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WW Ladies Book Club BlurbsJune 10, 2009 Lots of great beach reads offered up yesterday and here's nine more to add to your list.  Jinx by Jennifer EstepRead by Emily Bella Bulluci was born into a family of super heros. It would help her fit in if her own super power was something she could control. In her eyes static electricity is more of a jinx, then a super power. When Bigtime, New York is threatened by ubervillians and a shady yet striking man aptly named Debonair, Bella finds out just how well she does fit in. And she soon realizes how love can transform a person. This is the first Jennifer Estep book I have read and I can't wait for more! The book was fabulous, fast paced, had witty dialogue, and amazing characters. The 'ubervillians' were hilarious, and when you read this book, make sure to keep tissues handy. You'll need them to wipe the tears of laughter from your eyes.  Intent to Kill by James Grippando
Read by joysann
There were no witnesses found when Ryan James' wife was killed in a hit and run accident three years earlier, but now an anonymous tipster claims he's a witness that can identify the driver of that car, and a local politician is implicated. When Ryan discovers the tipster may be his brother-in-law, a disturbed young man with Asperger's Syndrome who runs away into hiding, it becomes a chase to see who finds the witness first... Ryan to protect him, or a killer hired to eliminate him.
Intent to Kill kept me on my toes. Try as I might, I was not able to figure out with any certainty where the story would go or "who done it". I got hooked right away, to the likable protagonist, into the unusual circumstances, and on to the suspenseful conclusion.
Read by Heidi
Conn ap Llyr is the prince of the selkie world. The Sanctuary of his kingdom is being destroyed by the children of fire. Prince Conn believes that Lucy Hunter could save his world from destruction in more ways than one. However, Lucy is unaware of her magical powers. Conn has his mission. Lucy is fearful and guarded. Love can bring them together or tear them apart.
This book exposed me to more of the paranormal romance world. And once I was able to look up Selkie legends on the internet, I found incredible stories and history. From there, I appreciated that Virginia Kantra really brought that information into this novel. The characters were so alive in my mind while I read this story and kept asking myself when the movie was going to come out.
 Happiness Key by Emilie Richards Read by Jan Four women with nothing in common other than their close residences in rundown cottages in Happiness Key, Florida, join forces to find the family/heirs of elderly Herb Krause, another neighbor whose body they discover in his small home. Although pleasant and friendly to all of them, Herb was a bit of a mystery and when searching through his things for clues to notify his next of kin, they find that Herb (or was he Clyde?) had been leading a secret life for many, many years.
These four women coming from very different backgrounds, each with a personal sadness from the past and all with first impression misconceptions of each other, find that they can overcome their personal prejudices and develop lasting friendships.
I so enjoyed the humor in this book...it had me laughing every other page. The 'life lesson' is that everyone (almost) can get along if only they take the time to look beyond themselves.
 Nobody But You by Francis Ray Read by Jenny As NASCAR star Cameron McBride is being evaluated at the hospital after a car crash in a series race, he sees a familiar face from his past. Caitlin, who left him at the altar more than five years ago, with a young boy who resembles Cameron. After he spends some time with his son, Cameron decides that young Joshua will be coming to live with him. Caitlin agrees, reluctantly, but decides that she will have to live there too. Cameron and Joshua hit it off immediately but the relationship between Cameron and Caitlin is cold, at best. Over time they become much closer. Cameron is starting to believe that he is going to get the family he has always wanted and win the NASCAR Championship; until something terrible happens that he cannot change. Will he lose his son, the only women he has ever loved, and his career?
I'm an avid Nascar fan so I knew that I would enjoy this book. I appreciated the Nascar references although they were really just a back drop for the real story of love, forgiveness and family.  Sorrow Wood by Raymond Atkins Read by Michelle Wendell and Reva Blackmon have a love that transcends a lifetime. They meet in 1944 while Wendell is on leave from the Navy. Both having experienced significant pain and hardships find solace in one another. Sorrow Wood is the location of the recent murder of Christine Hendricksen. It is rumored that tragedy befalls anyone who has owned the property. Once the flames were put out, Christine Hendricksen's body was found in the remains of her home. The town of Sand Valley is under suspicion for her murder. Through Sheriff Blackmon's investigations he finds the real story behind Sorrow Wood's sexual cult and their leader Mrs. Hendricksen. Meanwhile, Reva Blackmon who has had premonitions all her life, has one now. Her husband has learned to trust her instincts and is trying to keep focused on the investigation until fate strikes again. Raymond Atkins introduces us to a love story of soul mates that find each other in all the lives they've lived and noticing the nuances of that perfect fit. Small towns are often marked as having unusual dwellers. Well Sand Valley fits the profile. I laughed out loud a few times and found myself falling into the pace of the book. Read by Dina
Marissa Vasquez will be forced to marry for her money and status. She is also trying to escape and save her brother from the vicious grip of their captor, a Vladarian vampire who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Navarre, a shapeshifting Shadowman wolf, is Marissa's protector, but is also injured and blind. They will join as one to gain the strength they need to be free.
I was so engrossed with this book, it was so hard to close each page, until I opened it up again. I felt both compassion and bitterness towards the characters, as I should have. This book had me with the very 1st page. The Trouble with J.J. by Tami Hoag (Audio) Listened to by joysann
J.J. is a star quarterback who, even before his divorce, never lived a "normal" life. So he bought a house in the 'burbs, planted his pink plastic flamingos, and set about trying to win his lovely next door neighbor, a kindergarten teacher with no interest in an arrogant, uncouth, loudmouthed playboy. Only he's not; unpretentious Gemma finds a man intrigued by an ordinary woman who isn't a gold-digger, a father trying to make a good home for his small daughter, and a sincere lover trying to leave his playboy days behind him.
Listened to by Heidi
Juliet Ashton is a fun-loving woman who is adored by fans of her writing after the Second World War. She becomes intrigued with a letter she receives from a man on the island of Guernsey. That letter begins a correspondence chain with a variety of characters that covers all sorts of topics, as well as what happened during the war. Juliet becomes captivated by all the letters which inspires her next book, and in turn, changes her life forever.
This novel is so interesting being a series of letters. BUT I absolutely love this book on audio! The world of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society came alive with all the people who read this book! I fell in love with the characters and how they showed their character more with the inflections of their voices for the letters. I also had to remind myself that this was a work of fiction, even with the incredible description of coming out of the Second World War. I highly recommend this book and audio not only for yourselves, but for your book clubs. I anticipate a lively discussion that night.
The men that make up the Elite Ops are dead men; they’re not supposed to have wants and desires. Micah is having a hard time telling his heart that. He’s seen Risa Clay several times over the past few years. She’s friends with the wives of the members of the Black Ops, the group of guys he will be working with on his next mission. Risa Clay is his next mission and was kidnapped by her father and allowed to be raped and used as a test subject for a date rape drug by one of his scientist friends. Now, with her life in danger again can she go along with the plan and pose as Micah Sloan’s lover and draw a hired killer into the open? Micah is dark, seductive and wildly attractive and he calls to something inside that had been buried since the rape. This book was a thrilling read for me because I’ve read all the other in the Elite Ops and Black Ops series, so I was begging for this oneJ. I don’t know how she does it, maybe it’s a gift from God, but Lora is the Queen of Alpha Males. She writes the strongest, most alluring and loving Alpha male I’ve ever come across. Micah is just another great example he’s strong yet loving with a great sense of family and heritage. I love that she did her Jewish research before attempting Micah; it just makes it so much better. Her female heroines aren’t anything to sneeze at either. Risa, has been through it all rape, being used as a guinea pig and she still has a will and a strong sense of self that wants to break free of the bonds that have been forced upon her. I love ALL Lora Leigh’s books! I’m so glad that when she went mainstream they didn’t get doused with ice water. Posted by Barbara Vey on June 10, 2009 | Comments (15)
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Magdalena Scott commented: Thank you for the great blurbs, ladies! I obviously need to read much more quickly so I can put the TBR pile to rest and buy more books!
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Debbie Kaufman commented: Great books reviewed. Love the diversity of the reviews. Now I have some great beach recommendations for July! Except for Bride of the Wolf, since I've already read it. Jennifer St. Giles really kept the action moving in this one. I've read two in this series now and think I need to go back and read her earlier ones!
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Edie Ramer commented: A lot of great blurbs today. I've read all of Jennifer Estep's Bigtime books, and agree with Emily that they're fast-paced and fabulous!
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Marilyn AKA Playground Monitor commented: Too bad I'm not going to the beach this summer. But I suppose I can read these on my patio just as well. ::sigh:: More books to add to the already tottering pile.
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Jennifer St. Giles commented: Good Morning Ladies, It is an honor to be included in such a great line-up of books. Wish I were heading to the beach too, but I think these books will make me feel like I'm there. Kudos Book Club!
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Virginia Kantra commented: Yay! Thank you, ladies! I'm delighted to be in your beach bag line-up. Er, pile?
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs mary s commented: Thanks again Barb for coordinating the great reviews--good variety of books & authors! Thanks for your blog!
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Linda LaRoque commented: All sound like great reads but Happiness Key and Trouble with JJ really caught my attention. I love Tami Hoag's books and look forward to reading one of her earlier releases.
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Missy Taylor commented: More books to be added to the to be read list. Sigh I really need to quit reading this blog lol
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Francis Ray commented: Thank you for including Nobody But You in such an awesome listing of beach reads. I have four of the books reviewed and plan to get the others. Great job.
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Francis Ray commented: Thank you for including Nobody But You in such an awesome listing of beach reads. I have four of the books reviewed and plan to get the others. Great job.
June 10, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs James Grippando commented: What an honor to make your list--thank you! "Intent to Kill" was a break from my Jack Swyteck series, and it's gratifying to hear that readers are enjoying the new cast in a new setting (Boston and Rhode Island). "Babes" (the young man with Asperger's Syndrome) is a character I feel very connected to--he's based on someone I knew growing up--and since the release of Intent to Kill I've heard from many families touched by autism-related disorders. At bottom, however, it's another James Grippando page turner. Enjoy!
June 11, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Jennifer Estep commented: I'm on somebody's beach read list. Cool! Thanks for taking the time to check out and write about my work. ;-)
June 11, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Christie Craig commented: I'm reading and reading fast. Keep those blubs a coming.
June 11, 2009
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs Alana Abbott commented: I love Jennifer Estep's Big Time series! Emily, I hope you'll check out the earlier books in the set -- they're fabulous. I'm looking forward to Estep's new series as well.
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