Non-fiction Review: Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes? by Jena Pincott

Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?

by Jena Pincott

Random House

ISBN: 9780385342162

http://www.jenapincott.com/

Release Date: September 29, 2009

from the publisher's site:

How long does it take to decide if a person is hot?

Is your lover more likely to get you pregnant than your husband?

Can men tell when a woman is fertile?

If you’ve ever wondered how scientists measure love—or whether men really prefer blondes over brunettes—this smart, sexy book provides real answers to these and many other questions about our most baffling dating and mating behaviors. Based on the latest research in biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science, Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes? dares to explain the science behind sex—and opens a fascinating window on the intriguing phenomenon of love and attraction.

Covering the areas of bodies, brains, and behavior, this eye-opening guide reveals the genetic, hormonal, and psychological secrets behind what makes us tick sexually. For example, do you know why a man’s body chemistry and behavior change when he’s in a committed relationship? And why, when he becomes a daddy, his testosterone level seems to plummet? And did you know…

• When a couple first fall in love, their brains are indistinguishable from those of the clinically insane

• You can tell a lot about a person’s sexual chemistry just by looking at his or her hands

• Your genes influence whose body odors you prefer

• Being around breast-feeding women may increase a woman's sex drive

Viewed through the lens of science and instinct, your love life might be seen in a completely different way. Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes? provides both an in-depth exploration into our sexual psyches—and fresh advice for men and women who want to discover the secrets of successful relationships.

my thoughts:

I am always fascinated by why we do what we do. If there's a special on tv on the science of human sexuality you know I'll be watching it. The studies that Jena Pincott covers in Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes? are exactly the kind of thing I love learning about. If you've ever been curious about this kind of thing, or if you're in the market for a man (because yeah it is kinda geared toward the ladies) this is definitely a book you should read.

Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes? is set up in question & answer format so if you want to jump around a bit and just read what interests you, you can do so with no problem. This title gets a strong recommendation from me, so check it out today!

Romance Review: Taming the Beast by Heather Grothaus

Taming the Beast

by Heather Grothaus

Kensington Publishing

ISBN: 9781420102437

http://www.heathergrothaus.com/

Release Date: November 3, 2009

from the author's website:

After years of turmoil, Roderick Cherbon has left the Crusades to return to the home he loves. But the wars have changed him, and the heir who thought to heal his father’s injustices has become a vicious beast of a man, scarred inside and out. He will speak to no one, see no one; he leaves the shadows of his ruined keep only under the darkness of night. And even in death his father mocks him: to retain his land and title, Roderick, the Beast, must marry.

Lady Michaela Fortune is reviled for her poverty, ridiculed for her dreams, and preyed on for her soft heart. Humiliation and want dog her beloved family, and her pride is an indulgence she can ill afford. Cherbon and its shattered lord offer a solution. But to court a man who has fallen so low, Michaela will need all her grace and beauty to harbor any hopes of taming the beast…

my thoughts:

I have loved every book of Heather Grothaus' so I was so excited when I received Taming the Beast in my mailbox. Let me tell you, it's another winner. Michaela is a remarkable woman. She has endured so much but she still hopes for something better. Roderick needs a woman like Michaela to help him learn to live again. This truly is a "beauty and the beast" story with a few other elements thrown in.

I love, love, love this book. I knew Heather wouldn't let me down and she didn't. I recommend all of ther books. If you haven't picked up a Heather Grothaus historical, you need to do so. Taming the Beast is completely stand-alone so you don't have to have read any of her other books. The Warrior, The Champion, and The Highlander all have connecting characters so if you're going to read one of those I strongly recommend reading all three.

Pre-order or Reserve your copy of Taming the Beast today, you won't regret reading this one.

Romance Review: For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper

For the Love of Pete

by Julia Harper

Grand Central Publishing

ISBN: 9780446619189

http://www.juliaharper.com/

Release Date: January 1, 2009

from the author's site:

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT?

Free-spirited Zoey Adler is about to hijack a federal agent. And not just any federal agent, but very Special Agent Dante Torelli, a man whose designer suits and Italian shoes are more GQ than FBI. But when her baby niece, Pete, is snatched right in front of her eyes, Zoey doesn’t hesitate to scramble into Dante’s spotless BMW. She needs his help to rescue the baby . . . if only she can ignore his Lips of Sin.

OH, BABY!

Dante’s original mission is down the drain and he’s dodging bullets with a loopy redhead by his side. He likes quiet. She never shuts up. He likes to follow the rules. She throws the rules out the window. But these opposites do more than attract—they ignite. With a henpecked hit man running wild, cooking-obsessed matrons chasing down contraband spices, and a relentless killer tracking them all, Dante and Zoey will risk everything—for themselves and . . .

FOR THE LOVE OF PETE

my thoughts:

For the Love of Pete is hilarious, fun romp. This was the first book I've read of Julia Harper's but it won't be the last. I had so much fun with this story. Zoey and Dante are an excellent pair; they played off each other well. The secondary characters were just as great. I loved all of the back and forth and the comedy of errors.

I can't wait for more from Julia Harper! Take my word for it, this is such a great book you don't want to miss it.

Romance Review: To Catch a Thief by Christine Skye

To Catch a Thief

by Christine Skye

HQN Books (Harlequin)

ISBN: 9780373773077

http://www.christinaskye.com/

Release Date: September 1, 2008

from the publisher's website:

Nell MacInnes can spot a forgery from a mile away. After all, she learned from the best—her father is one of the art world’s most notorious thieves. His brutal beating by the very authorities who claim to keep the world safe from harm taught her one more valuable lesson—trust no one.

The last thing rugged Navy SEAL Dakota Smith needs on his mission is a tempting woman he doesn’t trust. But a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci has gone missing, and the art conservator’s skill in detecting forgery would be invaluable, if only her ties to the criminal world are as dead as she says they are.

Soon an edgy partnership and white-hot attraction are forged between Nell and Dakota as they race to Draycott Abbey to track down a ruthless criminal with terrorist ties before time runs out—and the da Vinci is lost forever.

my thoughts:

This was the first Christina Skye book I read, but it certainly won't be the last. The Romance and the Suspense were wonderful. Nell and Dakota make a great pair. It took them a while to get out of their own way and realize it, though.

The action in To Catch a Thief just keeps on coming. There were surprises I never saw coming, and with as much as I've read it's getting harder for me to find an author who can surprise me.

I definitely recommend reading Christina Skye's To Catch a Thief and I'll be getting my hands on her other books as well.

Romance Review: Scions: Revelation by Patrice Michelle

Scions: Revelation

by Patrice Michelle

Silhouette Nocturne

ISBN: 9780373618002

http://www.patricemichelle.com/

Release Date: December 1, 2008

from the author's website:

They thought they understood the prophecy.

They were wrong.

Caine Grennard was a werewolf, living among humans and lacking purpose--until the night he met a woman with an exotic, irresistible scent. A woman who might be his deadliest enemy.

When her aunt is kidnapped, Emma Gray swears to do anything to get the older woman back. Even if it means trusting the mysterious--and sexy--stranger named Caine.

But more is at stake than one woman's life: Emma's past holds the last key to unlocking a prophecy Caine's clan is depending on. The fate of both their clans rests on them trusting the impossible, electric connection between them, even in the heart of betrayal...

my thoughts:

I loved Patrice Michelle's previous Scions books, and Revelation was no different. Questions from the past finally become clear. Caine and Emma were great together and seeing them finally come together was great. It was a hard journey with many roadblocks, but in the end it was worth it.

Since each portion of the prophecy has been covered, I'm not sure if Patrice Michelle will add any more books to this series, but even if she doesn't I still look forward to whatever else she may release.