Review: The McKettricks of Texas "Tate" by author Linda Lael Miller

I just finished reading the new Linda Lael Miller book The McKettricks of Texas "Tate". This is a going to be a three book series and this is the first in that series but #11 in the entire McKettrick series. You can read this as a stand alone book but when looking at the two book coming out next it's a good idea to read them all in order. I've read all the other McKettrick books and i was not disappointed in this one. The last series was on McKettrick cousins of Montana "the Creeds" and now we move onto the Texas McKettricks. These ones are all brothers and decendents of Jeb and Chloe from "Secondhand Bride" one of the original McKettrick books.

Below is a synopsis for The McKettricks of Texas "Tate"

For divorced dad Tate McKettrick, there are barely enough hours each day to run the Silver Spur ranch, do the suit-and-tie thing for his business and run herd on his beloved six-year-old daughters. But time stands still at the sight of Libby Remington. When they were high school sweethearts, the wealthy McKettrick made a mistake that cost him the love of his life. But now they’re both back in Blue River, Texas. And cattle rustlers, a manipulative ex-wife and a killer stallion can’t keep Tate from trying to win Libby again.


Libby has her hands full caring for her mother and running the Perk Up Coffee Shop. Caffeine she needs. Tate McKettrick—with his blazing blue eyes and black hair. No way! Oh, heck—yes! But can Tate and Libby really hope for a second chance?
 
Tate and Libby have been avoiding each other for a long time. Tate because he feels awful about what he did to Libby years ago and Libby because she is embarrassed and hurt still. You can't blame her though. Tate and Libby were meant to be. Libby knew from a early age and they dated at a young age and thought they'd always be together. Both go off to college but Libby has to drop out and go home to take care of her dying father and Tate under pressures from school gets drunk one night and sleeps with Cheryl and she ends up pregnant with twins. Tate being a McKettrick thinks he's doing the right thing and marries Cheryl and dumps Libby. The marriage barely lasts a year and he files for divorce. Tate and Libby finally talk years later when Tate runs into her at her coffee shop and they discover the sparks still there. They have to find their way back to each other eventually but not without Cheryl being the bitchy ex wife she is and Libby strange mother Marva trying to muck things up. Their biggest obstacle is of course trust. If you like the past McKettrick books you'll love this one as well. I think the ending could have had a little more meat to it but was still satisfied with it. You also get a glimpse at what Tate's two brothers Garret and Austin's books will be about. Garrett's book is up next and i can't wait to read it! Go to Linda Lael Miller's website to read a synopsis of all three books. You can also read a excerpt at this time for Tate's book. while you're there click on Books by series to see a list of the rest of the McKettrick books. I recommend reading them all but do it in order for it to make the most sense. You can read them in prospective groups if you're not interested in them all. Check out her other series.  Be sure to check out the Montana Creeds and the Stone Creek Novel series as well. They all inter relate with the McKettrick series.
 
I give The McKettrick's of Texas "Tate" 5 Modokker stars. Loved it!  Don't forget to enter the Take a cowboy home sweepstakes too by going here.  There are daily instant prizes so enter every day for a chance.

Linda Lael Miller's New Release The McKettricks of Texas "Tate" is out now!

I thought Linda Lael Miller's new McKettrick book wasn't due out til February but it was released January 25th. I received a email from Linda Lael Miller that is was coming out on the 25th but i couldn't find it until today. It's a softcover so not expensive. Six dollars at Walmart. This is the first of three. I'll post a review in a few days once I've read it.

Lisa

Breaking news from Romcon!

Passing this on from Romcon.com.

RomConInc celebrates 14 Days of Love February 1 - 14! Join us as we launch our three different reader forums, Contemporary, Historical, and Fantasy/Futuristic & Paranormal (FF&P), with visits from special guest authors, fun topics to chat about, and gifts and goodies galore! All you need to do to participate is sign up for an account here on the site. Anyone who leaves a comment during our special promotion will be entered to win a free Reader Registration to RomCon™ 2010!

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For a LIMITED TIME ONLY! RomCon™ 2010 is having an early registration promotion -- save $100 on registration through the end of February! On March 1, the price returns to $350, so act now!

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The Readers’ Crown™ Contest entry deadline has been extended to February 28, 2010. To enter the contest, you will need to submit your entry form and payment and your books will need to be postmarked by February 28, 2010. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to receive true market recognition for your published romantic fiction!

http://www.romconinc.com/

Linda Lael Miller Take a Cowboy Home Sweepstakes

I'm a big Linda Lael Miller fan. I read a excerpt of one of her Mckettrick books in the back of a Susan Mallery book (big fan of hers too) and was intrigued enough to go find the full book to read. I was hooked in no time and have read over a dozen of her books. She has a new trio of books coming out starting in February featuring more McKettrick cousins of Texas. Garret will be up next lawyer, politician, urbanite. last will come Austin's book. He's rodeo star, loner and maverick. To read the first chapter of Tate's book you can click here.

Enter the sweepstakes here http://takeacowboyhome.com/takeacowboyhome/ 
To enter the sweepstakes and find out more about the McKettrick's of Texas and get a free copy of McKettricks Pride a previous McKettrick's book click here.

You can also check out Linda Lael Miller's website and blog by going http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/

If you like cowboys and romance look for these books Tate's book comes out Feb. 2010,  Garrett June 2010 and Austin July 2010. You can read Synopsis at Linda Lael Miller's website.

Happy reading!

Let's talk about author Nalini Singh

A friend of mine introduced me to Nalini Singh with a book. Said book was called Angel's Blood. This is a paranormal genre book. If you are into paranormal and have a open mind and imagination you will probably like this book. Below is a little Excerpt:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she's the best—but she doesn't know if she's good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear—failure is not an option...even if the task is impossible.

Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.


The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other…and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn't destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break…
 
This is some serious paranormal writing and although there is a romance factor there is more of a intrigue and action factor. Not for someone with a weak stomach i guess either.
 
It was a different kind of read for me although I've read quite a few paranormal books this one has a little bit of a different twist that i was used to. I'd give it 5 Modokker book pick stars.
Click here to read a extended excerpt. If you're truly interested this would be a good idea so you can get a better idea if you'll like it or not. extended Angel's Blood excerpt 
 
Angel's Blood came out last year in March of 2009. If you read that and like it her next release in the series is going to be Archangel's Kiss which is due out February 2010. Below is a excerpt of that book.
 
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed—an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn—but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control—even when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority…
 
They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from the archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijing—and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena…
 
If you like that you can read the first chapter here.. 1st chapter Archangel's Kiss click here 
 
I invite you check out these books and let me know what you think. You can go to Nalini Singh blog by clicking here

REVIEW: Prince Charming by author Julie Garwood

I am a huge Julie Garwood fan! If you hang around here long enough you'll figure that out quickly. I just finished theJulie Garwood historical Prince Charming. I didn't realize how long this book was until i got halfway thru and realized it was 531 pages. I have to say though, i really enjoyed all 531 pages. From the beginning til the end it was good. I think it took my about the first 10 pages to get lost in it and then before i knew  i was halfway thru. Below is a synopsis.

England, 1868 AD. Only her beloved grandmother, Lady Esther, knew how devastated Taylor Stapleton had been when her fiance eloped with Taylor's Cousin, Jane. Now that good lady -- one of London's richest and most formidable matriarchs -- lay dying. But first she was going to help Taylor Pull off the scam of the season. To escape becoming a ward of her unscrupulous uncle, Taylor would wed Lucas Ross, a rugged American rancher,Lady Esther's money would enable Ross to bring his youngest half-brother home to Montana. Taylor had her own urgent reason to go to America ... a precious legacy she hadn't revealed to Ross, for they had agreed to go their separate ways once they reached Boston. But as her handsome new husband spoke of life in Montana, Taylor began planning a new future. To Taylor, the wide-open spaces of Montana sounded like paradise....

I just loved Taylor and Lucas. Lucas doesn't think he is worthy of love and not a gentleman but he is. His character is wonderful and Taylor is a gem. She's got alot of fire and spirit and she is definitely determined. The story is long and involved with plenty of details. Taylor picks up a new friend along the way and has many secrets. She is to pick up her deceased sisters twin girls and raise them with help from the money her grandmother leaves her. Before she can pick them up they are stolen and she has to confess to Lucas that they exist and he then vows to find them. He eventually does with his friend Hunter to help him. They pick up an addition kid a boy who has no real name. This makes them a family of sorts. Taylor takes off with her 3 new charges and her new friend for the Montana territory to get away from her nasty uncle Malcolm. Lucas catches up with her there and they decide to stay a while but dear uncle Malcolm hunts her down there and she finally has to face him to keep her twin girls. In the end Lucas and Taylor work out all their secrets and become a real family. One paragraph just isn't enough to tell everything in this book. You simply HAVE to read it! lol  It's a great read. You may need a few days to get thru the whole book but it well worth it. This isn't a new book it was released initially in 1994 but it's worth tracking down to read it. I was lucky enough to find it in a used book store for 35 cents. What a bargain that was!

Going to give it 5 Modokker book pick stars! Get this book if you love historicals you can't go wrong

Romcon!

Do you know what Romcon is? It's a Romance convention of course. This year will be the first year for Romcon and it is being held in Denver, Colorado July 9-11th. Romcon is the only convention of it's size geared toward romance readers. If you are a romance fan then this is the convention for you. There are a couple of things going on with this. One they are looking for authors to submit their books and two, they are looking for readers like you and i to judge those books. That's going on now but deadlines are fast approaching. The convention itself will feature dozens of well known authors. Two of my favorites come to mind like Susan Mallery and Christine Feehan. They have all kind of activities planned from a costume ball to a Historical authors Tea!

RomCon™ is one long party--come well rested and ready to learn, network, and have fun!

Links to below for more info.

To apply to be a judge. This is for everyone including you and I!
Judge's application

To submit your books for Romcon. This is for all those authors.
information on how to submit your book to Romcon!

To find out about how to attend the concention and costs.
Romcon convention!

Lastly the home page for all things Romcon. There are interesting thing going on there daily.
Romcon home page

This might be the perfect summer get away for a girls weekend. Be sure to check it out!

Review: Sizzle by author Julie Garwood

I waited forever and then some for Julie Garwood's new release "Sizzle"! I even waited for my library to get it since it's in hardcover and out of my budget for right now. That was a two week wait almost but very much worth it. I guess you can tell by now i liked it! Well you're wrong! I loved it! I am huge fan of the Buchanan's and thought they would not be in this book but they are. They are not main characters but have their parts to play which is awesome. I love how she inter-connects the character in her books. Sizzle is another awesome action/romance story. Sam is a hot sexy Scot from the highlands of Scotland and a FBI language specialist. He saves Alec Buchanan's life and of course the Buchanan's are a gracious and loving bunch so he's pulled into the family like it or not! Sidney Alec's baby sitter is away at film school and her best friend Lyra gets herself in some trouble without knowing it and Alec send Sam whose off work for a bit to help out and keep her safe.

Here is the synopsis for Sizzle:
Whether it's exhilarating historical romance or spine-tingling contemporary suspense, #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood weaves magnificent stories of passion, adventure, and intrigue. Now she raises the heat and spices up the action with a sexy, smart, daring new heroine and a smoldering thriller that's classic Garwood--and pure Sizzle.

Lyra Prescott, a Los Angeles film student, is closing in on graduation and facing important decisions about her future. She's already been offered a job at her hometown TV station, an opportunity that could ultimately launch her dream career as a film editor. But heading back home would also mean dealing with her overprotective brothers, social-climbing mother, and eccentric grandmother. Unsure of her future, Lyra dives into work on her final school assignment: a documentary transformed by a twist of fate into a real-life horror film.

After she unwittingly captures a shocking crime on camera, a rash of mysterious, treacherous incidents convince Lyra that she's trapped in a sinister scenario headed for a violent ending. Running scared, she turns to her best friend, Sidney Buchanan, whose connections bring dauntless and devilishly handsome FBI agent Sam Kincaid into Lyra's life. As the noose of deadly intrigue tightens and the feelings between them deepen, Lyra and Sam must place their faith in each other's hands—and stand together against the malevolent forces about to break loose.

No one mixes life-and-death suspense with feverish desire better than Julie Garwood. In Sizzle she burns hotter and brighter than ever, keeping the action and passion blazing till the incredible,unforgettable end.


End of synopsis.
 
Now if you've read any of the other Julie Garwood books you noticed the in that synopsis the mention of Sidney Buchanan. A few other characters from previous books also drop in this book. I keep hoping Julie will do a book on Cordie and Aidan from Murder List. Regan and Alec's book.  If you're interested in the Buchanan books here is a link to give you the list. These books are supposed to stand alone but i recommend reading them in the order written. Like i said the characters  in these books are inter-connected so some of the same characters pop up in different books. I've read them all and would recommend them to anyone. http://www.fictiondb.com/author/julie-garwood~series~related-books-4~12596.htm  You can also see what other books Julie Garwood has written there. she has several historicals that also go with the Buchanan series.
 
Now to finalize this was a awesome book. I really enjoyed it. It seemed like the characters only knew each other a short time to fall in love but in all honesty it can happen that way. If you look though they knew each other longer than it appears. The only thing that bugged me a little was Milo's character. He was just kind of there. I kept expecting him to run into Lyra somewhere literally. Either he was going to have to come after her or literally help in the saving of her. In the end she has no idea he existed. He was quite comical though which was good. I give this book 4 and 1/2 Modokker stars. I'll be buying it once it's out in paperback and waiting for the next Garwood book!
http://www.fantasticfiction/%20Sizzle

Review: Love you to Death! By author Melissa Senate

This is the first book i have ever read by Melissa Senate and i found this book at a small book store where i live when it was going out of business and had everything 40% off. Nice way to buy books although unfortunate the store was closing. I was drawn first to the cover and then read the black cover blurb and decided i was interested enough to buy it. It's only 297 pages so not terribly long and it was actually a quick read. I read it in one evening or about 4 hours. It's considered chick lit and i have only read a handful of these types of books and i really enjoyed this one. Below is the back cover blurb i spoke about above.

Abby's worst ex-boyfriends are on someones hit list. Friends, family, coworkers–and a hot Portland police detective–think that someone is Abby herself!

WHEN DID ABBY FOOTE'S LIFE BECOME AN EPISODE OF LAW & ORDER?

First, a former boyfriend (who dumped Abby in the most humiliating way imaginable) is found murdered the day his engagement is announced.

Then two other ex-boyfriends report attempts made on their lives right after breaking up with her. Coincidence? Detective Benjamin Orr, of the Portland Police Department (and Very Probing Questions and Incredibly Delicious Face), doesn't think so. Neither do Abby's friends, family, coworkers and other exes–who are suddenly shaking in their shoes.
Soon enough, everyone is sucking up to her as though the Abby they know and supposedly love to death is capable of poisoning their drinks….
 
Is someone trying to frame her? Who? And why? She has to find out fast. Because by-the-book Ben is bound to break her heart. Which makes him next on someone's list.
 
 
Sounds pretty interesting eh? I thought it did and it really was a good book. always something happening. I thought it could use a little more definition maybe but not much. If your looking for any kind of sexual relationship in this book you'll be disappointed. Will Ben and Abby get together by the end of this book? You'll have to read it to see.
 
Melissa has a follow up to this book that was recently published called. The Secret of Joy! It features one of her friends from Love you to Death. I haven't read it yet but i plan too. I give Love you to Death 4 Modokker stars!
 
Here is a link to Melissa Senate website if you would like to check this author out for yourself.http://www.melissasenate.com/ 
 
Happy reading!
Lisa

Review: Early Dawn by Catherine Anderson

It's hard for me to say i didn't really like this book that much as i rarely find books to read that i don't like. I read the description for this book and a short interview on a blog earlier this week and it so intrigued me that i made not of the book and author so i could look for it.  It's a new release and i was in the local Walmart Tuesday and found it so i bought it. This is a rural area so places to buy books locally is limited that's why i bought it at Walmart. Below is a description of the book.

After breaking off their engagement, Eden Paxton’s fiancé spread enough rumors that she was forced out of San Francisco. Her pride bruised, a heartbroken Eden heads for the wilds of Colorado. But murderous outlaws cut the trip short when they kidnap Eden to sell her across the Mexican border.

Since a gang murdered his wife, Matthew Coulter cannot see a woman mistreated without rescuing her—and taking vengeance. So when he spots Eden with the ruffians, Matthew has little choice but to save her.


As they run for their lives, Eden recognizes a kind heart beneath Matthew’s rugged exterior. But she wonders which will win out: his obsession with revenge—or their growing passion for each other...

Sounds good doesn't it. Here's what i thought. The story idea itself was great. The characters were great. I loved the main characters Eden and Matthew and her brothers. There isn't a whole lot said about Matthew's family but they seemed interesting. I kept waiting for something to happen. More action but it didn't happen it drug on and on. Once he gets her away from the gang they only see them two other times after that. There wasn't enough meat to the story. I pushed on thru the 417 pages til the end and came out thinking blah!!! eh!! I'm usually not one to say that's not believable but there were times in this book i did actually think that. I mean fiction is fiction but some of the phrases were a bit corny even for me. This is the first Catherine Anderson book i read so i'm not sure if it's the book or if it's the writing style that i don't care for. I'd have to read a few more of her books to decide. As for Early Dawn it hurts me to day it as i had high hopes but i can only give it 2 and 1/2 Mokdokker stars.
Go here for more info on this book. http://www.catherineanderson.com/books.html

I'm Still Standing by Shoshana Johnson

I'm Still Standing is a true story by Iraq veteran Shoshana Johnson. She was the first female POW of the Iraq war and the first black female POW in United States history. I think she would gladly give that honor up but she is a part of history now that can't change. My husband and i are both Desert Storm vets and interestingly enough we both were 88 Mikes or truck driver for the civilians out there. We drove in hundreds of convoys drove thousands of miles during the Gulf War. This is why this story touches me and when it was happening really upset  me. to close to home for me. Below is a description of the book. and a link where you can read the first chapter and pre order if you wish.

In March of 2003, when Operation Iraqi Freedom was only days old, world headlines were made when a U.S. army convoy was attacked in the city of An-Nasiriyah en route to Baghdad. Several soldiers were killed and others were taken prisoner.

Jessica Lynch became the face and name associated with this tragedy, but another female soldier, Shoshana Johnson, was also wounded and captured in the ambush. A video of Shoshana being interrogated by her captors was soon broadcast on Spanish-language television and then picked up by American media. Shoshana had become the first black female prisoner of war in United States history. She was held for twenty-two days.

When Shoshana returned to the United States, she received numerous awards for her valor, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War medals. She appeared on news networks and national television shows such as Oprah, Ellen, The Tonight Show, and Larry King Live, but she was bound by a military gag order. She was unable to discuss what really happened in Iraq -- until now.

Shoshana holds nothing back in this harrowing account of an ordinary woman caught in an extraordinary circumstance. She reveals decisions made by higher-ups that may have led to the capture, describes the pain of post-traumatic stress disorder, and shares the surprising story of how a specialist in a maintenance company ended up on the front lines of war.

Divulging personal emotions and frustrations while raising fresh political issues, I'm Still Standing is the never-before-told and much anticipated story of the headline-making ambush, capture, and rescue described with the exceptional bravery and candor of a single mom and soldier who became an American hero.

http://books.simonandschuster.com/I'm-Still-Standing/Shoshana-Johnson/9781416567486

I hope people will take the time to read this story and learn Shoshana's story.

Review of Street Game by Christine Feehan

I'm a huge fan of Christine Feehan so it stands to reason I'd buy her new book Street Game. It's the most recent book in her Ghost Walker series. In this book the action all takes place in a Urban Setting. Also different this time the romance is between two people who have always known each other since childhood and are on the same team. We find out that this is a 4th team of Ghostwalkers. Ryland Miller (Shadow Game) is the leader of team 1 and Jack and Ken Norton are a part of Team 2(Conspiracy Game and Deadly Game) Team 3 we don't know much about and then there is team 4 lead by Mack McKinley ( Street Game). Mack and Jaimie had a history and then she left him and disappeared. Circumstances bring them back together and it's hard for either to deny that spark is still there and stronger than ever. There is plenty of action of course throughout this book although it takes half the book before the 2 main character finally get together but it's worth it in the end. In the end it leaves you wondering who the next book will be about. Kane perhaps or Javier or one of the Ghost Walkers from the other team? I don't know how the author keeps all her plots straight but she does a fine job with it. She does alot of research for these books and it shows.  If you plan to read this book start the series at the beginning. It'll make more sense.  To read the first chapter of the book and get the reading list for the Ghost Walker series click on this link http://www.christinefeehan.com/street_game/chapter1.php?id=PAG1000044&tab=goodies&page=chapter1.html

I'd give Street Game a 4 out of 5 stars.