The books of May are here—fresh, fierce, and full of feels.

Barbara Elness

Features & Posts

Lots of Reading
June 17, 2013

California Here I Come
May 28, 2012

Summer Reading List
May 27, 2011

Summer Reading List/Vacation Plans
June 14, 2010

88 comments posted.

Re: Forever Dusk (11:19pm February 16, 2016):

I think rage is the emotional that would make the best weapon because when
you're angry, you focus all your energy on that, which could be pretty powerful.

Re: To Catch a Rake (11:17pm February 16, 2016):

I've always liked a bad boy, they're just more fun, as well as much more interesting.

Re: A Gentleman for All Seasons (7:34pm November 11, 2015):

Well, I love all the things you listed Vanessa! One of my favorite things to read
about is the social occasions - the teas, balls, house parties, etc.

Re: Lady Emily's Exotic Journey (6:52pm August 19, 2015):

I've read quite a few great Victoria adventures and I really enjoyed LADY
ELINOR'S WICKED ADVENTURES. It's too hard to choose just one, I love
them all. I'm looking forward to reading Lady Emily's Exotic Journey.

Re: Oathkeeper (3:33pm June 21, 2015):

This series sounds great, I'll definitely be checking it out. My favorite spin on
the vampire trope is Lara Adrain's Breed vampires - they're descendants of
aliens which explains a lot of the vampire idiosyncrasies.

Re: How to Plan a Wedding for a Royal Spy (6:56pm January 14, 2015):

Romantic spy stories are so much fun, and sidekicks are too. :D

Re: To Charm a Naughty Countess (6:52pm May 22, 2014):

Oh definitely, "I need you" would win me over, or "I miss you."

Re: The Bride Insists (6:39pm March 13, 2014):

I'd choose Julie Anne Long's Colin Eversea from The Peril's of Pleasure as my
favorite black sheep.

Re: What The Groom Wants (6:52pm March 5, 2014):

Loved the quiz, especially since you gave us all the answers - so I did very well.
:D

Re: The MacGregor's Lady (6:46pm February 6, 2014):

How often do you get to take a trip to Scotland Grace? That's somewhere I
dream of visiting, I want to see those sexy Scots in kilts in person.

Re: Repossessed (12:32pm January 20, 2014):

Great advice Shawntelle, I'll have to keep that in mind, not only for dating but for
life in general. I'm looking forward to reading Repossessed.

Re: Lord of Swords (12:19pm October 12, 2013):

I've always loved medieval romances but haven't read many lately. Learning
about your books makes me want to get back to those days of knights and
ladies.

Re: Long Shot (7:01pm October 1, 2013):

I love a man in a kilt and I think it definitely shows a confident man. Of course
for those confident men, the kilt is worn with nothing underneath. :D

Re: The Highlander's Desire (10:37pm August 30, 2013):

My favorite is Eloisa James' A Kiss At Midnight, a new spin on the Cinderella
story.

Re: Once Upon A Tartan (12:20pm August 16, 2013):

I've thought about writing a romance in the past, but my lack of imagination
pretty much convinced me it wouldn't work out. The skills I'd bring to the job
would be excellent typing and spelling, and good research skills. Maybe if I
teamed up with someone who had some ideas I could help round out and needed
my skills, we'd come up with a decent book. :D

Re: Three Days on Mimosa Lane (11:51pm August 15, 2013):

My mother, although with very few marketable skills, took on more than one low
paying job to make sure our family was taken care of, after having my father
desert us. She married another man who she thought would take care of her and
her children, but he turned out to be a deadbeat, so she did whatever she could
to feed and cloth us. I tried to make it up to her once I was an adult, by doing
everything I could to help her. It was a pleasure because she deserved all I could
do and more.

Re: What the Bride Wore (10:25pm August 6, 2013):

It sounds like your trip is going to be a real adventure. You and Elizabeth sound
like my sister and I. We're both terribly directionally challenged. :D

Re: Winning a Bride (10:16pm July 7, 2013):

I don't mind a longer novella, it's just more to enjoy! :D

Re: Wish You Were Here (6:06pm June 28, 2013):

I always read a lot, ever since I learned how - I always had to choose among the
many when it was time to do a book report. I loved the summer reading
program at the library too, it was fun to see my results go off the charts as I read
book after book. :D I still read as much as possible and I usually have at least
two books going - one on my iPhone and one print book.

Re: South Of Surrender (7:30pm June 1, 2013):

I enjoy reading stories with characters that aren't perfect, it's more realistic that
way. I loved Lynn Kurland's This Is All I Ask, who's hero was blind.

Re: Long Simmering Spring (6:10pm May 31, 2013):

I've definitely made a few mistakes in my life, and worked hard to correct them
or make up for them, whichever I needed to do. One of the mistakes I made was
getting married young, and trusting that my husband would stay the person I
thought he was. Fortunately, I was able to fix that mistake by ending the
marriage, which was better for me, my son and my ex.

Re: Lord of the Mist (5:06pm May 5, 2013):

I love time traveling in books very much, but if it came to actually doing it, I don't
think I'd go to the past. Maybe I'd visit the future - I have to admit to an
insatiable curiosity as to what it will be like 100 years from now. :D

Re: Heart Of Iron (7:01pm May 2, 2013):

I loved your list, and what makes a hero for me is the conventional tall, dark and
handsome, with a caring nature (even though he may try to hide it), loyal and
steadfast, who'll do anything for those he loves. Of course there will be flaws, no
one's perfect. :D

Re: Kiss Of The Betrayer (11:48pm January 12, 2013):

I think at my stage in life I've finally managed to come to a good balance of life
and work. I could do more in my off hours, like get out and volunteer, etc., but
I'm enjoying the time to relax and do whatever I want to do. I have a great job
that has very little stress, much better than my last one, and I'm definitely much
better off. I think you have to work to make that happen, because it's very much
worth it.

Re: Renegade (6:59pm December 24, 2012):

I always love watching Miracle on 34th Street at Christmas. I love reading holiday
stories, but usually choose a new one rather than one I've already read.

Re: Wolfishly Yours (2:53pm November 23, 2012):

I don't really need much, the item at the top of my list is an external hard drive
so I can automatically back up all the photos I'm accumulating on my computer,
as well as the music, documents, etc.

Re: The Twelve Clues Of Christmas (5:41pm November 11, 2012):

My favorite memories of Christmas are spending them with the family at my
sister's house and going out after dinner to look at all the Christmas lights and
decorations. When we came back we ate our pumpkin pie. :D

Re: Kiss Of Steel (10:38pm September 14, 2012):

I like vampires that are heroes, who are smart, and sarcastic and fight their
baser impulses. My favorite vampire character is Cherie Priest's Raylene
Pendle from her books Blood Shot and Hellbent - she's a powerful vampire,
but she has a soft spot for the orphan kids she allows to live in her
warehouse, and the other misfits she befriends. I'm really looking forward to
reading Kiss of Steel, it sounds fantastic.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (11:04pm September 8, 2012):

I don't particularly like self-absorbed, selfish heroines, unless of course they
learn their lesson and become nicer people. :D I like heroines that are
independent, feisty, and don't wait around for the hero to rescue them, in fact I
love it when they rescue the hero.

Re: Magic Gone Wild (5:50pm September 1, 2012):

I enjoyed the excerpt, and I think Magic Gone Wild sounds like a wonderful read.

Re: Hearts Of Darkness (10:56pm August 9, 2012):

I enjoyed the great post. Hearts of Darkness sounds like a fantastic story and
I'm looking forward to reading it.

Re: Married By Midnight (1:23am August 4, 2012):

It depends on how interested I am in the first book. Sometimes I collect quite a
few before I start, and sometimes I start with the first one and then eagerly wait
for the next. I don't like to be left hanging, but I'll still enjoy however many
books there are and I would be happy to read it if the final book were released
even years later.

Re: Lord Of Fire And Ice (12:38pm July 7, 2012):

The Lord of Fire and Ice sounds like a fantastic story. I can't wait to see how
Brandr melts Katla the Black's heart. :D

Re: The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine (7:25pm June 23, 2012):

It's always fun to have a surprise in a romance, something that's a bit different
than the norm, like a character with an unusual career, job, or hobby, etc.

Re: About Last Night (11:31pm June 10, 2012):

I loved the excerpt and I'm looking forward to reading About Last Night.

Re: One Hot Cowboy Wedding (12:04pm April 8, 2012):

I definitely think it's "all of the above." Love your cowboys and looking forward
to reading One Hot Cowboy Wedding.

Re: A Sliver Of Shadow (10:47pm February 29, 2012):

I don't really believe in instant love. I think there can be instant attraction, but
love takes time, how can you love someone you don't even know? I loved A
Brush of Darkness and I'm really looking forward to reading A Sliver of Shadow.

Re: Fever (6:04pm January 25, 2012):

I enjoyed the post and Fever sounds like a fantastic story, as well as Cindy
Gerard's books. I think the hardest thing is figuring out what my goal is. Once I
do that, I just work toward it until I achieve it, then set the next one.

Re: The Spy Who Left Me (1:55pm November 25, 2011):

I'm reading as often as I can. I can read a print book, a book on my computer,
my iPhone or Kindle, so I'm covered wherever I go.

Re: Under The Moon (4:55pm November 19, 2011):

I used to have three cats, but I lost the last one in December of last year. I will
probably get some more at some point, but I'm taking a bit of a break. I've never
had a mouse in the house, but they used to really go after any bugs that got in.
I enjoy stories with pets in them, and it's fun when they're worked into the story.

Re: Red's Hot Cowboy (6:20pm August 24, 2011):

What inspires me to read cowboy romance is definitely the hot cowboys and the
sassy heroines. If Wil Marshall was holding my leg and looking at me like he
could have me for breakfast, dinner and supper, I'd invite him right on in and tell
him bon appetit.

Re: Undead And Undermined (6:02pm July 22, 2011):

Wow, interesting post. I"m glad I'm not the only one that has managed to skip
the Twilight series - novels and movies. I'd rather read a great Undead book any
day.

Re: Break Out (4:36pm July 4, 2011):

I don't think there are any genres that shouldn't be crossed, as long as the end
result is a great story. I love crossed genres, a space opera paranormal sounds
fantastic to me! I'm looking forward to reading Break Out, it sounds fabulous.

Re: Grimoire (6:11pm May 15, 2011):

I always enjoy the secondary characters, especially in a series. It's always nice to
see some of my favorites get their own story told as a feature in their own book.

Re: Love Drunk Cowboy (6:54pm May 4, 2011):

If that sexy cowboy was my loyal and true love, I'd drop everything in a minute,
grab those red cowboy boots, and grab that man and never let him go.
Love Drunk Cowboy sounds like a fantastic story, I'm looking forward to reading
it.

Re: Cowboy Fever (11:12pm April 13, 2011):

I love romance, and there are just so many wonderful characters, I can't choose.
I do love Western romances, and I'm interested in reading Cowboy Fever. It
sounds like a wonderful story.

Re: The Viking's Captive (4:19pm December 20, 2010):

The only author I've gone back and read over was Lynn Kurland - I love her ghost / time travel books. There are so many books on my shelves, I don't have time to reread books I've already read, though it doesn't stop me from keeping some favorites. I do have a lot of authors that I've been reading for years and I continue to read older books or any new ones, including yours Sandra. My tastes have changed over the years, and where I used to be interested in certain genres (such as Indian historicals), I just don't read them any longer.

Re: Wolf Fever (8:07pm December 15, 2010):

I hardly ever get the flu, or even colds really. When I do get sick I just grin and bear it, taking cold medicine that matches the symptoms until it goes away-which usually happens fairly quickly. I've never had a flu shot in my life, I just don't see the need.
I'm looking ward to reading your wolf stories, especially Heart of the Highland Wolf. It sounds fantastic.

Re: Beneath The Thirteen Moons (3:18pm December 8, 2010):

I don't really believe in love at first site, but I do believe that opposites attract. Especially if those opposite qualities compliment the other's. For example, if one person is shy and the other outgoing, the outgoing one can help the shy one feel more at ease when in social situations and pick up some of the slack in conversation.

Re: Outrageously Yours (7:45pm December 1, 2010):

Oh, I love the brainy hero and the heroine who is smart enough to appreciate him. I can't wait to read Outrageously Yours.

Re: Motor City Witch (5:00pm November 26, 2010):

I wouldn't have thought Detroit would make a great setting, but you make a compelling argument. It sounds just perfect for supernatural creatures.

Re: One Touch of Scandal (12:42pm September 26, 2010):

I reward myself by:
Reading a good book
Buying more books
Having a tiny cup of ice cream
Having Emerald's Cocoa Roast Almonds
My cat doesn't participate in any of these activities except to hover around waiting for ear scratches.

Re: Venom (1:39pm September 23, 2010):

I love Indiana Jones, The Princess Bride, Warehouse 13, Being Human, and of course, Chuck. Yeah, the other question I have about Chuck is, how has Morgan not gotten himself killed yet?
I'm looking forward to The Blades of the Rose series too. I've heard so much about it - high adventure romance, in exotic locales with great characters, magic and steampunk.

Re: Warrior (1:10pm September 18, 2010):

My best fan moment was attending the RWA Literacy signing this summer. I got to meet so many great authors, took lots of pictures, and got some signed books too. It was fabulous.

Re: The Bride's Necklace (12:49pm September 18, 2010):

I enjoy looking at covers, but I don't buy a book for the cover, I buy it for the story. So unless my interest is caught by the description or the excerpt in the front, or I'm already looking for the book due to word of mouth, I'm not picking it up no matter what the cover looks like.

Re: Feline Fatale (5:36pm September 16, 2010):

I enjoyed your post and I enjoy the addition of animals in stories, especially if they end up being an additional character of the book.

Re: Royal Blood (4:00pm September 6, 2010):

I love the premise of a historical mystery series and your Lady Georgie sounds fantastic.

Re: Warrior (3:57pm September 6, 2010):

I've been looking forward to The Blades of the Rose series since I first began hearing about it. I love the idea of an exciting, adventerous, historical romance with paranormal and steampunk elements and exotic locations. Wowza!

Re: Atlantis Betrayed (5:34pm August 31, 2010):

Six years ago I moved from California from Florida via a U-Haul with my son driving. I imagine your stress beats mine for sure, but the only thing I can say is - it will get done, anything left behind can be replaced (just cover the absolute must save items) and in the scheme of things, it's not life or death, so it will get done one way or the other. I was calling from the road to have power, water, phone turned off and setting up those things at the new place, since I didn't have time to do it before, LOL.

Re: Deadly Fear (12:20pm August 27, 2010):

What makes a paranormal character normal for me is the human characteristics like greed, envy, hate, love, etc. and that helps me relate to them. It creeps me out to get into a killer's mind, I'd rather get into the mind of the person that's going to take them out. But if you don't get into their mind in some fashion, you may not understand their motivation, so I guess it's necessary to some extent.

Re: Knight Of Passion (6:12pm July 23, 2010):

I enjoy an alpha hero and a heroine that gives as good as she gets. I can't wait to read your All The King's Men series.

Re: The Tutor (6:05pm July 21, 2010):

The Tutor sounds fantastic. What would I do? I guess I'd enjoy the heck out of the seven days and hope something would change in the future, if not I guess it would have to last me.

Re: Crush On You (4:32pm July 6, 2010):

Yes, I love friends to lovers stories. Since they have a really good basis for a relationship, I enjoy seeing the feelings go from good buddy to love interest.

Re: Unchained (4:57pm July 5, 2010):

My favorite family tradition is arriving at my sister's house for every occasion, and not having to cook. Whether it's a birthday, holiday, Mother's Day, whatever, she usually makes wonderful food and the family all gathers at her house for the fun.

Re: Smooth Talking Stranger (12:46pm June 20, 2010):

I don't really have anyone to celebrate Father's Day with, and I can't really think of a favorite book with a father in it, so today is just a nice, lazy Sunday for me.

Re: Dragon Unmasked (5:31pm June 16, 2010):

I've had times when I slowed down in my reading just because I was so busy I didn't have time. But I still always had a book sitting there if I could catch a moment, it just took me longer to finish. I've loved to read since I learned how, and I'll never stop.

Re: Desire Me (11:46pm June 8, 2010):

We used to do scavenger hunts when I was younger, they were such fun. Loved the excerpt, can't wait to start the Legend Hunters series.

Re: The Teaberry Strangler (6:59pm April 25, 2010):

I read a lot of blogs and if I'm seeing a lot of good reviews on a new to me author, I'll try their book. If I love it, the next book gets to the top of the TBR pile. I usually know enough about a new author's books that I'm not disappointed, so it's usually not much of a gamble.

Re: The Cowboy From Christmas Past (5:59pm March 13, 2010):

I loved the stories about your grandmother. Mine died when I was around 10, but I still have fond memories of her teaching me how to knit and crochet.

Re: Accidentally Demonic (7:02pm February 16, 2010):

I love the illustrated covers of your Accidental series. I'm looking forward to reading your books.

Re: Viking in Love (1:22pm February 4, 2010):

I've loved your books for years, Sandra. I love finding a new author and gobbling up all of their back list. I also love discovering brand new authors, and waiting impatiently for them to produce more great books.

Re: Sins of the Flesh (2:45pm December 12, 2009):

I just try to do a little bit at a time. Once I get one thing done, I'll worry about the next one. Today is the day I'm going to put up Christmas lights outside - and I'm watching the clock to make sure I leave enough time to get it done :o)

Re: Scorched (6:32pm December 1, 2009):

I always enjoy reading series books, finding out how the characters are doing that I loved so much in previous books. I still haven't had a chance to pick up Ravenous yet, so if I were to win Scorched I guess I'd need to get going on that.

Re: Dark Lover (4:26pm November 29, 2009):

I read mostly historical and paranormal/urban fantasy, but I enjoy science fiction and once in a while I'll throw in a contemporary. I love romance, but don't have to have it to enjoy a book. The genres I don't enjoy too much are suspense or horror. I have a keeper shelf, but only keep books I really love. The others I'll give away because I have bookcases full of books I haven't read yet.

Re: Over My Dead Body (1:36am November 16, 2009):

My sister has always been the one who hosts the holiday dinners, the birthday parties, all the occasions where food and family are. Since I moved across the country from her, that is what I miss most - the great food and company at her house.

Re: The Cowboy From Christmas Past (3:30pm November 7, 2009):

I've been celebrating the holidays by myself for the last 3 years or so. It isn't so bad, since I get to do anything I want - which is read, watch movies and play on the computer. I usually use Skype to talk to my sister and her family, and talk to my son and friends on the phone, so I don't feel forgotten. Cooking, that doesn't happen. I usually pick up a cooked turkey breast and heat that up.

Re: Final Approach (7:30pm October 30, 2009):

In order to save myself from temptation, and to try to save the kiddies from sugar overload, I buy treats like pretzels, gold fish, teddy grahams, and animal crackers, plus pumpkin shaped erasers. If I have left overs, they're things I could eat (or save for next year for the erasers), but I don't usually have left overs. The kids still seem to like them, I guess you can have too much candy :o)

Re: A Marquis To Marry (7:38pm October 14, 2009):

A Marquis to Marry sounds great, the widow herione is a refreshing change. I'll be sure to watch out for it next time I'm book shopping (which is pretty often).

Re: The Promise (3:12pm October 11, 2009):

I have lots of books that I've been meaning to read - sometimes I go through and weed out a few that I don't think I'm interested in any longer, but most I will still read at some point. Especially a great author's back list - if I enjoy them now, I've found I'll enjoy their earlier work too.

Re: Lucky Break (7:48pm September 29, 2009):

I've always loved a humorous story - it doesn't matter whether it's a contemporary, a historical or paranormal, humor always adds that special touch to a story.

Re: Lakeshore Christmas (8:04pm September 25, 2009):

I've only been to two book signings and I loved them both. I was a little nervous, not knowing what it would be like, but I really enjoyed them both.
I went to a 4 author signing at a Walden Books - the main author was Linnea Sinclair and it was wonderful to meet her and get her latest book. There weren't very many people there, one group of about 4,myself and 1 other person. I was glad I went to support her, and of course I bought a book by the other 3 authors, just so they'd sell some books too.
The other signing was at the RT Convention Bookfair that was held in Orlando this year. That was awesome, with tons of authors to meet and new authors to discover. I'll definitely go to more signings when they are near by.

Re: The Cowboy From Christmas Past (7:41pm September 12, 2009):

I loved hearing about your family pets, they're sure wonderful to have, aren't they?

Re: The Cowboy From Christmas Past (4:05pm August 8, 2009):

As a person with pretty terrible eyesight, and one who really loves to read, I can imagine how hard it was for your grandmother to lose her ability to read. She is an inspiration and I sure hope if I manage to live that long and suffer a similar misfortune, I'll be able to deal it with half as well as she.

Re: The Texas Twins (12:13pm July 3, 2009):

Have you ever watched Felicity? Your story sounds a bit like that, with the show Greek thrown in as well. It seems like you had a great time in college, which is how it should be.

Re: The Texas Twins (5:04pm June 6, 2009):

I agree, authors don't write fast enough. Luckily I have so many favorites, I still always have a huge TBR pile, so it's okay.

Re: Dragons Prefer Blondes (4:27pm May 23, 2009):

I'm aware of books that are coming out that interest me and plan to get them, but since I have a huge TBR pile, when it comes time to pick a new book to read, I grab whatever strikes my fancy at that moment.

Re: The Texas Twins (4:10pm May 23, 2009):

I enjoyed the article. The Quiet Man is one of my favorite old movies, loved Maureen O'Hara's fiesty role. The heroes that most impress me today are the men and women serving in the armed forces - which is appropriate on a Memorial Day weekend.

Re: Killer Cuts (3:43pm May 23, 2009):

They all sound great, but I'd love Last Vampire Standing, Seducing An Angel, Tempting Fate, Tekgrrl, Holding Out For A Hero, Ashes of Midnight