Another recommendation straight from my book journal.

My… how Harlequin Blaze has changed. Witches and hot sex? I’m there! Well-written characters and a well-executed plot? Be still my heart!

Title: Stripped
Series: The Bad Girls Club (multi-author series)
Author: Julie Elizabeth Leto
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Harlequin Blaze
Pub. Date: August, 2007
Page Count: 233
My Rating: A+ (96%)

First Sentence: “You can’t be serious.”

Blurb: Lilith St. John is a witch–really. And she hasn’t been too good lately. It seems using her powers to make Detective Mac Mancusi totally infatuated with her was a big no-no. Who knew? After all, what woman could resist having a sexy guy like Mac aching for her every minute they were apart? But the council isn’t pleased–in fact, they’re stripping Lilith of her powers. What’s a witch to do?

Especially now–when Mac’s suddenly back in her life, looking to rekindle the magic…

(Read an excerpt on Julie’s site)

My Brief Comments: This was such a fun book! I loved how the paranormal elements were not only easily integrated into the plot – they were the plot. Those same paranormal elements also provided both internal and external conflict, which was beautifully handled. A wonderful, touching, emotional read. It definitely deserved the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award it won for Best Blaze of 2007.

This is an actual item from a 1950’s issue of Popular Mechanics.

SOURCE For anyone who can’t quite make it out, the text reads:
“Because everything in her home is waterproof, the housewife of 2000 can do her daily cleaning with a hose.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m suddenly disappointed that with all our technological advances, we still haven’t created the waterproof home.*sigh*

At least I still have a maid who comes in every two weeks, saving me from having to clean anything myself. She can’t just hose down my furniture, but she does a pretty good job anyway.

We’ll see what the next 50 years bring. I’ll continue holding out hope that in the future, all my furniture and electronics will be waterproof, as promised.