Extreme Exposure (I-Team Series, Book 1) by Pamela Clare

Title: Extreme Exposure
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: I-Team
Format: Paperback; 352 Pages
Publisher: Berkley (August 2, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0425206335
ISBN-13: 978-0425206331
Author's Website: http://www.pamelaclare.com/
Notes: The f-bomb is dropped in this one as well as one or two other such words.

Kara McMillan is a well respected reporter for the Denver Independent. She's also a single mom doing her best to juggle her career and motherhood. For the past five years those two things have dominated her world. Her son's father is a deadbeat dad and severed his relationship with her when he found out she was pregnant. She's shied away from a relationships since then. When she meets Reece Sheridan, a respected Colorado Senator, at a local bar, things could not have gone worse. A little tipsy she finds herself sticking her foot in her mouth. Luckily, the two had talked prior to ever meeting and her faux pas does not deter him. He'd already been intrigued with her because of the phone interview, and subsequent article she'd written which helped him get an alternative energy bill passed. When Kara's latest story lands her with death threats, it's Reece who comes to her aid putting his own life in jeopardy as well. That's when Kara finally decides that maybe it's time she took another chance at love.

My husband often makes fun of my romance books. He jokingly says they're no better than chewing gum for the mind. You get no real substance from them and, in affect, are not beneficial to one. Well, I always beg to differ with him, and this is truly a book he can't make that claim about. This story could have stood on it's own without the romance, but what fun would that have been? The main story blew me away with it's intensity. It reminded me a bit of the 2000 movie, Erin Brockovich, which featured Julia Roberts. The chemistry between Kara and Reece is sizzling. The characters are lifelike. I loved watching Kara's investigation go from research to the point where she could publish an article with enough evidence to support her claims. I always thought being an investigative reporter would be fun, but now I'm a bit glad that was never part of my career path. It's dangerous. Pamela Clare should know. She's actually a reporter for a Colorado based newspaper, and is one of the few, if not the only, romance author who can claim to have had a mad man hold a gun on her. Yikes! So to all the investigative journalists who make our world a better place, and rarely get the recognition you deserve, thank you.

So where does the series get it's name? From the fact that the group of individuals who work on a big story are called the I-Team (aka Information-Team). Where does the title come into play? Well, I not exactly sure, but I believe it's due to the fact that those living near to or working in the factory that's been called into question are exposed to extreme environmental hazards.  My rating for this one is 5 out of 5 roses.

Legacy (Legacy, #1) by Cayla Kluver

• Title: Legacy (Legacy Trilogy Series) by Cayla Kluver
• Classification: Young Adult
• Genre: Fantasy
• Published by: Harlequin (June 28, 2011)
• Format: Paperback , 496 pages
• ISBN-13: 9780373210343
• ISBN: 0373210345 

Two Kingdoms at war...

Hytanica and Cokyri have been at war for years. The last attack took place almost 16 years ago. The fighting ended abruptly, and that is when the kidnappings began. infant sons born during the Bleeding moon suddenly began disappearing from Hytanica. When the kidnappings finally ended, all but the last child was found dead. 

A Legend....

The legend of the Bleeding Moon claims "that the Kingdom of Hytanica was built on sacred ground, and that because of this, she would forever be protected.". "The legend further held that Hytanica can be defeated by one of her sons who bears the mark of the bleeding moon." 

A Forbidden Attraction...

Princess Alera must marry the next King of Hytanica. Her father's choice, Steldor, is not hers.

When a mysterious boy believed to be Cokyrian (Narian) is captured, it is discovered that he is the missing child who's body was never recovered. While most are leery of his return, Princess Alera finds herself attracted to him. Now Princess Alera must choose between the destiny chosen for her or one of her own making.  

The Review:

I have to say, I absolutely loved the book and can't believe I hadn't heard of it before now. This is one of the types of stories I love to read. There is a legend, a mystery, and a little romance. The characters are lovable, the emotions feel real, and the story.... well, it's utterly enchanting and engaging. There is a cliffhanger at the end which will have you wanting the next book ASAP. I will probably need to buy this book because if I love a book the e-book version (which is what I received) just won't do. I'm hoping the next book will be published sooner than Ms. Kluver's website claims. I don't want to wait another year. I wonder if I can start a petition to get it out sooner?  I will be one of the first in line to buy the sequels. This was a total and utter book seduction for me. I gave this one 5 out 5 roses.  

Notes:

The author first went the self publishing route with this book and it was later picked up by Amazon Encore. It is being released on June 28th by Harlequin Teen in paperback. The other notable thing about the author is that she wrote the story when she was 14 or 15 years old. That in no way swayed my rating for the book. If I don't care for a story, I'll let you know. You can purchase the paperback version of the book next month at Barnes & Noble or The Book Depository. The hardback can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, The Book Depository, as well a at Amazon. I did not see the paperback version being sold on Amazon. FYI The book Depository is selling the paperback version cheaper than Barnes & Noble by two dollars and shipping is free.  

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Legacy/Cayla-Kluver/e/9780373210343/?itm=1&USRI=legacy+cayla

Link to The Book Depository:

http://www.bookdepository.com/Legacy-Cayla-Kluver/9780373210343

Upcoming books in the series:
1. Allegiance (Projected to be released in late 2011 or early 2012)
2. Sacrifice (Projected to be released in late 2012)


Other books that may interest you:

Most Anticipated New Releases of June

June 1, 2011 - The Shack by William P. Young
June 1, 2011 - Wicked Lies by Lisa Jackson, Nancy Bush
June 1, 2011 - One Night Scandal by Christie Kelley
June 1, 2011 - The Soldier by Grace Burrowes
June 2, 2011 - The Deadliest Bite (Jaz Prks, #8) by Jennifer Rardin

June 7, 2011 - Tiger's Quest (Tiger's Curse, #2) by Colleen Houck
June 7, 2011 - Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #20) by Laurell K. Hamilton
June 7, 2011 - Everlasting (Immortals, #6) by Alyson Noel
June 7, 2011 - Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
June 7, 2011 - Unnatural Issue  (Elemental Masters Series #7) by Mercedes Lackey
June 7, 2011 - Hunt the Moon (Cassandra Palmer, #5) by Karen Chance
June 7, 2011 - Hexed by Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James, Jeanne C. Stein
June 7, 2011 - Nyx in the House of Night: Mythology, Folklore and Religion in the PC and Kristin Cast Vampyre Series by P.C.Cast (Editor), Christine Zika (contribution by), John Edgar Browning (contribution by), Kristin Cast (contribution by), Jordan Dane (contribution by)

June 7, 2011 - The Lion (John Corey, #5) by Nelson DeMille
June 7, 2011 - If He's Dangerous (Wherlocke, #4) by  Hannah Howell
June 7, 2011 - Vampire in Atlantis (Warriors of Poseidon, #7) by Alyssa Day

June 14, 2011 - Passion (Fallen, #3) by Lauren Kate
June 14, 2011 - When Passion Rules by Johanna Lindsey

June 14, 2011 - Carte Blanche  by Jeffery Deaver 

June 14, 2011 - One Summer by David Baldacci

June 14, 2011 - Against All Enemies by Tom Clancy

June 14, 2011 - Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves, #2) Jennifer Lynn Barnes

June 21, 2011 - Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society, #2) by Ally Carter

June 21, 2011 - Smokin' Seventeen (Stephanie Plum, #17) by Janet Evanovich

June 21, 2011 - Buried Secrets by Joseph Finder

June 21, 2011 - Witches of East End (The Beauchamp Family, #1) by Melissa De La Cruz 

June 21, 2011 - The Devil Colony (Sigma Force #7)by James Rollins

June 21, 2011 - Fallen by Karin Slaughter

June 21, 2011 - Shameless (House of Rohan #4) by Anne Stuart
June 21, 2011 - Seduction & Scandal (The Brethren Guardians, #1) by Charlotte Featherstone

June 27, 2011 - Now You See Her by James Patterson

June 28, 2011 - Deeper Than Midnight (Midnight Breeds, #9) by Lara Adrian

June 28, 2011 - The Creed Legacy (Montana Creeds, #9) by Linda Lael Miller

June 28, 2011 - Dragon's Time by Anne McCaffrey and Todd J. McCaffrey

June 28, 2011 - Naamah's Blessing (Kushiel's Legacy, #9) by Jacqueline Carey

June 28, 2011 - Savor the Danger (Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, #3) by Lori Foster
June 28. 2011 - Mystical Warrior (Midnight Bay, #3) by Janet Chapman
June 28. 2011 - Kitty's Big Trouble (Kitty Norville, #9) by Carrie Vaughn

June 28. 2011 - English Tea Murder (Lucy Stone, #17) by Leslie Meier 

June 28. 2011 - Heart of Evil (Krewe of Hunters, #2)  by Heather Graham

June 28. 2011 - The Vigilantes by W.E.B. Griffen, William E. Butterworth IV
June 28, 2011 - Heiress in Love (Ministry of Marriage, #1)  by Christina Brooke
June 28, 2011 - Heartless (The Parasol Protectorate, #4) by Gail Carriger
June 28, 2011 - Waking Up With the Duke (London's Greatest Lovers, #3) by Lorraine Heath
June 28, 2011 - Silk is for seduction  (The Dressmakers) By Loretta Chase
June 28, 2011 - How to Seduce a Scoundrel by Vicky Dreiling