Cindy Reads Romance

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2011-08-02T19:21:00.001-04:00

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Yours for the Taking by Robin Kaye

2011-01-17T17:39:00.004-05:00

Rating: 4.5
Snapshot: From author's website

Gina is convinced that he is either gay... or her perfect match

He might be too good to be true...

Ben Walsh should be single. Handsome and wealthy, Ben is equally at home in Idaho where he grew up and in Manhattan where he's now an art dealer. Suave and successful with impeccable taste, he normally has women beating down his door. But the one woman he wants can't be convinced that he's for real...

And she doesn't have the luxury of believing in fairy tales...

Gina Reyez has fought for every bit of her success, and it's about time for things to start going her way. So when Ben makes a proposal that will allow her to take care of her family the way she wants to, she agrees. Besides, a guy this perfect would never be interested in her...right?

By the time Gina figures out that she's read Ben all wrong, their lives have become intertwined, and seriously complicated...

Review:

I absolutely loved this book! Have you ever watched the movie How To Lose a Guy in 10 days? If you haven't you are missing out! Well, this is the book version and Robin Kaye has yet again WOWED me with her writing. She's funny, emotional and delivers great character development. The book starts out with Ben proposing marriage as a business deal to Gina, from Kaye's previous books. I was curious how she could make Gina lovable, because she's a bit rough around the edges. After the initial "business deal" it is quite clear how vulnerable both Ben and Gina really are. Add a cute pup in the mix, along with some nosy family and this book version of one of my favorite movies was a real keeper! I loved Ben going home and having the entire family fall in love with Gina and the time they spent together. This both pushed their characters to really see the other as more that a "business deal" and learn to really appreciate each others abilities. The only problem I had with the book was that the ending seemed a bit abrupt. Keep them coming Ms. Kaye!!!!

November Reading Wrap up!

2010-11-30T19:21:00.004-05:00

I know, it's been almost a year since my last post. I have been super busy, I have studied hard and gotten a couple of licenses that will benefit my job while still working full time and being a mom and wife. Now, I am SO glad that's over with and finally got my book mojo back (although it took weeks!)

Here's what November brought me reading wise:

1. Forbidden Falls by Robyn Carr *** This book took me forever to finish reading, I did not enjoy a pastor as a hero and felt the story moved a bit slow. I am not motivated to read the next book in the series, can anyone tell me if it's better???

2. Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis ***** JILL SHALVIS you are my HERO! I totally credit Ms. Shalvis with getting my book MOJO back. Funny, sexy with just the right amount of emotion in this new series that brings three sisters together.

3. Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis ***** I was on a roll with Ms. Shalvis and thought I better keep on reading my new hero! I loved this sexy and funny (notice the consistency of her???) story that had a great balance of love and healing!

4. To Desire a Devil by Elizabeth Hoyt **** I had high expectations for this one and while I really enjoyed, it did not hit me like her other books and felt the heroine was not as deep as she could have been.

5. Tempt me Tonight by Toni Blake ***** Deeply emotional, reunited lovers and smoking hot lovely small town read!

6. First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh *** This was okay. I had a little bit of an issue with the heroine's continuous self esteem issues. It got old after a while and I think I also didn't like the plain jane story line.

Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale

2010-01-26T10:20:00.000-05:00

Rating: 3.5

Description from author's website: She is, after all, Lady Callista Taillefaire, jilted three times in spite of her fortune and her father’s best efforts to find her a husband. Now her greatest desire is to win the silver cup at the agricultural fair with her gigantic prize bull, Hubert. But when Callie’s only old flame returns from his long and mysterious absence in France, her quiet spinster life turns upside down. Dark-eyed, elegant and a magnet for trouble, Trevelyan d’Augustin has given Callie lessons in more than his language in the past. Her father put a harsh and humiliating end to any dreams of romance with a French émigré scoundrel, however, and Callie never thought to see him again. Swallowing his pride, Trev has finally come home to care for his failing mother, but his secrets and misdeeds follow him. Callie soon remembers that nothing is ever peaceful with Trev around. The enormous Hubert vanishes into thin air, one of her former jilts comes back to woo her in a most determined manner—and her bull takes the town by storm! In the midst of these misadventures, Callie finds herself falling in love again with the worst possible man for her…

My Thoughts: This is my first Kinsale book, I knew she is a romance writing staple, but I had never read a book by her before. This book tells the tale of Callie and Trev, childhood sweeties who are torn apart. In a reunion years later, Callie and Trev reunite in one last romp to try and save his skin, but all those feelings have come back and the "Happy Ending" is not easy to get to with these characters. That's not all!!! Throw in a bull named Hubert, who ever thought you could fall in love with a bull in a book? A man that jilted Callie years earlier, a sister, sister in law, and a sickly mother and Ms. Kinsale tells an entertaining tale.

While I did enjoy this book, and will be checking out her darker books, one thing I didn't enjoy was the fact that I felt like Trev was a mess more than a tortured hero. Thankfully, lovely Callie's personal story had almost a chick lit feel to it, as she conquers feelings and grows as a woman. That was an extremely enjoyable part of the story. Even though she was a quiet, spinster, wallflower, she was such a strong person who you felt grow into her own. Welcome Back Ms. Kinsale!

Book was received as an ARC for review.

Breakfast in Bed by Robin Kaye

2010-01-05T19:31:00.003-05:00

Rating: 4.5

Description from author's website: Rich, the epitome of "anti-domestic," can't cook to save his life, and his idea of cleaning his apartment is to invite his mother over. But he's ready to settle down, and he can't stop thinking about the ex-girlfriend who got away. When he notices that his soon-to-be-married friends cooked and cleaned their way into their women's hearts, he asks his friend Becca to help transform him into a nurturing man to win back his ex.

Rich is the only guy who's taken the time to know Becca for herself. She decides she'll give him the makeover he's asking for, though she'll be damned if she's going to turn him into a domestic god for another woman. She wants Rich for herself, but how can she convince him that her kitchen and her bedroom are the only domestic locales he desires?

My Thoughts: I'm picky when it comes to contemporary books, it's not my preferred genre, but I do enjoy reading them. It's a mood thing. However, Robin Kaye has been a lovely addition to the contemporary genre and after reading all three books in the series, a solid auto buy for me.

Onto Breakfast in Bed... After reading Too Hot to Handle and realizing that Rich and Becca were going to hook up, I couldn't wait to see how Ms. Kaye was going to do it. Becca gives this appearance of who she wants people to think she is, but most don't know. Rich is this guy who is ready to settle down and be taken seriously. Too bad his girlfriend just dumped him! After begging Becca to help him in the domestic department to win back his ex, Rich finds that there is a whole lot more than meets the eye in Becca and falls in love. The road to get there isn't easy. Becca's a hard butt, almost to the extreme. Rich breaks down those barriers and Becca eventually succumbs to love!

This story was a great combination of sweet, emotional, funny and sexy. There was one particular part where Rich discovers some of Becca's old art, which emotionally moves the story forward with the smallest of actions, I just loved it!!!

If you haven't read any of Ms. Kaye's books, you are sure missing out on a fantastic new writer.

ARC copied reviewed.

HHHEEELLLOOO out there!

2009-12-10T22:20:00.004-05:00

Season's Greetings Blogland!

Hello everyone! I've totally neglected reviews and my blog. I've been so busy (and got addicted to Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook), it just seems like my blog is something I can do later, ya know? So below I'm listing what I read in October and November. I'll post a few reviews this month, maybe some flash reviews! It's now the 10th of December and I've only read 40 pages this month, not good! So what are you all reading, what are you looking forward to reading in 2010?

OCTOBER
1. The Earl Claims his Wife by Cathy Maxwell 3.5
2. The Immortal Highlander by KMM 4 (audio)
3. Impetuous by Lori Foster 4
4. Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killon 4
5. Mine till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas 4.5 (audio)
6. Too Hot to Handle by Robin Kaye 4
7. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashely 5
8. Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell 4.5

NOVEMBER
1. Seduce me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas 4.5
2. Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas 5
3. It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn 4 (audio)

When the Book Bubble Bursts

2009-10-02T06:30:00.003-04:00

Book Hype. Book Bubble. Whatever you may call it. You wait, wish for that day to come. It comes and it then... it just doesn't matter! That's what happened with J.R. Ward's Covet. I was so excited for it to come out-- visit with my BDB boys but... nothing. So maybe next week or a month I'll be ready to read it or want to read it. But I didn't go out and buy it or download it on my ereader.

Have you ever had that Book Bubble Burst? If so, for what book???

My September Books

2009-10-01T06:51:00.004-04:00

Good bye September! Here's a quick glance at what I read last month:

FAVORITE BOOK READ THIS MONTH!

1. Drop Dead Gorgeous by Linda Howard (Audiobook)****
Read by Joyce Bean, who read Moning's first three fever books. It was a little hard to get into, and not as funny as To Die For, but Blair is a trip!

2. Causing Havoc by Lori Foster *****
I found Lori Foster... I loved this book and am enjoying the SBC series!

3. The Immortal Highlander by KMM currently listening to
Well I'm still listening to this in October, but it's read by Phil Gigante... sigh!

4. Surrender of a Siren by Tessa Dare ****
Enjoyable new author. Did not like this one as much as Goddess of the Hunt, but a great new voice in historical romance. I'm actually scared to read the last book of the trilogy!

5. Never Love a Lawman by Jo Goodman ***1/2
My first book by Jo Goodman, I enjoyed, but needed more romance and a bit less details.

6. Simon Says by Lori Foster ****1/2
Second book by Lori Foster, still loving her and Simon!

7. Double Play by Jill Shalvis ****1/2
First book by Jill Shalvis! I will need to check out more of her books. Funny, emotional, tension, sexy, she has the whole package goin' on!!!

I think my 12 books a month days are over with. It was hard to get this much reading in!

Simon Says by Lori Foster

2009-09-29T06:52:00.002-04:00

Rating: 4.5

Description: Sexy ex-fighter Simon Evans has the perfect life-until he catches his girlfriend cheating. To work off his rage, he goes back into the ring full-force. But a gutsy and gorgeous P.I. is about to send him reeling with a secret about his family-and one about her heart.

My Thoughts: Ms. Lori Foster, I am now understanding why Roberta calls you her contemporary guilty pleasure! Granted, I only have two books under my belt, but I am planning a whole bunch more. Alpha ripped males, sexy story, a bit of emotion—perfect combo for me and Simon Says was exactly that.

Simon sigh... Shaved head, nice guy and a ripped body. Seriously, what more could you ask for????? Simon busts his soon to be ex cheating on him, and he throws himself back into the ring. While training, he meets Dakota Dream who’s a tomboy and wins his heart over. Cute, entertaining and sexy. This story delivers all that, memorable characters and an SBC world I don’t want to end! I have already ordered Hard to Handle, can’t wait to continue on with the boys!

Surrender of a Siren by Tessa Dare

2009-09-28T06:50:00.004-04:00

Rating: 4

Description: Desperate to escape a loveless marriage and society’s constraints, pampered heiress Sophia Hathaway jilts her groom, packs up her paints and sketchbook, and assumes a new identity, posing as a governess to secure passage on the Aphrodite. She wants a life of her own: unsheltered, unconventional, uninhibited. But it’s one thing to sketch her most wanton fantasies, and quite another to face the dangerously handsome libertine who would steal both her virtue and her gold.

To any well-bred lady, Benedict “Gray” Grayson is trouble in snug-fitting boots. A conscienceless scoundrel who sails the seas for pleasure and profit, Gray lives for conquest–until Sophia’s perception and artistry stir his heart. Suddenly he’ll brave sharks, fire, storm, and sea just to keep her at his side. She’s beautiful, refined, and ripe for seduction. Could this counterfeit governess be a rogue’s redemption? Or will the runaway heiress’s secrets destroy their only chance at love?

My Thoughts: I wasn’t sure, at the beginning of writing this, if this book was a 4 or a 4.5. I am dishing out a 4. While I really enjoyed the book, it didn’t “stick with me” like a 4.5 book should, ya know? I guess, I couldn’t relate to Sophia running away to this extreme, in that time, by herself. I enjoyed all the characters in the book, and a few had great development, Bell’s book comes out tomorrow. I can’t wait to see what Toby has in store for Miss Goodie two shoes! But I loved this high sea adventure!

Gray was a bit broken, but it wasn’t enough to be bitter like he was. He was bad, but he had a heart for every bad thing he did, he was charming and I loved his charisma. Pairing him up with Sophia, perfect!

Ms. Dare is an autobuy for me, if you haven’t read her yet, I would recommend checking her out!

**I am doing a awful job of keeping up with my blog... just wanted to say sorry!

Causing Havoc by Lori Foster

2009-09-09T07:19:00.002-04:00

Rating: 5

Description: Sexy, sculpted extreme fighter Dean "Havoc" Connor has knee-melting good looks-and thick skin. But not from his brutal sport's enclosed rings. Orphaned and torn from his sisters as a boy, he has no family. That is, until he gets a letter revealing how much the once-little girls want him back in Harmony, Kentucky.
To stop his sister from marrying a man as sleazy as he is wealthy, Dean finds himself teaming up with her pretty-but-smart-mouthed friend Eve — who's heard of "Havoc's" reputation and doesn't need some hunk trampling on her heart. Now all Dean has to do is protect his sisters, win Eve over, and expose a devious criminal.
And he thought winning the heavyweight cage fighting belt was hard.

My Thoughts: I have to say I just LOVED reading my first Lori Foster book AND reading about fighters! I felt like I was reading real people, real issues. So what if it was a little predictable?

Dean Havoc Connor goes to his hometown after getting a letter from his long lost sis. He never imagined that the letter would introduce him, for the first time, a family. Oh, and he just happens to meet the love of his life, Eve. How sweet (and sexy) were they together? VERY! I have got to check out her backlist, because I really enjoyed Causing Havoc. I couldn’t wait for the next book to arrive from PBS, so I bought Simon Says, and am reading his story!

Gotta love it when you find a new author! Thank you Lori Foster!!!

Winners of Highland Rebel!!!

2009-09-09T07:14:00.004-04:00

The winners of Judith James' Highland Rebel are:
Randi
etirv

Please email your address to kevin_cindy at verizon.net by Friday 9pm EST!

A big thanks for Judith James for stopping by!

Time Travel Tuesday w/ Judith James & Giveaway!

2009-09-08T06:30:00.003-04:00

Ms. James' new book is out and she's here today!!!!

The Scarlett Pimpernel, Dangerous Liaisons, and Highland Rebel

Hello Cindy. It’s great fun to be here on Time Travel Tuesday. I just hope I’m doing it right! There are two places I’d like to go today. First I’m going to time travel back to a day when I was home sick from school in my parent’s basement and I happened upon a movie that’s become one of my favourites of all time. That would be The Scarlett Pimpernel. I was captivated by the grand adventure, the exciting action sequences and the poignant love story, as well as the irony of the Pimpernel, a much admired hero and master of disguise, hiding in plain sight, even from his wife, as the supercilious, slightly bored, vain and frivolous Sir Percy. Perhaps it was here that I first got the idea of an outwardly jaded aristocrat, who can change his clothes and change his speech and turn himself into a beggar or tinker as he goes about a secret life no one else suspects. I refer of course to Jamie Sinclair, the handsome hero of Highland Rebel, my new book in stores now, who can change from a courtier to a tinker or beggar in a matter of minutes; and Catherine his wife, who suspects there is more to the man that she married, and longs to see him without his mask. I’ve included a montage from that wonderful movie, as well as Sir Percy’s favourite banal poem, and an exciting scene from one of his rescues.

Another favourite movie that was an inspiration for both Highland Rebel and my first book, Broken Wing, was the dark and delicious Dangerous Liaisons.

The blurb for Highland Rebel includes the following line.

“Disguised as beggars, or glittering amongst the courtiers at Whitehall Palace, Catherine and Jamie join forces in an age where treachery and adultery are the fashion, and cynicism, cruelty, and barbed wit the qualities most admired.”

Dangerous Liaisons, based on an exposé thinly disguised as a novel by Pierre Laclos, a military man and courtier, is a scathingly funny, endlessly fascinating and somewhat diabolical work about French courtiers whose greatest prey is each other. It was written around the time Broken Wing takes place, but could apply equally well to the notoriously hedonistic, often cruel, and always witty Stuart courts.

If you love historical adventure with a tender love story at its core and are fascinated by a close up look at the lives of the jaded and wealthy, you’ll love both The Scarlett Pimpernel and Dangerous Liaisons, and I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy Highland Rebel!

Thanks very much to Cindy for hosting me, and to everyone who took the time to stop by. As always I look forward to questions or comments and would like to ask you if there are any movies that you remember that influenced your reading or writing.

Highland Rebel by Judith James, in stores September 1, 2009!
Amidst the upheaval of Cromwell's Britain, Jamie Sinclair's wit and military prowess have served him well. Leading a troop in Scotland, he impetuously marries a captured maiden, saving her from a grim fate.

A Highlands heiress to title and fortune, Catherine Drummond is not the woman Jamie believes her to be. When her people effect her rescue, and he cannot annul the marriage, Jamie goes to recapture his hellcat of a new wife...

In a world where family and creed cannot be trusted, where faith fuels intolerance and war, Catherine and Jamie test the bounds of loyalty, friendship, and trust...

About the Author
Judith James has worked as a legal assistant, trail guide, and counselor. Living in Nova Scotia, her personal journey has taken her to the Arctic and the West Coast. Her writing combines her love of history and adventure with her keen interest in the complexities of human nature and the heart's capacity to heal. For more information about Judith, please visit www.judithjamesauthor.com

Thank you SO much for being here Ms. James. This was great and I have two movies to add to my Netflix Queue! I really enjoyed Highland Rebel, my reviews up here. I am naming you Queen of pulling my heart strings!

Now for the good stuff, I have 2 copies to give away. Leave a comment by 9PM EST, you are in.

Winner!!!

2009-09-04T16:30:00.005-04:00

I used Random.org and the winners are......

tetewa

plain a_m_y

Congrats, please email me your address at kevin_cindy at verizon.net by Monday midnight EST!

I'm looking for more yummy covers from you Ms. Brown!

Guest Post & Giveaway with author Carolyn Brown!

2009-09-03T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hello Cindy. Thank you for having me as a guest on your website today. By your cute little counter I’m seeing that lots of folks stop by your site to find out what is the good, the bad and the sexy in the romance genre for the week! Here’s hoping that they find something in my newest release, Lucky in Love, to fit amongst all three categories.

When I thought being a guest blogger on a site that says “Cindy Reads Romance” I wondered what I could offer. Then it came to me in a flash. Actually I was having a warm cinnamon roll right from the oven and thinking if I’d just discovered a book with a hunky, sexy guy on the front, I’d open it up and read the first couple of pages to see if the story lived up to the cover.

With that in mind, I’m offering an exerpt from the very first of the book. I hope it makes you want to keep reading.

Beau stomped the brakes and jumped off the three wheeler, anger boiling up from some where down deep in his scuffed up cowboy boots. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” He shouted at the skinny, short stranger’s back on the other side of the fence. The fool held the reins of a jet black horse and was looking out across the pasture at several white faced heifers and his prize Angus bull that nobody ever borrowed for free, not even his best friends or his favorite neighbors.

“You idiot. That’s my stud bull you’ve cut this fence and let through.” He continued to rant as he passed through the tangled barbed wire. Jim Torres had hired very few dummies in his life, and when he did, they didn’t last long. This man would be riding his big black horse into the sunset before night fall when Jim found he’d cut the fence and let an Angus bull in with a herd of thorough bred white-faced cattle. If Jim Torres didn’t fire him on the spot then Beau fully well intended to string him up in the nearest oak tree. Considering how little the fellow was he could do it single handedly. The man must have cow chips for brains to deliberately cut a fence and let an Angus bull in with pure bred white face cattle. Either that or Beau had just walked in on the first step of a rustling job in which case the man could look forward to spending a long time behind bars.

Milli heard a commotion behind her and turned to see if Alice Martin or maybe even Buster had come to help. Her grandfather, Jim Torres, was going to have a hissy fit seen only in the front gates of hell if that big Angus critter actually bred one of these cows. Thank goodness the big black bruiser was just eating grass and didn’t seem to be interested in the cows milling around him.

She’d only arrived yesterday to help her grandfather while he was recovering from hip-replacement surgery. A cut fence and a big, mean Angus bull in the pasture wasn’t exactly what she had in mind for her first day’s work.

Milli gasped when she saw the man, yelling at her instead of the bull. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.

“What are you doing here? And why in the hell did you cut the fence and let that stupid Angus bull in with pure breed white faced heifers? Don’t you have any sense at all? Wait ‘til Alice finds out that she’s got a cowhand that don’t know pure breeds from culls. You just as well crawl up on your play pretty back there and go pack your bags, ‘cause Alice Martin is going to fire you by nightfall.”

She pointed toward the three wheeler and shook her finger under his nose, amazed that she could utter a single word to the blonde haired man. Just how in the hell did he get from Louisiana to Oklahoma and why did Alice Martin hire a drunk like him?
© Carolyn Brown, Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2009

Does reading an excerpt make you want to find out why Milli thought he was a drunk? Does it make you wonder why she gasped at seeing him? Would you keep reading?

Lucky in Love—in stores September!
When hunky rancher "Lucky Beau" Luckadeau accuses spitfire Milli Torres of stealing his prize bull, she promptly shoots at him, triggering a feud that only gets resolved when they discover they share a steamy hot memory from a night long ago...

It was a night of passion that has always haunted Lucky. The mysterious beauty he seduced at a cousin's wedding disappeared. He's always been lucky at cards, lucky
with cattle, and lucky with land, but he's never been lucky in love.

Now Milli Torres has come to southern Oklahoma to help out on her grandfather's ranch. A cut fence and a big, mean Angus bull in the pasture are bad enough, but then she looks up and sees Beau Luckadeau. Great God Almighty, how did he get from Louisiana to Ardmore, Oklahoma, and what in the hell is she going to do if he recognizes her?

About the Author
Carolyn Brown is an award-winning author who has published 36 historical and western romance novels for the library market, many of them bestsellers in that market. She was born in Texas and grew up in southern Oklahoma. She and her husband, Charles, a retired English teacher, now make their home in the town of Davis, Oklahoma.
Giveaway:
I have 2 copies of Lucky in Love to give away!!!

Just leave a comment by 9PM EST, and you'll be entered to win.

Thanks Carolyn for visiting today, I think the cover is one of the best of they year!

Highland Rebel by Judith James

2009-09-01T05:45:00.000-04:00

Rating: 4.5

Description: Set in a dangerous time of religious and political upheaval and civil war, HIGHLAND REBEL tells the story of Catherine Drummond and Jamie Sinclair, two proud and lonely outcasts whose struggle for acceptance and survival draws them together in a partnership based on mutual interest that will transform them both. In so doing it transports the reader to Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, the court of King James II, and the coffee houses, backstreets and taverns of seventeenth century London, while chronicling the brief reign of England’s last Stuart king...

Review: WOW. I've got to say, if you are looking for a romance, this book my not satisfy you. If you are looking for a larger than life, powerful story, it will satisfy. Okay, I admit, was a bit nervous reading this book after reading Broken Wing. I loved that book, and well, I had huge expectations for Ms. James. Thankfully, I had no reason to fear! Even though this book was so different, and I still really enjoyed it. I think the people who may not enjoy it, will have that problem.

Okay, let's talk Highland Rebel. While there were some romantic elements in this story, there are more historical. For the most part these story elements were extremely interesting, especially how Ms. James incorporated the main characters with actual historical events. It brought life to history! I was immersed in this era, the political intrigue, the friendship, the adventure, and wanting a happy ending for Jamie and Cat. As for me, I wanted more romance, and I wanted it sooner. Jamie was stubborn for too long, and Cat was waspish for too long! But in the end, it should not have been any other way between these two characters. Highland Rebel is a very different romance book, but one you will want to read.

Meet Jamie Sinclair, who wears multiple masks. Charmer, spy, rogue, he's a chameleon. Sometimes, even he, doesn't know who he is. One knee-jerk reaction, set an entire course for Jamie and Cat (his hellcat). Jamie meets the one person who can see past the mask. With Jamie unable to deal with the emotion of love, will he keep her or set her free?

Ms. James, you are the queen of Pulling My Emotional Heart Strings! Thank you!

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning

2009-08-22T10:13:00.001-04:00

Rating: 5

Description: Go to author’s site for description

Review/Thoughts: Where to begin? Dreamfever is the 4th book in Moning’s Fever Series. If you haven’t read them, they are great. An entire world comes to life. It’s not romance, maybe it’s paranormal chick lit? I don’t know. But I like it! The latest one, as everyone who has read it, perfectly describes that it answers a few questions, but leaves SO much more and the cliffhanger ending!

SPOILERS BEGIN--- BEWARE!!

The cliffhanger ending is WORSE than Faefever, hands down. I have an awful image of where we leave Mac from this book, in Faefever we left her in a physical mess, now we know she survives thanks to Barrons, but now, emotionally you think this could be her ruin. She toughed it out since her arrival in Dublin, but now, this could be something she can’t handle or deal with.

Check out Mandi’s post on Dreamfever and jump in! Here are some thoughts I had and posted in there:

Favorite parts were a happy Barrons and where she starts to remember him and the books. Instead of letting her talk, he kisses her, they do it one more time, and then he touches her face (like from Bloodfever in the car!) it was his good bye to the “bliss” they felt.

ALSO, when Barrons asks Mac how much truth can she take, he shows her the death of the boy, was he opening up to her? Could he not help himself after their time together?

The beast! I really think that the beast is Barrons, who else could it be? Had they ever existed at the same time? Will this be a prophecy that takes place in the last book, her loving him somehow fixes Barrons and the world???

With Ryodan’s behavior in the club, how could he not be a traitor? He had to have known who the beast was and was he trying to eliminate him/Barrons?

And Dani! I think that Dani may be the daughter of Nana’s Kayleigh, since Mac carries the spear, and Dani carries the sword.

I don’t think the LM killed Alina either.

Could Christian still be missing in Shadowfever? And could this be her next series that she already has planned?

Very curious about V’Lane, the shadow, the woman “alarm”, the little boy and oh so much more. Could the Queen, dreamy eyed guy and the princess be more that what we think?

I am not happy with the way that Barrons and Mac parted at the bookstore before she met the LM. Couldn’t there have been a better moment between them????? Although, I think offering her the book store was Barron’s way of saying that loved her, needed her and was planning a future with her so she had to come back. And I think she new it because she was flabbergasted, and hadn’t processed it yet because she’s not ready to know (that she loves him) about herself yet. But after seeing him like that (if it is him), she will have to face it!

I saw that Shadowfever may be 700 pages, I want that confirmed! Next summer seems SO FAR away!

Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran

2009-08-11T07:15:00.002-04:00

Rating:3.5

Description: Silver-tongued Viscount Sanburne is London’s favorite scapegrace. Alas, Lydia Boyce has no interest in being charmed. When his latest escapade exposes a plot to ruin her family, she vows to handle it herself. Certainly she requires no help from a too-handsome dilettante whose main achievement is being scandalous.

But Sanburne’s golden charisma masks a sharper mind and darker history than she realizes. He shocks Lydia by breaking past her prim facade to the woman beneath . . . and the hidden fire no man has ever recognized. But as she follows him into a world of intrigue, she will learn that the greatest danger lies within—in the shadowy, secret motives of his heart.

Review: I don’t know if it was my mood. I don’t know if it was the wonderful memories of reading Duke of Shadows, but Bound by Your Touch did not meet my expectations. I enjoyed the book at times, particularly once Lydia got through to Sanbourne. She had him figured out, and that his game didn’t work with her. You not only got in his head, but you felt the emotions of everything he’d hidden, and the fact he was going to have to throw his game out the window and be real with Lydia. It was fearful, but exhilarating!

My biggest problem, was the first part of the story, it was extremely slow and hard to get into. The second half of the book was much better and I did enjoy the characters, but the lull was too much for me in this one. I am curious to see if I like Written on Your Skin better than this one, I hope I do!

Mailbox Monday

2009-08-10T18:56:00.008-04:00

Mailbox Monday, Florida Style!

I usually forget to do Mailbox Monday, but I have a few minutes and I'm doing a quick post!

I finally got in the mail from PBS!

I got this one from my mom, so technically not a mailbox book.
She loved it so much, and said I had to read it.

I got this from PBS!

Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

2009-08-05T07:06:00.002-04:00

Rating: 4.5

Description: Ever the bold adventuress, Lucy Waltham has decided to go hunting for a husband. But first she needs some target practice. So she turns to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, to hone her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion—one that could send all her plans up in smoke.

Jeremy has an influential title, a vast fortune, and a painful past, full of long-buried secrets. He keeps a safe distance from his own emotions, but to distract Lucy from her reckless scheming, he must give his passions free rein. Their sensual battle of wills is as maddening as it is delicious, but the longer he succeeds in managing the headstrong temptress, the closer Jeremy comes to losing control. When scandal breaks, can he bring himself to abandon Lucy to her ruin? Or will he risk his heart, and claim her for his own?

Review: This debut author shows a bunch of potential for an autobuy in my book! Wild child and tomboy Lucy has it in her mind to catch Toby and get him to marry her. Well, in the end, she marries Jeremy, her brother’s best friend and her nemesis for 8 years. The story is beautiful, emotional, and very sweet. Jeremy is truly tortured, but so is Lucy, and at times she’s not likable. They both have their demons and are insecure. The ending is a true reward for the two! The love scenes between the two a full of emotion, very few authors can make me feel what the h/h are feeling, and move the plot through those scenes. Even a kiss was simply magical!

I don’t want to spoil, but one of my favorite parts- The Letter. Let’s just say that I was reading late at night, and almost woke my husband up laughing so hard in bed!!! I enjoyed the friendship of Lucy and Sophia, her books comes out 8/25 Surrender of the Siren.

This author deserves a spot on your radar, check her out here!

Time Travel Tuesday: Poetry

2009-08-04T05:30:00.001-04:00

In today's Time Travel Tuesday, I'm going someplace very different today. In high school I had to memorize a poem for literature. I think it was for 9th or 10th grade. You were graded on oral presentation of emotion, your interpretation and understanding of the poem. Below was the poem that was assigned to me. I still have it memorized after all these years. It's a sad poem, but beautiful.

Did anyone else have something like that from school that's still with them? (That driving drunk movie is still with me too)

To an Athlete Dying Young
by A. E. Housman

The time you won your town the race
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.

Today, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
And set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away
From fields where glory does not stay,
And early though the laurel grows
It withers quicker than the rose.

Eyes the shady night has shut
Cannot see the record cut,
And silence sounds no worse than cheers
After earth has stopped the ears.

Now you will not swell the rout
Of lads that wore their honours out,
Runners whom renown outran
And the name died before the man.

So set, before its echoes fade,
The fleet foot on the sill of shade,
And hold to the low lintel up
The still-defended challenge-cup.

And round that early-laurelled head
Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,
And find unwithered on its curls
The garland briefer than a girl’s.

Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake

2009-08-03T18:59:00.003-04:00

Rating: 4

Description: The last thing she needs right now is a man . . .

Lindsey Brooks had it all—an awesome job doling out advice to the lovelorn, a fabulous high-rise apartment, and a to-die-for fiancé. But then she got dumped—wearing nothing but a "Kiss the Cook" apron—and desperate to escape, she retreats to a tiny Montana town to reclaim a family treasure. She never dreamed anyone would try to stop her—or that he'd be sexy as sin.

Too bad she finds such a hot one . . .

Rob Colter isn't into relationships—but Lindsey sees Rob as the perfect guy to help her "get back on the horse." The sex horse, that is. Unfortunately, he comes complete with a mysterious past, which gets even more mysterious when she finds his passionate letters to another woman—whose name happens to be tattooed on his chest.

And too bad he has so many secrets . . .

Now Rob's dangerous past is about to catch up with them both. And if that's not horrible enough, Lindsey is falling for him—hard. For a girl who usually has all the answers, Lindsey is up to her neck in trouble.

Review: Upon reading this book, I wanted to own a leopard bra, you just gotta read it. I really enjoyed my second Toni Blake book, she gets the emotional thing while telling a darn good story. This one is Lindsey and Rob’s story. Lindsey gets jilted and decides to drive to try and undo a mistake she made by not accepting her Aunt’s canoe business as a gift. How? Entice Rob to let her buy it. Rob is not having that!

Towards the end of the book a surprise villain comes into play. Had it not been for that, it would have make a 5 review. It just didn’t flow with the story. I LOVE what Toni Blake does to me when reading a book. The emotions, she gets you in real deep with the characters and plot. The passion, will leave you breathless. Now I just need to decide what Toni Blake book I read next!

Mailbox Monday on Wed & More

2009-07-29T07:03:00.009-04:00

I've had the bleh's. I'm feeling a bit better now, I have a bunch of blogging to catch up on. I read To Sir Philip with Love by Julia Quinn, LOVED IT! Borders is having triple points and a 30% off coupon. I bought some kid books and Tessa Dare's new book.

From PBS, I got The Game, a friend said I must read!

From PBS, I got The Outsider. I saw the movie, which was awesome.
Kristie said I had to get the book!

I won this from Anna's contest! Thanks Anna

I'm #2 on the wishlist @ PBS! I can't wait to get this one

I'm #4 on wishlist @ PBS for this one!

Time Travel Tuesday: Music

2009-07-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Today, Steve Miller Band, The Joker. This song released in 1973, even though this song released before I was born, I had hippie parents and was very familiar with the music. It's one of those song that can make the entire bar sing, and a karaoke favorite! Do you know most of the lyrics to this song?

The Outsider

2009-07-22T21:54:00.000-04:00

I have to say THANK YOU KRISTIE J!!!! I put this movie on my Netflix queue a few weeks ago when I saw it on Kristie's side bar as a "Kristie's Most Romantic Movie" and figured I couldn't go wrong with it. Well I watched tonight, and LOVED LOVED LOVED this movie. A quickie description is an Amish widow comes to the rescue to a man who is about to die. This encounter shows kindness to a man that has not been shown much in his life. The best part is how can a plain girl and a bad boy make it work?

As the credits were rolling, I then found out that it was based on romance writer Penelope Williamson's book, The Outsider. Man, Oh Man. If you haven't seen it, YOU SIMPLY MUST. Tim Daly and Naomi Watts are utterly fantastic in this story. Here's the book and book description this movie is based on!

He stumbled into her life one cold, bitter day, almost dead from a bullet in his side. Instinctively, Rachel Yoder reached out to help the stranger, for kindness was in her nature. What she could not know was that this simple act of mercy would forever change her life and challenge her deepest beliefs. Until then, life for Rachel Yoder had been a straight path, however brutal. She had come to Montana with her family and a scattering of other "Plain People," an Amish sect which had fled the corrupting influences that threatened to destroy their simple way of life. In this wild new territory, she had married Ben Yoder, also raised as part of the sect, yet blessed with a passion and a humor that belied his severe upbringing. So when he was killed - hanged by a vigilante posse that falsely accused him of stealing cattle from a neighboring ranch owned by a powerful and ruthless man they called the Baron, abetted by his mysterious wife, Ailsa, and his headstrong half-breed son, Quinten - she felt an emptiness in her heart that she knew would never go away. But then the outsider appeared in her life, and from that moment on, nothing would be the same. Yet despite all the warnings, despite the efforts of her brothers and of Noah Weaver - himself a widower who once had courted her - Rachel invited the outsider into her life, hiring him to work the ranch with her. In her heart, she thought she might change him, but she had not reckoned on the irresistible lure of the gun that he kept ever at the ready. Nor had she reckoned that it was his willingness to use it and his skill at killing that would someday prove her salvation.

Time Travel Tuesday: TV

2009-07-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I'm posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

First, this was my hubby's idea, The Facts of Life. He thought Blair and Jo were HOT. This sitcom ran from 1979 to 1988, I didn't watch it when it first came out, I was too young, but I did watch later and reruns on TBS (I loved that channel).

Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

2009-07-16T05:55:00.003-04:00

Rating: 5

Description: She stood at peril's threshold --
then love beckoned her in…
A prim, well-bred gentlewoman, Sara Fielding is a writer who puts pen to paper to create dreams. But now curiosity is luring her from the shelter of her country cottage into the dangerous world of Derek Craven -- handsome, tough, and tenacious -- and the most exciting man Sara has ever met.
Derek rose from poverty to become the wealthy lord of London's most exclusive gambling house. And now duty demands that he allow Sara Fielding to enter his perilous realm of ever-shifting fortunes -- with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But there is a hidden strength and sensuality to the lady that captivates him beyond his better judgment. And in this world, where danger lurks behind every shadow, even a proper “mouse” can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress -- and a cynical gambler can be shaken to his core by the power of passion and the promise of love.

Review: What a romantic story! I pushed this book up in my tbr pile, because Monroe’s review was so great! I simply loved loved loved this story. Poor Derek, majorly tortured. He was a fixer upper, being born in a sewer and Sara was just the right lady to do the job. She had such a heart of gold, I enjoyed her greatly as a heroine. Both shined brightly and equally. At the beginning of the story, Sara saves Derek’s life, but little does he know, she’s going to change it. She squeezes her way into his life, then out, then back in again. This time, for the long haul, and every word is such a joy to read in this tale.

Ms. Kleypas did an excellent job in the development of the relationship, it felt so real, not rushed and the glasses. How romantic! I loved the moment when Sara figured out what they were. I also loved the ending, it went well above a HEA, it was PERFECT. Derek, with his words, absolutely beautiful. Very few books, when finished, make you pause, sigh and just smile with that 100% satisfaction guaranteed feeling, this book was just that!

Time Travel Tuesday: TV

2009-07-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Burn by Linda Howard

2009-07-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

pic and description from Amazon.com

Rating: 3.5

Description: It’s true what they say: Money changes everything. And in Linda Howard’s red-hot novel Burn, the changes come fast, furious, and filled with the kind of sexy suspense, heart-stopping romance, beautiful people, and risky business guaranteed to give you the most bang for your buck.

Money certainly changes Jenner Redwine’s life when she wins a lottery jackpot. But it also costs her plenty: Her father rips her off and disappears, her fortune-hunting boyfriend soon becomes her ex, and friends-turned-freeloaders give her the cold shoulder when she stops paying for everything.

Flush with new money, Jenner can’t imagine ever finding a place in the world of the wealthy. Seven years later, though, she’s rubbing elbows with the rich, despite the fact she still feels like a party crasher. Luckily she finds an ally–and a guide to the rarefied realm of privilege–in shy, kind-hearted heiress Sydney Hazlett, who quickly becomes Jenner’s confidante and surrogate sister.

When Sydney invites Jenner on a charity cruise aboard a luxury liner, Jenner reluctantly agrees. But while she’s expecting–and dreading–two weeks of masquerade balls, art auctions, and preening glitterati, what she gets is more like a Hitchcock movie than a Love Boat episode. Taken hostage by a menacing stranger, Jenner must cooperate in a mysterious cloak-and-dagger scheme–or else. With nowhere to run, and with Sydney’s life as well as her own at risk, Jenner is drawn into a game of dizzying intrigue and harrowing danger. But as her panic gives way to exhilaration, and fear of her captor turns to fascination, Jenner rediscovers feelings she hasn’t had in years–and realizes she’s found a life worth living. If she survives.

Review: In Linda Howard’s latest book, I felt a bit jipped. Those who’ve read Ms. Howard know you get a darn good, intense story that just bursts with the main couple. Not so with this latest, although the humor was dead on. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it, it was a nice read. But, I’m glad I got from the library.

Jenner wins the lotto, gets screwed over by friends and her dad, and moves away. She gets talked into the cruise by her only friend. This happens in the first maybe 100 of pages and felt way drawn out. She gets kidnapped on the boat, and must listen to the kidnappers and do what they say so her friend doesn’t get hurt. After she’s kidnapped, she is appalled that she found her kidnapper, Cael, hot as hell. It’s after she tries to annoy the heck out of him that she realizes he’s one of the good guys and starts giving into her fantasies about him. Of course he must do his job and save the people and his team on the boat. The ending is not satisfying, and felt a bit rushed.

So yeah, I feel a bit jipped with Ms. Howard’s latest book. Ice comes out in November, and I really hope this one is written more to her style. The last two books have been more of an edgy chick lit, but I liked Death Angel much more.

Borders Coupon Alert!!!!!!!

2009-07-09T05:35:00.004-04:00

It's one of their best coupons ever DRUM ROLL PLEASE....25% off your entire order!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love Borders! Did you know that there are Borders Outlets? Has anyone ever been to one?

What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

2009-07-08T07:48:00.000-04:00

Rating: 4

Description: Rumors and Gossip . . . The lifeblood of London
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something.
Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . .

Review: This book was cute, and fun, but I kept wanting a bit more. Maybe it was they “book hype”, maybe it was me. Harry and Olivia are an adorable couple. Their first encounter makes the brave, outspoken Olivia speechless. Harry walks away with a win, but Olivia has tricks up her sleeve to get him off his game. The goal: who can annoy who the most! The antics, banter and chats from neighborly window to window, make this an enjoyable, sweet read. The prince portion was a bit much, but worked okay. Harry was a wonderful beta hero, and the two connected very well on all levels, after they realize they’ve formed a friendship. That’s probably what I enjoyed best, was their friendship. You really felt each falling for the other!

All in all, cute, enjoyable, and would recommend! I have not read the first book in the series, The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, and did not feel lost!

Time Travel Tuesday: TV

2009-07-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I'm posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

Do you remember Kate and Allie? Well, it was one of those shows, I watched every time I could. Back then, I related much more with the daughters, and eventually appreciated the humor of the friends. The series ran from 1984 to 1989.

Persuasion 2007 VS Persuasion 1995

2009-07-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Both movies are based on the book by Jane Austen, I have now watched both and I had to blog about it!

2007
VS.
1995

Rating:
2007- 5
1995- 3

I previously rated Persuasion 1995 a 4, but after watching Rupert Penry Jones play Captain Wentworth, it dropped to a 3. I felt a connection to the author that penned Pride and Prejudice, that silent longing, internal conflict played out dramatically in the latest version. I did not feel that way in the older version, and also didn't find the actor very handsome. But Oh Boy, does Jones pull it off here. (And yes I kept thinking he could be a Jamie while watching this movie)

As Captain Wentworth, had the whole, broken, bitter love thing goin' on. Anne was a little dramatic, but she now knew she should not have let herself be persuaded by friends and family to reject Captain Wentworth 8 years ago. Now, no one else would matter, after having 8 years of a broken heart, much like Captain Wentworth has had, she's experienced lost love and wants it found again. It seems too much to hope for in her heart.

I felt the "theme" that Jane Austen writes in Persuasion, lost love and being strong in yourself in this version. I did not feel that in the older version, in fact it didn't seem that they were much alike.

So there you have it, newer version wins. Ruper Penry Jones stole the show and made the movie! Very unexpected!

***Thank you to whoever it was the mentioned he starred in this movie, I tried to find where I read it, but was unsuccessful!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T06:41:00.000-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lij/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

Happy 4th of July out there! What a historic day this is for America! I love my country and I'm so glad we have a day to celebrate it.

What are you doing in your neck of the woods? Our streets are lined with little flags. Cookouts are planned, parades and fireworks finish the day!

God Bless those founding fathers and soldiers who have fought for our freedom!

Series Review: Moonlight

2009-07-03T08:30:00.005-04:00

Rating: 4.5

Description (from Amazon.com):Any private eye knows a lot about other people's secrets. L.A. private eye Mick St. John (Alex O'Loughlin) has a secret of his own. He’s a vampire, dwelling in a covert netherworld complicated by friendship with an undead finance honcho (Jason Dohring), memories of the alluring ex- wife (Shannyn Sossamon) who turned him into a vampire, and a relationship with a human (Sophia Myles) he feels drawn to protect – and maybe to love. But no matter how tempting, Mick knows a vampire-human romance is eternally dangerous. This 16-episode, 4-disc set of the series voted the 2008 People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama is a sure entertainment bet for all who like their vampire stories sleek, intense and passionate.

Review: I can not believe this show was canceled. I absolutely, positively LOVED this series. For me, it matched what I would read in a romance novel. The tension between Beth and Mick jumped out from the screen, and Alex O'Loughlin was an amazing tortured hero. He had no choice in the matter in becoming a vampire, and has never been happy with that or really himself. Throw Beth in the mix. He questions why he's the way he is, and how can Beth possibly fit in his life, simple- she can't. Beth is squeezing herself into his life regardless of him liking it, or not.

The battle to watch between the two, is great to watch and grow in the 16 episodes. There's always something Mick is investigating in each episode, Beth's a reporter and her beau (in the beginning) is the D.A. Pretty complicated, right? Yep, it had so much potential! If you like vampires and Alex O'Loughlin, this is so worth the watch!

THE END: For those who did watch the show... Do you think the last 2 minutes were done AFTER they knew it was getting canceled? I do. But, I'm glad they ended the way they did, I was on the edge of my seat for those last 5-10 minutes! That ending, and a few of their kisses and when he was in the desert were very memorable moments in the series for me!

Is it too much to wish for a movie made, pre-Moonlight and have them restart the series? I'm sure it is!

picture from Amazon.com

June Reads

2009-07-02T18:10:00.000-04:00

picture taken by me!

Here are all the books I read in June.

1. One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake 5/5
2. The Dark Highlander by KMM 3.5/5
3. MacKenzie's Mountain by Linda Howard 5/5
4. Hot in Here by Sophie Renwick 4/5
5. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 5/5
6. To Die For by Linda Howard 5/5
7. To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt 5/5
8. Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake 4/5 (actually finished yesterday)

I read some great books, for a laugh, you've got to read Blair's thoughts in To Die For by Linda Howard. She own's a pink hammer and she knows how to use it.

The Dark Highlander was not as good as I had hoped, it would be hard to follow up Kiss of the Highlander.

Outlander... EPIC. You'll fall in love with Jamie.

Elizabeth Hoyt continues to wow me with her books.

Letters to a Secret Lover did not have the umf that One Reckless Summer had. I did enjoy it, but it didn't feel consistent.

I'll be posting on the series Moonlight, which I finished watching last week, it's a must see!

To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt

2009-07-01T07:25:00.002-04:00

Rating:5

Description from author's website: CAN A WOUNDED BEAST . . .
Reclusive Sir Alistair Munroe has hidden in his castle ever since returning from the Colonies, scarred inside and out. But when a mysterious beauty arrives at his door, the passions he's kept suppressed for years begin to awaken.

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST . . .
Running from past mistakes has taken legendary beauty Helen Fitzwilliam from the luxury of the ton to a crumbling Scottish castle . . . and a job as a housekeeper. Yet Helen is determined to start a new life and she won't let dust-or a beast of a man-scare her away.

TO TAME HIS MOST SECRET DESIRES?
Beneath Helen's beautiful façade, Alistair finds a courageous and sensual woman. A woman who doesn't back away from his surliness-or his scars. But just as he begins to believe in true love, Helen's secret past threatens to tear them apart. Now both Beast and Beauty must fight for the one thing neither believed they could ever find--a happy ever after.

Review: Two Loners. Two Outcasts. Two tortured pasts. Can they ever hope for love and a future?

Classic Hoyt! This book embodies all that I love about Elizabeth Hoyt. She writes, sexy, complex, emotional stories, and few authors can ever reach her level. And let me tell you, she just can’t write quick enough for me!

This is the third book in the Four Soldiers series, and now I am dying to read book four, because of WHO the hero is! Anyways, TBAB is about love, redemption, finding peace, but what stole the show was Sir Alistar’s interaction with Helen’s children. Helen’s been “sent” to serve as Sir Alistar’s housekeeper. His castle has decades of dirt, and although it’s a big job for Helen, she must hide herself and the kids. Helen’s overwhelmed and almost runs from the castle, but she doesn’t. She gets a plan together, and it may drive Sir Alistar crazy, but he is already, so it’s okay!

SA’s acceptance and love for the kids grows by leaps and bounds, which makes Helen fall deeper in love with him. This was a fantastic Beauty and the Beast story. Ms. Hoyt tells another exquisite tale. If you haven’t read her yet, YOU MUST put her on your list.

Time Travel Tuesday: Movie

2009-06-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I'm posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

Today... Wax on Wax off! I loved Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio was in all the teen magazines, and he was so dreamy back then! I loved Mr. Miyagi and wanted his Koi Pond. This movie released in 1984, and had 3 movies following, the last one starring Hillary Swank as The Next Karate Kid.

Vacation Part Duex

2009-06-27T10:25:00.001-04:00

Happy Saturday. I just loaded up some more Time Travel Tuesdays, started reading Letters from a Secret Lover by Toni Blake. Also, Elizabeth Hoyt has a free read, check out my sidebar! If you haven't read her yet, now is the time! Still working on reviews!

This was the kiddie pool/playground at the hotel. We spent hours here, the kids made friends from all over the country. This year, it was even better, the little one could handle this by herself!

I love this shot of the kids, it's right behind the hotel.

Our son got his first surfboard!

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

2009-06-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

Rating: 5

Description:Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another...

In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon--when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander"--in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny in soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life ...and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives

My Thoughts: I admit, I've put this book off for a very long time. It's long and dramatic, and I've never been in the "mood" to read it. But, once I started reading, I just couldn't stop. This book absolutely has it all.

We meet Claire and Roger Randall in 1945, Claire's blown into 1743 into the hands of the MacKenzie clan and a James Frasier. What a friendship and love that grows between them, is something few authors can pen, so eloquently, and so emotional. No wonder readers are so drawn to this story. It's written in first person, and you experience these moments, not just read it. I now know why readers fall in love with Jamie Frasier, he is one of a kind. I'm not ready to pick up Dragonfly in Amber, at 950 pages (paperback), I will soon, but I need to savor this story. I know things take a dark turn in the next book, so I'll have to again, be in the "mood" to read it. If you haven't read Outlander, it is a MUST for any romance reader. This is why we read romance.

On another note, Mr. Max Martini won in my Who's Your Jamie Post/Poll! He has the roughness, but maybe a bit sweetness in there!I orignially voted for him, but think that Rupert has more of the sweetness goin' on!

A cute toilet seat, book stuff and vacation pics!

2009-06-25T20:51:00.000-04:00

I'm back from vacation! We went to Cocoa Beach for some Sun, Sand and Surf! Some interesting things happened along the way:

I visited my first Books A Million. I didn't buy any books for myself, but I loaded my niece (14 years old) up with a bunch of books!

I finished Outlander. Be Still My Heart.

I read this in 2 days! I dogeared the heck out of this book with Blair's crazy internal dialogue. It was a book that make you laugh out loud in public, many times!

Non book related, but here I am
A very happy mom with a Mango Margarita!
Almost No makeup, no hair dryer, no hair products for 5 days--
And I didn't care!

I got a new pair of Reefs. These are THE BEST flips ever!

On our way home, we stopped for breakfast and look
what they had for toilet seats! There were real shells
in there. I still used a cover, but isn't it cute?
I was so wishing I left my camera in my purse and I did!

One could say I was a little camera happy! I'll do another post in the next day or two with some beach pictures. I also have reviews I need to post for:

Hot in Here by Sophie Renwick Rating: 4
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon Rating: 5
To Die For by Linda Howard Rating:5
The Dark Highlander by KMM Rating: 3.5

We visited Kennedy Space Center, here are some pics!

Time Travel Tuesday: Music

2009-06-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I'm posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

Today, I'm talking about a favorite song! Mickey! A one hit wonder back in 1982, Toni Basil had me dancing around the living room when MTV played this video. The name of the song was changed to Mickey, after Monkee Micky Dolenz, Ms. Basil had a big crush on him.

Book Stuff, J. R. Ward and Sangria

2009-06-20T10:05:00.000-04:00

My vacation started last night at 4:30 YIPPEE!!!!!!

Borders has a 40% off coupon!

I finally decided on the books to take:
Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake
To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
To Die For by Linda Howard
Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie
and of course my ereader, which is loaded with books! I know I won't read them all, but I had to have a good selection!

Ahh... Sangria... My FAVORITE drink, I'll be drinking this a bit next week and I thought I'd share with you.

Cindy’s Sangria Punch

FRUIT PART
1 lemon
1 lime
1 orange
A few sliced strawberries or other fresh fruit

First, cut up fruit place in bowl with some mango or coconut rum, a spoonful of sugar and stir occasionally. I do this the day before so the fruit are nice and drunk!

DRINK PART
1 1/2 cups coconut or mango rum
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine
1 cup orange juice
A couple of dashes of cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
1. In a pitcher, add rum, wine, and orange juice, make sure they are well chilled. Add sugar and dash of cinnamon and mix well. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours to develop the flavors.
2. When ready to serve, crush the fruit lightly with a wooden spoon and add to the mixture. Adjust sweetness to taste.
3. For punch mixture, 1 part sangria, 1 part Diet Sprite!

Also, I saw this on J.R. Ward's site yesterday, Check out interviews w/ J.R. Ward!

Screening Room - Project Paranormal - Penguin Group (USA)

Who's Your Jamie?????

2009-06-18T17:18:00.001-04:00

I FINALLY started reading Outlander! I've got about 200 pages left, and I really hope to get done soon because I am loving this book!
I want to know, Who's your Jamie????

It looks like a movie will be released in 2011. As I'm reading this, I'm thinking WHO could play this larger than life 6''5" (approx on author's site) Scottish warrior?

A -Aaron Eckhart

B- Max Martini

C- Kevin McKidd

D- Paul Bettany

E- Rupert Penry Jones

I didn't add Gerard Butler, I just couldn't see him as that role, anyone else I need to throw into the mix?

ETA: I JUST FIXED THE POLL-- SORRY!!!

I'm Playing! My current Wallpaper

2009-06-17T13:46:00.006-04:00

Kristie J's wanting to know what's on people's desktop. I think this is a cute idea! I'm the kind of person that doesn't change wallpaper often, even though my shelfari friends out there know I am CONSTANTLY change my avatar. Can't explain it.

So here's what's on the desktop computer, used by all family members. Surfer Dude looking at the sunset.

Why? My husband is a surfer (my son is getting his first board this summer!) Surfing is to hubby as books are to me!

Check out others:
Heather
Anna
Amy
Kristie J

Time Travel Tuesday: Movie

2009-06-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I'm posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

Today, it's the movie Adventures in Babysitting. The movie released in 1987, and starred Elizabeth Shue. I added one of my favorite parts of the movie, Elizabeth Shue runs into a blues bar, and can't leave until she sing's the blues. And boy does she have a lot to sing about! Has anyone else seen this movie?

The little girl in the movie loved comic book character Thor!

One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake

2009-06-11T07:48:00.000-04:00

Rating: 5

Description from author's website: The perfect daughter. The perfect prom queen. The perfect wife. Jenny Tolliver’s been the good girl all her life, and it’s gotten her nowhere. Now that her marriage has been busted up by her cheating ex, she’s decided it’s time to regroup and rediscover herself. This summer she’s headed back to her hometown of Destiny, Ohio, to the very lakeshore cottage where she grew up, to figure out what life holds in store for her next.

She never dreamed the answer would be Mick Brody, Destiny’s #1 hellraiser. He comes from the wrong side of the tracks (or in his case, the lake), and he’s landed in hot water more times than he can count. He’s exactly the kind of guy Jenny’s always kept her distance from … but soon the good girl and the bad boy are caught in a raw heat that’s out of control. Too bad Mick’s got a secret that threatens to tear them apart and ruin Jenny’s perfectly, passionately reckless summer …

Review: If you're looking for a great summer read, look no farther! This book has some elements I love in a romance, one is a connection in their youth. Jenny thinks the bad boy across the lake is hot. Fast forward many years and Jenny comes face to face with bad boy turned hot man when all she wanted to do was see the stars on the other side of the lake. Mick tries to kick her off his side of the lake, instead wild and spontaneous sex happens. This sets up Jenny's desire for One Reckless- wild hot sex- Summer with Mick.

This story isn't just a wild romance, it's about finding yourself, getting through tough times, and standing up for prejudices (Mick being a bad boy, and everyone assuming he's still a bad boy). The emotions in the book were great, I felt sneaky, lusty, and wanted several times to give Jenny a high-five. There's a cute secondary romance, written just as good as Mrs. Susan Elizabeth Phillips! Very few books can capture a summer, this one was dead on! Go out and get this book NOW, you will not be disappointed.

I enjoyed this book so much that I'll be taking Letters to a Secret Lover or The Red Diary with me on vacation! This book kicks of the Destiny Series, I emailed Ms. Blake to see who's book was next and this is what she says:

The next Destiny book will be about Rachel Farris and Mike Romo, two hard-headed people who meet their match in each other.

If you've read the book, you know who Mike Romo is!!! I can't wait! Thanks to the lovely Barbara for letting me know Lacey Alexander and Toni Blake are the same, that's how this book was on my radar!

Time Travel Tuesday: TV

2009-06-09T06:46:00.004-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I'm posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

Today, I'm featuring a show I used to watch, Kids Incorporated. I loved this show, dancing, singing, and some funny acts. It ran from 1983-1994 and you may know some of the famous people that were on this show, like Fergie, Martika and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Did you watch this show? Have a great Tuesday!

Book Purchase and New Series!

2009-06-06T10:34:00.001-04:00

My wonderful hubby got me a Sony ereader Gift Certificate for Mother’s Day. I finally used some of it today. Here’s what I got:

I HAD to get Hot in Here, not only because of the awesome cover, but I've seen so many good reviews, and, well, I just HAD to get it. Click here for book description.

As I was browsing the author's website, she has a new series, Annwyn Chronicles series that starts next year, which I am really looking forward to. If you like Ms. Moonlight's Hunks, then YOU MUST check out her character gallery for the series! If you do, let me know what you think!!!

I'm taking Letters to a Secret Lover with me on vacation, so I wanted to read the prequel!

Book Description from author's website: The daughter of an over-protective father, Millicent Anderson has never been permitted an ounce of freedom – her father has kept her completely sheltered from boys, and even quashed her dream of being a teacher. But when a family trip leads her to tiny Moose Falls, Montana and she catches sight of bad boy Johnny Pickett, her heart flips – and before Millie knows it, she’s breaking all the rules to be near him. In Johnny’s arms, Millie discovers passion, and Millie is just what Johnny needs to heal after war. When Millie’s father tries to separate them by dangling her old dreams before her, however, she’s forced to make a choice: Will she choose the love of her family and the opportunity to build a career – or will she leave everything behind for the hot guy she’s fallen for?

In this short story prequel to Letters to a Secret Lover, travel back to 1957 to experience Millie’s first taste of love, desire, and sex, and see the first glimpses of the adventurous soul inside her.

In the Mail this week I got from Paperbackswap
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
The Legacy by T.J. Bennett
A Kiss at Midnight by Shana Abe

A big thanks to Anna, I won prize #6!

Have a great weekend!

The Inheritance

2009-05-31T12:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I watched The Inheritance, what an AWESOME choice this was!!! Now, it does not compare to Colin Firth's Pride and Prejudice, which is still my #1 favorite, but it does come close to my #2, North and South! I found out about the movie off those Listmania's from Amazon.com. This TV movie is based on a book written by Louisa May Alcott when she was seventeen.

It tells a story of Edith and James. Edith is an orphan, rescued by a man that saved her from going to an orphanage. She grew up in their home and now serves as a companion to his daughter, but, really they are more like sisters. The evil cousin Ida comes to visit as well as a Mr. James Percy who has a broken heart and the girls make fun of as maybe being a bit ugly. Well, he's not! Edith meets this gorgeous man in town, and later finds out, it's James Percy. Struggles with different classes, big secrets, awesome chemistry, and add a splash of woman power, my 6.99 DVD has provided to be a keeper and one that I'll watch soon again. So, if you like period movies, you will definitely like this one!

Check out my North and South review here.
Jane Eyre is up next as soon as I have a free four hours, which may be a while!

Book Purchase and Free Books!!

2009-05-30T07:02:00.004-04:00

I used my Borders Coupon for Ms. Blake's One Reckless Summer. This book is just what I'm looking for!

I also got Lara Adrian's Kiss of Midnight, which starts her Midnight Breed Series. I've heard a little bit about these books, but when I saw it at the Sony store FREE, I was SOLD! I'm also looking for a series to read while waiting for books in the Fever and BDB series!

Did you know the Sony Story has free books???? Check out here for more info. If you already have the ebook program on your computer, you can do a romance search, then sort by price, and I think 5 pages of books show up! I also got some eharlequins! If you have the Kindle, it's also free on Amazon! Have a great weekend!

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

2009-05-28T13:17:00.001-04:00

Rating: 4.5

Description:Caldwell, NY, has long been the battleground for the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It’s also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and notorious nightclub that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he’s approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King, and leader of the Brotherhood. Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood, even though his sister is married to a member. Because he’s a sympath, his identity is a deadly secret- the revelation of which will result in his banishment to a colony for sociopaths. And as plots within and outside the Brotherhood take their toll against Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in a darkening world- Elhena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him- and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

My Thoughts: Oh, I loved it, and felt like Ms. Ward is going back to her roots with Lover Avenged!!! Although, the main characters, aren't really the only main characters. I'm very okay with that. It was great to see Wrath and Beth, and their story. I don't like where JM has gone, but if JRW didn't put him there, how would he be able to redeem himself? Rehv and Ehlena were much better a couple than Phury and Cormia, Thank the Scribe Virgin. I really want to see Xhex and JM have their HEA, but what a huge obstacle it will be, and doesn't JRW do them well?

So glad to see Tohr come back to life, and I don't know what it is about Quinn, but I like him, mucho! And the ending, what a HUGE cliffhanger. I kinda knew what was coming, but man... a whole year to wait and see what happens? I just loved Lassiter, he fit in great with the brothers!

I read in a forum that Ms. Ward's format has evolved into a story, a postquil and a prequil. That's a perfect summary for this BDB world she's created. What do you think?

I don't even think I could have reviewed this book, just wanted to share my thoughts!

Future of the Series: You must highlight below, but BEWARE!!!
Butch and Manny may be related
Manny and Payne will hook up
Payne MAY BE the first female brother
Rehv continues to rule the Sympaths
Saxton and Blay hookup
Muhrder comes back in Lover Mine, mad sexy AND has an effect on the outcome of LM
Darius/JM comes full force in LM
Manny and Payne are in LM
Plots for Mary and Rhage AND Z and Bella are coming
Lash finds his weakness in LM
Rehv is terrified to have children
The series was slated for 10 books, but is open ended now

All of the info above was found in JR Ward Forum. Some from the Lover Avenged Chat Transcripts or FAQ's. You'll need to be a registered user to view.

Need even more BDB?
Check out Romance Novel TV for a quick interview
Check out Ward's homepage for another quick interview (click play in the upper right hand corner)
Check out VFG's blog- she had a BDB week in April which was Fantastic!
Check out Ms. Moonlight's If It Were a Movie Post!

Time Travel Tuesday: Toy

2009-05-26T06:00:00.002-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I figured I'd start a Tuesday posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

I'm talking toys today. A Slinky... A slinky... who has not owned one of these? It's a staple for a kid! Give 'em stairs and a slinky and tons of fun will come! I used to have races with my sister, but what a mess when would get tangled!

It was developed in the 1940's by a naval engineer. It sold in 1945, selling out all 400 slinkies in 90 minutes. Check out the commercial from the 1960's! When I bought these for my kids, it was great to see a toy that hadn't changed one bit!

Night at the Museum 2

2009-05-23T16:53:00.003-04:00

We went to see Night at the Museum 2 today. It was a very cute movie, in fact, I liked it much better than the first one! In the movie, we see Abe Lincoln, Bobble-head Einsteins, Darth Vader, Al Capone and much more. Although it dragged in the beginning, just a little, it was a great way to spend some family time this weekend! We planned on seeing Star Trek, but I was outnumbered by a bunch of 12 year old boys!

Rating: 4

I hope to see Wolverine on Monday! What about you guys? Planning to see any movies this weekend?

Borders 40% Coupon

2009-05-22T17:15:00.002-04:00

For a 40% Borders Coupon, Click here. I have no clue what I'll get, but it's too good not to use!

Audible.com & Me and some other Stuff!

2009-05-21T18:02:00.007-04:00

So, my company had this deal with Audible.com that if you joined, you got 2 free audiobooks. I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while now, so I finally took the plunge and joined. Guess what 2 books I got?

Yep, Got me some Rehv! I am about 5 hours into the book, and am really enjoying kicking back and listening. The reader isn't great, but I'm getting my Rehv on!
I HAD to get It Had to Be You, my library does not have this on audio, and I feel like I'm missing out. I've really enjoyed some of these books, and I know this is a reader favorite.
And in other news... I found out yesterday that I have a bit longer to get my license! This means that I'll read a day or two a week!!!! The studying is going pretty good, but I'll be glad when it's done!

Time Travel Tuesday: Music

2009-05-19T06:00:00.003-04:00

Time Travel Tuesday: TV

2009-05-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

Celebration of Moms: Day 3

2009-05-10T13:43:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day... For Real! To all you moms out there, for the good times, and the not so good times-- Happy Mother's Day! For my last day of Mom Trivia, here's some interesting mom statistics.

Tuesday is the most popular day of the week in which to have a baby, with an average of more than 12,000 births taking place on Tuesdays during 2001. (2 out of my 3 kids were born on Tuesday)

25.2 is the median age of women when they give birth for the first time - meaning one-half are above this age and one-half are below. The median age has risen nearly three years since 1970.

August is the most popular month in which to have a baby, with more than 360,000 births taking place that month in 2001.

81% of women 40 to 44 years old are mothers. In 1980, 90% of women in that age group were mothers.

Jacob and Emily were the most popular baby names for boys and girls in 2006.

40% of births taking place annually that are the mothers' first.

Missy is the name of Snoopy's mother from the Peanuts cartoon strip.

The average woman in 17th-century America gave birth to 13 children.

Celebration of Moms: Day 2

2009-05-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

It's Day 2 for my Mother's Day celebration of moms everywhere out there! Here's some fun (or weird) animal mom facts!

A baby baleen whale depends on its mother's milk diet for at least six months.

A baby Harp seal doubles its weight in only five days after birth, thanks to the amount of protein in its mother's milk. It takes a horse sixty days to double its birth weight.

A female kangaroo that has become a recent mother holds a reserve embryo inside of her after her first baby has crawled into her pouch. This embryo is an "emergency back-up" baby, should the first one die prematurely.

A female oyster over her lifetime may produce over 100 million young.

A mother giraffe often gives birth while standing, so the newborn's first experience outside the womb is a 1.8-meter (6-foot) drop.

If frightened or threatened, a mother rabbit may abandon, ignore, or eat her young.

Mother prairie dogs will nurse their young only while underground in the safety of the burrow. If an infant tries to suckle above ground, the mother will slap it.

Celebration of Moms: Day 1

2009-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day. Yeah, I know it's not until Sunday, but I'm celebrating Moms everywhere for the next three days with some fun facts. Today, I'm sharing some Celebrity mom stuff. Did you know any of these facts???

Elvis Presley, was a mama's boy. He slept in the same bed with his mother, Gladys, until he reached puberty. Up until Elvis entered high school, she walked him back and forth to school every day and made him take along his own silverware so that he wouldn't catch germs from the other kids. Gladys forbade young Elvis from going swimming or doing anything that might put him in danger. The two of them also conversed in a strange baby talk that only they could understand.

Many of the sweaters worn by Mr. Rogers on the popular television show, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, were actually knitted by his real mother.

Monkee Mike Nesmith's mother, Bette Nesmith Graham was the inventor of Liquid Paper correction fluid. She sold the rights to the Gillette Corporation in 1979 for $47.5 million and when she died in 1980, she left half of her fortune to her son Michael.

Eric Clapton was born to an unwed mother and to shield him from the shame, Eric grew up believing that his grandparents were his parents and his mother was his sister.

Actress Jane Seymour's mother, Mieke Frankenberg, was born in Holland and lived in Indonesia during World War II, where she spent more than three years in a Japanese concentration camp.

Elizabeth Edwards, wife of the former U.S. Senator and Vice Presential nominee John Edwards, gave birth to son Jack in 2000 at the age of 51. The couple decided to have children again after their 16-year-old son was killed in a car accident in 1996.

Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

2009-05-05T21:21:00.003-04:00

Rating: 5

Description: A laird trapped between centuries...
Enchanted by a powerful spell, Highland laird Drustan MacKeltar slumbered for nearly five centuries hidden deep in a cave, until an unlikely savior awakened him. The enticing lass who dressed and spoke like no woman he'd ever known was from his distant future, where crumbled ruins were all that remained of his vanished world. Drustan knew he had to return to his own century if he was to save his people from a terrible fate. And he needed the bewitching woman by his side....

A woman changed forever in his arms...
Gwen Cassidy had come to Scotland to shake up her humdrum life and, just maybe, meet a man. How could she have known that a tumble down a Highland ravine would send her plunging into an underground cavern—to land atop the most devastatingly seductive man she'd ever seen? Or that once he'd kissed her, he wouldn't let her go?
Bound to Drustan by a passion stronger than time, Gwen is swept back to sixteenth-century Scotland, where a treacherous enemy plots against them ... and where a warrior with the power to change history will defy time itself for the woman he loves....

Review: WOW. There was a huge improvement in Ms. Moning’s writing, and it’s clearly evident in Kiss of the Highlander. I didn’t expect it to be so emotional, and I surely didn’t expect to do extra cleaning, so I could hear just a little more of this book, but I did. Gwen travels to Scotland on a seniors tour, and by fate, she awakens Drustan. They spend a bit of time present day, and then go back in time to try and change the past. Unfortunely, that puts a kink in time and leaves Gwen heartbroken. But, Drustan has a plan. This book was fast paced, sexy and may even be my favorite audio book, thus far.

If you haven’t heard Phil Gigante read, boy are you in for a treat. His brogue is sexier than Gerard Butler’s! I am planning on savoring the rest of the series! Check out his brogue here, It’s not Kiss of the Highlander, the preview for that didn’t have the brogue, but The Highlander’s Touch did and you gotta see what I’m talking about!

Time Travel Tuesday: TV

2009-05-05T01:00:00.001-04:00

Movie: What Happens in Vegas

2009-04-30T19:54:00.003-04:00

I saw What Happens in Vegas a few weeks ago, and I was quite surprised by how cute the movie was! An uptight, control freak that made her last boyfriend's every wish a reality goes to Vegas to become more spontaneous. She gets a little inebriated, marries Ashton. Can they just get an annulment? No. Their journey with trying to live together is cute, much better than the last romantic comedy I watched (Good Luck Chuck). There is a point in the movie, where they appreciate each other, and it was so darn sweet! Did anyone else watch this movie? What did you think?

I thought of the book, Tall Tales and Wedding Veils, which was an awesome read last summer. Off to study, man I miss reading!!

Summer 09 Reading Challenge!!!

2009-04-30T06:34:00.002-04:00

Summer 09 Challenge FAQ’s June 1 - August 30

A big Thanks to Beth (Carpoolqueen) and Randi for making this awesome list!!!

1. Select ANY number of books to read that fit the category. (I changed this rule from 5, 10, or 15 books!)
2. Post your list on the discussion board and blog (Name’s Summer Challenge List)
3. If you need title suggestions please use the Discussion titled SUMMER TITLE SUGGESTIONS if you don't see it please search (to try and minimize number of discussions)
4. Once you have read a book please find the corresponding discussion by searching you can search by 09 Summer # and use the number that corresponds with the list. (one will be created for each number on June 1, again, to try and minimize number of discussions) and post the book and title you read and rating, and review.
5. It is not required, but if you could post your review on the blog that would be great.
6. Reviews on the blog please include labels list the rating, author, and # of challenge only.
7. Audio books are okay
8. Rereads are okay
9. You can change your list at anytime

1. Read a Title with a Sports Theme
2. Re-read a favorite
3. Read a Title by Linda Howard
4. Read a Title published before 2000
5. Hot word for summer (heat, sun, fire, fever, hot, blaze....)
6. Read a book that takes place in a warm location (Florida, Caribbean, Hawaii, etc...)
7. Unlikely here/heroine (whatever that means to you. overweight heroine, nerdy hero...)
8. Author with last name that starts with same letter as your last name.
9. Schoolmarms/Teachers/Governess...(it's summer no more classroom, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks!!)(AAR is a good tool for this one!)
10. Title with a person of royalty (Duke/Princess/Marquis/Queen...)
11. Title with an "S" for Summer
12. Food type word (Sweet, Tasty, Cake, Lick, Bite...)
13. A Title Read/Reviewed in the Spring Challenge...
14. Reader's Choice...
15. Double Trouble, ( a story with a twin or twins )...

Check out AAR!
Visit our challenge group at shelfari!

My Tuesday Book Run!

2009-04-29T06:26:00.004-04:00

I picked up 2 books yesterday... even though I'm not supposed to be reading and studying my buns off. I picked an awful time to study for my test, since there are so many fabulous books coming out this week and next! Here's what I picked up:

Check out VFG's blog to win Lover Avenged!
Check out the review at AAR, it's one of the best I've ever seen them write!

Last but not least, check out these contests:
Check out Barbara's to win Jess Michael's Taboo.
Check out Blanche's to win Beth Williamson's Hell and Leather.

Time Travel Tuesday: Toy

2009-04-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

Blog Awards... belated.

2009-04-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

I have received a few blog awards from all my blog buddies, and I have to admit, I am awful at doing these things. Half the time I save them to my computer, and forget. The other half of the time, I'm checking out other blogs and reading my book. Since I'm not doing that right now, Here's all the awards I've received, THANK YOU!!! And since I read so many, and don't want to pick and choose, I am giving the award to all of you all, cuz I enjoy reading so many of your blogs!

Ugh... I'm on a reading pause!

2009-04-24T21:00:00.000-04:00

I am studying for a license I plan to get in the next 2 months. Maybe… no… hopefully sooner. So, as an incentive to myself, to finish asap, I’m taking a reading pause until I get it. What bigger incentive for me hurry up and get this over with to continue reading? It’s a very difficult test, I took it last time and failed by 6 questions (it’s a 250 question test). So really it's just a retest, I'm not starting from scratch. Only 33% of people pass it on the first try.

So I’ll still be in blogland, but wanted my blog buddies to know what’s going on when you don't see a book review for a while… cuz sometimes you just wonder, or not!

I have a few fun posts planed
I have a bunch of Time Travel Tuesday’s loaded up
I am up to date on my book reviews
I’ll be reading Lover Avenged, because I’m getting it from the library, and I'm going to get it the first week, at least that’s the plan.
Oh, I am still listening to Audio books in the car and while walking!

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

2009-04-24T05:50:00.000-04:00

Rating: 4.5

Description: Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for... well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret... and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Review: Still enjoying Quinn’s Bridgerton series. In the fourth book in the series, we FINALLY learn who Lady Whistledown is, and it’s exactly who I thought it would be (with a few doubts.) It actually plays a big part in the book, when Lady D offers 1,000 pounds to find out who it is. This book was a bit more serious than the others, but not too much, and the wittiness is still there. I liked it very much for those reasons, and I’ve liked Colin the most out of the brothers, and his story is very romantic. Penelope was a lot deeper than anyone ever imagined, a great match, very good story, but I didn’t like the anger Colin had, that part of him surprised me. I may do a reread to see if I have a different opinion on that. It had a bit of a fairytale feel, Colin falling in love with the wallflower. I totally felt like the attraction between the two were both physical and intellectual.

If I haven’t said it enough already… go read the series… if you have, in the next four, which one(s) do you like?

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

2009-04-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Rating: 4

Description: When Sophie Beckett decided to sneak into a masquerade ball, she never expected to find Prince Charming.
Benedict Bridgerton didn't believe in love at first sight... until he saw the masked mystery woman. But will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Review: I am really enjoying Quinn’s Bridgerton series. So far, they are witty, light and very enjoyable. An Offer from a Gentleman continues with Benedict’s story and is told in a fairytale. This book still hasn't fallen to the series-itis that can plague a series. If you haven’t picked up this series, you must, and I know I’ll hate getting to the last book. The only problem I had that sometimes Sophie’s actions weren’t consistent, and I think the big secret went on for a bit too long for the reader. Not big gripes, but enough to not earn a 5 in my book.

She's Got it Bad by Sarah Mayberry

2009-04-22T06:52:00.004-04:00

Rating: 4.5

Description: Twelve years ago Zoe Ford let Liam Masters break her heart. But now? There's not a chance. Zoe is as tough and wild as they come. So when Liam shows up at her tattoo parlor, she's more than ready to take him on again. That's not going to be a hardship, since he's hotter than he ever was.

This time she's staying in charge. And she's not going to consider their score settled until he's hot, bothered and begging for more! Then she'll move on as callously as he left her. Unless all that deliciously bad sex is just too good to give up….

Review: Did you ever think cutting ties with someone was going to be the best thing for that person? Well, here’s a story of what happens after THE END.

I, again, got this book because of the top pick rating in Romantic Times magazine. It was another winner!!! I'm so glad I did, it delivers a unique, very refreshing story. The book takes place in the exotic location of Australia or New Zealand (it’s been a while since I’ve read) Liam was a troubled kid that Zoe was completely in love with. Liam and Zoe almost go “all the way” as teenagers, Liam flees because he’s no good for Zoe. It seems so simple, that Zoe would be better off without him, but that doesn’t happen. Zoe encounters depression from his leave, another tragedy and spirals into a very tortured heroine. She drinks to ease the pain, separates herself from her family, and does a few things that are not acceptable in the eyes of society. Well, this constructs a way for Liam to find Zoe and he’s in for a shocker. She was supposed to do much better without him, but he can’t recognize who this woman is.

What a great reunion book! After all these years, they were able to explore each other, recover and it’s not easy to travel down. I haven’t even mentioned that Liam builds bikes and she’s a tattoo artist! I highly recommend this tale!

Time Travel Tuesday: Music

2009-04-21T01:00:00.000-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I figured I'd start a Tuesday posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

Today, I'm featuring one of my hubby's TTT. It's the Pogues. I guess the best way to describe the band is Irish Punk Rock. This is my absolute favorite song of the Pogues', Sunny Side of the Street. Every time I read a book that's Scotland related, I love to play this albumn. Anyone else heard of them? If you like them, you may like Flogging Molly!

Romance novel segment on Nightline

2009-04-19T07:28:00.002-04:00

Check out the following youtube clip that mentioned romance novels, specifically Harlequin. I spotted Addicted on the shelf! You don't want to miss some famous men reading excerpts out of some of these books.

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

2009-04-17T07:42:00.002-04:00

Rating: 5

Description: Wise, lovely, and kind, Kate Sheffield is determined that her beautiful half-sister, Edwina, marry a reputable man. Unfortunately for Kate, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton--London's most eligible bachelor and a notorious rake to boot--sets his sights on Edwina, and what the viscount wants, the viscount gets.
Hardly a problem for the impossibly handsome viscount, that is until the determined Kate, whose deep, dark eyes and lush mouth send his senses racing, presents a challenge that Anthony cannot refuse. Worse yet, Kate's response to his playful advances only confirms the ardent attraction that both seem desperate to deny. Anthony is faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, the perfectly amiable Edwina, while on the other, the most stubborn, single-minded--yet confoundedly desirable--female ever to grace a London ballroom. Anthony's quandary comes to a fast and fateful conclusion when he and Kate are caught in an innocent but compromising position.

Review: I have found a way to pass the time until Lover Avenged is available at the library!!! It’s the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. The first book in the series, The Duke and I, was an awesome book and I loved it. I just don’t know what took me so long to read the second in the series (maybe the Black Dagger Brotherhood). This book was such a fun book to read. I laughed out loud several times. The bantering between the two was priceless, it was natural and not forced. Not to mention that the tension between the two was off the charts!!! If you haven’t read this series, you may want to put in your tbr pile.

You can purchase the second epilogue here! Thanks Randi, I loved the Pall Mall rematch!

Time Travel Tuesday: Music

2009-04-14T01:00:00.000-04:00

Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone

2009-04-12T06:19:00.002-04:00

Rating: 4.5

Description: Friends since childhood, Anais Darnby and Lindsay Markham have long harbored a secret passion for one another. When they finally confess their love, their future together seems assured, sealed with their searing embrace.

But when a debauched Lindsay is seduced by a scheming socialite, a devastated Anais seeks refuge in another man's bed while Lindsay retreats to the exotic East. There, he is seduced again--this time by the alluring red smoke and sinister beauty of opium.

Back home, Lindsay's addiction is fed by the vogue for all things Oriental--especially its sensual pleasures--in fashionable London society. In his lucid moments, Lindsay still lusts after Anais, who can neither allow him near nor forget his smoldering touch. Tortured by two obsessions--opium and Anais--Lindsay must ultimately decide which is the one he truly cannot live without.

Review: I’ve just finished Addicted and I knew it would be emotional, but Wow, that was heavy. Lindsay and Anais were childhood friends, which grew into an adult love. One passionate night each profess a hidden love of the other and the promise of marriage. The first chapter or two was amazing-- how it just pulled you into this love. Then tragedy strikes and a few more, that leave you wondering how, out of all the awful, unforgivable things that occur, Ms. Featherstone going to give and ending that could satisfy the reader. Have no fear, because she does, even though it doesn’t seem possible with the heartbreak the characters inflict on each other. The cover is exquisite, and the story inside parallels. I would highly recommend this emotional story of love conquering all.

I am so excited that Wallingford's story be written!

Happy Easter and Book Purchase!!

2009-04-10T15:52:00.004-04:00

Happy Easter to all my blog buddies!

And now for my book purchase, I had a $50 Amazon GC, and I've been holding back using it. So today, I finally spent it. Here's what I got:

Game for Seduction by Bella Andre
To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt
Tempt me Tonight by Toni Blake
Taking Care of Business by Lauren Dane and Megan Hart
Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy
Under Fire by Jo Davis

Coming to me via PBS, Highland Scoundrel by Monica McCarty

PBS Wish list books and my number
Wild Heat by Bella Andre #34
The Legacy by TJ Bennett #8
One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake #24
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James #10
Burning Alive by Shannon Butcher #14
Daring Time by Beth Kery #10

I am getting Lover Avenged from the library and will buy the paperback in December!

Thank You Barbara!!!

2009-04-10T14:05:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Barbara, I have a new look to my website, and I LOVE IT!!! Thank you so much! I could have never have done anything like that!

So big snaps for Barbara and if I could serve Revh on a platter for you, I would! But I would just have to run my hands through his hair once or twice.

Thanks again Barbara!

Beth Kery Giveaway!

2009-04-08T06:57:00.001-04:00

HOW TO ENTER THE DARING TIME CONTEST - from Beth Kery

1. The contest runs through 5/8. The prize pack winners will be announced on May 8th, 2009 at 10 am EST.

2. To enter, copy the code (click on ’share’) of the graphic above and post it to your blog, Facebook, Myspace, Website, whereever you want to share it. Add a link to my blog from your blog, Facebook, Myspace, wherever you put the graphic, and say “Click here to enter the DARING TIME CONTEST.

You may use a smaller version of the graphic, if you prefer, for one of your sidebars. Just change the height and width in the code to “180″ by “150″. (Thanks Ann Aguirre, I learned that from one of your past contests.)

3. Come back here and reply to this post with a link to your blog entry or wherever you’ve posted the graphic and your answer to the following question: If you could time travel anywhere, to the future or the past, where/when would you go and why?

4. If you don’t have a blog, or if you are having difficulty posting, you can still enter the contest. Here’s what you can do: Blog about the DARING TIME contest on your Facebook, Myspace page or post about it in a yahoo group. Just leave a comment about where you posted it and provide a link. No Facebook, Myspace or group? Then get creative. Share the contest with two friends, and leave a comment about who you told. Tell your book club about the book and the contest. This will have to be on the honor system. The whole point of the contest is to spread the word about DARING TIME, so if you can convince me in some way that you did that, you’re in! Don’t forget, no matter how you spread the word, be sure to leave a comment with links and information, and answer the ‘where/when would you time travel to?’ question. If you have not entered correctly, you will not be in the final drawing, so please follow the instructions.

5. The Grand Prize and Second Place Prize will be given away on May 8th at 10 am EST. Everyone who enters the contest correctly will be in the running for the two prize packs listed in the graphic. Authors are eligible to win as well!

DAILY PRIZES AND INTERACTION WITH YOUR FAVORITE ROMANCE AUTHORS IN ADDITION TO THE PRIZE PACKS

You will always find the DAILY prize just below the contest post.
The daily prizes will be awesome as well! I’ve got some wonderful authors who will be coming by my blog, talking about their latest or upcoming releases and giving away free books and ARC’s (advanced review copies) to commenters EVERY MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, so be sure to visit daily. Scheduled authors will tell us about their books and give away a copy to one commenter per day.

Guest Author List:

4/6 Lacey Savage

4/7 Lacey Alexander/Toni Blake

4/8 Shayla Black

4/9 Surprise Giveaway

4/10 Fiona Jayde

4/11 Sierra Dafoe

4/13 Lisa Marie Rice

4/14 Surprise Giveaway

4/15 Cynthia Eden

4/16 Julie James

4/17 Elizabeth Amber

4/18 Surprise Giveaway

4/20 Shelli Stevens

4/21 Elisabeth Naughton

4/22 Michelle Pillow

4/23 Eden Bradley

4/25 Anne Aguirre

4/27 Lauren Dane

4/28 Beth Williamson

4/29 Devyn Quinn

4/30 Megan Hart

5/1 Anya Bast

5/2 Denise Agnew

5/4 Dakota Cassidy

5/5 Beth Kery

5/6 Nalini Singh

5/7 Shiloh Walker

5/8 DARING TIME contest winner announced

It’s very important that you return the next day to see if you won. If you haven’t contacted me within forty-eight hours of your name being announced, a new winner will be drawn.

That’s it! I hope you enjoy the contest, and thanks for helping spread the word about my erotic romance/time travel, DARING TIME which comes out May 5 from Berkley Sensation!

Time Travel Tuesday: Movie

2009-04-07T01:00:00.000-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I figured I'd start a Tuesday posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

Today I'm featuring another favorite movie, Satisfaction. This movie came out in 1988 and had stars like Justine Bateman, Liam Neeson and Julia Roberts! This girl band (with one guy) hit the road for a summer gig. I haven't seen it in a while, but I just loved this movie. I couldn't find a clip of them doing Mr. Big Stuff, so here's the trailer!

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

2009-04-04T17:08:00.001-04:00

Rating: 5

Description: Ella Varner has it all--a successful career as an advice columnist, a handsome boyfriend, and a circle of friends in Austin. When anyone has a problem, Ella knows the answers.
But one night she receives a call that changes everything. And as Ella's world is turned upside-down, she meets a man who is the opposite of everything she ever wanted . . . a man who will offer her the most irresistible challenge she has ever known . . .

Review: Ms. Kleypas does it again with her latest contemporary!!! Those who have read the first two will enjoy this one, and maybe even better. With the description of the book, I wasn’t sure how I was going to really enjoy it as much (from the excerpt), Ella seemed a bit too hard, but she makes it work so well in the story. As her past is revealed as a traumatic one, the issues she’s having today are certainly a result of her mother and feel so real. I really just wanted to smack her mother.

I think Jack is my favorite hero of the three, and a memorable one in my book. He rivals Elec from Flat Out Sexy as a modern day Prince Charming. He’s kind, thoughtful, sweet, helpful, and a straight up good guy. Every scene with him, was delicious, I couldn’t read enough of him. There were several moments that I loved in this book, the Parking Garage, Jack’s Shower, Churchill’s Birthday Party when they dance (you get to catch up with the whole Travis crew), and one of the best Happily Ever After’s I’ve read in a long time.

I’m still savoring the book, if you haven’t read the series, Go Doooit!

Serial Readers Challenge 2009

2009-04-01T20:32:00.001-04:00

Beth AKA Carpoolqueen, made up this neat challenge for 2009 check it out:

As many of you know, I love to read books in a series. (not so much the Harlequins or Silhouettes, but that’s just me.) I love trilogies, series, or even just related books by an author. I enjoy the continuity, and getting glimpses of the "Happily Ever Afters" from the previous title. So, in this spirit, I offer you the Serial Readers Challenge 2009. It’s really simple! And for the purpose of this challenge a series is defined as at least 3 related books. I typically read romance but for this challenge any genre is welcome. So this can be done in conjunction with any other challenge. AllAboutRomance.com and Fantasticfiction.com are good resources for finding series!

1. Read books in series/trilogies/related by author. (Julie Garwood’s Lion’s Lady, Castles, The Gift are related.) For a series to count you must read each book in that series during this calendar year. (Rereads and audio books welcome!) If you previously started a series and do not wish to re-read, then only the titles read after 01/01/09 will count towards your total books read. You will not however get "credit" for total series read. Only series started and finished in 09 will count toward the prize for # of series read. For example I started Lynsay Sands Argeneau series this fall. For me to get credit for all 9 books I will need to re-read the first 3 sometime in 09. The series does not have to be read in order, or in succession to "count"! (so if I read #4-9 this spring and next fall re-read #1-3 then I get full credit. Otherwise ...I only get credit for the 5 books read, but not for reading the entire series.) I think I just made that about as clear as mud.

2. The Challenge will begin January 1st and last until December 31st 2009.

3. Post your list on your blog and link it back to this post. Please comment to this post when your link is up. Your list is not something, you need to decide in advance. Please add as you go!

4. Please rate and review each title on your blog. When you do so, please label it SRC or Serial Readers Challenge so we can all read your reviews and maybe be inspired to try a new series for ourselves.

5. There will be prizes! Woo Hoo! Some of the prizes may be simple online trophies, and some will be book give-aways. (Titles to be determined) Prizes will be given for most books read, most # series read, most pages read, and some maybe at random! (my favorite kind!! Yay!)

6. To wrap up the challenge next winter, comment to this post linking your wrap-up post by December 31! Prizes will be awarded January 2010!

My forecast for 2009 Series Books are:

Black Dagger Brotherhood
1. Dark Lover Read in 2008
2. Lover Eternal read in 2009
3. Lover Awakened read in 2009
4. Lover Revealed read in 2009
5. Lover Unbound read in 2009
6. Lover Enshrined read in 2009
7. Lover Avenged releases 4/09

Karen Marie Moning's Highlander Series
1. Beyond the Highland Mist Read in 2008
2. To Tame a Highland Warrior read in 2009
3. The Highlander's Touch read in 2009
4. Kiss of the Highlander read in 2009
5. The Dark Highlander
6. The Immortal Highlander
7. Spell of the Highlander
8. Into the Dreaming

Karen Marie Moning's Fever Series
1. Darkfever (will be reread)
2. Bloodfever (will be reread) audio in 2009
3. Faefever (will be reread) audio in 2009
4. Dreamfever releases 8/2009

Lacey Alexander's Hot in the City Series
1. Lynda's Lacy read in 2009
2. Carter's Cuffs read in 2009
3. Key West

Julia Quinn's Bridgerton Family
1. The Duke and I read in 2009
2. The Viscount Who Loved Me read in 2009
3. An Offer from a Gentleman read in 2009
4. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton read in 2009
5. To Sir Philip with Love
6. When he was Wicked
7. It's in his Kiss
8. On the way to the Wedding

Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter
1. Fantasy Lover Read in 2008
2. The Beginning
3. Dragonswan
4. Night Pleasures Read in 2008
5. Night Embrace Read in 2008
6. Phantom Lover
7. Dance with the Devil Read in 2008
8. A Dark Hunter Christmas Read in 2008
9. Kiss of the Night Read in 2008
10. Night Play Read in 2008
11. Winter Born
12. Seize the Night Read in 2008
13. Sins of the Night
14. Second Chances Read in 2008
15. Unleash the Night
16. Dark Side of the Moon
17. A Hard Day’s Night-Searcher
18. Until Death Do We Part
19. Fear the Darkness
20. The Dream Hunter
21. Devil May Cry
22. Upon the Midnight Clear
23. Dark-Hunter Companion
24. Dream Chaser
25. Archeron
26. One Silent Night

In Death by JD Robb
1. Naked in Death read in 2009
2. Glory in Death read in 2009
3. Immortal in Death read in 2009
4. Rapture in Death
5. Ceremony In Death
6. Vengeance in Death
7. Holiday in Death
8. Conspiracy in Death
9. Loyalty in Death
10. Witness in Death
11. Judgment in Death
12. Betrayal in Death
13. Seduction in Death
14. Reunion In Death
15. Purity in Death
16. Portrait in Death
17. Imitation in Death
18. Divided in Death
19. Visions in Death
20. Survivor in Death
21. Origin in Death
22. Memory in Death
23. Born in Death
24. Innocent in Death
25. Creation in Death
26. Strangers in Death
27. Salvation In Death
28. Ritual in Death
29. Promises in Death
30. Kindred in Death

***As always, that list may change!

Lover Enshrined by JR Ward

2009-03-31T20:49:00.004-04:00

Rating: 3.5

Description: Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

Review: First, I do feel MAJORLY jipped for the lack of romance with Phury and Cormia. In all the other books, we see why each are mated, feel it. It lacked that connection for me, but I still enjoyed the book, just not one of my favorites. Things came out of left field in this book, I totally get why people are not happy with where it went. I am eagerly awaiting Rehv’s story, and want stories for JM, Quinn, Tohr, and Blay. The world she’s created is awesome. I had VERY low expectations for this book, so I'm glad it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

***Spoilers... kind of (please highlight)***
I wonder if Payne is the blackmailer
I want to see JM and Xhex hook up now (I loved the bathroom scene)
I hope Lassiter’s story will be told in Covet her new Fallen Angel series in September
So glad that Thor’s back

Time Travel Tuesday: TV

2009-03-31T01:00:00.001-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I figured I'd start a Tuesday posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

Today, I'm featuring The Golden Girls! This show came on the tube Saturday nights and now plays on Lifetime at various times of the day. These girls were hillarious and I have watched every episode, and never get tired of it. The show aired from 1985-1992. Empty Nest spun off in 1988. Who was your favorite character? Mine was Sophia!

Lover Unbound by JR Ward

2009-03-30T09:27:00.003-04:00

Rating: 4.5

Description: Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous son of the Bloodletter possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp, he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time- until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her.

Review: WOW. JR Ward doesn’t stop in the fantastic story telling. I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood and I loved this book. Of course, as in all Ward BDB books, the story goes deeper. Things happen to John Matthew, we see just how messed up V is (and boy, he’s just as bad off as Z is in my book). Phury gets himself even farther down the path of destruction, and I know it gets worse in LE. I got the story of V and Jane. I know some didn’t, but I did. I think he finally let himself have emotions when he thought he couldn’t have Jane, and that she would forget him. Not so much. Unbound was so much sadder than the rest of them for me, I cried a few times and was okay with how Jane and V end up together. I love a shaved head and a goatee, is it a cowink-e-dink that my husband has both???

I am loving all the secondary characters, and I really hope that this series doesn’t end. I’m already more than 100 pages in Lover Enshrined and I can’t wait for Rhev’s story. I also have to mention that I’m looking forward for Covet in September, her new series of the Fallen Angels.

Thanks JR Ward for these stories!!!!!!!!!!! Big snaps for you!!!!!!!!!

ETA: Ms. Moon did a post on who she'd cast for the Black Dagger Brotherhood, you can check it out here!

Week Wrap Up!!

2009-03-26T21:30:00.006-04:00

As I'm loading all the pictures I took this week on the computer, I'm sharing with my bloggy friends. This week has been crazy busy, I had a new niece born today, I got a new washing machine yesterday (I am in love) and here are some other things that we had going on. BTW, I am still reading V's story, maybe 100 pages left. I cried!

That's my son batting, he got the game
ball in his last game, caught 3 kids out
for steeling and smacked a few in the park.

My boss turned 50 and I totally
trashed his office. There's about 300 balloons
in there. Here's why I had to do it.

My poor daughter went to a skating rink party
on Sunday, and fell. Guess what else happened?
She split her pants. Thankfully Grandma came to
the rescue, and dropped off a pair of shorts!

Lastly, my youngest daughter believes in looking
her best while brushing her teeth.

Doesn't everybody brush their teeth this way?

TGIF

Seether covers "Carless Whisper"

2009-03-24T18:42:00.003-04:00

Has anyone heard the Seether cover of Careless Whisper???? What do you think? I think I'm liking it.

Time Travel Tuesday: Music

2009-03-24T01:00:00.001-04:00

This may be one of the more embarrassing posts, but my first concert was New Kids on the Block, boy band originale. I had all the magazines, the tapes, the shirts and all those pins!

Burn by Anne Rainey

2009-03-21T10:04:00.003-04:00

Rating: 4

Description:A woman scorned…can be damned delicious!

Ally Ryanaldo and Blake Steele were high school sweethearts, in love and inseparable. Ally always assumed she’d be his wife, raise his babies and live happily ever after. Those dreams were shattered the day Blake left her and his small town life for the bright lights of New York City.

Now, ten years later, Blake is back—and wants to pick up where they left off. Ally has other ideas. Naughty ideas. With the help of her kinky girlfriend, Heather, Ally shows Blake her wild side.

When her little plan backfires, though, Ally’s very much afraid she may lose the only man she’s ever loved—for good.

Thoughts: What a fast, enjoyable, hot reunion story! I saw this book a while ago, I don't remember who read it, but thanks! I will definitely be checking out more stories by Ms. Rainey. To purchase this ebook check it out here.

Snaps for Ms. Moonlight!!!!!!

2009-03-17T20:23:00.000-04:00

Gotta give credit where credit is due! Ms. Moonlight, you have the BEST freakin' pictures of men. You rock!!!!!!!! So as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde would do, I'm putting something in the snap jar for you!

If you haven't seen Legally Blonde, you won't get this, but it's a girly high-five!

Time Travel Tuesday: Music

2009-03-17T01:00:00.001-04:00

Join me in a trip back to yester-year! Yep, it's Tuesday. And while there is nothing really exciting about Tuesdays (except book release days), I figured I'd start a Tuesday posting on some flashbacks of my youth. If you'd like to share something, by all means, go post something! I'd love to read your story!

Do you remember the record We are the World? I got this record, and played it on my Strawberry Shortcake record player over and over. I loved the video, seeing all the celebrities that I knew and listened to, sing together! Michael even looked normal then! But I think the most important thing I remember from this song, was the pictures of the children. It brought the realization that suffering was happening on the other side of the world.

Usa for Africa was the group of 45 artists to help fight the hunger in Ethiopia.

Her Best Friend's Brother by Kay Stockham

2009-03-16T16:00:00.001-04:00

Rating: 4

Description: They had one night. That's all Shelby Brookes would allow herself to indulge in with Luke Tulane. Yes, he's gorgeous. And yes, he's the greatest guy she knows, but he's her best friend's brother, for crying out loud! She's pretty sure there are rules against sleeping with friends' brothers.
Then Shelby discovers she's pregnant. And Luke's determined to do the right thing—down to the bended-knee proposal and the meeting at the altar. As tempting as his offer is, Shelby's convinced she's not the marrying kind. She's bound to hurt him, and that's definitely against the rules of friendship. Still, she doesn't count on how persuasive Luke can be when he really wants something…her.

Review: I love stories that have connections to the h/h to their best friend’s brother or sister AND love the one night thing too. I had to pick up the book with both of these themes and was happy when I found it as another Romantic Times top pick. It was worth a shot! Shelby and reformed nerd Luke have a one nighter before Luke’s brother’s wedding. Shelby can’t believe that she jeopardized her relationship with her best friend and their family for it, and now she’s pregnant. What’s a girl to do especially when your parents have been married and divorced to each other 5 times?

While it was not as good as Under the Influence by Nancy Warren, it was very enjoyable, a bit emotional that had a too fast HEA. I found out this is a series of books with the Tulanes from Tennessee and I am thinking about reading the rest of the family (Hot brother Ethan’s story comes out in the fall)

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

2009-03-15T20:35:00.002-04:00

Rating: 4.5/5

Description: Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard living, ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world- to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, found by a miracle, the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him...

My Thoughts: Lover Revealed is book #4 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward. I just LOVED Butch’s story. He’s an outsider, Marissa’s an outsider, which makes for a great story. The story was sweet, and had you rooting for Butch to find where he belonged. Some big things come out in this book and I am loving this world Ward’s created. I know the next two books are a bit different, so I am curious how I’ll like them.

I got what I asked for, a toned down the lesser view point (THANK GOODNESS) and I’d have to say this is my second favorite book in the series (Z’s story is numeral uno). My only gripe, I didn’t like some of Marissa’s behavior in this book, she was a bit annoying. But, It all worked out. I have two more to go before Rhev’s book comes out next month and I heard that John Matthew’s story will be next!!!

ETA: The song Broken makes me think of Butch.

Rehvenge Video????

2009-03-13T22:24:00.001-04:00

Check out what I found on you tube. A video on Rehvenge!!!!

Interview with the kids

2009-03-12T13:25:00.000-04:00

2006
This pic is an old one, but one of my favorites!
Marissa, Bradley, Lindsey

The Kid’s Turn: about Mom

In order of who I interviewed
Bradley’s 11
Lindsey’s 3
Marissa’s 9

1. What is something your mom always says to you?
B “Did you get any demerits today?”
L “Put your Backpack Away”
M “Brush your Hair”
2. What makes your mom happy?
B Baseball and reading
L Have a good day at school
M Being Responsible

3. What makes your mom sad?
B Attitude from the kids
L Putting me in timeout
M Not being responsible

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
B Jokes
L You Say “Boo”
M Tickles Me

5. What was your mom like as a child?
B A tomboy
L My Mommy
M She liked to read, just like I do

6. How old is your mom?
B 31
L 5
M 31

7. How tall is your mom?
B 5’ 3”
L this big, all the way tall
M About 5 feet

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
B Read
L Play
M Read

9. What does your mom do when you’re not around?
B Go on dates with daddy (I loved this answer)
L you gotta find me
M Read

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
B An author
L dance dance dance (that won’t happen)
M Reading the longest book in the world in half a day

11. What is your mom really good at?
B Reading and taking care of us
L cooking
M Reading

12. What is your mom not very good at?
B Choosing a book
L jumping (how are you not good at jumping?)
M Playing the Piano (she is though!)

13. What does your mom do for her job?
B Check the stock market
L eat and play on the computer (okay)
M I don’t really know
14. What is your mom’s favorite food?
B Macaroni and cheese
L dinner
M Carrots (that’s hers)

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
B She takes care of me
L dance
M Her helping me out when I have troubles

16. If your mom was a cartoon character, who would she be?
B Superwoman
L Blue
M Superwoman

17. What do you and your mom do together?
B Watch Baseball and watch tv
L we go to vacation with the whole family
M We like to read books in the same room

18. How are you and your mom the same?
B We like baseball
L we match
M We have the same nose

19. How are you and your mom different?
B She likes books, I don’t (I still try!)
L we don’t have the same color eyes
M Different color eyes

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
B She gives me hugs and kisses
L You give me hugs
M If there is something really hard, she’ll encourage me

21. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
B The East Coast
L Vacation
M On Vacation (boy, my kids are right on with this one!)

All About my Guy

2009-03-11T21:30:00.014-04:00

2008 Cocoa Beach

This is the most recent pic I have of my DH with our son.

1996

Here's a pic when my DH and I were dating.
There are not too many pictures of us
because we married after being
together for 3 months!

I'm really enjoying reading everyone's post. I'm doing an interview with all 3 kids, should be up in a day or so!

All About My Guy

1. He’s sitting in front of the TV. What is on the screen?
Heroes, House, 24, Food Network, Sports or Fox News

2. You’re out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Caesar Salad

3. What’s one food he doesn’t like?
Spaghetti (can you believe it?)

4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order?
Bud Light

5. Where did he go to high school?
Our Home town here in FL, we both were born and raised here and he went to a RIVAL HS!

6. What size shoe does he wear?
10

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
He Collects Star Wars and Tampa Bay Rays Stuff

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Italian Sub

9. What would this person eat every day if he could?
Black Beans and Rice

10. What is his favorite cereal?
Granola

11. What would he never wear?
Jean Shorts! He’s a Khaki kind of a guy

12. What is his favorite sports team?
Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Bucs, Atlanta Braves (had to cheer for these guys until we had a team) and Florida Gators

13. Who did he vote for?
McCain

14. Who is his best friend?
Charles, his bff since he was 4

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do?
Stress about stuff

16. What is his heritage?
Irish, Scottish and German

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
Carrot Cake

18. Did he play sports in high school?
No, just rec basketball and soccer and out surfing whenever the waves were up

19. What could he spend hours doing?
Surfing, Video games and TV

20. What is one unique talent he has?
(A PG one) He’s an incredible problem solver

My Medieval Profession!

2009-03-11T13:23:00.000-04:00

You Are a Cartographer

You have a wide range of knowledge and you're very detail oriented.

You have a photographic memory, and you remember places very well.

Like a middle ages cartographer, you're also very adventurous and curious about the world.

In modern times, you would make a good non-fiction writer or scientist.

What's Your Medieval Profession?

Time Travel Tuesday: TV

2009-03-10T01:00:00.000-04:00

Glory in Death by J.D. Robb

2009-03-07T08:57:00.001-05:00

Rating: 4/5

Description: (Book #2) In a time when technology can reveal the darkest of secrets, there's only one place to hide a crime of passion - in the heart. . .
The first victim was found lying on a sidewalk in the rain. The second was murdered in her own apartment building. Police lieutenant Eve Dallas had no problem finding connections between the two crimes. Both victims were beautiful and highly successful women. Their glamorous lives and loves were the talk of the city. And their intimate relations with men of great power and wealth provided Eve with a long list of suspects - including her own lover, Roarke. As a woman, Eve was compelled to trust the man who shared her bed. But as a cop, it was her job to follow every lead . . .to investigate every scandalous rumor . . to explore every secret passion, no matter how dark. Or how dangerous.

My Thoughts: J. D. Robb has a pretty good thing goin’ on with the In Death series. She’s created a pretty cool future and some entertaining stories. I really don’t know if I could read these books after listening to the audio books, Ms. Erickson is an extraordinary reader. She brings to life all the characters. I am taking a bit of a break before I listen to Immortal in Death, but I hear that I’ll find out more about up tight Summerset and there’s not a whole bunch of romance in that one. Oh and Roarke, please stop calling Eve Lieutenant!

A bit Off Subject of said book: I picked up The Highlander’s Touch by Karen Marie Moning on audio, read by Phil Gigante. Umm… Can I just say OH MY GOSH. I am planning on listening to the rest of the series just to hear his brogue!