Forged In Fire - Trish McCallan

Summary: Beth Brown doesn't believe in premonitions until she dreams a sexy stranger is gunned down during the brutal hijacking of a commercial airliner. When events in her dream start coming true, she heads to the flight's departure gate. To her shock, she recognizes the man she'd watched die the night before.
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters comes from a bloodline of elite warriors with psychic abilities. When Zane and two of his platoon buddies arrive at Sea-Tac Airport, he has a vision of his teammates' corpses. Then she arrives—a leggy blonde who sets off a different kind of alarm.
As Beth teams up with Zane, they discover the hijacking is the first step in a secret cartel's deadly global agenda and that key personnel within the FBI are compromised. To survive the forces mobilizing against them, Beth will need to open herself to a psychic connection with the sexy SEAL who claims to be her soul mate. (Source: Trish McCallan website)

Comments: I tend to like paranormal traits in my books in very small, perhaps believable ways, most notably with Hannah Howell's Wherlocke/Vaughn Series and this story fits that same sensibility. Could someone dream about something that could happen - sure. Could you communicate on some level with someone you were close to? Sure - happens all the time with me and MotH* - we say the exact same thing at the exact same time. Could a guy believe in soul mates? Well, that one I'm not so sure about.
I find the timing of the book impressive. Most of it takes place in about twelve hours (I didn't time it, but it's half a day or so) and that's pretty neat, at least to me. The friendship and brotherhood of Zane, Rawls, and Cosky is believable as is the language. Those boys know how to cuss - that's for sure, but that doesn't bother me. I can cuss like a sailor too. One of the things I like the most is that people don't keep secrets and if someone tries to, their friends tend to know and call them on it. Zane's supervisor is his best friend Jace Mackenzie and he calls Zane on lying when he tries to lie about Beth's dream. It's a good plan to me, so many stories do the whole not telling people what's going on as the way to make the story move along. I thought this was refreshing. Mac's attitude towards women is intense - he does not trust them and thinks Beth is leading Zane down the wrong road, but thankfully, Beth is tough enough to handle him. He'll met his match, I'm sure. Beth, understandably does not believe in the whole soul mate thing when it's dumped into her lap, but I can't say I blame her, especially coming from a guy.
The story was fast paced. I read it in just over a few hours and  enjoyed it. Although I realized it was setting up a second book fairly early on, but that didn't bother me. I also liked that we got an understanding of why the bad guy was a bad guy - not that made him good, but it was, again, refreshing.
What did bother me was the way it just sort of ended. Like that, it was over. I did not like that. I would have preferred something a little less sudden.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series which I hope will give some idea of what happens to Zane et al.


*Man of the House

Groundhog Day

One of my favorite days of the year and only really for one reason...

January on the Gulf Coast

You know you're on the gulf coast when it's January and you are running your a/c in the car on the way home from work at 7:00pm. 

Embrace the Highland Warrior - Anita Clenney

Summary: When the powerful demon that left Shay for dead discovers her empty grave, he comes seeking retribution, believing she possesses an ancient book he has sought for centuries. Knowing she can't fight the demon alone, Shay returns to her clan and the Scottish Warrior who betrayed her…the only man she's ever loved, where she discovers that betrayal isn't always what it seems. Sometimes it's far worse. (Source: Anita Clenney website)


Comments: This books takes place chronologically within days of the end of Awaken the Highland Warrior. There are a few new characters, including the female lead Shay, her aunt Nina and her aunt's slightly crazy cousin Matilda. We also meet Cody McBain's brothers, Marcus and Lachlan. Shay has returned home, reluctantly, to Virginia and her childhood home which is on the same property of her former best friend, Cody McBain. Why is he her former best friend? Well, because nothing in her life is what it seems and Cody, the one person she trusted above all others, had betrayed her. Apparently, there are many many secrets within the Connor Clan, and we find out about them in this book. 
The premiss is still interesting, that warriors battle daemons here on earth to protect humans, but I'm concerned about the loss of three dimensionality in a couple of characters. A character from the first book in this series I found believable, if annoying at times, Faelen, seems to become a caricature of himself and it is disappointing. Faelen and his wife Bree seem to do little more than constantly disagree with each other. I realize that their relationship is challenging because of his insistence that women should be protected (read: have no fun or adventure), but it's a bit much. I liked them better in the first book - individually and as a couple. Shay and Cody are obviously to be a couple in this story, but there are hurdles to cross before that can happen. Oh, and there are vampires too. Cody seems the most real character and I can see how the relationship will work with Shay. Shay's aunt Nina is also believable, but Matilda pushes the boundaries of reality in what I think was meant as comic relief, but it reminds me of Miss Bates in Emma when she prattles on which were the parts of Emma that I tend to skip over. 
Overall, I find the plot interesting, but some characteristics of the author still bother me - especially repeating remarks over and over. In the first book (review here) it was the litany of things Bree had done for Faelen after she rescued him. In this one, the repeated concept that Shay perceived that people were hiding things from her. It's true. They were. You don't have to beat us to death with it. 
I realize it sounds like I'm complaining a lot, but that's partly because I think these stories have real potential. My biggest hope is that there will be a book for Ronan, probably my favorite character from the first novel that makes an important appearance in this book as well. Somehow he is linked to Bree and I think Shay also. I want to know what's going on there.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie - Jennifer Ashley

Summary: The year is 1881. Meet the Mackenzie family--rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn't be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them--of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set England and Scotland abuzz. The youngest brother, Ian, known as the Mad Mackenzie, spent most of his young life in an asylum, and everyone agrees he is decidedly odd. He's also hard and handsome and has a penchant for Ming pottery and beautiful women.
Beth Ackerley, widow, has recently come into a fortune. She has decided that she wants no more drama in her life. She was raised in drama--an alcoholic father who drove them into the workhouse, a frail mother she had to nurse until her death, a fussy old lady she became
constant companion to. No, she wants to take her money and find peace, to travel, to learn art, to sit back and fondly remember her brief but happy marriage to her late husband.
And then Ian Mackenzie decides he wants her. (Source: Jennifer Ashley website)


Comments: What an interesting story. While this might be considered a spoiler, I don't think it technically is because everyone will figure this out right quick, that the hero has Apsberger's Syndrome. Ian Mackenzie can't look you in the eye or understand when you make a joke and only applauds at the theatre because everyone else is doing it. But he can play any piece of music he hears, can remember entire conversations in tact and is a wizard with numbers. He can't lie nor can he love. He's not capable of it. 
Beth Ackerley has seen many sides of the world. She is raised by her gently-born mother, but has to deal with her alcoholic father who pretends to be French gentry whose dissolute life leads to the family's poverty. Beth has always figured out how to make her way in the world - one way or another and been a good, upright person. She's engaged to another man when she first meets Ian. A man only interested in her after she inherited money from her former employer.
Ian is as engaging as he is frustrating. He's definitely one of the most unique characters I've read recently. Beth is very alive and certainly not some wilting flower. Once again, there is an interesting family dynamic and as you meet Ian's three brothers, his sister-in-law, and nephew, plus the servants that take care of the Mackenzies - oh, and their dogs too. Hart is the eldest and current Duke of Kilmorgan - he's a shrewd politician and business man and does not have a heart. Then there is Cameron who is excellent with horses and Mac who is a painter. Mac's estranged wife Isabella becomes friends with Beth in Paris. Daniel, Ian's nephew, is Cameron's fifteen year-old son by his psycho first wife. The family, while they might fight amongst themselves, become fiercely loyal to each other when attacked from the outside as is the case in this book.
A murder of a game girl brings back memories of another murder that Hart and Ian are linked to and Inspector Fellows is certain they are involved and it's only the Duke's position and money that have kept them free. A bit of a terrier, Fellows isn't going to let go of the Mackenzies this time.
This book is for mature audiences - but I just sort of skipped through a good bit of that. That said, the family is interesting, the servants too, the story is a good solid story and moved with a nice rate of speed. I look forward to reading the other books in this series and seeing what happens to the rest of the brothers.

Quiche

16 oz mozzarella,  shredded
2 pkg frozen chopped spinach, 9 oz each, thawed and squeezed dry
1 can evaporated milk
1 bunch scallions
8 oz mushrooms (probably should be 16 ozs.), sliced
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 piecrusts, blind baked for 8 minutes 




I keep finding pieces of exploded chestnut.... ah Christmas


Heat oven to 450 degrees. 
Saute scallions (or any onion you like) in a little olive oil. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Saute until the mushrooms release their water and start to dry. Add the spinach and turn off burner. Use burner heat to further dry spinach. Place all in a large bowl to cool for a few minutes.
In a small bowl, slightly beat two eggs. Add the eggs, the evaporated milk and mozzarella to the large bowl.

For the pie crust, blind bake at 450 degrees for 8 minutes and reduce the heat to 425 degrees. Fill pie shells with quiche mixture. Bake for 20 minutes, turn pies and bake 20 to 25 minutes more. Let cool before slicing.

Bench Notes: Any green is a likely substitute. Kale would probably be good and frozen broccoli is good also. I use the frozen spinach because it's easy and available - I almost always have the ingredients or some variation of them on hand. Swiss can substitute for mozzarella or add some cheddar or parmesan to either of the good melters.  


One day, I'm going to be ambitious and make this for the crust...

I saw a crust that Cook's Country used for their Onion and Bacon tart and thought it will work for my quiche too. 

Crust (based on Cook's Country "No Fuss Crust")

makes 1 crust, so make 2 for amount of filling above 

1 c all purpose flour

1/2 c Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1/4 t salt

6 T unsalted butter, softened

2 oz cream cheese, softened

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk flour, Parmesan, and salt in bowl. Beat butter and cream cheese with a mixer until smooth, Set speed to low, add flour mixture to cream cheese mixture, and mix until dough forms large clumps. Flatten dough into 6-inch disk and transfer to center of 9-inch pie pan. Press crust from center out and up the edges of the pie pan and crimp edges. Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes, then freeze until firm, 10 minutes or so.

Awaken the Highland Warrior - Anita Clenney

Summary: Mis-adventurous historian Bree Kirkland discovers a one hundred fifty year-old warrior buried in a crypt behind her house. But Faelan, the warrior, isn't dead. When this chauvinistic Scottish Warrior awakes, he has no choice but accept the help of this modern-day woman who's rescued him, but she's more fearsome than the demon trying to kill him. If he's not careful, she'll uncover every secret his clan has bled and died to protect. (Source: Anita Clenney website)


Comments: Warriors have a secret - they hunt and destroy demons, keeping humans safe. Having been locked away for one hundred and fifty years does not change that, but the world around Faelan has changed quite a bit and he must learn to adjust to a modern world with airplanes, automobiles, and computers, as well as modern women who have a mind of their own.
What do I like about this story? I like the premiss, the idea of time travel, of course making Faelan s hot property is required, just as making Bree beautiful and intelligent - I especially like the fact that she's an historian. I liked quite a few of the minor characters, Ronan and Orla in particular - for very different reasons - Ronan because he was the most three dimensional of the minor characters and Orla because she was prim and prissy and very annoying - and nothing like her daughter.
What didn't I like? I dislike the conventional heroine who is beautiful and intelligent, but a clutz. It's used too often and does not ring true to me. I also have issues with things that didn't seem to be explained in the text in a couple of late scenes things happpened that were odd enough that I took notice, but were never explained in the end. I also got tired of two things Faelan apologizing all the time and the repeated list of everything that Bree did for Faelan that his should be grateful for... she woke him, feed him, helped him find his family ... etc. You do not have to beat your reader over the head. 
I will certainly read Ms. Clenney's future books, but hope she fixes a few things. 

If He's Dangerous - Hannah Howell

Summary: When Lorelei Sundun first finds Sir Argus Wherlocke in her garden, she's never heard of the mysterious Wherlocke clan-or their otherworldly abilities. That changes the moment she watches Argus - the most tantalizing man she's ever seen - disappear before her very eyes. What she's witnessed should be impossible. But so should falling in love with a man she's only just met . . .
Pursued by a madman intent on harnessing the Wherlockes' talents as weapons, Argus meant to seek help from his family, not to involve a duke's lovely daughter in the struggle. But now, the enchanting Lorelei is his only hope for salvation-and the greatest temptation he's ever faced . . . (Source: Hannah Howell website)


Comments: Well, the tables turn. Instead of a Wherlocke/Vaughn heroine, we get a Wherlocke hero in Sir Argus Wherlocke. He's brooding, handsome, and mischievous. Lady Lorelei is the member of a large family 13 brothers and 3 sisters. Several of Argus' family are in the story as well, including, Lady Olympia Werlocke, Baroness of Stryke Hall, Lord Iago Vaughn, Baron of Uppington, Lord Sir Leopold Wherlocke, Baron of Starkly, and Sir Bened Vaughn. Several of the children from Peneople's story and the Werlocke warren also are in this story, including Argus' two sons, Darius and Olwen.
There is on aspect of the story, beyond Argus' ability to make people say things just by looking at them, that goes against the time it's set - Lorelei's father Roland, Duke of Sundunmoor, is very permissive. It's couched in intelligence and good humor, but he allows for things that I think most men of his time would not allow. Although, he is very involved in his own little world, and doesn't realize that he has a guest on his estate for a week. His long time friendship with his butler Max is delightful, as is his relationship to his other children and other friends and family.
Overall, I enjoyed these books because of the large family dynamic. The variety of the Werlocke and Vaughn gifts is interesting. The gifts have limitations, but prove to be more than a curiosity. I don't know if there are more plans for future books, but I'd be interested in one that include Leo or Bened as the hero.

True Meaning to Song Lyrics

One of the funniest posts I've read in a while. You have to be the right age though.

Deciphering the True Meanings of Song Lyrics - Jeffrey Goldberg


Jeffrey Goldberg is a national correspondent for The Atlantic and a recipient of the National Magazine Award for Reporting. Author of the book Prisoners: A Story of Friendship and Terror, Goldberg also writes the magazine's advice column.

I imagine ...

... that Edward Rochester could sound like Tom Waits. Just a thought. 


Listen to "Somewhere" from Blue Valentine by T. Waits and see what you think. 
Sigh.