Not So Closet Geek Reviews

The Viscount Who Loved Me- Julia Quinn

2012-06-05T13:08:00.000-04:00

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary
1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.
And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...
--Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

Review
While beginning with a rather common and ordinary series of events found in most romance novels, Julia Quinn’s The Viscount Who Loved Me turns out to be quite the diamond in the rough. This gem may hide in a genre strewn with often classless and indulgent reading, but a quality read it is nonetheless.

I vaguely recall reading a different novel of Quinn’s last year; this previous sentence possibly contains the worst recommendation I can give a book- the ability to be forgotten. I have noticed that the reception a book gets can fall into three categories. One, positive reception by both critics and readers alike (a rare response, though not impossible). Two, the love/hate combination. The book is either loved or hated by readers. However, either way, it evokes a passionate response. And lastly, a book can fall into the murky pond of meritocracy through a lukewarm (at best) reception. (There is a fourth category: books universally despised, but I try not to focus on these.)

The Quinn novel I read last year drowned rather unfortunately in the aforementioned pond. I could not understand the allure of the writer’s style and held little expectation for any other book by Quinn.

But, in an effort to read all the Top 100 books ascribed in a list created by All About Romance, I decided to give Mrs. Quinn another try.

When I first began The Viscount, I actually began to wonder if it was that unfortunate book I read a year past. (This is not due to The Viscount’s quality; Even early on, I felt that it was more well-written than I had anticipated). This confusion was due to a few references to minor characters who had appeared in that other book.)

I have often thought that it is nearly impossible to fit a believable relationship, slowly escalating, into any novel. The Viscount throws this idea aside. By page 150, a flawless weaving of various scenes had me convinced that it was possible.

The farther into the novel I read, the more our handsome viscount reminded me of Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre. And while Mrs. Quinn has been compared to Jane Austen in the past, I personally can think of no higher compliment than being compared to Charlotte Bronte. Since fanatics of both Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen are not altogether common (due to stylistic differences), it seems Mrs. Quinn has won over fans of both by combining Bronte’s characters’ passion with Austen’s refined writing technique.

In conclusion, I have been completely and utterly converted into a Quinn fan. I am not certain of whether my opinion of the other Quinn book I read was somewhat jaded for some reason or another and should be fully overlooked; however I am certain that if Quinn has composed one such masterpiece of romance, some of her other works must be worth my while as well. I will be seeking out more Quinn romances in the future.

I have a pleasant feeling that I will be basking in The Viscount’s warm glow for a few days more yet.

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Dark Kiss- Michelle Rowen

2012-06-01T18:31:00.004-04:00

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Summary

I don't do dangerous. Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back.

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me....

I’m a cautious fan of Rowen’s adult urban fantasy series, so I’m sorry to say that I found Dark Kiss rather predictable and unoriginal. I anticipate that Dark Kiss will do well in the young adult market despite my lack of confidence in the volume- chiefly because while I found the characters uninspiring, Dark Kiss is well written, and it’s about angels and the like. Paranormal romance is extremely popular in the young adult market right now, so I think sales will be fine.

Review
Michelle Rowen’s adult series has something that Dark Kiss is lacking: a spark. Her adult series kept readers on there toes; Dark Kiss feels like something I’ve read many times. I wonder if reading Kagawa’s Immortal Rules prior to Dark Kiss influenced my opinion of it. Immortal Rules had extremely strong world-building, and Dark Kiss fell flat in comparison.

I probably will not read any sequels to Dark Kiss. But I will still recommend it to anyone interested in Paranormal Romance for YA. Maybe the problem is that I’ve always been an urban fantasy girl, and Dark Kiss isn’t exactly in that genre.

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The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

2012-05-18T09:09:00.000-04:00

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary

Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truly is—a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly everyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it's only a matter of time before she's able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they're kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home.

In The Calling, the sizzling second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong pumps up the romance, danger, and suspense that left readers of The Gathering clamoring for more.

Review
I've been a huge Kelley Armstrong fan ever since I first discovered Bitten in 2008. And I've been very pleased with her transition into YA since then. While I always have the lingering feeling that I would have enjoyed her YA more while I was a younger teen, this is at no fault of the author. Her YA books are always well-written and consistent, if slightly subdued.

The Calling is a strong sequel and perhaps an altogether stronger book than it's predecessor. One thing that truly impressed me is that I'm not recognizing her characters from other series. With time, certain authors become bland because while their characters change in appearance and background, they essentially remain the same in personality. This is not a problem with Kelley Armstrong. Her characters are truly different. I don't automatically recognize the romantic interest as a poorly veiled repeat from a previous novel. The romantic interest isn't always the handsome guy, the nice guy, the misunderstood guy, or even the dangerous guy. Every character is a stranger at first. And it's always a pleasure to make their acquaintance.

My only complaint with this novel is that its setting is limited in scope. Her Women of the Otherworld series (originally, at least) is very much rooted in Jeremy's house. But we also get a nice sense of Elena's world away from the Pack. We feel the contrast between civilization with all its technology- and the Pack with its natural wilds. In the Darkest Powers series, the portrayal of the Lyle House is creepily excellent.

The Darkness Rising series has a lot of movement and nature to comprise its setting, but very little depth and sense of direction. I understand that this is partially due to the nature of the kids' escape. But I felt the setting was handled much better in Darkest Powers where kids were also on the run.

The Calling is another success for Armstrong. I'd recommend (re)reading The Summoning before reading The Calling as I found that I often needed to refresh my memory.

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Lisa Kleypas Giveaway Winners!

2012-05-15T11:23:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to the following:
Jenn Scarpa
Kristy F
Julie Rupert

These winners will each receive a copy of Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor!

I will be sending out an email requesting shipping information. All winners must reply within three (3) days. If I do not receive a reply, the prizes will go to alternates.

If you didn't win in the giveaway, you can purchase Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor here:

Amazon
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor

Barnes and Noble
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

2012-05-14T20:59:00.000-04:00

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Summary
Talia, a young runaway, is made a herald at the royal court after she rescues one of the legendary Companions. When she uncovers a plot to seize the throne, Talia must use her empathic powers to save the queen.

Review
Mercedes Lackey is a well-known name in the fantasy genre, and after reading Arrows of the Queen, I am beginning to understand why. This book has some rough edges no doubt, but with a bit more polish and development, I think Lackey would be a truly excellent fantasy writer. And, from what I am given to understand, Lackey has honed her craft since the publishing of her first novel (Arrows of the Queen).

Lackey's world-building is excellent. I'm hoping to see a bit more development, but I suspect that this may be filled out in the sequels in this series. Her main character, Talia, is likable if slightly distant. Some of her supporting characters blend together- and it's a pity since all of them have potential as round characters. On the other hand, there were a few characters who were truly stand out. Jadus and Skif are subtle stars in this novel, each characterizing underrepresented relationships in the publishing industry. In my own life, I have often bonded with older people. Some are like grandparents; some are not. And it was refreshing to see Talia and Jadus create such a relationship. Skif is a charming character in and of himself- however, his thwarted romance turned friendship is highly relatable and lovely to see in a novel. Books are too often filled with instant lust and eternal love. Skif provides a realistic comfort.

Overall, Lackey was an absolute pleasure to read. It is no wonder that her work has inspired devotion in so many readers throughout the decades.

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Herland

2012-04-23T16:26:00.001-04:00

I'm just excited because someone caught my Herland reference today.

If you are interested in feminist text, I strongly recommend reading both Charlotte Perkins Gilman's Herland and The Yellow Wallpaper.

(Mc)Naught Your Average Romance Writer

2012-04-22T16:07:00.000-04:00

I've often wondered what makes romance author Judith McNaught so spectacular. I love her writing, but like any writer, she has flaws, and over time I've grown increasingly curious as to what sets McNaught apart from the rest. She is not the only talented romance writer I've ever read, and yet her work is so...beyond. Beyond description.

I love reading McNaught in every era- whether it's medieval, Victorian, or contemporary. And that's not something I can say about most writers.

I recently came across McNaught's 1999 All About Romance interview, and I believe I've finally uncovered what makes Judith McNaught a true artist.

"And that did have a dramatic effect on my writing. As I began to emerge from my own misery and isolation, I looked around and realized that I wasn't alone in my plight at all. Other women - widows and divorcees - were all around me, everywhere, raising their children, coping, surviving the grief of death and the agony of divorce. I was awed by the amazing courage and relentless fortitude of my own sex in their everyday lives. We are the frame work that supports the people we love; we nurture our young and care for our elderly, we hold down jobs and still run our homes. When the going gets tough, we don't run out on our husbands or our children. We may be exhausted, afraid, and disenchanted, but we never stop trying, never stop caring, and we never stop hoping. My God, I think we are a magnificent sex.

In the years since Michael's death, I've wanted my writing to portray women as we are, and as we can be - loyal, brave, kind, daring. And, most of all, unified in our support of each other."

-Judith McNaught

This is just a small sample of the interview, and I highly recommend reading the entire thing, whether or not you've read McNaught or naught (!). It's incredibly moving, and I really believe it captures a bit of the essence of McNaught.

The Immortal Rules- Julie Kagawa

2012-04-21T10:21:00.000-04:00

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Release Date: April 24

Summary
In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Review
I was really impressed with The Immortal Rules. Originally I was rather worried that this might be more typical vampire YA fanfare, but Kagawa's Iron series displayed a level of talent that gave me faith in this new series. Kagawa proved me right. Her latest novel is edgy and original. She presents us with a true dystopian vampire world. While this may have been done before in adult genres, it is very new to the YA genre, successfully combining two YA trend favorites: vampires and dystopian fiction.

Kagawa's world-building is magnificent. Her world has many different layers, a variety of tones, contrasting notes. Layers of humanity, religious tones, and notes of character development. I was truly impressed. While I felt distinct moments of adolescence in the Iron series, the Immortal series is fully developed, delving into complicated subjects.

I was pleased by the Iron series.
But I admire the Immortal series.

The first book closes with a bit of a poignant cliff-hanger but nothing too cruel.

Highly recommended. I look forward to Kagawa's Immortal sequels.

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More Than You Know- Penny Vincenzi (review by Diana)

2012-04-20T21:31:00.001-04:00

More Than You Know: A Novel by Penny Vincenzi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary
It all comes down to love or money in a harrowing custody battle over a little girl, set against the glossy backdrop of the magazine and advertising worlds in 1960s London.

A privileged girl from a privileged class, Eliza has a dazzling career in the magazine world of the 1960s. But when she falls deeply in love with Matt, an edgy working-class boy, she gives up her ritzy, fast-paced lifestyle to get married.

By the end of the decade, however, their marriage has suffered a harrowing breakdown, culminating in divorce and a dramatic courtroom custody battle over their little girl. Also at risk is Eliza's gorgeous family home, a pawn in the game, which she can't bear to give up.

True to form, Penny Vincenzi introduces a devious cast of characters seemingly plucked from the pages of sixties- and seventies-era magazines, as she deftly maneuvers between the glamorous, moneyed worlds of fashion and advertising, and a heart-wrenching custody battle going on in the courtroom where the social mores of the time are on full display.

Review
This was my first Penny Vincenzi novel, and I've found reading it to be a rewarding, if not pleasant, experience.

More Than You Know follows two people from different worlds as they stumble into love and later crash out of it. It elegantly shows how a marriage with so much love can go so wrong. This is the first time I've read an up-close portrayal of a divorce and found it successful in it's representation. The pain in this novel is vivid and intense. Readers will come to understand how two people, neither of them 'bad', can be so bad together.

However, I will warn forward-thinking females that Matt, our male protagonist, will drive you mad with his neanderthal values towards the role of women in a marriage. His antiquated views, however, were not uncommon in the setting of this novel: 1960s London.

Which brings me to my final point. I felt Vincenzi could have done so much more with this setting. There is so much opportunity for literary art in such a memorable setting. I felt Vincenzi's setting did not live up to its potential.

Overall, More Than You Know is a novel whose strength lies in its characters and their dynamics. This is much more than a fluffy beach read. This is a novel for a summer storm.

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Interesting Article on HBO's New Show 'Girls'

2012-04-19T13:25:00.002-04:00

I know I don't normally do TV, but this article definitely brings up some interesting points on how women are treated differently in the television industry.

In My Mailbox (3)

2012-04-18T15:41:00.000-04:00

Release Date: April 24

In this irresistible memoir, the New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Pulitzer Prize Anna Quindlen writes about looking back and ahead—and celebrating it all—as she considers marriage, girlfriends, our mothers, faith, loss, all the stuff in our closets, and more.

From childhood memories to manic motherhood to middle age, Quindlen uses the events of her own life to illuminate our own. Along with the downsides of age, she says, can come wisdom, a perspective on life that makes it satisfying and even joyful. Candid, funny, moving, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake is filled with the sharp insights and revealing observations that have long confirmed Quindlen’s status as America’s laureate of real life.

It’s hate at first sight.

Jasmine Farah and Rocco di Angelo are competing for the same job in a dusty office in a secret Federal agency run by the mysterious, menacing Jefferson Davis Crawley – “Creepy” Crawley, as he’s known.

When Crawley is murdered in front of them after their first day on the job, Jasmine and Rocco are left to figure out who killed their new boss, and exactly what a job in the so-called Department of Magic entails. And magic, it seems, is nothing like it seems in children’s books; it’s dark and bloody and sexual.

What follows is a nightmare gallop through a world of ghosts, spooks, vampires, demons, and the minions of South American and Voodoo gods hell-bent on destroying the world and subjugating all America in the year 2012.

Only Rock and Jazz, in the company of a ragtag team of urhobos – homeless guardians of the District of Columbia– can prevent it by resurrecting “Goddess America” in a mystical ceremony on the Fourth of July, as the story reaches its bittersweet and unforeseen climax.

Release Date: April 24

After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon's Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father's wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she's not thrilled -- even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.

Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist's assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn't the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn't the only thing that needs a little TLC.

Paula Brandon’s epic and captivating trilogy continues as magic and mystery wreak havoc with the very fabric of existence.

Reality is wavering. Soon its delicate balance will shift and an ancient force will return to overwhelm the Veiled Isles. Now those with the arcane talent forge an uneasy alliance in hopes that their combined abilities are enough to avert an eerie catastrophe. Yet it may be too late. The otherworldly change has begun. The streets of the city are rife with chaos, plague, and revolt. And it is here that Jianna Belandor, once a pampered daughter of privilege, returns to face new challenges.

The dead walk the streets. The docile amphibian slaves of humanity have taken up arms. Jianna’s home lies in ruins. Her only happiness resides in her growing attraction to Falaste Rione, a brilliant nomadic physician whose compassion and courage have led him to take dangerous risks. Jianna, stronger and more powerful than she knows, has a role to play in the unfolding destiny of her world. But a wave of madness is sweeping across the land, and time is running out—even for magic.

THREE BOOK LISA KLEYPAS GIVEAWAY: FREE

2012-04-18T13:11:00.000-04:00

There's just a little over a week left to enter the LISA KLEYPAS 3-BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Entering is easy and FREE!

Grab your free entry while there is still time!

Teaser Tuesday (3)

2012-04-18T09:28:00.000-04:00

This week's is late, but I picked something really sultry to make up for it...

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 and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

"And afterward, he took her to his bed and made love to her with a passionate intensity so hot it should have forged them into one body and one soul. Then he held her in his arms against his heart throughout the night."

Once and Always- Judith McNaught

2012-04-17T12:57:00.001-04:00

Once and Always by Judith McNaught
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Description/Summary

Across the vast ocean sailed Victoria Seaton, a free-spirited American beauty left suddenly orphaned and alone. Eager to claim her long-lost heritage, she was amazed at the formal elegance of Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of her distant cousin...the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Sought after at plays, operas, and balls by London's most fashionable ladies, Jason remained a mystery to Victoria. Bewildered by his arrogant demeanor, yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she came to sense the searingly painful memories that smoldered in the depths of his jade-green eyes.

Unable to resist her spitfire charm, Jason gathered her at last into his powerful arms, ravishing her lips with his kisses, arousing in her a sweet, insistent hunger. Wed in desire, they were enfolded in a fierce, consuming joy, free at last from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of blinding anguish, Victoria discovered the shocking treachery that lay at the heart of their love...a love she had dreamed would triumph...Once And Always.

Review
This is a tricky book to review. I love McNaught's writing. It's elegant and joyful but also clean and quick where need be. Her romance novels feel like so much more than most books from this genre. They have true substance; they have true stories. The plot is still propelled by romance, but there are intricacies that make McNaught's writing incredibly rich.

Once and Always is no different in this aspect. But as with a few other McNaught novels, I had trouble with some physical violations that were deemed permissible in this book. Rape will never be pretty. But I have seen it dealt with deftly, and carefully, in other novels. In ways that say, "Yes, this character is flawed. You don't have to like him. But rape is a reality, and this book recognizes that it is wrong." This was not done in Once and Always. There even seemed to be some victim-blaming. It just wasn't done well.

And it's a shame. Because, in many other ways, Once and Always is a beautiful novel.

I also felt like there were some undertones of racism in this novel. Though that may be a murkier subject since the racism was directed towards Indians in a Victorian period setting. So racism was a definite reality. And this book didn't seem to be condoning racism. But it didn't really seem to condemn it either.

We also need to remember that this was written in 1990- over 20 years ago. I wasn't born then, so I can't really say much regarding cultural context. Perhaps anti-racism and anti-misogynistic sentiment wasn't as strong then.

We just need to remember that we've moved beyond that. And we don't want to go back. So as well-written as this book is, be aware of the flaws it contains.

If you've read McNaught before, what are your thoughts?

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Deceived by the Others by Jess Haines

2012-04-14T19:02:00.000-04:00

Summary
They're here, and they're real. . .werewolves, vampires, mages, and other creatures of the night. For New York P.I. Shiarra Waynest, taking care of Others business started out as a way to stay solvent. But now business is getting very, very complicated. . .

Shiarra's relationship with sexy werewolf Chaz may be somewhat unconventional. Still, after a few bumps, Shia is finally ready to get serious. That means meeting family—or in this case, bringing Chaz's entire werewolf pack along for a rollicking full-moon weekend in the Catskills.

Soon after they arrive, threatening notes appear, warning Chaz to go home. Then their cabin is ransacked. Shia starts digging to find out whether it's the work of upstart teenaged werewolves or something more sinister. Yet as rumors about her vampire connections arouse the pack's hostility, Shia has to contend with other dangers. Not just from an adversary about to make his fatal intentions known, but from a threat that's even closer than she knows. . .

Review
I suppose the first thing I can say is that I picked up the first book of Jess Haines' series yesterday. And right now I'm freaking out because the fourth book doesn't come out until July. I'm having a total spazz meltdown. And I think that sentence proves it.

Because I am incapable of writing a review without a little context, I want to mention that I really enjoyed Jess Haines' first book in this series, Hunted by the Others. It stood apart from all the urban fantasy I've read recently. Lately, I've enjoyed a number of urban fantasy series, but they all seemed a little off. One descended into romantic drivel in book 3. Another lagged in book 2. Some felt rushed. Others had dialogue issues.

So while I really enjoyed Haines' book 1, I had some reservations about book 2. But book 2 was a strong sequel where my only complaint was some character discontinuity. As in I felt that a character didn't stay true to the author's original portrayal.

Well. Book 3 put everything into perspective and made Haines a contender for my favorite authors list. Absolutely incredible! I had some doubts at times, I will admit. The earlier 'villains' in book 3 are non-traditional to say in the least. But the way Haines used them to weave two plots together was absolute genius.

I really can't say much more without a generous helping of spoilery, so I'm going to wrap up this review.

Deceived by Others is a brilliant show stopper in a solid urban fantasy series brimming with endless potential. I look forward to seeing what Haines does with this series in the future.

Quotes for Today (2)

2012-04-06T11:34:00.001-04:00

Europe was created by history. America was created by philosophy.

Rita Mae Brown

-Margaret Thatcher (Random)

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four people is suffering from a mental illness. Look at your 3 best friends. If they're ok, then it's you.
― Rita Mae Brown (Random)

In spite of illness, in spite even of the archenemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways.
-Edith Wharton (QOTD)

It's easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.
-Henry Ward Beecher (Brainyquote)

Quotes for Today (1)

2012-04-05T09:13:00.000-04:00

No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they're pretty, even if they aren't.
-Marilyn Monroe (Random)

Hollywood always wanted me to be pretty, but I fought for realism.
- Bette Davis (QOTD)

Tell me who admires and loves you, and I will tell you who you are.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery (Brainyquote)

Despite my ghoulish reputation, I really have the heart of a small boy. I keep it in a jar on my desk.
- Robert Bloch (Goodreads)

In My Mailbox (2)

2012-04-05T06:54:00.000-04:00

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen
I don't do dangerious, Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... NIGHTWATCHERS When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future. Henry's first wife, Persephone.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Hunted by Others by Jess Haines
(I was actually really pleased with this book. Positive review forthcoming. Edit: Promptly read entire existing series, so the review will actually be of the most recent book in the series.)
Shiarra Waynest's detective work was dangerous enough when her client base was strictly mortal. But ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her firm - if it doesn't kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to work for a high-level mage to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York's most powerful vampires. As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up and enlists her ex-boyfriend - a werewolf whose non-furry form is disarmingly appealing - and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough. In a city where the undead roam, magic rules, and even the Others aren't always what they seem, Shiarra has just become the secret weapon in a battle between good and evil - whether she likes it or not...

Teaser Tuesday (2)

2012-04-03T23:25:00.002-04:00

It's barely Tuesday, but I've made it!

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

"I looked away, refusing to let her see my eyes fill with tears. Losing would mean destruction beyond anything I could comprehend."

Upcoming Festival

2012-03-31T17:44:00.002-04:00

In my official "I'm Back" post, I mentioned about how my blog is a huge reminder of my teenage self. It's like a scrapbook of high school.

And while I decided to continue on with this blog rather than to start all over again, I do feel that there is a lot of work to do! The Not So Closet Geek blog needs to be updated.

My first step was dropping my high school alter-ego: bella aire. I still like the name, but I no longer feel the need to hide behind a pseudonym anymore. I'm a woman now. And I already have a woman's name: Diana. It's time to use it.

The next steps are getting a new name and updating the blog's background. 'Not So Closet Geeks' was a fun name when I was in high school, when I was proud of standing out a little, for being passionate about something. I needed that label.

But now I'm in college. A good college where everyone stands out a little and is passionate about something. Everyone is a geek. There is no closet to hide in here, so not being a closet geek is common. It no longer needs to be stated.

I've been tossing around some ideas, and I've landed on a new name that I'm really excited about. And I've found a few templates that I really love and will do my new blog title justice.

But I don't want the Not So Closet Geek blog to be forgotten. So I'm thinking of doing a good old-fashioned festival. The likes of which haven't been seen since March of 2009, when I hosted Geek Fest, "A CELEBRATION FOR ALL THE SELF-PROCLAIMED GEEKS OUT THERE".

Geek Fest was about celebrating being a geek. My upcoming festival will not only be a celebration for geeks, it will also be about coming-of-age, transitions, and growing up.

Email me if you have any suggestions!

always,
~~~bella aire~~~
Diana

LISA KLEYPAS 3-BOOK GIVEAWAY

2012-03-31T01:56:00.000-04:00

ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.

ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE
The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.

SOMETIMES, IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC…
Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.

…TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home…

Giveaway:
I have acquired three lovely hardcover copies of Lisa Kleypas' Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor. Lisa is romance goddess. I've posted about her goddess powers here.
So here is the deal. I want to shower my lovely readers with gifts. I figure I can start here.

The Rules:
Use the widget! Three (3) winners will receive a copy of Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor! This is a contest for US only.

Extra Entries:
+1 Leave a comment on my LISA post
+4 If you become/are a NSCG follower
+5 If you link to this contest in a post, sidebar, etc (a link to this must be left in your comment)
...and because I'm feeling shameless, and my blog is just starting up again...
+3 If you add this blog to your blogroll or sidebar (only do this if you actually like my blog, though)

This contest closes three weeks from today (April 26). The winners will be announced and contacted soon after.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Speed Reviews- Recent Romance Reads

2012-03-30T16:31:00.000-04:00

*Please note that 'Speed Reviews' are reserved only for self-purchased books. Books from publishers get full length reviews.

Eternal Rider- Larissa Ione

All the characters in this book are flat. The reason I gave this book a try is because I thought the apopcalyse spin might make things interesting. I was wrong. This book had a very simple, boring plot and possessed no redeeming qualities. And the dialogue! It will make you cringe.

Unveiled- Courtney Milan
This book doesn't quite reach it's potential. But an author to watch...

Texas Destiny- Lorraine Heath
This book was impossibly slow. And the hero didn't deal well with life's difficulties. He just moped around a lot.

Speed Reviews- Recent Romance

2012-03-28T16:24:00.000-04:00

*Please note that 'Speed Reviews' are reserved only for self-purchased books. Books from publishers get full length reviews.

Yours Until Dawn- Teresa Medeiros

The hero of this novel was delightfully Mr. Rochester-esque for much of the novel. Unfortunately, I had figured out the entire plot by page 10 so this novel wasn't quite as tantalizing as it could have been...

Gentlemen Prefer Succubi (Book 1)- Jill Myles
Like cotton candy- fluffy, sweet, and not necessarily good for you...
Great if you are looking for something light-hearted and fun.

Teaser Tuesday (1)

2012-03-27T15:07:00.001-04:00

It's Sacrificial Magic's release day! So excited.

"Her discomfort grew with every step. Which made sense, seeing as how every step took her closer to playing no-you-don't with a pair of homicidal crazies."

Private Arrangements- Sherry Thomas

2012-03-26T17:38:00.000-04:00

Product Description:
Love has designs of its own. . .

To all of London society, Lord and Lady Tremaine had the ideal arrangement: a marriage based on civility, courteousness, and freedom—by all accounts, a perfect marriage. The reason? For the last ten years, husband and wife have resided on separate continents.

But once upon a time, things were quite different for the Tremaines.
When Gigi Rowland first laid eyes on Camden Saybrook, the attraction was immediate and overwhelming. But what began in a spark of passion ended in betrayal the morning after their wedding and now Gigi wants to be free to marry again. When Camden returns from America with an outrageous demand in exchange for her freedom, Gigi's decision will have consequences she never imagined, as secrets are exposed, desire is rekindled and one of London's most admired couples must either fall in love all over again or let each other go forever.

Review:
This was my first Sherry Thomas novel, and I was very impressed by her apt writing, dramatic plot, and light humor.

However, I had a few reservations about the hero's character. There was a certain matter that he handled rather poorly and ended up emotionally abusing his wife for ten years. I harbor a certain suppressed animosity for him, but I cannot deny that, otherwise, this book was a masterpiece of historical romance.

Highly recommended.