Why bother reading about something that I already know how to do? Well, for one thing, even if you're an expert, I bet there's always something new to learn. Or at least that's what you're hoping that might be the case when you pick up the book. In the case of blogging, the use of the technology is extremely simple. Anybody can Google "blogging" and get how-to sites that can explain everything without shelling out money to buy a how-to book (or in my case, wasting time by going to the library to get the book). But if your internet searching skills aren't up to par or you're somewhat apprehensive about the whole internet thing in the first place (although you have heard about this thing called a "blog" and you want to start one so you can be hip just like everyone else), The Rough Guide to Blogging is a good place to start as any. However, if you want to learn about the nuts and bolts of blogging and aspire to be a coding guru--look elsewhere.
It's inevitable that I would be comparing The Rough Guide to another how-to blogging book that I recently read. But while the other one made me think more of a Sears catalogue than a book, The Rough Guide actually amused me. Sure, there is also a list of popular blogs where newbies should go read to get a feel for blogging before jumping into it (although the list itself is nowhere near as extensive as the Blogosphere book)--but it's really the writing style that I enjoyed.
Anyone can read about what blog hosts are available or how to do podcasts, but I think it's the smaller things that make a how-to book more than just a glorified manual you might get with your new toaster oven. I really liked how Sitemeter was referred to as a tool in which you can "start stalking those who stalk you" or the tidbit that LiveJournal has a mascot--Frank the Goat--I didn't know that even though I've had a LJ account for a while! And I learned something too: blogs in which the authors co-opt the identity of fictional characters or celebrities are actually called "fantasy blogs."
In a city reminiscent of 19th century London, dingy alleys, gas lamps and Victorian mores clash with the introduction of a technologically advanced alien race called the Yama--or as they are colloquially called by humans, demons. But as the Yama are physically superior to humans, there is a need to police any who decide to take advantage. Inspector Adrian Philips is one of the few humans who have been enhanced by Yamaish technology in order to keep the criminal Yama in check--but his acceptance of alien technology in order to protect other humans comes with a price--he's disdained by his former wife and he's viewed as tainted by the rest of society.
While searching for a missing child, Adrian is attacked and wounded. The notorious artist Roxanne McAllister finds and tends him. As their relationship unfolds, they both struggle between what they want and what society dictates--that their stations are too different for them to be together. Overall, there is the theme of two clashing societies: human and alien. Humanity lives in a precarious position with Yamaish technology and physical superiority looming over them with only the Yama's disgust of human emotion that keeps them from being conquered. Both Adrian and Roxanne are trapped between the two--Adrian is enhanced by Yama technology while Roxanne discovers that she is half demon from her human mother's liaison with a Yama diplomat.
There's surprising complexity in this steampunk erotic romance (yes, even the combination of genres is surprising--and quite a feat since the author managed not to throw in everything and the kitchen sink). Although the relationships between the protagonists and with their estranged families are depicted well, Holly somewhat stretches the believability of the menace that threatens the balance between Yama and human and that glues the plot together.
by 
