What will become of our libraries and books?

Today is the first of 3 days one of the library systems I use is shutdown for system maintenance. They are also pulling out many of the checkout desks and replacing them with better self-checkout kiosks that can take payments. So, my friendly checkout ladies will be standing around like at Home Depot waiting for anyone to have trouble.

On the one hand I'm sure it will be easier on their joints to not do checkouts but the one I talked to wasn't sure what was in store for her. The amount of staff needed will continue to dwindle. What will become of our libraries?

I keep thinking about these new devices, like Kindle, as I look over my stacks and stacks of books here. What does the future hold for libraries, book stores--used and new--and our dear authors? Will it become like it is for artists and iTunes? I can't imagine ever using an electronic reader for the simple fact of economics. Unless the library would let you download a book at no charge for a certain amount of time to one of these devices, why would someone like me, who rarely keeps a book, use this? I won't pay $12 and up for books I will not re-read again. It appears this is the way of the future though. Sigh. I'm feeling sad about all this.

Review: Sliding Home by Kate Angell

From the publisher:

WHO’D BEEN SLEEPING IN KASON RHODES’S BED? The left fielder for the Richmond Rogues had returned from six weeks of spring training in Florida to find someone had moved into his mobile home. That person was presently in his shower. And no matter how sexy the squatter might be, Kason wanted her out. He had his trusty dobie, Cimarron; he didn’t need anyone else in his life. Not even a stubborn tomboy who roused all kinds of wild reactions in him, then soothed his soul with peace offerings of home-cooked meals and kindness. The bad boy of baseball was ready to play hardball if need be, but with Dayne Sheridan firmly planted between his sheets, he found himself. . .SLIDING HOME.

I was so lucky to get this as one of my "un-birthday" books this month from a book group I belong to. I have enjoyed Kate Angell's books in the past and always am on the lookout for a new one. She has done new romances as well as second chance ones well. Her books have great dialogue and humor, too. This was a wonderful book starting with the heroine. I just loved Dayne! She was such a strong yet vulnerable character and I REALLY appreciated that Angell didn't take the well-traveled road and make Dayne pout, be a drama queen, etc. I also found it refreshing that Dayne was a loner and the story didn't bog down with her chatting and fretting with her friends about her relationship with Kason. She kept it real and honest without any games. Both Kason and Dayne were emotionally broken people, had secrets, and kept things close to the vest. Their romance happened so naturally and quietly I loved it.

There is a secondary romance that was good too although I must admit I resented it as I wanted to keep reading about Kason and Dayne. I would imagine this book wouldn't be for everyone. Not only because of the baseball references but because the romance wasn't as dramatic as in others I've read. It hit the spot for me today.

Positives: Dayne; Kason; understated romance that fit in perfectly with the personalities of the hero/heroine; Psycho and Kason's banter; Platinum commercials (would have loved to see "the look")

Negatives: the way the relationship started, it was almost unbelievable

Rating: A-

Review: Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy

From the publisher:

Grad student Imogen Wilson realizes she's hit on the perfect thesis for her sociology degree. If she follows the so-called "rules" on how to get a man, can she steer her way into the world and hearts of stock race car drivers, and establish their dating— and mating—patterns?

Although sexy and reckless racer Ty McCordle is the ideal test subject, Imogen knows that for the sake of science, she can't give in to her growing attraction for him. Yet he's the one who's chasing after her, and Imogen realizes that she actually wants to be caught. A southern gentleman like Ty will satisfy all her curiosity—and make all the risks worthwhile...

After reading Flat-Out Sexy I was pumped to read the next one in the series. I guess I shouldn't have read them back to back as there was no way that sweet and sexy romance could be duplicated. The only thing I liked better in this one was the cover!

Hard and Fast started out promising with the hero keeping a disability secret and an unconventional heroine who wears glasses--throughout the whole story too! There wasn't much romantic development in this one and the storyline itself was pretty boring. It's sad really, when you prefer the brief glimpses of previous characters over the current hero/heroine.

Positives: Ty's disability; Imogen's intelligence; no makeover of the heroine despite the fact she wears glasses; the hero and heroine have some good "getting to know you" conversations from time to time; humor

Negatives: Lack of romantic development; Ty and Imogen lack in chemistry to some degree; Imogen's thesis plot line

Rating: C

Review: Double Play by Jill Shalvis

From the publisher:

With the end of his career looming, the last thing ace pitcher Pace Martin needs is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses.

I have enjoyed several Jill Shalvis books and was thrilled to see she was starting a baseball themed series. Double Play was a solid start even if it covers familiar territory between a star athlete and the sports writer covering the team (See Jane Score by Gibson). There was nothing really new offered here although it does delve into the serious subject of performance enhancing drugs. It contained some snappy dialogue with the dry humor I love.

Although Pace and Holly's trust issues dragged things down in spots, they had a nice and slow development of their relationship. Most of the secondary characters proved to be interesting and I really look forward to Samantha and Wade's story in the next book. The secondary plots were pretty predictable and I groaned at the overdone pre-game ritual. Pace took a bit to warm up to but I had a soft spot for him due to his love of Dr Pepper!

Positives: Pace, Holly, Samantha, Wade; the young baseball players; humor; good dialogue

Negatives: Pre-game ritual between Pace and Holly (even though it spiced things up and added to the tension, it's overdone); Gage controlling Pace's personal life

Rating: B+

Review: Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy

From the publisher:

Two years after Tamara Briggs's husband was killed in a wreck at Talladega, she's back to dating, but her latest beau is a dud. She dumps him and remains intent on not ending up with another race-car driver, but that's exactly what she gets when she meets Elec Monroe. Things progress quickly, and soon she's having dynamite sex with this younger man who's nice to her kids—who could ask for more? There's a catch of course: Elec is the son of Tamara's dead husband's father's sworn enemy.

This is one of the best romances I've read in 2009. The main reason is I love the beta hero, Elec. He is just adorable. The heroine, Tamara, is also a great character. Their romance was HOT and well-developed. I'm not a fan of stock car racing but it didn't matter.

Positives: Elec; Tamara; their sweet romance; the spiciness; the portrayal of Tamara's kids is believable; the former in-laws and their struggle with Tamara's relationship with Elec

Negatives: Elec's siblings were too one-note and their dialogue wasn't good; the whole Crystal thing

Rating: A-

Excited to See What the Fuss is About

I recently ran across this author's books in my Internet travels and am excited to try her series featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. They are set in a Canadian village called Three Pines. The fifth book is scheduled to be released in September so I have several to read. It's been a while since I've seen such glowing reviews from critics and readers about a series.

From the publisher:

As the early morning mist clears on Thanksgiving Sunday, the homes of Three Pines come to life - all except one…

To locals, the village is a safe haven. So they are bewildered when a well-loved member of the community is found lying dead in the maple woods. Surely it was an accident - a hunter's arrow gone astray. Who could want Jane Neal dead?

In a long and distinguished career with the Sûreté du Quebec, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache has learned to look for snakes in Eden. Gamache knows something dark is lurking behind the white picket fences, and if he watches closely enough, Three Pines will begin to give up its secrets…

All About Romance Top 100 from 2007

I am going to try to read all of these over the next few years. I will cross them off as I read them and link them up to my reviews going forward. How many have you read? See any favorites?

All About Romance Top 100 from 2007

1. Lord of Scoundrels Loretta Chase Eur Hist 1995
2. Dreaming of You Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 1994
3. Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen Classic 1813
4. Outlander Diana Gabaldon Time-Travel 1991
5. Flowers From The Storm Laura Kinsale Eur Hist 1992
6. Slightly Dangerous Mary Balogh Eur Hist 2004
7. Devil In Winter Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2006
8. Bet Me Jennifer Crusie Contemporary 2004
9. Welcome to Temptation Jennifer Crusie Contemporary 2000
10. The Viscount Who Loved Me Julia Quinn Eur Hist 2000
11. Lover Awakened J.R. Ward Paranomal 2006
12. Mr. Impossible Loretta Chase Eur Hist 2005
13. The Duke and I Julia Quinn Eur Hist 2000
14. It Had To Be You Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1994
15. Lord Perfect Loretta Chase Eur Hist 2006
16. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton Julia Quinn Eur Hist 2002
17. The Bride Julie Garwood Medieval 1989
18. Mr. Perfect Linda Howard Contemporary 2000
19. Naked In Death J.D. Robb Futuristic 1995
20. A Summer To Remember Mary Balogh Eur Hist 2002
21. Nobody's Baby But Mine Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1997
22. Dream Man Linda Howard Romantic Suspense 1995
23. The Raven Prince Elizabeth Hoyt Eur Hist 2006
24. Paradise Judith McNaught Contemporary 1991
25. As You Desire Connie Brockway Historical 1997
26. MacKenzie's Mountain Linda Howard Contemporary 1989
27. Dark Lover J.R. Ward Paranormal 2005
28. The Secret Julie Garwood Medieval 1992
29. Son Of The Morning Linda Howard Time-Travel 1997
30. Lover Eternal J. R. Ward Paranormal 2006
31. Devil's Bride Stephanie Laurens Eur Hist 1998
32. A Knight in Shining Armor Jude Deveraux Time-Travel 1989
33. Heaven, Texas Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1995
34. To Have and To Hold Patricia Gaffney Eur Hist 1995
35. Almost Heaven Judith McNaught Eur Hist 1990
36. Match Me If You Can Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 2005
37. The Shadow and The Star Laura Kinsale Historical 1991
38. Cry No More Linda Howard Contemporary 2003
39. A Kingdom of Dreams Judith McNaught Medieval 1989
40. Over the Edge Suzanne Brockmann Contemporary 2001
41. Sea Swept Nora Roberts Contemporary 1998
42. Ravished Amanda Quick Eur Hist 1992
43. Then Came You Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 1993
44. To Die For Linda Howard Contemporary 2005
45. Something Wonderful Judith McNaught Eur Hist 1988
46. This Heart of Mine Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 2001
47. The Serpent Prince Elizabeth Hoyt Eur Hist 2007
48. Suddenly You Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2001
49. The Proposition Judith Ivory Eur Hist 1999
50. Honors Splendor Julie Garwood Medieval 1987
51. Saving Grace Julie Garwood Medieval 1993
52. Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte Classic 1847
53. When He Was Wicked Julia Quinn Eur Hist 2004
54. Persuasion Jane Austen Classic 1818
55. All Through The Night Connie Brockway Eur Hist 1997
56. It Happened One Autumn Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2005
57. Born In Fire Nora Roberts Contemporary 1994
58. Thunder and Roses Mary Jo Putney Eur Hist 1993
59. Kiss An Angel Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1996
60. Out Of Control Suzanne Brockmann Contemporary 2002
61. After The Night Linda Howard Contemporary 1995
62. Lady Sophia's Lover Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2002
63. The Secret Pearl Mary Balogh Eur Hist 1991
64. Once and Always Judith McNaught Eur Hist 1987
65. More Than A Mistress Hist 2002
67. See Jane Score Rachel Gibson Contemporary 2003
68. The Rake Mary Jo Putney Eur Hist 1998
69. Dragonfly in Amber Diana Gabaldon Time-Travel 1992
70. Perfect Judith McNaught Contemporary 1993
71. Whitney, My Love Judith McNaught Eur Hist 1985
72. The Duke Gaelen Foley Eur Hist 2000
73. One Perfect Rose Mary Jo Putney Eur Hist 1997
74. Shattered Rainbows Mary Jo Putney Eur Hist 1996
75. The Windflower Laura London Historical/Pirate 1984
76. Dream A Little Dream Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1998
77. Frederica Georgette Heyer Classic 1965
78. Passion Lisa Valdez Eur Hist 2005
79. Voyager Diana Gabaldon Time-Travel 1994
80. The Lady's Tutor Robin Schone Eur Hist 1999
81. Morning Glory Lavryle Spencer Amer Hist 1990
82. Worth Any Price Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2003
83. Winter Garden Adele Ashworth Eur Hist 2000
84. My Dearest Enemy Connie Brockway Eur Hist 1998
85. Where Dreams Begin Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2000
86. Devil's Cub Georgette Heyer Classic 1932
87. Gone Too Far Suzanne Brockmann Contemporary 2003
88. Anyone But You Jennifer Crusie Contemporary 1996
89. For My Lady's Heart Laura Kinsale Medieval 1993
90. Rising Tides Nora Roberts Contemporary 1998
91. Lover Revealed J. R. Ward Paranormal 2007
92. Open Season Linda Howard Contemporary 2001
93. Born In Ice Nora Roberts Contemporary 1996
94. Ransom Julie Garwood Medieval 1999
95. Venetia Georgette Heyer Classic 1958
96. Miss Wonderful Loretta Chase Eur Hist 2004
97. Ain't She Sweet Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 2004
98. The Notorious Rake Mary Balogh Eur Hist 1992
99. The Prize Julie Garwood Medieval 1991
100. Slave To Sensation Nalini Singh Paranormal 2006

Review: It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

From the publisher:

The Windy City isn't quite ready for Phoebe Somerville -- the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not prepared for the Stars' head coach Dan Celebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Celebow is everything Phoebe abhors.


It Had to Be You is the first in the successful Chicago Stars series. Right off the bat I need to say that I attempted to read this book a few years back and was put off by the hero and set it aside. This attempt was much more successful and I did read the book from cover to cover!

Although it contained the great banter between hero and heroine I enjoy from a SEP book, it was heavier than I expected. Phoebe has some serious issues to work through that were sometimes more than I wanted to deal with. I also thought there were too many extraneous things to deal with and it hurt the development of the romance a bit. It felt uneven in spots, particularly when it came to Dan. I thought he could have been developed a bit better. In fact, in the sequel, This Heart of Mine, Phoebe and Dan are much more likable.

I'm glad I finally started at the beginning with this fun series. I'm also glad the books get better. I prefer the subsequent heroes and heroines and the humor and banter is even better.

Rating: B-

Review: Power Play by Deirdre Martin

Monica is a hot soap opera actress and Eric is a hotshot professional hockey player. Both could use some good PR to boost their professional careers. What happens when they hatch a plan to pretend they are dating? Will true love follow?

I really love romances where the characters are on a mission together (pretending that they are dating for their own selfish reasons, trying to solve a mystery, stuck on a desert island, etc.) and then love develops over the course of the book. However, the key is, you have to like the characters. Monica and Eric are both so shallow it was offputting at times. I kept going because I do find Ms. Martin to be good with snappy, humorous dialogue and she didn't let me down. She had a few secondary characters that were very strong and interesting. Too bad she also had a few that were caricatures with no redeeming qualities.

Positives: a few plots twists weren't as predictable as they could have been; Gloria, the aging soap star, was a hoot; Monty was a nice secondary character that helped develop Monica's character; the soap opera references were funny as were the hockey players' obsession with the show; Eric's family issues were a nice addition

Negatives: Chessy and Christian were caricatures; Monica took too long to admit her love for Eric which made things drag on; the hockey playing parts were lacking somehow which made them boring; Eric could really be a jerk and Monica's need for attention was a turn off even though they both made some changes by the end

Rating: C

Review: The Penalty Box by Deirdre Martin

Paul, a former pro hockey player, has come back home the town hero after suffering a career ending injury. Katie, taking a sabbatical from teaching college, comes home to help raise her nephew and write a book about male athletes. Will the stud and former "fat girl" hit it off?

Paul and Katie were both very likable leads and I really enjoyed their repartee. There wasn't anything earth shattering or particularly fresh to offer in this pleasant romance but it was entertaining just the same. I usually don't care for kids in romances but Katie's nephew, Tuck, fit in just fine without it feeling forced. I particularly enjoyed how the characters had to work through their pasts, one hanging on to it for too long and the other needing to face it, before they could truly find each other.

Rating: B