R-E-S-P-E-C-T
We give many reasons for reading romance and loving it so. The comfort of a guaranteed happy ending, the feeling of being swept away to another time and place, fascination with the workings of the human…
All in a Days' Work
When I read Rike’s piece on places in romance, it made me think of another item that matters a lot to me in a romance – or indeed, in most things I read. I don’t expect…
The Series Conundrum
I recently finished a review book. The only other ARC I have on hand at the moment is for an April release, so I thought I’d reward myself by reading a book from my TBR pile…
For Anybody Keeping Track of Washington Post Book Reviews
Today nine books were reviewed in the Outlook section, the new “home” for book coverage in the Post. Two were reviews of books by women, which leaves…well, you know seven written by men. One of those was…
Borders
We’ve all heard for a while that Borders is in trouble. Word has it that Thursday was a big lay off day for the Ann Arbor-based company. First of all, my sympathies to everyone affected. The…
Disappointed Expectations – and Another Kerfuffle
You may have heard of the controversy concerning Lori Foster’s latest book, My Man Michael. This book is part of the SBC Fighter series, a contemporary series, albeit one with mild suspense elements, about mixed martial…
Why is "Settling" a Dirty Word in Romance?
While reading message boards online, I have happened upon a phrase that stuck with me. The reader said that she couldn’t stand to see how “Heroine X settles for Hero Y”. She expected her heroine to…
The Food of Love
I love food. I always have. Though my friends expect me to be more exacting in my tastes, I’m not exactly a food snob; I’ll gladly eat both store-brand macaroni and cheese, and seared tuna atop…
Buried Treasures 2008
“Oh my goodness, I can’t BELIEVE that you don’t know this book!” How many times have you heard this – or said it to someone after raving about your latest find? Every reader I know seems…