couple of books and was so disappointed ... they really sounded good and had TONS of promise, but could have used stronger editing (and maybe a little more schooling on the authors' parts).

One was full of telling. Now, I slip up on the "show don't tell" mantra now and then, but I really make an effort to pay attention AND, thankfully, I have an editor who points out when I slip off the path. This author apparently did/had neither. And, I can take a little telling, but when I'm beat over the head with it again and again, I have to close the book and move on to something else.

I think what was worse for me on this book was that the author actually did a pretty good job of showing, but then apparently doubting her ability, went on to tell me what she meant.

This is what she did (I'm making these lines up, but it gives you an idea):

Martha leaned closer to Joe, her heart pounding, shivers dancing up her spine. Her nipples puckered as the brushed against his chest. Her body filled with desire when she was near him, and she wanted him in the worst way.

Over and over and over, she would SHOW me something, and then TELL me outright what the previous sentence meant.

Finally, I just couldn't take it anymore. That book was deleted from my eReader and I moved on.

What kills the reading mood for you? What makes you stop reading a book? What finally makes or breaks it for you?

All I Want For Christmas...

Okay folks... I need some suggestions. I have lots of people on my Christmas list, and I'm going to try to get books for one and all. I don't read much outside my fave genres, so how about some help?

What would you recommend for:

Romantic Suspense?
Straight Horror?
Cozy Mystery?
Young Adult?
Middle Grade?
Sweet Romance?
Paranormal?

Anyone? Bueller?

And... what about you? Are you buying books this Christmas? What's on YOUR wishlist?

Books on Writing Fiction

I read a lot of books... I'm sure you can well imagine. I don't believe you can be a writer without being a reader.

I also enjoy books about HOW to write, and have read many. But my favorite -- by a mile -- is "On Writing" by Stephen King. I can't recommend this one enough for sheer inspiration.

The first part of the book is his writing journey. The second is some truly nuts-and-bolts advice. Stephen King doesn't mince words, he tells it like it is.

Want proof? Check this out:



And, if you haven't already... go read his book. In fact, I think I'm going to grab it and read it again.

TT #11 -Thirteen Books I Loved as a Kid

In no particular order, other than as they come to mind!

13. "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle

I read all the books in the series... still have the set, in fact, but loved this one the most. What an amazing, well-written, mind-bending book. I learned the difference between 1, 2 and 3 dimensions in a clearly drawn out way. I still pull it out to read now and then.

12. "Black Beauty" by Anna Sewell

I love, Love, LOVE this book. Once when I was young, I was sick and in bed for a few days and I read this book over and over and over. I counted and still remember -- fourteen times! And, I still cried everytime Ginger died, and every time poor Beauty was forced to do something horrid or when he fell to his knees.

11. "The Dark is Rising" by Susan Cooper

What a disappointment the movie for this was!! It was absolutely horrendous. Blech. This book is amazing. The storyline is incredible. And there was no reason to rewrite 99% of it. I love this entire series (though "Over Sea, Under Stone" is fairly weak, IMHO) and still have my childhood copies to reread again and again.

10. "The Dragonriders of Pern" by Anne McCaffrey

Another series I read again and again. I own them all, up through "The Masterharper of Pern" ... I've been very disappointed in the books she has co-written with her son, and I really don't like the ones he's written alone. But the initial books in the series? A complete joy. I even had a friend draw me a life-sized fire lizard that I glued to cardboard and carried around with me! *G*

9. "Justin Morgan Had A Horse" by Marguerite Henry

I was a horse freak growing up... had one of my own, of course! Morgans have always been my favorite breed, so reading (and loving) this book about the first Morgan who could run faster and pull heavier loads than any other horse was a book I returned to over and over. And, yes, I still have my copy!

8. "Man O'War" by Walter Farley

This book offered such great insight into the world of horse racing! I learned how all foals turn 1 year old on January first, regardless of when their actual birthdate is, how horses are handicapped and more. And every time I read it, I get angry at the details behind the one race Man O'War lost. He was an amazing animal.

7. "The Nancy Drew Series" by Carolyn Keene

When I was young, every time I'd visit my dad he would buy me a new book. And for several years, I always chose a Nancy Drew novel. I still own most of them, and think they're great stories that really don't age. My DD is reading them now.

6. "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis

A magic wardrobe, witches, talking animals, a grand lion... what more could anyone ask for?

5. "Ride the River" by Louis L'Amour

I loved all the Sackett novels, but this one held a special place in my heart because it was about a GIRL!!! What a great story... and she was a wonderful heroine -- strong, smart, capable. And she came with some pretty amazing relatives. I still have this entire series, and this book will always be the one I read twice as often.

4. "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

I read this book for a fourth grade book report, and still remember my teacher questioning whether I had actually read it or not. Most kids were doing "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" or something, so I suppose it was understandable. I still this this book is the easiest and most enjoyable read of the series.

3. "The Prydain Chronicles" by Lloyd Alexander

This book made me fall in love for the first time. I dreamed I was Eilonwy and fantasized about Taran. **sigh** My DD reads this series over and over, but at her age prefers the humor of Fflewdyr Fflam and Gurgi.

2. "The Black Stallion" series by Walter Farley

I couldn't choose just one... I loved (and still love) them all. The movies? Not so much... but, ahhhh the books. Makes me want to read them again. Right now.

1. "Watership Down" by Richard Adams

This book not only introduced me to a whole new world -- that of rabbits -- but an entirely new language that included words like tharn and hrududu and silflay. This book still stands up today.

What about you? What are some of the books you remember from your childhood?

Mysti's Meme #1

Okay... for the next few weeks I'll be posting Mysti's Meme's so that I can use the majority of my writing juice to finish my story (FBOB). And then polish my story. And submit my story. So, please bear with me... and if you want to play, too, I'd love it! Just leave me a comment and I'll come visit.

Let's begin...

What are you reading right now?

"Dark Highland Fire" by Kendra Leigh Castle.

Longest book you’ve ever read:

"The Stand" by Stephen King... I think. I don't really pay attention to length, but I recall that it was pretty amazingly long. Good... really good... but long. Didn't love the mini-series, though Gary Sinise was perfect in his role. But seriously... Molly Ringwald? Please...

Strangest title of a book that you’ve read:

Dunno... that's tough. How about: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler? That's pretty odd.

Stupidest ending of a book you’ve read:

Is it good that I can't think of one? I can think of endings that really pissed me off, but not any that were just plain stupid.

Which literary character have you related to the most?

Margaret, in "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret."

*G*

Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction?

I read both, but for different reasons. Fiction is for fun, Non-Fiction is for edification.

Did you have a series of children’s/young adult books that you once enjoyed?

LOTS!!! The Prydain Chronicles, The Earthsea Trilogy, The Dark Is Rising, The Chronicles of Narnia, Nancy Drew.... should I stop?

Can you enjoy reading the source book after seeing the screen adaptation?

Not really. I do prefer to read the book first, and can't think of a movie I've seen (based on a book) that I went and read the book after.

Have you ever read a novelization of a movie or TV show?

Nope. Never had the desire to.

Book that "turned you on" the most, erotically speaking:

Um... considering my genre of choice, I don't think I can choose just one. Sorry.

Is there a real-life person that you’ve read more than one book about?

Nope. I've read lots of biographies and auto-biographies, but can't think of anyone I've read more than one book about.

Book that everyone’s read but you:

"Pride and Prejudice" -- seen the movie though, does that count? And, as noted earlier, I don't tend to read the book after I've seen the movie. Bad me. I've been told I can't be a romance writer and not have read that particular book. I haven't read "Wuthering Heights" or "Gone with the Wind" (nor seen that movie), either. Sue me.

Favorite "classic" writer/novelist:

William Shakespeare... man, could he write! And, so clever... I <3 Bill.

Favorite contemporary novelist (let's say 1950s on):

Jenny Crusie. Nora Roberts. Daisy Dexter Dobbs.

Favorite short story writer:

I don't think I could name a short story writer if you covered me in honey and strapped me to an ant hill.

Favorite columnist/journalistic writer:

See above, re: short story writers

Favorite poet:

Generally, I dislike poetry. I'm not deep enough to understand it. Maybe Browning? Or... hey... here's a good poem:

I THINK that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

I've heard the author of that particular poem regrets writing it, however.

Favorite guilty pleasure book or series:

Guilty pleasure? No such thing!!!

Favorite book by written by a famous actor or musician:

Don't have a clue. Don't know if I've ever read one...

Author whose work you once enjoyed but no longer do:

Karin Slaughter. Kill off the hero? Um... no... not if you want me to keep reading. Sorry.

Favorite comics/graphic fiction author:

Wendy and Richard Pini for their "Elfquest" series. I don't even know if they still do it, but I was a rabid fan back in the 80s.

Did you read this? Then -- TAG!! You're it!

*G*

Thursday 13 #9: Random books from my TBR pile

I love to read... a lot.... I need it, and I'm not ashamed to say it. Today's Thursday 13 is Thirteen Random Books From My TBR Pile. Not many of these are Erotic... simply because the in my pile are virtual books. I'll give you a sampling of those ones another day.

1. Just A Taste by Deirdre Martin Since his wife's untimely death, Anthony Dante has thrown himself into his cooking, making his restaurant, Dante's, a Brooklyn institution. So far, his biggest problem has been keeping his retired hockey-star brother out of the kitchen. But now, a mademoiselle is invading his turf. And you know what they say: Too many chefs spoil the neighborhood...

Stunning Vivi Robitaille can't wait to showcase her taste bud-tingling recipes in her brand-new bistro, Vivi's. Her only problem is an arrogant Italian chef across the street who actually thinks he's competition. The table is set for a culinary war - until things start getting spicy outside of the kitchen...

2. The Hell-Raiser by Rhonda Nelson Sarah Jane Walker was ready to kiss her inheritance goodbye once her greedy stepmother hired security expert Mick Chivers - aka the Hell-Raiser. Sexy Mick was bound to figure out that his new assignment wasn't above breaking a few rules - or laws - in her desperate plan to recover her family legacy. Yet even with the cell door practically slamming, Sarah's knees felt like jelly whenever she looked into Mick's old-soul eyes.

Those baby-blues told her the daredevil was a law unto himself. They said he'd overcome incredible odds to win.

And they dared the smart-mouthed Southern belle to take her best shot - and raise a little hell with him!

3. Midnight Rising by Lara AdrianIn a world of shadows and dark, cosuming hungers, desire is the deadliest weapon...

For journalist Dylan Alexander, it began with the discovery of a hidden tomb, thrusting her into the center of a gathering storm of violence and secrets. But nothing is as dangerous as the scarred, lethally seductive man who rises from the shadows to draw her into his world of dark desire and endless night.

Fueled by pain and rage over a shattering betrayal, the warrior Rio has pledged his life to the war against the Rogues. He will let nothing stand in his way—least of all a mortal woman with the power to expose the entire vampire race. For an ancient evil has been awakened, and a stunning darkness is on the rise. Suddenly Dylan is powerless to resist Rio’s touch, even as she uncovers a shocking link to her own past. And now she must choose: Leave Rio’s midnight realm, or risk it all for the man who has shown her true passion and the infinite pleasures of the heart. . . .

4. The Demon's Daughter by Emma HollyInspector Adrian Philips keeps the peace between demons and humans in Avvar, a city not unlike Victorian London. To do his job, he's allowed his strength to be enhanced by demon technology, a choice that's cost him his wife, is family, and - some would say - his humanity. Rejected by both races, he hungers for a woman's touch.

Roxanne McAllister is an outcast, too: the illegitimate daughter of an infamous chanteuse. One fateful night brings Roxanne and Adrian together, and though the border between human and demon is treacherous, these two may be just the ones to cross it. The question is, will the exquisite pleasure they find together be worth the risk...

5. Unleashing the Storm by Sydney CroftFeel the heat. Hear the roar.
The fever has begun...

There’s a storm rising. Electricity crackles in the air. For Kira Donovan, it’s that time of year again: when the need floods her flesh, when almost any man—the bigger and the stronger the better—will do. For Kira, an animal psychic, the heat is a matter of life and death, and this year it has come at just the right time. Tom Knight, a natural-born predator, has arrived at her isolated Idaho farm—for reasons all his own. . . .

At first Kira isn’t interested in Knight’s motives. She only needs him—his body, his hands, his scent. But soon, through a daze of desire and distrust, Kira discovers Knight’s world—the world of a covert operative, one man among dozens of secret agents waging an astonishing global war. Knight’s mission is to bring Kira—kicking and screaming if necessary—into the Agency for Covert Rare Operatives and harness her extraordinary gift. He never expected the powerful emotions she would ignite in him, or the fierce desire to keep her safe from harm. For as darkness gathers around them, Kira is feeling the heat once again, leading them both on a wild ride of delicious thrills . . . and terror beyond imagining.

6. Fallen by Erin McCarthyNew Orleans, 1840s. Sent to watch over the decadent city, the angel Gabriel loses himself in the liquid pleasure of absinthe. So when his mistress, Anne, is murdered - and all evidence points to him - a foggy Gabriel cannot be sure he didn't do it. His penance: to be forever denied love. Should he seek pleasure with a woman, she'll suffer the depths of despair...

New Orleans, today. Hoping to unlock that unsolved murder mystery, forensic scientist Sara Michaels, Anne's great-great-granddaughter, meets the ageless, tormented Gabriel. To work together will mean suppressing their mutual attraction - he can't allow himself to touch Sara, for her own sake. And for Sara, already familiar with the dangers of addiction, Gabriel poses the ultimate threat to her self-control. But will the desire burning between them turn into their salvation - or lead them both to destruction?

7. The Darkest Kiss by Keri ArthurDanger turns her on.
Desire turns her dangerous...

Riley Jenson hunts evildoers—and does it with a style all her own. With vamp blood coursing her through her veins, and a werewolf’s uncanny instinct for danger, Riley wears snakeskin stilettos and pure, in-your-face attitude when she plunges into her latest case: hunting down a killer whose victims are high-society strumpets—and the rich and powerful men they’ve dated.

But for Riley, the case takes a chilling turn when a second killer starts trailing mutilated bodies of his own: a crazed young vamp choosing victims from a past marked by tragedy. Riley knows she’s got the skill and cunning to catch two serial killers at once…until one of them strikes inside her own tight-knit clan—and a sexy beast of a vampire reenters her life to aid in the hunt. His name is Quinn. He’s lived forever, shed blood, and shared pleasure…and he’s the only man over whom Riley has absolutely no control….

8. Man of My Dreams by Kenyon, Shayne, Forster and KantraMagic Of The Night... Every woman dreams about meeting the perfect man - the one whose power will spark her fiery passion and make her tremble with desire. Now, in this spellbinding collection, today's hottest authors present four devastatingly handsome heroes who can possess a woman's heart and satisfy her late-night yearnings. Let yourself indulge in their mesmerizing stories, and travel into a seductive world where - when it comes to love - anything is possible...

9. Holy Smokes by Katie MacAlisterI'm Aisling Grey, but you can call me "frustrated."

The dragon of my dreams - ubersexy Drake Vireo, wyvern of the green dragons - has finally decided to make an honest woman of me. That is, if we ever make it to the wedding at the same time! Being left at the alter may have cooled my jets, but not my passion... a good thing when Drake disappears and it's up to me to find him.

Most brides just have in-laws to worry about. Me? I have warring demons, ticked-off demon lords, eternal damnation, and a mage who wants to challenge me for an otherworldly position I don't want. At least Jim, my doggie demon, is always at my side. He's never let me down... yet.

10. Damien by Jacquelyn FrankThey are the Nightwalkers, mysterious beings who dwell in the shadows of our world, and Damien, the Vampire Prince, is among the most powerful of them all. But one woman will tempt him with a desire unlike anything he has known, and together they will face a terrifying and relentless foe.

HE'D NEVER LOVED.

BUT SHE WAS IRRESISTIBLE.

As reigning Vampire Prince, Damien has tasted every pleasure the world has to offer-consorting with kings and queens and delighting in sensual adventure. Now, tired of such pursuits, he devotes his energies to protecting his people. The war between human necromancers and Nightwalkers has escalated, and when the enemy makes a daring move, kidnapping Syreena, a Lycanthrope Princess, Damien boldly follows. He succeeds in rescuing her, but is unprepared for the erotic longing her lush sensuality awakens in him.

Gifted with rare abilities, Syreena grew up in a cloistered setting and was forbidden to form attachments to others, yet the connection Damien feels with her is immediate, intoxicating, and impossible for either to resist. But claiming Syreena as his mate could have shattering repercussions for every Nightwalker-and leave their enemies more dangerous than ever before.

Temptation tastes sweetest at night.

11. Dagger-Star by Elizabeth VaughanShe is a mercenary trained in ways of war and the blade - nothing more. A woman known only as Red Gloves has come to the land of Palins in search of work. What she finds, however, is the torched fields and razed farms of a land defiled.

If you see her without the gloves, run... This is all Josiah knows about the mysterious woman - until he catches a glimpse of the dagger-star birthmark, a sign that she is destined to free his people from a ruthless usurper's reign of terror.

But she is more dangerous when following her heart... Red doesn't believe in gods. Nevertheless, she finds herself drawn into the rebellion - not by the prophecy or the chance to win the throne, but by the pain of untold loss in Josiah's eyes...

12. The Darkest Night by Gena ShowalterAll her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member - a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger that calms their torments... and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction - and a soul-shattering test of love...

13. Into the Shadow by Christina DoddBlessed—or cursed—with the ability to change into a sleek panther, and driven by a dark soul he's accepted as his fate, Adrik Wilder abandons his family and his honor to pursue a life of wickedness. He excels at every vice, including kidnapping Karen Sonnet to use for his selfish purposes.

But Karen's spirit and passion make him question the force of his family's curse. And when a new evil emerges, Adrik must choose whether to enact revenge on his enemies and redeem his soul, or save Karen from a fate worse than death…



Yes, yes, I know... they're almost all paranormal. What can I say? I love paranormals.