The Prize by Julie Garwood

I cut my romance teeth on Julie Garwood. So imagine my surprise when Chantal told me she was reading the Prize and that it was her first Julie Garwood! I was flabbergasted. LOL So I quickly decided to read the Prize as well (as it has been a while) and yeah, I feel a JG backlist reread coming on! :P

In the resplendence of William the Conqueror's London court, the lovely Saxon captive, Nicholaa was forced to choose a husband from the assembled Norman nobles. She chose Royce, a baron warrior whose fierce demeanor could not conceal his chivalrous and tender heart. Resourceful, rebellious and utterly naive, Nicholaa vowed to bend Royce to her will, despite the whirlwind of feelings he aroused in her. Ferocious in battle, seasoned in passion, Royce was surprised by the depth of his emotion whenever he caressed his charming bride.

In a climate of utmost treachery, where Saxons still intrigued against their Norman invaders, Royce and Nicholaa revelled in their precious new love...a fervent bond soon to be disrupted by the call of blood, kin and country!

Ames: Let me ask you something, Chantal - how is it that you've never read Julie Garwood before and why did you decide to start reading her now?

Chantal: I'm not sure why I have not read her before. She was always on my to do list, as I have her books in my TBR. I just never picked them up, is all.
I finally decided to read one of them after I looked around to see who was most popular for that genre. Garwood is loved by many of the bloggers I like and trust, so thats why I decided to go ahead and read one by her :-)

Ames: Good stuff! Garwood's For the Roses was my introduction to the romance genre way back in 8th grade. LOL So her historicals will always have a place on my bookshelf. :P

Now Royce and Nicholaa. Aren't they just awesome? I really like Nicholaa. First of all, she defended her keep by her self and then she knocks Royce off his horse. hehe I also like how the whole time Royce is taking her to London, she keeps fighting him. She doesn't just let him walk all over her. And there's one funny part in particular, when they finally get to London, when she tries to trip Royce. I really liked how she never gave up.

Chantal: Oh yes, I know! And when he is giving her one of his lectures, and she is thinking about what needs to be done around the keep. LOL. I love it. I could picture it so well in my mind. I could see her sitting there cleaning her nails while Royce walks back and forth with his hands behind his back saying "blah blah blah...." Mind you, she was not cleaning her nails in teh story. Thats was just the spin I put on it in my mind :)

Royce is so romantic. Making her a new black queen for the chess board was so sweet of him.

For me, the best thing about Royce was how patient he was when it came to them consummating the marriage. He didn't pressure her into having sex right away. He waited till he was sure she was ready.

Ames: But oh man, when he tells her "Your hands will be healed in two days." I was like, oh yeah baby, light my fire!! LOL

I love when Nicholaa daydreams when she's getting lectured. Nicholaa and Royce just fit so well. I like how Royce doesn't enjoy the fact that Nicholaa is listening to him. haha And he's too sweet for making another chess piece.

Chantal: Nicholaa sure is a hand full. Royce needs someone like her to keep him on his toes though.

My favourite parts is when that guy threw the original chess piece into the fire and when Royce saw his wife's face, he threw whatshisname right threw the wall! Nicholaa's reactions was awesome...

"We have a lovely breeze now, husband. Thank you."

He nodded, passed her, then suddenly stopped. He turned around. "What did you just say?"

"I thanked you for the window."

How can you not love a man who would throw someone through a wall for you :)

Ames: I know!! And remember when Nicholaa was shot with the arrow? Aawww - just his reaction to that too. I love protective guys like Royce.

So, are you going to read another classic Julie Garwood and which one is it going to be? LOL

Chantal: I sure am! This one was awesome. An A.

Which book should I read? They are all supposed to be really good, right?

Ames: Ok Breezing Through readers - leave a comment and tell us which Julie Garwood Chantal should read next and why. For myself, I can't decide because I love most of them. *sigh* Decisions, decisions. LOL

***Pimp NightKeepers Contest***

To celebrate Jessica Andersen's interview today, we're going to giveaway two copies of her upcoming paranormal release, Nightkeepers.

Entering is simple. All you have to do is post about Nightkeepers and this contest on your website, encouraging your readers to do the same. Then come back and leave the link to your post in the comments section here.

The contest will end Friday, May 29th at 12:00 p.m. PST. So be sure to enter before then. The winners will be announced Saturday, May 30th and your prize will be shipped out on Wednesday, June 3rd.

Coming June 3, 2008

As a Miami narcotics detective, Leah Daniels never knows how her day will turn out. But she certainly never expected to be strapped to a stone altar, the human sacrifice in an ancient Mayan ritual meant to coax up a demon from the underworld. Or that she’d be saved by a handsome warrior-priest king who claims to recognize her from his visions...

Jaguar Strike wishes he hadn’t made the mistake of reuniting his fellow warrior priests, or broken the law by saving their chosen human sacrifice. Now, he has no choice but to join forces with Leah and invoke dangerous magic in a death-defying race against the end of time.

Don't delay, enter now for your chance to win!!

See Holly's review of Nightkeepers here, our interview with Jessica Andersen here, and her website here.

Taking the Heat by Kathryn Shay

Nath and I both read Taking the Heat by Kathryn Shay recently. What follows is an email discussion we had about the book. There are SPOILERS, you've been warned :P


Taking the Heat by Kathryn Shay
published by Berkley in May 2008

Working as the cook at his family's pub, Liam O'Neil has nothing but respect for his firefighter regulars. But when firefighter Sophie Tyler takes a part-time job at the pub, Liam must be cautious. A widower with two young sons, he can't put his heart on the line for someone who walks into burning buildings. But how can he ignore the fire burning within?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: O'Neil siblings, book #3


Nath: After reading Casee's review of this book over at Book Binge, I had to have it. Then, I realized that I've previously read this author and have felt 'meh' about her writing. If it wasn't for this buddy review, I think that it would have sit in my TBR pile for way longer. As it is, I'm kind of glad I read it...

My main issue with Taking the Heat is that I didn't feel anything for this book. I didn't connect with the characters and I wasn't engrossed with the storyline. Part of the reason I think is that the writing lacks a bit of passion. It felt quite clinical to me. I realized that the author tried to make the storyline as realistic as possible with real firefighters issues, but I thought it depressing... Let see, Ms Shay focused on all the negative points in my opinion: female firefighters having difficulty making it in a male world, the dangers, firefighters not being present for their family enough, how the families have difficulty to cope, etc. I know those are disadvantages of the profession, but still. She could have focused on one or two perhaps? Not throw one after the other at the readers.

Ames: I agree. There was just so much angst for all the characters! From Mikey with his abandonment issues to all the couples having a rough time. This book was...I don't want to say too real, but it was too much of one thing and not enough of the other. Because again I agree with you, there wasn't any passion. Even when Liam takes Sophie up against the wall at the Halloween party, I was like, "meh." There was no heat for me. And it did seem very clinical. Like everyone was rationally talking about their feelings and going to the shrink. There were no heated arguments between Liam and Sophie. Where's the passion???? I swear, the brothers had more heated conversation and arguments than the couples did.

Nath: I think the author was too busy focusing on the "realism" that she completely missed the romance. It was too much angst and how to make this relationship work and showing the every day life... I think she should have added a bit more scenes of Liam and Sophie enjoying their time together, being together. I mean, there were some scenes, but not enough to balance the whole book.

The sex scenes almost felt like an after-thought. The heat level in this book was very dim. The first scene also seems to come from no where. I had the feeling the author added them because this was a romance :(

Also, like you brought up, I found it strange that they were all talking about their feelings so rationally. I've never seen couples and men so eager to talk it out ^_^;

Like I mentioned above, I didn't connect with the story nor Sophie and Liam. I don't like or dislike them. They're just people who I don't care about. I do have one complaint however concerning Liam about how he became irrational after he told Sophie he loved her. I mean, he wasn't planning to date her because she was a firefighter and that was an issue because of his son, not him. Then, once they started dating, they decided to work it out. She went with him to his shrink, which by the way I found cute and screams "commitment" to me. He was fine, going to the museum, getting to know more about her job, watching movies, etc. I mean, if you go to these lengths, then her schedule shouldn't be a big surprise and it's a small thing compared to the dangers that you accepted. I know that usually, things in a relationship changes when someone declares his/her love. In this case, once he told her "I love you," he immediately reminded her that she now has a family. Um, pressure!?!?! Then, he started being angry because she wouldn't be there for Thanksgiving. Then, he was pissed because she had to take a call from her brother... It just didn't make sense to me. It seems like Liam was suddenly another person... and I know, he was in luuuurv, but still, you don't do such a 180 degrees.

Ames: Yeah that kind of bothered me too. And remember, there was that discussion he had with his brother - when he said his wife had done nothing dangerous in her life but she still got taken away. So he was going to take a chance on Sophie. And then he did the switcheroo.

Nath: The switch didn't make much sense to me. It could have been avoided if they've taken their relationshp more slowly I think. I just felt strange... Like you said, he was going to take a chance on Sophie... so why the change of heart? I would have understood if from the beginning, he didn't put efforts in understanding her career, but it's not the case. Ah well... I guess the book needed more drama.

At the same time, I'm not saying that Sophie didn't have her faults. I mean, she should have worked with him when she started realizing she was having some problems instead of pushing him away... At the same time, she took great lengths to try to explain things to Mike, how they should cope with the dangers associated to her job and be present for them. I'm not surprised when Liam gave her the ultimatum and she refused to stop being a firefighter.

Ames: I'm glad she didn't give up her dream to make her man happy. Seriously, if she had stopped being a firefighter, I would have thrown this book against the wall. LOL And in that respect, I did like this book because Sophie still got to be who she was.

Nath: True, I'm glad that she didn't give in either. It's simple to me: Liam met Sophie, the firefighter and fell in love with Sophie, the firefighter. If he takes it away from her, than she's not the Sophie he fell in love with anymore. I was a bit annoyed that she compromised at the end, but I guess it does make sense if she wants to have a baby soon. Still, it only delays the inevitable in my opinion... or it's something they should have tried to work out better before he gave her an ultimatum. Have the whole family be more accustomed to her job and get to know each other even better.

Also, where did Mike's abandonment problems come from? From the fact that his mother died? I don't resent the kid of his problem; however, I'm just wondering where the source comes from. I don't think that was ever explain properly.

Ames: I thought Mike's problem was explained well enough. I understood it. But I liked Mike. He seemed cute. But his dad gave him so much power. I don't know, this didn't feel like a true romance to me because of all the issues going on and all the kids' issues.

Nath: Exactly. Well actually, I thought everyone had too many issues. If there was only Mike's problem, then perhaps it wouldn't have been so bad and it could still have the feel of a romance.

Hmmm, what else? Personally, I didn't enjoy the fact that both Aidan and Liam had the same problem, i.e. couldn't cope with the career of the woman they love. I mean, it's a bit redundant no? Also, I thought the part about Nathan disappearing wasn't necessary. It did serve the plot - getting Liam to see and take care of Sophie again, but I think the author could have chosen another route... because didn't Sophie go through enough yet? Being injured, being abandonned by the man she loves because of her career, finding out that the man she considered a brother was causing arson and targeting her team... and on top of that, having her adored brother MIA? How much can a strong woman take?

Ames: LOL Yeah, I thought that part had a "filler" feel to it.

Nath: My favorite parts throughout the book was the brothers interaction, rubbing and teasing each other. The father and sons relationship between Liam and his sons was nice too. It's rare to see a father so devoted to his children.

Ames: I don't think it's rare.

I just don't like this author's style of writing. That's where the big bone of contention is for me. I won't be reading her again. I'm giving it a C.

Nath: I don't think I will either :( This is the second book I'm reading and well, I just can't feel the romance :( I was thinking of B- or C+, but after discussing the book with you... a C feels right.

Review: Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich

Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich
published by Harper-Collins in February 2008 (re-issue)

Trouble in His Eyes and in His Wicked Grin...

He was a handsome hell-raiser, a reckless crusader in low-slung jeans - and he was driving Louisa Brannigan crazy! Pete Streeter made terrible coffee, snatched her newspaper, and listened through her walls, but it wasn't until she got fired from her government job that she was persuaded to join his undercover investigation - and became hopelessly entangled with the sexiest man she'd ever met!

Love on the Lam

Sneaking around in the shadows was more fun than Louisa ever imagined... especially when the getaway car was a Porsche. Pete never figured on finding a partner in crime who tasted like dessert, but Louisa was all he wanted in a woman - and more. Once he'd taught Louisa to enjoy living on the edge, would she finally feel safe in his love?

Genre: contemporary romance
Series: none

The Story: Pete and Louisa live in the same apartment building and although they’ve never met, they don’t have a good opinion of each other. Pete turns out to be a movie scriptwriter and he’s working on some high up politicians’ secret for his next movie… which some politicians do not appreciate. One thing leads to another and Louisa, who’s the senator assistant, loses her job. To help her out and because he’s very attracted to her, Pete offers her a job: investigate the mysterious pig that showed up in the senator’s office not long ago.


Nath: I used to be a huge fan of the Stephanie Plum series… until book 6. Actually, I read till 9 and that’s when I decided to stop. Being a huge fan of the Plum books, I tried reading the author’s other series (not very good) and her re-issued romance novels (meh). One of the reason I picked up this book, despite it’s ridiculous high price, was the cover─so cute─and I think Dear Author gave it a favorable review.

Chantal: The first Evanovich books I ever read were the Plum ones. I liked them a lot, pretty much read them back to back. As much as I do like the Plum books I would not have picked this book up for myself. Naughty Neighbor was actually an Easter present from my aunt. I got her hooked on the Plum series, and when she saw an Evanovich that was not part of the series she thought I would like it.

Nath: I thought Naughty Neighbor was an okay read. It’s been a while since I read any Janet Evanovich, so I didn’t what to expect. Have to admit I thought it’d be a bit funnier, a bit more Jennifer Crusie-ish I guess.

Chantal: There were some funny moments between Pete and Louisa and the dialogue was great. I liked how they got along, and I actually thought that every scene they had together was very entertaining.

Nath: True. I like the introduction – how we saw Pete and Louisa’s POV and what they thought of each other. That was a great set up. You’re also right about the dialogue, it was very good and surely, the strongest point in this book… Pete and Louisa were also great characters. They had layers to their personalities─too bad we didn’t get to explore it completely, and good chemistry together.

For me, the problem was the storyline. While the whole idea that started the book, i.e. the pig, was funny and ridiculous, it wasn’t meat enough to write a complete novel about and as a result, I had the feeling Ms Evanovich had to fill up the book with random scenes… and unfortunately, she forgot some holes.

Chantal: The only problem I had with the story was the pig thing. I though it was kinda dumb. I'm sure that Evanovich was going for funny with it, but it didn't seem funny to me... just blah.

Nath: I thought it was funny. It was also weird enough to draw attention and I understand why Pete, given his personality, would get fixated on it. What I didn’t like is once Louisa lost her job and she got to know Pete better, the storyline started dragging. There was some action and it actually did contribute to the story, but it felt off to me. Also, I don’t get understand the reasoning between some of the events. Why did the villain’s henchman sneak in Pete’s apartment?

Chantal: Yeah, the whole thing with the guy breaking into Peter's apartment, shooting at him, trashing the car… I didn't get it either. Yes, I’ll admit there were funny parts; running away while being shot at, getting stuck naked to the steering wheel, the back and forth banter. Just as a whole though, I didn’t find the book funny. Kinda weird that there can be so many comical moments without the book being over all funny. Hmm.

Nath: Also, Pete and Lou spent a great time trying to resolve the mystery surrounding the pig, so I expected a big show down at the end. However, they weren’t even part of the capture. It’s as if it wasn’t important anymore. I thought that was a let-down… Ms Evanovich could have crafted some very funny scenes. In addition, I felt like the book was not complete and actually thought that the ending was rushed and definitively anti climatic.

Chantal: Anti climatic is a good word to describe the end. I felt the same way. I read the last page unprepared for it to actually be that. I flipped the page expecting a new chapter, not the end.

Also like you, I think I would have liked to have seen them be part of the pig capture. I'd also have liked to have been privy to some of the day to day stuff that went on after Louisa went to him in California. I bet there would have been a lot of funny moments.

Nath: Well at least, the scene when she arrived in California and Pete is sick was cute :D One of my favorite!

Chantal: Yeah, the cold was funny. I lub you. LOL

At times I felt like I was reading a Stephanie Plum novel. Having read all 13 Plum books I feel I know the characters rather well. In Naughty Neighbor, Louisa's Grandmother reminded me of Grandma Mazur, and Peter was a mixture of Joe and Ranger. Not saying that’s a bad thing though. It was just an observation.

Nath: LOL, Louisa’s grandmother is to stern to be Grandma Mazur!

Chantal: You are right about the Grandmother being too stern. Come to think of it, she is more like Joe's Grandmother, lol.

What grade would you give this one? I'm going with a C. It was a good read with several comical moments, however, some things felt unfinished.

Nath: I’m going with a C+. It was an enjoyable and fun read, but I’d had better in the past. Plus, I think it’s quite expensive for a re-issue. My advice, if you can get it at the library, go for it. Otherwise, you’re not missing much.

Review: Stay with me by Maya Banks

Stay with me, by Maya Banks

Getting her back will be the toughest deal they’ve ever negotiated.

On the night of her fifth anniversary, Catherine Cullen-Wellesley intends to break the news to the two men in her life. She’s pregnant with their child. It’ll be the perfect preamble to the vacation they’ve promised her: Two weeks on a Jamaican beach. No cell phones, no emails, no business.

But when Logan and Rhys blow off the trip for yet another “business emergency”, Catherine faces some difficult truths. She hasn’t come first in her busy husbands’ lives in a long time. Defiantly, she packs her bags for her long-awaited vacation—alone. It’ll give her a chance to figure out what the hell she’s going to do with the rest of her life.

When Logan and Rhys come home to an empty house, they realize two things: One, it was a mistake to take Catherine for granted. Two, they’re not willing to just let her walk out of their lives.

Winning her back will be the most difficult battle of their lives—more important than any business deal they’ve ever negotiated.

Chantal: I liked it a lot. It didn't hold up to the standards of Colter's Woman though. Sigh. I'm still waiting for someone to write a menage book as good as that one. It was still really good though.

Stories where the main people are already a couple and they are having troubles that need to be worked out are often my favourite. The couple, or trio, in this case are already married and had fallen in love a long time ago, so that was cool. I like seeing them being able to have a second chance.

Ames: I really liked it too. I like when women make the men panic.

I understand completely about waiting for a menage book like CW.


Chantal: Yeah, I liked how the guys freaked out with worry. Maya Banks really wrote the emotions well. When Catherine was upset about them not showing up for dinner again, I felt sad right a long with her. Then when the guys came home to find her (and her bags gone) I could feel their panic. A good writer can get that stuff across to the reader, and Maya certainly did it well with this book.

Ames: Yeah she did! I felt every disappointment right along with Cat. And I liked how Cat didn't give in too easily. And the men realized that too. When they do end up finding her and they have crazy sex, but then she disappears on them the next morning, I was like "yeah, keep them on their toes!"

I also liked the glimpse into how they came to be together and how they had nothing and the men were working crazy busy for Cat. It was a nice set up for the story and it gives motivation to why the guys are such work horses.

Speaking of the guys - Rhys and Logan. I must admit, I liked Logan more. :P

Chantal: I liked Logan better, too. I think it's because he is the more dominant of the two. And I like the rough sex that he is into :P

Ames: For sure for sure. hehe

The dynamics of the relationship worked really well too, once they did come together. Usually, in menage a trois stories there is some awkwardness at first and the heroine wondering about her main man getting jealous when an interloper joins the fray. But because they all came together at the same time (no pun intended there), there didn't seem to be jealousy. And usually with menage a trois - we don't get to see the happily ever after. So it was good to see what could happen 5 years down the road.


Chantal: Absolutely!

Okay, this is totally cliche, but I loved the baby ending. To me, a romance in not complete unless there is a pregnancy or a baby being born. It's the mom in me, I guess.

Ames: It has to be the mom in you. LOL I didn't mind it in this case. I don't know, I like when a woman keeps a baby secret. Just for a little while mind you. Another book this story reminded me of (baby-wise) was Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Kiss an Angel. But now that I think about it, she told the father she was pregnant and then she ran away. Hmm... somehow they still strike me as being similar. haha

Chantal: I don't mind the woman keeping the baby a secret as long as she has a good reason. A lot of times the reason is dumb, and then it ruins the whole book for me. In this case, I support her not telling the guys about the baby. It's not like she didn't plan it. She had it all set up cute-like to tell them at their anniversary dinner, but then they screwed it up by putting her last when it came to priorities. The guys finding out about the pregnancy the way they did... I don't want to give it away. Was sweet justice. They really deserved it, ya know?!

I have not read that SEP book. Is it good?

Ames: It was the first SEP I read, so I really liked it. Alex was this hot circus guy and Daisy was a social butterfly type. Total opposites. And she tames a tiger. I love it. I read when I first discovered romance. It'll always hold a special place in my heart. :P

And I completely agree with the sweet justice comment. I love stuff that like!!

Chantal: Cool, I'll check it out.

Do you have any negative to say about this book? What grade are you giving it?

Ames: Nothing negative. LOL It was a nice quick read (as you know) and I'm going to give it a B.

Chantal: I'm giving it an B+. It was rather good, nothing negative from me either. I'm still waiting for Maya (or someone, anyone.) to write a menage book as good as Colter's Woman though. That story was... epic! This one was good, but too short to reach the high that CW gave me. So yeah, a B+.

Review: Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks

Joining me today is Daphne, from Daphne's Adventures. Yay!

Book Description:

The author of For Her Pleasure makes readers surrender to erotic romantic suspense. It doesn't get much hotter.

Dallas cop Gray Montgomery is on a mission to find the guy who killed his partner. So far, he's found a link between the killer and Faith, a beautiful stranger-and if Gray has to get close to her to catch the killer, so be it. And closer still when the killer makes his own moves on the vulnerable young woman.

Ames: Compared to Maya's last print book, what did you think of Sweet Surrender? Were you hesitant to read it based on her last foray into print?

Daphne: Oh you mean her last book that I remember the cover to (woman in lacy underwear?) but not the actual story? Hmm yah I know I read that one and I must've not liked it because I can't remember much except that it was two stories?

You're actually very correct... I was hesitant to read SS when Isaw the cover of the book and realized it might've been similar to her last one. I guess I gave this a chance b/c reading the description… it was just one story. And it might just be a coincidence, but right before reading SS I had JUST finished an erotica with a BDSM theme. So perhaps I was intrigued to see how Maya handled the same theme.

What did you think about the BDSM theme in this? Did you think it was pretty tame? Pretty hot?

Ames: Ok - I was hesitant to read this, but I figured I had to give her writing another chance. I mean, I love her ebooks. I'm glad I did give her a chance, I really enjoyed Sweet Surrender.

I'm not a big fan of BDSM, and I thought the BDSM theme in this novel was pretty tame. I liked how she wanted a real dom, not a guy playacting. I guess because that's how I see most books - they're just acting it out. But for Faith and Gray, she wanted him to take care of her, but she was still a strong woman and all that - I thought that worked really well. Am I making sense? LOL

Daphne: Yes absolutely! Totally makes sense. In fact, I completely agree. About halfway through the book when Gray and Faith were finally going to get into the BDSM stuff, I was at that point thinking it was going to be lame. I was pleasantly surprised that Gray turned her down and recognized the fact that it wouldn't have been a true form of submission on her part.

I guess compared to other BDSM books (especially the naughty ebook ones I've seen) this was very tame, but like we said before... most realistic without getting into too kinky playacting roles.
Was it just me though, or did the writing seem a bit... unbalanced... as far as tone of voice throughout the story? Let me explain. I felt like the first half of the book was all tame, no sex, no dirty words... and even Gray's thoughts about Faith were pretty tame. Then all of a sudden when we see their first sexual encounter at The Club (which only took eighteen-freakin chapters to get to), Gray is all of a sudden pushing her down on her knees and telling her to "take it deep." Yikes! LIke all of a sudden it went from mild story to holy smokes.

Here's another example... when Faith and Gray are hiding away, Gray then invites Micah or whoever to have a threesome with them. Where did that come from? Just seemed kinda random considering we didn't see much interaction with Micah until toward the end.

Now am I making sense?

Ames: You're making perfect sense! There was a Part 1, which set up the characters, and a Part 2, where they got jiggy with it. LOL BUT, although it was unbalanced, it was still good stuff. Wouldn't you say? :P

Speaking of Micah - I do feel like their threesome was very random. Just to do it? Maybe if Faith and Gray had developed their relationship further, it would have made more sense. But again, it was still hot stuff.

I think all these arguments just go to show, that although this wasn't perfect, it was still pretty damn good. Definitely better than For Her Pleasure.

Daphne: I agree. Still good despite the few random things. Good because it was hot. Hah! And let's not kid ourselves, half the reason we read this stuff is for the sex, not so much the story. Overall I'd give it a 3 out of 5. Would've been a 4 had the first part not been so long and void of sex scenes. =)

Ames: LOL yeah, I'm going to give it a B-. A definite improvement.

Thanks for the buddy review Daph!