Important Note: All reviews reflected on this page are solely the expressed opinions of the reviewer. Our reviewers are not paid or given any incentive by any publisher.

Title: Angel's Fall
Classification: Romance
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Putnam
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: You would think that after a while the formula for a Nora Roberts' romance would get old. Somehow she always finds a way to make her stories fresh enough to grab your interest and keep you reading - she remains a master of the craft. In her latest story, her wounded heroine is Reece Gilmore. Reece is barely functioning emotionally after surviving a brutal crime. When she witnesses a fight that escalates into murder, Reece must convince everyone it really happened.

Title: Angel with Attitude
Classification: Romance
Author: Michelle Rowen
Publisher: Warner Books
Copyright: August 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This humorous paranormal romance is the story of Valerie Grace, an angel kicked out of Heaven who is determined to go back. Unfortunately, she finds herself attracted to Nathaniel, the Tempter Demon assigned to lure her to Hell.

Title: Big Trouble
Classification: Romance
Author: Marianna Jameson
Publisher: Signet
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Naomi Conner is not your typical digital security consultant. She is Southern, blond and beautiful. She makes sure she gets the opportunity the lead the internal security audit of Brennan Shipping so she can make partner in the firm and she can right a wrong from her hacker past. This leads to some major relationship hurdles with Joe Casey, one of the family members that own Brennan and acting chief technology officer responsible for the current security system. A good blend of intrigue and romance!

Title: Blowback
Classification: Fiction
Author: Brad Thor
Publisher: Pocket Books
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book happens prior to the author's latest novel (Takedown) and features the same protagonist, Scott Harvath. In this thriller, Scott must chase down terrorists who have unearthed an ancient biological weapon and plan to use it to destroy their enemies.

Title: Born to Be Wild
Classification: Romance
Author: Catherine Coulter
Publisher: Jove
Copyright: August 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book seemed more mystery/thriller than romance, but elements of all three were combined in a very good, humorous story: Mary Lisa Beverly - an Emmy winning soap-opera star - gets help from friends and family to find out who is trying to kill her.

Title: Bound and Determined
Classification: Romance
Author: Shelley Bradley
Publisher: Berkley (Sensation)
Copyright: January 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This story's plot was not well developed and only served to get the main characters together. It seemed as though too much time was spent on the sensual sex scenes - can you say that about romance?? While well written, I found myself wanting to skip to the action and found myself disappointed when it didn't deliver these scenes as well.

Title: Captive of My Desires
Classification: Romance
Author: Johanna Lindsey
Publisher: Pocket Books
Copyright: June 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: As the latest "Mallory" book, this novel has quite a few of the characters from past books. The focus, however, is on Drew Anderson - Georgina's brother. Gabrielle Brooks meets Drew when she is sent back to England by her father (a pirate) to have a proper season and arrange a marriage. He sends her to James Mallory and the conflict between Drew and Gabrielle starts from there.

Title: Date Me, Baby, One More Time
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Stephanie Rowe
Publisher: Warner Fantasy
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Justine Bennett, Guardian of the Goblet of Eternal Youth, must spend her life preventing anyone from taking a drink from it. Only the goblet, Mona, has shape-changed and is now an espresso machine. And watching Mona has seriously put a dent in Justine's love life (no dates, no sex for a couple of centuries). Unfortunately, the first man to come along in a while would have to be Derek LaValle who wants to behead the Guardian so he can take the goblet and end the curse that causes every male LaValle to die at the age of 31. Somehow Justine and Derek work through these and many more obstacles to make their relationship work in this humorous book.

Title: Dead and Loving It
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Berkley (Sensation)
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: MaryJanice Davidson writes just about the best humorous paranormal romance...and this book is no exception. A word of warning, if you are a devoted fan - the first three stories were originally published in e-book format. The fourth in this series and final tale is new and features George the Fiend, so Betsy and gang are all included! (Watch for another "Gorgeous" book in May and "Undead series).

Title: Dead Watch
Classification: Fiction
Author: John Sandford
Publisher: Putnam
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Although this is not part of his Prey series, the author has created a politcal thriller worth reading. In this book, Jake Winter stirs up the political forces to help discover why a former Senator disappeared and who is responsible. (Check out Nancy's review of the same book by clicking here)

Title: Deep Sea Dead
Classification: Mystery
Author: Lori Avocato
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Another episode in the Pauline Sokol series. This time Pauline gets called in for a case involving medical insurance fraud. Only two problems - it's on a cruise ship when she's afraid of deep water and she has to return to nursing undercover once more time. Another lighthearted romp insues when Pauline finds her roommate stabbed to death in their cabin.

Title: Delicious
Classification: Romance
Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Harlequin (HQN)
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Penny Jackson gets the best kind of vindication when her ex-husband, Cal Buchanan, must hire her as chef to help save his family's restaurant. As they work together, she discovers the true reasons he let her leave. Unresolved feelings lead to a second chance at romance. The author has always been adept at showing both sides of complex relationships and breathing life into characters who remain compelling even though they have all too realistic flaws.

Title: Devil in Winter
Classification: Romance
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In the third of four in the "Wallflower" series, Evie Jenner and Lord Sebastion St. Vincent's marriage of convenience evolves into true love. This is a sweet story, but I liked the previous book a little better. Still worth a read.

Title: Don't Look Down
Classification: Fiction
Author: Jennifer Cruise & Bob Mayer
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the first collaboration between these authors...and hopefully not the last! The book is a good blend of humor, suspense, action, and a touch of romance. Lucy Armstrong, a commercial director hired to complete the last four days of an action movie shoot, stumbles into a money-laundering scheme on the set. To protect her niece, sister, and the rest of the cast and crew from the Russian mob, Lucy and JT Wilder (a Green Beret hired by one of the actors to act as a consultant/stunt double) work together to flush out the bad guys.

Title: Doppelganger
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: Marie Brennen
Publisher: Warner Fantasy
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This story revolves around a unique concept - anytime a witch is born a doppelganger is created. Normally, this twin is killed before the body is filled with a soul. However, Miryo discovers that her doppelganger is still alive when her testing ceremony does not complete as expected. She must find and kill her twin in order to "master" and use her skills safely. This is easier said than done - her twin is Mirage, a trained warrior. The book spends equal time between each of their stories. It is easy to become attached to both characters (each is given their own rich, unique personality) ...but don't worry, the author finds a way to resolve the issue and end the book without disappointing the reader.

Title: Drop Dead Gorgeous
Classification: Romance
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Brava
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the second book in the Gorgeous series (Hello, Gorgeous was the first book). Jenny Branch helps Kevin Stone go back undercover into the Snakepit to disrupt their evil plans. It's the author's typical humourous romp with romance.

Title: Dying to Meet You
Classification: Mystery
Author: Jennifer Apodaca
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is another Samantha Shaw mystery. Trapped under a dead body until calling 911 to be rescued, kidnapped with a can of oven cleaner by the murder victim's husband, and peed on by the same victim's pet kitten - Sam's just starting the investigation into the death of one of her former Heart Mates dating service clients. Good, fun light mystery.

Title: Engaging the Enemy
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Elizabeth Moon
Publisher: DelRay
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the latest adventure of Kylara Vatta. Picking up after the capture and executive of the family traitor who instigated the destruction of the Vatta family and much of its holdings, this novel chronicles the survivors efforts to protect what is left, reorganize their remaining forces and start the difficult task of hunting down the rest of the pirate fleet. The book ended too soon for me because now I'm back waiting for the next in the series to come out!

Title: Even Vampires Get the Blues
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: Katie MacAlister
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Another story about a Dark One (vampire without a soul) and his Beloved (the only woman who can redeem his soul). Paen Scott doesn't believe in the "Beloved" concept so he rejects the fact that half-elf Samantha Cosse is his when he hires her to help find the Jilin God relic to repay a family debt. Sam has troubles keeping their relationship on a professional level - she's convinced she is Paen's "Beloved". She works to find the statue and give him back his soul. This romantic tale has amusing characters and lighter moments to go along with the sensual relationship between Sam and Paen.

Title: Extreme Bachelor
Classification: Romance
Author: Julia London
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the second Thrillseekers Anonymous book ... Michael Raney is working as a stunt coordinator in a feature film and one of the actresses with a minor role turns out to be the woman he could never forget. But Michael broke Leah's heart and his reputation as the Extreme Bachelor doesn't make it easy for him to rebuild their relationship. This book has some humor, some adventure and some romance.

Title: In the Bed of a Duke
Classification: Romance
Author: Cathy Maxwell
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In this historical romance, Charlotte Cameron is socially ruined by Phillip Maddox, the Duke of Colster after she encourages her sister not to marry him. Both of them must work through these differences when they face some dangerous circumstances after being forced to travel together into Scotland. Charlotte was a strong heroine and the book does well when she is pitted against Phillip. Less interesting was intrigue surrounding Phillip's twin and Lord McKenna.

Title: Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace
Classification: Teens
Author: MaryJanice Davidson & Anthony Alongi
Publisher: Berkley Trade (JAM imprint)
Copyright: August 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This young adult novel series introduces the reader to Jennifer at a pivotal point in her young life. She has just turned fourteen and discovered a secret that her parents have kept from her too long - she is a weredragon like her father and grandfather. The authors have penned a humorous, yet realistic look of her trials as she tries to cope with her large lizard-like body, its new powers, and the betrayal she feels about her parents' secrets. She isn't given too much time to adjust before she must try her new wings and help her mother find her father before he is killed. This is a book that all ages can enjoy.

Title: Kitty Goes to Washington
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: Warnere Books
Copyright: July 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the second book in a series featuring Kitty Norville, late night DJ and werewolf. The book picks up with her life after "outing" herself and leaving her pack. As a result, she becomes involved in the governments' investigation on supernaturals, learns to cope as a rogue wolf without a pack, and meets a whole new set of friends and enemies.

Title: Lie by Moonlight
Classification: Romance
Author: Amanda Quick
Publisher: Jove
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I'm glad I waited for the paperback version ... Jayne Anne Krentz (aka Amanda Quick) always writes a well-crafted story but lately she has not strayed from her very successful formula. I enjoyed the book but wished that it had been something less predictable.

Title: The Marcelli Bride
Classification: Romance
Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Pocket (Star) Books
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: If you are familiar with the author's Marcelli family series, this is the story of the brother Joe. If not, don't worry ... this book stands on its own. In it Joe must protect the president's daughter, Darcy, while she is hidden at the Marcelli Winery. The author takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as she presents the complex relationships between this couple and their families.

Title: On the Way to the Wedding
Classification: Romance
Author: Julia Quinn
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: July 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The last of the Bridgeton family (series) meets his match - but it's not the woman he thinks he loves! With a touch of humor, farce, and melodrama, this story reveals Gregory's path to discover true happiness.

Title: Princess of Wands
Classification: Fantasy
Author: John Ringo
Publisher: Baen
Copyright: January 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book consists of three consecutive stories about Barbara Everette, your not-so-typical soccer mom, who ends up fighting demons when she tries to get away from her family for a short break. Fortunately, she has her martial arts training and her faith to use when facing her new foes. This paranormal thriller has all of the intense conflict that is usually found in a Ringo book...

Title: Prior Bad Acts
Classification: Mystery
Author: Tami Hoag
Publisher: Bantam
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Tami Hoag brings back the detectives from one of her prior books ("Dust to Dust"). Anyone who enjoyed that series of thrillers will be happy to know that this book also brings back the detailed layers of suspense - it will keep you guessing exactly who is trying to kill Judge Carey Moore (the escaped prisoner? Judge Moore's cheating husband? a burned-out police detective? or the victims' family?)

Title: The Royal Pain
Classification: Romance
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Brava
Copyright: November 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The sequel to The Royal Treatment brings the cast of Baranov characters back to tell the Princess Alexandria's story. This amusing romance develops as Dr. Sheldon Rivers, a marine biologist at the North Dakota Institute for Sea Life, helps Alex find a cure for her insomnia. Another fun read that makes you wish the next one comes soon!

Title: The Royal Treatment
Classification: Romance
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Spunky Christina Krabbe loses her job aboard a ship and is forced to disembark in Alaska. But that's okay, since she has made friends with Al (who turns out to be the reigning king of Alaska and matchmaking for his son). The rest of this alternative reality is a hilarious chronicle of the romance between Christina and Prince David, their marriage, and her adjustment to life as a Princess. This book is the first in a series and like her "Undead" novels, it is filled with the author's usual quirky, comical yet realistic characters and their penguins.

Title: Snow Blind
Classification: Mystery
Author: P. J. Tracy
Publisher: Putnam
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Another Monkeewrench series novel from P.J. Tracy ... all the usual characters are back, but this novel features Detectives Magozzi and Rosleth who are trying to solve the murders of two policemen stuffed into snowmen. It also introduces Iris Rikker, the new sheriff of rural Dundas County who must deal with another snowbody the first day on the job. Only one thing wrong with this book ... I have to wait another year or two for the next one!

Title: Staying Dead
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Laura Anne Gilman
Publisher: Luna
Copyright: June 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Wren Valere is a Retriever, a freelance mage who specializes in bringing things back with help from her business partner Sergei. In her world, magic and technology coexist but sometimes not well. This book was a good mix of thriller and fantasy.

Title: Unplugged
Classification: Mystery
Author: Lois Greiman
Publisher: Dell
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the second outing for cocktail waitress turned psychologist, Christina McMullen. She attempts to find her best friend/secretary's missing boyfriend and gets herself into and out of several humorous scrapes. Not quite as good as the first book - but still worth the read!

Title: Warprize
Classification: Romance
Author: Elizabeth Vaughn
Publisher: Tor
Copyright: May 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The first in a trilogy, this book is set in the land of Xy. Xylara, the daughter of the now deceased King of Xy, has gone against custom and trained to be a healer. A war against the raiding Firelanders keeps her busy treating the wounded. Her insistence to treat the wounded of their enemy leads to her selection as the warprize when Kier,the warlord, overtakes their army and negotiates with her half-brother for concessions. The story examines the clash between the cultures of the warring parties and the romantic clash between Lara and Kier.

Title: Warsworn
Classification: Romance
Author: Elizabeth Vaughn
Publisher: Tor
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The second in a planned trilogy, this book brings back the characters from the first book, "Warprize". On their way back to the Heart of Plains, Lara feels compelled to stop to help a village afflicted with the plague despite reluctance from her warlord Kier. She must use her training as a healer to keep the disease from wiping out the warriors traveling with her and Kier must face a revolt from some of those he leads when he too weakens from the disease.

Title: Wolf at the Door
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Christine Warren
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This paranormal romance features the world of the Others and while it describes a world in which werewolves, shape shifters, vampires, witches and other creatures exist, it is still a very good romance at its heart. The relationship between Sullivan Quinn and Cassidy Poe evolves as they attempt to reveal the foe that is putting all of their kind in danger.

Title: Working for the Devil
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Lilith Saintcrow
Publisher: Warner Fantasy
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the first in a new series about Dante Valentine, necromance-for-hire. As the title suggests, Dante is hired by the Devil...to kill a demon and bring back the Egg. Dante wants to refuse but after she learns who the demon is, she agrees so she can try to get justice for a friend.

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Meet Venus

I'm currently employed as a global marketing development manager. This means I get to travel just about everywhere to have extensive meetings that involve discussions about business strategies, marketing plans, and various hardware/ software technologies (I try to keep the TLAs to a minimum).

While I should pursue a secondary career as a hotel inspector or luggage tester, I instead try to enjoy my free time by reading anything but business, marketing, or technology books. Fortunately, there's a lot of fiction out there to read. Unfortunately (for me and all luggage handlers but not bookstores I suppose). I read very fast so I have to pack a lot of books to make it through one trip.