Tag Archives: Erin McCarthy

WW Ladies Book Club

Barbara Vey -- October 4th, 2012

Yesterday I volunteered to serve free lunches to college kids at UW-Milwaukee. It’s such an exhilerating feeling to be around them. Their thirst for knowledge, their whole lives ahead of them. I hadn’t been back to the campus since I went there 30 years ago and it all looked the same (except for the ways the kids were dressed). Next time I’m going to take books to pass out along with their lunches. Fun books to be read when the text books get overwhelming. Now here’s what the WW Ladies have been reading this week.

joysann

Take It Like a Vamp by Candace Havens

Read by joysann

Casey Meyers is wild about her best friend and neighbor, Nick Christos, as he’s so much more to her than gorgeous and wealthy, though she takes pains to not let him know that. However, Nick is aware, and feels the same about her, but he’s constrained by his years on the Supernatural Council, and the laws about vampires and other supernaturals not revealing themselves to mortals. Now he has to decide whether to risk his love and her life to the dangers and politics of his volatile secret world.

Take It Like a Vamp was a fun, romantic read that made me laugh even as I was wishing to be in Casey’s shoes. Part Cinderella, part Pretty Woman (without the hooker part), and maybe a little Sabrina, it’s hard to not dream of the fantasy. Candace’s new paranormal will not disappoint.

Ashley

Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

Read by Ashley

Sally Kent comes from a long line of royal sailors, her family has served the crown for generations that is until her youngest brother decides he doesn’t want to anymore. So in order to save their family name Sally disguise herself as her brother and takes his place on the ship. Sally is an amazing sailor but what she doesn’t count on is a tall, dark, and handsome Cole, who is her Lieutenant, and might just make her blow her cover.

Almost a Scandal is a bold and brazen fast paced romance with a daring heroine and smoldering hot hero! With an explosive danger and red-hot romance this book is most definitely a book to treasure!
m

Heidi

Jacked Up by Erin McCarthy
Read by Heidi

Eve Monroe may live up to her reputation as the most up-tight PR agent on the planet, but she can hold her own. Growing up with two brothers in the car racing industry, as well as her father, has made her the woman she is today. She thinks she is happy, that is, until Nolan Ford’s wardrobe malfunction on National Television turns her world upside down. Now she is racing herself to fix the problem while denying her attraction. Because she is good at that too. Until Nolan starts to break open that hard shell of hers, and shows her that she has a softer side, and how he likes it.

I think there are only 3 words I can think of for this book: Hot, steamy, and sexy!! And no pun intended, but I raced through the book, and I definitely liked it!! Thanks goodness fall is here, so I didn’t overheat with this book!
.

joysann

The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig

Listened to by joysann

Augustus Whittlesby has been boring the new French society circles with his awful poetry and dramatic affectations to the point that everyone ignores him, including the secret police. This gives him leeway to spy on Napoleon’s plans to invade England by finagling his way into accompanying annoying American Emma Morris Delgardie to Malmaison to observe the rumored testing of a new weapon. But Augustus’ and Emma’s friendship grows into something more as danger of exposure threatens each in a different way.

The Garden Intrigue is part of The Pink Carnation series, a delightful and fascinating blend of historical and contemporary romance as a modern-day scholar uncovers the 200 year old manuscripts, revealing English spies and their work. I highly recommend listening to these in audio as narrator Kate Reading is marvelous at instilling the already delightful characters with even more life and color, making listening a real pleasure.

Bottom Line: I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Ashley

The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Laurens

Read by Ashley

Angelica Cynster is attending yet another ball which are usually very dull. Angelica hoped for some excitement but what she didn’t expect was meeting the very handsome and mysterious Earl of Glencrae. And she never in a million years would have expected him to kidnap her! What Angelica doesn’t know is that he is forced to kidnap her in order to save his castle and his clan. Fighting against all odds, Angelica and Earl are desperate to find a way to make it work.

The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae is a sinfully sexy and irresistible book, which breaks away from the traditional historical romance novel. It is a well-crafted and fast-paced book that kept me entertained from beginning to end!

Bottom Line: I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Tweet this post!

WW Ladies Book Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- December 9th, 2011

25 Replies

I am so far behind on my Christmas decorations that I don’t even have my tree decorated yet. Normally, I like to put it up and trim it the day after Thanksgiving. I put on Christmas music, make hot chocolate and get in the mood. This year, I brought the tree down and it’s still sitting there…bare naked. I blame it on the books piled all over my house. I keep telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” but time just seems to get away from me. I hope the WW Ladies are doing better than me, so here’s their reads of the week.

joysann

Wayfinder by C E Murphy

Read by joysann

When Lara Jansen met David Kerwin in Boston, she was amazed to find herself thrust into a Fairie world to play a major role. With her strange unerring ability to recognize lies, she is tasked with discovering the cause of the deadly rift between the Seelie and Unseelie, and finding a way to halt their unending war. As Truthseeker, she is entrusted with a powerful magical staff that will determine the outcome, if only she can control it.

Because the first book, Truthseeker, was captivating, I was enticed into this second book in the Worldwalker Duology (I like that) in short order. The world is mysterious and fascinating, and the story complex. Best part of all, the resolution was wholly unexpected, so no peeking!

Sophie

Sass and Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler

Read by Sophie, 16

Gabby Rivera works hard to get her good grades, has a steady job at local movie theatre, and has no time for anything as ridiculous as boys (except for her best friend, Mule, of course), her dead-beat dad, Prom, (all three of which her little sister, Daphne, would probably die without) or anything that falls in between—including the hideous “hawt pink” prom dress that Daphne thought was so wonderful, she just had to buy. As far as Daphne is concerned, the world Gabby lives in is a cranky, unhappy, extra-hard one, which is such a shame—Gabby could be so pretty and cool if she would just find time to relax and have fun. So when Gabby and Daphne’s dad doesn’t get the alimony to their mom on time and the rent on their apartment goes up, the Rivera women find themselves in a tight spot, only made tighter by love-struck best friends, stupid boys, mean cheerleaders, and a drunk driver/killer who suddenly wants to help—not to mention the fact that Gabby and Daphne can’t ever seem to get along. It’s going to take a lot of growing up and sisterly love to get the girls through the next couple of weeks with each other—and a significant amount of trust, open-mindedness, and cookies to deal with everything else.

Being the middle of three girls, this book got to me in a very special way—the kind of way that kept me up until all hours of the morning and had me preparing to give each and every character the advice I thought they desperately needed. Jennifer Ziegler’s intricate, dynamic characters and use of word choice and details plunks the reader down right in the middle of her novel with no intentions of ever crawling back out…except maybe to hug her sister! I’m not sure I’ve ever read a more heart-warming, riveting, relatable, or serendipitous book than Sass and Serendipity.

Heidi

Christmas at Timberwoods by Fern Michaels

Read by Heidi

Heather Andrews is the security manager at Timberwoods Mall and she is torn whether to believe Angela Steinhart and her prediction of the destruction of the mall. Angela seems to be an unstable young woman on the surface, who may or may not have visions. But what is Heather is wrong and there really is a bomb to destroy the mall, it would be a deadly mistake. Heather must work against the clock and make sure everyone has a Merry Christmas.

It was a real pleasure to read this mystery holiday story. I was really nervous for the main characters of this story, and the choices that had to make whether to believe a girl with a shaky past or not. Plus, knowing there were so many people in the mall right before the holidays, it made me catch my breath a few times! This book will satisfy all mystery lovers as much as a great big mug of hot cocoa with whipped cream. Actually, do both, and you will have a smile on your face!

joysann

Enchanted No More by Robin D. Owens

Read by joysann

Halfblood Jenni and her maimed brother are the last of Mistweaver family whose innate magic can open a portal between this real world and other dimensions and equalize the four elements to keep magic balanced. But Jenni’s continued personal guilt and her fury at the Lightfolk who allowed the deaths of her family make it difficult for her to agree to help them control the wild magic rising from the earth before the Darkfolk can corrupt it. But this time the battle will be different, for this time her half-elf lover won’t abandon her regardless of what happens.

Robin D. Owens begins another imaginative series, this time with elves and dwarves and dozens of mystical beings, and she hasn’t lost her romantic touch. This first Mystic Circle book blends modern world with myth and fantasy, and the result is creative and magical. Despite the title, I am enchanted.

Heidi

Unwrapped (Holiday Anthology) by Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman and Kate Angell

Read by Heidi

Blue Christmas by Erin McCarthy

Blue Farrow is not looking forward to the holiday at all. In fact, she is headed on a Caribbean cruise to get the holiday completely out of her head. But the weather doesn’t cooperate, and Blue is hit by another car in a blizzard driven by sexy Christian Dawes. Due to terrible driving conditions, Christian and Blue are stuck at the No Tell Motel until Christmas morning, with a night of passion in front of them.

One of the best first sentences of a book I have read in a long time: “Santa can suck it”. With a smile on my face, I continued into this story and was swept away with the romance and budding relationship, even with the cynicism of Blue and the laid-back relaxed Christian. It has everything a romance lover could want in a short story.

Santa in a Kilt by Donna Kauffman

On a island off the coast of Scotland, Kira McLeod and Shay Callaghan are fighting their feelings for one another despite their strong attraction. Shay doesn’t want to push Kira after her divorce, but Kira has other things on her mind. Even with a push, she may not be able to convince Shay that they are meant to be together, thanks to his divorce attorney background.

Shay’s struggle with his own feelings despite others around him playing cupid, really resonates in the story, leaving Kira as the strong woman to push her man to the edge.

Snow Angel by Kate Angell

Allie and Aiden hook up one steamy night in Aspen for lovemaking and hot tubbing. On Christmas morning, Aiden finds himself alone and lost for a woman he has truly fallen head over heels for. Three years later, Allie and Aiden find themselves trapped at Dutton’s department store in one of the worst blizzards Chicago has ever seen on Christmas Eve. As fate has brought them together, the mistakes in the past could threaten a truly magical relationship.

I think my favorite part is how all the different personalities of all the people who become trapped in the department store come together to make the best of their situation. Especially Sam the security guard. I got such a chuckle out of him. I was really rooting for Allie to show up in the end of the story on New year’s eve. What a satisfying holiday read!!

Sharon

Rapture Becomes Her by Shirlee Busbee

Read by Sharon

The new Lord Joslyn looses partial memory of a tragic accident; reluctant smugglers try just to keep their daily lives in tact. Somehow all this comes together is a lusty loving story of misplaced trust in family but deserved trust in love.

I love strong women in historical romances and Emily is one of the strongest. She is willing to give up love to help the people dependent on her, but they are reluctant to have her give up everything for them. Romance has many obstacles both family and circumstances as well as each other.

Michelle

Paranoia by Joseph Finder

Read by Michelle

Adam Cassidy decides to pilfer funds through various departments within Wyatt Telecom to fund a retirement party for a dock worker. When Nick Wyatt confronts Adam he blackmails him into being a mole at his most powerful competitor, Trion Systems. Adam develops an understanding of the term paranoia with the pressure Wyatt is putting on him and the role of the golden boy that Trion has adopted him as.

A compelling read that kept me rapt from the start. I really enjoyed the novice aspect of a bumbling mole intent on saving himself as well as some dignity.

Bottom Line: So tell me, are you easily distracted by books or do you have all your Christmas stuff done…go ahead, make me feel bad.

Tweet this post!

Write From the Heart Conference – Central Ohio Fiction Writers

Barbara Vey -- October 12th, 2010

25 Replies

joysann

Write From the Heart

Beyond Her Book Cub Reporter joysann, here, excited to tell about the terrific conference that the Central Ohio Fiction Writers, a Chapter of RWA, hosted the first weekend in October in Columbus, Ohio. This highly successful event brought writers from all over the surrounding states for an opportunity to meet with editors and agents, pick up sensational tips for writing successful novels, and get inspired by special guest, best-selling author Suzanne Brockmann. And raffle prizes were everywhere, proceeds of which were donated to the financially hard hit public libraries in central Ohio.

Suzanne Brockmann and fan Felicia Browell

After Friday evening’s dinner, Suzanne Brockmann gave the first of the workshops, “The Whole Enchilada”. Intrepid BHB Blurber extraordinaire Kym , who also attended the conference, writes: When an author like Suzanne Brockmann offers “the whole enchilada,” you grab on with both hands and attempt to digest every bite. Wrapped in a shell of good humor and spiced with anecdotes from the author’s own experience, the meal proved to be a filling one. Despite nursing a painful foot injury, Ms. Brockmann graciously shared her tips for writing more efficiently, developing a believable romantic hero, and crafting a page turner. “There’s no right way or wrong way to work. There’s only your way.” – Suzanne Brockmann

Saturday morning got off to a hope-filled start with a panel of the guest editors and agents answering questions before the whole day of pitches began, and there were a lot of aspiring authors hanging on their every word. Leis Pederson, Berkley; Cori Deyoe, 3 Seas Literary Agency; Charles Griemsman, Silhouette; and Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency all had appointments throughout the day.

I hate having to choose between so many interesting sounding workshops when one can’t attend them all. I’m interested in finding information on the authors I read, so I attended Susan Crandall’s “Internet Marketing Strategies That Work”. Susan and her personal internet guru, her son Reid, gave excellent tips on utilizing the popular networking and blogging sites and search engines to get name recognition and establish consistent interaction with readers.

Author Virginia Kantra and joysann

Virginia Kantra presented “Developing the Romance in YourRomance Novel”. Blurber Kym, an aspiring author herself, reports: In one brief hour, author Virginia Kantra somehow managed to walk us through seven phases of romance. Beginning with physical attraction, and ending with “the payoff,” she shared an overview of each step along the way.

Erin McCarthy and Rhonda Stapleton

“Breaking into the YA Market”, a subject I know nothing about, was entertainingly presented by authors Erin McCarthy and Rhonda Stapleton. Between being mothers of teens, and being young at heart themselves, they know whereof they speak, and gave good do’s and don’ts pointers for engaging today’s young readers.

I sadly missed workshops presented by best-selling medical thriller author CJ Lyons, romantic suspense writer Karen Harper, and Silhouette editor Charles Griemsman, and I wish I could have figured out how to get to them all.

COFW took a few minutes at the lunch to have popular romance author Lori Foster present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Linda Keller of the West Chester (OH) Barnes and Noble for her many years of outstanding support of the Romance genre and its authors.

So, thank you, COFW for the fun and interesting event, the chance to do my fan-girl act with the fabulous authors, and for the raffle basket stuffed with paranormal books – yes, I won!

Bottom Line: Due to technical difficulties, part 3 of the Stan Lee interview will not be available until tomorrow.

Tweet this post!