On Jan 26, 2010, Jennifer Ashley will introduce her newest series, Shifters Unbound, with Pride Mates.

Twenty years ago, shape shifters of all kinds banded together and announced themselves to the world, only to be shunted to areas no human wanted (“Shiftertowns”). They are forced to wear Collars that control their hunting and fighting instincts (referred to by Shifters as “Taking the Collar”).

Liam Morrissey is currently liaison between the Shifters of Austin, TX, and the humans of the city. Kim Fraser, attorney, finds herself in the unique position of having to defend a Shifter on a murder charge.

She ventures to Shiftertown to seek out Liam’s help, and there stumbles across too many secrets the Shifters want kept secret. The un-mated Liam is forced to protect Kim against the wrath of his clan leader and his own father, and to his surprise he discovers a powerful attraction to the sassy, sexy lady. –Jennifer Ashley’s website

My name is Alexia Williams. In my world, North America is divided between north and south but not the way it’s taught in the history books. After losing my family to the shifters, I joined the Combined Human States Army. Now I find myself on the front lines, defending the wall between my species and theirs. My mission is simple: keep the animals on their side by whatever means necessary and I’m good at it.

I don’t talk to them. I don’t sympathize with them. I sure as hell don’t admire them until one saves my life. Andor isn’t like any shifter I’ve ever met. He’s a three-hundred-year-old golden eagle asking for help finding missing shifters who may be in my lands.

I just have to decide between helping the animals or ignoring signs that my fellow humans aren’t what I thought they were. But how can I help a species I hate and fear? Even if Andor makes me feel alive again? In the land of the shifters they call me Death.

They Call Me Death by Missy Jane is published by Samhain Publishing and is  slated to be released Dec. 1, 2009, according to Amazon.

Favorite Lines: “One human hand, black and rough, tipped in claws and backed in feathers, snaked up and grasped the wire mesh. Then came another, curving with yellow talons on the fingertips. Two silver wings unfolded to fill the whole space of the cage with feathers. An androgynous, human face rose from the shadows: a great crown of plumes above; a thick ruff of down beneath. It stared at her with an eagle’s unblinking gaze.” (p. 90)

Read Scooper Speaks’ review of  Ghost Ocean by S.M. Peters. Then if you decide to buy this book visit.

Make sure you’re eating some fried chicken. In the book Te’s aunts serve it cold, but that’s up to you.

Favorite Lines: “Through each punishment, she had been taught a proper lesson, correcting her behavior for one infraction or the other. The lessons had been well learned and well deserved. Only after apologizing and begging for forgiveness was she once again favored with an injection. she worked hard never to disappoint her master again and not force him to punish her.

“Take your clothes off.” ” (p. 16)

Visit Scooper Speaks to read my review of Christy Reece’s romantic suspense, Run to Me.

As usual you need to eat, so why not chew on some chicken, mashed potatoes and vegetables while you read.

I haven’t read the Archie comics in years, but I always knew who would win the love triangle. Betty of course! So when I heard about the newest Archie comic hitting comic book stores on Tuesday I was pissed. Then I became absolutely furious.

It’s crappy that the bad girl wins, and the good, girl next door  gets screwed. I hope that in the end Archie marries Betty, and that this is all an advertising technique. If so, it’s working on me because I’m getting the comic.

Do you have an opinion? Who should Archie marry?

Favorite Line: “Blessed sweet Jesus. Look at his ballocks.” Mereck whispered so low Damrn leaned closer to hear. “Do ye no’ see how huge they be? Oh, me puir son,” he groaned. “the lad will ne’er be able to walk with sech a burden betwixt his legs.” (p.380)

The Heart Of A Warrior

Mereck of Blackthorn has vowed never to love-for he is cursed with baresark blood and it runs hot. But he must take a wife. When he meets Netta of Caer Caldwell, he is willing to spirit her away from her father’s violence, even if he refuses to give her his heart.

The Soul Of A Lover

With her father determined to be rid of her, spirited Netta cannot escape marriage to the heathen Mereck. But she soon learns that he is not the barbarian he believes himself to be-and his kisses fire her blood with a passion she longs to claim.

Out of the different food served in Midnight’s Bride-rabbit stew, bannocks, dried beef, etc.-I picked scones to go along with the story. At one point Netta is in the kitchen eating hot scones with honey and my mouth watered at the thought. Click on the photo to find the recipe.

Visit Scooper Speaks to read my review of Midnight’s Bride by Sophia Johnson.

Favorite Lines: “I want a man who will chose me above all else.” (p. 257)

In Possessed by the Highlander by Terri Brisbin we meet the Robertson Harlot who has been condemned by her family and the world. When her scheming brother places her in a promiscuous situation with the peacemaker, Duncan, she has no choice but to become hand fasted to him to ensure the treaty between their clans. However, she is keeping a dangerous secret that will force Duncan to chose between Marian or his honor.

You can read my review at Scooper Speaks or an excerpt at the author’s site, but while you’re at it take a bite of American porridge (oatmeal).

Favorite Lines: “You asked my price. That is it: a pound of silver…and you. I’ll take you wherever you wish, so long as I can take you whenever I wish.” (p. 24)

Immortal Outlaw is a paranormal, historical romance about Steinarr and Marian, a take on the old Robin Hood story. Steinarr was cursed to become a lion shifter at night and Marian is the daughter of a nobleman. The two are trying to follow the clues so that Marian’s ‘cousin’ can take his rightful position as the lord of Huntington and their journey leads them all around Nottinghamshire.

On their journey cheese and bread is eaten a lot, so I figured it would be the perfect meal to go along with the story.  While you eat, read the book or start with my review of Immortal Outlaw at Scooper Speaks. Check the author’s site for an except of the story. Immortal Outlaw will be released in June 2009.

Favorite Line: “She was aware only of how badly she hurt and of Nicholas–the reassuring sound of his voice, the strength of him behind her, the mercies he showed her as he held her hand, pressed cool cloths on her cheeks or gave her sips of water.” (p. 63)

The review for Ride the Fire is posted at Scooper Speaks. Check it out. And after you pick up the book try eating  some Irish stew in honor of the heroine and the role stew played in American history. (Click the picture to find the recipe.)