World According to Books

BLOGOVERSARY!!!

2010-07-30T12:15:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that today is my 3 year Blogoversary!!! Three years ago today, I was sitting in my recliner reading some other blogs (I had just come across "Blogs" a few days earlier), and I thought, "Hey, I can do this!!" Earlier in the month, I discovered eBooks along with rediscovering my love of reading. I decided that it was such a great idea to track what I read, as well as, write about my feelings about the books. So, I investigated some blog sites and decided to use Blogger.

I am so very thankful that I started reading again. I had been without books for years and didn't realize how much I missed them. Searching the web one night, I came across eReader.com and the idea of eBooks. I had no clue how that random search would change my life. The first eBook that I read was Christine Feehan's Dark Prince. That was also my first step into the paranormal world!! I couldn't get enough of them. While looking for books to read...that is how I discovered book blogs. People actually got online and discussed their love of books!!!

The first book I blogged about was Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook. It was a brief, quick..."I loved this book" post, but it was my first book post. As I read over my earlier posts...I have to laugh at how inexperienced I was at this new endeavor.

Over the years, I have learned a great deal. How to add items to my sidebar, how to change my background, adding links and pictures, and am continually learning new things as I participate in different events. I have also learned a few things about posting my thoughts on my reading material. I have revamped these posts several times and am happy now with the way that I write these types of posts. I know I still have a lot to learn, but the fun and enjoyment I have experienced, as well as the friends I have made, and the challenges that I have participated in throughout the years has been a phenomenal ride!!

I would also like to take a few minutes and thank all of you followers and commenters of my blog. Never in a million years would I have imagined that people would actually follow my blog let alone comment on it. I really do appreciate each and every one of you. I get so excited when I get an email saying that there is a comment on my blog!!! Thank you all so very much!!

I won't be hosting a giveaway this year...because I am participating in BlogFest 2010 where I will have several contests going for some great books. The BlogFest is September 10th - 12th...I hope everyone will stop by...it is going to be a lot of fun and a great way to learn about new blogs out there!!!

True Blue - Luanne Rice

2010-07-24T12:30:00.000-04:00

Title: True Blue
Author: Luanne Rice
Publisher: Bantam
Published: 2002
Pages: 476
Genre: Women's Fiction

While not my favorite book by Luanne Rice (that honor would go to Summer Light), it was still a pretty good read. However, those that have the "ick factor" when it comes to marrying siblings...then you better stay clear. Set in a Connecticut beach town, Hubbard's Point, we are exposed to the lives of the inhabitants, as well as, legends of seafaring spirits and lost treasures.

The heroine in this story is veterinarian, Rumer Larkin. Never having been married, she lives with her aging father, Sixtus. The reason for her marital status is Zeb Mayhew...18 years ago he broke her heart. They grew up together on the island; their friendship turning into love during their teenage years. But due to a misunderstanding and a jealous sibling, Zeb turns away from Rumer and marries her sister. Discovering that he made the biggest mistake of his life, they soon divorce, but not before they have a son. I didn't connect all that well with Rumer. She is a little obsessive about the care of the wildlife in the area. She tries to move on with her life by getting involved with someone else...but she isn't successful. Her relationship with her sister is strained due to the sister's deception, alcoholism, and jealousy of Rumer.

Zeb is a successful astronaut...but after a near death experience...he decides it is time to reconnect with his 18 year old son and ask forgiveness from Rumer. Taking some time off, he rents a cottage at Hubbard's Point and drags his son across the country for the summer. I like Zeb a little more than Rumer. I could sympathize with his plight and wanted him to get his heart's desire which is to recapture his bond with Rumer. He was your typical nerdy guy, and I enjoy reading about those types of heroes.

Even though there was great tension and angst between the two main characters, I was more invested in the secondary characters' stories. Michael, the son, develops a relationship with one of the local girls, Quinn. And the father, Sixtus, decides to embark on one last sailing adventure, planning on residing in Ireland to keep Rumer from having to take care of him in his declining years. The one side story I didn't like, was the one about the new neighbors moving into Zeb's old house next door to Rumer. They wanted to make changes to the landscaping and build a bigger, fancier house...shocking and appalling Rumer to the point of her making a stand against the reconstruction.

I thought the ending was good, all wrapped up in a nice neat little package.

Rating: 3/5
Pages: 476
Completed: 5/3/10

FictFact

2010-07-14T09:48:00.000-04:00

As you can tell by my sidebar...I am a Shelfari user. Although I don't utilize all the features (I don't keep my wish list on there, and I don't have my entire book collection on there yet), I do try to keep it up-to-date with the current books I've read and added to my library at home.

However, I have found a site to play on!!! I belong to the Harlequin/Silhouette message board, and a poster on that board, Gail, mentioned this new site where you can keep track of your series. With Shelfari, you add your books in the series and then have to create a tag to keep the series together. Then you still don't know which book comes next...you have to investigate that either on the authors' websites or other sites that track series. BUT...there is a new site out there where you can track your series...the books you've read and which book comes next!!! It even lets you know what is Coming Soon.

FictFact is my new playground. Another great feature is you can follow other people and see what series they are reading. If you can't find your series on the site...just email them and they will add it. Gail tried that out, and her request was added the next day. So far I have added 26 series, and it has calculated that I have read 45 books out of those series. I know what book I need to read next and that is a big plus for me!! You can search by author, series, book name, and most popular series. You can recommend books, search their book calendar for new releases, and set up your own profile. I could go on and on about the features of this site...but I won't...you have to see it for yourself.

So, head on over to FictFact and try it out...you won't be disappointed.

The Girl on Legare Street - Karen White

2010-07-13T10:57:00.000-04:00

Title: The Girl on Legare Street
Author: Karen White
Publisher: NAL
Published: 2009
Pages: 335
Genre: Paranormal - Ghost
Series: Tradd Street - Book #2

Continuing the story of Melanie and Jack, Karen White pens another winner with me. Once again, her rich descriptions and colorful characters captivated my attention and held me spellbound till the end. The Girl on Legare Street is the second in, what I hope will be, a continuing series. You are left with somewhat of a cliffhanger at the end which makes me think there are more books in the works. The first book is The House on Tradd Street and was just as entertaining as this one. Not only does it have ghosts, and not your typical ghosts either, but the mystery behind the storyline is exquisite. Karen White has a way of telling a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat at times, guessing what will happen next, and will definitely keep you entertained.

Melanie is a loner being the product of a dysfunctional family. Her father is an alcoholic, and her mother deserted her more than thirty years ago. Growing up under those circumstances...she is just not relationship material...hence the reason why she keeps pushing Jack away. Sometimes, I just wish she would give him a chance...I think that would be my only complaint with the book. But then the whole undertone of the books would change and that would be a bad thing...LOL! I love Karen White's writing, and I wouldn't want to change a thing...it is just the romantic in me that wants everyone paired together. The character of Melanie is realistic...she can be make me frustrated, laugh, angry...I run the whole range of emotions with her.

Melanie's mother returns to Charleston after having a deadly premonition that Melanie's life was in danger. Jack brings the two of them together against Melanie's wishes...all she is reminded of is how little they have in common and the desertion she felt when her mother walked out of her life. Now, her mother is moving into her ancestral home and wants Melanie to help her restore it, and use her sixth sense to talk to the ghosts that are inhabiting the house. But her mother's return has "awakened a dark spirit, whose strength has been growing for decades - and who is read for revenge."

I just love Jack!! He is an accomplished writer who is trying to restore his good name after a disastrous book. He is so unassuming and really tries to get through to Melanie. He can be irritating at times...but that just adds to his charm. He really tries to be the good guy...but sometimes he can't catch a break...lol. I love the dialogue between him and Melanie. At times it is filled with sexual tension and other times it is witty and sarcastic.

Even though you don't necessarily need to read The House on Tradd Street first (Karen White does a great job of telling readers what happened in the first book without it being distracting for those of us who have read it already), I recommend that you do. I think you will enjoy Melanie's and Jack's relationship more and get a feel for what drives Melanie.

Rating: 5/5
Pages: 335
Completed: 5/17/10

Changes and Branding

2010-07-06T11:45:00.000-04:00

Changing things around a bit on the blog...not a major overhaul...but getting some new icons for my signature and my ratings. Going to switch from Koalas to Frogs...I know major change in animals, but frogs reminded me of summer. I also want to see if I can make my own background. That ought to be interesting!!! LOL.

During the #bblog twitter event...everyone talked about branding. I am still not sure what "branding" is, but bloggers seem to take it seriously. I don't know if it is the header, avatar, gravitar, background, etc. that you use...or the content of your blog. Either way, I guess my "brand" would be "the world" for World According to Books, or if it were content...it would be romance. Even though my tastes are somewhat eclectic, I seem to be reading and reviewing a lot of romance novels.

However, one of the main points that I got out of the discussion is to be consistent throughout the Internet...blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. That would be kind of hard for me to do...as I started using a "wolf" picture as my avatar both on my blog, and when I comment on other blogs. I also have a Twitter account with my name instead of my blog name as so many others do...@momof4Kara. My Facebook account is my personal account...I guess I could always make a page for my blog, but not sure what I would say everyday to make it interesting. Maybe I'll investigate what others do on their pages.

All in all, it was an interesting event, and I look forward to the next discussion.

Library Book Sale

2010-07-05T10:35:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago our library had their annual book sale, and of course, I went. Two days. One day during the week and then the last day which was bag day where you buy a huge bag for $10 and stuff it as full as you can get it with books. Such fun!!! So I thought I would give you a brief overview of my time there.

This picture does not do the book sale justice...this is only about 1/10th of the tables and window ledges of books they had. Also, this is definitely not bag day...it was so crowded that day...people were lined up outside the library starting about an hour before they opened. Yes, I was one of the early birds...you meet such interesting people when you are standing in line...lol. However, when those doors open...watch out or you will be run over!! See all those boxes on the floor? Not only did we search the tables, but we also stooped, bent over, or kneeled to go through the boxes. And boy did I find treasures at the bottom of some of those boxes. I do have to say that for the most part...people were polite, saying "excuse me" and helping each other find books.

One story to tell...there was an older woman I met while looking through the romance section who said that she was 78 years old. She had one bag filled to the rim and was working on another. I did not know how she was going to carry those bags to her car. I didn't want to leave the sale, but I couldn't imagine her struggling with those bags. Just as I was about to offer to help her when she was finished, a distinguished, very tall gentleman walked up to her and asked her how she was doing. He asked if her could take her bag to the car and proceeded to do so. Come to find out he was her husband and was just there to assist her with her treasures. Not there for himself, but for her. He does it every year. I just had to tell him what a great husband he was to do that for her, and what a great testament to their marriage.

For the rest of the post...I will be listing the treasures that I found...and there are a lot. I filled my bags (two) to near bursting and had the best time doing it. I can't wait for the warehouse sale in August...LOL.

First Bag:

Demon Rumm by Sandra Brown
Finger Prints by Barbara Delinsky
Three Wishes by Barbara Delinsky
A Woman's Place by Barbara Delinsky
Taken by Barbara Freethy
"I" is for Innocent by Sue Grafton
"N" is for Noose by Sue Grafton
Summer Island by Kristin Hannah
Dawn in Eclipse Bay by Jayne Ann Krentz (completed my set)
Blue Smoke & Mirrors by Elizabeth Lowell (New to me author)
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber
Right Next Door by Debbie Macomber
Someday Soon by Debbie Macomber
Dead Right by Brenda Novak
2nd Chance by James Patterson
When the Wind Blows by James Patterson
Blue Moon by Luanne Rice
The Geometry of Sisters by Luanne Rice (Hardback)
Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts (completed my set)
Night Tales: Nightshade & Night Smoke by Nora Roberts
The Stanislaski Brothers: Mikhail & Alex by Nora Roberts
The MacKade Brothers: Rafe & Jared by Nora Roberts
McNally's Luck by Lawrence Sanders
McNally's Risk by Lawrence Sanders
Fireside by Susan Wiggs
The Devil's Love by Lane Harris (one of the first romances I ever read)
White Mountain by Dinah McCall (Sharon Sala)
Dark Water by Sharon Sala
Swimming Lessons by Mary Alice Monroe (New to me author)
Harlequin

Second Bag:

Comanche Heart by Catherine Anderson
Texas! Lucky by Sandra Brown
The Alibi by Sandra Brown
You Belong to Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Unnatural Exposure by Patricia Cornwell
Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell
The Body Farm by Patricia Cornwell
Isle of Dogs by Patricia Cornwell
A Lawman for Christmas by Marie Ferrarella
Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
Stealing Lumby by Gail Fraser
The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney
"A" is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
"H" is for Homicide by Sue Grafton
"M" is for Malice by Sue Grafton
Bleachers by John Grisham
Dark Paradise by Tami Hoag
Cover of Night by Linda Howard
Killer Dreams by Iris Johansen
Deadly Promise by Brenda Joyce
Dreams of Stardust by Lynn Kurland
The Man from Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
1st to Die by James Patterson
Beach Girls by Luanne Rice
Reunion by Nora Roberts (I accidentally bought two of these)
Worth the Risk by Nora Roberts
Missing by Sharon Sala
The Third Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders
The Charm School by Susan Wiggs
Orchid Beach by Stuart Woods

This is what I picked up during the week:

Hot Target by Suzanne Brockmann
Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare
The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans
Fool's Puzzle by Earline Fowler
Arkansas Traveler by Earline Fowler
Circle of Three by Patricia Gaffney
Mercy by Julie Garwood
"Q" is for Quarry by Sue Grafton
"L" is for Lawless by Sue Grafton
"G" is for Gumshoe by Sue Grafton
"K" is for Killer by Sue Grafton
Haunted by Heather Graham
Still Waters by Tami Hoag
McKettrick's Luck by Linda Lael Miller (Hardbound)
Renegade by Diana Palmer
The River Knows by Amanda Quick (Hardbound)
Second Sight by Amanda Quick (Hardbound)
Lie by Moonlight by Amanda Quick (Hardbound)
Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts
Bloodlines by Dinah McCall (Sharon Sala)
Mimosa Grove by Dinah McCall (Sharon Sala)
Colony by Anne Rivers Siddons
Reversible Errors by Scott Turow
Harlequin

All in all I bought 85 books for $26...good deal!! Fantastic time...priceless!!

Book Blogger Hop

2010-07-02T10:12:00.000-04:00

This is an event that happens every week...and I thought this week that I would participate. It sounds like a great way to connect with other bloggers, find some new ones to add to my Google Read (yeah, like I need to add more...LOL), and see what books people are suggesting (as if I need to add more to my TBR pile too)!!

What is Book Blogger Hop you ask?

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!

Head on over to Crazy for Books to read more about the Hop...a couple of rules that need to be followed, and start connecting with other book bloggers.

This week Jennifer is changing things up a bit by asking a question for each hopper to answer...this week the question is:

Tell us your NAME and WHY YOU STARTED BLOGGING

My name is Kara and I started blogging back in 2007. I didn't know the first thing about blogging...my reviews were so simplistic just stating whether I liked or didn't like the book. At that time in my life, I had recently discovered books again after years of not picking one up. I was suffering from depression, feeling lonely, not interested in anything. Then one night I was surfing the Internet and discovered eBooks. The first eBook I read was Christine Feehan's Dark Prince.

That's all it took...I was hooked on books. I couldn't get enough of them. So I started searching for books to read and discovered Book Blogs. I thought what a great way to keep a record of what I was reading and my thoughts on the books (I had never kept track before). I didn't have a clue what I was doing...didn't think I could do it...thought it was to complicated...but I forged ahead. I decided on Blogger because I thought that was the easiest to use. I started with a very simple design and wrote my first post...knew nothing about sidebars, inserting pictures, linking...but through the help of other bloggers out there, I soon learned and am still learning the tricks of the trade.

I love my blog...it is an outlet for me to discuss the books I love, connect with other people, find out what is happening in the world of books, and make some acquaintances with other bookish people. I so want to go to a book blog convention one of these days...maybe when the kids are older I will find the funds and time to accomplish that goal.

Well, there it is in a nutshell...why I started blogging. What made you start up a blog??

BlogFest 2010

2010-07-01T09:25:00.000-04:00

I have seen this event being posted on other blogs and thought it looked like a great opportunity to connect with some "new to me" bloggers as well as get in the running for some fabulous giveaways. The BlogFest is being hosted by A Journey of Books and there is still time to sign up to participate.

Here is what it is all about:

Looking for increased traffic to your blog? Want to get out and meet some fellow bloggers? Come join us for this twice a year event as we celebrate each other!

What is it?
BlogFest is a blog run of sorts. A list of participating blogs will be provided on September 10, each offering a fantastic giveaway for readers to enter. Each blog will link to another, pulling readers through the fantastic party we'll have set up for them!

List of Participants

Tentative Giveaways

So mark you calendars for September 10-12 and you can be either a blog hopper and visit the various blogs to sign up for the fabulous prizes or have your blog participate by hosting a giveaway.

Marie Force Giveaway Winner!!!

2010-06-27T16:24:00.000-04:00

First off, I want to give a big huge THANK YOU to Marie Force for writing a guest post for my blog!!!

Next, after giving some time for my weekend readers to get in on the contest...I want to announce the winner of the eBook Fatal Affair by Marie Force. (The winner was chosen by putting eveyone's name in Random.org)

LENI!!!!

I will be getting in touch with you today!!!

Again, thanks everyone for coming out and participating in my Guest Post event!!!!

Guest Post - Marie Force plus GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-06-25T10:37:00.002-04:00

It is my extreme please to announce that Marie Force is here today!! I am so excited about having her as my guest. As you all know...she is one of my favorite authors. Not only is she talking about Creating Unforgettable Characters, but she is also offering her new release Fatal Affair to one lucky commenter today. Just answer her questions and please please leave your email address so that I can get a hold of you if you happen to be the lucky winner. Without further ado...here is Marie Force...

Creating Unforgettable Characters

By: Marie Force

Thanks so much for having me today, Kara. It’s always such a pleasure to visit with such a great supporter of romance and, well, okay—my books! You are so kind in your reviews and comments, and I really appreciate your friendship. Since this is day five of the Fatal Affair launch week madness, I’m getting a little tired of myself, so I thought I’d talk about some other writing that wowed me recently.

Toy Story 3. Yep, you read that right. Just like its predecessors the movie is brilliantly animated and expertly voiced. And, even more so than the first two, it’s beautifully written: clever, poignant, funny, scary, and utterly captivating. When my son Jake was little, Buzz and Woody ruled the house. He was Buzz for Halloween one year and Woody the next. On one memorable road trip from Florida to Indiana and back again, all we watched/listened to in the car were the Toy Story movies. I remember my husband saying thank goodness there are two of them! We could’ve written a Ph.D. thesis on the deeper meaning of Toy Story by the time we got home from that trip.

One of my funniest Jake stories EVER was in a brand new church in Florida in which Jesus hung suspended over the altar rather than on the more conventional cross. Three-year-old Jake caught a glimpse of Jesus, busted loose in the middle of mass and tore down the center aisle yelling at the top of his considerable lungs, “Mommy, Mommy, it’s Buzz Lightyear!” How could a mom ever forget such a moment in which even the priest had to laugh?

Last year when the first two movies were re-released as a double feature, Jake and I went to see them and, shockingly, he had NO MEMORY of ever seeing them before. He remembered the characters but not the stories. I was astounded! How was that possible? Even years later I could still recite the lines ahead of the characters: “It’s a turilium carbonic alloy, and I can fly.”/“That’s not flying. It’s falling with style.” Classic!

Every time we clean out Jake’s room, we get to his Buzz and Woody guys, and he just shakes his head. And I breathe a silent sigh of relief. Not yet. After I posted on Facebook about how much the kids and I loved the third movie, a few of my friends said their kids do the same thing. Buzz and Woody are stashed away where visiting friends can’t see them (they live in the closet in our house), but they’re still in the room. My theory is that the kids worry they’ll be hurting their toys’ feelings if they give them away—as if the toys are, in fact, real. That, to me, is the hallmark of unforgettable characters.

Have you seen the Toy Story movies? If so, what do you think of them? What makes for an unforgettable character for you? I’ll give a copy of Fatal Affair to one respondent. Thanks so much for letting me share a few of my favorite memories with you.

About Fatal Affair

On the morning of the most important vote of Senator John O’Connor’s career he is late—again. His best friend and chief of staff, Nick Cappuano sets off to O'Connor’s apartment expecting to roust him from bed and hoping he is alone. But what Nick finds is that O’Connor, the handsome, amiable Senator from Virginia, has been brutally murdered, and Nick’s world comes crashing down around him. Complicating the disaster, the detective assigned to the case is none other than Sam Holland, Nick’s one-night stand from six years earlier, the woman who broke his heart and haunts his dreams. With six years worth of unfinished business hanging between them and more than a few scores to settle personally and professionally, Nick and Sam set out to find the senator's killer while trying—and failing—to resist the overwhelming attraction between them that seems to have only grown over the years.

It soon becomes clear that the senator’s past holds secrets that not only led to his death but now endanger Nick and Sam as well. Working together to find a killer and to rediscover the love they thought they lost long ago, they must put the past behind them and build a future that offers a world of new opportunities for both of them—including an offer from the Virginia Democrats for Nick to finish the last year of John’s term.

And about me:

Marie Force’s first romantic suspense, FATAL AFFAIR, will be out June 21, 2010 from Carina Press. Book 2 in the Fatal Series, FATAL JUSTICE, is coming soon from Carina. She is also the author of LINE OF SCRIMMAGE and LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT. Of LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, Booklist said, “With its humor and endearing characters, Force’s charming novel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, reaching far beyond sports fans.” Wild on Books said, “LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT by Marie Force is most definitely a keeper. It is an astounding book. I loved every single word!” A third contemporary, EVERYBODY LOVES A HERO, is due out Feb. 1, 2011. Since 1996, Marie has been the communications director for a national organization similar to the Romance Writers of America. She is a member of RWA’s New England, From the Heart and Published Author Special Interest Chapters. While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two children and a feisty dog named Brandy. Find her at www.mariesullivanforce.com, on her blog at http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Marie-Force/248130827909 and on Twitter at twitter.com/MarieForce. Marie loves to hear from readers. Contact her at marie@marieforce.com.

Naked Edge - Pamela Clare

2010-06-22T10:45:00.000-04:00

Title: Naked Edge
Author: Pamela Clare
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Published: 2010
Pages: 370
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: I-Team Series - Book #4

ARGH!!!! Where in the world have I been...I started this book and by the time I was hooked, I realized that this is part of a series. Book 4 to be exact. Why didn't I know this?? Well, it was too late to stop reading...I was hooked after the first page...so now I just have to grin and bear it and read the first book next. I absolutely hate that...starting a series in the middle. But I do have to admit, it did not in any way take away from the book...it really can be read as a standalone...however, it would have been nice to have read the secondary characters' books first...I would have gotten a better feel about their relationships.

Pamela Clare is a new author for me....I know, I know...again, where have I been?? LOL. I absolutely love her writing. It is gritty, drawing the reader into the story and not letting them go until the very end. She is a fabulous storyteller. Her characters are real and they invoke a roller coaster ride of emotions. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the surprise ending will truly entertain you. I love reading about Native American traditions, and Pamela Clare has done her research.You really get a feel for the culture and she delves deep into the whys of the traditions.

Kat is a heroine that I really would like to have as a friend. She is part of an investigative journalism team that is the subject of the I-Team series. She is true to her beliefs and is a strong, capable woman who has gone through some tragic events only to grow stronger at the outcome. Yet, she is not overbearing or boastful...it is a quiet strength that you see by her actions and her truthfulness.

Gabe is a different story...after losing what he thought was the love of his life...he is unable to form any kind of attachment to women...in short, he uses them for sex only. However, things begin to change inside of him after he saves Kat's life on more than one occasion. He can't resist the big beautiful eyes and long dark hair or the way she has the ability to see into his heart the things he has kept hidden away from everyone. Some of the reviews I have read...people seem to have a problem with Gabe and his womanizing ways...saying he was a hard hero to learn to love. Yet, I didn't have that problem. After hearing his story, seeing the way he was with Kat, getting many glimpses of his wounded heart, watching how Kat's love begins to thaw him...he really became the type of hero that I like. Without Kat, I think Gabe would have been lost to himself forever...it takes her unconditional love, heartfelt truth, and strength to pull Gabe into the world of the living.

This is truly a romantic suspense...with a surprise ending that keeps you guessing as to who is the villain. It is spine-tingling, tragic, and moved me to tears. I never saw the ending coming...and that is what I love about Pamela Clare's writing. To keep me that captivated and moved...wow.

Rating: 4.75/5
Pages: 370
Completed: 5/19/10

I Bought a New Toy!!!

2010-06-20T17:14:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally joined the ranks of the eReaders!!! A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a nook from Barnes & Noble and have had a fantastic time reading on it. There were several reasons why I chose the nook...

I have been purchasing eBooks since 2007 and most of my eBooks are in eReader format because I could read them on my laptop and on my Palm PDA. Since this is one of the formats that the nook supports, this was the main reason for the purchase...no converting my books!!!
They were running a special at Barnes & Noble that if you purchase a nook you get a $50 GC to help with the purchase of eBooks (or anything else in the store).
They also had another special where you could get a designated free eBook...this ran for about 5 weeks, but I think it has ended with Father's Day.
Memory expansion - to hold even more books!!!
Ability to sit in Barnes & Noble and read for free (for about an hour each time).

I also purchased a beautiful cover and light for it from M-Edge. Here are a couple of pictures...

This is my nook in its cover with the light. This is one of the many screen savers on the nook. The cover allows storage of the light right next to the nook. See the nice little pockets on the left side for the extra memory expansion cards??

This is the outside of the cover. The only thing I don't like about it is that the light hangs a little lower than the bottom of the cover. But it hasn't caused a problem.

I have read several eBooks on it already...Fatal Affair by Marie Force; Wild Heat by Bella Andre; and am currently reading Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare. I love it!!! I don't have all my eBooks loaded on it yet...wanted to get to the reading part of it to see how I liked it!! My son has even played Sudoku on it. I want to find some time to go to Barnes & Noble, sit with a cup of coffee, and try their free reading for an hour. Sounds like fun.

How about you? Do you have an eReader...looking to get one?

Fatal Affair - Marie Force

2010-06-17T19:06:00.000-04:00

Title: Fatal Affair
Author: Marie Force
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 406 (eBook)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Fatal Series - Book #1

Superb!!! (Definition: Of unusually high quality; excellent). That is what comes to mind if someone were to ask me what I thought about this book. Marie Force does it again. Her writing is flawless; her suspense is gripping; her romance is passionate; her characters are real; and the surprise twists in the storyline are some of the book's greatest strengths. What I love about her writing is her ability to draw the reader into the book as if they were part of the story. She grabs a hold of you and doesn't let you go until the very last page.

Fatal Affair is a riveting tale about Detective Sergeant Sam Holland and Nick Cappuano, Chief of Staff to Senator O'Connor. After discovering Senator O'Connor's dead body, Nick is plunged into a world of deception, intrigue, and passion beyond his wildest dreams. And heading the investigation is Sam, the woman he had a one night stand with six years earlier. Circumstances kept them apart six years ago, and now an malevolent murderer is determined to see that they remain apart.

I really enjoyed the character of Sam Holland. She is dedicated to her job, devoted to her family, and faces her flaws with courage. She wants to remain distant from Nick, but the passion that flares between them is just too strong. And, of course, Nick's pursuit of her doesn't make it any easier. I loved the witty banter between Sam and her partner, as well as the teasing dialogue she has with Nick.

Nick is my kind of hero. He isn't afraid to love even with his own broken background. I love his faults...being OCD in his own unique way, and just a little protective of Sam but not in an overbearing way. He falls in love with her and has to learn to let her be who she is...first and foremost a detective. He is not so alpha that he can't apologize when it is needed. And the support he gives to Sam is genuine. He truly wants her to succeed and is willing to go to any lengths to see that they get their Happily Ever After. Devoted not only to Sam but also to those close to him, he is devastated by his friend's death and is determined to help find who murdered him.

What more can I say about this truly amazing book without giving away any details that would take away from the enjoyment of the book. (I hate spoilers...LOL). If you want a thrill ride filled with twists and turns, suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and sensual passion...then Fatal Affair is the book for you.

Thank you so much, Marie, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book before the release date!!! You took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions and made me fall in love with Nick and Sam. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series!! You have definitely penned another winner!!

Rating: 5/5
Pages: 406 (eBook)
Completed: 6/16/10

Broken - Shiloh Walker

2010-06-16T11:45:00.001-04:00

Title: Broken
Author: Shiloh Walker
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2010
Pages: 327
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Related Book: Fragile (read first)

Once again, I have to praise Shiloh Walker's writing in the Romantic Suspense genre. Her storylines are captivating, and the intrigue keeps the pages turning until the very end. Broken is no exception. It will take you on an exhilarating ride!! Her characters are ones that stay with you long after the last page has been read. The suspense has twists and turns that you don't see coming. And the passion that ignites between the two main characters is smokin' hawt!!!

Quinn Rafferty works his way into your heart without you even knowing it. He is a tortured hero, tormented by his past both as a child and as a Ranger...yet, he has a strength of character that shines through. You just want to wrap him up in your arms and show him what love is all about. He is protective of Sara, but he doesn't overpower her with possessiveness. After leaving the Rangers, he started working as a bounty hunter for a private detective agency. Knowing he has his "own soul to mend" before he can worry about anyone else...he still can't help but be drawn to Sara and her secrets.

Sara is a strong character also. She is not portrayed as one of those "damsels in distress." Yes, she is on the run...but, she has taken care of herself...not leaning on anyone. Her secrets are hers alone...no matter how attracted she is to her neighbor Quinn. But Quinn must get closer to her and find out what those secrets are when he discovers that she is the target of his next missing persons case. Will their fragile hearts and their love survive?

I loved the development of Quinn's and Sara's relationship. It was quite desperate in the beginning, with both of them pulling back, not sure of the passion that flared between them. But when it ignites, the pages start to burn and your fingers will get scorched!! Get out that fan and cool drink because you are sure going to need it.

I can't really say that I loved this book more than I did Fragile...they both were fantastic reads in their own unique ways. I think I did have more of a "love crush" on Quinn, but I think that was due to the fact of his own loveless past. I recommend these two books to all the romantic suspense lovers out there who like their books fast-paced, with twists and turns, and hot and steamy. I also recommend that you read Fragile first to get the most enjoyment out of the two books.

Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 327
Completed: 4/8/10

Bloggiesta...Finish Line

2010-06-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

Well, it is the finish line of the Bloggiesta Event, and I have to say that I didn't get accomplished everything I set out to do...but I did put a dent into some of my reviews. I had a fantastic time and want to shout out a big

to Natasha at Maw Books, all the mini-challenge hosts, all the people that took the time to comment, and a special Thank-You to my kids who left me alone to work on my blog!!! I love this event and will definitely be participating the next go-around.

Here are my final stats:

Hours working on my blog: 15 hours
Mini-challenges completed: 3 (RSS feed, commenting, Google Analytics)
Comments: 40+ comments left

Here is what I completed:

Wrote 5 book reviews to be posted this week (for World According to Books).
Wrote a post about all the books I bought at the Library Book Sale
Added RSS Feed to World According to Books
Added both my blogs to Google Analytics
Designed and ordered a business card for my blog World According to Books

All is all, it was a great weekend...

Day Three...Ole!!!

2010-06-13T20:09:00.000-04:00

Day Three of Bloggiesta!!! I did pretty good yesterday with getting things accomplished. Today, it is so hot that I am taking my kids swimming...however, I will have my notebook with me so that I can write some more reviews today and try to get some other housekeeping things down around the blog.

Here are my stats from yesterday:

Hours worked on blog: 7 Hours
Mini-Challenges Completed: 2 (Comments and Google Analytics)
Reviews written: 2 (for World According to Books)
Visiting blogs and commenting: 20+

There are a few other things that I accomplished:

Wrote a post about the Library Book Sale (this took awhile).
Designed and ordered a business card (take a look below)

Here is the business card I designed for the blog:

Day Two of Bloggiesta

2010-06-12T10:17:00.000-04:00

Day Two in Bloggiesta land and I am moving right along. I was soooo tired from my journey through the library tables and boxes (yes, I am one of those people that dig through the boxes of books too). My back and knees were killing me last night....LOL!! So my stats for yesterday are a little low...however, I plan to work most of the day today on my blog.

Here's yesterdays totals:

Hours worked on blog: 4
Mini-challenges completed: 1 (RSS Feed)
Reviews written: 2 (for World According to Books)
Visiting blogs and commenting: 5 blogs

I really want to work on reviews and my business cards today. I would also like to do some more visiting of other blogs and commenting so that I can expand my network of friends, find new blogs to follow (like I need more...LOL.), and see what other great ideas people come up with to improve their blogs.

So, that's what I hope to accomplish today!! Hope everyone is having a great time with the fiesta!!

3, 2, 1...Fiesta!!!

2010-06-11T15:11:00.001-04:00

Time to start the PARTY...I am a little late today, but once you know my reason, book lovers will definitely understand!! You see, our library has been having a book sale all week...this is a super huge one downtown at our main library. Well, today was the last day, and it was bag day. This is where you buy a huge bag for $10 and fill it up with as many books as you can!!! I bought two bags and have a fantastically huge pile of books to add to my overflowing TBR shelves. I will blog on the treasures I found in another post. I just couldn't pass this opportunity up...LOL.

Right now I an going to start writing some of the 10+ reviews that I want to complete this weekend. My list of other tasks to accomplish can be found here.

So pass the margaritas, salsa and chips...I am ready to party!!!

Bloggiesta Ole!!! June 11 - June 13

2010-06-08T10:30:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been since the end of May since I posted!!! It hasn't been because I haven't been reading...have quite a few good books under my belt that need to be reviewed. Which is why I am going to participate in the Bloggiesta Event hosted by Maw Books Blog.

I participated in this event back in January and had great fun meeting new bloggers and doing some cleaning up on my blog. The event is for any type of blog...not just book blogs..."In short, it’s a blogging marathon. A opportunity to cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing."

Head on over to Maw Books Blog and see the list of tasks that can be accomplished during the marathon.

Here are some of the tasks that I hope to accomplish:

Write up the 10+ reviews I have waiting on my table.
Create some business cards...because eventually I would love to go to a book bloggers' convention.
Clean up and update my challenge lists over on my Challenges Blog.
Maybe create an About Me page.
I would love to find a Blogging Buddy.
Go over to Blogging Tips Group and read about ways to improve my blog.
And anything else I can fit into the 76 hours time frame of the event.

I am late posting this...but the event runs from June 11th 8am (your time) till 8am Monday morning the 14th. The hours you put into it don't have to be consecutive...it is just how much time you want to put into it over the three day period.

So, head on over to Maws Books Blog and read up on the rules, suggestions for improvements, and get signed up!!! Should be a great party.

Laid Bare - Lauren Dane

2010-05-23T15:28:00.000-04:00

Title: Laid Bare
Author: Lauren Dane
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2009
Pages: 322
Genre: Romance - Menage
Series: Brown Siblings - Book #1

Not knowing that this book had a related story...I read the second book first...Coming Undone. However, I don't think it spoiled the first book for me...but it would have been nice not to know the outcome before reading it. Laid Bare is a story of redemption, second chances, and a powerful message of love conquering all. The emotional connection between the reader and the characters is strong and deep. I like how Lauren Dane took an extremely devastating situation and brought the raw emotions to the forefront holding nothing back. Not knowing how I would like the menage portion of the book...I discovered that I was pulling for the threesome and hoping that they would get their happily ever after. Through her in-depth writing, I was able to feel their intense emotions, understand their respective families' concerns, and experience their ups and downs trying to overcome their obstacles, as well as, trying to mesh their lives together. Not only was this a roller coaster ride of passion, but it also contained witty dialogue, vivid imagery, and two fantastic heroes!!!

Officer Todd Keenan had a fling with rocker, bass player Erin Brown ten years ago. But not trusting his desires and needs, the relationship ended, and he moved on with his life. Now, life has changed, and the two are thrown back together - with a stronger, more confident Todd and an empty-shell of a woman, Erin. He struggles to earn her trust, to learn what has caused her to change so drastically, and to bring music back into her life. I loved Todd's character...he was so gentle with Erin...wanting to help her come to terms with her tragic past...yet a definite alpha, dominant man that knew just the right amount of control to handle all of Erin's needs.

Erin is a woman whose strength of character and determination were characteristics I wished I possessed. At first, she is a strong woman who knows her mind, doesn't care what others' think, and lives life to the fullest..."Erin Brown had stopped apologizing for wanting things. She grabbed experience with both hands and gobbled them down." After the tragedy, her strength of character changed to that of survival, regaining and reinventing herself, and learning to live again.

Ben is Todd's best friend and business partner. He entered Todd's and Erin's relationship as a friend, but soon feelings begin to develop between the three. He is hesitant at first (which I really liked this about his character) because he didn't want to come between them. But through their words and actions, Todd and Erin showed him how much he meant to them, and how much they wanted him to be a part of their lives. But it wasn't an easy relationship...relatives were concerned and some even distanced themselves from the threesome. I love that Lauren Dane didn't make it all sunshine and roses with everyone accepting their choices. It was very realistic with real reactions...made the story very believable.

I can't wait to read more of Lauren Dane's work. She has a way with words that draws a wide range of emotions from the reader. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. I am so glad I read out of my comfort zone...I would have passed up a fantastic book otherwise.

You can read an excerpt from Laid Bare over at Lauren Dane's website.

Rating: 4.75/5
Pages: 322
Completed: 3/25/10

Instant Attraction - Jill Shalvis

2010-05-21T12:58:00.000-04:00

Title: Instant Attraction
Author: Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Kensington Brava
Published: 2009
Pages: 302
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Wilder Brothers - Book #1

Instant Attraction truly lives up to its name...I was instantly attracted to the beautiful cover as well as to the words within. Praise for Jill Shalvis' writing which includes laugh out loud humor, heartwarming characters, and sizzling passion. It is the second book that I have read of hers, and it swept me away into a world of adventure, self-discovery, and witty dialogue. This is the first book in a trilogy of three bad boy heroes, the Wilder brothers, each one with their own crosses to bear. Cameron, the youngest of the brothers, is the hero in Instant Attraction.

Having been estranged from his family for months, Cameron finally comes home to the family business, Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. A world-renowned snow boarder, he is trying to get his head on straight after a life-changing accident left him unable to pursue his dream. He didn't want to come back home, but it was the only home he had, and he was so afraid he wouldn't be able to find a new dream. However, "While he'll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits." Still, there is something about Katie that keeps him coming back for more...showing her how exhilarating life can be.

Katie is suffering with her own demons. After being the sole survivor of a devastating accident, she wants to live life to the fullest. "Live life balls out" is her new motto. So she takes a temporary bookkeeping job with Wilder Adventures. She has to overcome her fears in order to embrace her new life...one of the lines in the book I absolutely love is when she tells Cameron, "I am not quitting my life." She pushes forward, tries new adventures, and with each one she starts regaining her confidence, goes through some life-changing self-discovery, and falls more in love with the sexy, heartthrob Cameron Wilder.

I enjoyed this book so much that I have book two, Instant Gratification, Stone Wilder's story, in my shopping cart ready to be ordered!! I just love Jill's writing and can't wait to get back to the characters of Wilder Adventures.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 302
Completed: 3/27/10

Our Library Does it Again

2010-05-14T10:23:00.000-04:00

Once again our library here in Cincinnati was featured in an article. This one was posted on a blog that I just recently visited which talked about supporting our local libraries and what they mean to a community. Brain Candy Book Reviews posted a list of the 10 largest public libraries and we ranked 2nd on the list with a total of 9,154,039 volumes. To learn more about supporting libraries, Jason gives us a link to the American Library Association...and when I looked up largest libraries...we ranked 9th in Nation's Largest Libraries...this list includes Universities and the Library of Congress.

We have over 1 million visitors a year to our library, and it says that "we have one of the finest collections of materials in the U.S."

Thank you Brain Candy for posting this information...and congratulations to Cincinnati and their Public Library system!!!

A little history about our library...it was first built in 1874 and featured one element similar to today's library...a towering atrium with a skylight ceiling. The building closed in 1955, when the new library was built down the street.

This is a picture of the old library right before it was torn down in 1955.

And here is a picture of the main hall...

Can you tell I am a big supporter or our local library?? We visit the library at least once every two weeks and check out tons of books and movies. The kids actually look forward to playing on the computers there, searching for books, and browsing through their movies. We usually do this at our local library near our house. But the looks on their faces was priceless when we made a field trip down to the main library in the city!!! So much to do and so much to see for the kids! Now that I think about it, it is about time to make another trip there...LOL.

Are you library patrons?

Bride Quartet - Books 2 and 3 - Nora Roberts

2010-05-08T14:39:00.000-04:00

I am doing a two for one review on the Bride Quartet series by Nora Roberts. Not because I didn't enjoy the books (in fact, I loved them), but I have soooo many books to review (I have been on a reading frenzy) that it just seemed easier this way. This post is about books 2 and 3 of the series. You can read my review on Vision in White, which is the first book, in an earlier post.

Title: Bed of Roses
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2009
Pages: 335
Genre: Romance
Series: Bride Quartet - Book #2

Hero: Jack Cooke
Heroine: Emma Grant

As you can tell from my earlier reviews...I am a huge fan of Nora Roberts. I love her writing style, her characters stay with me long after the book is finished, and the stories are engaging. There is not much more I can say about her writing that I haven't said before...she is one of my favorite authors.

Here is a brief background of the Bride Quartet series. Four close childhood friends grow up to form a company called Vows, one of Connecticut's premier wedding planning company. Bed of Roses is Emma's story...she is the wedding florist. It was interesting getting into the details of flower arranging, and planning the arrangements and bouquets for the wedding. She is also the romantic of the group, growing up dreaming of a lifelong love affair, the perfect setting for a proposal, and her own wedding. Of all the books (which I have only read the first three), I like Emma's story the best. Being a romantic at heart myself, I connected with Emma and her hopes and dreams of a future that encompasses a love of great magnitude. Her story is heart-wrenching and had me reaching for a tissue or two.

Jack Cooke has been a friend of the "family" for years. He is an architect and has helped in the renovations of the family home into the perfect showplace for Vows and the perfect place where all four women can create and pursue their individual talents. He is my favorite of the heroes...he "bangs a booming ten on your spark-o-meter, is an architect, and a bit flawed in that he has big commitment issues. It is a friends to lovers story that will warm the heart, bring a tear or two to the eyes, and make you hope for that romantic, happy ending.

Here is a quote that gives you some insight on Emma's take on love:

I don't think you tell someone you love them because you expect something. I think you tell them because you have something to give.

Rating: 4.75/5
Pages: 335
Completed: 4/10/10

Title: Savor the Moment
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2010
Pages: 325
Genre: Romance
Series: Bride Quartet - Book #3

Hero: Delaney Brown
Heroine: Laurel McBane

Laurel is the wedding cake expert of the group. While Bed of Roses was my favorite due to the romance of the story, Savor the Moment was great because of the behind the scenes look we get at designing and making wedding cakes. I love the reality TV show "Cake Boss" so reading about Laurel's trials and successes with her cakes was a great asset to the story.

Delaney is the brother of one of the four friends and he is also the attorney for the business. Being the older brother, he has watched the girls grow up together and considered all of them his sisters. Therefore, he has some issues with becoming involved with one of them. There wasn't a lot of angst with this story...the two issues being how Delaney has always thought of Laurel, and Laurel's issue that coming from a poor family, one filled with financial and infidelity problems, she wasn't good enough for the Ivy League lawyer, Delaney.

I loved the ending of the story and thought the Nora Roberts wrapped the story up with a great beach scene and an awesome quote:

I know you're the one now, and I know you're going to be the one tomorrow, and next month, next year. And you're going to be the one for the rest of my life.

Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 325
Completed: 5/4/10

Listful Mondays: Book Pet Peeves

2010-05-04T10:43:00.000-04:00

Well, here it is again Tuesday and I am just posting my Listful Monday. For some reason my Google Reader is not updating the new blogs I am following, so I missed this event again. Oh well, better late than never!!! LOL.

This meme is hosted by Julie at A Small Accomplishment.

The theme for this week is: Book Pet Peeves.

1. I hate to go into a bookstore...find a copy of the book I have been wanting forever...only to find that someone has cracked the spine or bent the cover. And that is the only copy they have!!

2. Libraries putting their stickers on the blurb of the book so that it is unreadable.

3. Those cardboard inserts in the middle of paperback books advertising a book club or something to that effect.

4. My used bookstore...when they put a book in their bargain bin...they cut the corner off the cover.

5. Crusted food on library books...that's just gross.

6. Books with glaring errors in them...I am not talking about an occasional typo here and there...I am talking big errors...like when the heroes name changes halfway through the book.

7. Dog-eared pages.

8. Throwing dust jackets away on hardbound books...yes, I know people that do that.

Now, I am not all that picky about what other people do to their books (even though dog-earring and breaking the spine makes me cringe), I just don't want it done with my books...LOL. So what about you, what are some of your pet peeves when it comes to books?

Shiloh Walker - Contest!!!

2010-04-29T08:55:00.000-04:00

I just got done praising Shiloh Walker in my review of Fragile when, lo and behold, I find out she has a revised re-release of one of her first books from My Bookstore and More. Plus, she is running a contest for a new Sony Pocket Reader!!!! Woohoo...you can't beat that. Here is the book that is being re-released:

Here is the blurb:

One woman, one man, and a love that won’t let either of them go.

Born on the wrong side of the tracks and dealt a fair share of hardship, Nikki Kline never gives up a fight. Even when her reason to keep going is ripped from her, Nikki tries desperately to hang on. But when the man who broke Nikki’s heart comes back into her life she doesn’t know how much she can take. Especially since that man seems determined to win back her damaged heart.

Wade Lightfoot is a man who knows he’s made more mistakes than most. As much as he would like to repair the damage he’s done to those he loves, Wade also knows there is no going back. But when he sets out to put things right the last thing he’s prepared to find out is that he had a son. A son he’ll never get the chance to meet.
When the truth is out and all the old wounds are bared, it seems impossible that Nikki and Wade will find their way back to each other. But true love is an undeniable force that even past hurts can’t destroy.

This book has been previously published and has been revised from its original release.

Warning: This title contains heartbreaking tragedy, lies and deception, and a scorching passion that nothing can deny.

And here is an excerpt.

I recently purchased this book and found it fascinating, a really emotional read, that will have you grabbing for that tissue!! I know it is one of her earlier works and may not be as polished as her writing is today...but I still loved the book!!

Now, on to the contest...here is the post that will tell you all the rules of the contest. I have so wanted a Sony reader for such a long time...here's keeping my fingers crossed.

Isn't it pretty??

TBR Stack Runs Amok

2010-04-27T10:21:00.000-04:00

My house is being taken over by my TBR stacks!!! So, I decided to do a little organizing after reading this fantastic post by Amy over at My Overstuffed Bookshelf. You really need to take a look at her post...she has a wonderful library of books and they are so organized now. She was being overrun by her TBR piles too...so her husband helped her clean out her craft room and install some bookshelves. One of the things that was so fantastic about this post (besides all the wonderful pictures of her shelves!!!) was that she purchased a 5 shelf bookcase for $25 at Walmart....that's right...$25. What a fantastic bargain. Well, I knew I just had to follow in her footsteps and organize my shelves too.

As you can see by the picture below...I had a 3 shelf bookcase that was stuffed to the max (two rows per shelf), and then if you look to the left of the picture you can see some book bags sitting beside it. These too were stuffed with books...I think there were 5 bags in all. Then, of course, there are all the boxes up in the attic filled with books too.

Now, I live in an extremely small house...so this bookcase is in the hallway with the bags stacked next to it. Totally unacceptable. So, I grabbed my 17 year old son, hauled him off to Walmart to purchase my bookcases. I wanted two in the Alder wood, but lo and behold the only two of that kind they had were ones where the boxes were damaged. Not wanting to wait until they got more in...if they even were getting more in...and possibly missing out on such a great price...I purchased two in black. My son helped me get them in the cart, then the car, and even carried them in the house for me. (Thanks son!!!). I couldn't wait any longer, I just had to put at least one together and get started on organizing my books. It took me a total of two nights to get both of them together and anchored to the walls. Another couple of nights to go through all my books and get them sorted by author, divided between paperbacks and hardbound, and all logged onto my spreadsheet in Excel. Here are the pictures of my results.

Now, these are just my TBR books. My read books and keepers are on some makeshift shelves in my office. But, as you can see, I have some growing room on my shelves here in the hallway. I still use my 3 shelf bookcase too...right now it is filled with books that I haven't yet sorted and logged.

All in all, it has been a pretty productive few days, and I feel so good about seeing all my books on display. It was great going through the boxes and bags because I came across books that I had forgotten about and my interest in them has been renewed.

I'm curious, how are your books displayed? Got any great pictures of your shelves to share?

Fragile - Shiloh Walker

2010-04-24T11:27:00.002-04:00

Title: Fragile
Author: Shiloh Walker
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2009
Pages: 346
Genre: Romantic Suspense

I had only read one of Shiloh Walker's books (the first in the Hunter's series) before I picked up Fragile. And I picked up Fragile because I bought Broken (the second book in the series) due to a contest that Shiloh was having on her website. And I can't express how very glad I did...I absolutely LOVE Shiloh's books. Her characters work their way into your heart so that they stay with you long after the book is finished. Her writing has you sitting on the edge of your seat with suspense and grabbing that fan to cool you down after the scorching passion. Even though her characters have their "issues," there is a strength about them that they are able to overcome what seems like insurmountable odds. The twists and turns will have you guessing until the end...and wondering if a HEA is in the works for the hero and heroine. From page one I was engrossed and couldn't put the book down...I literally read this in one sitting.

Luke Rafferty is the hero in this book and his battle-scarred heart, had me cheering for him from the very beginning. I didn't have to warm up to his character...he captured my heart from the very first pages. He left the Rangers after being wounded on one of their missions...he is now working as a doctor in the emergency department of a hospital. He is searching for a normal life and after six years, he still hasn't found it. However, when Luke meets Devon...he just might have found what he has been looking for...but is Devon ready for a complication called Luke.

Devon Manning is a social worker. Being a child of "the system" herself and growing up with a lot of issues stemming from her childhood, her job "is a constant reminder of her own troubled youth." She is unable to form adult relationships and sees Luke's interest as a complication she doesn't need.

As their relationship progresses with Luke trying to break through her emotional barriers, a stalker comes on the scene that has Devon concerned about her sanity. Devon is such a strong character that she rebels against Luke's protectiveness. As the stalker's intensity grows, so does the passion between Luke and Devon. As the plot twists and turns...you'll will definitely be guessing who the stalker is until the very end.

Excellent plot and character development, as well as excellent writing all the way around. Can't wait for Broken to come in the mail!!!

Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 346
Completed: 3/21/10

Listful Mondays: Book Places I Want to Visit/See

2010-04-20T11:50:00.000-04:00

Julie over at A Small Accomplishment hosts a Monday meme called Listful Mondays. Every Monday there is a theme or question that requires a list. This Monday's list is about Book Places that you want to visit and list the book(s) behind the why...however, they have to be real places (fictitious places will be next week).

I know I am posting this on a Tuesday...but I just ran across this today!! LOL.

So here is my list of places I would like to visit:

Ireland - Nora Roberts' Born series and Patrick Taylor's Ireland series.
Camargue, France - Luanne Rice's Light of the Moon
Scotland - All the Highlander books I read...just would love to see the countryside described
Black Hills of South Dakota - Nora Roberts' Black Hills
Sawyer Island, Maine - Barbara Delinsky's The Summer I Dared

My list isn't very long...I read mostly fiction which contain a lot of fictitious places...so next week my list should be longer...much longer...LOL.

I usually don't participate in memes, but this one sounded like a lot of fun!! I am anxious to see what other "lists" she comes up with in the future.

Google Docs...My New Friend

2010-04-18T16:35:00.000-04:00

I am so behind in the times!!! Even though some of you may know about this...I just discovered a new way to keep and update my TBR list...thanks to Tara at 25 Hour Books!!!!

I usually keep a notebook beside my computer and jot down great suggestions from bloggers...but then I have to take that notebook everywhere I go...and sometimes I forget to jot down who recommended the book so that when I do my reviews, I can't give them credit for the recommendation. And I never have the notebook with me when I spontaneously decide to stop by the bookstore.

But thanks to Tara, I have a new way of doing things...Google Docs!!! She wrote a post about creating a form in Google Docs that places all the info in spreadsheet format. The spreadsheet can be accessed with any techie device you may own...so my list is always with me. And I put the link to the form up in the address bar so that the form is only a click away. What is on my form is Title, Author, Source, and Source URL. All the information I need!!

Thanks so much Tara for a great post...Add to TBR Form.

Bound, Branded, & Brazen - Jaci Burton

2010-04-16T17:30:00.001-04:00

Title: Bound, Branded, & Brazen
Author: Jaci Burton
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2010
Pages: 324
Genre: Erotic Romance

I won, I won, I won!!! I won this book over at No Such Thing as Too Many Books...thanks again Blanche. Now, I know I won this book back in March, but I really really wanted to read Wild, Wicked, & Wanton before I delved into this one. They are not connected in any way, but WWW came out before Bound, Branded, & Brazen and it just seemed like a good thing to do at the time...LOL. After reading both books, I liked BBB just a little better than WWW...not that I didn't love WWW...I mean I gave it a 4/5...but, BBB just grabbed me the right way...I mean how could you miss with three sexy, hunky cowboys!!!

Three passionate stories contained in one book...yet they are interconnected because the heroines are sisters. The stories flowed together smoothly, and each are interspersed with Jaci Burton's brand of humor. Of the three sisters, Jolene has been running the family ranch while the other two left to pursue different careers. But, it is finally time for Brea and Valerie to come home and decide what to do about their interest in the ranch. Little did they know that this family reunion would be a "hot date with destiny."

BOUND...Valerie left her foreman husband, Mason, to pursue a career in the big city as a doctor. But seeing him again brings back "sizzling memories" and "rekindled a fire that threatens to burn them both." Mason has worked hard as the Bar M foreman, helping Jolene turn it into the magnificent ranch it is today. Too bad he couldn't make a go of his marriage. But Valerie was running scared not really recovering after her parents death. She loved her parents so much, but that love hadn't been able to keep them with her. She just couldn't risk loving again with Mason.

Valerie has trouble realizing her her inner strength. It takes her sisters and Mason to make her to see that they will love her no matter how far she runs. It all comes to a boil, with her sitting in her car at a crossroad having to make the most important decisions of her life. Theirs' is an emotional, tension filled story that will have you cheering for Mason and his well-thought out plan to win back his wife.

BRANDED...Brea thought her self as a gawky and chubby girl. But Jolene shows her how beautiful she is by giving her a make-over, buying her new clothes, and throwing out those ugly, over-sized clothes that she was used to wearing. She still thinks she is out of horse trainer Gage's league, but he just might be the one to fulfill all of her fantasies. Gage is a drifter and has no intention of settling down.While being straight-forward and direct, he does have a gentler side to him...just as he coaxes his wild horses to accept him as master...so does he coax Brea to emerge from her shell into a sexually confident, beautiful woman. Will Brea be able to accept his terms...no strings, no attachment...or will she let her heart rule her emotions?

I loved the story of Brea and Gage...besides his hotness, Gage could see the potential in Brea even before her makeover. He was gentle yet firm with her and guided her on her sexual discovery with a loving hand. Brea was insecure because of past relationships, yet gave herself another chance with Gage. It was a fantastic read and Jaci Burton knew just how to capture my heart with this one. I think this might have been my favorite of the three.

BRAZEN...Jolene has wanted ranch hand Walker Morgan since he stepped onto her ranch. Yet, Walker won't even acknowledge the attraction between them...no matter how she tempts him. So, it is up to Jolene to make the first move. Finally Walker succumbes to Jolene's advances, but he has stipulations. No one was to know about their relationship. However, the townspeople don't want Walker around...they want him gone.

Walker is trying to do the right thing...if only he would open up to Jolene and tell her why he was afraid of their relationship. I liked how he was trying to do the honorable thing. Jolene could be a bit forceful and brash, but that was a part of her personality that made itself known through all three stories. She was a go-getter...she went after what she wanted both with Walker and with ranch decisions. I enjoyed her strength of character...so different from scared Valerie and insecure Brea.

All in all...these were three well-developed stories that entailed scorching passion, intense emotions, loyalty, friendship, and a whole lot of lovin'. LOL. Jaci Burton pens a great anthology, and I am definitely going to be perusing her backlist for more wonderful passion-filled stories.

Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 324
Completed: 3/13/10

Read-A-Thon Wrap-Up Post

2010-04-12T08:37:00.000-04:00

Well, I wasn't able to complete the Read-A-Thon like I wanted to. I lasted for 13 hours and 15 minutes and then all hell broke loose. There has been a stomach virus going around our area and both of my youngest boys decided that last night would be a good time to get it!!! I took a 30 minute break to get them to bed...started in my book again...had all my snacks and drink by my side, curled up in my Snuggie...and then the first one comes out saying "Mommy, I don't feel so good." Then he proceed to throw-up. After getting him settled...the other one starts...and so it went all night...both of them tag teaming me.

I think I should get a few points for at least staying up the 24 hours...LOL...but after they got sick...I didn't read very much...just took care of them and cleaned my bathroom a half a dozen times.

I was doing so well too....wasn't feeling tired...and reading some good books. After I finished Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts (which was really good...made me cry!!!), I started on A Whisper of Eternity by Amanda Ashley.

So here are my TOTAL stats:

Time Spent Reading: 9 hours 45 minutes
Time Spent Blogging: 1 hour 40 minutes
Books Read: 2.25
Pages Read: 549
Mini-Challenges: 2
Comments: 17 Blogs
Family Life: 1 hour 50 minutes....Plus the rest of the Read-A-Thon due to sickness (kids)

Books I Read:

"D" is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton (Completed)
Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts (Completed)
A Whisper of Eternity by Amanda Ashley (1/4 of book)

Here are some questions asked in the last Mini-Challenge of the event:

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
   Since I didn't get to finish the challenge...I really didn't have a daunting hour...at 12 hours I was still going strong

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
   I don't have any high-interest books to list...but I think shorter books and easier books are what kept me engaged. Not those heavy "put a lot of thought into" books...I think that would have made me tired at an earlier hour.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
        Nope, no suggestions. This was my first Read-a-thon and I thought things ran smooth and all the information was there for both the readers and the cheerleaders.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
        As I stated above, I thought the whole thing was well organized and the mini-challenges kept my interest.

5. How many books did you read? 2.25

6. What were the names of the books you read?
I listed those in my stats.

7. Which book did you enjoy most?
       Both of the books I read were great...but of the two...Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts is what got me emotionally.

8. Which did you enjoy least?
      I hate to say that I enjoyed "D" is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton the least...it really was a good book and kept me engaged the whole way through.

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
      Don't forget the little people out there doing the read-a-thon. Just don't post on the popular blogs.

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Oh, I definitely will be participating as a reader in the next read-a-thon...and the kids will have strict orders NOT to get sick this time. LOL Hopefully, I will have learned a little more about Twitter so that I can participate more on that end. Absolutely have no clue what I am doing on Twitter.

All in all, I had a fantastic time participating in the Read-A-Thon and will definitely be doing it again in the Fall. Thank you so much to everyone that stopped by to cheer me on!!! It meant so much to me. And definitely thanks to the coordinators of the event...without you there wouldn't be a Read-A-Thon...you put in so much time and effort to make this a special weekend and thanks is just not enough for all you do!!! And last but certainly not least...I really want to send a thanks out to Fyrefly...without her wonderful Excel spreadsheet she created, calculating my totals would have taken me so much more time than it did. You are the Excel Queen!!!

I will be posting my reviews on the books I read later on this week...hopefully I can get caught up with all my reviews (I think I have about 8 to do including the Read-A-Thon books).

Update Post #2

2010-04-10T16:17:00.000-04:00

We are now completing the 8th hour of the Read-A-Thon and I am still going strong. I am reading Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts and am almost half-way through it. The kids are being so well-behaved today...only asking for little things and keeping themselves occupied. Helps immensely that it is nice and sunny outside!!

I have been reading quite steadily without taking a break to do any mini-challenges. I did take a quick break for 1/2 hour to take the younger kids to McDonald's and grab some carry-out. I did this as a treat for being so good.

Here are my TOTAL stats:

Time Sent Reading: 6 hours and 5 minutes
Time Spent Blogging: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Books Read: 1.5
Pages Read: 318
Mini-Challenges: 2
Comments: 11 Blogs
Family Life: 50 minutes

Oh, and I was also the one of the Readers of the Hour winners!!! I chose the book Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow as my prize!!!

Off to check out some of the mini-challenges and to cheer on some fellow readers.

Update Post #1

2010-04-10T11:59:00.000-04:00

Well, we are ending hour number 4 in the Read-A-Thon, and I thought I would take a minute to update you on my stats.

I am just finishing up "D" is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton...I have about 30 pages left...this is a great cozy mystery...I love this series and don't know why I waited so long to read the next one.

Here are my Stats:

Time spent reading: 3 hours
Time spent blogging: 1 hour
Books Read: 1
Pages Read: 128 pages (started on page 58)
Mini-Challenges: 2
Comments: 5 Blogs

Going to go comment on a few blogs and then back to reading.

Mini Challenges #1 and #2

2010-04-10T10:04:00.001-04:00

I am going to combine the first two mini-challenges into one post...just to cut down on the number of posts I make during the Read-A-Thon.

Mini-Challenge #1....Intro Post....Here are the questions:

Where are you reading from today?
3 facts about me …
How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?
Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?
If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time?

3 Facts about me: I have four kids ages 6, 8, 17, and 18. I am a paralegal looking for full-time work. I love to cross stitch (when I am not reading, of course).

As I stated in my first post...the first book I am reading is "D" is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton. I started this book yesterday and want to finish it...so I started on page 58 today. Then I will probably move onto something light like Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, or Susan Wiggs.

I don't have any books picked out...my TBR stack is all in one bookshelf and I have them all listed in an Excel spreadsheet...I am a fly by the seat of my pants reader...so, I'll pick and choose as the Read-A-Thon continues.

No, I don't have any goals for the Read-A-Thon...except to read as many hours as I can. This is my first time participating so I don't know how many books I can fit in, or pages read...I am kind of feeling my way around and discovering all the ins and outs of the event.

Mini-Challenge #2...hosted by Miss Remmer's Reviews...The Kickoff of Champions.

She wants to know what we have surrounded ourselves with for the start of the Read-A-Thon. I started out wrapped in my Snuggli (little chilly outside this morning) with a big thermos of coffee and my book. On my table is my notepad so I can jot down how many hours I read, blog, comment, and possibly Twitter (very new to Twitter and don't know how it works yet). I also have a stack of books that I received recently in the mail.

Up on my laptop is Firefox with tabs to Dewey's Read-A-Thon, Twitter, and my Google Reader. I also have Excel brought up with my Read-A-Thon spreadsheet that calculates number of books, number of pages, and hours spent reading.

So all-in-all, I think I am pretty much settled for the first few hours...until it is time for snacks...LOL.

Now back to reading!!!!

Read-a-Thon...Hour One

2010-04-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Ready...Set...Go!!!! It is 8:00 am here in sunny Cincinnati, Ohio, and I am off and running with the Read-a-Thon. I am so excited about being a participant this year...it is my first time and I am just learning all the ropes, tips, and tricks to make this a successful event. I am not sure how many times I am going to update and use the same post or different posts. I guess we will see how things go and how many breaks I need to take from reading.

My kids are settled for the morning and I am comfy in my chair with my coffee. My first book will be..."D" is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton.

I am also using FyreFly's Excel spreadsheet to keep track of time reading, pages, and books read. Hopefully this will make it easy and quick to write my updates.

I really want to say GOOD LUCK to all those participating, and I hope to get to some of the blogs and give encouragement to my fellow readers.

Sarah's Child - Linda Howard

2010-04-07T11:21:00.000-04:00

Title: Sarah's Child
Author: Linda Howard
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 1985
Pages: 322 (eBook)
Genre: Romance

As you can see by the published date, this is an older book by Linda Howard. I have only read one other book by her and that is Mackenzie's Mountain, and I absolutely LOVED Wolf!! Sarah's Child is a different kind of book from the Mackenzie series, but I enjoyed it just the same. But while reading it...you have to remember that it was written in 1985 and put those feminist views aside...LOL. I will probably reread this book some time in the future. Others have said that this wasn't Linda Howard's greatest work...but I thought it was a good story.

Sarah has been in love with Rome from the first day she met him...yet it was a forbidden love since he was married to her best friend. Rome has always considered Sarah a very cold and aloof woman not knowing that she hides her love for him behind that facade. The story opens two years after the death of Rome's wife and two children. He calls Sarah to come to the house and pick up a box of mementos that his wife had collected through their high school years. Still in love with him, Sarah comforts a distraught Rome as he cleans out his home. Comfort leads to more...and Rome can't keep away from Sarah.

Rome is definitely an alpha male!! But at times in the book he comes across as a total jerk using the death of his family as an excuse to treat Sarah with disdain. He does redeem himself in the end...but it definitely takes him most of the book to realize he is acting like a jerk. All the time he is struggling with coming to terms with his loss...Sarah quietly loves him and takes what he dishes out. Sometimes I thought she was too understanding and needed to give Rome a swift kick...LOL. She does stand up for herself and gives him an ultimatum...but that is for you to find out what that is all about.

Rating: 3/5
Pages: 322 (eBook)
Completed: 3/15/10

March Monthly Wrap-up

2010-04-06T11:40:00.000-04:00

I haven't done a wrap-up post in a long time. Didn't know if people liked them or skipped over them when reading blogs. One of the blogs I follow addressed this issue (Beth Fish Reads)and the comments have been mixed. I wrote done some suggestions from people that liked wrap-up posts and what they thought should be included. So, I am going to make an attempt to try this out for a couple of months and see what happens.

I had a pretty good month in March...read 10 books, won a couple of books, and pimped a few contests. However, I am behind in my reviews. Would like to get caught up in April, but one of my weekends is going to be taken up by the Read-A-Thon.

Books Read with Links to My Reviews

Zack: Armed and Dangerous by Cheyenne McCray - 3/1/10
Hard to Handle by Lori Foster - 3/1/10
Wild, Wicked and Wanton by Jaci Burton - 3/7/10
Rewriting Monday by Jody Thomas - 3/8/10
Bound, Branded, and Brazen by Jaci Burton - 3/13/10
Sarah's Child by Linda Howard - 3/15/10
Fragile by Shiloh Walker - 3/21/10
Bride, Bought and Paid For by Helen Bianchin - 3/22/10
Laid Bare by Lauren Dane - 3/22/10
Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis - 3/27/10

I really and truly can't pick a favorite...most of what I read were "new to me" authors and there isn't one of them that didn't go on my "stalk their backlist" list. I loved all of them.

Books Won

Bound, Branded and Brazen by Jaci Burton from Blanche over at No Such Thing as Too Many Books.
The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle by Raeanne Thayne from Marilyn's Romance Reviews.

Well, that about wraps up March. My plans for April include Dewey's Read-A-Thon, getting caught up with reviews, and continue my participation in Blog Improvement Project...April requires us to write 14 different types of posts...you can read about them here.

Hope everyone had a great reading month in March and here's to a fantastic April!!!

Rewriting Monday - Jodi Thomas

2010-03-31T11:12:00.000-04:00

Title: Rewriting Monday
Author: Jodi Thomas
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2009
Pages: 343
Genre: Romance with a touch of Suspense

I agree with the cover quote by author Catherine Anderson..."A masterful storyteller." Jodi Thomas takes us to a small town in Texas with a population of 15,007. I loved her descriptions of the town, secondary characters, and her depiction of the romantic interest between the two main characters. Jodi Thomas takes a little twist with this book in that she writes in both first person and third person. You might think this would be hard to follow...but it wasn't. It flowed smoothly and was very easy to read. I really enjoyed the fact that we got to know what some of the other characters were thinking instead of just the thoughts of the narrator.

Pepper Malone is on the run from a mistake that ended her career as a Chicago reporter. She comes to the town of Bailee, Texas because that is where her Aunt lives and to pull herself together before choosing her next career move. Her Aunt is recovering from a broken hip in a nursing home, so Pepper takes up residence in her rundown mobile home. With only $245 in her pocket, she decides to apply for a job at the local newspaper. It is through Pepper and the first person narrative that we get a glimpse of Bailee and the local people. There isn't a character introduced in this story that you don't want to know more about. The secondary characters were great and even the subplot of another romance brewing between two of them moved me.

Mike is the owner of the local paper. The paper has been in his family for years although Mike wants nothing to do with owning it. However, after his brother's death, he quits his job of teaching and comes home to take over as editor. Mike is a great beta hero - he hides is inner turmoil and people tend to take him for granted. He is the shy strong type of hero that quietly sits in the background. His life is full of regrets...there are dreams that didn't get fulfilled, things he should have done, and all he wants to do is have the ability to rewrite his life.

While reading about the romance blooming between Mike and Pepper...there are other side stories that make this story such a great read. Like the threats that are coming to the paper, both written and phone calls; the mysterious man that shows up every Monday to buy a paper; the unknown past of Lorie, the bakery owner; and the lives of the residence in the nursing home. If you want a "beach" read that encompasses a bit of suspense, lots of great characters, and an ending that will make you sigh...then pick up a copy of Rewriting Monday. I can't wait to get my hands on her other book...Twisted Creek.

Rating: 3.75/5
Pages: 343
Completed: 3/8/10

24 Hour Read-a-Thon

2010-03-28T14:46:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited!!! This is the first time that I am going to be participating in the Dewey 24-hour Read-a-Thon!!! I have wanted to join the fun for some time now (it is held twice a year), but things kept getting in the way. I finally have the weekend free, and I am gathering my books together this week. The Read-a-Thon happens April 10th - 11th. I am in the Eastern time zone, so I start at 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the 10th.

If you would like to participate, you can read more about the rules and have your questions answered at the faqs page. Sign-up is starting now...so don't wait too long!!! There will be mini-challenges throughout the event, so you can take a break from reading. Now, you don't have to read the whole 24 hours. A lot of people do sleep...it is all up to you as to how many hours you participate...this is supposed to be fun!!!

If you don't want to be a reader, you can always sign up to be a cheerleader. Cheerleaders will just spend whatever amount of time they can visiting the blogs of readers and encouraging everyone. The main purpose of cheerleaders is to keep Readers from feeling isolated as they spend their day reading.

I can't wait for the event to start...I will be updating my blog throughout the Read-a-Thon to keep track of how much I have accomplished. I will be counting pages read, hours spent reading, doing mini-challenges, and commenting on other blogs. I will also have a list of the books I read so that I can do my reviews later this week.

Sunday Salon - 3/21/10

2010-03-21T15:19:00.000-04:00

Good Afternoon Sunday Saloners!!! I've been reading quite a bit this week and also got some good books in the mail. This morning I finished up Fragile by Shiloh Walker. I am getting ready to start its sequel...Broken. Some other books on my TBR list this week are Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis; Wicked Ties by Shayla Black; and Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill. All of which I received in the mail from Amazon. I really need to finish up Highland Honor by Hannah Howell because she is the author I am celebrating this month for the challenge, Celebrate the Author. For this challenge, you choose one author a month whose birthday is that month and read one of their books. So far I have celebrated...Stuart Woods in January...and John Sandford in February.

A couple of posts I read this week are going to get mentioned here because of how much I liked them. Stacey at Stacey's Place on Earth did an excellent job interviewing Beth Kery who happens to be one of my favorite authors. And Jenner at Life With a Little One does a meme on Tuesdays called Post-It-Note Tuesdays. This week she posted about "You Know You Have a Blogging Problem if..." which really gave me a good laugh.

I am four books behind in my reviews...up this week will be Rewriting Monday by Jodi Thomas, Bound, Branded & Brazen by Jaci Burton, Sarah's Child by Linda Howard, and Fragile by Shiloh Walker. Hopefully, I will be caught up by the end of the week.

I wish everyone a great day...to visit other saloners...check them out here.

Wild, Wicked, & Wanton - Jaci Burton

2010-03-19T17:33:00.001-04:00

Title: Wild, Wicked, & Wanton
Author: Jaci Burton
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2007
Pages: 326
Genre: Erotic Romance

Three friends...three secret desires...three chances to make it all come true.

Wild, Wicked, & Wanton is just that...wild, wicked, & wanton. There are three individual stories in this book. However, they are all connected through three friends. They are inseparable, sharing their wildest secrets and dares. "Their latest bet is the boldest one of all: Each must sleep with whomever the other two have chosen for her." Each friend has their own story but their interaction with each other draws the stories together that make it flow as one.

Wild Abby swore off men for good after her husband bedded every willing female in town. "She never counted on a pair of sexy veterinarians who are fulfilling a desire of their own." Wicked Blair is afraid to commit having broken off three engagements. "Yet there's one man she never had the courage to bed. The one man she really loved. But now, the decision is out of her hands." Wanton Callie's long dormant fantasies may be getting a workout. "A new man enters her life, and everything about him is irresistible."

This is definitely one intensely hot read. So, if you don't like romances that daringly push the boundaries then this one isn't for you. But, if you like them hawt, fiery, wicked, with scorching physical encounters...then you need to pick up a copy of Wild, Wicked, & Wanton. Jaci Burton creates three dimensional characters that are sure to entertain you. I thought all three stories were fantastic. Abby, Blair, and Callie are strong heroines that weren't afraid to go after what they wanted...that is after a little prodding from each other. And the heroes...wow...I just loved Seth, the sexy veterinarian; Rand, the dominate alpha cop; and Jack, the anything goes, gorgeous lawyer.

If you want to read an excerpt, head on over to Jaci Burton's website.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 326
Completed: 3/7/10

Hard to Handle - Lori Foster

2010-03-13T10:59:00.000-05:00

Title: Hard to Handle
Author: Lori Foster
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2008
Pages: 648 (eBook)
Genre: Suspense/Romance
Series: Fighter Series Book #3

Ack!! This is the third book in a series and I didn't know it. I just didn't investigate it when I bought the book from Fictionwise. I will have to admit though, I didn't have any trouble reading it out of order...it can be read as a standalone. However, I think it would have been a bit more enjoyable to have the other secondary characters' back stories. This is the first book I have read by Lori Foster. It is a shame too, as she is a local author here in Cincinnati, Ohio. This series is about ultimate fighters, and I really enjoyed this avenue of heroes. I have read the usual genres of cowboys, firefighters, agents, SEALs, etc., but never one about fighters...so it was a nice change.

Anastasia is a life coach, helping people gain confidence in their abilities and discovering their true path in life. However, she is also Harley's landlord. She rents him a cabin every year, but they never exchange more than a few hellos. Until fate throws them together. When there is an attempt on Stasia's life, Harley makes it his mission to keep her safe.

Harley is an ultimate fighter once again going after the SBC title belt. Each time he has reached the top...ready to fight for the belt...an accident has occurred that has pulled him out of the fight. This time he is determined to get the belt. Stasia wants to help him...gain focus and get his life in order. He wants nothing to do with her and her brand of coaching. However, the attraction they feel for each other is too overwhelming to deny.

Harley is the perfect flawed alpha hero...a bit of a womanizer, definitely a dominant, and sexy to boot. Anastasia has a strength all her own. She doesn't fall at Harley's feet like the rest of the women do...in fact, she is quite good at not succumbing to his charms. She is recovering from a bad situation with a client, and is determined not to let it ruin her or her business. They spend a good portion of the book dancing around each other, but when they finally come together...fireworks!! I think the only thing that disappointed me in this book is that the fight for the title belt only lasted about a page...I would have liked to have seen more tension and edge of seat writing in this portion of the book. But, all in all, it was a fun read!! Like I said earlier...the only thing that could have made this more enjoyable for me is if I had had the background stories on a couple of the secondary characters...but I will read their stories next.

To read a couple of excerpts from this book, go to Lori Foster's website.

Rating: 3.75/5
Pages: 684 (eBook)
Completed: 3/1/10

Zack: Armed and Dangerous - Cheyenne McCray

2010-03-12T16:35:00.000-05:00

Title: Zack: Armed and Dangerous
Author: Cheyenne McCray
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2008
Pages: 269
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Armed and Dangerous Book #1

Cheyenne McCray is a "new to me" author, and this won't be the last book of hers I read. I have a strong liking for contemporary romances with a western theme. Throw into the mix a hot ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officer cowboy, and you have the makings of a great romantic suspense story. Not only is the hero in this story a sexy cowboy...but the managing ranch hand, Luke, is to die for too. This is a second chance at love story that has you cheering for the hero and hoping he wins back his lady.

Zack stole my heart from the very beginning. He is as noble as a hero should be...working to protect Sky from the cattle rustlers, and continually proving his undying love for her. He is a down to earth, gun-totin', black stetson wearing cowboy. Need I say more?? LOL. He is definitely an alpha male and doesn't mind using some of that alphaness (is that a word?) to get what he wants with Sky.

Sky has been hurt by Zack in the past. So, she is leery about getting involved with him again. She is a strong woman, knows what she wants...she runs her own ranch, knows how to shoot, and isn't afraid of getting down and dirty with work. She definitely gets down and dirty with Zack - LOL.

The cattle rustling mystery kept me involved, and I wasn't sure of the outcome until the end. I do have to say that the romantic tension between the two was sizzling and the passion was extremely scorching. I think the relationship was the core of the story with the cattle rustling being a great subplot.If you want to read the first three chapters, head on over to Cheyenne McCray's website and take a peek.

I can't wait for Luke's story which is already published. Ms. McCray also has plans for more Armed and Dangerous men...on her Coming Soon page, there are slots for Clay and Noah.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 269
Completed: 3/1/10

Book Signing in Chicago

2010-03-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

A fabulous group of romance authors will be in Chicago on March 13! Don’t miss your chance to meet acclaimed authors:

Julie James—writes smart, sexy contemporary romances.
Beth Kery– writes steamy, emotional contemporary romances.
Shiloh Walker—writes erotic romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense.
Joss Ware (aka Colleen Gleason)—writes a post-apocalyptic romantic adventure series and a historical vampire hunter series.

We’ll all be signing at the following date and time, so come on out and meet us!

Barnes & Noble
Webster Place
1441 West Webster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
773-871-3610
March 13th, 3:00-5:00 pm

So, SPREAD THE WORD and get entered for a chance to win a $40 GC to Barnes & Noble.

Broken - Release Today!!

2010-03-02T13:46:00.000-05:00

Shiloh Walker's book Broken is being released today!!! I've got mine ordered and can't wait to read it. Here is the blurb from the back of the book and a small excerpt.

Shattered

Quinn Rafferty is working as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman in St. Louis when a new neighbor catches his eye. He’s tempted by her beauty—but he knows from experience that anyone desperate enough to live in his building is damaged goods. Besides, he has his own soul to mend before he can worry about anyone else.

Desperate

Sara Davis is on the run, but not for the usual reasons a woman goes on the lam. She’s not an abused wife, and she’s not a criminal. But she does have a plan for her future. And as much as she finds herself attracted to her gruff, tough neighbor, she can’t risk telling him the secrets she’s hiding. There’s just too much at stake.

Driven to desire…

But Quinn must get closer to Sara when she turns out to be the target of his new missing persons case, and he discovers that there is something more complex and dangerous to her than he thought. Now, both Quinn and Sara will have to expose their true feelings—as well as their fragile hearts—if they hope their love will survive…

EXCERPT

He opened the door—

And stopped dead in his tracks as somebody all but fell into his arms. Somebody…a woman. And not Theresa.

He caught her just above her elbows, automatically steadying her.
“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft and low.

Then she lifted her face and Quinn found himself gazing into the biggest, brownest eyes he’d ever seen in his life. Feeling a little dazed, he studied her face while she stammered out another apology.
Quinn barely heard it.

He was too busy staring at her mouth. A very pretty mouth, a cupid’s bow mouth slicked with deep, vibrant red. Under his hands, he could feel silken smooth skin and unable to resist, he stroked a thumb along her inner arm.

Her skin was soft, soft and warm. He was also pretty sure she had the creamiest, most flawless skin imaginable. Her shoulder-length hair was a shade caught between blonde and brown, nondescript, but for some reason, he found himself thinking about tangling his fingers in that hair and holding her head still while he kissed that red-slicked mouth.

Well, hello…

read more…

Winner of Release

2010-03-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much everyone...for coming over and joining my contest!!! I had such a great turnout, wonderful comments on my blog, and even picked up a few followers!!! I can't tell you how much all of that meant to me...Thanks again.

Without further ado...the Winner of Beth Kery's book Release is none other than...

Martha Lawson

I will be sending you an email shortly!!

I want to say...THANK YOU...again to all the wonderful participants...you made my first contest the best!!!

I Really Want to Win This One...

2010-03-01T08:13:00.000-05:00

My friend, Blanche, over at There's No Such Thing as Too Many Books is having a contest!!!

What a fantastic one it is too...she is giving away a copy of Bound, Branded & Brazen by Jaci Burton. I have been waiting for this one to be released!! Release day is Tuesday.

So head on over there and join in the fun!!! Contest runs through this evening and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.

Here's keeping my fingers crossed!!!

Vision in White - Nora Roberts

2010-02-27T11:54:00.000-05:00

Title: Vision in White
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2009
Pages: 325
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Series: Bride Quartet Book #1

I haven't read a romantic comedy in some time and Nora Roberts pens a great one!! I thought Carter Maguire was an adorable, nerdy, English Lit high school teacher. He was so shy around women...especially the one woman he had a crush on since high school. I loved how he talked to himself, giving himself advice on how to handle his attraction to Mackensie. And then there was his friend, Bob, making Carter lists on what to do in different situations involving his relationship with her and advice on dating. Laugh out loud funny. Just the right amount of shyness and clumsiness in Carter that endears him to the reader.

Mackensie is in a class all her own. Confident in her ability as a photographer...a wedding photographer...having her pictures on the cover of magazines. Yet, she is vulnerable in her private life. She has never had a relationship due to her upbringing...she is scared of commitment, doesn't believe in marriage, and only has flings with men. This is all due to the fact that her mother is the "Mommy Dearest" of all mothers. Manipulating Mackensie with guilt, pressure, and she is an overall drama queen with four marriages under her belt. But I do have to say that she gets her just desserts in the end.

Vision in White is a straight romance...no suspense, no scary stalkers...just plain fun!! It is the first book in a quartet which features 4 friends that run a wedding consultant business. They all have different personalities and different backgrounds, but they have been friends since childhood. I loved the bond that they formed and how strong they were together. Mackensie is the wedding photographer, Parker is the OCD mastermind of the business, Lauren the cake decorator, and Emma the florist. They each will have their stories of Happily Ever After.

I had such a great time reading this book...it made me laugh, got me mad, had me tearing up in places...all in all a fantastic fun read.Want something sweet and witty that will make you smile and close the book with Happily Ever After in your heart...then read Vision in White.

Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 325
Completed: 2/26/10

Hosting my First Contest!!!!

2010-02-26T11:02:00.002-05:00

MY FIRST CONTEST!!!!

I am hosting my first contest and it is a hotty!!

I won a Beth Kery book over at Seductive Musings...it was supposed to be a book from her backlist and I chose Paradise Rules...but low and behold she sent me her NEWEST book Release!!! I was so excited to get this in the mail. I had been wanting to get my hands on a copy of this.

However, I had already ordered a copy from Amazon which I just received a few days ago. Sooooo, I am holding a contest and one lucky winner will receive a copy of Release. You can read a review I did of this book here...or you can head on over to Beth Kery's website and read all about it.

I am not going to make you jump through hoops to win this book....just some simple rules.

All you have to do is comment on this post...
Please leave an email address so that I can contact you.
You must be over 18 as this is an erotic romance.
And I am leaving it open to U.S. and Canada participants.

That's it...really simple.

So come on and comment!! And Good Luck!!!

Oh yeah...I will leave the contest open until Monday 6 pm EST, so that everyone has a chance to enter!!

How a Vampire Changed My Life

2010-02-20T18:36:00.000-05:00

I belong to the Vampire Club and each month there is a discussion topic. This month Phantom Inkheart posted the question:

Who is your all-time favorite fantasy character? A vampire, a demon, why? Can you pinpoint the moment and the book you decided to mark them to the top of your favorites list?

Vampires would be my favorite fantasy character, and in order to answer the questions, I need to start at the beginning. Way back when, during my childhood, teenage years, and college days, I used to be a voracious reader...reading anything I could get my into my hands. I read all the childhood books...Laura Ingalls Wilder, Nancy Drew, etc. The first romance I ever read was Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss, and I remember it to this day. I fell in love with the romance genre with this book and gobbled them up like candy during my senior year of high school and all through college.

Then, reading disappeared from my life...I became involved with marriage, babies, divorce, and a career and for some reason books took a backseat...in fact, they were nonexistent in my life. After the trauma of my divorce died down, for years I wrestled with depression and found myself sinking deeper and deeper into the black hole. Nothing interested me, nothing could bring back the joy in my life. Until one day..........

I was sitting in my recliner, with my laptop in my lap...this was the usual way my evenings began...and I started surfing the net and for some reason eBooks grabbed my attention. I don't remember what website it was on that I read about them...but it had a link to the bookstore eReader.com and I clicked on it. Fascinated that you could actually read a book on your computer, I began paging through the lists of books. I didn't know what I was searching for...I mean reading wasn't a part of my life anymore. Then I came across a book called Dark Prince by Christine Feehan. Here is the blurb I read...

He came to her in the night, a predator -- strength and power chiseled his features. The seduction was deep and elemental; he affected her soul. His need. His darkness. His terrible haunting loneliness. Her senses aroused, she craved the dangerous force of his body. Burned for him. And he had only touched her with his mind.

She came to him at dawn, his bleakest hour. As the beast raged inside him, threatening to consume him, he vented his centuries-old despair in an anguished cry that filled the waning night. And she answered, a ray of light, piercing his darkness. A beautiful angel. Her compassion, courage, and innocence awakened in him an exquisite longing and tenderness. He knew he must possess her, for only she could tame his savage side and lift the dark shadow from his soul. Apart they were desolate, bereft. Intertwined physically and spiritually, they could heal one another and experience an eternity of nights filled with love.

I just had to read this book...here was a soul as tortured as mine...finding a love that could heal. Little did I know that this book was about a VAMPIRE!! I mean a vampire??? Weren't they ugly creatures, mean and out to drain you dry?? LOL... Lo and behold, I was in for a BIG surprise. Mikhail had given up hope and could not push away the stark, raw loneliness of his existence. He was ready to step out into the sunlight and seek eternal rest. "Grief overwhelmed him, consumed him. He lifted his head and roared out his pain like the wounded animal he was. He could no longer bear to be alone." That was until Raven entered his mind and brought color and emotion back into his life.

I loved this book!! I read it in one sitting, all night, in fact. I laughed, I cried, I sat on the edge of my seat with anticipation...finally I was feeling again. Emotions were pouring through me. As soon as I finished the book, I found myself again at eReader.com searching through Christine Feehan's backlist, ordering like a mad woman. I had discovered reading again and the joy a book can bring into your life. That was 3 1/2 years ago, and I haven't been without a book since. Soon after regaining my love of books, I discovered book blogs, reading challenges, and online friends.

That, my friend, is how a vampire changed my life!!!

The Carpenter's Lady - Barbara Delinsky

2010-02-20T11:56:00.000-05:00

Title: The Carpenter's Lady

Author: Barbara Delinsky

Publisher: Avon

Published: 1983

Pages: 316

Genre: Romance

For some reason I couldn't get Blogger to format the picture and typing right. grrrrrrr. I get so frustrated with Blogger sometimes. Oh well, on to the review.

I think Avon is reprinting this older book of Barbara Delinsky's because I saw it at Border's the other day. My copy came from a library book sale that I attended a few weeks ago.This is a sweet romance with just a touch of suspense in the end. Didn't know if they were going to get their "happily ever after" after all. However, it is a bit dated...it was written in 1983...so the heroine uses a typewriter, there aren't any cell phones, and there is a scene where the hero didn't take her "no" seriously. But if you can just remember what the times were like back in '83 then I think you will enjoy the romance.

Debra leaves the hustle and bustle of New York for a small town in New Hampshire to nurse her wounded heart. She has bought a house that is in need of restoration and is bound and determined to get the master carpenter, Graham Reid, to help her. Hiding from his own bitter past, Graham doesn't want to take the job. However, after much deliberation and the draw of the old Richardson house, he takes the job not suspecting that his own life is about to be altered as well. "As the house begins to come together, he and Debra unexpectedly find themselves laying their own emotional groundwork...they struggle to find the courage to tear down the walls between them and build on a promise of new love."

I really liked the fact that Debra was a writer for a popular soap opera. That is a career that I haven't read about before. So not only do we find out about the behind the scenes life of a soap opera, but Barbara Delinsky includes a nice mix of home restoration information also. I don't know why I am drawn to books about restoring old homes, but I love the details about taking an old relic and turning it back into its former beautiful structure. I enjoyed the way that Debra went from wounded girl to a strong woman and stood up to her cheating ex-husband! Graham Reid is a compellingly enigmatic man. He has the ability to draw out personal information from Debra, yet shares nothing about his past. He is gruff and tough on the outside, but Debra sees through the exterior and knows there is a compassionate, hurting man inside. I didn't like the brother or mother in this story, they were too nosy for their own good...but they did add a certain component to the story. The suspense near the end was something that I wasn't quite expecting and made the pages of the book turn a little faster. Like I said at the beginning, it is a sweet beautiful romance that will touch the heart of the reader.

Rating: 3.5/5
Pages: 316
Completed: 2/19/10

Scene of the Blog

2010-02-17T12:00:00.001-05:00

Good Morning everyone. I am being featured over at Cathy's Kittling: Books. Her Scene of the Blog... features bloggers and their blogging spaces in their homes. So come on over and check out my space.

I also have the pleasure of being the first blog featured at the beginning of Scene of the Blog's second year. Check out the new button designed by Sheri of A Novel Menagerie.

If this is your first visit here...welcome!!! I am an avid reader of all genres...mystery, thrillers, paranormal, etc., but my favorite is romance...romance of all sorts...paranormal, mystery/suspense, contemporary, medieval, and even a few historicals. World According to Books is my place where I write down my thoughts on the books that I read. I also have a place where I post my reading challenges that I have joined...Kara's Book Challenges.

So sit back, take a look around, and have fun!

Night's Master - Amanda Ashley

2010-02-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Night's Master
Author: Amanda Ashley
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2008
Pages: 364
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Werewolf
Series: Night Series - Book #3

Once again, I have to say that I am really enjoying this series. Amanda Ashley has put together a sequel that encompasses all the characters from the previous books, and introduces new characters with such finesse that reading out of order would not be a problem. However, I don't recommend it...having the background stories, knowing how Raphael's lineage came about, made the book that much more enjoyable. She pens a story filled with sensual passion, suspense, and intrigue. The vampire hunters are at it again, and the Supernatural world has to band together to put a stop to the senseless destruction of their kind. It was great to revisit old friends, and her new hero and heroine did not disappoint.

Kathy is a bookstore owner in the small Midwestern town of Oak Hollow. Thinking she would be safe there, little did she know it was neutral territory for Supernatural beings. Her world is turned upside down the minute Raphael Cordova walks into her bookstore. He "exudes smoldering power, and his sensual touch draws Kathy into a world of limitless pleasure and unimaginable dangers."

An evil force has come to town to destroy the Supernatural beings and any human that gets in their way. Raphael, being the leader of the North American vampires, is in charge of stopping them. But will his preoccupation with Kathy be a fatal distraction for all his kind?

I thought it was great how Amanda Ashley incorporated both Vampires and Werewolves in this particular novel. They have to band together in order to stop the hunters. It was interesting to read why they didn't like each other...one being a meat-eater and the other being a blood-sucker. LOL. She also brought in a bit of humor with some of the secondary characters and their interactions with Kathy in the bookstore.

One of the things that bothered me was Kathy's wavering back and forth through the entire book about whether or not she wanted to be with a vampire. Of course, being faced with the same decision...I don't know how easily I could make up my mind either. I mean, never seeing the sunshine, never eating ice cream or chocolate again...but then again, having supernatural powers, living forever, never getting sick or growing older...scale is starting to tip in the vampire direction...LOL!! She did have legitimate concerns...but I wish she would have made up her mind sooner. And no, I am not telling you what she decided!!

This is the third book in the series...and I can't wait to get my hands on the fourth...Night's Pleasure. This is the story of Raphael's brother, Rane. And I think there is even a fifth book in the works...but it is not titled yet.

Visit Amanda Ashley's website to see what other vampire books she has written...I have read a few and they are all quite good. Did you know that she also writes as Madeline Baker (her real name)? She has written over 30 historical romance novels and is one of the most popular writers of Native American romance. I will have to try some of her books under this name!

Rating: 3.5/5
Pages: 364
Completed: 2/13/10

In Your Mailbox/Mailbox Monday

2010-02-14T13:45:00.001-05:00

I really like these two memes...In Your Mailbox hosted by The Story Siren on Sundays and Mailbox Monday hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page.

I hit the mother load this week!!! I received 9 books in the mail!!! Wooo Hooo.

1. Coming Undone by Lauren Dane is the first one that came in the mail...I WON this book from Limecello over at The Good, The Bad, and The Unread. I was so excited about winning this book. However, little did I know that it is part of a duet...the second part...ack!!! So naturally, I have to go out and get the first book...Laid Bare. Even though I never read out of order...the cover of this book keeps calling me...I guess I might have to break my sacred rule and get started on this one first!!! LOL.

The other books I received were from Amazon...I finished up my Gift Certificate that I received for Christmas and ordered a bunch that I have been meaning to read...due to other bloggers' recommendations no less.

2. Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill - first heard about this through Patricia's Vampire Notes...but since then it has been all over the place. First book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. Brutally attacked by one vampire, saved by another, Merit finds herself one of Chicago's immortals.

3. Seducing the Moon by Sherrill Quinn - I absolutely LOVE everything Sherrill Quinn writes. And this series is no different. This is the second book in her shapeshifter series. "Declan has a history with Pelicia, but not the kind that's going to help him win her back." I reviewed the first book in the series, Daring the Moon, and you can read it here.

4. Release by Beth Kery - heard about this one from Lea at Closetwriter. She had a fantastic review of this book, and I just had to get it. "Genny learns, there’s a price to pay for such impulsive pleasure. What began as a night of forbidden desire spirals into a whirlpool of murder, sensual submission, secrets, and a scorching passion that threatens to consume everyone it touches." I have read one other book by this author and absolutely loved it...Wicked Burn.

5. Armed and Dangerous: Zack by Cheyenne McCray - I read a review of this book somewhere out there in blogland...sorry that I didn't write down who the enabler was...I like to give credit where credit is due!! "Ever since Zack Hunter, the ultimate alpha boy, left her ten years ago and broke her heart, Sky MacKenna hasn’t been able to find a man who sets her on fire the way he did. Then he comes striding back into her life–bigger, badder and sexier than before…" This will be a new author to me, and if I like it as much as I think I will...she will be added to my "Must Read Author's List."

6. Night's Master by Amanda Ashley - I have been reading Amanda Ashley's vampire books recently, and I really enjoy them!! This particular one is part of a series...Night's Kiss, Night's Touch, Night's Master, and Night's Pleasure. "Kathy McKenna was sure that the little Midwestern town of Oak Hollow would be isolated enough for safety, but the moment the black-clad stranger walked into her bookstore, she knew she was wrong." You can go to my By Author page and see what other books by Amanda Ashley I have read.

7. Too Hot to Hold by Stephanie Tyler - This is the second book in Stephanie Tyler's Navy SEAL trilogy. I really thought the first one was excellent...Hard to Hold. So, I naturally had to go out and get the second one!! "Nick Devane’s life is one big, classified secret. Until Kaylee Smith busts his covert world wide open, threatening to blow his cover. Digging around where she doesn’t belong could get them both killed."

8. Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton - Here is another book that I have been wanting to read. I have read about this all over the place, but, once again, didn't write down the place where I first heard about it. I really need to be more diligent in that aspect...especially if I am going to keep doing these two memes. "After being fully seduced, Lisa wakes to an empty bed and, worse yet, an empty safe. She’s staked her career as an archaeologist on collecting the three Furies, a priceless set of ancient Greek reliefs. Now the one she had is gone. But Lisa won’t just get mad. She’ll get even."

9. McKettricks of Texas: Tate by Linda Lael Miller - I first read Linda Lael Miller when I started on her Montana Creeds series. I know, I know, where have I been - LOL. But, I immediately fell in love with her Texas cowboys and am trying to find her backlist. I had great success with her older ones at a couple of Library Sales almost getting the whole McKettricks series. This book is a continuation of her McKettricks series of which I think there are about 11 of them with 2 more being released in 2010. "Libby has her hands full caring for her mother and running the Perk Up Coffee Shop. Caffeine she needs. Tate McKettrick—with his blazing blue eyes and black hair. No way! Oh, heck—yes! But can Tate and Libby really hope for a second chance?" I love second chance love stories!!

Well, that's it...that's my haul for this week. To read more In Your Mailbox bloggers go here...to read more Mailbox Monday bloggers go here.

Sunday Salon - 2/7/10

2010-02-07T13:07:00.003-05:00

This is my first Sunday Salon post in a long time. One of my Blog Improvement Project items is to participate more in this meme. I really enjoy visiting other Sunday Salon blogs and seeing what others are reading.

This week I finished both Satisfaction Guaranteed by Lucy Monroe and Shadow Prey by John Sandford. My favorite of the two was John Sandford's...I just love his Lucas Davenport series. I can't believe that I read 10 books in January. I know that for some of you that doesn't seem like a lot...but for me it was a good reading month. January was Stuart Woods' Celebrate the Author month, and February was John Sandford's Celebrate the Author month. I celebrated by reading Dead in the Water by Stuart Woods...and Shadow Prey by John Sandford.

This week, I am starting on a few books that are next in line for my reading challenges...All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris (her Sookie Stackhouse series); The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter (first book in her Lords of the Underworld series); and for a contemporary romance, I am reading Under Fire by Jo Davis (the second in her firefighters' series).

I finally took the time to count up how many challenges I have joined, and right now it is up to 56. Now don't faint...a huge portion of them can have books that are read for other challenges. So there will be a lot of cross-overs. One of the challenges, the Read and Review challenge, I am finding a little difficult...it is where you review every book you read for 2010. I have kept up so far, but I know as the year goes on...it is going to be more difficult.

I hope everyone is having a great Sunday and will be able to find time to read today!! If you want to read more Sunday Salon posts...head on over here to see the list of participants.

Shadow Prey - John Sandford

2010-02-06T11:28:00.003-05:00

Title: Shadow Prey
Author: John Sandford
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 1990
Pages: 499 (eBook)
Genre: Suspense
Series: Prey Series - Book #2

As I stated in my review of the first book Rules of Prey, I really enjoy this series...so much so that I have stopped getting them from the library and am purchasing them in eBook format so I can have the whole collection.

I think it is really hard to review books that are in a series. I hate giving away spoilers because I know how annoyed I get when I read a review the contains them. I love the blogs that give advanced warning of spoilers so that I know I can bookmark those reviews and read them after I have read the book.

To give a little background information...Lucas Davenport is a police detective that also designs and develops role playing computer games. Aside from being a great detective who walks the line between the right side of the law and apprehending the criminal any way he can...he is also a womanizer...LOL. As Lucas so honestly states, "I love women."

This book in the series deals with a radical group of Native Americans who are killing prominent people due to the injustices inflicted upon the Indian nations. Lucas hooks up with a detective from New York City...Lily Rothenburg...to track the killers and find the mastermind of the group. They are racing against the clock...as the bodies are starting to pile up.

This had a slow start, but the pace picks up to a strong ending. Even with the early introduction of the killers, the story kept me captivated. When it turns personal for Lucas, well, I just had to finish reading it...no matter what was happening around the house!! The rich detail that John Sandford pens makes for an interesting foray into the world of detective work...the thought processes, the information gathering, the evidence. The way they finally tracked the killers from such small details was amazing.

Lucas goes through some pretty traumatic episodes in this book...I can't wait to pick up the next in the series and see what further crimes, drama, suspense, and thrills that John Sandford has in store for him.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 499 (eBook)
Completed: 2/5/10

Satisfaction Guaranteed - Lucy Monroe

2010-02-05T13:21:00.004-05:00

Title: Satisfaction Guaranteed
Author: Lucy Monroe
Publisher: Kensington Brava
Published: 2007
Pages: 294
Genre: Romantic/Light Suspense

Although this isn't the first book I've read by Lucy Monroe, it is the first book that wasn't a Harlequin. I enjoyed the story, however I do have to mention that it is light on the suspense and heavy on the romance between the two main characters. It was more of a self-discovery for the heroine...learning to accept herself for who she is...not letting outside opinions shape the woman she is supposed to be. At first, Beth kind of bothered me...she was a bit whiny and seemed to dwell on the fact that she was left at the altar three years ago. Although, since I have never been stood up at the altar...maybe it is okay to still be whiny about it three years later.

However, she did redeem herself as the story goes along. She is a person who has intense emotions...but all through her life people have been telling her she is too intense, feels too much. But then she has an epiphany and discovers strength in who she is...

"I've come to realize I'm an intense person. And that's okay with me. You don't have to like it. My parents don't have to like it. Alan doesn't have to accept it. But I do accept it and I'm through trying to fit in with people who don't."

Now Ethan is your typical manly man...an agent for the company that Beth's father runs. "He's tough, smart, and fearless. Exactly the guy you want when the stuff hits the fan." And it is exactly the type of man that Beth avoids at all costs...she doesn't date agents...ever. But when they are thrown together on a case...the sparks start to fly. And as time goes on...the fire ignites into an explosion of passion.

Lucy Monroe mixes incredible lovemaking, humorous dialogue, and throws in a dash of suspense and mystery to make this a very good read. I loved how her characters explored sides of themselves that were hidden from the world.

Rating: 3/5
Pages: 294
Completed: 1/29/10

BIP - To Do List

2010-02-01T13:06:00.004-05:00

I am joining in on the Blog Improvement Project this year. I didn't participate last year but followed along, and they covered a wide range of topics on improving your blog. So instead of being a lurker this year...I am actually going to work on the project.

The first task is to create a To Do list of things you would like to achieve in the design and content of your blog. I really worked on the design of my blog during the January Bloggeista event, so I am going to work more towards content.

Here are some tasks I would like to accomplish:

Add my Blog URL to my email signature and Yahoo Groups signature.
Add my Blog URL to Facebook.
Make available "Subscribe by Email"
Start writing a variety of posts...not just book reviews. Maybe some author interviews, definitely get back to posting my Sunday Salon, etc.
Get input from my followers as to what kind of content they would like to read.
Clearly define my labels. I have some author and some genre...I would like to just have one consistent category like labeling all genres and just use my Books by Author post for people to search my authors.

I am considering a couple of other things...but I think this is a good list to start with. If you want to see what other bloggers are up to...check them out over here.

Hard to Hold - Stephanie Tyler

2010-01-30T09:44:00.005-05:00

Title: Hard to Hold
Author: Stephanie Tyler
Publisher: Dell
Published: 2009
Pages: 370
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Hard to Hold Trilogy - Book #1

Stephanie Tyler is noted for writing about her sexy Navy Seals. She has a Harlequin Blaze trilogy of Navy Seals...Coming Undone, Risking it All, and Beyond His Control. I haven't read these yet...but I am definitely getting my hands on them. Hard to Hold is the first book in her trilogy written for Bantam Dell and after reading this one...the next on is on my To Be Bought list.

I have to say, this wasn't your usual happily ever after book. The hero and heroine have a lot of healing to do from both of their tragic pasts, but in the end...the healing has started and you get the feeling that...well, I don't want to spoil the ending for you...so I will just say it is left to the reader's interpretation.

The book has three storylines going...all converging on one villain. The main characters, Jake and Isabelle, then there is Clutch and Sarah, and Cal and Jeannie. While the story does jump between these three couples...it was easy to follow and the writing flowed smoothly. All the characters are well-developed and complex. Each carrying their own scars from the past and dealing with them in a believable and realistic way. Not only are we treated to romance, suspense, and intrigue, but she goes on to introduce us to the rigors of SEAL training as well. Ms. Tyler seems to know this subject with an in-depth knowledge that added a reality to the story that wasn't bogged down with too much information. I was captivated by the type of training the SEALs have to endure in order to shape the skills needed to survive in any circumstance.

The story opens with Jake having to smuggle Isabelle out of Africa after she was held captive and tortured for three days. She was a doctor for Doctors without Borders and taken by rebel forces. After two months Isabelle has healed from her ordeal, at least physically. She is able to resume her duties and is assigned to the base where Jake resides.

The attraction between Isabelle and Jake was instantaneous from when she first set eyes on her rescuer. However, Jake thinks that Isabelle's interest is due to the fact that he rescued her...but she is determined to show him that it goes deeper. Forced together because Isabelle's attacker is still on the loose, Ms. Tyler does an excellent job of writing about the tension between the two. Jake understands that Isabelle is still healing emotionally from her abuse and tries to control his physical desires. "But nothing could prepare them for the passion this wild..this crazy...this hot!!" Their courtship is fraught with as many complications as their pasts have been. It is a gradual build up that is realistic because of their emotional wounds. But once they reach out to each other...the pages start steaming up!!!

The secondary characters were developed with a depth of character that you usually don't find in other books. They each had their own stories and heartfelt emotions that pulled you into their situations as well. Clutch is a mercenary who works for a secret group in Africa...something he wants to get out of...but the only way out is death. You feel yourself pulling for Clutch and hoping he gets his own happily ever after. Sarah is a photographer in Africa with her own tragic past. The two have an intense relationship that deepens throughout the book.

The ending is infused with plot twists that I didn't see coming. And, of course, there are some issues that aren't resolved in order to make the reader want to pick up the next book and see what further happens with these characters. The next book is about Jake's brother, another Navy SEAL, Nick. And the last book is about the third brother, Chris. They are brothers through adoption, but the connection that they have is close...furthered along with them being SEALS on the same team.

Can you tell that I really loved this book?? I hope that it was brought to the forefront from my review. This is the first book that I have read by Stephanie Tyler but it certainly will not be the last!! I enjoyed her writing style, the suspense throughout the book...both with the antagonist and with the romance between Jake and Isabelle. The secondary stories were excellent and hopefully we meet up with Clutch and Sarah again.

Rating: 4.75/5
Pages: 370
Completed: 1/28/10

Naked in Death - J.D. Robb

2010-01-30T08:01:00.000-05:00

Title: Naked in Death
Author: J.D. Robb
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 1995
Pages: 314
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Futuristic
Series: In Death - Book #1

Well, I have found a new series to love!! I know, I know...where have I been...this series started back in 1995. Hey, better late than never...LOL.

Nora Roberts is one of my favorite contemporary authors. Usually, I don't like when an author switches genres...but she really kicks butt in writing this series under the name of J.D. Robb!! I also didn't think futuristic would set well with me, but the future that Nora creates is awesome and very believable. The setting is 2058 in New York City. While there have been advances in technology and the law, human nature is still the same. The futuristic aspects are well integrated into the story. You can accept them easily because she doesn't overload you with a lot of technical jargon and detail.

Lt. Eve Dallas is a tough homicide detective. Just coming from shooting the perpetrator of a domestic violence gone bad, she is summoned to the scene of a cold-blooded murder. It is the murder of a U.S. Senator's grand-daughter who was a prostitute. Thus starts the dynamic mystery and adventure of Lt. Eve Dallas. After another prostitute is murdered in the same manner, Eve is determined to find the serial killer at all costs. In steps Roarke, who is on the short list of murder suspects. All evidence points to him. Roarke is somewhat of an enigma. He is a self made billionaire, with no background data available. He's Irish, gorgeous, and can be very charming, but he is also ruthless in his business dealings and is someone not to be crossed. Thus starts the relationship between Eve and Roarke.

That's all I'm going to give you on the plot...words can't describe the intrigue and suspense involved in this book. Usually this doesn't happen to me...but I was totally surprised at the ending. Had me guessing right up to the last few pages when all was revealed.

I can't wait to start the next one in the series and see what Lt. Dallas is up against in Glory in Death.

Rating: 5/5
Pages: 408 (eBook)
Completed: 1/3/10

Born in Fire - Nora Roberts

2010-01-25T15:35:00.004-05:00

Title: Born in Fire
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Jove
Published: 1995
Pages: 447 (eBook)
Genre: Romance
Series: Born Trilogy - Book #1

You know, it is getting harder and harder to review Nora Roberts' books. There is only so much you can say about what a terrific writer she is...then your reviews start sounding the same. So, I guess I will give you a brief synopsis of the book, and then tell you why I liked the characters. As far as her writing goes...well, by now you should all know how much I really love reading her books...LOL!!

Born in Fire is the first book in the trilogy of three Irish sisters. Maggie has grown up enduring the hate and belittling of her mother. She allows her fiery spirit to show through her art of glass blowing, creating magnificent works that catches the eye of an art dealer, Rogan. Not only does her work intrigue him, but the artist herself captures his attention. Maggie is moody, full of spirit, and gets lost in her work...Rogan is sophisticated, dedicated to his time schedule, and goes after what he wants with failure not being an option. When the two clash...it's fireworks!!

I love the way Nora Roberts captures the Irish dialect without it interrupting the flow of the story. The bits and pieces of the creative process in glass blowing adds to the story without getting bogged down in heavy descriptions. The character development and the relationship between Maggie and Rogan are believable and realistic. Maggie has a charm that is endearing to the reader...and I fell in love with Rogan and his almost OCD right from the start. The story is set in Ireland which I absolutely love...and the secondary characters add a quality to the book that has me wanting to read the next in the trilogy to see what happens to them...especially the mother (I hope she gets what she deserves!!!).

Rating: 3.75/5
Pages: 446 (eBook)
Completed: 1/21/10

Dead in the Water - Stuart Woods

2010-01-24T08:36:00.007-05:00

CELEBRATE THE AUTHOR

For my January Celebrate the Author Challenge, I chose Stuart Woods. Mr. Woods was born January 9, 1938 in a small southern town in Manchester, Georgia. He finished his first novel, Chiefs, in March of 1981, and it was made into a six hour television series for CBS. I think he is best known for his series...Stone Barrington. He also writes several other series...Ed Eagle, Will Lee, Holly Barker, Rick Barron, and Ted Fay. You can go to his website and read more about his biography and see a backlist of his books.

I have only read his Stone Barrington novels and absolutely love them!! In honor of Stuart Woods birthday this month, I read Dead in the Water...the 3rd in the Stone Barrington series.

Title: Dead in the Water
Author: Stuart Woods
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 1997
Pages: 325
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Series: Stone Barrington - Book #3

"Stuart Woods has created no better known or loved character than the ex-cop Manhattan attorney and investigator whose work treads the thin line between the respectable practice of law and the dark side of humanity."

Couldn't have said it better!! I love Stone Barrington (even though he is sort of a womanizer - LOL)!! Some reviewers said that they figured out the story before Stone did...but I have to tell you...it kept me guessing until the very end!!! Dead in the Water had so many twists and turns that kept my pages turning. I could not put this book down.

I haven't read a Stuart Woods book since last year, but that will not happen again. The writing style makes for a thrill ride through suspense and intrigue. He constantly adds new elements to the story to keep the plot moving at a fast pace right up to the fantastic ending.

Stone goes to St. Marks to embark on a sailing vacation. While waiting for his live-in girlfriend to arrive, something very strange happens. A beautiful young woman sails into the harbor, entirely alone on a large yacht. "The problem is, though she arrived alone, she had departed the other side of the Atlantic in the company of her husband."

Sir Winston Sutherland, the minister of justice, wants to put her on trial for murder. And Stone is all that stands between Allison and Sir Winston's evil intentions.

A must read!!

Rating: 4.75/5
Pages: 325
Completed: 5/23/10

The House on Tradd Street - Karen White

2010-01-20T18:51:00.003-05:00

Title: The House on Tradd Street
Author: Karen White
Publisher: New American Library
Published: 2008
Pages: 329
Genre: Fiction/Paranormal/Romance (slight)
Series: Tradd Street - Book #1

The rich descriptions, colorful characters, and historical detail make The House on Tradd Street an exceptional read!! She weaves in elements of the paranormal, and suspense, along with a light romance...meshing it together which intrigues and delights. I think non-romance as well as romance readers will enjoy this book. Set in magnificent South Carolina, Karen White has written a magical story of heartache, dark secrets, and wounded souls.

Realtor Melanie Middleton sees ghosts...not that she would admit that to anybody. However, she is going to have to tell someone because she has just inherited a house filled with ghosts anxious to tell her their story.

Jack Trenhom is a writer obsessed with unsolved mysteries. Under the the disguise of investigating the disappearance of the mother of the deceased owner, he charms his way into Melanie's life and home. But the real reason behind Jack's investigation has a malevolent ghost making his presence known.

"Now Jack and Melanie need to unravel a mystery of passion, heartbreak, and even murder. And they must hurry...for an evil force - either dead or alive - lies in wait."

I loved this book for so many different reasons. The witty banter between Jack and Melanie had me laughing out loud. The strained relationship between father and daughter kept me hoping for a reconciliation. Delving into the characters' pasts had me pulling for some sort of closure. The ghosts had me cheering for good vs. evil. And the whole mystery behind the house had me turning the pages to see the outcome. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait to read the next in the series - The Girl on Legare Street - to see what transpires between Melanie, her mother, Jack, and her grandmother's ghost.

Rating: 5/5
Pages: 329
Completed: 1/19/10

If He's Wicked - Hannah Howell

2010-01-16T14:02:00.004-05:00

Title: If He's Wicked
Author: Hannah Howell
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 2009
Pages: 357
Genre: Historical/Paranormal
Series: Wherlocke Book #1

A little bit different than what I am used to with Hannah Howell...with the paranormal aspect...however, it was a great read. Little did I know that this was the first in either a series or trilogy. There are so many great characters in this book that I hope she revisits some of them in future books. The suspense flowed smoothly and there was a great build up until the final confrontation. The growth in the passion and relationship between Julian and Chloe flows seamlessly throughout the book. I loved the secondary characters in this book...they added a depth to the story that if one were to be deleted...a part of the story would be missing.

Chloe Wherlocke has visions...glimpses into the future...and the one she recently has foretells a terrible plot against Lord Julian and his newborn son. The baby is left for dead with Chloe's dying sister and her psychic gift helps her to save the child.

Lord Julian still believing that his son is dead, knows that someone is trying to kill him. Several attempts have been made already. He suspects his cheating wife and her lover are behind the plot but has no proof. But then a captivating, dark-haired stranger warns him that a sinister plot does exist, and Chloe exposes a devastating secret that will have Julian believing in her abilities.

As they work together to devise a plan to save Julian, they cannot deny the attraction that grows each moment they are together. Chloe knows that Julian, an earl, could never love her...but she still risks everything to save him or lose Julian forever.

Rating: 3.75/5
Pages: 357
Completed: 1/16/10

Library Book Sale!!

2010-01-16T09:21:00.005-05:00

Our library in Cincinnati had a huge book sale this weekend. I went to the preview sale on Thursday night and then spent the whole day Friday there...rummaging through boxes, searching through the stakes, and picking through the piles on the tables to find the perfect books to go in my collection. I was able to complete some of the series that I have been looking for, found some new to me authors, and grabbed a few from my favorite authors' backlist. And the whole lot (38 books - 5 hardback and 33 paperbacks) cost $15.00!! All in all a couple of good days!!

Most of the books I picked where in either great or near perfect condition. Anyway, I took a couple pictures of my haul, and I'll list the titles with links to Amazon so that you can read the description if one interests you. However, I am not an affiliate of Amazon so I don't get any monetary compensation if you choose to order one. (Just thought you'd like to know... ;-) )

1. Out of the Dark by Sharon Sala
2. Kiss of Darkness by Heather Graham
3. Heart of Winter by Diana Palmer
4. The Third Circle by Amanda Quick (part of the Arcane Society series)
5. Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper (1st book in the Bishop series)
6. High Country Bride by Linda Lael Miller (1st book in the McKettrick series)
7. All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz
8. Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux (2009)
9. Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas (Completes my Wallflower series)
10. Waking up in Charleston by Sherryl Woods
11. One Perfect Gift by Kathleen Morgan (part of Culdee Creek series)
12. Shotgun Bride by Linda Lael Miller (2nd in McKettrick series)
13. Talk of the Town by Karen Hawkins (2008)
14. This is All I Ask by Lynn Kurland
15. Summer in Eclipse Bay by Jayne Ann Krentz (3rd in Eclipse Trilogy)

1. That Holiday Thing (Anthology) by Macomber, Woods, Carr
2. Tempt me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas (3rd book in Hathaways series)
3. In the Highlander's Bed by Cathy Maxwell
4. The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe
5. Firefly Beach by Luanne Rice
6. McKettrick's Choice by Linda Lael Miller (4th book in McKettrick's series)
7. Secondhand Bride by Linda Lael Miller (3rd book in McKettrick's series)
8. Always by Jude Deveraux (3rd book in Forever Trilogy)
9. The King of Torts by John Grisham
10. The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy
11. The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber
12. Sooner or Later by Debbie Macomber (#2 in Deliverance Company Trilogy)
13. Out of the Storm by JoAnn Ross (3rd in Stewart Sisters Trilogy)
14. It Happened One Night by Lisa Dale (2009)
15. "F" is for Fugitive by Sue Grafton (starting my collection of hers)
16. Never too Late by Robyn Carr
17. A Dark Love by Margaret Carroll
18. The Carpenter's Lady by Barbara Delinisky

NOT SHOWN:

1. The Appeal by John Grisham
2. The Last Juror by John Grisham
3. I Heard that Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark
4. Crazy in Love by Luanne Rice
5. Satisfaction Guaranteed by Lucy Monroe

Questions

2010-01-13T15:44:00.003-05:00

Blanche over at There's no Such Thing As Too Many Books has posted some great questions she received from her reading group. Here they are:

1. What author do you own the most books by?

2. What book do you own the most copies of?

3. What fictional character are you secretly in love with?

4. What book have you read more than any other?

And here are my answers:

1. I believe the author I own the most books of is Nora Roberts, although Barbara Delinsky is running a close second.

2. I only own one copy of each of my books.

3. The fictional character that I am secretly in love with is Stefan Dalakis from N.J. Walters' Dalakis series...the book is the third in the series and is called...Stefan's Salvation. And of course there is Jamie from Outlander.

4. There are two books that I reread...Colters' Woman by Maya Banks and Love at First Flight by Marie Force.

I would love to know what your answers are...copy the questions and then leave a comment here with your link!!!

Mailbox Mondy - 1/11/10

2010-01-11T09:34:00.001-05:00

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia over at The Printed Page. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do).

I haven't participated in this for a long time...keep forgetting to post all the eBooks that I buy...I guess because they don't actually show up in my mailbox.

However, I received a gift certificate from Amazon for Christmas and I spent half of it the other day and guess what showed up this week in my mailbox??

1. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler
2. Dark Guardian by Christine Feehan
3. Suddenly by Barbara Delinsky
4. The Only One (Anthology) by Christine Feehan

I also belong to the Rhapsody Book Club and my shipment from their end-of-year sale came in:

1. A Highlander Christmas by Janet Chapman
2. Dream Trilogy by Nora Roberts
3. Dead After Dark (Anthology) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
4. Everlasting Kiss by Amanda Ashley
5. If He's Wicked by Hannah Howell
6. Rewriting Monday by Jodi Thomas

All in all...a pretty good week!!!

Bloggiesta Ole!!

2010-01-09T16:25:00.008-05:00

A little late...but I am joining in the Bloggiesta festivities that started yesterday and is running through tomorrow. I have been visiting the blogs already joined and have learned a lot of new ideas for my blog.

The Bloggiesta is being hosted by Natasha at Maw Books Blog. This is the second edition to this event and it is fantastic!!

This event is designed to make time to revamp your blog...whether it is weeding out your Google Reader, cleaning up your sidebars, writing posts to be posted in the future, catching up on reviews...whatever tasks you've been putting on the back burner due to time constraints...now is the time to do it. Head on over to Maw Books and read the introductory post and join in the fun!!!

Tasks:

Add tabs to my header on this blog - DONE - 1 hr. (a whole load of thanks goes to Molly at My Cozy Book Nook for directing me to BlogU where there were super easy instructions for this task!!!)
Added LinkWithin on this blog - DONE - 10 min.
Created a Wish List in Google Docs - Here - 1 hr. (still a work in progress - have to find my other lists that are floating around - LOL)
Created Naked in Death book review to be published at the end of the month - DONE; Created Mailbox Monday post to be posted on Monday - DONE; Created Before Sunrise review on Challenges blog - DONE - 1 hr.
Updated my Challenges spreadsheet to include new challenges I've joined - DONE - 30 min.
Downloaded spreadsheet from Fyrefly's Book Blog that keeps track of my reads; pages read; audiobooks; hours listened; and makes really neat graphs comparing year to year!! Updated it with 2010 reads - DONE - 30 min.
Created Blogoversary button - DONE - 10 min.
Cleaned up the sidebars of my Challenges blog - DONE - 1 hr.
Deleted my "Reading Projects" blog...hadn't updated it in over a year. - DONE
Created "Currently Reading" in my sidebar - DONE - 15 min.
Added all my Google Reader subscriptions to my Blog Roll (super easy...thanks Aarti at Book Lust for showing me how!!!) - DONE - 10 min.
Added a Copyright statement to the footer of my blog (mini challenge) - DONE - 5 min.

Well, the festivities are over...I am pretty pleased with all that I got accomplished on my blogs.

My Stats:

Worked 5 hours 5 minutes
Completed one Mini Challenge
Commented on 30 blogs
Read almost all the blogs in Mr. Linky

I really liked how Natasha from Maw Books gave us links to both the new mini challenges as well as the older mini challenges from the first Bloggiesta!! Gave me a chance to read tips that I missed out on. I plan to get on the ball and sign up early for the next Bloggiesta!!

Thanks so much, Natasha, for a great weekend!!!

Before Sunrise - Diana Palmer

2010-01-09T09:24:00.004-05:00

Title: Before Sunrise
Author: Diana Palmer
Publisher: HQN
Published: 2005
Pages: 296
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Another Native American story...didn't know it was until I started reading the book. I am not a seasoned reader of Diana Palmer. I think this is only the second book I've read of hers. So, I don't have the feeling that all her books are starting to sound the same...as some reviewers have expressed recently. I enjoyed this book...the relationship between Jeremiah and Phoebe, the Native American history, and the suspense.

In Phoebe's final year of college, she thought her future would include Jeremiah. They promise to meet each other in DC to continue their relationship and build a future together. Little did Phoebe know that 3 weeks after that promise, she would receive a newspaper clipping of Jeremiah's marriage to another woman. Three years later, they meet again and dormant desires spark again.

Phoebe is an expert in Native American culture, so when an anthropologist calls claiming to have made a discovery of a Neanderthal skeleton in her area she is skeptical. But before she can investigate, the man that called her turns up dead on the Reservation - and the FBI sends Jeremiah Cortez to investigate. "Phoebe can't forget the heartache he caused, but neither can she deny the aching need he arouses with the merest touch."

This was a comfy cozy read...nothing too spectacular...but it captivated my interest and I finished it in one sitting. The passion between Phoebe and Jeremiah is hot and steamy. I loved the humor that was woven into the story also. All in all a good story when you are in the mood for a "feel good" book.

Rating: 3.5/5
Pages: 296
Completed: 1/8/10

The Warrior - Sharon Sala

2010-01-06T16:09:00.004-05:00

Title: The Warrior
Author: Sharon Sala
Publisher: Mira
Published: 2009
Pages: 427
Genre: Romance/Paranormal

Once again, Sharon Sala pens another hit with me!! She has a way of pulling you into a story and then keeping you there until the end. I love all her Native American heroes and John Nightwalker doesn't disappoint.

I mean, can you just picture it??...

...a face that was a study in planes and angles. He was something of an oddity in the tribe, standing head and shoulders above every other warrior. His shoulders were broad, his muscles as hard as the line of his jaw, which, today, was clenched against the angry slap of the wind blowing agasint his skin. With each fierce gust, his hair - thick, black and straight as the arrows in his quiver - would lift from his shoulders to billow out behind him like the wings of a soaring eagle. As he stood, wearing nothing but a piece of tanned deer hide tied at his waist and hanging to just above the knees...

**sigh**

John Nightwalker has been traveling the earth for hundreds of years seeking revenge for the destruction of his village and senseless murders of his people. While hunting down his enemy, he meets up with Alicia Ponte who is on the run from her father. Alicia seeks to expose her father's traitorous crimes of selling weapons to Iraq...but her father will do anything to stay a free man...even if it means killing his own daughter.

Drawn together by mystery, passion, and love...everything is destroyed when John finally admits the truth about his past...will Alicia be able to look past her own beliefs and embrace the possibility of John's existence?

The storyline flowed smoothly without getting bogged down in too much back-story. It had a great mixture of mystery, suspense, passion, and even some humor. I was captured within the first couple of pages and couldn't seem to put it down. I love all of Sharon Sala's work and this one will probably be in my Top Ten list for the year.

Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 427
Completed: 1/6/10

Happy New Year and Year End Wrap-up

2010-01-01T15:25:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!!! I hope everyone had a safe New Year's Eve. Wow, 2010 already...where has the time gone. I just know that this year is going to be a good one in our household...I am keeping positive thoughts and a good outlook.

Even though I had a rough couple of months this summer in regards to my reading and blogging...I did manage to read 62 books for the year. You can find my Reading List here. I did give up on all my challenges for 2009 due to the fact that I didn't read a thing for two and a half months. However, I am joining a bunch of new challenges in 2010 and hoping to have a successful year with them. I have a Challenge Blog where I list all of the challenges that I have joined, and I update my progress during the year.

Along with the rest of the folks out there in blog land...I will post my Top Ten reads of the year with links to my reviews (these are in no particular order):

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Daring the Moon by Sherrill Quinn
Love at First Flight by Marie Force
Tallchief by Dinah McCall (Sharon Sala)
The Vampire Shrink by Lynda Hilburn
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky
Highland Captive by Hannah Howell
Trial by Fire by Jo Davis
Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs
Simple Wishes by Lisa Dale

All in all, a very successful year of good reads.

Here's a toast to another year of great reads, discovering new authors, and increasing that ever growing TBR mountain!!!

Trial by Fire - Jo Davis

2009-12-27T16:13:00.004-05:00

Title: Trial by Fire
Author: Jo Davis
Publisher: Signet
Published: 2008
Pages: 352
Genre: Romance; Suspense
Series: Firefighters of Station Five - Book #1

What a scorching read!!! Jo Davis has captured another reader in her grasp, and has made my "auto buy" list. She has reeled me in hook, line, and sinker. Trial by Fire grabbed my attention from the first page until the last...and her hero, Howard "Six Pack" Paxton is to die for!! He is our tortured hero in the story rising from an abusive childhood to be a dominant, understanding, caring man.

Kat, our heroine, is a school teacher who is just what Howard needs...she shows him understanding without pitying him, knows just the right buttons to push to get this gentle giant to revel things about himself that no one else knows, and brings joy into his life. The passion between Howard and Kat is sizzling hot and burnt up the pages.

The mystery behind the story is that someone is burning women in vacant houses in Station Five's district. And the killer has involved Howard personally by sending him trinkets of the women. The answers to the mystery aren't too obvious. In the middle of the story, I figured out who the murderer was, but I wasn't quite sure of why. Even if you guess the ending, the story is still a thrill ride you won't want to miss. It was definitely a page-turner for me!!

I loved the way the secondary characters were woven into the story...just enough mystery surrounding them to make me anxious for the next book...Under Fire.

Rating: 4.5/5
Completed: 12/27/09
Pages: 352

2009-12-25T13:40:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone has a joyous holiday. My your day be filled with love and laughter!!!

Definitely Dead - Charlaine Harris

2009-12-20T09:08:00.003-05:00

Title: Definitely Dead
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2006
Pages: 324
Genre: Paranormal - Vampire, Shape Shifter, Psychic
Series: Sookie Stackhouse #6

Book 6 in the Sookie Stackhouse series is packed full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. Sookie sets off to New Orleans to close up the estate of her dead cousin and gets herself involved in the politics of the Queen of Louisiana. While closing up the apartment, a gruesome discovery is made in the closet which sets off a string of events that has Sookie running for her life. Through it all, her friends are there to help - Eric, Quinn, and Bill.

Some things are also wrapped up in this edition...we hear more about how Bill and Sookie got together, some old business is conducted with the Pelts, and Quinn slowly starts...well I won't say because I hate giving spoilers.

As usual, I loved this book. Charlaine Harris has a way of drawing me into the story so that I feel that I am right there...standing beside Sookie. I haven't decided which is my favorite book yet...probably Dead to the World because of Eric.

I don't think Sookie Stackhouse enthusiasts will be disappointed in this book. And if you haven't read Sookie yet...what's stopping you?? LOL.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 324
Completed: 12/19/09

Dear John - Nicholas Sparks

2009-12-19T14:08:00.003-05:00

Title: Dear John
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Publisher: Hachette
Published: 2006
Pages: 276
Genre: Romance

Once again, as I read Nicholas Sparks, I'm thinking left and he takes a right on me. Thought I knew how the story would end, but it ended remarkably different. Yes, the tears came - not only at the end of the book but in the middle as well. I was reading this book daily while waiting in the carpool line to pick up my kids from school...but when the crying started...I couldn't put it down and had to read it in one evening at home. Truly sensational.

This book touches on so many real life issues...military life, loving someone serving in the armed forces, autism/Asperger's, 911 and the aftermath...so many twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. It is all told from the man's perspective - one you don't see much of in romance novels. On the back of the book it states, "an unforgettable tale of a man who must make the most heartrending decision of his life - in the name of love..." Romantic Times BOOKclub Magazine states that it is, "beautifully moving...Has tremendous emotional depth, revealing the true meaning of unconditional love."

During his furlough, John Tyree meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. This is their story. In the prologue, John says, "Our story has three parts: a beginning, a middle, and an end. And although this is the way all stories unfold, I still can't believe that ours didn't go on forever."

Nicholas Sparks has a way of taking a simple plot and turning it into a masterpiece. The characters appear so real...you feel their pain, anger, and love. You have not idea of the journey you are about to experience.

I haven't done this in a while...but this is one of my favorite quotes from the book:

...that love meant that you care for another person's happiness more than your own, no matter how painful the choices you face might be.

Rating: 5/5
Pages: 276
Completed: 12/19/09

A Highlander Christmas Giveaway

2009-12-18T10:12:00.002-05:00

Seductive Musings is having a book giveaway!! She has two copies of A Highlander Christmas to send to two lucky winners!!

Here is the blurb:

Camry MacKeage has absolutely no intention of telling her parents that she left her job as a NASA physicist for the small-town life of a dog-sitter -- which is why she's spending the holidays alone in coastal Maine with her furry friends Tigger and Max. Unfortunately, her irresistibly handsome rival, scientist Luke Pascal, accidentally spilled the beans. Now he's on a mission from her mother to tempt Camry home for the family's annual winter solstice celebration. But Luke is hiding his own secret, and he'll need a little bit of magic to earn Camry's trust...and a whole lot of mistletoe to seduce his way into her heart.

So head on over to Seductive Musings and leave a comment to get in the running to win this book!!!

Mailbox Monday 12/7/09

2009-12-07T08:35:00.004-05:00

MAILBOX MONDAY is hosted by Marcia over at The Printed Page. "It is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do).

I haven't participated in some time since I haven't had many books come into my house lately. I keep forgetting to post about the eBooks that I buy because they don't come in the mailbox...however, I do know that they count.

I can't help but post this week because I am so very excited about what I received. I won a Brenda Novak contest over at Michelle's Romance: B(u)y the Book and received a ton of goodies. Not only did I receive a Brenda Novak tote bag, which is an awesome tote and something I look forward to using - very sturdy and great quality, but I also received a ton of books - her whole Last Stand series (6 books)!!! Plus I received her new Christmas Novella along with a Harlequin Super Romance - and ALL the books are autographed - WOOOOHOOOO!!!

You can read about this fantastic series over on Brenda Novak's website.

To read more bloggers' Mailbox Mondays...hop on over to The Printed Page!!

Dead as a Doornail - Charlaine Harris

2009-12-04T15:36:00.004-05:00

Title: Dead as a Doornail
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2005
Pages: 295
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Sookie Stackhouse - Book #5

You know...I really don't like to review series books...I'm always afraid I'll give away a spoiler from a previous book. However, I'll try my best to keep away from revealing something from earlier in the series.

Sookie once again finds herself embroiled in the supernatural world. Someone is targeting the shifters of the community, and her brother is suspected to be the shooter. She has until the next full moon to discover who the killer is...unless they decide to find her first.

For those that have never read the series before..."Sookie is a cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. She's pretty and well-mannered and has only a few close friends - which isn't surprising, since not many people can appreciate Sookie's abilities as a mind reader." The first book starts out with her dating a vampire (humans know about them). Little did she know that having a relationship with a vampire would lead to all sorts of adventures - some more deadly than others.

I think the one thing I really like about Sookie is that she isn't all about who she can jump into bed with...unlike another paranormal heroine I know. She has several suitors in this book, but she manages to keep them all in line - LOL. I love the world that Charlaine Harris has created...the characters are engaging and you really care about what happens to them. The adventures that Sookie gets pulled into have you turning the pages to see what happens next. And who can resist Eric, the vampire sheriff of Area Five. Delicious!!

All in all, another winner in the series!!

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 295
Completed: 12/4/09

Book Junkie's Birthday Bash

2009-12-03T13:31:00.003-05:00

Book Junkie is having a BIRTHDAY BASH over at her blog!! 35 books - 1 Winner!!!

Here is what she says:

December is my birthday month and I will be turning 35! (OMG did
I just day that out loud?) Yikes!! So....I have decided to
have a huge Giveaway, 35 Books, 1 Winner! I am putting some
from my own collection, (no crease in spine, excellent condition)
BUT this is the catch.... Since it is the holiday season & it
is all about giving, I want to know from all of you what books
YOU want! What's on your TBR & Wish lists? New Releases, what
are you dying to get your hands on (up until Jan 05 for new
releases!), or even something from one of your favorite authors's
backlist. Even ebooks count!!!!

So head on over to her blog...and read about all the goodies you could win. She has also posted the rules of the contest.

Good Luck!!

Black Hills - Nora Roberts

2009-12-02T15:52:00.005-05:00

Title: Black Hills
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Putnam
Published: 2009
Pages: 371
Genre: Romantic Suspense

While I have read mixed reviews on this book, I have to say that I enjoyed it immensely. However, you do have to realize I am a huge fan of Nora Roberts. The backdrop is set in the hills of South Carolina better known as the Black Hills. The story revolves around Lil and her dream of opening a wildlife refuge - so there is a lot of discussion and storyline about wild animals, running a refuge, and the need for preserving wildlife. To me, this was one of the pluses of the book. I love stories about animals - especially the big cats.

The book starts out with Lil and Cooper as children. We learn how their friendship develops and soon moves into love. Then there is a twelve year separation where Lil goes to college, learns how to run a wildlife refuge, and goes home to open one of her own. Cooper moves on to become a New York police officer, detective, and then opens his on private investigation business.

Cooper leaves his fast-paced New York lifestyle and returns to his grandparent's farm to take over the reigns and care for his aging grandparents. Returning to the place he always considered home, seeing Lil again, and realizing his love for her is still burning strong, Cooper sets out on a course to win Lil's heart again. However, all is not peaceful in the Black Hills...someone is watching Lil and is trying to destroy the refuge...when the small pranks escalate into brutal killings of Lil's beloved animals, Cooper springs into action to keep Lil safe. "Now they must work together to unearth a killer of twisted and unnatural instincts who has singled them out as prey."

Lil is special to me because I grew up wanting to work in the wild saving animals. Her strength and determination to make her dreams come true is something I would long to have. Her love for Cooper was all-consuming, but he broke her heart when he walked away from her at the age of 18. Now he is back to win her heart again, and she has trouble letting him into her heart. Cooper has a quiet strength about him...he felt he had to walk away or Lil would never realize her dreams. He comes from a broken home, but through the love of his grandparents, he realizes his strengths and builds a life for himself that can make him proud.

The side stories just add to the depth of the book. This wasn't a "sit on the edge of your seat" suspense...but, I enjoyed the intrigue as to how and when the antagonist would strike next. So, I would say that this is another winner for Nora Roberts and I look forward to reading her new series...Bride Quartet.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 371
Completed: 12/1/09

Stephanie Tyler at Seductive Musings

2009-12-02T10:49:00.002-05:00

Seductive Musings has a truly gifted guest author today. None other than Stephanie Tyler!! She talks about her new book Hard to Hold and is also offering it as a giveaway.

She also posts a super special excerpt that has never been posted anywhere before.

So head on over to Seductive Musings, take a look around her excellent blog, and read about Stephanie Tyler. Oh yeah, and take part in this great giveaway.

Sunset Bay - Susan Mallery

2009-11-26T12:15:00.005-05:00

Title: Sunset Bay
Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Pocket
Published: 2009
Pages: 342
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Susan Mallery has another winner on her hands with Sunset Bay. Through devastating circumstances, Megan discovers her inner strength, courage to stand up for who she is, and realizes her dreams. Travis learns that he doesn't have to follow in the footsteps of his parents, he can change his life and become the man he truly wants to be.

There is a lot going on in this book with twists and turns, revelations, and captivating side stories that keep the reader interested and turning the pages to see what happens next. Susan Mallery captivates her audience with emotion, humor, passion, and skillful writing that is provocative.

CPA Megan Greene has it all - a prominent cardiologist as a fiance, a father who dotes on her, and a succesfull career. Until the day it all comes crashing down. Devestated by her fiance's and father's actions, she turns to Travis who was her first love in high school. Separated by tragic circumstances, Travis reappears in Megan's life 10 years later - more handsome, hardened, and cynical than before. "His reappearance stirs dreams she reluctantly packed away."

Megan is forced to confront her relationships with her sister, mother, father, and Travis. Can she survive the turmoil in her life? Can she trust Travis with her heart? And what of Megan's future, will it contain everything she really needs?

Rating: 3.5
Pages: 342
Completed: 11/24/09

I'm Back

2009-11-25T11:52:00.002-05:00

After several months of family commitments, health issues, and a reading slump of all reading slumps, I am back in the swing of things. My reading has picked back up, and I am in love with books again. However, I am taking a break from all my challenges and am just sitting back and enjoying the fact that I am reading again. Challenges will start back up in 2010.

I have seriously neglected this blog and apologize for that. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you that have remained followers even though I disappeared for a while. You don't know what that means to me!!!

I have read several books the last few weeks that I need to post reviews for...I should have them up sometime this weekend.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and safe travels to those that will be out on the road visiting friends and relatives.

Just Breathe - Susan Wiggs

2009-07-05T16:42:00.005-04:00

Title: Just Breathe
Author: Susan Wiggs
Publisher: Mira
Published: 2008
Pages: 470
Genre: Romance/Women's Fiction

Wow...I can't believe it has been since June 20th that I have written a post. My book reading has really slowed down since I got a part-time job, but I so want to meet my goal of 100 books this year. I have been involved in reading other blogs and writing on the Weight Watchers message boards that I think my reading has been sidetracked. I need to learn how to budget my time. LOL.

Well, on to the book...Susan Wiggs pens another winner with this reader. I just love her work, and she doesn't fail to deliver in this one. She brings real life issues to her stories; this one being infertility and cancer survivor and the tolls both situations take on a family. I really enjoyed the sweet romance between Sarah and Will. They have to sort through many issues and family situations in order to be together (step children, infidelity, abandonment), and it was a great ride seeing if they would make it in the end.

Sarah is a cartoonist who struggled several years to help her husband beat cancer. Afterwards, she started getting inferility treatments so they could begin a family...that is...until she found out that her husband has been cheating on her. So, she goes back to Northern California, back to her family.

There she meets high school heartthrob, Will Bonner. He is a firefighter with family issues of his own - deserted by his wife, he is raising his teenage step-daughter. "But just as Sarah's heart is about to reawaken - she discovers she is pregnant with her ex's twins...the winds of change have led Sarah here. Now all she can do is just close her eyes and breathe."

I loved Will Bonner. I could feel his pain as he tries to deal with his teenage daughter's change of moods, growing into puberty, and her middle school crush. He flounders helplessly, and you just want to wrap your arms around him and tell him he is doing the best he can.

Sarah's self-discovery as to the mistakes she made in her marriage kept her real for me. There are always two sides in a marriage. She also realizes her inner strength...not only dealing with the trials of her husband's cancer, but also the trials of being pregnant and having twins. She stands on her own two feet and doesn't let people walk all over her.

Thias was a fantastic read and will be on my shelf of keepers.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 470
Completed: 6/21/09

Love at First Flight - Marie Force

2009-06-20T20:12:00.003-04:00

Title: Love at First Flight
Author: Marie Force
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2009
Pages: 383
Genre: Romance

I had the immense pleasure of being asked to review another book written by Marie Force. I absolutely loved her first book Line of Scrimmage, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on her next book.

After reading this book, I have to say that Marie Force has written another hit - at least with this reader. The first pages grab your attention, and the book holds it until the very end. I was ready for the emotional impact from the book (because of her unique writing style), but I wasn't prepared for the suspense and intrigue that encompassed the story. Marie Force certainly knows how to pull on your emotions when penning the romantic aspects of her stories, but I was equally impressed with her ability to draw out the suspense. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next - both with the decisions they each had to make and with the intrigue behind the high profile trial that was going on throughout the book.

To recap the story a bit...Michael and Juliana meet at the airport heading in the same direction to meet their significant others. Michael is an attorney who is meeting his fiance for the weekend, and Juliana is a beautician who is meeting her boyfriend of ten years. They discover that they are on the same return flight and agree to meet and discuss how their weekends went. Needless to say, both were disastrous, with each of them breaking it off with their intendeds. This starts the relationship between Juliana and Michael. Get ready for a roller coaster ride through laughter, tears, nail-biting scenes, and life-altering decisions. Michael is the prosecuting attorney in a high profile case which leads to his life being in danger. Juliana, being connected with Michael, is not safe either. What will happen to their love? Will they get through the trial alive; what will happen in the end - together or back to their old lives?

While some creative license was taken with the legal aspects surrounding witness protection, it did not in anyway detract from the story. I look at it this way - fiction is just that - fiction. I loved how strong both Michael and Juliana were. There wasn't that airhead quality in Juliana - she kept her head on straight, made wise decisions, and didn't take chances concerning her safety during the trial. Michael was everything you could want in a hero - strength, intelligence, protective, and he loved with his whole heart. He was there for Juliana - even in the darkest of hours, and his love never wavered. Ahhhh to be loved like that!!

What else can I say - I loved this book. It is definitely on my keeper shelf. And a HUGE "Thank You" goes out to Danielle from Sourcebooks for giving me the opportunity to read this book and review it. And to you, Marie Force, what a talented author you are - your characters are captivating and come to life through your writing - they jump out of the pages and into the reader's heart. The plot is well-developed, flows smoothly, and engages the reader from beginning to end. Emotions are strong and written with such clarity that you feel them inside as if they were your own. Congratulations on your new release - and here's to many many more!!

Rating: 5/5
Pages: 383
Completed: 6/9/09

Wallpaper Fun

2009-06-18T12:35:00.004-04:00

Kristie J over at Ramblings on Romance decided that she was curious about what others have as their desktop wallpaper. Here is her post on it. So, I want to join in on the fun and show what is on my desktop.

I downloaded this wallpaper from the Members Section of Christine Feehan's website and I absolutely love it - hunky man, Carpathian Mountains - I don't know if you can see it very well, but there is a small cabin in the trees on the left side of the wallpaper - my ideal spot to be.

Go to Kristie J's post and see what others have as their wallpaper and join in the fun!!

A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole

2009-06-17T17:23:00.003-04:00

Title: A Hunger Like No Other
Author: Kresley Cole
Publisher: Pocket Star
Published: 2006
Pages: 384
Genre: Paranormal Romance (Vampire, Werewolf, Valkyrie)
Series: Immortals After Dark - Book #1

This was an entertaining read with a lot of sexual tension, witty characters, and an exciting culmination with the heroine saving the day. One of the things that I had trouble with were the amount of characters in the book. I kept having to go back and figure out who was who. I finally wrote them all down, their relationships to each other, and their background in order to keep them straight in my mind. "The Book of Lore" was placed in the back of the book, and I didn't realize it was there until the end. It explained the different cultures, and I think it would have been more helpful if I had read it first.

The hero of the story is Lachlain, a Lykae who had been trapped and tortured by Vampires for over a century. He escapes only after he catches the scent of his mate who is above ground and getting farther away. Lachlain is totally an alpha male, but he has a hard time controlling his rage in regards to his torture.

Emma is half Vampire, half Valkyrie, and in danger. Being kidnapped by her enemy, a Lykae, and told that she was his mate wasn't what she had in mind when she visited Paris. Lachlain and Emma have a tumultuous relationship, and the sexual tension between the two escalate throughout the book. Will they both get over their hatred of the race that they each represent in order to reach their destiny? Will the Lykae clan embrace a Vampire as their queen? What of the evil that they discover who is chasing Emma? Who will prevail - who will fall?

I didn't really like Emma at the beginning of the book - I felt she was rather wimpy and kind of blah. However, through dealing with Lachlain, finding her inner strength, and learning to stand up to her family - she grew on me and I liked her in the end. Lachlain was my favorite. I love a tortured hero, and he was a great one. After discovering that Emma was half Vampire, his rage could have taken over and killed her. But, he discovered that she wasn't like the others and treasured her for who she was - not what she was. All in all, a good read.

Rating: 3.5/5
Pages: 384
Completed: 6/17/09

One More Award...

2009-06-17T12:28:00.003-04:00

I just posted about the rewards I have received recently, and I accidentally left one out (sorry Jacqueline). There have been so many gracious book bloggers that have encouraged me to keep blogging by giving me awards. So without further ado....

I received the Let's Be Friends award from Jacqueline at Undercover Book Lover. "These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers."

Well, I have one problem with this award - I can't find just eight bloggers I want to give it to - LOL. I would really love to bestow this award on all my followers - you mean the world to me, and I hope that we can become friends through reading and commenting on each other's blogs.

Please, take a moment to accept this award...and check out Jacqueline's Blog - it is dedicated to all things paranormal and fantasy. She also has another blog called The Eclectic Book Hoarder - dedicated to books for the modern woman!!! (I'm a follower).

AWARDS!!!

2009-06-14T14:06:00.004-04:00

I received so many beautiful awards from a couple of bloggers that I just wanted to shout out a heartfelt THANK YOU!!!

I used my new blogging skills and put them all in a slideshow on my sidebar. But I did want to recognize the bloggers individually:

Desert Rose from Desert Rose Booklogue bestowed the Literary Blogger Award, and Your Blog is Enchanted Award. I encourage everyone to go visit her blog - it is a fun place to hang out!!!

Cecile at All I Want and More bestowed a few Awards to my blog - check it out here. You really need to visit her blog - she has hunky men, contest alerts, featured books, and fantastic book reviews.

Thanks ladies from the bottom of my heart!!!