Randomness and Reading by Christina

Honey and the Hired Hand by Joan Johnston

2012-02-11T01:34:00.000-06:00

Synopsis: Wanted: Ranch hand to mend fences--and broken hearts. . . — When her first husband, a Texas Ranger, was killed on the job, Honey Farrell swore she'd never risk her heart again. She no longer has time for men, anyway--not with a ranch to run, a dwindling bang account and two teenaged boys to raise. So when cowboy Jesse Whitelaw turns up on her doorstep looking for work, he seems like the answer to her prayers.

But Honey doesn't know that Jesse's actually a Ranger himself, going undercover to break up a cattle-rustling ring--and as she and Jesse get closer, the secrets he's keeping could destroy them both.

My Thoughts (which will result in spoilers just an FYI): So, why does a book that is really not much more than 250 pages (large font by the way) take me almost 80 days to read? Is it because I have ADD? Did I misplace the book while rescuing kittens from trees? Or maybe it just isn't that good of a book. I'm no literary genius but I'm going to go with the latter.

I found that the entire book's series of events were completely off putting and ridiculous. Here as some low lights.

1)Honey and Jesse meet for the first time at a party outside in the darkness. She doesn't see him because of the dark until she almost runs into him. Somehow she isn't frightened by his presence even though he isn't wearing party clothes because he must be a party guest since there was a party going on but he looked more like a down on his luck drifter. When she steps away from him after almost running into him he grabs her wrist. She threatens to scream but they both know she won't. After all there is nothing to be alarmed about a woman coming across a shabbily dressed stranger, after dark, all alone, who grabs her....COME ON!!!!

2)Jesse admits that he had been peeping through the windows staring at her all night. Hello Stalker!

3)"Honey turned to the stranger to excuse herself and gasped....... "You're Indian!" she exclaimed." Um OK....I thought this was a contemporary romance. Well, it was written in 1992 as a Silhouette Desire....those are contemporary right?

4)Honey's friend Angel is terrified of Jesse because he is Indian. Are you sure this is contemporary?

5)Angel can't explain fully why she is terrified of Indians because her time traveling from 1864 to the present would seem far fetched. Time Travel? Really? REALLY?!?!?! Why not? It can't be any more far fetched than people in 1992 being startled by someone of American Indian descent.

6)After only a few days Honey is thinking of breaking up with her boyfriend who asked her to marry him and Jesse is thinking of settling down and having babies with Honey.

And it goes on to chapter 2 (ok maybe chapter 3)but thankfully I've already forgotten most of it. Oh and I was also annoyed with the cover. Pretty cover but it really makes no sense that the barn is sitting in the middle of a field of wildflowers.

Navy Baby by Debbie Macomber

2012-02-02T22:10:00.000-06:00

Synopsis: It was a night she'd never forget. . .two strangers coming together in one breathless moment of intense need and heart-stopping desire. But now sheltered Hannah Raymond is expecting the child of rugged naval seaman Riley Murdock--a man she never thought she'd see again. . .

Riley has been searching for the elusive Hannah for months--ever since that night of searing passion left him shaken to the very depths of his soul. Now fate has finally reunited them. Determined to give his child the chance he'd never had, Riley marries Hannah.

They had created he miracle of life together, but would that be enough to spark the miracle of love?

My Thoughts: I think this book overall was a decent one but it did have some flaws that are more book irritants to me than actual flaws.

The heroine is much too naive, virginal and immature to me at the beginning. She didn't take ownership of her own life and she allowed her minister father to tell her that she was getting married because she ended up pregnant even though, by lack of school activity, it appeared she had to be an adult. Her age was a complete mystery too. Despite the book setting up that she was a naive virgin because she was raised by her preaching father I still couldn't buy it. In 1991 when this book was written (and I graduated high school) her lack of maturity just felt false. She wasn't living a sheltered life in the middle of the country in corn and cow land for Pete's sake. She lived near Seattle Washington. And a shotgun wedding? In 1991? In America? Really?

Another 'deal breaker' for me is the additional God talk peppered into the book. No, I was never quoted scriptures but did tire of hearing that a certain incident happened because it was God's will.

I did like the volatile relationship that Riley and Hannah had. They were virtual strangers who ended up man and wife. I liked how hard each of them tried at one point or another to get along with their spouse. I also found myself getting irritated when one of them would provoke another misunderstanding. Glad the book wasn't any longer though because the lack of communication resulting in misunderstandings would have gotten on my nerves too.

Another plus to this particular book is that even though they met and had sex within hours of bumping into each other the love story developed over the period of 8 months or so. There was no instantaneous I love Yous. Thumbs up for that!

So, not a bad book for a Harlequin. Glad I read it. I will not read it again though and am not rushing to read the rest of D-Mac's Navy series.

(originally published in 1991 as a Silhouette Special Edition #697)

Alone by Lisa Gardner

2012-01-20T01:21:00.000-06:00

Synopsis: Alone ... Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge watches a tense hostage standoff unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Just across the street, in wealthy Back Bay, Boston, an armed man has barricaded himself with his wife and child. The man's finger tightens on the trigger and Dodge has only a split second to react ... and forever pay the consequences.

Alone ... that's where the nightmare began for cool, beautiful, and dangerously sexy Catherine Rose Gagnon. Twenty-five years ago, she was buried underground during a month-long nightmare of abduction and abuse. Now her husband has just been killed. Her father-in-law, the powerful Judge Gagnon, blames Catherine for his son's death ... and for the series of unexplained illnesses that have sent her own young son repeatedly to the hospital.

Alone ... a madman survived solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison where he'd done hard time for the most sadistic of crimes. Now he walks the streets a free man, invisible, anonymous ... and filled with an unquenchable rage for vengeance. What brings them together is a moment of violence -- but what connects them is a passion far deeper and much more dangerous. For a killer is loose who's woven such an intricate web of evil that no one is above suspicion, no one is beyond harm, and no one will see death coming until it has them cornered, helpless, and alone.

My Thoughts: Alone was quite good but honestly none of the characters were that likable. I could see how a fan of Gardner's would say that this series is not their favorite. Setting aside the fact that DD Warren was barely a secondary character even though her name is on the cover one would have to go on their thoughts about Bobby Dodge. He is kind of a cowboy who bucks the rules...more like thumbs his nose at them....and has things about himself he would rather not discuss so he lies about them. It was hard to warm up to him and don't even get me started on my thoughts of Catherine. All together this book is filled with broken characters making due with what life has handed them and not necessarily in a way that takes them along the high road. I could sympathize with the characters but not empathize.

Despite the list of unlikable characters I found myself needing to get back to the book so I could read what the outcome would be, mostly to see if Münchausen syndrome by proxy was why Catherine's child was so ill. I was quite satisfied with the way the book ended and will continue to read this series.

Edge of Sight by Roxanne St.. Claire

2012-01-05T23:07:00.001-06:00

Synopsis:
The killer she can't escape . . . — The heartbreak she can't forget . . . — The one man who can stop them both. —
When Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant where she works, the Harvard-bound law student becomes the next target of a professional assassin. Desperate for protection the authorities won't provide, Sam seeks help from Vivi Angelino, an investigative reporter who recruits her brother, Zach, to protect Samantha. A Special Forces vet with the scars to prove he's equally fearless and flawed, Zach takes the job, despite the fact that he and Sam once shared a lusty interlude that ended when he left for war and disappeared from her life. Now, as they crack a conspiracy that leads to Boston's darkest corners, Sam and Zach must face their fears, desires, and doubts, before a hired killer gets a second shot...

My Thoughts:

About picking this book up to begin with:

I was a bit hesitant to start this book for a couple different reasons. First the series is called The Guardian Angelinos which I thought was just silly. The second was because St. Claire is a new to me author. Her Bullet Catchers series has been recommended to me but this was the only book I could get my hands on by her at the time. Overall I'm glad I went ahead with it. The name is still silly but I'm comforted to know that as this is the name of the new PI/Security company started by the Angelino/Rossi family and even the men in the family think the name is silly.

The Characters:
Zach: A scarred hero with a pocket full of regrets turned out to be a pretty decent hero. Not super human and full of doubts about his abilities as a bodyguard at the beginning of the book he reluctantly agreed to play bodyguard for an ex-flame. His inner struggles with his placement within his family smacked of a pity party and his logic behind ending his 3 week sex-athon with Samantha seemed twisted at best. He exhibited some tender moments that I truly adored though. Zaccaria is certainly not in the Suzanne Brockmann hero category but he isn't a bad one for sure.

Samantha: A witness in a murder who can't rely on her memory to ID the killer ends up on the killer's hit list despite the inability to ID him. She doesn't come across as a great heroine. She is plagued with self doubt and has spent a lot of years pining away for the man who left her after she said she loved him. I'm talking years and years by the way. She fell in love with him after spending 3 weeks of having hot monkey sex with him, said I love You and was surprised when he went away and never called her again. For some reason I am more annoyed with her about this whole thing. It's just as much Zach's fault but I expect more from my heroines. She does end up proving to me she isn't a whiner but overall I'm pretty "meh" about her.

The Rossi family: I found them to be very interesting and actually looking forward to eventually reading their books. What's not to like about a large Italian family right?

The Storyline:
A reunited storyline is not my favorite plot devise but overall it wasn't a bad one in this case. The two had baggage they had to deal with but with everything else going on it was ok. There is a good whodunit within the book and the pace of the book was decent. There were car chases, close calls, near drownings, bullets flying and wolves in sheep's clothing. The book did feel a bit too long even though it wasn't even 400 pages. There were a few things that I think could have been left out that wouldn't have altered the story at all. One sex scene in particular felt a bit gratuitous and weird considering the action that happened before it.

Overall: A decent romantic suspense. The negatives are minimal and the positives totally out weigh them. I look forward to reading more by this author even in this series despite the silly name.

100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012!

2011-12-22T00:33:00.000-06:00

So you know I am addicted to challenges right? Well, if you are new to my reading blog then you may not know that but trust me I am. While reading some of my favorite book blogs I came across a pretty awesome 100+ book challenge going on. It's hosted by Book Chick City and basically its super easy. All you need to do is read 100 books or more. The only restrictions are that they have to be fiction and cannot be audio books. The button for the challenge is in my right sidebar....clickity click to join. The more the merrier! You can join at any time and start participating on January 1st.

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas

2011-12-21T17:33:00.002-06:00

Synopsis: ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother, Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word. — ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.

SOMETIMES IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC . . .

Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.

. . . TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home. . . .

My Thoughts: Finished Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas and loved it. It was heart warming and just a sweet type of romance. Despite the shortness of the book the story felt full and complete. I didn't find it ended abruptly as some people did but it kind of ended, to me, as a 'this is just the beginning for us' feeling. I very much enjoyed that even though this book was short the story took place over months and months time. So no 'instantaneous love' in this book...which is a huge bonus in my mind.

I really connected with Maggie who is a young widow and she is very much scared of moving forward in her love life. I loved that Mark is a 'we don't encourage whimsical imagination of faeries living in little houses' kind of guy who ended up making his niece a bowl of rainbow when she was sick. I loved that he went from an OMG I'm not a parent type of guy to knowing he is a father despite not being biologically correct. Lisa Kleypas creates excellent characters. I cannot wait for Sam and Alex's books. Seriously when are they coming out????

I was torn between 4.5 stars and 5....I ended up giving it 5 because my overall thoughts of "I wish it were longer" had nothing to do with making the book better. It was my own selfish reasoning in wishing it was longer. The story is excellent as is. I just wanted it to be a bigger book so I could continue with my enjoyment longer.

Harlequin/Silhouette Reading Challenge 2012

2011-12-18T03:00:00.001-06:00

For the past couple years I have joined in on the Harlequin/Silhouette Reading Challenge which was hosted by Yvonne over at Socrates' Book Reviews in the past. This year she has passed the torch to Evy over at Islandgirl Read Romance. The rules are pretty much the same except the Mr Linky is used to link our reviews for the books we read. Here are the general rules...

Rules:1 This Challenge is from Jan 1, 2012 to Dec 31, 2012.
2) All of the books must be from the Harlequin family of imprints (includes Mira books as well)
3) Read one book for each of the following requirements:

The name of a place in the title (whether a country or small city or town)

A weather condition in the title (snow, rain, storm etc.)

A Title must be in the title of the book (Prince, Countess, etc)

The author's first or last name beginning with the letter M

A Holiday/Season in the title (Valentine, Christmas, Summer, etc)

A color must be in the title (red, blue, green etc)

Other information:

1) Please join the challenge by signing up with Mr. Linky. The link must be the one announcing
your participation on your blog - not just the link to your blog in general.

2) You can grab the button above and post it on your site.

3) A list ahead of time is not necessary and may be changed at any time

4) Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebook

5) Books may be used for other challenges

6) Go to eHarlequin for book information, anything you can purchase there counts for the challenge.

Just remember to use the little bitty Mr Linky to join and the larger one to post your reviews.

This challenge goes for an entire year and there are only 6 books to read. Easy Peazy right? Oh and Evy's Islandgirl link will take you directly to the challenge post. Come on...Join the fun!

Reading Romances Challenge 2012

2011-11-29T04:32:00.000-06:00

Well Here it is almost December and I am getting my ducks in a row....or rather my 2012 Reading Challenges in order. I love challenges. I never really need an excuse to read but challenging me to read a certain number of books or specific type of books gives me just a little more of a thrill. I especially love to make lists of the possible books I could read to satisfy one challenge or another. Yep, I'm a list maker.

Anyway, over at one of my favorite blogs Reading Romances there is an awesome challenge that focuses on my favorite genre (romance of course). I have to join in. Looks like every month there will be a different theme to follow which is pretty cool and I should be able to find all the books I need to participate in my well stocked TBR located in my spare room, under my bed, in the hall closet, behind my bedroom door, etc. Why don't you come join me on this challenge. It starts 01/01/12 and runs through 12/31/12. You can join anytime from now until mid December 2012 (yes that means you can actually join in on the last two weeks of next year because this is all about fun...the more the merrier...join in whenever!)

So, come on! click here for more info!

Wife For Hire by Janet Evanovich

2011-11-12T02:01:00.000-06:00

Synopsis: The Prospective Husband with a Racy Past... — Hank Mallone spotted trouble when she sat down and said she'd marry him! Maggie Toone was a tempting firecracker who'd make his life delightful hell if he let her pretend to be his wife in order to improve his rogue's reputation. Would his harebrained scheme to get a bank loan for his business backfire once Maggie arrived in his small Vermont town and let the gossips take a look?

Maggie never expected her employer to be drop-dead handsome, or to affect her like a belt of bourbon on her empty stomach, but she was too intrigued by his offer to say no... and too eager to escape a life that made her feel trapped. The deal was strictly business, both agreed... until Hank turned out to be every fantasy she'd ever had, and Maggie was so bright, funny, and downright irresistible that Hank fell head over heels in love! While the town watched, Hank wooed his wife with a charm that had never failed him yet. Could he make her dreams real by proving she belonged in his arms?

My Thoughts: An average read by one of my favorite authors. These Pre-Plum books are just short fun little reads that are more of a filler between better reads. That may sound harsh but I'm not trying to sound that way. Evanovich is my go to girl for fun. I will pick up a Plum book knowing it will make me smile and not tax my brain. These early books are even less taxing. They are the Extra Brand Chewing Gum you chew between meals hoping that they will satisfy you until you can gorge yourself on real food.

This book is short and sweet. Typical of her early books the man falls for the lady early on (read this as meaning love at first site) and then spends much of the book convincing her she loves him back. The man is a total hottie and the girl is a cute spunky gal that ends up being trouble with a capital T.

Many of these characters appear to be early prototypes for her Plum characters. One of my favorites being Elsie Hawkins. Many of these early books have her as a secondary character. I love her. She would be Grandma Mazur later on in the Plum books. Her character is enough for me to keep reading these early books. You usually find a dog in these books too. In one case the dog's name is Bob which you will recognize from the Plum books if you have read them.

There was a slight mystery as to why people were breaking into the house and if Aunt Kitty's diaries are what they are after. The mystery aspect is weak and the only reason I bring it up is to mention that because of the break-ins a bit of mayhem ensues. Mostly in the form of Elsie packing a gun and firing it through walls and stuff.

I would recommend this book to fans of Evanovich who need a quick filler read. If you like Harlequin type books this should be right up your alley.

Quicksilver by Amanda Quick

2011-11-12T01:41:00.000-06:00

Synopsis: Virginia Dean wakes at midnight beside a dead body, with a bloody knife in her hand and no memory of the evening's events. Dark energy emanating from the mirrors lining the room, overpowers her senses. With no apparent way in or out, she's rescued by a man she's only met once before, but won't soon forget...

... Owen Sweetwater inherited his family's talent for hunting the psychical monsters who prey on London's women and children, and his investigation into the deaths of two glass-readers has led him here. The high-society types of the exclusive Arcane Society would consider Virginia an illusionist, a charlatan, even a criminal. But Owen knows better, Virginia's powers are real -- and so is the power she exerts over him simply with her presence. And if her abilities can be relied upon in the midst of great danger, they just might be the key to his investigation.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book for the most part but it wasn't a favorite though. It really started out great. Very thrillerish. I really liked the mystery of who was killing the glass light readers and the chemistry between Virginia and Owen was excellent but very little is really said about Owen's psychical gift other than he can kill with it if he chooses and that he isn't really a Hunter but does have some characteristics.

I thought so much time was focused on the investigation and the connection between the two characters that the characters themselves somehow suffered for it. I liked that Owen was a Sweetwater because the mysterious Sweetwater family is mentioned later in the Jayne Ann Krentz installments of the series but the air of mystery surrounding the Sweetwater family is somewhat explained but not to the degree I was satisfied with.

The ending was wrapped up a bit too quickly and the last few paragraphs felt almost pointless to me. I think I would have preferred an ending that had both Virginia and Owen going into business together like Jones and Jones. I think it would have made for a better ending than something along the lines of and they gazed lovingly into each other eyes and knew their love would last a lifetime. Now that isn't how it really ended but you get the idea.

Oh and the title refers to something called the Quicksilver Mirror which is an alchemical weapon of sorts that anyone with a degree of psychical talent could use against another talent to blind that other person's talent to the point of permanent if they wanted. So the device was used. Virginia investigated the mirror. It was discussed briefly and then nothing else was said about it. This happened about 3/4 of the way into the book. It lasted a chapter or maybe two then....nothing. So weird.

All The Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison

2011-11-12T01:31:00.000-06:00

Synopsis: When a local girl falls prey to a sadistic serial killer, Nashville Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson and her lover, FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin, find themselves in a joint investigation pursuing a vicious murderer. The Southern Strangler is slaughtering his way through the Southeast, leaving a gruesome memento at each crime scene -- the prior victim's severed hand.

Ambitious TV reporter Whitney Connolly is certain the Southern Strangler is her ticket out of Nashville; she's got a scoop that could break the case. She has no idea how close to this story she really is -- or what it will cost her.

As the killer spirals out of control, everyone involved must face a horrible truth -- the purest evil is born of private lies

My thoughts: I thought it was an ok thriller but not the best I've read. It felt as if I was missing an entire book that came before ATPG but this is actually the first one. The relationship between Baldwin and Taylor is already in full swing and there is little to no romance in this book making it feel more of a thriller than romantic suspense. Their relationship did progress but I would have liked to see more of it. Also the first half of the book talked quite a bit about her trying to cope with almost dying in an incident that happened before this book started. That incident was the turning point in her and Baldwin's relationship marking them as a couple. We came into the story after that was all done. I would have liked to have read about it first hand instead of reading about it rehashed as if I should have already known about it. The last half of the book didn't mention her struggle to get back to normal at all.

The plot was muddied quite a bit with another case that was thrown on Taylor that had absolutely nothing to do with the serial killer one Baldwin was working on. I originally thought this book was Taylor's story but it turned into Baldwin's while we see him trying to figure out the serial killers next move.

There seemed to be quite a few plot threads that were thrown in but didn't seem to have much to do with the main story. The addition of the Special Agent Grimes saga felt gratuitous as an OMG factor and the story could have continued nicely without it. In addition the motive behind the serial killer's spree seems a stretch if best. I find it hard to believe that what appears to be a good person would suddenly decide to start murdering and dismembering a specific type of woman. In most cases when authorities dive into the back ground of most serial killers there were red flags that popped up as early as childhood. I can't buy that a person would start with killing one woman and find they really enjoyed doing and progress rapidly into a frenzied psycho killer. We have to accept the "crazy" card in this case as the killer's motive and means. I just can't.

I also thought that the additional Whitney thread was interesting but I honestly didn't understand how she came up with the knowledge of who the killer was based on some emails with parts of well known poems on them. As there was one 'suspect' and then the real killer I'm still not sure if Whitney actually knew the killer's identity or if she fell for the 'red herring'.

One last thought. I am extremely character driven when it comes to the books I read. I felt that the characters in this book were not as fleshed out as I would have liked. I think the author tried to make them seem more human but didn't quite accomplish it. Neither Baldwin nor Taylor seem very real to me after finishing this book. Great characters should stay with you when the book is done. These do not.

I will read more by this author but will not rush to do so.

The Italian's Future Bride by Michelle Reid

2011-11-03T17:18:00.001-05:00

Back Blurb: If there's a baby, then she'll be his bride

Eligible bachelor Rafaelle Villani is used to loving his women...and leaving them. Until his freedom is compromised by a candid newspaper photo, which suggests he has finally fallen...for Rachel Carmichael. Soon the world's press is reporting their engagement!

Rafaelle claims his fake fiancee; twenty-four hours later Rachel has been passionately seduced--and fears she has conceived his baby. So, Rafaelle demands that Rachel pretend to be his future bride!

My Thoughts: I think I always start out my reviews for Harlequin type books saying I rarely read them. Maybe I don't, but I should. When I tally my books read over the course of the year Harlequins take up less than 2% of them. I don't read them all the time because I think they just don't give me enough of a decent story and a good enough romance. Not all of them of course but in general. This book is not an exception to that rule. It is an average offering from the Category Market.

The back blurb does not really do the plot justice because the potential baby scare is in the book but it isn't front runner in the plot. Most of the conflict comes from Rachel and her family's plot to get her picture taken with Rafaelle by the paparazzi in a somewhat compromising pose to save her sister's marriage. What ensues is him pretty much kidnapping her to find out why, her telling the whole story, her family abandoning her while she was in his clutches to continue their much more important lives, him twisting the scene to include their pretend engagement and a whole lot of hot monkey sex.

I was pretty amazed by the amount of sex in this book. I admit to still be under the (apparently) misguided impression that Harlequin Presents is the 'virginal' more prudish member of the Harlequin line. With that said the other stereotypes that category a Presents is still alive and kicking. Tall handsome foreign extremely rich older man--check. Inexperienced young shy not breathtakingly but still beautiful woman--check.

Anyway, lots of sex. I do have to say that there was a lot of passion in this book. The characters fought (verbally) with passion and had a lot of sex (passionately). With all the arguing and sex I was hard pressed to see much of a relationship blossoming but never fear the last 3 pages did have the I Love You's we all come to expect. I knew it was coming but just didn't see how they got there. I saw a lot of mistrust, accusations, arguing, and sex but little else.

As far as the writing, Reid, kept my interest with the conflict between the characters and her dialogue flowed well. There were a couple glaringly obvious typos that pulled me out of the story but overall this book kept my interest. I never once thought about throwing it against the wall and was glad that the couple managed to put their fighting aside to fall in love (despite that I didn't see how they happened along that particular emotion.) On the other hand I would have liked more romance and less sex. I would have liked a bit more character building from Rafaelle because he is still somewhat of a mystery to me and it would have been nice if Rachel's family learned a lesson about their selfish behavior for feeding her to the wolves (um wolf).

So that pretty much balances out to an average book. I'd read more from this author if I need a short book to add between my longer ones.

A Rogue in Texas by Lorraine Heath

2011-11-02T01:24:00.000-05:00

Synopsis: A duke's son, Grayson Rhodes was a maverick who had left London's suffocating upper class world to earn his own fortune. So he seized the chance to work Abbie Westland's land...and from the moment he first saw Abbie, he was determined to use his arms to work the farm by day and to soothe her through the nights in his strong embrace.

Abbie, with her fiery determination, was different from the fragile beauties he'd known at home. In her Grayson found an honest passion he'd never experienced before. But could their growing love survive the surprising reminder of her past that comes to haunt them?

My Thoughts: I loved the set up of this book. Rich fathers in England, tired of their off-springs haphazard ways, send them off to America to make their fortunes as a last resort. The men, thinking they are arriving to make their fortunes are surprised what they find upon arrival. They end up in a town called Fortune, Texas and each man receives room and board for their labor working on a cotton farm. None realized the grueling work they had in store for them.

The characters themselves, although decent ones, I never really warmed up to as much as I would have liked. Abbie tends to come across as an uneducated hick and Grayson acts completely different once meeting Abbie than what he was described as being. I never really saw why Gray was so smitten with Abbie. Also it appears that Abbie my have intimacy issues and Abbie's late husband is all but accused of forcing himself upon her yet she defends him to the bitter end. There are several references to Grayson not ever being loved while growing up and I ended up feeling as if I were being forced to feel sorry for him. Call me callous but I didn't. Sometimes a connection can be made between the character and the reader and sometimes there isn't.

The major twist in the book was an obvious one to me and the drama that ensues seemed to drag on while trying to wrap up the happily ever after. The final event (a Hurricane) that brought on the happily ever after felt almost out of place and I'd say unnecessary if it weren't for the major twist that needed dealt with for our hero and heroine to be together.

What I did like about this book was the romance itself was just sweet. Almost to the point of overkill but not quite. I felt the romance of this book really balances the negative aspects out and makes this an enjoyable read. Certainly not my favorite Heath and not a keeper but it has some intriguing secondary characters who have their stories told in the second and third books of this trilogy and I will definitely be reading them.

When You Dare by Lori Foster

2011-10-29T02:54:00.002-05:00

Synopsis: The tougher they are, the harder they fall... — Professional mercenary Dare Macintosh lives by one hard and fast rule: business should never be personal. If a cause appeals to him and the price is right, he'll take the mission he's offered. But then the lovely Molly Alexander asks him to help her track down the men who'd had her kidnapped -- and for the first time, Dare's tempted to combine work with pleasure.

Fiercely independent, Molly vows to trust no one until she's uncovered the truth. Could the enemy be her powerful estranged father? The ex-fiancé who still holds a grudge? Or the not-so-shy fan of her bestselling novels? As the danger heats up around them, the only anchor Molly has is Dare himself. But what she feels for him just might be the most frightening thing of all….

My Thoughts: When you Dare just wasn't a favorite.

The characters, although likable, just had issues. Molly acted exactly opposite of what I would think a woman would act who was held for over a week beaten and starved almost to death. Dare was supposed to be all macho but I expected him to insist on a sit down and talk about your feelings session. He pretty much knew what Molly should have been feeling so he kept her at arms length for the most part refusing to act on the chemistry they were feeling. I would have liked to have seen more of him in action (not in the bedroom kind of action way either) I think that what this book was missing was what Suzanne Brockmann is able to do in her TD&D books (Prince Joe, Everyday Average Jones etc). Hot sensitive men who you never question their testosterone levels because they are still all men. You get to see them on a mission and in action and still get to know their intimate thoughts and feelings about the women they love. It's quite a balance of sensitivity and macho but Brockmann pulls it off expertly whereas Foster doesn't. I was more fascinated by the secondary characters than I was the main ones. Those were great characters.

Oh and I thought this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter. It seemed to drag on and on but the cover is totally hawt which almost makes up for it.

Foul Play by Janet Evanovich

2011-10-29T02:51:00.000-05:00

Synopsis: When Amy Klasse loses her TV job to a dancing chicken, handsome veterinarian Jake Elliott rescues her with an offer to be his receptionist. Jake just can't resist a damsel in distress, and Amy certainly doesn't mind Jake's charming sincerity.

Then suddenly the job-stealing chicken disappears and Amy is suspected of foul play. Amy and Jake search for clues to prove her innocence. But will Jake be able to prove to Amy that love, too, is a mystery worth solving?

My Thoughts: A quick read with screwball characters and wacky situations. I found it funny and might have rated it higher except that the characters fell in love right away, in this day and age a 26 year old virgin (who doesn't look like a troll or has some mental deficit) is pretty much unheard of, and the ending had no closure to the relationship issues. Those problems aren't necessarily deal breakers but will reduce the enjoyment of the book overall. If you have a couple hours to spare and need something light and silly you should try this one. I wouldn't buy it at full price though. Seek it out through your local library or a used book store.

Oh and I kept thinking that the book should have been titled 'Fowl Play' hehehehehe.

Shadow Bear by Cassie Edwards

2011-10-29T01:57:00.003-05:00

(warning: if you want to read this book in the future and don't want it to be spoiled for you I wouldn't read much of my review because I am going to spell out the entire plot for you.....it's my way of saving you. Trust me.)

Synopsis: South Dakota 1850. Before he died from the Indian arrow that pierced his body while he was hunting gold outside Fort Chance, Shiona Bramlett's father, the colonel, revealed a shocking secret. Now, armed only with her father's map and her courage, she's determined to honor him-and to fulfill her own destiny.
After a fierce prairie fire, Shadow Bear, Chief of the Grey Owl Band of the Lakota tribe, is desperately looking for his missing brother Silent Arrow. His search leads him to a beautiful woman in desperate need of help. Shadow Bear loathes the white man-but he cannot help but protect her. With a passion that is undeniable, they must learn to put their mistrust aside and share their secrets before all is lost.

My Thoughts: Hmmmmm after reading this book I have been trying to come up with something I liked about it and failed miserably. After 20 hours of thinking I just gave up. I might have decided this particular book was going to be bad before I started but as I was doing a challenge this month in which I had to read a Cassie Edwards book I stopped at my local library and grabbed one off the shelf. I purposely chose one not in her Savage series because in many years when I think back on the book I read of her's I didn't want to struggle with trying to come up with a Savage Something name. So, did I decide this book was going to be bad before starting. Yes. Did I still give it a go. Yes. Did I roll my eyes and throw my hands up in the air shouting ARGH! repeatedly? Yes. So without further ado let me tell you what I didn't like about this book....

The Characters--Ms Edwards has managed to write some of the most boring characters I have ever read about. Her descriptive words to explain said characters consisted of tiny, golden haired and violet eyed (Shiona) and dark eyed and long flowing black hair (Shadow Bear). Personality wise they were milk-toast. After losing her mother and brother in the same day Shiona did make a statement which lead us to believe she just might have a backbone yet when she needed one it seemed to have disappeared. Shadow Bear was not much better. I don't think I've ever read a book featuring an "Indian" who managed to lose his woman because he circled around his enemy too far ending up a bit lost and thrown from his horse in the process.

The Romance--What romance? 'You're my woman!' 'I would love nothing more than to be your woman!' 'Now I'll put my manhood into your warm wet place!' Ok none of that was actually said....except maybe the You're my woman part but you get the idea. Oh and typical of Edwards writing they fell madly in love in a day.

The Plot--What a crazy series of events for poor Shiona. First she and her brother leave their mother riding a stagecoach on the way to Missouri to go fetch the gold their father stashed in a cave nearby only to find that as soon as they separated their mother is murdered by an unknown assailant possibly an Indian because of the arrow embedded in their mother's chest. Oh No! First their father (see the synopsis above....father never manages to be in this book as he is dead and buried before the beginning) and now their mother. Shiona and her brother bury their mother and set off once again for that cave. But wait! There is a storm brewing and they could get struck by lightning! Whew! They managed to make it to the cave, gather firewood and eat some nutritious grapes (the biggest Shiona has ever seen!) that happened to be growing outside the cave. Shiona settles the horses into the back of the cave and comes back to the fire only to find her brother is not in the cave. Oh No! Oh wait there he is stumbling into the cave and falling onto the floor with (gasp!) and arrow in his chest. Somehow her idiot brother stepped out of the cave into a storm for just long enough to get killed by the same murderer(s) who killed their mother! Because neither one of them was smart enough to realize that maybe if they were taking shelter from the storm maybe the killer(s) did too. So Shiona then buried her brother in the cave. Outside the cave a raging inferno is blazing across the plain because of lightning. Once the rain put it out Shiona realized she is ill. But she never gets ill! Her parents and even the doctor who took care of her have always been amazed at her health and strength. She may be tiny but she is strong, like bull. While suffering from a near fatal fever she manages to save an indian brave Silent Arrow who (queue the ominous music) was shot with the same kind of arrow Shiona's family was. Silent Arrow makes it back to his tribe and his brother chief (Shadow Bear) and before fading into a long sleep manages to utter the simple word "Shiona". Shadow Bear after having been urged by his grandmother and her visions, he finds the cave and brings Shiona back to his people. And they lived happily ever after.

Ok no there was more but by reliving this book a sharp pencil in the eye is sounding better and better. Just know that there was so much going on in the plot that I'm surprised Ms Edwards has any ideas for anything else.

The Action--With a fire and a murder you would think that there would be action a plenty. Not so much. After being forewarned about the fire by his vision getting grandma Shadow Bear has his people dig trenches around the village to save them all. And it works. It worked so well that very little of the fire is even mentioned. No Indian Braves courageously battling flames as the fire roared towards their village and no animals stampeding across the plain to escape certain death. Other than a two line mention of two scorched tepees it was rather anti-climactic.

But what about Shiona's happily ever after? Well kiddies it was touch and go for a while. After Shiona finally found happiness (this was Shiona's thought after losing her family and all) with Shadow Bear she had to leave to save herself from the evil murderer. Oh how poor Shiona cried. She was just getting over the loss of her family and now this. Oh did I mention that because of her fever induced coma sleep she theoretically lost her mother and brother then fell in love the next day? Actually the timeline was more like this buried mother/brother on Monday, coma sleep Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday, Fell in Love on Saturday!

Oh but the murderer! Now there was a twist. Not one...but two possibilities of whodunnit. OMG what a dilemma! Either one could have done it! They were both horrible men so Cassie, please just kill them both that way justice will be done. Poof! Baddies gone. Shiona, poor orphaned Shiona has now found happiness amongst the Lakota tribe despite that they hate whities.

Final Thoughts (that may take another several paragraphs)--To make it more authentic the author has peppered her work with words that I am assuming to be Lakota. Unfortunately, even though she used the same words over and over again (brother, grandmother, grandson etc) she didn't include a glossary or quick guide. Instead she used the explanation during dialogue. For example if Shadow Bear was addressing his grandmother he would say "It is good to see you Unci grandmother." I already took the book back to the library so I don't actually have it for reference but google said Unci is Grandmother (on the mother's side). So anyway, essentially (here is where my anal personality comes out) Shadow Bear is saying "It is good to see you Grandmother Grandmother." This was through the entire book.

On a positive note (yes there is one) this was a quick read. The paperback book's font was large and there was barely 300 pages. The book itself was kind of mind candy. Not the good kind of candy though. If you have a bag of assorted jelly beans and eat most of them and realize you only have the gross black ones left....this book is the black licorice jelly beans. Now don't get all mad if you happen to like those....some of you might. You might also like this book. No accounting for taste is there (just kidding.)

Oh and there is a reason for my irritating and irrational use of exclamation points! Ms Cassie Edwards Loves Exclamation Points!!!!! They are used a lot. Not even when a character is shouting. I don't recall any exclamation points used during dialogue actually. They were all used during the times that the characters were having internal dialogue. So weird!

My rating-- One cup of coffee (exclamation point point!!)

The Husband Hunt by Jillian Hunter

2011-09-09T04:57:00.000-05:00

Synopsis: Catriona Grant is desperate. Fleeing a forced marriage in Scotland, she arrives on the doorstep of Rutleigh Hall seeking shelter as a distant relation, only to find that Knight Dennison, the Viscount Rutleigh, may be worse than the man she fled. True to his dangerous reputation, Knight threatens to toss the penniless, flame-haired impostor out -- until she produces the family ring as proof of her identity.

Thrust into the role of guardian, the dark, compelling Knight has his doubts about the lovely Scottish lass, who's clearly keeping secrets -- but her wit, beauty, and artless grace are hard to resist. When his sister starts husband-hunting for Catriona, the idea of any other man possessing her is suddenly unthinkable. For Knight realizes that there's only one possible groom for her: himself!

My Thoughts:This is my first by Jillian Hunter and although I really enjoyed it (there is an element of paranormal in the gypsy sense...Catriona has visions) I thought parts of it seemed overly long to get through. I set it down many times and although in the back of my mind I was thinking that I should pick it back up and finish it there wasn't that "compelling" factor there that made me want to pick it up other than I really wanted to finish it and get it off my list.

I thought the characters were good. I enjoyed that the hero was the one so utterly in love with her and not necessarily the other way around. Yes she loved him but it was almost from his view point rather than her's. Kind of refreshing in a historical romance. I did think that the big secret and whatnot was a bit anti-climactic and it was drug out to be a big deal but to me it really wasn't. Also there was a lot of stuff going on. Catriona's introduction to a bit of society, her running from her brother's guardianship, a possible evil uncle and the uncle's evil apprentice, a story of kidnapping, and a secondary love affair. With so much going on it seemed a bit muddled.

Overall I thought the book was a decent introduction to Hunter and there were some fun parts. Oh and the sex in the book was mild compared to many romances out there but there was some. So if you prefer books with no graphic porn-like scenes but want more than a fade to black approach this might satisfy you.

Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach

2011-08-26T19:52:00.001-05:00

Synopsis:
A missing diamond, a mysterious neighbor, a link to Shakespeare-can Hero uncover the connections?

When Hero starts sixth grade at a new school, she's less concerned about the literary origins of her Shakespearean name than about the teasing she's sure to suffer because of it. So she has the same name as a girl in a book by a dusty old author. Hero is simply not interested in the connections. But that's just the thing; suddenly connections are cropping up all over, and odd characters and uncertain pasts are exactly what do fascinate Hero. There's a mysterious diamond hidden in her new house, a curious woman next door who seems to know an awful lot about it, and then, well, then there's Shakespeare. Not to mention Danny Cordova, only the most popular boy in school. Is it all in keeping with her namesake's origin-just much ado about nothing? Hero, being Hero, is determined to figure it out.

My Thoughts:

I thought this book was entertaining but not the best young adult book I have read. It was an interesting look at a 12 year old girl's life who's father is a professor of Shakespeare. Her parents gifted her with Hero as a name which although popular amongst Shakespeare fans not so popular in school. The family recently moved to a new city and Hero finds herself friendly with an elderly woman next door who tells her a story about a missing diamond (rumored to be in the house Hero and her family now occupy) and a connection to Anne Boleyn.

I thought the history was interesting. Supposedly the necklace that the diamond was originally set into most likely belonged to Anne Boleyn at one time and was handed down through the generations to the woman who used to live in the house Hero's family bought. What I thought was even more interesting was that I never heard the rumors that perhaps William Shakespeare didn't write his works at all. In this book Edward de Vere was discussed a lot and the rumors that he may have been Elizabeth I's illegitimate son and he may have been the writer behind all of Shakespeare's work. Like I said it was very interesting and I enjoyed that part of the book completely. The necklace part of the story was completely invented by Broach according to her notes found in the book but the other information on the speculation of Shakespeare identity is quite true.

I didn't like that the mystery of the million dollar diamond was solved by 2 children age 12 and 14. What kind of inept police department does that city have that after scouring the house looking for the diamond the police give up but 2 children find it in about an a couple of hours. Granted the children had a clue that the police didn't have but still.
If it weren't for that unfortunate issue this book would actually be very good. This book is a young adult novel but is very good for children younger. Anywhere from 10+ I would say. There are no adult themes whatsoever but does have some bullying name calling (no physical bullying) from Hero's classmates.

Elixir by Hilary Duff

2011-08-19T18:26:00.000-05:00

Synopsis:
Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea's father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea's photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man - a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father's disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives - and their futures.

My thoughts:
I think the idea had good potential I just couldn't connect with a jet setting teenager who's mom allows her to head off to Rio, Paris and Tokyo without parental influence. It was written in the first person making it feel almost like a YA UF and the book does set up to have a continuing storyline with the same characters which also made me think UF. The main character is written in a way that we are to believe she deeper than she really is but I wasn't fooled. The addition of a weird love triangle proved that she is really nothing more than a silly girl. Haven't been a teenage girl in sometime but is it common for a teenage girl to think how much she loves a guy but then mentally takes it back so as to not ruin her chances with a second guy? I honestly don't know. Also the addition of a sexual encounter (a fade to black type...not graphic) made the book feel more 20-something rather than high school.

The non verbal communications between Clea and her best friend Reyna were almost ridiculous. Reyna would look at Clea and next thing the reader knew Clea would interpret the look as a full on conversation between the two of them which was spelled out for the reader's benefit.

I think what prevented me from giving this book less than 2 stars is because the idea was actually pretty good. I don't think the follow through did it justice. I'm also curious as to why the author "helper" of Hilary Duff, Elise Allen, merited a mention on the title page (it's listed as Elixir by Hilary Duff with Elise Allen) but doesn't get her name on the cover. With all the collaborations happening now it makes me wonder if someone was cashing in on a star's name or the star herself refused to share top billing.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

2011-08-17T03:56:00.000-05:00

ok not my typical book selection but since I've never read it and it fit in with a challenge I am currently doing I thought "Why Not?" So, there you go.

Synopsis:
Guy Montag was a fireman whose job it was to start fires...

The system was simple. Everyone understood it. Books were for burning ... along with the houses in which they were hidden.

Guy Montag enjoyed his job. He had been a fireman for ten years, and he had never questioned the pleasure of the midnight runs nor the joy of watching pages consumed by flames... never questioned anything until he met a seventeen-year-old girl who told him of a past when people were not afraid.

My Thoughts:

Even though this book was written 60 years ago it's amazing how much it still applies to today. In Montag's world books were not only banned but destroyed, burned to ashes along with the house they were held in and in many cases the people who hid them. The government says that books are silly and the words meaningless yet destroys them all proving that someone in authority firmly believes that a book is a dangerous thing. Which is actually what happens. Montag meets a girl who society deems 'crazy' and she puts a little thought in his head. Next thing he knows he is questioning why. Why he is a fireman. Why the books are so dangerous. Why Why Why. Questions that to maintain peace and balance should not be asked.

Overall I found that I enjoyed this book despite it being totally different from what I am used to reading even though many times I had to read a paragraph over again because I missed some thing that ended up being important. I found Montag's discovery of himself and nature a bit hard to follow. His journey to discovery read a lot like descent into madness which I thought was hard at times to follow. I did like that this book was thought provoking and I plan to follow up with searching for some discussion web pages to see other people's interpretations.

After Life: Answers From The Other Side by John Edward

2011-08-07T00:58:00.002-05:00

Synopsis:
In John Edward's fourth book he answers some of the most asked questions about how the psychic mediumship process works. In addition he shares his experiences while doing readings in Australia and his life as the son of an Irish father and an Italian mother. He also touches on his life as a husband and being a first time father. He shares his journey learning how to be a medium and lessons he learned from his friends and teachers here and from people who have passed on.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed learning about John and his family background. From problems he had connecting with his father (while his father was still alive) to becoming a first time father. He had some really great advice for those who experience grief from the loss of a loved one, mainly to not seek out a psychic to connect until you have accepted and embraced the grief process. It's something you just can't skip or ignore. Moving right to seeking out a medium soon after the death of a loved one usually brings heartache because they either find a crook instead of someone with an actual psychic gift of their loved ones don't come through as the expect. I don't think I expected him to encourage someone to not go to a psychic.

John included many transcripts of his readings throughout the book. I've watched his Crossing Over show on many occasions and enjoyed his readings. I don't know if I fully believe it but the readings that are included are pretty amazing.

What I didn't like is that the book felt almost as if I were reading a text book. I grew bored after reading only a few pages so it took me forever to read it. I also didn't like his explanation on how he does what he does. It was something along the lines of he raises his psychic vibrations higher and the people who cross over lower theirs so they can communicate on the same level. I just didn't follow it. Maybe you have to be a psychic to really get it.

Overall an average book with some good stuff and some stuff I just didn't care for. I am not sure if I will go out of my way to read another book by him unless it if filled with his transcripts of his readings because that is that part I enjoyed the most.

SPOTLIGHTThe Last Four Things by Paul Hoffman

2011-08-03T23:54:00.002-05:00

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of The Last Four Things by Paul Hoffman. Review is forthcoming but I wanted to give you all a little sneak peek into it. Release date is Tomorrow! August 4th.

Synopsis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell. These are the Last Four Things. Now there are Five. Meet Thomas Cale. Returning to the Sanctuary of the Redeemers, Thomas Cale is told by the Lord Militant that the destruction of mankind is necessary; the only way to undo God's greatest mistake. Cale seemingly accepts his role in the ending of the world: fate has painted him as the Left Hand of God, the Angel of Death. Absolute power is within his grasp, the terrifying zeal and military might of the Redeemers a weapon for him to handle as simply as he once used a knife. But perhaps not even the grim power that the Redeemers hold over Cale is enough - the boy who turns from love to poisonous hatred in a heartbeat, the boy who switches between kindness and sheer violence in the blink of an eye. The annihilation that the Redeemers seek may well be in Cale's hands - but his soul is far stranger than they could ever know.

Click the picture and you can preorder!

The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie et al.

2011-07-23T04:16:00.002-05:00

Synopsis:
"You're invited to spend the weekend with three extraordinary sisters..." When she was sixteen, Dee Fortune kidnapped her two younger sisters and ran from danger. Now twenty-nine, she's still trying to control her shape-shifting power--no easy task when Danny James shows up one Friday morning with his deadly smile and dangerous questions about the past.

Lizzie is determined to save her family from financial ruin by turning straw into gold; now if she could only stop turning forks into bunnies. Then Elric, a sorcerer, appears one Friday--annoyed with the chaos Lizzie is creating in the universe "and" in his heart. . . .

The youngest Miss Fortune, Mare, towers above her sisters but her telekinetic power is dwarfed by their gifts. She spends her days at Value Video!! and her nights contemplating the futility of her existence. But then a gorgeous Value Video!! VP "and" Mare's long lost love turn up. . .and they all turn up the heat on a weekend that no Fortune will soon forget!

My Thoughts:
I thought it was ok but honestly it would have been better as a trilogy. Where each sister had their own book with the third book being the big showdown between the sisters and their evil aunt. I would have liked to get to know the characters better. As it is the book was written as a full book with each author contributing something but it read like an anthology whereas each sister's love story was told very quickly making it feel rushed.

There were some humorous things in the book that I enjoyed a lot and one of the couples had some great banter between each other. One of the sisters is a meek woman afraid of her own shadow and within a few hours suddenly developed a backbone. It felt as if she was a completely different character than what we were introduced to. I did enjoy the pop culture sprinkled in the book which felt right with one of the sisters. That particular sister actually felt more fleshed out than the other two to me however I liked the connection between the meek sister and her love better than the other two.

Collaborations are becoming quite popular and I'm not sure it worked here. I couldn't really tell when one author ended and another one started which was good but once again I really felt this book would have been better to have each sister have their own book.

Blog Hopping Time!

2011-07-21T23:35:00.002-05:00

Every week Jen over at Crazy for Books does such an amazing job of coordinating the Book Blog Hop. I just wanted to give a little shout out to her. She certainly doesn't have to do this every week but I'm grateful that when I choose to participate I know exactly where to go to find the Hop.

Anyway, I'm not going to go into great details about how to hop because if you click on her link it will take you right to the original post and most of you stopping by are probably from the hop anyway, so you all know what it is and how it works.

This week's question is....
What’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t?

I tend to gravitate towards romance, YA and mysteries but I will read horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and various non-fiction stuff too. I have found that within each genre I can find a book or two that I love. A common theme I have found that I stay away from though is religion. I really don't like my fiction book to contain blatant religious opinion. Its not that I don't have faith, I just don't want to feel preached to while reading.

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

2011-07-21T18:57:00.005-05:00

Back Blurb:

HONORIA SMYTHE-SMITH IS:
A) a really bad violinist
B) still miffed at being nicknamed "Bug" as a child
C) NOT in love with her older brother's best friend
D) All of the above

MARCUS HOLROYD IS:
A) the Earl of Chatteris
B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles
C) NOT in love with his best friend's younger sister
D) All of the above

TOGETHER THEY:
A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake
B) survive a deadly fever AND world's worst musical performance
C) fall quite desperately in love.

It's Julia Quinn at her best, so you KNOW the answer is...

D) All of the above

My Thoughts:

Overall I thought this was a fun book. I loved getting to know one of the infamous Smythe-Smith girls which are mentioned in just about every Bridgeton book written. After all the Smythe-Smith Musicales are major events that everyone goes to even though the music is so terrible it bring tears to most listener's eyes.

I found Honoria and Marcus well suited for each other. They balance each other very well. She is loyal to family (which is why she plays in the musicales despite the fact that she knows they are really bad) and Marcus has no family. She is often outspoken and outgoing where he is most likely to be quite and reserved.

The witty banter between Honoria and Marcus is typical Quinn and quite entertaining. As a matter of fact the dialogue between not only the two main characters but with most of the characters was probably my favorite part of the book.

I also liked time frame some of the scenes were written in. Meaning that Honoria would experience an event then we would be privy to the same event through the eyes Marcus.

What I didn't like, however, was the moment they realized they loved the other. They each had their own moment and both of the character's inner dialogue described it almost cheesy. The world stopped a lot. I expected to read that angels were singing. This part of the book really was too sugary for me.

I also noticed that on a sizzling hot sex scale this book would be warm possibly even luke-warm. There was one sex scene which was found almost at the end of the book which was described non-graphically. Normally I am all about hating books that have too much graphic sex but found in this case it was the complete opposite. I would have liked a little more. Or at least, if the sex wasn't there the romance should have been showcased more. There was romance but I think for lack of hot monkey sex there should have been more.

Overall I would say that this was a decent book by a great author.

Holes by Louis Sachar

2011-07-09T23:39:00.001-05:00

Synopsis:
Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the warden makes the boys "build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes: five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment--and redemption

My Thoughts:
Although this is technically a children's book I was pretty enthralled with the story. Yes I have watched the movie before but that didn't take away from my fascination with Stanley's plight. Even though this was Stanley's story there were several stories within this story. There's the story of Stanley's great-great-grandfather. And there's the story of Kissin Kate Barlow and her broken heart. I love stories within stories.

My only complaint about this book is that it seemed to wrap up really quickly. All storylines tied in a nice bow within the last few pages. I would have liked to have seen more of what happened next to Stanley and Zero (who by the way, really stole the show for me especially in the last half of the book.)

Overall, an excellent book that would be a great project to read as a family....and then watch the movie!

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

2011-07-09T00:18:00.001-05:00

Synopsis:
When the Once-ler stops along his travels to utilize one of the many Truffula Trees to make a Thneed the Lorax intervenes on behalf of the trees. The Once-ler replied that it's only one tree until he sold his Thneed for a hefty proffit. He then called all his family and they chopped down more and more to make more Thneeds.

My Thoughts:
I haven't read a Dr Seuss book in probably 30 years and was entertained and amazed at the message behind this book. This is not a simple children's book, don't let the silly rhyming made up words fool you. This is a message about capitalism and greed in addition to quite the environmental stand.

When the Once-ler realized he could make so much money on the Thneeds he was creating he did whatever he could to make more. The Lorax intervened on behalf of the trees begging the Once-ler to cease. The Once-ler replied "I'm being quite useful. This thing is a Thneed. A Thneed's a Fine-Something-That-All-People-Need!" And so he ignored the plight of the trees. Later the Lorax would come back 3 more times to speak for the Brown Bar-ba-loots who's food supply was dwindling with each chopped tree, the Swomee-Swans who could no longer sing with all the smog in their throats, and the Humming-Fish who's gills were getting all gummed because the water was so polluted. All the animals had to find new homes and when the last of the Truffula Trees was chopped, the Once-ler's family all left too and he was left with buildings falling down, polluted water and air and very much alone with only the last word the Lorax said to him for comfort. "Unless."

I loved this message. Dr. Seuss wrote this book in 1971 the message is more dire 40 years later.

There is some hope though for the Once-ler had a visitor much later who he gave the very last Truffula Seed to. The boy was told to plant a new Truffula Tree and treat it with care. To give it clean water and feed it fresh air. From one little seed a forest can grow but cannot Unless someone cares.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

2011-07-08T23:25:00.000-05:00

Synopsis:
Get ready for the maximum thrill ride from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson. Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, Angel, and Maximum: Six kids who are pretty normal in most ways--except that they're 98% human and 2% bird. Riding the wind, their wings are an amazing gift...and yet, their world can morph into a nightmare in a single instant. For when the bloodthirsty Erasers--half men, half-wolves genetically engineered by sick and sinister scientists--kidnap little Angel, the Flock embarks on a rescue mission that will change them forever. From Death Valley, California, to the bowels of the New York City subway system, 14-year-old Max leads her five feisty "family" members on a journey full of nonstop action, adventure, and soul-seeking--not to mention a little bit of saving the world on the side.

My Thoughts:
Typical of Patterson this book has his trademark short chapters, fast pace and interesting characters. This makes for a quick and enjoyable read. Even though he wrote two adult novels featuring a female birdlike girl named Max this is not part of that series. Patterson explains this at the beginning of the book which I am thankful for because I really thought it was a YA spinoff of that series. Glad to have been set straight right off the top. Yes Max is a girl with wings, yes she escaped from a place that created her and she has her friends with her but this is where the parallels end between The Fugitive series and the books When the Wind Blows and Lake House.

You see a bit a growth in the form of newly developed cool talents among some of the children throughout this book. Angel seems to be the most special of them all. She was the one that the dreaded Erasers snatched after all. It was interesting to realize this wasn't really the case (even though Angel really is super cool.)

I didn't have any trouble remembering these were only children as there were constant reminders in the way of Max thinking to herself "he's only 8" or "Angel's only a baby!" but I did have trouble remembering that they really were very young. Angel is only 6. Max is 14. Patterson did do an excellent job of explaining that they had been training together as a team in strategic moves and self defense for 4 years so the fact that the kids were so very young really was ok with me. It helped that they were really kick butt kids too. I liked that despite their special abilities they still had their kid sides too. A total plus for Patterson creating kid characters that weren't just small adults with a kid label.

I didn't care for all the dangly ends left at the end of the book. There are so many it is frustrating. This book was designed as a series. Meaning to get the full story you have to read all the books. I prefer series books that are their own entities. Ones that are full and complete stories all by themselves but when read together complete an even larger story. Yes this books main story of getting Angel back was finished but that really only occupied 1/3 of the book.

Overall 4 stars because I loved these kids, it was pretty exciting, there was very little to no swearing, only one awkward smooch given in gratefulness, makes this a good book for ages 13 and above. There is violence and even death in this book so I would not recommend this for someone younger.

Oh by the way, anyone know how these kids can have wings that span 12-14 feet but still be able to put a jacket on and look normal in a crowd? You'd think they would look hunch backed or something.

Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson

2011-07-08T22:27:00.000-05:00

(I know. I know. Not my typical book.)

Synopsis:
Who Moved My Cheese? is a simple parable that reveals profound truths about change. It is an amusing and enlightening story of four characters who live in a "Maze" and look for "Cheese" to nourish them and make them happy. — Two are mice named Sniff and Scurry. And two are "little people" -- beings the size of mice who look and act a lot like people. Their names are Hem and Haw.

"Cheese" is a metaphor for what you want to have in life -- whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or spiritual peace of mind.

And "The Maze" is where you look for what you want -- the organization you work in, or the family or community you live in.

In the story, the characters are faced with unexpected change. Eventually, one of them deals with it successfully, and writes what he has learned from his experience on the maze walls.

When you come to see "The Handwriting on the Wall," you can discover for yourself how to deal with change, so that you can enjoy less stress and more success (however you define it) in your work and in your life.

Written for all ages, the story takes less than an hour to listen to, but its unique insights can last for a lifetime.

My thoughts:
Overall a good book that will teach a valuable lesson on identifying the clues that pop up to alert you of change coming and learning to deal with that change. The first part of the book is about a group of friends visiting each other during a reunion. It was during this party that one of the guests told the Cheese story. The second part of the story is the actual Cheese story. The third part is the original friends discussing what they had learned about the story and themselves after hearing it.

I thought the first part was not bad leading up to the main story. I like books that have a sub-story involved. I loved the Cheese story. I'm not a stranger to it. I have belong to several large corporations who utilized this story during training. Most even have a little film to watch. The last part of the book is what I really disliked.

The discussion part felt like a horribly scripted infomercial. I felt like I should have been back in a classroom doodling instead of paying attention. Although mildly interesting, I really couldn't care less about the fictional reunion members and the parallels they drew between each character of the Cheese story and themselves. I think this book would have benefited from having more of a independent study guide in the last part. One that had open ended questions asking the reader things like "Which character did you find you related to more and why?" The book did mention in the forward that many people skip the last section to draw their own conclusions.
If it weren't for that last section I may have given this book a higher rating. I believe that a nonfiction book can be informative. You can learn things without feeling lectured to.

Wedding of the Season by Laura Lee Gehrke

2011-07-08T18:27:00.001-05:00

Back Blurb:
Abandoned at the altar ...
— Lady Beatrix Danbury had always known she would marry William Mallory. She'd loved him forever and she'd never doubted he loved her, too. But when she made him choose between their life together or his lifelong dream, Will chose the latter ... and left two weeks before their wedding. —
Return of the duke ...

—Will has no illusions that Beatrix would welcome him back with open arms, but six years did not dim his love or desire for her. The only problem is, she's about to marry someone else. Someone safe and predictable ... the complete opposite of Will. But can he stop the wedding of the season and win Beatrix back, or is it just too late?—

My Thoughts:
This is my first book by Gehrke and I was a bit underwhelmed by her writing. The book itself didn't compel me to continue reading into the wee hours forgoing sleep to see what would happen next.

The characters were ok. Some I liked more than others. I think I liked the secondary characters more than the primary ones.

Beatrix (or Trix as she was called by Will and Julia) seemed a bit of a martyr. Being "abandoned" two weeks before her wedding did quite a toll on her and after 6 years she was moving on by becoming engaged to a man who she liked but probably wouldn't ever love. I found Beatrix's actions to be annoying. Even though she was almost as much to blame as Will was for her lack of wedding she fully put the blame on Will. Her attitude upon seeing him again was all out hatred and her continual verbal rudeness throughout the book towards him was at complete odds with her thoughts and actions. She spoke a lot about proper behavior and how Will was not following what was proper yet she never actively sought people that would make sure things wouldn't be improper. Like insisting her elderly Aunt chaperone instead of the wild willed Julia. It's these kind of actions that leads one to believe that she actually wanted Will to pursue her. Women who say No but mean Yes are the epitome of stupid to me.

Will came across not much better than Beatrix. He constantly did things that, according to all accounts, were not in his character. Undressing in front of an unwed woman on a beach is not only rakish behavior but it is a complete disregard of respect that he may have had for the woman at all. I did, however, appreciate that throughout the book we did get to understand Will's feelings. He was just as brokenhearted as Beatrix when their wedding didn't happen.

Aiden was the man that Beatrix was engaged to and although the characters did try to appease the situation, Aiden still left wifeless during the course of the book. I felt bad for Aiden. he wasn't a bad character and thought he deserved more. He will probably get his own story which I may or may not read.

I am not a big fan of the reunited lovers plot but I did think that the author did a very good job of explaining their past in a way that I never once felt I was missing an entire prequel to this book.

So, the first time around Beatrix was brokenhearted because she felt that if Will loved her enough he would abandon his dream of Egypt and uncovering King Tutankhamun to stay in England with her and make a family. Will was brokenhearted because he felt that if Beatrix loved him enough she would have gone with him. I liked this idea but I don't think that it was followed through very well because one of the characters ended up looking bad in my eyes more-so than the other which is kind of a shame because the blame should have fallen equally. I did think the ending of the book was good because neither character was going to make the same mistake again. Proper behavior wasn't going to stop them from being together neither was King Tut.

Overall, an ok read. I think the ending raised the rating up a bit higher than average. I will give this author another go but honestly if that book isn't any better than average I probably won't read any more by Gehrke.

Congrats to my Spellbound Giveaway Winner!

2011-07-07T03:54:00.001-05:00

Thank you all for entering. The winner (randomly chosen by Random.org) was Heather D. I will email her and she has until 8am Friday July 8th to contact me back with her mailing info otherwise Randomize again for a different winner. Thanks all for making my first giveaway fun!

****Update****
Heather did contact me so I'll be sending this book out to her tomorrow! Congratulations Heather!

Bloggie Friend's Giveaway!!!!

2011-07-01T23:38:00.000-05:00

Pedantic Phooka is giving away a copy of The Hunted by Kristy Berridge over the holiday weekend. It sounds like such a great book! Wouldn't you like to read it? Check it out on her site....just clickie her name! Oh, how about a little bit about The Hunted!

Elena Manory is by no means an ordinary teenage girl. Being born with the ability to heal herself from any injury, and with the knowledge that on her eighteenth birthday she will become a vampire, Elena is aware that she is more than a little different from other girls her age. It isn’t until she meets William Granville, an alluring and impossibly handsome vampire, that she begins to question her destiny and what secrets the Institute of Magical Intervention and her adopted family have withheld—secrets that could change the fates of not only her own life, but of the lives of all the immortals. As events spiral out of control, William may be the only person Elena can place her trust in. He, and Elena’s magical family, must fight to save her, joining forces to defeat a common, deadly foe. For William, it is his chance to save the girl that he has searched eternity to find. (description provided by John Morrow via Amazon.com )

Book Bloggie Hoppie Time! 7/1-7/4

2011-07-01T20:51:00.001-05:00

Yep it's that time again. This is a weekly event hosted by Crazy for Books. I don't participate as often as I would like but do hop in on occasion. Here is what The Book Blogger Hop is all about....

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don’t have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!

RULES:

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

1. Post about the Hop on your blog (feel free to grab the logo at the top of the post!)

Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier!

In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!).

This week’s question comes from Sue who blogs at Cookie's Book Club! Thanks for submitting a question for our Hoppers, Sue! Be sure to visit her blog and tell her thank you!

“What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?“

My Answer: Interesting characters and humor. I read mostly romance (at least right now I do) and find that if an author has a balance of great characters, interesting situations, and humor I stick the book out for it's entirety. Matter of fact if all those factors are there I anxiously turn the pages to see what will happen next. Julia Quinn, Erin McCarthy, Jill Shalvis, Susan Elizabeth Phillips are excellent at this. So is Julie Garwood, Lori Foster, and Lynsay Sands for that matter.

As far as what drives me to put a book back on the shelf...it doesn't happen. It does occur that a book will bore me and I may not pick it up for awhile (but still have it in my currently reading queue). I have obsessive tendencies and just can't let a book go forever unfinished. I have to finish it. Period.

My First Ever Giveaway!!!!!!!

2011-06-29T22:11:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Care Selick from Wunderkind who contacted me and offering me a great oportunity to read a few ARCs and review them. Because I would like to share my good fortune as soon as I finish the book up I am offering to send it to one of my lucky bloggie friends. So, you want to know which book?

Book Description: It's been ten years since Bitten, the first novel in Kelley Armstrong's New York Times bestselling Otherworld series. In that time hundreds of thousands of fans have ravenously devoured the adventures of Armstrong's witches, demons, and werewolves. Now, in Spell Bound, she brings them all together for her most sweeping tale yet.

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she's powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise.

And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most. In a story that will change the shape of the Otherworld forever, Armstrong gathers Elena, Clay, Paige, Lucas, Jamie, Hope, and other beloved characters, who soon learn that the greatest threat to supernaturals just may come from within.

This comes out 7/26/11 and since I just got it I don't have much time to have a long giveaway. Sooooooo, here are my hoops you need to jump through (just kidding)

Leave a comment saying you want to win including your email address and get one entry
Follow Me (and let me know in a comment) and get one entry. It's not mandatory to follow me but it will make me happy!
Spread the word (on your own blog, facebook whatever..just make sure you post the link in the comments section) and get one entry

That's it actually. Everyone has potentially three entries but you don't have to do all but I would appreciate it.

Now for my rules (yes there always has to be rules)....

Must have a US address (I am sorry but I just can't afford to send outside the country right now.)
Must be 18 years or older.
Each entry must have it's own comment
Make sure you leave me your contact info
If you have shared this please leave me the link in the comments section that I can follow
Giveaway starts RIGHT NOW and ends at 11:59pm CST Wednesday July 6, 2011

Sometime on Thursday 7/7/11 I will take all the entries and list them on Random.org. Random.org will randomize the list and the person in the very first spot will win! I will mail the book out First Class on Friday 7/8/11. This will ensure that the lucky winner will get the book before publication date. It would be great if the winner could read it, review it and share it too but it's not necessary.

Since this is my first giveaway there may be somethings I am overlooking. Don't be shy in bringing those to my attention and just as a disclaimer that the blog owner (ok that's really me but I just wanted to sound formal Yo!) has the right to change the giveaway in various ways except she will not swap out another book for the one you are expecting, extend the time frame (or shorten it if need be) or for some unforeseen issues cancel the giveaway altogether. That would totally suck but I have to tell you my city slowly flooding (just a few spots right now) because of the Missouri River and I can't predict what will happen. Today I have nice books. Tomorrow I may have to ring them out.

PS: This is an ARC and it came to me with the back cover a bit abused. Just so you know, looks like someone used the book as a hard surface while drawing on another piece of paper. Drawing would actually be not quite accurate. More like making dots...smallish dots...a bit like this..:.:.;.;;.;::::You get the idea right. They aren't holes the cover isn't really damaged just a bit marred. Oh and you know I'm reading it first right? (review to come soon)

Ok, I think that's it! Good Luck All!

Bound By Darkness by Annette McCleave

2011-06-28T02:40:00.000-05:00

Synopsis:
Soul Gatherer Brian Webster has long lived with the guilt of his failure to save his teenage sister. When another girl dies in his arms as she protects an ancient coin from a demon, he takes up her cause. The coin is one of thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas. United, the coins are a dark relic of immense power, and in the wrong hands, they could destroy civilization.

Lena Sharpe is on her own mission to find the Judas coins. A Soul Gatherer by day and a thief by night, she's negotiated the most important deal of her life. When Brian intervenes and kidnaps her to obtain the coins, she attempts to escape. But the brazen warrior is unrelenting, as he is fearful that the beautiful felon has made a pact with the devil himself. And he's not entirely wrong.

Bound together by burning desire and a similar darkness in their hearts, they race against time to recover the missing coins. But as the truth behind Lena's bargain surfaces, Brian is faced with a desperate choice: save one or save many.

My Thoughts:

Throughout the book (that took me almost 2 months to finish) I was so frustrated with, what I thought as, cheesy dialogue. I had trouble seeing the connection between the two main characters too. Having read the first in the series I knew the background. It's about gatherers who collect the souls of the recently departed for Death, herself. They entered into a contract when each of them died for the period of 500 years. The series is based on Good vs. Evil with archangels, demons, Satan, God and a whole lot of religion chatter. Nothing as exacting as scripture quotes and I highly suspect that much of the stuff within the book is fictionalized (it is a fiction novel after all) but I got easily bored with it all. This book is about a bunch of coins that if Satan has them in his possession he can cause thousands to suffer on earth. I never really understood why. He had roughly half of them (there was something like 36 of them) but when a character within the "Good" camp accidentally destroyed one of the coins the rest of the coins "inherited" it's power giving Satan more than 50% control (it felt very big business takeover-ish to me). So the Gatherers need to make sure Satan does not get the rest of the coins.

So, Lena (a Gatherer) found them and plans on handing them over to Satan's minions for her own reasons (which we kind of learn why throughout the book but not specifics until close to the end). Brian (another Gatherer), who fell for Lena on sight, believes she has motives that are not purely selfish even though she doesn't confide in him....about anything. I hated their romance. I never warmed up to them. I hated Brian's "Babe" term of endearment for Lena because it reminds me of how much I hate smarmy men in bars who try to pick up women by calling them Babe or Baby and every time he said it I had this going through my head "My first name ain't baby. It's Janet. Miss Jackson if you're Nasty." which really pulled me out of the story.

The swearing in the book was not on every page but when used it also pulled me out of the story because it seemed so unnecessary. At one point one of the characters used the big ole "C" word that we women hate with a passion. He was referring to another man being one but it was still jarring.

I also didn't like the names. Weird I know. I am so used to unusual names when it comes to paranormal heroes that Brian Webber just didn't scream "Save me you hunka hunka magic man!" Others might find the average Joe name refreshing but to me it brought pictures of pocket protectors and chess games to mind.

The Gatherers have magic too to fight demons when they collect the souls (because demons are also trying to get the souls to add to the army of the underworld or something.) I just don't understand where they magic comes from. They recite incantations and poof they have shields that stop demonic fireballs, mostly. Anyway, they talk a lot about training but this part didn't really get discussed on how they do it. Do they have a book on it or what? I don't know. Lena ended up using magic chants from ancient Egypt and paying prices for the help to those gods during battle. I didn't understand that at all since they are Gatherers who work for Death who essentially works for God (she hates Satan). So the Gatherer's powers have to be connected to God. Not sure how Lena was able to tap into the ones she did. It kind of explained a bit about which god she had help from (she didn't exactly say they were gods either by the way I just interpreted it that way) but I'm still confused. Also it seemed that the only magic the gatherers had (except for Lena) pretty much was to make shields which didn't stand up to more than a few fire balls honestly. You would think that they would be far better equipped to fight demons than a with a sword and a magic shield.

Now that I have gone on and on about what I didn't like I have to say there were some highlights. Thank goodness otherwise this would have been only a 1 Star read.

1--The secondary characters were very interesting. Specifically Carlos, Emily and Murdoch. Despite my irritation with this book I will read the next book because it's about Murdoch and I'm hoping for more storyline for Carlos.

2--The fighting sequences were actually entertaining. Somewhat thrilling and exciting. There were a few of them and I wish there were more. It would have made the story go a lot faster.

3--When Brian comes clean with Lena about his addiction it was a rather touching scene. It was the first time I actually viewed him as a hero and a tormented man which was a good thing.

I have to say that without those last 3 things this book would have been horrible for me. As it turned out they made the book bearable and brought my thoughts and feelings about the book to a 3 Star rating. I will continue with the series by reading the third book in the series (since I already bought it) but if it turns out to be 3 stars or less I probably will not read any more books by Annette McCleave.

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

2011-06-17T21:55:00.000-05:00

What It's About:
Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is. — Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very... different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

What I Think About:
The Characters....
Ari--A young teenage girl who is allowed to wander off in the family car by her foster parents to search for the answers to her birth. Granted the foster parents are described as the best she ever had who taught her love in addition to the tricks of the bail bonds trade but I found it a bit hard to accept that any parent (foster or birth) wouldn't want to go with and help out with the search. Anyway, Ari is an interesting character (at least the mystery of her birth and heritage are) but I found her abrasive, swore too much and emotionally all over the place.
Sebastian--Equally young but a leader to a band of misfit kids in New 2. Prickly personality that I never understood why Ari was interested in him other than he was attractive. Quite mysterious even after his heritage was revealed.
The Rest of the Cast--I enjoyed a couple of the kids quite a bit (I mentally referred to them as Lost Boys even though several were girls). The head of one of the Nine Families of New 2, Josephine, was also interesting. Self serving she wants to use Ari in the long run against New 2's biggest enemy...which is Ari's enemy incidentally.
The Setting:
A Dystopian setting in the not so distant future (approx 2025) mostly taking place in the city of New 2 which is a rebuilt New Orleans after massive hurricanes wiped out the city around 2015. I found some of the descriptions of the city the best part of the book. The author did a great job of describing the destruction and the rebuilt Garden District after the storms.
The Overall Storyline:
I thought the story drug in parts but the Mythological theme was so interesting that I was able to ignore some of those slow parts just to get to the interesting stuff again. It did seem to take quite a bit of time to get to the meat of the story. I kind of expected that as Ari walked around New 2 people would shy away or cross themselves (at least this is what I expected based on the description) but not so much.

What I Didn't Like:
Other than the lulls in the storyline I didn't like the assassins that were sent after Ari. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate them as characters I just hated what the author named the group of assassins. The author not only used a word that I didn't know how to pronounce she used foreign letters to spell it out. I think it was Greek. I don't speak Greek. It annoyed me.

What I Liked:
Not your typical vampire/werewolf paranormal. The Mythological setting and other world creatures made this Paranormal YA not your Ho-Hum same ol' same ol'.

Overall 3.5 Stars.

Bloggie Friend Giveaway

2011-06-16T16:35:00.000-05:00

My Bloggie Friend Kristen is Giving away a great looking book!!!!

So I'm spreading the word! Always With a Book is giving away a copy of Creed's Honor by Linda Lael Miller. This is the most recent release in her newest trilogy The Creed Cowboys, which is actually part of her bigger series The Montana Creeds. Wouldn't you like to win a copy of this book? I know I would. Just click the clicky link and it will take you to Kristen's original giveaway post. Giveaway only lasts until June 27th at 6pm EST and open to US and Canada only. So hurry hurry hurry!

Storm Watch by Jill Shalvis

2011-06-12T01:15:00.001-05:00

Synopsis:
Uniformly Hot!: The Few. The Proud. The Sexy as Hell.
— SUBJECT: Jason Mauer, National Guard.
— CURRENT STATUS: Homeward bound.
— MISSION: Getting some R & R!
— OBSTACLE: Lizzy Mann. Sexy blast from the past.
— After battling a hurricane of catastrophic proportions, Jason needs some downtime -- badly. But there's no rest for the heroic. During another deluge, Jason's savior skills are suddenly in demand... by his hot friend Lizzy.
She's fiercely independent. But that doesn't keep them from having incredible sex as they, ah, ride out the storm!
Jason knows relationships and duty don't mix. Still, he feels as if he's being swept away by a flash flood of desire for Lizzy.

The permanent kind....

My Thoughts: I haven't read many Harlequin Blaze books. I actually don't seek out super steamy books because I prefer the romance aspect of the books over the sex. I thought though that since I really have enjoyed Jill Shalvis's other books I have read I thought I would give this one a try and was rather disappointed.

What I liked....As far as characters go I actually did like both Jason and Lizzy (even though her name annoyed me just a bit). He was a hot military man and she was a smart nurse.

I also really enjoyed the pace of the book. Lizzy and Jason have to get through town to check on Lizzy's pregnant sister but the area her sister lives has been evacuated because of horrible flooding. Their adventure in getting to their destination was nail biting on the edge of your seat fun.

I loved how Shalvis set her storyline up too. Lizzy and Jason had been in high school together (but not a couple). Sometimes authors who use the reunited type storyline don't pull it off so well and the reader is left feeling that there should have been a prequel book somewhere that they missed. This book definitely did not have that problem.

What I really didn't like....The fact that their lives are in danger while navigating rivers where streets used to be the characters found a lot of time to make out. Jason would get out of the Jeep to move a large branch blocking their way and when he got back into the vehicle they would make out. A little further down the road after almost having an accident they take a breather and make out. Lizzy is scared for her younger sister and to comfort her they make out. Ok that last one might not have happened but you get the idea. Jason is in the National Guard just off a search and rescue mission where flooding was happening. With that in mind why would a seasoned expert spend so much time making out when he knew that time is of the utmost urgency and getting to their destination was priority? I just could not suspend my disbelief enough to accept his actions. I kind of felt as if the only reason all the making out was including was so the hot monkey sex that happened once they were safe didn't come out of nowhere.

I also didn't care for the secondary storyline involving Lizzy's sister. In order to make her interest in her mystery man hero believable I think more time should have been invested (perhaps their own book) and after only 12 hours or so they are suddenly a couple of sorts.

Overall I would say that this was an average read and I kind of expect just a bit more from Shalvis. Not a horrible book but definitely not one of her better ones. If you are new to Jill I would totally recommend Simply Irresistible.

Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf

2011-06-02T02:52:00.003-05:00

Synopsis:
Kiss Me Deadly - Bewitching the Dark, Bk 2 - Silhouette Nocturne, No 24
Death cocktail is what the vampires call a witch's blood. It's poisonous -- a drop will destroy a vampire within minutes. Nikolaus Drake is the rare vampire who has survived his first taste. Now he's on the hunt for the witch who almost brought him to his demise -- Ravin Crosse. — A witch who spends her nights hunting vampire tribes, Ravin has three obligations to fulfill to set her soul free. One of those obligations -- crafting a love spell -- twists her world upside down when Nikolaus draws the spell from her veins. Natural enemies rarely make the best bedfellows -- but is it possible their intentions are really, truly the same? Can Nikolaus's tribal loyalty survive if he surrenders to desires far darker than his own?

My Thoughts:
This was the first book that I read by Michele Hauf and I really wanted to like it but honestly it wasn't that good.

What I liked.....Witches and Vampires are mortal enemies and even one drop of witches blood can reduce a vampire to ash. So witches totally kick vampire butt!
.....Satan (or Himself as he is called in the book) appears in the form of the one you most desire/love (makes for interesting conversations.)
....and that's about all I liked about this book...oh except *****SPOILER*****when Nikolaus and Ravin were playing a weird Do You Trust Me game on the rooftop and the love spell wears off Nikolaus drops Ravin off the building. I thought that was pretty cool*****END OF SPOILER*****

What I disliked....Ravin hates vampires but jumps into having sex with one that wants to kill her (or he will want to once the love potion wears off) despite her verbal "I do not want you"s. I got tired of the war yet the result of her going all soft on him knowing he was only under a potion almost put her into the TSTL category.
...Actually I just really hated Ravin. For centuries she has been massacring vampires based on a traumatic event in her childhood...mostly because she could and because vampires are all evil. Her prejudice overwhelms her character.
....Nikolaus is a vampire created in the 70s (I am pretty sure it's the 70's) yet he is the head of his tribe despite there being other vampires who are more powerful and centuries old. He is a baby compared to others.
...Ok I actually hated Nikolaus completely too. Because of the love potion he couldn't think of anything other than sex with Ravin. He talked a lot about this. He did a lot of this. He wanted to do a lot more of it too. I was under the impression that it was a "LOVE" potion. Not a "Do Me" Sex Potion. Of course he did tell her he loved her while trying to get into her pants and even said it afterwards too so it must be true.
....Oh and Ravin trying to earn her soul back from the devil....an important part in the continuation of the story in possible sequels but not very well played out. I think that if this particular part of the storyline was hit harder and used to it's fullest the story would have held more promise. As it is there are 3 different storylines competing within this book. It made the book feel scattered.
.....Apparently vampires like to count. It's rather like an obsession. I read a review that said they loved this little shout out to Sesame Street and the Counting Count but I found it ridiculous of mass proportions. If the rest of the book had quirky character traits or tongue in cheek humor it would have been fine but it came out of nowhere and was completely out of place.
....The ending. Yes the characters got their happily ever after (even though I was routing for Himself to burn them in a pit of fire for eternity) but the author opens the storyline up for a sequel based on Ravin and Nikolaus's child whose soul has been pre-ordered and paid for by Himself in the future. How's that conversation going to go? "Hey son, you know your mom and I love you and this in no way is your fault but....well, we sold your soul to Satan and Himself will be her to collect in *Ding-Dong* um....now."

Calamity Jayne by Kathleen Bacus

2011-06-01T16:29:00.000-05:00

Synopsis:
HOW DOES A BLONDE SPELL "FARM"? — E-I-E-I-O
— Tressa Jayne Turner has had it up to here with the never ending string of dumb-blonde jokes and her longtime nickname that's harder to get rid of than lint from a belly button. Crowned "Calamity Jayne" by Iowa Department of Natural Resources officer Rick Townsend, Tressa's out to gain a little hometown respect - or die trying. Unfortunately for Tressa, that may be the case. She's just been handed the perfect opportunity to get "Ranger Rick," the doubting Don Juan of the DNR, and a skeptical citizenry to finally take her seriously. How? By solving a murder no one else believes happened ... no one, that is, except the killer.

Yup, Calamity Jayne is in it up to her hot pink snakeskin cowgirl boots and matching rhinestone belt - and it's a matter of life and death, respect and reputation, love, happiness and the whole shebang. Tressa would tell you her momma never raised no dummies, but the jury's still out on that one. And as she learned in her work at the Dairee Freeze: Sometimes life hands you a big sloppy ice cream cone. You just have to know how to lick it.

My Thoughts:
This was a fun book but doesn't live up to it's marketing label. It was supposed to be a contemporary romance but honestly other than some love/hate name calling banter and a couple of smooches there wasn't much romance. It was more of a mystery but a weak one at that. I think the saving grace was that there were a few characters I loved. I loved the "hero's" grandpa who informed Tressa (aka Calamity Jayne) that he was the Green Hornet and she was his Kato and just needed to drive. This was before he pulled out a gun that would impress Dirty Harry for their protection which ended up stolen and used to murder a murderer.
I didn't like Bacus's way of wrapping up the mystery either. She builds up a somewhat suspenseful scene where the killer realizes Tressa is on to him/her and Bacus tries to continue the suspense by saying things like The Killer stared at Tressa. The Killer smiled a cold evil grin. So not identifying the killer during the big stand off for a a bit which I thought was a bit over kill and didn't make the mystery better. However, like I said there were some great (well, at least interesting) characters so I gave this book a 4 star rating and will read the next one. Oh and the blonde jokes peppered through the book were fun too.

Flip This Zombie by Jesse Petersen

2011-05-19T12:38:00.001-05:00

Flip This Zombie by Jesse Petersen
4.5 Stars
book 2 in the Living with Zombies series

Synopsis:
This book picks up a few months after the Zombie Apocalypse started and the couple David and Sarah has started ZombieBusters Inc a zombie killing service. They have been surprisingly adept at killing them. When approached by a scientist to capture zombies alive (or is that undead instead of dead dead?) instead of killing them they take the job but what happens if the scientist is more interested in making an army of Bionic Zombies instead of a cure for zombie-ism? David and Sarah may find themselves among the undead that's what....

My Thoughts:
So I have to say that I enjoyed this one as much as the first. I enjoy Sarah and Dave's banter and wicked sense of humor. I also like the emotional changes the characters have gone through from the first book through the second. In a book that has silly conversations and a lighthearted approach to an earth shattering plague there are some interesting and almost touching interactions. The two struggle with maintaining hope when greeted with death and destruction everyday. It would be very difficult to not give up when your world is bleak day in and day out.

We also see additional growth in Dave and Sarah's marriage. In the beginning of book one the couple are on the verge of divorce. Though their need for survival they have reconnected and their relationship is stronger than it ever has been. Enter Mad Scientist who effectively puts a wedge between the couple. I thought the survival of the family unit was just as interesting as the survival of Dave and Sarah's lives.

Although at times this book has a lighthearted approach to zombie killing you should keep in mind that there is a lot of killing. Often with graphic detail. Both Sarah and David tend to swear frequently (as does The Kid who is introduced in this book) and is written in the first person narrative.

Undead and Unfinished by MaryJanice Davidson

2011-04-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

Synopsis: Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor is having a tough time getting through the Book of the Dead -- until the Devil strikes a bargain. She offers Betsy a chance to finish the cursed (literally!) thing, and finally discover all its mysteries. There's just one catch... — Betsy and her half-sister Laura have to go to Hell long enough for Laura to embrace her dark heritage (after a rebellious youth of charity work) and finally make nice with her mother, aka Lucifer. That means interacting with their family's past. In doing so, they're impacting the future in ways they never anticipated. Of course that's what Mother wanted all along. Damn her.

My Thoughts:In this book Betsy goes to Hell. Literally. She agrees to go there so her sister can ask her mother, The Devil, some questions. What then happens is Betsy and Laura (who is now being referred through most of the book as Antichrist) goes on a romp through time (which apparently is now one of Laura's hellish talents). I thought much of the hell part seemed to drag. I felt as if I were being dumped upon with a crap load of information which is just silly considering this is not the first book in the series but the 9th.

Betsy's trip through time was interesting though. I thought her jump into the past was helpful not only to learn more about her husband and first in command Tina but it was an eye opener for Betsy. She is really starting to notice how shallow and self centered she really is. I found that by learning more about Sink Lair I like him a whole lot more too. Tina too for that matter.

As far as the book as a whole, I felt that the situations at the beginning of the book, which actually set up the last part of the book, was obvious in it's attempt to manipulate the storyline. I know that all writers do "manipulate" their story lines to produce the outcome they want but it should not be so obvious in my opinion. I also absolutely hated...no, I detested (is that worse than hate?) the epilogue. I was just complaining about the fact that Betsy just isn't maturing as quickly as I would like but Davidson may have gone a little overboard with the learning maturity part. After visiting the past Betsy then visits the future. She meets the future her who is now 1000 years old. What happens, especially in the epilogue, is just ridiculous. Not in a self centered Betsy way but in a MaryJanice Davidson kicked my puppy way. I know she has introduced a new story arc, hence the new covers and several acknowledgement pages telling us readers that there is a new story arc happening. But honestly she took a series that was silly and fun to someplace dark and depressing. It was happening before the epilogue but really it's the epilogue that is the puppy kicker.

So, do I love that Betsy has learned something on her trips to hell, the past, and the future? Yep. But I also hate what is in Betsy's future with a passion. Which may be the point MaryJanice was making. Her next book comes out in July and I am really torn on if I want to read it. I may have to see where Davidson is going with this new arc so I probably will.

Married With Zombies by Jesse Petersen

2011-04-15T17:46:00.001-05:00

Synopsis:
Meet Sarah and David. — Once upon a time they met and fell in love. But now they're on the verge of divorce and going to couples' counseling. On a routine trip to their counselor, they notice a few odd things - the lack of cars on the highway, the missing security guard, and the fact that their counselor, Dr. Kelly, is ripping out her previous client's throat.

Now, Sarah and David are fighting for survival in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. But, just because there are zombies, doesn't mean your other problems go away. If the zombies don't eat their brains, they might just kill each other.

My Thoughts:
I have to say that first off, zombies really freak me out. Not that I believe in zombies but knowing that the human mouth breeds more bacteria than, lets say, your toilet seat I can see why the bite of a zombie could potentially be so terrible. There is just something about a zombie that is beyond creepy. No higher brain functioning than a need to quench it's never ending hunger for brains....a zombie will just keep coming and coming regardless if they only have one arm and stumps for legs.

OK, so lets talk about the book.

Classified on the book's spine as a fantasy I would have to maybe disagree. Perhaps an Urban Fantasy but a classic fantasy...nope. Zombies are not what I think of when I think of fantasy. But then I don't think of Vampires and Werewolves as fantasy either. Oh well, not like it's a big deal or anything. I'm just super anal and had to point that out.

Perhaps not the next noble prize winning book for literature, Jesse Petersen's first book is fun. It's funny. And it has funtastic characters. Perhaps my favorite, although only for a short time, was Amanda, the lovable annoying cheerleader neighbor of Sarah and David. Sarah put up with her. David hated her. But that's OK because Sarah detested Mandy's boyfriend Jack. David was friends with him.

Mandy was one of those characters that you happen to know, for real. You know her. The bubble headed blond that probably couldn't tell you what 2+2 equals but does know the proper way to do a Kick Basket Toss.

Upon Sarah and David's arrival home after being almost eaten by their marriage counselor they explain to Mandy about the zombies. When Mandy still looked at them blankly they asked her if she had been watching TV. She replied that she got bored with TV because all the stations were playing the same show. Out of exasperation Sarah and David then explained that their marriage counselor was a zombie and tried to kill them. Mandy's reaction? "You're in marriage counseling?" which she delivered as if it saddened her.

Is it wrong to love a character that I would want to kick in the head in real life? I think my favorite Mandy-ism would have to be when Sarah apologized for killing Jack, Mandy said "That's OK. I was going to break up with him."

OK, so the book was funny. It cracked me up. But honestly it was a bit thought provoking too. Sarah and David are trying to get out of Seattle to go to his sister's house but the entire time they aren't sure if his sister is still there. If she is alive or if she is now a zombie. The couple have to work together to survive but also make some tough calls. It can't be easy to kill someone you know and love. This is what they go up against. It's one thing to shoot a zombie that you didn't know when they were not infected but something quite different when it is someone you know and like. Possibly even love.

As a first novel this book great. It had momentum that never really stopped. I understood the characters and empathized with them. I did think that the ending was more of a stay tuned for more later type as there is a second book and a third one(which comes out in a few months). I am looking forward to the next book in the series for the further zombie adventures of David and Sarah.

Venus in Blue Jeans by Meg Benjamin

2011-03-22T03:09:00.000-05:00

Synopsis....which isn't much of a synopsis but it's what is on amazon.com....Docia Kent figures Konigsburg, Texas, is the perfect place to get over her lying fiance and hide out from her meddling parents, but she doesnt reckon on vet Cal Toleffson, a six-foot-five-inch hunk of gorgeous manhood who takes one look at Docia and knows shes the love of his life. Now if Cal can only convince Docia to give love a chance, while fending off burglars, con men, jealous rivals, and the eccentric citizens of Konigsburg, maybe they can even make it to happily ever after!

My thoughts.....This was freebie on kindle and not a horrible one but frankly am a little stunned by all the 5 star ratings that it got on amazon.com. It was an OK book but I found it lacking...something. I have been struggling to figure it out for a couple days now and am still not sure. There was some romance, a bit of a mystery, a uppity town witch with a B, a veterinarian and some smallish town charm but I think that other than the uppity witch none of the factors had any oomph to them. Even the sex scenes were a little off. On one hand they were fairly mild but then one or two sentences would throw the book towards an R rating only to finish the page with an "And then....two hours later" feel.

The romance part got better when the couple spent time talking and getting to know each other which I really appreciated because I was able to see a blossoming romance then instead of just having to go by the hero thinking to himself how much he loved her and having me wonder how it happened.

It did almost lose me when Docia and Cal were talking about some sort of party and Docia mentioned balloons and Cal's first thought was something to the effect of "Ballooooooooooons" while staring at Docia's chest. Seriously...it was one of the most ridiculous passages I have read in an adult romance. I don't think I have even read something that silly in a YA. It's something my 14 year old nephew might say to his best friend.

Oh and I don't know who is half naked on the cover but it isn't Cal because Cal is hairy.

What I did like....The chihuahua... the fact that Cal actually did have hair on his chest, because lets face it, men have hair...the nasty witch who hated Docia just because....Cal was from Iowa and so am I.

I guess that is it, my review kind of makes it seem like a bad book but it wasn't. It just wasn't great and it took me weeks to read it which is not like me. So overall 3.5 stars.

Sarah's Child by Linda Howard

2011-03-04T04:47:00.000-06:00

Synopsis....

A tragic accident took everything that mattered to Rome Matthews -- his wife, Diana, and their two little boys. And it robbed Sarah Harper of her best friend. In the two years since the tragedy, Sarah has wanted to reach out to Rome, but she knew she needed to stay away, guarding the secret she had kept from him and Diana all those years -- that she was in love with her best friend's husband.

But now Rome needs her. And though another woman will hold his heart forever, Sarah agrees to be his wife, knowing that everything has a price, including love. Then something totally unexpected rekindles her hidden hope that a marriage of convenience will become a union of love. Now it all comes down to her husband. Will Rome keep fighting his own growing need for a woman who dares him to believe there are second chances in life . . . or will he give in to the power of love and miracles?

My Thoughts...

Originally published in 1985 I thought it was a solid book that really didn't come across as too "dated". The love scenes are mild by today's standard which is a nice change of pace really. I found my heartstrings twisting while reading this book. Sarah has loved Rome for over a decade but stepped aside when he became interested in her best friend (whom he later married). As the story opens we find that the best friend has died and left a man completely broken by the loss. (not spoilers by the way this is what is included on the back blurb) After a couple years Sarah and Rome find they have a connection and Rome proposes a marriage of convenience. He makes valid points even though I don't do the plot justice it does make sense from where he is coming from. Sarah decides that even though he doesn't love her she loves him and will take him anyway she can. There is so much more that takes place but you have to read the book to get the full effect.

What I liked....Rome. He was a completely flawed man and I liked it. Not drop dead gorgeous but he had a commanding way about him that makes him very attractive to people. Although he admits he has always found Sarah attractive he never strayed from his commitment he made to his wife. His attitude was often harsh and abrasive but his emotions were so raw that even when he was being a complete jerkwad I understood where he was coming from even if I didn't agree.

What I didn't like...Sarah's unfailing dedication to her love of Rome even after he suggested that he wanted nothing to do with a baby but still wanted to stay with Sarah. Suggesting that the kid should never be near him....as a matter of fact aside from some unforeseen illness where the child should need Sarah's attention, when he gets home from work she should dedicate that time to him and make sure the child is out of his way. I am paraphrasing of course but you get the gist. Sarah would never "not" have Rome's baby nor could she give it up for adoption but to sit around and hope for a miracle is a little much. If that miracle didn't happen that child would have been put in a horrible situation of a "Flowers in the Attic" proportion. Luckily this is a happily ever after romance novel so it all worked out. I just didn't think that realistically this should have or could have happened.

Overall a good book. You are either going to love it or hate it (mostly because of Rome). Because of my frustrations with Sarah I am giving this book 4 Stars.

Nightwalker by Heather Graham

2011-01-06T23:06:00.001-06:00

Synopsis courtesy of Shelfari....

Jessy Sparhawk has seen firsthand how gambling can ruin people's lives. But one night, desperate for money, she places the bet that will change her life forever. Just as she's collecting her winnings, a man stumbles through the crowd, a knife protruding from his back, and crashes into her, pinning her to the craps table. Hired to investigate the murder, private detective Dillon Wolf finds himself fascinated by the gorgeous redhead who'd been trapped beneath the victim—and by the single word the dying man had whispered in her ear. Indigo. What neither of them realizes is that the nightmare is only just beginning. Because bodyguard Tanner Green may have been killed by that knife, but his angry ghost isn't going anywhere—not without vengeance. Now, literally caught between the living and the dead, Dillon and Jessy have no choice but to forge ahead together. Their investigation will take them from the glitz of the Vegas strip into the dealings of casino magnate Emil Landon, the man who signs both their paychecks, and out into the desert to a ghost town called Indigo, where past and present come together in a search for gold. Years ago, blood was shed on that very ground, and now it looks as if history is about to repeat itself, with the living and the dead facing off for possession of a fortune, and Dillon and Jessy fighting not only to stay alive but for the chance to build a future.

My Thoughts....
I read this book only a couple of days ago and honestly have no strong opinions on it at all. I did think that the character development was much better than the first Graham book I read (The Last Noel) and the romance aspect better. However the romance itself seemed more about sex than...well romance. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading about it, I did. I just wished there were more Awwww moments that make my romantic soul sigh.

I think that the strongest point of this book was the suspense. The mystery of the Paiute land gold spanned well over a century into modern date Las Vegas. That rumored gold killed a handful of men in the 1800s and the talk of it in Las Vegas 100 years later ended up killing more.

Another strong point was the woo woo paranormal in the form of people who see ghosts. I really liked this part but since my biggest genre crush right now is wrapped up in fangs, fur and witches hats this isn't so surprising. What was really fascinating is that this subject (ghost seers aka Nightwalkers) was prominent in the Indian history that Graham wrote about. There were several different people with Native American ancestry (not all from Paiute but others as well) and the Nightwalker legends were common among them all.

So, I have to admit it was the ghosties that I really liked best. Kind of a Sixth Sense take, once you find out why the ghost is there, the Nightwalker can then help them so they can go towards the light. The spur wearing ghost Ringo added the right touch of history and comic relief to the story.

I also liked that Jessy's grandfather Timothy, although an aged Native American, talked liked everyone else. There was no stilted Me Tonto talk which I really appreciated. I just read a book last month that also had Native Americans in it that had the characters talking stiltedly and it drove me nuts. Timothy did refer to Jessy formally as Granddaughter and never really by her given name but his passages flowed just as well as the ones by the teenager of Jessy's best friend.

What I didn't like was that Jessy all of a sudden started seeing ghosts. Having never seen them before (not even as a child that she blocked out because it was too traumatic) all of a sudden seeing them really freaked her out (would me too) but the why of it was never explained. She did meet others just like her but none of them talked about their first experience either so it was as if suddenly on the 4th day of the 6th month in her 25th year she was targeted to see ghosts and *poof* she does. {I made up the age of Jessy...I can't say for certain if she was actually 25 years, 6 months and 4 days old or not but just go with me on it...OK?}

Overall I would say that this was an enjoyable book and I will definitely read more of Heather Graham's books in the future. 4 Stars.

Parajunkee's View:Vampire Challenge 2011

2011-01-06T22:26:00.000-06:00

So I am adding another challenge to this year that I know I will be able to do no problem. It's a read a vampire book challenge. Hosted by Parajunkee her original blog post can be found here or you can also click my title and it will take you to her post too.

The rules are super easy {cut and pasted from Parajunkee's blog for your viewing pleasure}....

THE RULES:

Post about this challenge on your blog stating that you are participating. That post is the link that you will include in the Mr. Linky below. The link should be the post link not just your blog link.

Grab the button and display it in the post (use grab code underneath the button) or on your sidebar so others can join in the fun.

Challenge goes from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011

The challenge is to read 20 books that have a vampire as a main character, either protag or antagonist

Post your reviews on the Review Post: http://www.parajunkee.com/2011/01/vampire-challenge-review-link-up.html

So, easy peasy lemon squeezy. I mean, who doesn't love vampires huh? I have so many of them sitting on my TBR read shelves that they are getting really pissed at me (not to mention thirsty) so what better way for me to apease the masses by doing this challenge?

Monthly Mixer Mele 2010 WrapUp

2010-12-31T06:38:00.000-06:00

During this challenge I was supposed to read a book for every letter that spells out the month's names starting November 2009 to the end of October 2010. I didn't quite make it. The letters E, U and Y were my downfall. I think perhaps if I had focused on those letters I would have completely this challenge a long time ago but I just read books and then looked to see where they fell. Here is my wrap up of the challenge. I went back to the original poster's website to update but she hasn't posted anything on her blog since May so I guess this was one of those challenges that I was doing alone LOL.

N--Night Lost by Lynn Viehl (3 Stars)
O--Once and Always by Judith McNaught (4 Stars)
V--Virgin River by Robyn Carr (4.5 Stars)
E--Evanovich, Janet--Fearless Fourteen (3 Stars)
M--(The)Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley (4.5 Stars)
B--Blood Sins by Kay Hooper (3 Stars)
E--Evanovich, Janet Lean Mean Thirteen (4 stars)
R--Robyn Carr's A Virgin River Christmas (4 Stars)

D--(The)Dream Wedding by MJ Rodgers--A Harlequin Intrigue (4 Stars)
E--Elizabeth Boyle's Love Letters From A Duke (4.5 Stars)
C--Causing Havoc by Lori Foster (4.5 Stars)
E--Evanovich, Janet--Sizzling Sixteen (3.5 Stars)
M--Murder Game by Christine Feehan (3.5 Stars)
B--(The) Bewitched Viking by Sandra Hill (2 Stars)
E--Evanovich, Janet--Finger Lickin' Fifteen (4 Stars)
R--Robyn Carr's Temptation Ridge (4 Stars)

J--Julia Quinn's What Happens in London (4.5 Stars)
A--All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks (3 Stars)
N--Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper (4.5 Stars)
U--Unleash the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon (4.5 Stars)
A--Armstrong, Kelley--The Summoning (4 Stars)
R--Robyn Carr's Whispering Rock (5Stars)
Y

F--Forget Me Not by Elizabeth Lowell (3 Stars)
E--Evanovich, Janet--Smitten (3 Stars)
B--Barbara Bretton's Just Like Heaven (4 Stars)
R--Robyn Carr's Angel's Peak (5 Stars)
U--Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery (4 Stars)
A--Angela Knight's Master of Swords (3 stars)
R--Robyn Carr's Shelter Mountain (5 Stars)
Y

M--Marie Anne Wilson's The Christmas Hubsand Silhouette Special Edition (3 Stars)
A--(The) Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox (3 Stars)
R--Robb, JD--Imitation in Death (4 Stars)
C--(The) Christmas Husband by Marie Anne Wilson a Silhouette Special Edition (3 Stars)
H--Holly and Mistletoe by Susan Mallery a Silhouette Special Edition (4 Stars)

A--Angela Knight--Master of the Night (2 Stars)
P--Paradise Valley by Robyn Carr (4.5 stars)
R--Robyn Carr's Forbidden Falls (4 Stars)
I--It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (4 Stars)
L--Lie By Moonlight by Amanda Quick (3 Stars)

M--Miller, Linda Lael--Deadly Deceptions (4 Stars)
A--Amanda Quick--Second Sight (4 Stars)
Y

J--Jude Deveraux's Holly (4 Stars)
U
N--Nora Roberts's Remember When (3.5 Stars)
E--Everyday Average Jones by Suzanne Brockmann (4.5 Stars)

J--Jayne Ann Krentz's White Lies (4 Stars)
U
L--Leona Karr's Shadows on the Lake (2 Stars)
Y

A--Ana Leigh's The Lawman said "I Do" (1 Star)
U
G--Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles (4.5 Stars)
U
S--Shadows on the Lake by Leona Karr a Harlequin Intrigue (2 Stars)
T--The Touch of Fire by Linda Howard (2.5 Stars)

S--Susan Elizabeth Phillips's Dream a Little Dream (5 Stars)
E--Elisabeth Naughton's Marked (2 Stars)
P--Patterson, James--Witch and Wizard (3 Stars)
T--Taming the Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands (3 Stars)
E
M--MacGregor, Kinley's The Warrior (2.5 Stars)
B--Beth Fantasky's Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (3.5 Stars)
E
R--(The) Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands (4 Stars)

O--(The) Only Way Out by Susan Mallery (2 Stars)
C--Christine Feehan's Street Game (3 Stars)
T--Teresa Medeiros's The Bride and The Beast (4.5 Stars)
O--One Night of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros (5 Stars)
B--Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick (4 Stars)
E
R--Running Hot by Jayne Ann Krentz (4 Stars)

Read 'n Review Challenge 2011

2010-12-30T17:43:00.001-06:00

I will join in on this challenge again in 2011. Once again Miz B is hosting it and it's pretty easy. Just read a book and write a review. Easy Peazy. The blog title will like you back to Miz B's original post....

* review each book you read between January 1st and December 31st of the current year.

* PLEASE keep your reviews clean & respectful ~ these books we read are the hard work of an author, and we don’t need to be mean. Even if you didn’t like the book, please try to find something you can say that would be encouraging to the author.

* reviews can be as short, or long, as you wish

* you MAY overlap with other challenges

* eBooks and Audiobooks ARE allowed

* if there will be spoilers in your review, please note this in the subject line of your post so that those who don’t want to read them can skip that review. Thank you.

2011 TBR Challenge

2010-12-30T17:27:00.000-06:00

This fun challenge is great for me (and everyone I know) to get rid of some of those TBR books that just keep stacking up and up and up. I like that it is specific in that your chosen books have to be at least 6 months old. I have books laying around my apartment that I have had for 20 years (sad but true.) The blog title will link you back to the original post. Here are Miz B's rules.....

** Pick 12 books – one for each month of the year - that you’ve been wanting to read (that have been on your “To Be Read” list) for 6 months or longer, but haven’t gotten around to.
** OPTIONAL: Create a list of 12 “Alternates” (books you could substitute for your challenge books, given that a particular one doesn’t grab you at the time)
** Then, starting January 1, read one of these books from your list each month, ending December 31. )

By the end of the year you should’ve knocked 12 books off of your TBR list! (of course, if you’re anything like me, you’ll have added *at LEAST* 12 more to the ever-growing pile by then! LOL).
The good news is, though, that you’ll be making some progress! ;o)
Additional rules/guidelines for this challenge:
* the challenge is to read 12 TBR books in 12 months — you can read those all in one month if you want, or one a month, or however you wanna do it.
* you should have a list posted somewhere for others to see
* you CANNOT change your list after January 1st, of the current year!!!
* you can create an Alternates list of MAXIMUM 12 books, if you want, in order to have options to choose from (you can read these in place of books on your original list).
* audiobooks and e-books ARE allowed
* re-reads are NOT allowed, as they aren’t TRUE “TBRs”
* you CAN overlap with other challenges
* OPTIONAL: you can join the Yahoo! Group created for participants of the TBR Challenge, if you want to have a place to keep your list, or just to share with others about how you’re doing!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My list......some are carrying over from the 2010 challenge that I didn't get to.

Main List

1-Blood Bound by Patricia Biggs
2-Darkling by Yasmine Galenorn
3-She's No Faerie Princess by Christine Warren
4-No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole
5-The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter
6-Your Coffin Or Mine? by Kimberly Raye
7-Evermore by Lynn Viehl
8-Lover Avenged by JR Ward
9-Dark Side of the Moon by Sherrilyn Kenyon
10-Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning
11-Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
12-First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

Alternate List

1-The Nerd Who Loved Me by Vicki Lewis Thompson
2-Tangled up In You by Rachel Gibson

3-Twin of Ice by Jude Deveraux

4-Wild Jinx by Sandra Hill

5-With This Ring by Amanda Quick

6-Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

7-Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

8-If You Desire by Kresley Cole

9-Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Cole

10-Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

11-Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

12-Back in Black by Lori Foster

RYOB Challenge 2010--update

2010-11-29T01:00:00.003-06:00

Well, it is almost December and I am trying to get all my ducks in a row and figure out how many challenges I have met and completed this last year. I joined many many many of them and probably forgot about some. This is an update on my RYOB Challenge for 2010. I read 3 novellas and am not sure if those are allowed or not. I own them so I think they count, if not I will try to read above my goal, which was to read 60 of my own books this year. As of the end of November I have read 53 of my own books. I was thinking that I read more but I guess not. I have read 126 books so far and it's hard to believe that 72 of them were library books but I guess they were. One book was a re-read by the way and it is not allowed so it is not listed. To reach my goal I need to read another 7 books of my own (or 10 depending on if the novellas are not allowed.)

**Updated--goal reached for 2010**

1-Lady Be Good by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (4 Stars)
2-Prince Joe by Suzanne Brockmann (5 Stars)
3-Secrets by Jude Deveraux (1 Stars)
4-Forever Blue by Suzanne Brockmann (4 Stars)
5-Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep (4.5 Stars)
6-Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich (2 Stars)
7-Out of the Dark by Sharon Sala (3.5 Stars)
8-When Darkness Comes by Alexandra Ivy (3.5 Stars)
9-The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts (3 Stars)
10-Marked by Elisabeth Naughton (2 Stars)
11-Dangerous Tides by Christine Feehan (4.5 Stars)
12-Smitten by Janet Evanovich (3 Stars)
13-Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn (4 Stars)
14-McKettrick's Heart by Linda Lael Miller (4.5 Stars)
15-Lover Enshrined by JR Ward (4.5 Stars)
16-Remember When by Nora Roberts (3.5 Stars)
17-One Night of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros (5 Stars)
18-Deadly Deceptions by Linda Lael Miller (4 Stars)
19-Master of the Night by Angela Knight (2 Stars)
20-Public Affair, Secretly Expecting by Heidi Rice (4 Stars)
21-The Hollow by Nora Roberts (4 Stars)
22-Bit the Jackpot by Erin McCarthy (4.5 Stars)
23-Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux (2.5 Stars)
24-At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost (5 Stars)
25-Fling or Wedding Ring by Mira Lyn Kelly (2.5 Stars)
26-Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris (4 Stars)
27-The Bride and The Beast by Teresa Medeiros (4.5 Stars)
28-A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole (5 Stars)
29-Destined For An Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost (5 Stars)
30-Dead Sexy by Kimberly Raye (3 Stars)
31-Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner (4 Stars)
32-If you Deceive by Kresley Cole (5 Stars)
33-Dark Celebration by Christine Feehan (2 Stars)
34-Irresistible by Susan Mallery (4.5 Stars)
35-Second Sight by Amanda Quick (4 Stars)
36-Crossroads by Keta Diablo--novella (2 Stars)
37-Crossroads Revisited by Keta Diablo--novella (3 Stars)
38-Seeing You by Dakota Flint--novella (4 Stars)
39-McKettrick's Luck by Linda Lael Miller (3 Stars)
40-The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine(4 Stars)
41-Mackenzies Mountain by Linda Howard (4.5 Stars)
42-The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands (4 Stars)
43-Imitation in Death by JD Robb (4 Stars)
44-Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (5 Stars)
45-White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz (4 stars)
46-Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich (4 stars)
47-Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich (3 Stars)
48-Once and Always by Judith McNaught (4 Stars)
49-Street Game by Christine Feehan (3 Stars)
50-The Bewitched Viking by Sandra Hill (2 Stars)
51-Causing Havoc by Lori Foster (4.5 Stars)
52-Deadly Gamble by Linda Lael Miller (4 Stars)
53-The Warrior by Kinley Macgregor (2.5 Stars)
54-Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (4.5 Stars)
55-Born to Bite by Lynsay Sands (4 Stars)

56-Sizzling by Julie Garwood (3.5 Stars)
57-Forbidden by Suzanne Brockmann (5 Stars)
58-Visions of White by Nora Roberts (3.5 Stars)
59-Prince Charming, M.D. by Susan Mallery (3.5 Stars)
60-Sleepless in Scotland by Karen Hawkins (4 Stars)
61-Match Me if You Can by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (5 Stars)

Out of the Dark by Sharon Sala

2010-11-28T23:29:00.001-06:00

Synopsis courtesy of Shelfari....

In the darkness of her memory terror lurks Street artist Jade remembers little of her childhood except for the time she spent under the ruthless control of a cult leader, a time marked by terrible abuse and suffering. For fifteen years since she escaped his grasp, she has survived by living on the streets and never putting down roots. Ex-cop Luke Kelly knows his friend Sam Cochrane wants nothing more to find his daughter, Jade, who was taken from him as a child. So Luke uses all his connections to make that happen, not knowing that by reuniting Jade with her father he is exposing her to a deadly peril. In the healing embrace of her father's home, Jade -- with Luke's loving help -- begins to put fear behind her. But somewhere in the darkness, a man is prepared to kill rather than let Jade reveal the secrets of her childhood. And when her story makes the national news, that someone finally knows where to find her.

My thoughts....

This was my first book read by this author and it was good for the most part. Quite a bit of faith in God thrown in....not completely preachy but more than I care for. After awhile it kind of felt like product placement....think I'm going to H.E double hockey sticks for comparing God to Chex Mix? Anyway, the last 100 pages seemed to drag and I thought as traumatized as Jade was, I felt that her couple months of therapy that turned her into a woman emotionally available for a full on relationship with a man seemed abrupt and not real. The suspense was drug out even though technically Jade was safe for the last hundred pages or so making the story feel longer than it really was. I felt, however, that the situations within the book (the childhood physical and sexual abuse and the emotions that came with it....up until the last part of the book) were spot on and Sala did a great job of convincing me of Jade's plight. I was as emotional as Jade was through much of the book. Overall, as I said, a good book. 3.5 Stars. I will read more of Sharon Sala in the future....at least to get a better feel of her writing.

The Sherbrooke Bride by Catherine Coulter

2010-11-28T23:08:00.000-06:00

Douglas Sherbrooke, Earl of Northcliffe, decides that he needs an heir, so quite nonchalantly he thinks about his choices and then chooses the beautiful Melissande Chambers to bestow this privilege on. Unfortunately as he is planning his trip to do the deed he gets called off on a secret mission for the government and sends his cousin Tony to marry Melissande by proxy for him. When he arrives back to his home expecting the diamond, Melissande, he finds her younger sister instead. Tony, married Melissande for himself and to "fix" it he married Alexandra by proxy to Douglas.

My thoughts.....

Honestly I have heard for years that Coulter was an exceptional writer and The Sherbrooke Bride is a great read. I feel lied to. I hated it. After reading the other reviews on this book (most are right around 4 stars) I am wondering if maybe it is just me.

Douglas is pretty ticked off that instead of finding the beautiful woman he expects to come home to he is married to her younger sister that although handsom (Alex said she was quite handsom when listing her attributes to Douglas) she appears dowdy when standing next to Melissande...of course...according to the author....everyone does. So, what does Douglas do? Just figure that he didn't really know any of the girls that well and only wanted a brood mare anyway to give him an heir and anyone would do? Get mad and simply annull the marriage? Nope he treats Alex horrid. Seriously, horrid.

He ridicules her clothes. Saying things like, "That is such an unfashionable dress I doubt it was ever in fashion. I suppose you intend to wheedle me out of a new wardrobe?"

He ridicules her hair. "You will not pleat your hair like that. I don't like it. You look like a little girl."

He ridicules her feelings for him.....I still don't understand how she could have any tender feelings for the man who treats her so awful.

He often tells her that she will NOT ask questions. She will DO as he says and OBEY him. Often telling her that she will respond that yes "She understands" even if she doesn't.

He often referenced to his wife while thinking of her as "the little twit".

Alexandra's own thoughts were just as belittling. When thinking of her sister and herself she knows that Melissande is a diamond and she, Alex, certainly isn't a diamond but perhaps she could be a Topaz. A Topaz is, after all, a quite suitable and a nice gem.

I think that the love scenes (I use the phrase loosely) were the worse to listen to (yes I listened to it on audio without skimming most of it had I done if I had an actual paper version). The love scenes (cough cough) were all about him telling her, quite clinically what he would do to her and that she would enjoy it. The first one was the most painful...granted they all were bad but the first one is like that first plunge into the swimming pool you never know quite what to prepare for and let's just say that the very first love scene will stay with me for a long time....like chicken pox scars.

Douglas did a lot of talking.....a LOT!!! I don't remember much of it thank goodness as I tried to block it but what I do remember is that Douglas doesn't find his wife remotely attractive and can't figure out why he loses control when he has sex with her as he is ALWAYS in control. So even though his wife is not stunning in beauty it must still be her fault he ruts her like a school boy's first outing.

Oh and at one point they were talking about if he found her lovely and irrisistable (I am paraphrasing by the way) to which he replied...."Well, No. But you have nice breasts." What a pig!

And what does Alex do while her husband treats her like this???? Why...... she declares her love for him.

One reviewer said that they fell in love with Douglas and mentioned he was the first "Alpha" male that they read. To me there is a big difference between an Alpha male and a jerkwad. Douglas is a jerkwad....perhaps even more of an asshat. Jerkwad is too mild of a word.

I was going to give this book a flat out 1 star rating (I never give less than that because that is the lowest my rating scale goes...although a half star would make sense too if I really was going to think about it...but I'm not at this point) oh, anyway, it fully deserved 1 star up until the last 80 or so pages (I'm guessing by the way since I listened to it and honestly don't know). The last 1/5 of the book picked up and had some sort of a twist that was mildly interesting and made me see Alex and Douglas as actual characters and not horrible plotting mistakes. Unfortunately it only elevated the book half a star...too little too late.

Oh, and there was a ghost in the book called The Virgin Bride. Almost pointless to have had it in the storyline...I suppose it was to give the book an added depth and shake things up a bit but it was a big FAIL....really.

Now I'm kind of in a dilemma...I own 38 more of her books. I'm scared to even pick another up.

The Original TBR Challenge Update

2010-11-28T22:42:00.001-06:00

So, it's almost the end of November of 2010 and I have just a few short weeks to try to finish up all my reading challenges. Over the last year I did really well meeting my goals. One of those goals was to do the TBR Challenge which had a list of 12 books preselected prior to January1, 2010. We could also chose books from an alternate list of 12 preselected books to add to the variety. I have read a total of 14 of those books. Not sure how many more I will get done by the end of the year.

Here is a look at my lists....

List 1

~~1-Imitation in Death by JD Robb (4 Stars)~~

~~2-The Hollow by Nora Roberts (4 Stars)~~

~~3-Mackenzie's Mountain by Linda Howard (4.5 Stars)~~

4-Blood Bound by Patricia Biggs

~~5-Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner (4 Stars)~~

~~6-The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine (4 Stars)~~

~~7-Unleash The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon (4.5 stars)~~

8-Darkling by Yasmine Galenorn

~~9-A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole (5 Stars)~~

10-She's No Faerie Princess by Christine Warren

~~11-Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux (2.5 Stars)~~

~~12-Dangerous Tides by Christine Feehan (4.5 Stars)~~

Alternate List

1-The Nerd Who Loved Me by Vicki Lewis Thompson

2-Your Coffin Or Mine? by Kimber Raye

~~3-Causing Havoc by Lori Foster (4.5 stars)~~

~~4-Dark Celebration by Christine Feehan (2 Stars)~~

~~5-Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (5 Stars)~~

~~6-Master of the Night by Angela Knight (2 stars)~~

7-Tangled up In You by Rachel Gibson

~~8-Irresistable by Susan Mallery (4.5 Stars)~~

9-Evermore by Lynn Viehl

10-Twin of Ice by Jude Deveraux

11-Wild Jinx by Sandra Hill

12-With This Ring by Amanda Quick

I got pretty lazy with posting reviews so not all the books have reviews for them unfortunately.

Huntress an anthology

2010-09-02T23:27:00.002-05:00

A brief Synopsis....
It takes a real man to satisfy the powers and passions of the HUNTRESS

Christine Warren -- "Devil's Bargain"
Supernatural bounty hunter Lilli Corbin made a pact with the Prince of Hell: She agreed to recover a book of prophecies. When she learns it could trigger the apocalypse, Lilli is forced to make the ultimate choice: save her soul, or the man she loves?

Marjorie M. Liu -- "The Robber Bride"
Welcome to a post-apocalyptic world where women are fed on for their life forces. Now it's up to Maggie, one of the last female survivors, to hunt down and destroy an army of darkness….

Caitlin Kittredge -- "Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go"
Ava is a demon slayer who needs help from mage Jack Winter to reach the demon underworld -- a place of dark seduction …and, maybe, one of no return.

Jenna Maclaine -- "Sin Slayer"
London 1889. Jack the Ripper is killing off the city's vampire population, and now it's up to Cin Craven to hunt him down —and save the infected Michael, the love of her undead life.

My Thoughts.....
The first story was written by Christine Warren. I have read one of the Others books by this author and thought it was ok but nothing to jump head first into the rest of the series. This is not part of that series but when starting a short story you never know if you are going to end up reading story 17 out of a series you have never read and have no idea what it's about. Anyway, this was about a demon bounty hunter who found herself having to pay one of the lesser devil's of hell back for a favor by performing 3 tasks for him payable when the mood strikes him. This will be the last of the 3 favors and she can't wait to get out from this contract. By doing this favor she ends up puting the balance of good and evil out of whack and possibly introducing armegeddon. So she hooks up with the hero who is hoping that between the two they can prevent this from happening. Interesting enough storyline what I didn't like was that the sexual chemistry between the h/h was off the charts so in a few short pages they almost did the deed and then actually did do it a little later. I know that this is a common enough occurance that I knew to expect it. What I didn't expect was the feelings of love after only knowing each other for 8 hours. I hate this type of romance story line. Towards the end the love was changed to "feelings" and then with the characters seeing where it led them but it still smacked of Love at First Errection...I mean Sight. 3.5 stars.

Second story was called The Robber Bride by Marjorie M Liu. I loved this one. The entire story was intriguing. Totally not a typical Vampire paranormal it has a dystopian theme to it and the reader is reading along trying to figure out just what are those bad guys. The storyline doesn't neccesarily have an ending. Actually there is an ending for this story just not a HEA one for the characters...more like a stay tuned for the further adventures of Maggie and Mr Crow. One of the most unique and interesting short stories I have ever read. Total 5 stars.

The third was by Caitlin Kittredge and by far my least favorite. I would say I would give it 2 stars tops. I hated the characters. There was no clear cut and dry good guy/bad guy. The good guy was a jerk-off and the good gal was a manipulator. They were better than the bad bad people but it was hard to cheer for a specific side. This story is part of her Black London books and I can't figure out where it takes place within that series. Not that it matters because I will not read them. Jack Winter is an ass. Also, I am an american but read books set all over and have to admit that this is the first time that an author used so much "non-american" slang that I wasn't familiar with that it really destracted me from the story. I could have benefited with a glossary had there been one in the back of the book.

The last story was part of Jenna Maclaine's Cin Craven books. I love Cin. I love Michael. I love Cin and Michael. I have read the first two books in the series and this short story falls between that 2nd book and the 3rd I haven't read yet. A great addition to the series and didn't suffer from lack of pages. The story felt full and complete. I would recommend that if you read this one you have already read the other 2 full books and the other short story found in Stange Brew though. Because they fall in chronological order with decades passing between each story I think this is important. 4.5 stars only because it is part of an ongoing series that I feel should be read in order. Totally recommend them though. Especially if you like the Cat and Bones books by Jeaniene Frost.

As a complete book I would give this one 4 stars. If it hadn't been for the Kittredge story this would have been an excellent anthology.

Wild Fling or Wedding Ring? by Mira Lyn Kelly

2010-08-11T23:15:00.002-05:00

Description:
On her first night in Chicago, Cali McGovern meets seriously sexy surgeon Jake Tyler. Since she's still sore after her last relationship, her head's yelling Run —but her body's screaming for his touch…. For the first time ever, her head gets overruled! Jake isn't looking for a wife—been there, done that. But his hot new neighbor is in town just long enough for a wild fling…perfect! Yet when the time's up, he can't say goodbye. Is that just because of their sizzling chemistry—or something a whole lot scarier?

My thoughts:
I haven't read a Harlequin Presents in, oh, about 20 years and have to say that I probably went into this with not quite the open mind that I should have. I remember the Presents from back in the day, where the women were poor working their fingers to the bone virgins and the men were players with lots of money. They all really started sounding familiar book after book after book.

Anyway, I struggled through the first 10 pages for 2 days. This book should have only taken me 2 hours tops to read and it sat on my headboard taunting me for 48 hours. Within the first 10 pages I had not only one instance where my anal retentive ways sounded it's alarm and wouldn't let me continue on but then there were two. Most people probably wouldn't pick a statement apart and make it literal. I do.

Here is my example.....In the jazz club where Cali and Jake just happened to meet and spend an interesting couple of hours chatting and laughing away, Jake receives a phone call that he takes down the hallway. For a busy heart surgeon this is probably pretty common. Cali, completely gun shy decides it is time to head to the restroom then make a break for it. As Jake comes back down the hall, Cali comes out of the restroom and runs smack into Jake. This is where it got wonky on me. Wonky because instead of a shoulder bump of an encounter or even a body check where Cali unfortunately bounces back into the restroom the author elaborates to say that their legs tangled. Does that ever happen? I had visions of Cali jumping out of the restroom in full on flying bicycle kick.

Second example.....when Cali and Jake kissed (right around the leg tangling) she shuddered. In Mira Lyn Kelly's mind a shudder is an example of passion. In my mind a shudder is another way of saying "Ewwww. This isn't going to work for me, dude. I swallowed a little bit of my own vomit when attempting to snog you."

Not everyone would ever think these things were wonky with the book. I know, I'm anal. But now I bet you will think about it if you do read this book.

Once I ignored the issues I had with the first part of the book it did get better. I really liked Jake. Cali was just so-so but not unlikable. I liked the conflict that both of them had with themselves. Jake just didn't want commitment and Cali didn't want to risk her job. Oh did I mention that Cali's boss knows Jake and actually refers to him as "her Jackson"? I liked that when Cali explained her past experience with Jake the author could have kept it simple and standard that the evil ex used and then threw Cali away leaving her destitute, jobless, and alone but she didn't. Yes Cali's ex was a jerk-off but Cali was woman enough to admit that even though the ex was an ass it was her that allowed it to happen. I liked that. To tell the truth I was expecting to read the first version and was pleasantly surprised when it didn't happen.

I do wish that Cali's boss would have been a little more involved with the whole Jake and Cali thing. At least to give some closure. Her blessing or even the opposite. Personally if my star employee started dating "my Jackson" I would have something to say about it.

Overall this really was an OK book. It is the author's first and it does show but with time and experience she could really polish up her writing and start putting out really good books.I am giving this book 2.5 Stars and would say that if you were going to read it find it used or borrow it. I got my copy from Tellharlequin.com free for my opinion on it.

On a side note if you noticed there are two covers of this book mine actually didn't come with a picture on the cover at all. Just a plain white book with black lettering. Still not sure why unless these are Harlequin's ARCs. The white one is the Harlequin Presents American cover and the blue one is the Mills & Boon copy from the UK. I really like the blue book better. I think it makes Jake look super hot. The White one is actually a little closer to Cali's description as she has lots of curly hair. Unfortunately, neither one got the color right. Cali actually was described as having ginger and dark cherry hair....which doesn't sound blonde to me.

What am I reading Today?

2010-08-07T02:07:00.001-05:00

I do have a review to post of the book I finished earlier this week but to tell the truth I am just plain lazy to put forth that much effort right now. So I decided to tell y'all what I am reading now.

I never have just one book going at any given time. I don't even have just two. I often have multiple books with fancy books marks or random pieces of paper marking my various stages of completion scattered around my dwelling (or car, or work). I never know why I have multiple books started. Many of them are super good books, some are just *meh* and others are just terrible (those will get finished just not anytime soon). So without getting into the psychology of why in the heck I would have so many books going on at once why don't I just tell you what it is that I am currently reading???

Love Cat and Bones. I'm about half way through with this and love it love it love it. I don't know why I am online when I could be reading this book!

Tellharlequin.com sent this one to me (along with another) to review. I haven't read a Presents in about 20 years. I am only 1 chapter into it so I am not far enough to have any judgement as of yet.

It has been literally years since I read the first book in this series. An interesting paranormal mystery series though. Not sure why more people aren't talking about these Harper Connelly books. I am about half way through it and am liking it quite a bit.

Not my typical reading material but someone had reviewed it and it sounded really good. I am not that far into the book but the little bit I have read I have to say it sure is funny!

Love Marjorie M Liu's Dirk and Steele books. I just started this one so I don't have much of an opinion yet.

Blog Hopping Time!!!!

2010-08-07T00:29:00.001-05:00

Jennifer over at Crazy For Books hosts this awesome weekly event where we provide a link to our book blogs and post it on her site making it super easy to get our blogs out there and help us find some terrific blogs too. Hop on over and check out the rules and sign up!

Question of the week is....

Do you listen to music when you read? If so, what are your favorite reading tunes?

My answer is: Nope, very rarely. I tend to tune everything out while I am reading. Sometimes it is harder than other times. I don't like to add any other distractions to the background that I would just tune out anyway. Now in all honestly I love music. I usually have it going all the time but find that when I am reading and trying to listen to my favorite tunes I end up singing along with the music and not absorb what I am reading. I hate when I have to go back and read a paragraph over again because I wasn't paying attention.

Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux

2010-08-05T22:57:00.003-05:00

Book Description....

It was her father's dying wish that Samantha Elliot search for her grandmother, who'd disappeared from Louisville when she was a baby. So here she was, in big, dirty New York City...her parents were dead, her divorce was final, and she was all alone....

Michael Taggert was Samantha's landlord, and he was easily the most beautiful man she'd ever seen. He was charming, too -- his zest for life was so contagious that in his presence Sam bloomed like a flower after the rain. Yet Mike could only get so far with her -- when he tried to get closer, it was like running into a brick wall.

But Mike wouldn't give up. As they probed her grandmother's past, he was slowly uncovering the joy and affection Samantha had buried long ago -- and leading them closer to the dangerous truth about a bloody spring night in 1928, and a seductive blues singer named Maxie....

My Thoughts......

I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't. I didn't like Samantha. Deveraux tried to make her such a complex character that when it all came down to it the reasoning behind her attitude towards Michael it was a bit of a let down. I wont get into the specifics but Samantha is not a strong female lead. Over the years my tastes in romance have matured to a point that I need a kick ass woman, one that takes the crap that life can throw at her and kick it in the balls. Samantha is not this woman. After losing her mother and her grandfather she took care of her father while still a young girl. When she became an adult she married and then took care of her husband. When her marriage failed she went back to her father only to find he was dying. Once he was gone, to fullfill his will she had to move to New York and live in the apartment her father set up for one year while looking for her long lost grandmother. Michael Taggert was the owner of her new apartment.

When faced with these obsticles in life Samantha rolled over and sank into a depression. She also was afraid to walk around the block in her new city. Not exactly sheltered growing up I am still not sure what in her character would terrify her of stepping outside her door. She grew up in Santa Fe. Not a tiny farming town in the middle of the country.

Now for Michael....Never really got a good grip on him. It starts out with Sam meeting Michael while he had been playing football with some buddies and that he was toned and obviously worked out. Later in the book Sam was thinking about how much she loved his body builder's body. To me, a man who works out and in shape is completely different than one who is a body builder. But whatever. The big issue I had with Mike was that he liked Samantha. I couldn't see the connection. I didn't understand him wanted to pursue her. She would let him kiss her then run for the hills. She would spend days ignoring him. She was either hot or cold....mostly cold. I don't even know if it was the puzzle of her psyche that intrigued him.

There are two things in this book that I found very redeeming.

1-The Taggert/Montgomery Clan--They came for a visit to "meet" Samantha because finally Michael was interested in someone. I loved the picnic scene. I liked his whole family. His twin brother Kane was so very interesting by the way. I think I liked him more than I liked Michael.

2-The Mystery of Maxie--Although I was initially confused as to the timeline of her disappearance overall the mystery was intriguing. She disappeared when Sam was a baby but in New York Sam and Mike were investigating what happened when she disappeared in 1928 which would make the entire timeline wonky. It would make Sam 70 odd years old. It really took me forever to figure out that Maxie had indeed disappeared in 1928 when she then met and married Cal, Samantha's Grandfather. Almost 40 years later she disappeared again. So, Sam is trying to find out why she ran away in the late 60s but also trying to find out what happened in 1928. Crystal Clear. Once I figured that out I was really interested in reading about Maxie and her life as a gangster's girl. Super interesting.

Unfortunately these points were not enough to redeem the book for me. If I can't like the characters it is hard for me to enjoy the book. I will have to read Kane's book though....he sounds yummy. My Rating 2.5 Stars.

Help celebrate Reading Angel's 500 follower milestone!

2010-08-03T02:23:00.000-05:00

A Shelfari buddy of mine (Reading Angel) is tickled pink to have reached an awesome milestone of 500 followers. To celebrate she is giving away an awesome prize. This giveaway is open to her US and her international followers too! You do have to be 16 years old though. So, go enter, support her and follow her too. She reviews some of the most incredible books too by the way. Between her and Candace I have increased my TBR by literally hundreds. Angel by the way was the one who suggested the Sin Craven books by Jenna Maclaine. Super Fab books by the way. Eternally grateful for her pimping them.

Blog Hopping Time!!!!

2010-07-30T05:08:00.000-05:00

Jennifer over at Crazy For Books hosts this awesome weekly event starting every Friday. Its a great oportunity to find new blogs and get yours out there. I have found some really terrific blogs while doing this!

In the spirit of the blog I encourage you to skip on over to her blog and sign up.

My Answer for the Question of the Week....

Who is your favorite new-to-you author so far this year?

Robyn Carr definitely.

Robyn's Virgin River series is so fantastic. All of them that I have read have received top ratings. Virgin River is the first in the series and I gave it 4.5 stars back in January. Since then I have read 7 more of the 10 books. My favorite is Shelter Mountain. Anyone who loves that some town community series in romance (very similar to Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove books) will definitely love these books. I haven't recommended them to a person yet who hasn't enjoyed their time in Virgin River.

What's in My Cart?

2010-07-27T04:44:00.000-05:00

I see various blogs offering up slightly different versions of "Mailbox Monday" where they list the books they received in their mailbox (hence the name). I don't get but a couple books a year in the mail but I do purchase many from my local Walmart. I love browsing the book isle at Walmart. I like that the book prices are fairly reasonable. Plus my sister ends up purchasing them for me (of course with my money) because she works there and gets a discount. Every couple of weeks I end up with a handful of newly purchased books and now I have my own meme to showcase them. The beauty of it....I can do this any day of the week...only because I can't think of anything super catchy to make either a rhyme or an alliteration out of What's In My Cart and a day of the week. Oh well.

So without further ado I welcome you to....

(possible change in the future of the pic but for now this is it...)

So, what did find it's way into my cart last trip to Walmart????

Want to win 5 fantastic summer YA reads?

2010-07-27T02:48:00.000-05:00

Lori over at Pure Imagination is hosting a fantabulous giveaway to celebrate so much. She is giving away these great books....

And since she reached over 900 followers (which I now think she is at 1110 even) she added yet another book....

Help her celebrate! Get over there now!

Time for the Blog Hop!!!

2010-07-24T01:54:00.000-05:00

Every Friday Crazy-for-books hosts a great meme to help get our book blog out there for others to find. I have found so many great ones that I honestly spend hours just catching up with them all.

This week we are also talking about what book we are currently reading. I started...

Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson. This is the first book in her Chinook Hockey series and so far it is pretty enjoyable. Here is a synopsis...

Georgeanne Howard, charm school graduate and Southern belle extraordinaire, leaves her fiancé at the altar when she realizes she just can't marry a man old enough to be her grandfather, no matter how rich he is. John Kowalsky unknowingly helps her escape, and only when it's too late does he realize that he's absconded with his boss's bride. At the height of his hockey career, this bad boy isn't looking to be anybody's savior but his own, no matter how beautiful this angel may be. But a long night stretches ahead of them--a night too sultry to resist temptation.

When Georgeanne and John meet again, she is on her way to becoming Seattle's domestic darling and he is past his hell raising days. But he is shocked to learn that their single unforgettable night in paradise produced a daughter, and he is determined to be part of her life. Georgeanne has loved John since the moment she jumped into his little red Corvette seven years ago, but she doesn't want to risk her heart again. Is he really a changed man? And will he risk the wrath of his boss, and one final chance at glory, to prove that this time his love will be everlasting?

Dark Celebration by Christine Feehan

2010-07-24T00:37:00.004-05:00

I cut my paranormal teeth on Christine Feehan's Dark Prince. It forever holds a spot in my heart because of this. I love that book. Over the years I have read every book that came after it with excitement and glee. After a point though I noticed I wasn't enjoying them nearly as much as I did at the beginning. I am honestly not sure if this is because I am growing and maturing as a reader or that the books just aren't or possibly both.

Carpathian Males by nature, are completely Alpha. Expecting their women to cower behind them and stay put because they decree it. In my ripe old age of Thirtysomething I now expect my heroines to be assertive and fully capable of kicking some vampire butt along side their men.

These books are still in the dark ages and all the men still beat their chests and grunt at their women to obey them (with the exception of two women who were not brought up Carpathian the women do listen too...for the most part.) But what I want to know is what is the point of being able to dissolve into mist, shift into an eagle or a wolf, or call down lightening if the XY's in your life won't allow it when it comes to fighting for your people's future.

Anyway, I should probably talk about this book now....

Dark Celebration is the 14th or the 17th book in the series, depending on if you count the 3 novellas published in separate anthologies. It is a full on Carpathian Reunion which sounds super cool unless you are like me and read the last book in 2006 and can't remember all but a handful of the characters. While reading the book I often had to stop and reflect (actually stop and try to remember)who certain characters were.

I read the hardcover edition of the book and there were approximately 300 pages of actual storyline. There were quite a few recipes after the end of the book submitted by Feehan Fans around the world. The recipes were a tie in to the Christmas celebration the Carpathians were having. I didn't really pay much attention to them to tell the truth.

In the book there were so many couples that I had a hard time keeping them straight. Also every couple had sex at least once. I also think that once a couple of them had sex we never heard about them again. It all felt a little gratuitous. Because every couple was engaging in some hot lovin' Feehan made each couple repeat that the other was their lifemate and without their other half they would be lost. After having read all of the books prior to this, I started getting annoyed with the repetitiveness of it all. Granted had I not read any of the books before this one some of it might have been good to know but even then a newbie to the series would have been irritated too.

Problem number one I had with this book....
Way too many characters. Seriously. There were at least 13 couples in addition to 2 couples not yet joined, one family friend, parents of two of the girls, one teenage Carpathian, and at least 10 children. So, I lost count at 44 people in this book.

Problem number two I had with this book....
No resolution to the big bad evil that was stalking our Carpathian women. They were all in very real danger but other than a couple battles that didn't actually take out the big baddie there was no real ending. Also a storyline was started and I have to assume it will continue in the next book Dark Possession and yet another storyline started with a 16 year old and her lifemate that I have to assume will be completed in the future as she is too young at this point to have a credible storyline.

So I honestly have only two really big complaints about this book. But they are doozies. In general Feehan's Carpathian books are all stand alone books because each one is about a different couple. This book, however cannot be enjoyed as a stand alone. Someone not familiar with the series could not fully appreciate it and would be very confused. Heck, I have read all the books and found myself confused.

So, my recommendation is....

Read it if you are already a fan of the series. Get the book from your local library. Unless of course you are like me and collect all her books. When purchasing it you might want to scour your Used Book stores and Thrift Stores looking for it. I honestly don't think it is worth full price.

My rating: 2/5

Update on My TBR Challenge

2010-07-02T22:08:00.008-05:00

This is a year long challenge and before the start of the year we were to choose 12 different books to read for the year. In addition we were able to choose 12 alternatives to give us a little variety for the challenge. It is officially 1/2 way through the year and I thought I would post an update as to where I was for this particular challenge more for my benefit than yours.

The books crossed off are ones that I have read. 10 down. I do plan on reading all 24 books though so I better step it up.

~~1-Imitation in Death by JD Robb (4 Stars)~~
~~2-The Hollows by Nora Roberts~~
~~3-Mackenzie's Mountain by Linda Howard (4.5 Stars)~~
4-Blood Bound by Patricia Biggs
~~5-Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner (4 Stars)~~
~~6-The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine (4 Stars)~~
~~7-Unleash The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon (4.5 stars)~~
8-Darkling by Yasmine Galenorn
~~9-A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole~~
10-She's No Faerie Princess by Christine Warren
~~11-Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux~~
12-Dangerous Tides by Christine Feehan

Alternate List

1-The Nerd Who Loved Me by Vicki Lewis Thompson
2-Your Coffin Or Mine? by Kimber Raye
~~3-Causing Havoc by Lori Foster (4.5 stars)~~
~~4-Dark Celebration by Christine Feehan~~
~~5-Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (5 Stars)~~
~~6-Master of the Night by Angela Knight (2 stars)~~
7-Tangled up In You by Rachel Gibson
~~8-Irresistable by Susan Mallery (4.5 Stars)~~
9-Evermore by Lynn Viehl
10-Twin of Ice by Jude Deveraux
11-Wild Jinx by Sandra Hill
12-With This Ring by Amanda Quick

Wind Warrior a Sneak Peek

2010-06-10T19:59:00.003-05:00

Cynthia Roberts is an up and coming author with her first book Wind Warrior scheduled to be released next week. Originally I was going to spot light her book and then do an interview with her but time has got away from me and I have yet to do that. I would actually prefer to read the book first so I can get a little more idea on her writing style and such but haven't got a copy yet. Again it was my fault. Ms. Roberts was nice enough to offer to send it to me in pdf form but I haven't taken her up on it. I just don't want to sit at my computer reading when I am much more comfortable laying in bed reading. So that leaves my Kindle. Yes I have one. Do I know how to work it? Nope. I do know that you can upload pdfs into it but I have technology issues. I can't even hook up my DVD player let alone working my Kindle.

Anyway, I am planning on reading her book when I can so then I can do an honest review and hopefully an interview with her. She is a super nice lady and her schedule is a little strapped right now too. By the way, she could use some prayers and well wishing thoughts sent her way. Her mom is undergoing a battle against Breast Cancer and will need whatever added support she can get even from a bunch of strange women over the Internet.

So, no book review on Wind Warrior but I do have a book trailer for you. I am interested in seeing how she does an Indian novel suitable for the women of the new century. I loved Indian books back in the day. Cassie Edwards and Janelle Taylor wrote some of my very favorites. If anyone does read it before I do, let me know what you think.....

You can find her at her website Here

Now for the trailer....

Waiting on Wednesday....but on Thursday

2010-05-28T03:21:00.001-05:00

I normally don't participate in this meme since so many times the books you are anxiously waiting for are the same every week, so anyway, I am not going into great detail on who started the meme (I honestly have no clue LOL) but will say the purpose is to spread your giddy anticipation onto someone else about a book you just can't wait for it to get released. Anyway, my "Waiting on Wednesday" book is.....

Wicked Highlander by Donna Grant

A HEART IN CHAINS...
The most reckless and fierce of the MacLeod brothers, Quinn is a prisoner of the god inside him, tormented by his inability to save his family from slaughter. His fury governs him, and day by day he loses himself to the darkness in his soul. But Quinn has a profound yearning for a woman’s love...
A PASSION UNBOUND...

Raised by Druids, the achingly beautiful Marcail is as spellbinding as the ancient magic that surges through her body. To Quinn, she is the most desirable woman he has ever known. But to his enemy Deirdre, she is the perfect bait to lure Quinn into her trap. Once the two lovers are in her wicked grasp, their passion will be put to the ultimate test...

I can't wait for this to come out. I am so fascinated with Quinn (love the name too!) It won't be here until 11/2/10 so we have quite a wait but in the mean time...

Forbidden Highlander just came out and I am totally going to read it soon!

Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant

2010-05-21T14:49:00.000-05:00

Synopsis courtesy of Shelfari....
First in a breathtaking new series, the bold and passionate Lucan MacLeod—one of three brothers cursed by dark magic for eternity—is driven by desire for the one woman he dare not let himself possess… He is magnificently strong—and dangerously seductive. One of the fiercest of his clan, Lucan MacLeod is a legend among warriors, inspiring fear in man and woman alike. For three hundred years, he has locked himself away from the world, hiding the vengeful god imprisoned in his soul. But then, a young lass caught in a raging storm awakens his deepest impulses…and darkest desires. Cara doesn’t believe the rumors about MacLeod castle—until the majestic Highland warrior appears like a fiery vision in the storm, pulling her into his powerful arms, and into his world of magic and Druids. An epic war between good and evil is brewing. And Lucan must battle his all-consuming attraction for Cara—or surrender to the flames of a reckless, impossible love that threatens to destroy them both…

My Thoughts....
I love paranormal books. I love historical romances. Having both in the same book makes Christina a happy girl. Among a sub genre that is filled with vampires and werewolves I love when I read a book that is altogether different. Somewhat similar to Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld....Lucan and his brothers all house a god inside their bodies. Grant does a great job of explaining how and why this all happened. I am not going to go into it because, well, I think you should read the book.

What I liked....The Bothers. Knowing that danger and evil were coming, they felt that Cara should learn to protect herself. Realistically they knew she would not have a chance against others like themselves (men with gods) but there were other creatures that she could defend herself against, so they taught her how to fight. In many other historical romances you find the Alpha male simply stating "I will protect her." Lucan is an Alpha male but it was refreshing to read a book where the men were realistic enough to know that they might be able to protect the women at all times.

Also, we are introduced to additional warriors with gods that I am sure will end up with their own books. One in particular had an intense hatred for Cara based on her ancestors. I found him completely fascinating and even now am not sure if he is a good guy or a bad guy.

What I didn't like... I thought that the connection with Cara and Lucan was not there at first. Sure Grant wrote it that way but I was not a believer until after Cara's training started. That's it. I really have nothing else that struck me not quite right with the book.

Overall, a great read. 4.5 Stars! I am very much looking forward to the next book that is out soon. It is Fallon's story, Lucan's older brother. I can't wait to read it!

I received an Award!

2010-05-20T00:48:00.001-05:00

Sabrina over at Happy Books has passed on to me The Prolific Blogger Award. So I ask you rhetorically, do you suppose since this is my second award to receive by my fellow bloggers, that this particular award means less than the first one, after all, it will always be second and never first? My answer....Um NO! This one totally rocks! It makes me want to type up something super smart here, intelligent, prolific even. But all I got is Elle Woods from Legally Blonde in my head .....
Elle: Oh Warner, do you remember when we spent those four amazing hours in the hot tub together after winter formal?
Warner Huntington III: Uhh, ye... no
Elle: Well this is so much better than that. Excuse me, I have some shopping to do.

So what is a prolific blogger. So glad you asked....

"A prolific blogger is one who is intellectually productive, keeping up an active blog with enjoyable content. After accepting this award, recipients are asked to pass it forward to seven other deserving blogs."

So, there you go. I get my second rockin' award and 7 other bloggers get to be prolific too.

And so I am passing the metaphoric baton...make that the prolific metaphoric baton to.....
Wonderbunny at CookiesBooksBikes
Susan at CrazyCatLadysLibrary
Heather at DarklyReading
Melanie and Heather at HeathersFaveBooks
Lynette at LynettesTwoCents
Yvonne at SocratesBookReviews
Kirthi at The1BookBlog

Teaser Tuesdays

2010-05-18T04:41:00.004-05:00

I need another meme like I need another hole in my head. Really. But it is what it is. Actually, I was editing some book pages over at Shelfari by adding the first sentences for several of my newer purchases and found the first couple in one of them struck my funny and I had to share.

This meme is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading but I found it via several of my favorite blogger's homes in the past. Today The Mindful Musings brought it to my attention. Make sure you check out her blog...her Layout is so adorable it will give you layout envy!

So what is Teaser Tuesday? I'll tell you....

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (I sometimes do a few more than two) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others)!

Share the title & author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser!

That's it! Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy. So which book struck me funny? What lines tickled me silly?

And the lines.....

"There comes a time in every girl's life when she realizes her father isn't perfect.

For me that discovery had come many years ago and recurred with shocking regularity."

So, technically I am not exactly reading this book. I plan to, so I think that counts. But it struck me super funny. This is so my sense of humor. I haven't seen an opening line that made me smile since I saw the first page of Gemma Bruce's "Who Loves Ya, Baby?" (which I bought based only one it's opening lines....haven't read it yet either...but in my defense I do have thousands of books and can't possibly read them all as soon as I get them as I acquire them in droves...never let a book sit lonely...always buy at least two....my daily words of wisdom for you...now back to my original topic.)

This book is classified as a "novel" according to the category on the spine but other sources have called it a paranormal romantic cozy. Whatever you call it, judging by the first two lines it looks good.

Oh and for good measure here is the amazon link to Gemma Bruce's Who Loves Ya, Baby? You can read the first couple of pages.....Who Loves Baby?

One More for My BOLO list....

2010-05-15T01:30:00.002-05:00

I follow a ton of blogs. Once a week or so I try to get all caught up on them and while doing that I found a fabulicious review on a YA book by Sara Shepard called Pretty Little Liars. Lori over at Pure Imagination read this book and reviewed it. It sounds so good that I have officially put it on my Be On-the Look Out list. In addition to an interesting book it is also going to be a show on ABC Family in June. If you click on Lori's link you will see her write up of the review along with information on the upcoming show. I am also putting the YouTube link to the show's video. I am not a big television person (oh, I watch it, but mostly DVD's from Netflix once my favorite shows are available) but I am definitely going to watch this show.

Want an audio book of 9th Judgement?

2010-05-07T21:40:00.002-05:00

**Updated--I re-read my post and it didn't look entirely clear as to where to sign up. So I worked the post around a little and if you click on any of the Socrates book reviews clickable links you should get to the giveaway.**

Yvonne over at Socrates book reviews along with Hatchette books is giving away 3 audio books of James Patterson's newest Women's Murder Club book. How fabulous is that? Y'all might think I'm nuts to enter all these giveaways and post about them and I might be but who doesn't want to win books??? Really!

So, she has a couple restrictions: you must be in either US or Canada and no PO Boxes.

You get extra entries if you post on your blog (its just spreading the love to others who might want to win too!) and/or if you tweet about it.

That's it...easy peasy. Contest ends at midnight EST on May 21st. So head over to Socrates book reviews right now to enter.

Bloggity Blog Hoppity Hop

2010-05-07T20:08:00.000-05:00

Yep, it's that time of week again. Time to head on over to Crazy For Books for the blog hop. I have to tell you that I have met some great people and found some wonderful blogs. The instructions are to add your blog link to the MrLinky with how long you have been blogging and what primarily you read and review. So it should look somthing like this...

Randomness and Reading by Christina (10 months) Mostly romance

That's it. Make sure you visit and follow other's as this is their way to network too. Have fun!

Giveaway...YA book Shade by Jeri Smith Ready

2010-05-07T01:37:00.000-05:00

Lori over at Pure Imagination is giving away a new book called Shade. I have heard the buzz about this book around the blogsphere for a while now and it has been getting rave reviews. I wasn't that interested in it until I saw the book trailer. Watch the trailer then go to her site and sign up for the giveaway! US residents only...sorry.

Second Sight by Amanda Quick

2010-05-07T00:16:00.003-05:00

Synopsis courtesy of fantasticfiction.co.uk....
Financially straitened and on the path to spinsterhood, Venetia Milton thought her stay at the remote, ramshackle Arcane House would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engineer her own ravishment. She was there to photograph the artifacts collected by a highly secretive organization, founded two centuries earlier by an alchemist. And the alchemist's descendant-her employer, Gabriel Jones-has the eyes of a sorcerer.

But despite Venetia's intent to seduce Mr. Jones and move on, she is shattered upon her return home to read in the press of his violent demise. Using the sizable fee Mr. Jones paid her, Venetia establishes a new life, opening a gallery in London. Of course, posing as a respectable widow makes it easier to do business, so-in a private tribute to her lost, only lover-she assumes the identity of "Mrs. Jones."

Her romantic whim, however, will cause unexpected trouble. For one thing, Mr. Jones is about to stride, living and breathing, back into Venetia's life. And the two share more than a passionate memory-indeed, they are bonded by a highly unusual sort of vision, one that goes far beyond Venetia's abilities as a photographer. They also share a terrible threat-for someone has stolen a centuries-old notebook from Arcane House that contains a formula believed to enhance psychic powers of the kind Gabriel and Venetia possess. And the thief wants to know more-even if he must kill the keeper of the Arcane Society's treasures, or the photographer who catalogued them, to obtain such knowledge.

My Thoughts....

This is the 1st book in the Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick crossover Arcane Society series. I have read all the ones by her JAK name and am now working on the rest. After having read one previous AQ book (Lie By Moonlight) and being far from impressed I was hesitant to read more. But as I found I really liked the Arcane Society books I felt that I needed to read all of them and not just the contemporary ones.

Originally I started listening to this on unabridged audio and found that I was not enjoying the reader. I thought that her voice made the heroine sound like an uppity bitch which is a far cry from what Venetia really was. After listening to half of it and finding my opinion of the book was not good I opted to grab the paperback copy I had and finish it off. I should have done this in the beginning really.

Once I started reading it myself I found that I enjoyed the characters much more and Venetia's stubborn stand on independence was acceptable whereas when I listened to it on audio she came across as childish to me. Her siblings (Amelia and Edward) also vastly improved in my eyes. The reader had Edward sounding like a child barely out of nappies (at least that is how I perceived him to be while listening.) Gabriel also came across as more of a hero than an overbearing bully.

Amanda Quick does an excellent job of combining romance and intrigue in this book. The mystery behind who stole the artifact from the Arcane house was compelling even though the reader does have the baddie's identity early on. In addition to the main baddie it appears there are others involved and many people are not exactly who they appear.

As this is a historical romance that has a female lead who supports her family with a photography business we as readers are reminded by character actions and statements that this is an unusual event and once Venetia's "husband" come back from the grave so to speak it is a society "given" that he will take over the business end of her studio. Venetia struggles with this on a personal level even though she knows that this is custom and it grates on her that women are still "lessers" in the eyes of society and men in general. Her way of coping with it is to assure her clients that her husband is a modern thinking man and has no problem with her continuing to run her business as she sees fit. Although this information is rehashed many times throughout the book it doesn't seem repetitive because had this been a piece of non-fiction we would have seen the same struggle from our heroine because of the time it took place. Although the book did not give a specific date it does say it takes place mostly in London during the latter part of Queen Victoria's reign. So my guess is that it takes place almost at the turn of the century somewhere between 1885-1900.

Overall, I would say that this was a pretty good book. I wish I had just read it myself because it might have been even better. I am giving this book 4 stars. I will get the next one in the series also by her Amanda Quick persona called The Third Circle. I am looking forward to it.

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

2010-05-06T01:47:00.000-05:00

Written in Nov. 2008 so please forgive the fact that it is a rather crappy review with very little personal feelings about the book and characters.

My Review
I was a little concerned that this being a YA book the meat of the story would be lacking and not hold my adult attention as well as an adult novel would. I was happy to be completely surprised that this book not only held my attention I didn't want to put it down until I finished ever last word.

Claire is a 16 year old super smart cookie who finds herself at a small college not too far from her home. She did not want to go there but her parents insisted. She ends up going from socially snubbed in high school to being bullied in a dangerous manner. After an incident at her dorm that had her covered in bruises she just knows she has to find something off campus. What she finds is a wonderful house and some pretty great friends. Friends she really needs when she also finds out that Morganville is filled with vampires and unless you have Protection you end up lunch or worse.

Rachel Caine has done an excellent job of writting a book for teens that entertains everyone. Her take on vampires is interesting and wooohooo what a cliff hanger she zaps at the readers at the end. You will find that you not only want to read more about Claire and her 3 friends but you will want to read about them right now. Make sure you have the second one in the wings when you start this first one.

Over all I give this book 4.5 stars.

High Stakes by Erin McCarthy

2010-05-06T01:38:00.000-05:00

I read this book and wrote this short crappy review in November 2008. I'd like to think that after a year and a half my reviews are better (maybe they aren't....yikes...I don't like the thought of that).

When Alexis decides she needs to save her sister from being brainwashed by a rich playboy in Sin City she has no idea what she is getting herself into. Alexis is a busy Lawyer who thinks her sister Brittany is in way over her head with Ethan Carrick. Alexis talks Brittany into going home and letting Alexis take her place as his "bimbo" on his arm because she thinks Brittany is way too sweet and innocent for the job and would just get hurt. What Alexis doesn't realize is that Ethan is the president of the Vampire Nation...making him THE vampire. He needs an edge for his political platform. He feels that if he has a mortal woman at his side he will be viewed as a "nicer" vampire for the election coming up. What he finds is that Alexis is a little stick of dynomite and she thinks he is a whacko.

I have read a couple of Erin McCarthy books and have to say she does lite whimsy fluff so well. Her sense of humor is witty and yet sarcastic enough to make me appreciate her characters to the max. Who else can have their characters call each other pet names such as BallBuster (or BB for short) and Garlic?

I gave this book a rating of 4.5 stars and will definitely read the next in the series

Warrior by Angela Knight

2010-05-06T01:31:00.000-05:00

I read this book and wrote this review back in 12/08. I never got around to posting it on my blog so I am doing so now.

My Review....
Over all I would say this was a decent book but nothing spectacular. Galar is a 24th century Enforcement Agent sent back in time to possibly save Jessica who is a struggling artist. Normally I don't care much for Time travel books or sci-fi but I thought Angela Knight's futuristic world made sense and even though I have not read any other connecting books I was not lost a bit.

What I liked....the speed of which the plot took off and kept going. Seemed like there was always something going on that made me want to continue reading and not put the book down. I also enjoyed several of the secondary characters. I hope they also get their own books.

What I didn't like....typical of Angela Knight's writing there was many blazing hot sex scenes. Normally I like this but it seemed to take over the romance part of the storyline. There was romance but mostly just sex. Also the book is classified as a paranormal romance when it is actually a futuristic romance. To me there is a big difference but this probably wouldn't bother anyone other then me. Another thing is that we learn bits and pieces of Jessica's life before Galar entered it. Not a lot of info but some. We really didn't learn a thing about Galar. We learn he had a relationship with a woman prior to meeting Jessica and what his favorite meal was as a boy but not much else.

As I said, the book is overall enjoyable with some minor flaws that can be overlooked. I think that if you want to try Knight out and don't care for paranormal vampire type books this might be a good option for you. If you do like vampire books I would try some of her books in the Master series (Master of the Moon, Master of Wolves etc.)

I would give this book 3 stars.

The Killing Floor by Lee Child

2010-05-06T01:20:00.001-05:00

I wrote this review back in Dec 2008 and it is totally crappy but I am adding the book synopsis in hopes that it won't suck too much.

Description courtesy of Paperbackswap.com

When Jack Reacher first shows up in Margrave, Georgia, the local cops arrest him for murder. While Jack is still reeling from the obviously false accusation, he finds out that the dead man is his own estranged brother. Then, it seems that anyone else that he's made contact with is also dead. The town-wide conspiracy has Jack running in circles, but with a little help from the new (and not yet corrupted) chief of detectives, and a young female officer who's taken a shine to him, he may be able to figure out just what is going on in this strange town..

My Crappy Review

I found I liked Jack Reacher a lot. I wasn't so sure at first but he has a type of charm that you can't help but like. I kept picturing a young Dolph Lundgren (from Rocky IV) as Reacher. OK, so he killed at least half a dozen men with very little remorse and he did jump into bed with the first available woman he met...I still liked him. I liked that during the investigation the reader was privy to his thinking patterns and his methodology in solving the crime. This thriller was a great intro into Jack's wandering life and I can't wait to read more.

End Crappy Review

I gave the book 4 stars which is not bad but I wish I would have written some notes or something about the book that I could have refreshed my mind with because this review doesn't ring too many bells. Luckily, I do remember some odd scenes from the book but will not include them here because I don't want to spoil the book for anyone else.

The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

2010-05-06T01:11:00.000-05:00

I read and reviewed this book in December of 2008. It's that old. I am posting my complete and original (non-rewritten) review because when looking back I would like to think that my reviews now are quite a bit different and better then they were over a year ago. Since I wrote this I discoverd that Showalter did write a prequel to the series which was released in ebook format only. She did release that story in a omnibus a few days ago called Into The Dark which I can't wait to read.

Written Dec 2008.....
Although a decent start to a new paranormal series I found that I wasn't fully invested in the characters until towards the end of the book. I thought that Ashlyn's psychic ability was extremely interesting and although played a part throughout the book I might have enjoyed the book more had the book been her book with Maddox finding her....if that makes any sense.

Maddox is a cursed immortal who along with his friends thousands of years ago became too self important and released the demon's from Pandora's Box. As punnishment the Gods cast a demon into each immortal to be housed for all eternity. Maddox's own demon is that of Violence. This makes him the most dangerous of all members of the lords of the underworld. Personally I think that Disease is more dangerous but whatever.

One a superficial note I love the cover. Not so keen on the second in the series cover but I can over look it to read it. Which I will read sooner or later. Based on the average rating I might just wait and move some of my paranormals that I KNOW will have a higher star rating ahead of the rest of the series.

Sex, Lies, and Online Dating by Rachel Gibson

2010-05-06T00:59:00.000-05:00

I read this book and wrote a review of it back in March of 2009 but never posted to my blog. Making up for it now.

Lucy is a mystery writer who is doing a little research on her next "victims" in her newest work in progress so she thinks to do a little online dating. While meeting with a handful of internet men named "luvstick" and "bigdaddy182" for the sake of her job she comes across a man who is completely different then the losers she had been sharing her Starbucks lattes with. Of course "hardluvinman" isn't all forthcoming with her either. He is Quinn and undercover homicide detective who is on the case of a serial killer who kills men after meeting them on the internet.

This is my first book by Rachel Gibson and it won't be my last. I very much liked Lucy and her sense of humor. I read a review where the reader was very annoyed with Lucy saying she was TSTL (too stupid to live) so throughout the book I kept looking for signs. Throughout the book Lucy was consistant and her feeling seemed spot on with what I think I would feel had I been in her shoes. Just when I thought that other reader must be mistaken WHAMMO!!!! Not 20 pages left in the book Lucy turned TSTL. So, did I chuck the book across the room in discust? Nope. I read it through til the end and decided that even though Lucy did go dumb on me I still liked her.

I really think that this was a great book. Perhaps not an excellent one but a book that made me want to read on to get to the happily ever after part. It also is making me go find the other books by her because it appears that Lucy's friends also have books too. I gave this book 4 stars and had it not had that groan moment it probably would have been 4.5 stars.

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