02 Sep 2010
by Grace Snokein Reviews, Romance Tags: Dark Hunters, darkhunters, Dragonswan, Kenyon, paranormal romance, Sherrilyn Kenyon, supernatural romance, The Dark Hunters Series
Written by: Grace Snoke for Romancing The Page on September 2, 2010.
By (author) Sherrilyn Kenyon
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I originally stumbled across Sherrilyn Kenyon’s writing on accident. I saw a small novella titled Dragonswan when I was looking through books at the grocery store. The artwork is what drew me first (I know, don’t judge a book by it’s cover), and honestly, the artwork with the celtic knots and the really handsome guy, is what made me pick up the tiny book. I was looking for something new and figured if there was a small novella to read, I could judge if I would continue reading books by that author.
That novella sold me. After I got home, and started reading, I couldn’t put it down. At 86 pages, it was incredibly short compared to the size of novels I usually read. However, it was very well written and told the story, generating my interest me in one of her many worlds.
Dragonswan is a great mini-introduction into the world of Dark Hunters, and is loosely based off of Greek Mythology and the story of Lycaon. The story features an unintentional heroine, Channon MacRae, a scholar, and her soon to be Were-Dragon mate, Sebastian. Channon gets whisked through time to the time period she was studying as a historian by Sebastian, who she doesn’t know the Fates have picked as her mate. She eventually faces a choice: save Sebastian or return to her time period without him.
The author deftly mixed romance, action and history in this short story. Like many romance novels, you have your struggles, internal conflicts and conscience rearing it’s head in both of the characters. Unlike most romance novels, you have the supernatural elements of time travel, magical abilities and, of course, the fact there are people who like humans that can shift into other specific forms, like a Dragon.
I really enjoyed reading the book. It was a quick read, well-written and definitely different than what I had been reading.
If you’re looking for a book to read to see if you’d like reading supernatural romances, I highly suggest this book. It will get you hooked.
For more information on her books, please visit: http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/
27 Aug 2010
by adminin Friday Finds, Memes
Written by: admin for Romancing The Page on August 27, 2010.
What great books did you hear about/discover this past week? Share with us your FRIDAY FINDS! 
Laura Lynn
I picked up “The Red Queen” by Philippa Gregory. I walked into the library today and it was sitting on top of the first shelf, just calling my name. So now I have to hurry up and finish my current fiction so I can get onto this one…
Mykal
Not something I will read right away, but I saw it at a yrad sale and had to have it. Frodo & Harry – Understanding Visual Media and It’s Impact on Our Lives. Seems to be a comparison of the two series Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and the real life messages the writers are giving to the people that read it.
26 Aug 2010
by adminin Booking Through Thursday, Memes Tags: BTT, meme
Written by: admin for Romancing The Page on August 26, 2010.
If you’re not enjoying a book, will you stop mid-way? Or do you push through to the end? What makes you decide to stop?
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!
Anna Lee
I’ve actually done both. Sometimes a book completely loses my interest and I stop partway through. Sometimes, I push on, thinking it -has- to get better. Or that maybe it’s -me- that is the problem that day and not the book. I’ve been both right and wrong in this. So really, it’s 50/50 for me.
Laura Lynn
I have to say I push through. Only a small handful have I ever stopped. I feel guilty because if the writer went to all the trouble to get write it, and someone liked the book enough to publish it, then I should give them the dignity of reading it. The few times I have stopped I felt bad about it. For example, I never finished “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn” and it still haunts me. I am sure it is a wonderful book, it just wasn’t what I needed at that time.
Mykal
I almost always push through. Like Laura I feel that the author took the time to write the book, I can take the time to read it. Plus, just because I can not get into a book does not mean I don’t want to know what it was about.
25 Aug 2010
by Laura Lynnin Fiction, Reviews Tags: Laura Lynn, review, young adult fiction
Written by: Laura Lynn for Romancing The Page on August 25, 2010.
By (author) Nicholas Sparks
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“The Last Song” by Nicholas Sparks was exactly what I thought it would be, a tear jerker. While the story was of love, it was also of loss. I think I spent the last 100 pages crying so hard I could barley see.
Ronnie is a seventeen year old girl who has not spoken to her dad in three years. The story starts as Ronnie and her little brother Jonah leave their home in New York to spend the summer with their dad in North Carolina. Ronnie is not pleased to be leaving her friends and life in New York to sit in a small house with a man she thinks she hates.
As the story develops we see Ronnie meet Will and fall in love. In typical rich boy, girl from the wrong side of town fashion, we see them struggle for acceptance from family and friends. We watch Ronnie grow up a bit, but we also see her make a lot of mistakes.
“The Last Song” is a coming of age story as much as it is a romance. The author does a solid job of intertwining the characters and their stories together into a patchwork of information and perspectives. While the use of language is simple and easy to read, the story connects to memories of youth and love. Ronnie finds a sense of responsibility and connects to her family in a touching and heartfelt manner.
Nicholas Sparks is known for many bestselling novels, and this story is true to the feel of his other books. If you have enjoyed his previous works, you will enjoy “The Last Song” as well. And if you need a good cry, this book is just what you have been waiting for.
25 Aug 2010
by adminin Memes, WWW Wednesdays
Written by: admin for Romancing The Page on August 25, 2010.
To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
* What are you currently reading?
* What did you recently finish reading?
* What do you think you’ll read next?
Laura Lynn
- I am currently reading The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. I should be done soon, as it is an easy read, just need to find the time.
- I just finished The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I broke my own rule and started a new book when the old one was still unfinished. Shame on me, but a great book.
- Next? Wow, I have no idea. My guess is a cookbook. I need a few gluten free recipes, so I may have to be a food nerd for a while.
Anna Lee
- Currently reading The Willow by Stacey Kennedy. Liking it so far! Alot of adventure and a romance heroine who swear. Alot. Edgy and fun. I like it.
- Just finished reading The Engine’s Child, last week’s ‘currently reading’. Working on my review of that. Have been uber busy this week though 
- Next is a conundrum. Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin..which arrived this week in the mail! *squee* And likely The Wicked by Stacey Kennedy if I can carve out enough time to do both!
Mykal
Currently reading The Mask of the River King by Jules Wellesley. An excellent book with good characters and an origional fanstsy idea. So far a great read.
Just finished A Darkness Forged in Fire by Chris Evans. Bery gripping and fantastic. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
Next?? Probably Light of Burning Shadows by Chris EVans. I would have read the sequel to his first book next but The Mask of the River King caught my eye.
24 Aug 2010
by adminin Memes, Teaser Tuesdays
Written by: admin for Romancing The Page on August 24, 2010.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Laura Lynn
“Not simply because he and Scott had been best friends since kindergarten, but for another, more important reason. And sometimes, in the middle of the night, he would lie awake, hating the truth of those words and wishing for a way to make things right.”
The Last Song – Nicholas Sparks
Jill B.
“There were days when Austin might have wished he had never encouraged the project, for it was hard to concentrate on studying with the shouts and laughter from the vacant lot. Anna would only smile.”
The Measure of a Heart- Janette Oke
Mykal
Konowa had no choice. He was going to accept no matter what they had planned. She had to be stopped and he needed to belong again.
A Darkness Forged In Fire – Chris Evans
23 Aug 2010
by adminin Memes, Musing Mondays Tags: meme, Musing Mondays
Written by: admin for Romancing The Page on August 23, 2010.
Musing Mondays is hosted by ShouldBeReading.com . Please feel free to leave you comments here, even if you don’t own a blog!
Today’s question…
If your house was burning down –and you could SAFELY grab a book on your way outside to safety– what book would you make sure you ‘rescued’? Why?
Laura Lynn
Funny you should ask that, in my real life I make a product designed to grab in case of fire, but I digress… I think I would grab my Anne of Green Gables Collection. Not only is it my favorite series from childhood, it has a lot of memories tied to it. Yep, I’m a sap!
Anna Lee
I would grab my ‘thing that Laura makes’ after I manage to buy one. BUT, alternate, I would grab my scrapbooks or my journal. Some things you can’t replace.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your answer in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
23 Aug 2010
by Jill Bin Children, Reviews
Written by: Jill B for Romancing The Page on August 23, 2010.
By (author) Cathy Breisacher
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Approximate age: Though the story is about a second grader (approx 7-8 years old), it is most advised to use this as story to be read to the child. Older children (9+) can probably handle the more difficult words.
Petunia Pepper’s Picture Day by Cathy Breisacher is a marvelously written, adorable story for children. It tells the story of young Petunia Pepper, a second grade child who never has managed to get a good school picture! She was determined to get a good one this year, but alas, a series of humorously unfortunate circumstances seem to interfere with that goal. In addition to the amusing and thought-provoking storyline, Christian Elden’s illustrations remind me of something right out of popular cartoons and make the story all the more enjoyable.
I admit, I read this book with the mindset of a teacher. The author put a focus on tying in words beginning with the letter P numerous times on each page. It was adorable to note the ways she managed to pull that off. And as a result, teachers and parents looking to help their children with phonics by reading books focused on particular letters will find this title to be a charming add.
There is also a tie in to character/values building. The main character in the story learns that outside appearances aren’t important, we are special just the way we are. There is a Christian tie to the story, though it does not present itself specifically during the main portion of the story (thus making it acceptable for educators and others wishing to buy it but who need to be careful about reading religious-baded books). The final page of the book, after the main story is over, is a page discussing the moral of the story that also includes several references to scripture that those interested can read.
I believe this book is a delightful story for anyone to read with their children.
22 Aug 2010
by L.L. Evartsin Fiction, Reviews Tags: fantasy, mystery, review, urban, urban fantasy
Written by: L.L. Evarts for Romancing The Page on August 22, 2010.
By (author) Patricia Briggs
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“Moon Called” by Patricia Briggs was my first sojourn into American urban fantasy. I say American because I read and enjoyed Sergei Lukyanenko’s Watch series, which is about as different from Patricia Briggs work as it is possible to get and still be urban fantasy. I was fortunate enough to listen to a reading Patty gave at SpoCon and promptly went over to the book sellers’ area and picked up a copy of every one of her books they had left. Urban fantasy isn’t a genre I usually read but she impressed me.
The book centers around Mercedes Thompson, a girl who was raised by wolves. Werewolves, to be exact. Mercedes fixes Volkswagens for a living, working at the shop she bought from her former boss Zee. Zee is a metallzauber, a fae (magical creature) who calls himself a gremlin. Aside from her talent for fixing cars, Mercy’s other notable ability is that she can turn into a coyote. Her next-door neighbor is Adam, the alpha male of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.
Moon Called’s story unfolds in the Tri-Cities, Washington, in contemporary times. In Mercy’s world the fae came out publicly in the 1980s, long enough ago that most people seem to have come to an acceptance of the existence of a small amount of magic. As of yet, the more sinister and dangerous creatures such as werewolves, witches, vampires, and demons remain secret. The book is chock-full of details about the Tri-Cities that make you feel like you could walk out your door and find yourself there, even if you’ve never visited before.
Mercy is doing a decent job of staying out of trouble until the day when a teenager who calls himself “Mac” drops in looking for a job. This wouldn’t be too unusual except that Mercy’s keen sense of smell immediately tells her that the boy is a werewolf. Mac is newly turned, frightened and alone, on the run. He tells a chilling story of being captured and sold to people who caged him and experimented on him with drugs.
Mac’s problem draws Mercy back into the world of the werewolves, a place she happily left behind at age sixteen. Against her will, she is pulled in and has to help solve the mystery of who is experimenting on werewolves and for what purpose. Along the way Mercy enlists the help of Samuel (the werewolf she almost eloped with and the reason she ran away from home) and Stefan (the vampire whose VW bus she repairs).
All of this is complicated by her conflicting feelings about Samuel and Adam. When Samuel is assigned to help Mercy, it doesn’t take long for the old feelings to start stirring again. Who will win her affections? Will she stick to her guns and remain independent, or surrender herself to the dominance of one of these two, charismatic wolves?
The story is compelling because of Mercy. Her magical ability to change into a coyote aside, she’s a person that is easy to relate with. Her little problems, like managing her work life so she will have enough money to eat, bring you closer. The big issues she faces are what will capture you and
keep you turning pages to find out what happens next. Even if you’ve never read urban fantasy before you’ll fall in love with Mercy Thompson.
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22 Aug 2010
by Laura Lynnin Reviews, Young Adult Fiction Tags: Laura Lynn, review, young adult fiction
Written by: Laura Lynn for Romancing The Page on August 22, 2010.
By (author) Suzanne Collins
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I had no idea what “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins was about before picking it up two days ago. I had heard my friends ohhh and ahhh, but had no idea of the plot, the genre or even the characters. I laughed when I saw I was number 75 on the hold list at the library, but figured I would read it when my turn came. My turn came this weekend when a friend lent me her copy.
The Hunger Games is set in the future after war has eliminated the United States and left the country of Panem in its place. Each year the 12 districts within this country are required to select 2 youth to fight in a gladiator style battle to the death. Huger Games follows the struggle of the teenagers from District 12 from before they are chosen until the battle is over.
Now I have to admit this is not my usual fare. I do not read blood and guts stories, nor do I typically enjoy suspense novels, so I was a little apprehensive about the topic. If I had not been quickly drawn into the narrative I’m not sure I would have finished it. As it was, I was so quickly absorbed that I read almost all of the book in one sitting.
Aimed at the teenage market, the story is easy to read and the characters appeal to the adolescent crowd. That said, there is something universal about the struggle to survive that I could relate to, even buy into. While the main characters, Katniss and Peeta, are from different parts of society and their individual struggles differ, both must fight to the death inside the arena.
The story does not focus on killing as much as I had expected, instead it focuses on relationships and emotions. Topics such as friendship, loyalty, love, determination, hope, betrayal, fear, insecurity and survival make the story a rich backdrop to interact with the characters.
At 374 pages, I finished the story in 4-5 hours, and found myself unable to put it down toward the end. Suzanne Collins does a wonderful job of making the reader care about Katniss and I found myself worried about how the story would turn out.
While The Hunger Games may not make it into the classics with Bronte or Austen, it is a fun read that will draw you in and keep you engaged. There are two more books in the series, Catching Fire and Mocking Jay which hopefully will wrap up a few loose ends and complete the story of Katniss and Peeta. You should see those reviews in the upcoming weeks.
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