When the Going Gets Rough...

I GIVE UP! I GIVE UP! I can't take it anymore...I'm on page 272 and I just can't take it. BRIDAL FAVORS may be a masterpiece for some, but it's a total flop for me. I hate it! I've been forcing myself to read this book, simply because I felt there had to be something to the story, if it's considered one of Connie Brockway's best. Only 50 pages left to the book and honestly, I really don't care what happens. So...I've decided to throw in the proverbial towel and start reading another book that hasn't been given a review yet: THIS RAKE OF MINE by Elizabeth Boyle. The excerpt sounds promising, so I'll give it a go. I also happen to have enjoyed her last work, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE. As for BRIDAL FAVORS, well...it's going to end up at the UBS by the end of the month. I'd rather have $3 in my pocket for an overpriced Starbucks Latte than have this book take up space my city apartment doesn't have. I hate to have to do this, simply because I love Brockway's stories, but I just can't stomach this one. Off to Boyle's book...review to come!

When Heroes are Gay

I'm reading BRIDAL FAVORS by Connie Brockway. I'm on page 100 and I have yet to read about the hero even attempting to initiate any nookie with the heroine. Nothing, zip, nada! I know he's a spy and he's busy trying to uncover some twisted plot that doesn't make any sense to me, but give me a break. That never stopped any of the other heroes/scoundrels/rakes/spies/rogues/second sons BEFORE. Let's be honest, DID IT? I think the hero is confused about his sexuality; I'm beginning to think a little somethin' somethin' is going on between him and his loyal "BUTler" (no pun intended). I guess that's why the book is called BRIDAL FAVORS...if he ever gets around to sleeping with the heroine, it'll have to be as a favor to her.

And the Truth Shall Set You Free

More conflicting news regarding Judith Ivory. I posted something on the Avon board the other day and was informed by a poster that Ms. Ivory had previously stated ("on the record," according to said poster) that she had a bad back that didn't allow her to sit at the computer too long. Ok...great; there's one answer to my inquiry regarding how this author fell off the face of the earth. However, later another poster said that Ivory had undergone some serious abdominal surgery (which I guess could affect her back) and was on hiatus, spending time with her family…in any case, what’s the real story here? Again we have nothing but inconsistent statements from fans (not AVON...God forbid) regarding the whereabouts of this great woman. And again, I must give the blame for all of this confusion to…you guessed it…AVON. I suggest we all write to Ivory's literary agent to get to the bottom of this:

Judith Ivory
c/o The Axelrod Agency
PO Box 357
Chatham, NY 12037

Let’s hope we get some news soon!

The Unsolved Mystery of Judith Ivory

Avon proves yet again that it doesn’t give a flying shit about its fans. I am one of the biggest Lisa Kleypas, Mary Balogh, and Julia Quinn fans out there. Anyone wishing to dispute this, be my guest. Occasionally, I do find myself indulging in books written by other authors. Sabrina Jeffries, Connie Brockway, Elizabeth Boyle, Sara Bennett…the list goes on and on. I’ve stumbled a few times, by stupidly reading a Jane Feather novel (save yourself hours of distress and boredom) or even a lame Laurens’ book (honestly…when the hell is her Cynster series going to end?). One Avon author, though, once did what alcohol and valium could never do to me.

During a flight from San Francisco to New York’s JFK, I managed to forget I was on a plane thanks to Judith Ivory’s UNTIE MY HEART. Yes, ladies (and maybe gentlemen? There’s got to be at least one guy out there who reads romance novels), the book was that good. I’m one of those people who freak out easily on a plane, which is unfortunate because I LOVE to travel. I get up a million times. I breathe in and out. I can never seem to actually relax and just fall asleep or watch the already seen bad movie they always choose to show, without thinking the plane is going to crash and I’ll end up blown to bits by the impact. However, about a year ago, I read UNTIE MY HEART and boy, it did just that. The book has it all; it’s funny, romantic, intelligent and, if you choose to read it, it will take your breath away and make you want for more. I immediately had to buy more of her books.

As is the case with every romantic fanatic, I immediately had to add her website to my FAVORITES. I was shocked when I was told her site had been shut down. What happened? There was nothing on the Avon site (who holds Ivory out as one of their authors) stating something was wrong….no real news as to the whereabouts of the author. After doing some research, I discovered various sites speculating and learned that many believed she was suffering from serious health concerns; other sites claimed it was back trouble; some sites said it was nothing, that she was working on her latest book set in the Victorian era. As to be expected, Avon never had anything on their site answering any of the fans’ questions.

However, I wasn’t surprised after the stunt they pulled by postponing Lisa Kleypas’ highly anticipated DEVIL IN WINTER, something I’m still angry about! Today, I found out from a fan that Ivory might have health issues and was given Ivory’s Literary Agent’s contact information. Yes, I had to get this info from a fan, someone who might not even know the whole truth. Is Avon really that doubtful of their fans’ intelligence? Do they think we’ll stand around and believe that they don’t know what’s up with Judith Ivory? She’s obviously still breathing. I’m sure they would post something as serious as death on their website (but then again, I might be giving them too much credit).

More and more, I want to boycott Avon. Is anyone else irritated by this? Is anyone else here a Judith Ivory fan? Maybe even a fan who KNOWS the truth? This entire thing stinks of something fierce. Sometimes, I think they just gave her the ax and just don’t want to admit it because they know her fans would want their heads on a stick.

I’m not at all surprised by Avon’s behavior…their silence speaks loud and clear. They don’t care about fans…they only want their money. I realized this the day DEVIL IN WINTER was postponed, when they ignored Kleypas’ pleas not to do so. Today is just further proof of it. I will write to Ivory’s literary agent and hope to get some answers…answers AVON is not really interested in giving (you'd think they would have plenty of time, because clearly they don't really edit their books anymore). What do you think? Am I being too harsh? Should I just chill out (you may think so, but I won’t)? Your comments will be most welcome.