I haven’t read a book in a month or so until this one: Unanswered Cries by Thomas French. Before this, I’d hit a new low when it came to reading. I have been reading—but it’s been mostly scrapbooking magazines with the occasional graphic novel thrown in. Then I saw an episode of American Justice and decided to try a book about the case. Thank you, Paperback Swap.

On a warm Florida evening, Karen Gregory saw a familiar face at her door. What the beautiful young woman could not know was that she was staring into the eyes of her killer—a savage monster who would rape her, stab her to death, and leave her battered body on the floor outside the bedroom.

Detectives frantically sifting through the evidence were tormented by one disturbing question after another: what did the strangely worded note from a friend mean? Why was the house so orderly, when it had been the scene of a frenzied struggle? Why were the bloody footprints on the carpet barefoot? What happened to the white lace teddy missing from Karen’s drawer?

Police detective Larry Tosi stayed up nights watching the video of the grisly crime scene, looking for that one telltale clue that would lead him to Karen’s killer—until slowly, and with growing horror, he realized that the maniac he was hunting was someone he knew . . . someone he called a friend.

This book ended up being the perfect anecdote to my writing ennui. The case itself offers a number of intriguing twists—the initial challenge to pin down a suspect; then the growing suspicion of the primary investigator that the murderer was someone he knew.

But these elements simply add to an already strong read. French delves into the lives of everyone involved in the case: the victim’s family and loved ones, the investigators, the accused, the lawyers, and the jury. It’s rare to find a true-crime book where all of the people are so vividly and movingly portrayed. It is a devastating depiction of the results one act by one man can cause in the lives of so many.

I liked the episode of American Justice about this case. Obviously it was interesting enough to make me seek out the book. Unanswered Cries offers a fuller picture of the case, one well worth reading. I couldn’t put it down.

If there is anything negative to say, it’s this—I can’t find any other true-crime books by this author. Unanswered Cries: 4.5 out of 5.

Why do I do this? I buy books I’m sure I will like, and then I let them sit on the TBR for months (or more). Such was the fate of HelenKay Dimon’s Holding Out for a Hero. Wendy’s review made me think I should pick it up.

Deana Armstrong needs a hero—not for herself, but for the nephew all her money and time can’t seem to get out of jail. Unfortunately, the best hero in all the Hawaiian Islands is set on turning in his badge and getting his excellent butt into another line of work. If that wasn’t enough, Josh Windsor also has a big-time grudge against Deana herself. But if there’s anything being rich, smart, and stubborn has taught Deana, it’s never to settle for second best . . .

Josh has had it with saving people. He’s had it with getting hauled into court. And boy, has he ever had it with Deana. Or well, he hasn’t  had it. Yet. But the more she pops up sounding infuriating and looking good enough to eat, the more her hot bod and her cold case wriggle into his mind. And there’s only so much even a hero can resist . . .

Hmm, where to start? I could start with the cover, which is amazing. LOVE it. And I’m happy to stay the story inside is just as incredible. I tend to read romances for heroes, and Josh definitely doesn’t let me down. He’s both honorable and hot—what’s not to like? And Deana is a fully developed character in her own right.

Holding Out for a Hero is a fine example of Dimon’s trademark witty dialogue and sizzling romance, but it has a few other strong elements I want to mention.

First of all, I’ve read a handful of romances where the hero is hired to prove the innocence of a family member. In every one I can remember, the character’s innocence is clear.

In this book, though, Dimon does something I found fascinating: offers doubt. Maybe Deana’s nephew is innocent. Maybe he’s not. And this ambiguity adds a gripping element to the story. I could feel the part of my brain that enjoys true crime kicking in to try and put together the pieces. I can’t tell you how much I loved the combination of this mystery and the romance.

Another thing I enjoyed: the friendship between Josh and Kane. It felt genuine, like I was really seeing two male friends interact. Not the oddly feminine talk I sometimes see in books between guys.

In short, I loved this book: 4.5 out of 5. And I’ve got some catching up to do—I’ve got a few books and novellas in Dimon’s booklist I haven’t read. I won’t wait so long next time.

Since I’ve been reading historical romances lately, I decided to catch up a bit with Lisa Kleypas. In the past few months, I’ve read It Happened One Autumn, Mine until Midnight, Seduce Me at Sunrise, Tempt Me at Twilight, and A Wallflower Christmas. Below are ratings and quick thoughts about each one.

It Happened One Autumn: I absolutely loved Kleypas’s depiction of Marcus, who is completely infatuated with Lillian and is at the same time baffled by that infatuation. Their chemistry is hot, hot, hot. 4.5 out of 5.

Mine until Midnight: I’ve had this ARC for a while—I believe I got it in San Francisco—and I’m just now reading it. It’s a fantastic read, with a hero who understands how much Amelia needs to have someone to lean on every now and then. I loved the scene where that is clear (I won’t say more to avoid giving spoilers). 4.5 out of 5.

Seduce Me at Sunrise: My least favorite of the books I read in this marathon, but still a nice installment. I find myself rereading bits of this, but they aren’t the romance. Instead, they are specific scenes between Cam and Kev. If you’ve read the book, you know which ones I mean. The connection between these characters is exceptionally well done. 4 out of 5.

Tempt Me at Twilight: My favorite of the Hathaway series so far. When Harry interfered in Poppy’s romance, I initially wondered if this would be a bit too much like Prince of Dreams, but the story plays out differently. And it fantastic to see Harry working to win her back. I actually listened to this one on audio, which was different. I often listen to audiobooks but not generally as a first read. 5 out of 5.

A Wallflower Christmas: A very nice revisit of the Wallflowers with a heartwarming romance in the bargain. 4.5 out of 5.

I still need to read Scandal in Spring (I don’t have that one), and then I’ll be caught up.

I never thought I would say this, but I am officially overloaded on paranormals. Two years ago, even one year ago, I couldn’t get enough of them. But now? I’m just not that interested.

A few authors are exempt from this. For instance, don’t even try to interrupt me when Jim Butcher’s Changes comes out. But aside from the authors I’m already following, I can’t muster the desire to read a paranormal. Which is a bit sad, because I have lots of paranormals TBR.

So instead, I’ve been reading historicals. Lots and lots of historicals. In fact, I could use some historical recommendations, so feel free to make a suggestion or two.

Some people make resolutions with the new year. Me? I get excited about the books that are coming out this year. Two weeks ago, these books seemed ages away. Now, they are just around the corner. This is not a comprehensive list, but these are a few books I’m looking forward to in 2010. They are listed in alphabetical order.

Kelley Armstrong: The Reckoning and Tales of the Otherworld (April 2010)

I started reading Armstrong’s YA series last month, and now I’m very anxious for the third book.

Jim Butcher: Changes (April 2010)

Love me some Dresden.

Lisa Kleypas: Married by Morning (May 2010)

(No cover found)

I was sucked in by the epilogue in Tempt Me at Twilight. Damn it.

Erin McCarthy: Hot Finish (August 2010)

(No cover found)

Erin McCarthy. Contemporary. Enough said.

Linnea Sinclair: Rebels & Lovers

Sinclair’s books are always enjoyable.

I know there are more books I’m excited to read, but these are the ones on my mind lately.

What books are you anxiously awaiting this year?

Since I didn’t go to this year’s RWA conference, I thought the books on my TBR shelves would decrease. And they have, but now I’m just adding books to it that have been in boxes until now.

I told myself this would be a great opportunity to read some of those books. I have been reading some of them, but there are so many that I get overwhelmed. Where in the world do I start? Whatever I try, I decide I’m not in the mood for contemporary, historical, or whatever I chose. More often I find myself reading newer books I check out of the library.

I need TBR motivation.

So let’s hear it. What are some good books you’ve read from your own TBR shelves?

After reading the previous books in Elizabeth Hoyt’s The Legend of the Four Soldiers series, I’ve been looking forward to the fourth book in the series: To Desire a Devil.

Reynaud St. Aubyn has spent the last seven years in hellish captivity. Now half mad with fever he bursts into his ancestral home and demands his due. Can this wild-looking man truly be the last earl’s heir, thought murdered by Indians years ago?

Beatrice Corning, the niece of the present earl, is a proper English miss. But she has a secret: No real man has ever excited her more than the handsome youth in the portrait in her uncle’s home. Suddenly, that very man is here, in the flesh—and luring her into his bed.

Only Beatrice can see past Reynaud’s savagery to the noble man inside. For his part, Reynaud is drawn to this lovely lady, even as he is suspicious of her loyalty to her uncle. But can Beatrice’s love tame a man who will stop at nothing to regain his title—even if it means sacrificing her innocence?

Hoyt is one of my favorite historical romance writers around, which also (for good or ill) means I expect a lot from her. Usually she delivers an exceptional story. This time around, I liked the story OK, but wouldn’t consider it an exceptional one.

I liked the way we see how Reynaud’s time in captivity has affected him. It’s no surprise that it would. The scene by the coach where he imagines himself back in battle is painfully vivid. I couldn’t help but sympathize with him.

I had a tougher time with the way he was so domineering with Beatrice. He pushes and pushes and pushes her to become more involved with him. And though Beatrice really knows little about him, she follows his lead. Her trust is eventually rewarded, yes, but I thought she came to trust him all too quickly.

The romance still works, but it doesn’t have the same magic to it as many of her other books, such as The Serpent Prince.

To Desire a Devil: 3.5 out of 5.

When I got a request to review Nemi III, I visited the link I was provided and thought it would be worth reading. “Worth reading” turns out to be a big understatement.

Prepare yourself for some more slacker philosophy. Norway’s coolest and sexiest goth, Nemi Montoya is back with another dose of healthy cynicism and a love of all things fantasy, courteous of Lise Myhre’s frank, irreverent and hilarious cartoon creation.

The book arrived, and I picked it up that day and started reading. I was expecting more of a story that flowed from cover to cover. Instead, Nemi III is a compilation of a comic strip, and most can be read in any order. Once I got into the swing of it, it was just fine.

Nemi features a diverse cast of characters. Though I enjoy Nemi herself, I relate more to her friend Cyan, who has a practical streak Nemi lacks. And this is no one-note collection. The comic covers a range of topics. One image-only strip (no text) shows the role remote controls have taken in the world. Another memorable set of panels looks at stardom and those who don’t achieve stardom in a way that’s both pithy and poignant.

Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, Nemi III is always interesting. I’m glad I decided to review this book, and I’ve got Nemi II on order, which is about as high a compliment as I can pay, since I’ve reduced my book-buying considerably. Once I get it, I’m going to curl up on the couch and enjoy returning to Nemi’s world.

Nemi III: 4.5 out of 5.

After reading several chapters of a historical romance, I decided I wasn’t in the mood for dark angst and set it aside. Despite being a bit burned out on paranormals, I picked up Kathy Love’s My Sister Is a Werewolf. I liked the Young brothers vampire series, so I thought I might like this one.

Elizabeth Young’s brothers think they have it rough as vampires? Ha! Two words for them: unwanted hair. What werewolf Elizabeth craves is a normal life with a husband, kids, and less shaving. Unfortunately the vaccine she’s researched isn’t working yet. Worse, she’s in heat—and soon every dangerous wolf pack for miles around will be at her door. To buy time, she needs to have sex, and often, with the first human male she can find.

Veterinarian Jensen Adler just meant to drown his sorrows, until a stunning, leather—clad brunette made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Now he’s caught up in something really weird, definitely dangerous, and, okay, extremely hot. So his new girlfriend’s hiding something (and she’s a little freaky about the moon), but Jensen knows true love when he feels it, and this time, he’s not giving up. no matter how hairy things get.

As you can see from the blurb, it turns out that this book is part of the Young series. I’m not sure how I missed that, so it was a nice surprise. And nice pretty much describes this book. It was a refreshing break from the dark angst, a quick and easy read, and I liked the characters.

Like I said, nice.

It didn’t quite get beyond that, however. Romances can take place in a short period of time and still be convincing. In this case, though, I wasn’t fully convinced. I believe that Elizabeth and Jensen are off to a good start, but that’s as far as I’d go. The villain was defeated in a scene that went so quickly I wondered if I’d missed it.

On the plus side: Jensen and the way the vaccine element is resolved.

My Sister Is a Werewolf: 3.5 out of 5.

Is it just me, or does anyone else prefer the older Blaze covers?

Here’s an older one:

And the new style:

The picture on the cover is fine, but the cover itself is so linear. Plus, while I’m fine with white space (or red space, as the case may be, since this is a Blaze cover), there’s an awful lot of it here. I’d like to see the picture take up more of the cover.

So what’s your opinion? Which style of cover do you prefer and why?