A Political Affair, by Mary Whitney

 

Format: ebook, 284 pages

Published: October 18, 2012

Publisher: The Writer’s Coffee House Publishing House

Back cover blurb: Stephen McEvoy never expected to fill his father’s U.S. Senate seat at such a young age—or to fight to keep it. When clever Anne Norwood interns in his office, Stephen dismisses her as another pretty face—until her independent streak catches his attention. They’re both too smart to fall for one another, yet they do. During a tough election, their relationship is an impossible political gamble. Campaigns—like love—are either won or lost.

My review: I have a soft spot for political love stories, so I was really excited to read this. Yes, it’s the old story of a politician falling for his intern, but the way Mary Whitney has told the tale means it comes across as far from cliched.

Stephen McEvoy, heir to his family’s political dynasty, has been a player in the past, but when Anne Norwood becomes an intern in his office he fights his attraction to her, not in the least because her family comes from the opposite side of the political spectrum to him. Once they can no longer deny their feelings, their relationship must be “managed”, and that’s where the excellent secondary characters come in. I loved Stephen and Anne, but his family and old friends were lots of fun, and the rival politicians were suitably villainous. The behaviour of Helen, in particular, made me wonder what really goes on up on Capitol Hill!

This is a great read, which I would highly recommend. I must also say it is a beautiful cover. I’m looking forward to more from Ms. Whitney

My rating: 5/5

Sylvain Reynard's Gabriel's Inferno Series Purchased by Berkley (Penguin Group)

Reblogged from Bookish Temptations:

• 

Hello peeps...this has been a couple of exciting days for all of us who love my favorite author, Sylvain Reynard.

Yesterday, it was revealed that Gabriel's Inferno was #35 on the NYT e-book/fiction best sellers list. Today brought even more exciting news!

Below you'll find a reprint of the press release from this morning...all I can keep saying over and over is WoW!

Read more… 777 more words

Fantastic news for SR :)

You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, by Sarra Manning

Format: Kindle Edition, 560 pages

Published: February 3, 2011

Publisher: Corgi

Back cover blurb:

Sweet, bookish Neve Slater always plays by the rules. And the number one rule is that good-natured fat girls like her don’t get guys like gorgeous, handsome William, heir to Neve’s heart since university. But William’s been in LA for three years, and Neve’s been slimming down and re-inventing herself so that when he returns, he’ll fall head over heels in love with the new, improved her.

So she’s not that interested in other men. Until her sister Celia points out that if Neve wants William to think she’s an experienced love-goddess and not the fumbling, awkward girl he left behind, then she’d better get some, well, experience.

What Neve needs is someone to show her the ropes, someone like Celia’s colleague Max. Wicked, shallow, sexy Max. And since he’s such a man-slut, and so not Neve’s type, she certainly won’t fall for him. Because William is the man for her… right?

Somewhere between losing weight and losing her inhibitions, Neve’s lost her heart – but to who?

My review:

I loved this and almost gave it five cupcakes, but the period in the book from where William phones to when Neve confronts Charlotte dragged a bit for me, so I felt I had to take half a cake off.

Honestly, though, I was surprised how much I did enjoy this story, and really couldn’t put it down. Neve is a believable character: a woman who has lost a lot of weight but who still sees herself as flabby and undesirable. On her sister’s suggestion, she embarks on a “pancake relationship” with Max – you know, you throw away the first pancake in the batch because it’s never perfect – so she can be ready and experienced when her “true love” William returns from California.

The plotline is contrived and cliched, in that it’s clear from the start there will be more to Max and Neve’s relationship than just fake affection and at some point there will be huge conflict, but I didn’t mind because Max is so damn yummy. The things he says… *sigh* He made me laugh out loud and go tingly all at the same time, and that is the kind of man you want to hold onto. Neve thinks he’s a cad when she first meets him, but in the end it is clear the cad in this story is not him. Far from it.

Hilarious and sexy, I’d recommend this book for Max alone!

My rating: 4.5/5

Cover reveal: Gabriel’s Rapture

The lovely Sylvain Reynard today revealed the cover and release date of his sequel to Gabriel’s Inferno, to be called Gabriel’s Rapture.

It will be released on May 22, and I for one am very excited!

The cover intrigues me, as I’m sure I recognise the gentleman in the top corner – Michael Fassbender, or maybe Tom Hiddleston? Either way, he is yummy!

FYI, Gabriel’s Inferno is on special at the moment at the Amazon Kindle store for $US4.99. I urge you  to read it – it’s fabulous! Click HERE to read my review of it from last year.

Related articles

• Sexy Sentence Saturday…Gabriel’s Inferno (#3) (bookishtemptations.com)
• Sexy Sentence Saturday…Gabriel’s Inferno (#4) (bookishtemptations.com)

Fifty Shades is in the New York Post!

Reblogged from Bookish Temptations:

In case you haven't seen it yet there's a great article written by Dana Schuster about one of my most fave books (series) that has been published in the New York Post...Yup, Christian Grey from the Fifty trilogy by E.L. James is in the news. Awesome!

You can read the entire article here.

Read more… 2 more words

"The J.K. Rowling of erotic fiction"! W00t! http://m.nypost.com/p/entertainment/mamma_mia_TFCh9ZeqKU7QpYDnH2npoL Update: Another article, this time from the British Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2107866/It-makes-want-sex-husband-How-X-rated-bondage-novel-unlikely-new-fad-heeled-New-York-moms.html Also, the book is to be discussed on the Today show on March 1 (US time)!  

“Guernsey” to be made into a movie, Branagh and Winslet onboard

One of my favourite books of all time, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, is being made into a film directed by Kenneth Branagh!

I am soooo excited about this project, and became even more so when I read recently that Kate Winslet had signed on to play Juliet. Empireonline.com had this to say:

“Since deciding not to return for superhero sequel Thor 2, Kenneth Branagh has been mulling over at least two potential projects: novel adaptation The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society and romantic drama Italian Shoes. It looks like he’s pushing ahead first with Pie Society, grabbing Kate Winslet for the female lead.

Adapted by The Opposite Of Sex writer/director Don Roos from Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer’s book, the film will see Winslet play writer Juliet Ashton, who wrote magazine columns during World War II. In the aftermath of the conflict, she’s contacted by Channel Islander Dawsey Adams, who tells her the intriguing tale of the book society formed to help undercut the Nazi presence on Guernsey. Ashton decides to investigate, and romance blossoms…

It’ll be a reunion for the director and star, as Winslet played Ophelia in Branagh’s Hamlet, which he starred in and directed back in 1996. This time around, Branagh will most likely stick behind the camera. He’s in pre-production now and aims to kick off shooting in March.”

One of the most fabulous things about the book was that it was entirely made up of letters to and from Juliet. I’m hoping they keep them as a theme, but I guess the need for more visuals may push them into the background. I have confidence in Ken and Kate, though, to give us a beautiful film with amazing performances.

Who should be cast as Dawsey? I’ll be watching IMDB closely HERE for casting news.

The movie is due for release next year.

Fifty Shades Freed, by E.L. James

Format: ebook

Published: January 19, 2012

Publisher: The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House

Back cover blurb:

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

Seductive, shocking, sad and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy.

My review:

I’m really going to miss Fifty and Ana. Especially Fifty. *sigh*

The third book in the trilogy is a rollercoaster ride, from the highs of a wedding and honeymoon, to the lows of jealousy, mistrust and betrayal. There is some serious heartfail when Christian believes Ana has done the unthinkable, but I don’t want to spoil anything here. Suffice to say there is a happy ending, and it’s amazing to see how much Ana and Christian have grown by the end.

James also treats readers to some added extras in this edition: the beginning of the story, when Ana first came to interview Christian and his subsequent meeting with her at the sporting goods store, told from Fifty’s point of view. Being in his head for just a few pages is wonderful and gives us a great insight into that first fateful meeting. I loved it!

This trilogy is sexy, smart and very addictive, and the third installment rounds it off nicely. I have found myself blushing in the supermarket when the sound system has played “Nothing Sweet About Me”, and it’s all E.L. James’s fault. She is certainly an author to watch, and if the rumoured movie deal ever comes to fruition, I know who would make a perfect Fifty. Anyone else would be a hard limit

My rating: 5/5

Related articles

• Fifty Shades Freed Blog Tour Information (bookishtemptations.com)
• Possible Movie Deal for E L James author of the Fifty Series?!? (bookishtemptations.wordpress.com)
• I need some Fifty…and an editorial. (bookishtemptations.wordpress.com)

Fifty Shades Darker, by E.L. James

Format: ebook

Published: September 15, 2011

Publisher: The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House

Back cover blurb:

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

My review:

Christian Grey is so addictive, it is no wonder Ana Steele can’t stay away from him for long. The man is sex on a finely tailored stick, and reading about him should come with a warning about the likelihood of becoming excessively hot and bothered. And desperately in need of ice cream.

Fifty Shades Darker begins just where E.L. James’s first novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, left off, with Ana and her Fifty apart and miserable. Thankfully, they don’t stay that way for long.

Ana opens her eyes to the possible pleasures awaiting her in the Red Room of Pain, but the darkness of the title places numerous obstacles in the couple’s way. One of these obstacles comes from an unexpected quarter, leading to a truly shocking ending for the book.

James’s writing is fast-paced and descriptive, and she infuses her characters with a lot of humor. As with the first book, some of my favorite exchanges were the e-mails Ana and Fifty fired back and forth, which epitomized the flirty, fun side of their relationship.

I could not put this down and, after that cliffhanger ending, cannot wait for book three.

My rating: 5/5

Update: The Bronze Horseman film

So, things aren’t sounding too good about the likelihood of a movie version of The Bronze Horseman, by Paullina Simons, as we reported here last year.

Ms. Simons has posted this on her blog:

Dear Friends,

And now for some news about the film option of The Bronze Horseman. Things have not worked out quite as I hoped, but that’s only because I can’t see the future and don’t know what’s still ahead. 

At the moment, though, the 18-month option with Andy Tennant’s production company has unfortunately come to an end. After months of no activity at all, we tried to extend the option at deadline time (plus 30 days grace), but we could not resolve the most important issue, and that is whose script to use, mine or Ross’s. I strongly felt and continue to feel that Ross’s vision for the story and adaptation of the book were diametrically opposed to my own. So reluctantly we parted ways, and the rights to the book have reverted back to me. The difference between 2009 and now is that now I have a finished script. Which means that we can now seek and find someone else who gets the story, loves the characters, and perhaps can put his/her passion behind the project to get the film off the ground, so to speak, and onto the big screen, but this time with my script as a condition of development.

I know you are disappointed by this and let down, as you can imagine I am, but don’t be disheartened. Because I remain hopeful and optimistic that great things are just around the corner for our two crazy kids. We have a couple of intriguing prospects we are working on and I will keep you posted as soon as I know something more concrete. In the meantime, you know that Tania and Shura live on inside my heart, especially these days, as I immerse myself in the young doomed life of the two people who once loved each other and who made Alexander.

IMDB still has it listed in the development stage and scheduled for release in 2012, but obviously that’s unlikely now. It had been an interesting proposal with Andy Tennant (Sweet Home Alabama, Hitch, The Bounty Hunter) directing.

As we said before, Henry Cavill (The Tudors) has a lot of support for the role of Alexander Barrington Belov, but is busy at the moment being Superman. I’ve also seen people suggesting Joe Manganiello (True Blood) – he seems too old to me – and, of course, the Facebook page is still up in support of my pick, Robert Pattinson, here. 

Remember, whoever plays Alexander has to live up to this quote: “He was more beautiful than that morning sun.”

For my Tatiana, I’ve been thinking maybe Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland)?

And so we must wait and hope. Keep track of developments with me on IMDB and on Paullina Simons’ website.

The Darkness of Perfection, by Michael Schneider

Format: Kindle Edition

Published: June 28, 2011

Publisher: The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House

Back cover blurb:

He desired perfection. She already was perfect. Can two people build a love forged in the fires of hell?

Nicholas comes from a world of darkness where women are no better than slaves. He believes the secret to true happiness is for his wife to be molded to perfection. He had the promise of perfection in the bright eyes and innocent smile of a childhood friend long since lost to his world. He never gave up his dreams of their perfect life together. An accidental meeting brings him face to face with his dream.

Will he realize that true happiness can only be found in the beauty of imperfection before it’s too
late?

Jayden escaped from a life of terror and found security in her new home. Given a loving home
and raised with all the normal expectations of college, career, love and happiness her memories
of her earlier life fade into darkness.

An accident draws the attention of those who never gave up searching for her, determined to
fulfill a contract not of her making. Jayden is taken from her perfect life and thrust back into a
past she’d long forgotten. Broken of spirit, she is given to Nicholas to be his bride.

Jayden is desperate to find the light before she is lost to the darkness of perfection.

My review:

Loving the enemy has never felt as right as it does in Michael Schneider’s sophomore novel, The Darkness of Perfection, a gripping tale of one young woman’s struggle against a powerful criminal family who see her as nothing more than one of their chattels.

Jayden White has lived her life in fear – of the man who “bought” her from her father and of the possibility that one day he will find her again – but just when she thinks her future looks bright, she is violently drawn back into that world by the one person she thought was her friend.

Schneider writes from both Jayden and Nick’s points of view, giving the reader a greater insight into the true motivations of her characters. We see Nick as a boy, caring so tenderly for his five-year-old wife-to-be and feeling those same feelings as an adult, although his warped upbringing makes him conflicted about admitting them to her out loud.

It feels so wrong to be rooting for a bad guy who condones kidnapping and sexual enslavement, but by the end of this book you will undoubtedly be a little bit in love with Nicholas Harrison. I certainly was!

The last few chapters carry you along on an emotional rollercoaster to a truly surprising conclusion. Schneider has produced a complex, fast-paced, sexy thriller which will leave you begging for more. Definitely a five-star read.

My rating: 5/5