Ice - Linda Howard

’Tis the season for mistletoe and holly, Santa . . . and suspense. And the gift that keeps on giving is Ice: premier thriller author Linda Howard’s breathless tale of a man, a woman, and a battle for survival against an unforgiving winter–and an unrelenting killer. Oh what fun it is to read.

Gabriel McQueen has only just arrived home on holiday leave from the service when his county-sheriff father sends him back out again with new marching orders. A brewing ice storm, and a distant neighbor who’s fallen out of contact, have the local lawman concerned. So he enlists Gabriel to make the long haul to the middle of nowhere, and make sure Lolly Helton is safe and sound. It’s a trip the younger McQueen would rather not make given the bitter winter weather–and the icy conditions that have always existed between him and Lolly.

But there’s no talking back when your dad is the town’s top cop. And there’s no turning back when night falls just as Gabriel arrives–and discovers that the weather outside isn’t the only thing that’s frightful. Spotting strangers in Lolly’s home–one of them packing a weapon–is all it takes to kick Gabriel into combat mode. And his stealth training is all he needs to extract Lolly from the house without alerting her captors. But when the escape is discovered, the heat–and the hunt–are on. And the winter woods are nowhere to be once the ice storm touches down, dropping trees, blocking roads, and trapping the fleeing pair in the freezing dark.

Bed of Rosesworks for me. I just realized today that it was out.

Okay, I'm back. I was thinking these two looked good.

Lucky Charm by Carly Phillips (Lucky, Bk #1)

Long ago, as revenge on a Corwin who stole her son's fiancée, a witch proclaimed an eternal curse that every Corwin male who married for love would be destined to lose his woman and his fortune...

Derek thought he could outsmart the long-standing Corwin curse by breaking up with Gabrielle, his first love - and marrying someone else. Now, divorced and broke, all he has left is his teenage daughter and a healthy respect for ancient sorcery. But then Gabrielle returns, determined to defeat the curse and rekindle their passion. But will her stubborn streak and her unwavering love be the lucky charm Derek so desperately needs?

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The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks (Night Angel Trilogy, Bk #1)

For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art - and he is the city's most accomplished artist.

For Kylar Stern, just surviving is a struggle. As a guild rat, he's learned to judge people quickly - and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint.

But to be accepted, he must turn his back on everything he has ever known.

Oooo, some great suggestions, Ladies! Better get my butt in gear and nominate, too, LOL!

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts (Bride Quartet #2)
Florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr. Right. And the last place she's looking is right under her nose...

But that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's so close to the women of Vows that he's practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion-kiss for blistering kiss-they must trust in their history...and in their hearts.


Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter (Tales of an Extraordinary Girl, #1)
Used to be my greatest achievement was holding a job more than three days. Now suddenly I can shoot fireballs, chill your drink or blow-dry your hair at fifty paces with a blink of my eye!

It all started when this crazy scientist dropped something in my Grande Mocha Latte. Of course I got wicked sick. Next morning I'm waking up with this total hottie bending over me. He tells me:

1) his name's Rome Masters,

2) he's a government agent and

3) I can control the four elements with a thought.

He seems even less pleased by my (apparently irreversible) transformation than I am…. Because now he'll have to kill me.

Sure - here it is:

Megan's Way

What would you give up for the people you love?

When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist living on Cape Cod, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she's faced with the most difficult decision she's ever had to make. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends will be stretched and frayed.

Megan’s illness reawakens the torment of her best friend, Holly Townsend, whose long-held secrets and years of betrayal come back to haunt her. How does one choose between a daughter and a life-long best friend? Can the secret she has been keeping be revealed after years of lying without destroying everyone in its wake?

Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia's world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there's nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, even the paranormal connection she shares with her mother might not be enough to save her - her life will hang in the balance.

Megan’s Way is a journey of self discovery and heartfelt emotions, exploring the depth of the mother-daughter bond, and the intricacies of friendship.

You are welcome to nominate it. It will be included in the poll selections for December 2009. Please post on this thread a short summary (back of the book kind of thing) on this thread.

I'm not sure if this is appropriate or not, but I'd love to nominate my book, Megan's Way, as a book of the month. If it is chosen, I'd be happy to have a discussion with the group!

Thanks for considering Megan's Way!

Melissa Foster

I'm still trying to think of which two to nominate, LOL! I'll be back!

I would like to nominate Finding the Lost(Sentinel Wars, Book 2) by Shannon K. Butcher. This book is the sequel to our August 2009 Book of the Month Burning Alive, Sentinel Wars, Book 1. Burning Alive was one of the best first books in any series that I've read. Hoping that Butcher has another winner with Book 2.

From Goodreads:

Sentinel warrior Paul has been searching for centuries for a woman like Andra. To find her, he strikes a bargain with a bloodhunter that could cost him his life. Now, his desire for Andra threatens to destroy his much-needed control. Against her wishes, Andra agrees to join Paul on a journey fraught with danger — and leading directly to the Synestryn who victimized her family eight years ago.

Please post your nominees for December 2009 Books of the Month on this thread. Please limit your nominations to two books per member.