Up Close and Dangerous: A Novel by Linda Howard
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Linda Howard is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. And while the romance in this novel wasn’t as well developed as I would have liked, I’m amazed by the amount of research that must have gone into this book! The situation in which the hero and heroine find themselves is chillingly believable and beautifully handled by Howard. Although I had a few minor issues with the way the plot developed, the book enthralled me from the first page to the last. (A-)

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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.

Another recommendation straight from my book journal. If you’ve ever looked at your closet, your office, or even your career path and thought, “Gee… I wish all this stuff could really reflect who I am,” then you must read this book.

Title: Style Statement
Series: N/A
Author: Carrie McCarthy & Danielle LaPorte
Genre: Non-Fiction / Psychology / Health, Mind and Body
Format: Softcover
Publisher: Little, Brown
Pub. Date: April, 2008
Page Count: 256
My Rating: A (85%)

First Sentence: In a materialistic culture obsessed with image, it can be hard to stay in touch with your real self.

Blurb: Style Statement is an inspiring take on the power of style and authenticity. Deemed “style psychotherapists,” Carrie and Danielle are the creators of the Style Statement: a two-word compass that helps you make more confident choices in life — from your wardrobe to your relationships, your living room to your career plans.

Part workbook, part inspirational narrative, Style Statement presents a series of inquiries that lead readers to the personal words that guide the spirit, look and feel of their life. The first word represents your foundation, your 80%. The second word, your 20%, is what motivates and distinguishes you.

Via Carrie and Danielle’s Lifestyle Map, readers then explore how their own unique Style Statement can generate momentum in every area of their life.

My Brief Comments: This book is a treat for the senses. It’s beautiful to look at, lovely to touch, and engaging to read. I enjoyed all the first-person accounts of individual style statements. I was surprised by the level of focus on journaling and self-discovery, but it makes sense, considering the end result is supposed to be two words that apply to every part of your life: from the shoes you wear to the career you choose and the friends you make. In the end, I was thrilled and pleasantly surprised by my style statement. Sensual Artist. Two words that describe me perfectly. In the future, I’ll be sure to draw on this style statement when making decisions, whether aesthetic or internal.

As I was telling my chat group earlier today, I’m somewhat obsessive about my books. Frankly, I don’t think anyone was surprised. I read a lot, and I buy more books than I can read… it’s a losing battle, but one that I, frankly, don’t want to win.

Anyway, since I keep a book journal, I thought I’d start sharing with you guys the books I really, truly adore. Those that have made a big impact in my life, or those I keep thinking about weeks after turning the last page.

Today, I’m starting with THE NOW HABIT, by Neil Fiore, a book that completely changed my productivity levels.

The following is taken directly out of my book journal:

Title: The Now Habit
Series: N/A
Author: Neil Fiore
Genre: Non-Fiction / Psychology / Self-Improvement
Format: Softcover
Publisher: Tarcher
Pub. Date: April, 2007
Page Count: 201
My Rating: A+ (100%)

First Sentence: Whether you are a professional, an entrepreneur, a middle manager, a writer, or a student who wants to overcome problems with procrastination – or if you simply want to be more efficient in completing complex and challenging projects – this program will help you get results.

Blurb: Originally published by Tarcher in 1988, The Now Habit has sold more than 58,000 copies, and is as relevant as ever!

Author Neil Fiore offers the first comprehensive strategy to overcome the causes of procrastination and to eliminate its deleterious effects. His techniques will help any busy person get more things done more quickly, without the anxiety and stress brought on by failure to meet the workplace’s pressing deadlines.

This revised, redesigned edition includes a new introduction and a section that provides strategies to understand and deal with the complex role technology plays in procrastination today.

My Brief Comments: This book was exactly what I needed. I was suffering from a really bad case of procrastination. I wanted to write… just not badly enough to do anything about it. And the more days that passed when not a word got written, the worst I felt about it (and about myself). Fiore takes a positive approach to curing procrastination. His theories are based on the concept that procrastination is good for you. It’s not a weakness or a flaw. After all, we wouldn’t be doing it if it didn’t feel good. So he teaches us how to get those same benefits through other methods. He also says that overcoming procrastination leads to better, more frequent “play” breaks. He’s right.

This is the point at which I would normally offer an excerpt, but I can’t seem to find one readily available.

I hope those of you who check out this book get as much out of it as I have.