His Lordship's Holiday Surprise by Kate Huntington

222 pages

For my #7 challenge (Title Reminds You of Christmas), I read His Lordship's Holiday Surprise by Kate Huntington. Miss Augusta Oglethorpe has always thought that Christmastime is a wonderful time of the year. Her highlight of the Season is the Christmas party that she throws for all her fellow bluestockings. For Augusta, it's a time of food, friends and wonderfully intellectual conversation.

This year, however, her holiday plans have all been thrown into an uproar when her widowed sister, Clarissa suddenly disappears after dropping her three young children off on Augusta's doorstep. Children in tow, an infuriated Augusta arrives at Richard, Marquess of Ardath's house and demands to see her wayward sister.

Richard, recently jilted by Clarissa, is less than jolly when he meets her prim bluestocking of a sister. When he discovers that the faithless Clarissa has totally disappeared, he reluctantly agrees to help Augusta search for her. Now with Christmas fast approaching, Richard and Augusta will learn that Christmas and love is truly a miraculous thing. I give this holiday regency romance five stars.

Christmas Pie by Emma Craig

Challenge #7- A book that makes you think about Christmas

Christmas Pie
Emma Craig
Rating-4 stars
320 pages

My Amazon Review:

charming Victorian Romance......, December 31, 2008

Synopsis:
Polly McNamara longs for a world of fun and riches, and when an old woman gives her a magical coin, incredible things start to happen as she begins to see her handsome employer, James Drayton, in a new light.

My review:
Christmas Pie is a cute Christmas romance set in Victorian era San Francisco. Polly is a typist at James Drayton's law firm. On one cold November day, Polly goes into a curio shop in Chinatown to buy her mother a Christmas gift. A little old lady there gives her a gift-a very old Chinese coin. Polly's world,living in genteel poverty, barely making it for herself and her widowed, invalid mother, is turned upside down with the introduction of the coin.

If you are sometimes tired of Historical romances filled with hardened Rakes and jaded courtesans then you should try this book. I liked the fact that all the main characters were everyday,realistic"good" people. People who worked for a living and wished for the simpler things we all do-love,safety and security for our family and friendship.

It was fun to read about the just introduced "horseless carriages" and the luxury of a telephone. The lucky charm story was fun and comical. Sensuality scale of about a PG. Minor kissing and one love scene, tastefully done.

The story gets a little "out there" towards the end, hence the four stars. Though I'd still recommend the story for those looking for a clean, sweet romance.
4 stars.

Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

#13 Read an Author with 3 names
Pages 390
Rated 4-ish stars

Back Cover:
Rachel Stone's bad luck has taken a turn for the worse. With an empty wallet, a car's that's spilling smoke, and a five-year-old son to support, she's come home to a town that hates her. But this determined young widow with a scandalous past has learned how to be a fighter. And she'll do anything to keep her child safe -- even take on. . .Gabe Bonner wants to be left alone, especially by the beautiful outcast who's invaded his property. She has a ton of attitude, a talent for trouble, and a child who brings back bad memories. Yet Rachel's feisty spirit might just be heaven-sent to save a tough, stubborn man.
Welcome to Salvation, North Carolina -- where a man who's forgotten what tenderness means meets a woman with nothing to lose. here two endearing lovers will set off on a funny, touching journey of the heart. . .to a place where dreams just might come true.

My thoughts:
I like SEP's stories. This one is not one of my favorites, but I liked it. The thing is, there wasn't anything I didn't like about it, but it was all pretty good. I liked Rachel. I loved Gabe. He was such a good tortured hero. I liked Ethan too, and his Clint Eastwood, and Oprah Gods talking to him. I couldn't help but feel like I've read this before. None of it, seemed new, and fresh. Maybe I read something else that was very similar, but I knew who the antagonist was, and where the hidden treasure would be. So for that I can't give it a really high score. It'll get a soft 4 stars.

"B" Is For Burglar by Sue Grafton

# 9. Read a story that has a military or civil servant (firefighter/cop/fbi/clan chief/commander) in it –can be any genre

My Rating: 5 Stars

Year Published: 1985

320 pages

Genre: Mystery

The second book in the alphabet series featuring the private investigator Kinsey Millhone.

She is approached by a Beverly Danziger who is looking for her sister Elaine Boldt to sign some formal papers, so Kinsey is hired to find her. She thought it would be easy, only to find herself in a missing persons case upgraded to solving a mystery of the death of the missing lady's neighbor.

Fast paced interesting twists and turns. Very enjoyable fast read!

Pink Jinx by Sandra Hill

Pink Jinx by Sandra Hill

#1 Readers Choice

Rated 3.5 stars

pages 356

Back Cover:
Straitlaced Boston lawyer Veronica "Ronnie" Jinkowsky knows something is fishy when her estranged grandfather lures her to his New Jersey treasure-hunting business with woeful tales of old age and bankruptcy. But she never expected the salty old dog to shanghai her into a hunt for pink diamonds with her poker-playing, four-time ex-husband Jake Jensen in tow.
Betting her heart on Jake was always a losing proposition, yet just the sight of his come-hither eyes is still enough to melt her steely resolve. Now Ronnie's on a high seas adventure that throws together lost gems, a lost ship, and lost love--not to mention a Mafia widow, her two goons, and an elderly Cajun matchmaker.
Trapped with the man she could never learn to live with -- and was never happy without -- is Ronnie fated to be forever jinxed in matters of the heart?

My thoughts:
It was a decent Sandra Hill story. It had the requisite fun secondary characters and some Marx Brothers-esq situations. I got tickled a couple of times, but to me this story was not as well developed as Pearl Jinx. (which is Caleb Peachy's story) I thought Pearl Jinx was a much better story, with much better character development. I even felt like Caleb in this story was more developed than Jake (the hero). I had the hots for Caleb not, Jake and you should always have the hots for the hero. (It's gotta be a rule somewhere!) It was just ok! I'm hoping Wild Jinx will be better than this one.

A Very Gothic Christmas (Anthology) by Christine Feehan and Mekanie George

Rating: 4
Title: Read a book that reminds you of christmas
Pages: 432

The book contains tow novellas.

After the Music by Christine Feehan

Synopsis (blurb): Terrified by mysterious threats, Jessica Fitzpatrick spirits away her twin wards, Tara and Trevor, to the remote island mansion of their estranged father, world-famous musician Dillon Wentworth. Ever since the fire that claimed his troubled wife's life and left him horribly disfigured, Dillon has shut out the world. With Christmas approaching, the spark between him and Jessica might light the future, but there are those who shared Dillon's wife's love of the occult . . . and their evil machinations may plunge the family into darkness -- unless a Christmas miracle occurs. . . .

Review: This was my first Feehan book not dealing with Carpathians and I don't know whether I'm glad or sad to say that she hasn't changed her ways. The heroine's body is still soft and pliant and the hero is once more a predator - even if he comes in disguise of an ex-celebrity musician. In Feehan's world, there is an order and you must adhere to it. Plenty of molten lava around as well, and she even managed to throw in a narrow ribcage, so nothing new here either.

I wouldn't call the story Gothic, but there are some mysterious features on board. Hooded and cloaked figures looming in the dark, curious "accidents", shadows from the past, a Gothic mansion on a remote storm-ridden island, it's all there. The story dragged along though. Why, oh why the couple waited for an eternity to follow their mutual attraction remains a mystery and annoyed me quite a bit. It was an ok read, the characters were nice and likeable, I just didn't feel connected to them. However, for Feehan fans it is a must.

Rating: 3


Lady of the Locket by Melanie George

Syopsis (blurb): The echoes of history and romance lure Rachel Hudson to Glengarren, the Scottish castle where her parents met many Christmases ago. But it is the portrait of fierce Highlander Duncan MacGregor that sparks an inexplicable yearning inside her. On a storm-tossed night, as lightning cracks across the castle's turrets, Rachel finds herself face-to-face with MacGregor himself, astride a mighty stallion. Now, stepping into Rachel's time -- and her heart -- the warrior from the past is pursued by an ancient, evil enemy. . . .

Review: This second story was a real treat. I have never read anything by Melanie George, but will definitely look for some of her books. You could literally feel the cold in that old Scottish castle and feel the mysterious atmosphere. The hero, Duncan MacGregor, was to die for, no wonder Rachel fell for him immediately. I personally like the soul mate theme, so the instantaneous connection between the two didn't pose a problem for me.
I was somewhat dissatisfied with the end of the story. It turned out to be a real tear jerker (not bad in itself), but wasn't resolved satisfactorily in my eyes. I don't see how the author could have done it differently, but I just didn't like it particularly anyway. It was a HEA of sorts, though.

I really liked the lyrics of the song that Duncan sang to Rachel and researched it on the net. The song was written in 1877 by Annie Fortescue Harrison with lyrics by Meta Orred. Thus it could have hardly been known by Duncan who died in Culloden in 1746. Admittedly the song fit wonderfully into the context, but inconsistencies like this could be avoided and just bother me in retrospect.

Rating: 5 stars (in spite of the ending)

Flat Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy

Rating: 5
Title: # Book that was released in 2008
Pages: 273

Description: Independent single mother Tamara Briggs wanted to find a new, sexy, no-strings-attached man—just not one as young as NASCAR driver Elec Monroe. But he sure does get her heart racing. And after she’s tricked into a blind date with him, Tamara gives in to her passion. Things screech to a halt, though, when he asks to meet her children. Whatever happened to wham-bam-thank-youma’am? Suddenly Tamara has to decide how much risk she’s willing to take to experience the power of true love.

Second Time Around Review: I am still LOVING this book. It’s a modern day fairytale, I say Bump Edward, I want an Elec! While FOS is a scorcher, it delivers the relationship development between Elec and Tamara and Elec and Tamara’s kids. The relationship is believable, and Tamara’s journey from widow to single woman to lover to fiancé is one that is memorable! This is a MUST HAVE for any romance reader, seriously. The cover price is $14, but use a Borders coupon, but go get it!

Original Review: What a yummy cover. I expected this book to be a fun, hot little number, but it was just so much more. Flat-Out Sexy is a modern day fairy tale and Elec is a modern day Prince Charming! Elec and Tamara are two very likable characters, who you find yourself cheering for their HEA, while some complications are thought through by Tamara. While the escapades are very, very hot (satisfaction guaranteed), this story is relationship driven and all the characters involved you come to care for. This is book one in a Racing Series, all I can say is that I hope it’s the beginning of a 12 book series! The next book in the series is Hard and Fast. It will be released in May 2009 and will be the story of Imogen and Ty. She is Tamara’s up tight assistant, he’s the Godfather of Tamara’s daughter and a playboy racecar driver. The preview in the back of the book makes me think May is a long time away!This is my first Erin McCarthy book, and I think I have another author to gobble up their backlist!!! Thank you Ms. McCarthy for a book I cannot part with!

The Gift by Julie Garwood

Rating: 5
Title: #2 Book that was read in Fall Challenge
Pages: 373

Description: A child bride, Sara Winchester had grown into a winsome beauty, joyfully anticipating the day when her husband Nathan, Marquess of St. James, would return to claim her heart at last. Charmingly innocent, she dismissed the ancient feud that divided Nathan's family from her own...and she was totally unaware of his past exploits as the notorious pirate, Pagan. The man who now stood before her was perplexing, arrogant and powerfully handsome...a warrior-gentleman whose gentle touch aroused her to the wildest, deepest pleasures of love.
Nathan had never bared his soul to any woman, but he was soon utterly beguiled and exasperated by Sara's sweet, defiant ways. Aboard his ship, The Seahawk, she was brave, imperious and determined to win his heart completely -- yet upon their return to England, her love would be sorely tested as a vile conspiracy tried to tear them apart. With their future at stake, they would discover the true destiny of their passion...for all time!

Review: This book is classic Garwood! The humor is off the charts, the story is consuming and the love that Sara and Nathan share is wonderful. The quirkiness, the antics, the way the grow to love each other… Sigh… This book will satisfy any romance reader and very few books, like this one, are clear perfection. I did not want to leave this story, and was sad when it ended. Another keeper by Garwood!

Dark Obsession by Amanda Stevens

Readers of Romance Winter 08 Challenge #12- Read a series (Harlequin or Silhouette).

Dark Obsession
Amanda Stevens
Silhouette Dreamscapes series
Rating 4.0
251 pages

My Amazon Review:
Surprisingly good Modern day Gothic.....,December 26, 2008

Synopsis:
Horror novelist Erin Ramsey's latest bestseller brought a dark and tormented vampire into her readers worlds. But such heroes existed only in her imagination. Or so she thought.

How wrong Erin had been! Now her sister was dead, the victim of a shadowy stranger. Detective Nick Slade had promised to help find the killer. But who was Nick, really?

Cloaked in secrecy, his eyes always masked by sunglasses, Nick embodied Erin's most foreboding nightmares -- and her most erotic fantasies. Helplessly, she was drawn into a midnight world where nothing was as it seemed, where a man could be predator -- or protector.

My Review:
I do not not read many of the thinner "series" romances as I find they are, for the most part, too formulaic, and are normally headlined by a very weak heroine. Luckily, Dark Obsession was original and had an equally strong hero and heroine.

Erin is a horror novelist who finds her actress sister dead in their apartments front yard. Nick, is a a sunglasses wearing detective on the case, who is himself very dark and mysterious. What follows is a easy to read, fast paced, sexy yet heartfelt romance.

Like other reviewers mentioned, this is not a "vampire romance" in the classic sense, as the vampires in this book are truly evil and not the "tormented though basically good" vampires that dominate most vampire romances. I didn't find that took away at all from the story, it just had more of a Gothic feel than anything else.

The relationship between the hero and heroine could have been fleshed out a bit more, and the mystery was pretty much solvable from chapter one, but it was still quite enjoyable. A quick read, I finished it in two hours, hurrying to see how it ended, and I take that as a good sign of a well written book.
Recommended-4 stars.
Sensuality scale-about a PG13.

Scandal's Daughter by Christine Wells

Readers Of Romance Winter 08 Challenge

#3- Read a book that has a “D” word in it for December.
Scandal's Daughter
Christine Wells
Rating 3.0 stars
295 pages


My Amazon Review:

no scandal but lot of cliches.........., December 26, 2008

Synopsis:
She could overcome her infamous past-but not a present-day passion.

As a promise to her dying grandfather, self-proclaimed rake Sebastian Laidley has three months to marry off his childhood friend Gemma-or marry her himself. But this daughter of a notorious seductress has inherited her mother's charms, and when she turns them on Sebastian, he'll long to be the only man who wins her heart.

My Review:
Scandal's daughter unfortunately falls flat on it's promises. It has no scandal, no passion and very little originality. Knowing that this is a debut book, I tried to give the author the benefit of the doubt, hence three stars, but Scandal's Daughter is in actuality a two star book, and that's being generous.

The storyline is chock a block of every cliche, "I'm too much a Rake/tainted female to be married", "the misunderstandings" plot, "family scandal but family members are not what they appear to be", etc. I could go on but I don't want to bore you.

The heroine, Gemma, whose supposed to be this self sufficient dynamo, walks around the entire book with blinders on, not conprehending anyone elses motivations, not even realizing her grandfather, who she lives with, is dying, though the hero, realizes this as soon as he see the old man, after many years away. Gemma is about one step away for the dreaded "too stupid too live" title.

The one love scene was also "been there done that", the heroine, who berates herself constantly for feeling desire, thinking she must be "tainted" like her mother, then does a 180 turn and decides to become a wanton, right down to using protection her "scandalous" mother gives her.

The hero was not much better-Sebastian was a one dimensional cutout of many unreformed Rakes of past authors, nothing new here. It doesn't bode well for a less than 300 page book when you it takes almost five days to slog through, but I fell asleep several times trying to read this. This was one of those Historical Romances that the H/H literally fight their feelings until the last 10 pages-and it was not worth the wait.

The Devil Who Tamed her by Johanna Lindsey

Ophelia Reid is an incomparable beauty with a reputation for starting rumors and spreading them. Having purposely wrecked her engagement to Duncan MacTavish, a future marquis, which her social-climbing father arranged, Ophelia wants to return to London's marriage mart and make herown choice of a wealthy husband. But on her journey home, somethingunexpected happens....

The heir to a dukedom, Raphael Locke, Viscount Lynnfield is -- in spite of his disinterest in marriage -- the most sought-after young lord in England. He instantly disliked Ophelia when she caused a scandal to avoid marriage to his friend MacTavish, but having comforted her in a tearful moment, he begins to wonder if she's not all bad. So when MacTavish claims that Ophelia will never be anything but a spiteful beauty, Rafe bets his friend that he can turn her into a kindhearted lady who will one day make a good match, just not with him.

My Review: I really enjoyed this book. Although I did not read The Heir, I was still able to follow the storyline. Although I despised Ophelia at first, I began to understand her. I think that because of her beauty she was extremely misunderstood. It took someone like Rafe to make her see her ways. She was indeed a very unhappy girl. I hated to see this book end. I would love to see a sequel. It would be interesting to see how beautiful that her children are. I give this book 4 stars and will definitely read another book by this author.

The Heart Breaker by Nicole Jordan

Rating: 4
Title: Read a book that has heart, kiss or love in the title
Pages: 367

Synopsis: Sloan McCord needs a wife. Not for love but to take care of his infant daughter, to keep his household, to helm him campaigning and to warm his bed. Heather Ashford needs a husband to take care of her late father's gambling debts. A friend of hers, Sloan's sister in law, fixes them up and the deal is made. However, Heather falls deeply in love with Sloan who can't accept this. He still loves his dead wife and is not interested in a new love and all its ramifications.

















Review: OK, I loved the book, even though I can think of a lot of things that should have made me dislike it:

• It starts with a sex scene which I hate. Sex without context does nothing for me. It turns out to be a dream of Sloan's, but nevertheless.
• Sloan is a real jerk. He thinks falling in love again is a betrayal to his wife (I can relate to that to an extent), but he sees no problem in sleeping with his new wife until the cows come home.
• How he got a reputation to be a heart breaker I have no idea. He does seem to have some potential, but it hardly ever shows.
• When drunk he makes Heather such an unspeakable offer, that I'd have left him for good - love or not.
• Heather made him grovel way too little afterwards.
• Heather was weak when it came to him. After their agreement not to touch each other again, it took virtually NOTHING to change her mind.

However, the story flowed smoothly for me and there were no stupid side plots that took attention from the main one. More than once I felt like taking Sloan and throttle him, but I liked him anyway. I loved the book, what can I say.

The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright

Jack and Laurel have been married for 39 years. They've lived a good life and appear to have had the perfect marriage. With his wife cradled in his arms, and before Jack takes his last breath, he scribbles his last "Wednesday Letter." When their adult children arrive to arrange the funeral, they discover boxes and boxes full of love letters that their father wrote to their mother each week on Wednesday. As they begin to open and read the letters, the children uncover the shocking truth about the past. In addition, each one must deal with the present-day challenges. Matthew has a troubled marriage, Samantha is a single mother, and Malcolm is the black sheep of the family who has returned home after a mysterious two-year absence.

REVIEW: This book has been on my tbr pile since it came out. It has been on my nightstand for over a month, as I have read other books, for some reason I just kept putting it off. Now I wish that I had read it when it first came out. This is one of the most powerful I have ever read, about love, relationships, siblings and forgiveness. I can't say much more because then it will give away the message and the story, but this is one book that I feel everyone should read. I wish that I had read it sooner that way I could give it as a gift this Christmas.

This book was read as part of the Winter 08 Reading Challenge, # 15 Read a book that has a "W" for Winter.

Rating 5 out 5 a must read for everyone.

A Seduction at Christmas by Cathy Maxwell

Title: #7. A book that makes you think of Christmas.

Pages: 358

Rating: 4

Back Cover: She Never Expected It would Come to This
Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore noting could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have...
"Beware of Innocence"
The Duke of Holburn had spent years heeding this warning, and in doing so, managed to avoid the virginal young ladies who had been put in his path. But now his wild ways have gotten him in real danger. There are killers at the door and a temptingly beautiful woman in his arms. He is about to find himself seduced... and he isn't quite sure he wants to resist this time.

Review: From the moment Fiona spies Holburn across the room she feels a connection. Fate is not on her side that night, she has to leave the ball immediately to help her brother and his wife flee to America. Fiona chose to stay behind. Her decision has cost her more than she expected or bargained for.
After her failed attempt to hold Holburn hostage and ransom him for 500 pounds she finds herself relying on him for her life. Holburn has promised to keep Fiona safe from the murderous Irishmen that are hell bent on pinning his murder on her. They are drawn to each other like moths to a candle. Fiona fears her past will prevent Holburn from ever being able to give her what she desires most in life.
Holburn must figure out who is trying to kill him and what better way but to draw the would be killers on to his own turf.
A Seduction at Christmas had a decent story line full of deceit. Maxwell keeps you guessing to the "who dunnit" throughout. I didn't feel the passion between Fiona and Holburn though.

Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

#6 book by Lisa Kleypas

Rate 4.5 stars

pages 333

Back Cover:
Meet the Blue-Eyed Devil-His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies on the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.
Meet the Heiress-She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to ser out on the path thy've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or serring her soul on fire.

My Thoughts:
This story is gritty, and real. It has high emotional drama and with the subject matter covered in Haven's marriage needs to be told in the first person. It really lets you feel her emotions. I enjoyed the play between Haven and Todd. I like the way, Miss Kleypas doesn't do that thing where one says or does something that the other misunderstands. She gives you the tension and drama in a more realistic way. It's not as formulaic. I also liked that this story keeps moving. It could have gotten bogged down when Haven comes back home, and starts therapy, but doesn't. I was wary of Hardy. (because of the whole Sugar Daddy thing) I was as wary as a Travis would have been, so that helped me also to feel the progression of their relationship. Ikept waiting for him to do something underhanded, in much the same way Gage, Jack and Joe were. But alas, Hardy has grown. I dug him. Being from Texas, I totally got the references and understood in a very real way, the male attitude. I loved when he patted her tush in front of Nick. (and she got miffed) That is such a guy thing, especially an alpha guy, marking his territory. When I wasn't reading this book, (because my family wants to eat meals and stuff!!! ) I was wondering what would happen next. Wondering how this relationship was going to progress, and how were they going to resolve their issues. To me that is the mark of great storytelling, when I think about it, until I can read more. I give it a 4.5 for sure.

Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy

Winter Reading Challenge #14-
For the New Year-Pick a book that has been in your TBR pile for a long time .
Urban Shaman
C.E. Murphy (Luna books)
Rating: 3 stars
344 pages



My Amazon Review:
A heroine not afraid to get dirty with demigods....., December 22, 2008

Synopsis:
Joanne Walker has three days to learn to use her shamanic powers and save the world from the unleashed Wild Hunt.

No worries. No pressure. Nevermind the lack of sleep, the perplexing new talent for healing from fatal wounds, or the cryptic, talking coyote who appears in her dreams.

And if all that's not bad enough, in the three years Joanne's been a cop, she's never seen a dead body -- but she's just come across her second in three days. It's been a bitch of a week. And it isn't over yet.

My Review:
This book has been languishing on my mountainous TBR shelf for a couple of years now. So I dusted it off and gave it a try. Urban Shaman starts out well. The main character, a Seattle police woman and shade tree mechanic, Joanne Walker sees a disturbing scene from an airplanes window.

She witnesses a lone woman being chased by a pack of dogs, as well as being seemingly menaced by a knife wielding man. Thus opens Joanne's deadly, dangerous, and supernatural adventure.

As a heroine, Joanne,an Cherokee/Irish, "big boned" six foot tall grease monkey tomboy,is a refreshing change of pace from most tiny, flaxan haired, Buffy like dynamos in most urban fantasies. She likes to eat, hates fashion, and loves her car and computer equally. She's intriguing enough that I'll pick up book two in the series and give it a try.

She has a hate/admiration/ something more? relationship with her boss, Michael Morrison, whom she describes as the "aged super hero type". I look forward to more sparks between these two in future books. Readers should be told that even though Urban Shaman is in Harlequins "Luna" line, it is in no way a Romance, so take note.

As to the storyline-pretty enjoyable, could have been more so, but the author did bog down the book a bit with a slightly convoluted "mystical" storyline. Seeing as this is a debut novel, I'm willing to look over a few flaws in support of any new author aiming for new ideas in fantasy. Be forewarned though, the book does drag a little in the middle,but try to stick with it.

Overall-as cliche' as it sounds-not the best I've read but far from the worst. I'd heartily recommend to fellow Urban Fantasy fans, other readers more cautiously so.

3 stars.

You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy

Rating: 3.5
Title: #8 Title that has 4 words in it
Pages: 255

Description: Jamie Peters no longer believes in true love. True idiots, true scumbags, true moochers - these she believes in wholeheartedly, and she's got the checkered dating history to prove it. So she's more than a little skeptical when her cross-dressing psychic tells her she's about to meet her soul mate - during an accident. Yeah, sounds about right. And then it happens. A knight in shining armor steps between her and a mugger on a subway platform. Just a regular, honest, upright Jack. The kind they don't make anymore...Jonathon Davidson doesn't believe in destiny - or lying to beautiful women as a rule. But now that Jamie thinks he's just an ordinary guy, how can he possibly tell her that he's really, her roommate's brother, a millionaire to boot, and the jerk who's investigating her application to his grandfather's charitable trust because she may be involved in something illegal? Yeah, rhetorical question. He can't. Not until he knows what's going on. Besides, it would require being able to resist Jamie's luscious curves long enough to say, 'Hi, my name is Big Liar. Let's get naked'. Sometimes, destiny sucks...

Review: This was a cute story, but it was boring at times and too predictable, oh and it had misunderstandings in it. I was expecting much more from the author. The story takes place in about two weeks, and although I don't really feel that the story was rushed, I felt like the situations that were presented, went only surface deep and that extra pages written would have made a better connection with the reader. So, I wouldn't pull this one next off the tbr pile, but wouldn't not read it. I did like that the couple in this story were in a wedding together. The books Ms. McCarthy writes are hot, so I'm giving it a 3.5.

A Christmas Wedding by Andrew M. Greeley

Back Cover: "Happy families are all alike," said Tolstoy, and the O'Malley's are one of the happiest, if slightly crazy, families in current fiction. A Christmas Wedding continues the saga of Chucky, the youngest son who wants to live the quiet life of an accountant and raise a nice Catholic family. Fate, of course, has other plans for Chucky, in the person of the beautiful Rosemarie, his off-again on-again nemesis from the time he saved her life when he was a young man.

Thrown out of Notre Dame on trumped up charges, Chucky ends up going to the University of Chicago. The only problem: his lifelong enemy Rosemarie is a fellow student. They decide to be "just friends," and while they battle with each other, "just friends" turns into something neither of them expected.

My Review: This book started off extremely slow, but became very good about half way through. The title does not serve this book well. There were only a couple of pages devoted to the actual wedding and even less than that related to Christmas. I had a very difficult time relating to both of the main characters. Chucky appeared to be weak and afraid of his wife, giving in to anything that she demanded. She told him what to study in college and also landed his first job for him. Rosemarie was a loving wife one minute and then turned on Chucky and everyone around him in the next. Later, it was determined that she came from a very abusive childhood and would suffer from depression her entire life. Towards the middle of the book, I began to understand her and why Chucky, his family, and all of their friends loved her. Because of the slow beginning, I am giving this book 3 stars.

This Heart of Mine

This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Rate 4

pages 399

Title with love/heart for Valentines

Back Cover:
Molly Somerville loves her career as the creator of the Daphne the Bunny children's book series, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. She has a reputation for trouble that started even before she gave away her fifteen-million-dollar inheritance. Then there's her long-term crush on the quarterback for the Chicago Stars football team her sister owns -- that awful, gorgeous Kevin Tucker, a man who can't even remember Molly's name!

One night Kevin barges into Molly's not-quite-perfect life and turns it upside down. Unfortunately, the Ferrari-driving riving, poodle-hating jock isn't as shallow as she wishes he were, and she soon finds herself at a place called Wind Lake. Surrounded by paintbox cottages, including a charming old bed-and-breakfast, Molly and Kevin battle their attraction and each other as they face one of life's most important lessons. Sometimes love hurts, sometimes it makes you mad as hell, and sometimes -- if you're lucky -- it can heal in a most unexpected way.

My Thoughts:
So, I love just about everything Susan Elizabeth Phillips writes. This is no different. I fell for Kevin in "Nobody's Baby But Mine" and continue to like him here. It took me a while to get into Molly. I mean, I liked her, but I didn't connect with her the same way, I have with her other heroines. I didn't understand her need to "act out" until Kevin spelled it out near the end of the book. I also have a desire to buy some panties with bunnies on them. (You'll have to read the book!) I love how SEP gives you a secondary romance in just every story. I enjoyed Lily's progression. My favorite scene was the softball game. I loved how the "underdogs" got one up on the "superjocks". Being the last one picked for any/all sports in school, I was not so secretly rooting for the "underdogs". I enjoyed the way they won, and all the fun. I give this book a 4 stars. Maybe even a 4.5.

Warrior by Cheryl Brooks

Rating: 5
Title: #11 Pick a book that was first published in 2008
Pages: 321


Synopsis: The story is about Tisana, the local witch, who gets a new patient. He is being brought in by Tisana's ex, Rafe. His newly acquired slave is severely ill and he wants Tisana to nurse him back to health. The slave turns out to be a Zetithian, Leo, with whom Tisana falls in love pretty quickly - and vice versa. All would be good, if he didn't belong to Rafe, who will come back and claim him again soon. When Rafe eventually comes back, he's come for another reason though. He wants Tisana's and Leo's help in finding his two sons who have been kidnapped for unknown reasons. Together they get on their way on a rescue mission and at the same time on the mission to make Leo a free man once more.

Review: This is the second installment of Brooks' Cat Star Chronicles after "Slave". I enjoyed the first book, but I enjoyed this one more, which was due to the heroine. Tisana wasn't such a tough entrepreneur as Jacinth, which I preferred. The couple in the book was established pretty quickly, so there was not much angst on that part, but, of course, there was the problem of getting Leo out of the (virtual) clutches of Rafe's wife, who wanted him for prestige reasons. That was dealt with not too early, but fairly easy I'd say, and from then on, it was all about rescuing the boys.

Usually I neither like books with children involved, nor with animals, but in this case I must make an exception. The children were marginal characters who served only as the reason for the mission in the first place. I don't think they even uttered a word during the whole book. The animals on the other hand chatted nonstop, which was quite fun. Tisana has the psychic ability to converse with animals and that helped her a lot on her mission. The conversations between her and the various animals were quite amusing and added an entertaining touch.

The hero, Leo, was a good character, no uber-alpha, but a warrior and pretty self assured (not surprising considering his way with women, but I don't want to give away anything). The heroine was compassionate, strong, down-to-earth. They were a perfect couple.

At the end the reader meets the couple from the previous book again, which was nice. However, Jacinth, and her business-like manner, in which she immediately wanted to take advantage of Tisana's gift, really rubbed me the wrong way. Can't she leave people alone for a minute, for crying out loud? She just met her and already proposes to make money out of her. She might be a space trader, but still, give it a little rest, won't you?

Only in Your Arms ~ Lisa Kleypas

I read the book titled Only in Your Arms, but it was re-published under the title When Strangers Marry which I think is a better title.

Lysette is on her way to New Orleans to marry a man she loathes, but her stepfather has arranged the marriage which her mother, sister and aunt all inform her she has no choice but to do her duty and marry this man. Lysette arrives to find the man more appalling then she remembered and decides to run away. Lysette does not get very far when she is discovered by twin brothers Justin and Phillipe, who hand her over to their father Maximillien Vallerand.

Lysette begs them to not return her and once Max realizes who she is to wed his mortal enemy he agrees she can stay, and he quickly realizes he can use her to seek revenge. Max confides this to his mother and ask her to organize a wedding for him and Lysette. Max's mother is against the marriage, but knows she will not be able to stop her son, but she will let Lysette know that Max is suspected of murdering his first wife, Corrine Vallerand.

The enjoyed the love story of Max and Lysette, and the great mystery and suspense of what happened to his first wife and why she was a pawn in this revenge game. I normally do not read many novels written about early American, but I do enjoy stories based in the great city of New Orleans. I will begin the next book which is Only With Your Love which is based on Max's two son's.

Wallflower Christmas ~ Lisa Kleypas

Rafe Bowman older brother to Lillian and Daisy two of the wallflowers is coming to England for Christmas. His father is playing matchmaker and insist he marry Natalie Hannah Applegate was sent by Natalie's father to visit with Rafe, his sister's and their friends to prepare the way for Natalie. Hannah disliked him immediately, but she knew for her cousin she must try his manner's were horrible and very outspoken. Rafe is infatuated with Hannah and kisses her before she leaves, which leaves her in a state of shock.

Hannah returns to Natalie and they begin to pack to join Rafe and his family for Christmas, she does not disclose the kiss to her cousin, but deep down feels that the match will not work. Her cousin intends to marry him no matter how horrid Hannah describes him. I hated the way Natalie treated Hannah she came across as a “goody-goody” who was helping her poor cousin, I did not like Natalie and was glad the story did not revolve around her. Once they arrive Rafe is constantly pursing Hannah and although she refuses to have anything to do with him, she begins to fall in love with him. Natalie tries to get Rafe alone she wants to be kissed by him and wants him to wed her. Hannah begins to feel jealous of their relationship, since she is not as pretty and does not have the money she knows she would never marry anyone like Rafe.

I have been looking forward to reading this book, the cover is lovely and I was so looking forward to the reunion of the wallflowers. The story was to short, therefore no depth into Rafe or Hannah the main characters. I enjoyed Rafe and Hannah, but hated their story was over so quick I feel the book was rushed and the story over much to fast. The wallflowers had small stories that were summed up to fast. I felt the story needed more meat so I only rate it a 3.

Everything And The Moon by Julia Quinn

Challenge: Read a book with 4 words in the title.
Rating: 4
Pages: 372

Struck by love at first sight, Robert Kemble, a future earl, and Victoria Lyndon, the vicars daughter, enjoy their whirlwind courtship in the country and plan to get married. But both have fathers who are against their relationship, and on the eve of their planned elopement things go all wrong when Victoria's father stops her. By the time Victoria goes to find him and explain, Robert believes he has been stood up and runs off to London. Robert's father lets her believe he was only dallying with her, and her heart is broken. Seven years later they meet again by chance, and both find that the spark is still there. But both believe the other person stood them up. Now they need to learn to trust again if they are going to be happy ever after.

I almost stopped reading this a couple of chapters in. It started out a little silly, but I decided to give it a bit longer before giving up. I am very glad I did. Julia Quinn has crafted a wonderful emotional story about love lost and then found again. You really feel for both and what they both go through as a result of their meddling fathers. This book, thankfully, does not depend on the big misunderstanding to carry it through the whole book. They do figure out what happened and it becomes more about other issues in the later half of the book. Over all it was fun and enjoyable.

Only You by Elizabeth Lowell

Challenge: Read a book that's been on the TBR for awhile.
Rating: 4.5
pages: 370

Saloon card dealer Eve Johnson has nothing left to bet but herself, so in order to get a stolen treasure map back, she will wager her virtue. Unable to give the winning hand to herself, she gives it to unsuspecting stranger, sharpshooter Matt "Reno" Moran. But when the other players don't take well to Reno winning, Eve steals the map in the confusion and runs off with Reno's winnings -- including her virtue. Reno tracks Eve down and grudgingly agrees to team up to find the missing gold mine in the Colorado mountains. As they follow the map and dodge the killers on their tail, they discover that love is more important than gold.

It's true that Lowell tends to follow a formula in her Only series, but it's a formula that works. I really enjoyed this story in classic western form. This is easily the best western series I have read. Lowell's stories are always interesting, always emotional, and always satisfying in the end. I look forward to the next in the series!

The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter

I gave this book 3 stars and it had 384 pages.

Although a decent start to a new paranormal series I found that I wasn't fully invested in the characters until towards the end of the book. I thought that Ashlyn's psychic ability was extremely interesting and although played a part throughout the book I might have enjoyed the book more had the book been her book with Maddox finding her....if that makes any sense.Maddox is a cursed immortal who along with his friends thousands of years ago became too self important and released the demon's from Pandora's Box. As punnishment the Gods cast a demon into each immortal to be housed for all eternity. Maddox's own demon is that of Violence. This makes him the most dangerous of all members of the lords of the underworld. Personally I think that Disease is more dangerous but whatever.One a superficial note I love the cover. Not so keen on the second in the series cover but I can over look it to read it. Which I will read sooner or later. Based on the average rating I might just wait and move some of my paranormals that I KNOW will have a higher star rating ahead of the rest of the series.

Phenomenal Girl 5 by A.J. Menden

Readers of Romance Winter Challenge #11: Pick a book that was first published in 2008

Phenomenal Girl 5
A.J. Menden
Action Romance (Shomi)
Rating: 3.75 stars
305 pages

My Amazon Review:

A "super" new Romance...., December 17, 2008

I was excited to come across Phenomenal Girl 5 at my local bookstore as it was an idyllic team up for me. As a romance fan as well as a long time comic book fan (in fact my husband of twenty years and I met in a comic book store), I've often wondered about how a superhero based romance would be written. This was a good start.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only issue with the storyline was it was a little too cutesy-funny and not enough drama. In comic terms more Spider Man than Dark Knight. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, just different.

The author is obviously a "fangirl" herself and the many comic homages and in jokes were fun. I'd hoped for a bit more sensuality or sexual chemistry between the hero and heroine, but the love scenes are quite tame, and even,sorry to say, boring. The book drags a bit in the middle but does pick up in the last quarter. The super hero melees were quite exciting and action packed. Major props need to go to the very artsy comic like cover by artist Judy York.

My biggest issue with the book was the heroines emotional immaturity, especially in relation to the maturity of the hero. But, as this seems to be the prevalent theme in most of today's vampire, paranormal, action romances, I guess I'll just have to get used to it. Though the "slightly ditzy modern girl who has the ancient, intelligent man fall for her" storyline is getting slightly redundant.

Finally, I want to encourage and support any new author like Ms. Menden who is out there breaking new ground in the Romance field, so I enjoyed Phenomenal Girl 5 enough to recommend it to Romance readers looking for something different and will try the next book in the series as well.
3.75 stars.

Comes the Spring by Julie Garwood

Come the Spring by Julie Garwood

Book with Military/Civil Servant

Rate 4 stars

Pages 367

Back Cover:
Cole Clayborne had always walked a dark path and flirted with a life of crime. While his three brothers chose to settle into married life, Cole rebelliously refused to be tied down. Now, an elusive stranger draws him into a shadowy chase that will bring unexpected turns to his uncertain future -- and may determine which side of the law the restless Cole favors. A tragic, heartbreaking loss drives U.S. Marshal Daniel Ryan on a quest for vengeance -- and leads him to a beautiful young woman, the sole witness to a terrible crime. But the lawman finds that love is the greatest trial of all as he unwittingly draws her into the line of fire. The power and drama of their blossoming passion, entwined with the surprising destiny of the wayward Cole, make Come the Spring a superbly entertaining adventure inside the heart of "a family whose love and loyalty will truly inspire"

My Thoughts:
I liked the first in the series ok, "For the Roses" and the collection of 3 "One Pink/White/Red Rose" was good too. I didn't love them to be honest. I liked them alright, but didn't love them. I will say, that "Come the Spring" is my favorite of the series. I found myself liking Cole best after Adam. I liked that Cole got his own, story with Daniel Ryan. I liked that He fell for Jessica, the single mom. I liked the humor between Cole and Daniel with the 3 ladies. I would have liked more...sexual tension. It felt one-sided. I really felt like this book was written very much from the male point of view. I felt a connection with them, more than I did with the women. (which is kinda unusual for a "romance" novel.) I gave this a 4. I would have given it a 4.5 if I hadn't guessed the "bad guy" so early in the story. I knew it about the time of the fire, for sure but had inklings before. I was expecting that Daniel was going to turn out to be Cole's brother. (biological from New York) but that would have been too expected, so even though I love Daniel and Cole and in my heart want them to be brothers, I'm glad that Julie Garwood didn't go to that too expected place.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir

16th Century court politics and intrigue through the eyes of six of the most important women of their time.

One of the most powerful monarchs in British history, Henry VIII ruled England in unprecedented splendour. In this remarkable composite biography, Alison Weir brings Henry’s six wives vividly to life, revealing each as a distinct and compelling personality in her own right. Drawing upon the rich fund of documentary material from the Tudor period, The Six Wives of Henry VIII shows us a court where personal needs frequently influenced public events and where a life of gorgeously ritualized pleasure was shot through with ambition, treason and violence.

My Review: I love the Tutor Era and find that I am reading alot of historical fiction around this time frame. I just finished The Other Boleyn Girl, which made me want to read more about this fascinating king. This would be an excellent research book for students, although it is a large book. I have gained a whole new insight as to why King Henry VIII married so many times. I give this book 4 stars and would highly recommend to any Tutor lover. I will definitely be reading other books by this author.

The Wild Irish by Robin Maxwell

Back Cover: Two female titans -- perfectly matched in guts, guile, and political genius.

Elizabeth, queen of England, has taken on the mighty Spanish Armada and, in a stunning sea battle, vanquished it. But her troubles are far from over. Just across the western channel, her colony Ireland is embroiled in seething rebellion, with the island's fierce, untamed clan chieftains and their "wild Irish" followers refusing to bow to their English oppressors.

Grace O'Malley -- notorious pirate, gunrunner, and "Mother of the Irish Rebellion" -- is at the heart of the conflict. For years, she has fought against the English stranglehold on her beloved country. At the height of the uprising Grace takes an outrageous risk, sailing up the Thames to London for a face-to-face showdown with her nemesis, the queen of England.

My Review: I have read several excellent reviews of this book and couldn't wait to read it. However, I have tried 2 unsuccessful times to complete it. I was determined this time to finish it. About 3/4 of the way through the book, it become very good. Queen Elizabeth was old and cranky in this book and her remarks did not portray the Queen as I am used too. It is also unusual for a female, who is one of the main characters of the book to be a pirate. I give this book 2 stars

The Pregnancy Test by Erin McCarthy

Rating: 4
Title: #1 Readers Choice
Pages: 272

Description: Ordinarily, I'm a fan of pink-lovely colour, does smashing things for the complexion. But not when it's the bright, glaring stripe staring back at me on the pregnancy test. Then, pink is the colour of major oops, of morning sickness, of boyfriends who seemed decent but now are part of some Jerk Witness Protection Program. Still, I've got a few things going for me-bitter humour, a divine right to eat till I'm the size of Marlon Brando, and good friends who've managed to get me a job interview with one Damien Sharpton: in need of a personal assistant, and some say, a good, swift kick in the arse. If you want to make a lasting impression, by all means, toss your cookies in your future boss's wastebasket, which is located directly between his excruciatingly sexy legs. Apparently, Mr. Gorgeous-But-Unbearably-Anti-Social must like personal assistants who violate his trash can, because I got the job. And if I can avoid him via text messaging for the next seven months of health insurance, everything will be just fine. Except that he's just asked-no, insisted-that I go with him on a business trip to the Caribbean. Gulp. Ordinarily, this would be cause for celebration. Ordinarily, I'd shave my legs, pack my bikini, revel in day-glo drinks and my seething lust for Mr. Swarthy-And-Secretive. But there's nothing ordinary about this situation...which means it could be absolutely extraordinary...

Review: After reading Flat Out Sexy, I had high expectations for this book. While it didn't blow me away like Flat Out Sexy did, it was still pretty enjoyable. I am glad I picked it up from the library. I did have one major problem, and it was the dialogue between the hero/heroine. In some of their conversations, I was asking myself who really speaks this way, and sometimes even in the heat of the moment. This book had sweet and cute parts, funny parts (ultrasound moment) and hot parts- I'll never look at a jar of jam the same way. If you are looking for a fun, light, new and hot author, try Erin McCarthy. After reading two of her books, she's passed my likeability test.

To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt

Title#: 11. First Published in 2008

Rating: 4 stars

Pages: 362

Back cover: Lady Emeline Gordon is the model of sophistication in London's elite social cirlces, always fashionable and flawlessly appropriate. As such, she is the perfect chaperone for Rebecca, the young sister of a successful Boston businessman and former Colonial soldier.

Samuel Hartley may be wealthy, but his manners are as uncivilized as the American wilderness he was raised in. Who wears moccasins to a grand ball? His arrogant disregard for propriety infuriates Emeline, even as his boldness excites her.

But beneath Samuel's rakish manner, he is haunted by tragedy. He has come to London to settle a score, not to fall in love. And as desperately as Emeline longs to feel this shameles man's hands upon her, to taste those same lips he uses to tease her, she must restrain herself. She is not free. But some things are beyond a lady's control...

My Review: It was no accident that Samuel rented the house next door to Lady Emeline. His business has brought him to London and to her. Samuel boldly seeks out Lady Emeline and inquires after her expertise in chaperoning his sister Rebecca for the few months that they are in town, not letting on to his hidden agenda. He fully expects to right the wrongs done six years ago, he does not expect the impact that this Lady will have on his soul.

Haunted by demons, Samuel pursues his agenda, enlisting the help of Emeline's unofficial fiance, Lord Vale. As the search for the traitor persists, Samuel finds himself falling in love with Emeline.

I was not overly fond of Emeline. Something about her personality just didn't sit well with me. It was almost as if she has been made out to be a martyr, all the men she has ever loved have left her and now she will marry a man only because it is the right thing to do. Her prickliness towards Samuel grated my nerves on more than one occasion.

To Taste Temptation has a Romeo and Juliet feel to it...Lady Emeline is the daughter, sister, and mother to Earls while Samuel is a base born American with money. A match between these two would be a huge faux pas in society's eyes. I enjoyed the story. I really liked Samuel's character and his fight with the demons that could ultimately destroy him if he allows it.

I really liked the Iron Heart tale.

Review: Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Women’s Fiction/ Contemporary Romance
Series or Stand-Alone: Travis Series
Publish Year: 2007
Number of Pages: 418
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Part of a Challenge: 2008 Winter Reading Challenge (#3 Read a Book that has a ‘D’ word in it for December)

Synopsis:

Liberty Jones has dreams and determination that will take her away from Welcome, Texas-if she can keep her wild heart from ruling her mind. Hardy Cates sees Liberty as completely off-limits. His own ambitions are bigger that Welcome, and Liberty is a complication he doesn’t need. But something magical and potent draws them to each other, in a dangerous attraction that is stronger than either of them.

When Hardy leaves town to pursue his plans, Liberty finds herself alone with a young sister to raise. Soon Liberty is under the spell of a billionaire tycoon- a Sugar Daddy one might say. But the relationship goes deeper than people think, and Liberty begins to discover secrets about her own family’s past.

Review:

To say that I love this book would be an understatement. I don’t know the right words to choose to express how much I love this book. It blew me away from the beginning until the end. I started reading it before going to bed and once I started it, I knew I had to finish it before I went to sleep. And I did! By the time I woke up in the morning, the first thing I did was grab the book from the bedside table and relived every scene and dialogue that I loved so much.

In my opinion, Sugar Daddy is Lisa Kleypas’ best work so far. Although I’m not really a fan of first person POV, in this book, it didn’t bother me at all. I felt an immediate connection with Liberty Jones. As a reader, I found myself crying with her, laughing with her, and watching her grow up, mature, and triumph in every hardship she had to go through.

I understood what she felt for Hardy because in a way, I had gone though the same thing she had when she fell in love with him (the powerful emotions she felt for him and the beauty of ‘first love’, not really wanting to let go of that wonderful past). I admired Liberty for her courage, bravery, and her deep connection with her sister Carrington.

Although I liked Hardy, I was rooting for Gage all the way. Hardy will always be a special person in Liberty’s life because he had helped her when she was younger and vulnerable. But when Hardy left, that’s when Liberty realized her own strengths. She learned to stand-up on her own, be responsible, and be selfless.

I think Gage was the perfect man for her. Since the beginning of their relationship, Gage accepted her for whom she was, and he loved her unconditionally, without limits. When Gage discovered Hardy messed up the Medina deal, he knew only Liberty could have told him about it but even then, Gage didn’t blame her because he didn’t want Hardy to create a wedge between him and Liberty. That’s when I realized that Liberty comes first, before anything else in Gage’s life and that he truly loved her.

This book made me cry more than any other book I’ve read before. It also made me laugh and think about a lot of things in my life. This book was wonderful, touching, and healing all at the same time.

Sugar Daddy is a definite keeper.

Dancing with Fire by Susan Kearney

#3 Read a Book that has a 'D' word in it for December

Pages 373

Rating 3!!

Book Description:

Accident or Murder?

Dance instructor Kaylin Danner has sacrificed her opportunity on Broadway to help her father raise her younger sisters in Florida. When her father's laboratory blows sky high and his priceless formula for a revolutionary new fuel disappears, Kaylin is left with nothing but her father's business partner Sawyer Scott and a cache of deadly trouble.

Life or Death?

When the Danner home is vandalized and her sisters threatened, Sawyer and Kaylin team up to unmask the killer terrorizing her family. Sawyer's bent on pursuing both Kaylin and the missing formula, but Kaylin fights the attraction, believing Sawyer's a dreamer like her father-and in her experience dreamers end up dead.

My Review: This book started off so slow that it took me 8 days to read it. I had a hard time with the some of the actions of the Heroine. I thought that the mystery wasn't that good. One of the things I did like was the hero Sawyer. I love smart heroes who are also hot!!

A Stone Creek Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

A Stone Creek Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Christmas Book:

pages 211

Back Cover:
A horse in need...is a matchmaker indeed!
Stone Creek veterinarian Olivia O'Ballivan communicates easily with animals, but men are another story. Especially rugged architect-turned-rancher Tanner Quinn. Olivia's uncanny bond with his daughter Sophie's pony, Butterpie, has him questioning her sanity, while she wonders if he's nto just a drugstore cowboy. Then twelve-year-old Sophie conspires with Olivia to get Tanner into the spirit of Christmas with all the trimmings, including a treelighting ceremony and a man named Kris Kringle in a sleigh driven by seven reindeer...and a donkey. But will a holiday miracle transform the globe-trotting Tanner into a rancher-and family man-for all seasons?
My Thoughts:
Hmm...I liked it. It was not the best book, you'll ever read. It's not even the best book I've read recently. It was however, a fun little Christmas read. It was quick and light, and left the door open for more stories about this family. I'd give it a 3.5 stars.

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

#3 Read a book that has a “D” word in it for December

My Rating: 5 Stars

Year Published: 2002

291 pages

Genre: Paranormal

This is the second in the Southern Vampires series featuring Sookie Stackhouse.

It starts with a 'friend' of Sookie turning dead in a police car, then she gets hired by the Dallas vampires to help them find a missing 'brother'. A lot of adventures in both Dallas and Bon Temps with some Eric thrown in.

Very good fast read, I had trouble putting the book down, the adventure builds up and you just have to know what happens. In addition to Eric being a main character in this book makes it even better than the first one!

A recommended read for those who enjoyed the first book. It seems this series is getting better and better :)

His Mistletoe Bride by Cara Colter

Back cover: Police officer Brody Taggert has his reasons for hating Christmas. But Lila Grainger's arrival in Snow Mountain tilts his carefully balanced world sideways.
When they are snowbound in a log cabin, beautiful and vibrant Lila begins to break down the armor around Brody's heart…but the glimmer of sadness in her eyes makes Brody want to rescue her right back.

As Lila and Brody help heal each other's hearts, they realize they don't ever want to leave their snowbound shelter….

My review: I haven't read a Harlequin romance novel in years so I didn't know what to expect. This is a very "clean" book and at times extremely sappy. The plot was very good and centered around the holidays. It was refreshing to read a book that was so pure and mindless. I'm not sure if I would read another one,but I would recommend it after you read a book such as a classic or a self help book. I give it 3 1/2 stars. I am posting it on PBS if anyone is interested.

Be My Baby by Susan Andersen

Readers Of Romance Winter 08 Challenge

#9 Read a story that has a military or civil servant (firefighter/cop/fbi/clan chief/commander) in it –can be any genre

Be My Baby
Susan Andersen
372 pages 3 stars

Synopsis: Juliet and Her Romeo Beau Prim and proper Juliet Rose Astor Lowell doesn't want her body guarded by anyone while she's in New Orleans for the grand opening of Daddy's new hotel-especially not by consummate macho cop Beau Dupree. He's just too big, too pushy, too virile, too...everything! His shameless, hungry-eyed gaze shakes her carefully cultivated decorum like no one ever has, but Juliet is a Lowell-and there's no way she's going to lose control! The lady is downright delectable, but Beau has more important things to do than babysit a beautiful Yankee rich girl. So he decides to get himself pulled off of the assignment by driving the oh-so-proper socialite beyond the bounds of her good-girl restraints. But who would have thought that real passion sizzled beneath Juliet's polish? When she lets her hair down, she just might prove to be more than enough woman to handle Beau-but will he be able to handle her?Juliet and Her Romeo Beau

My Amazon Review:
cute albeit flawed Contemporary Romance,

December 12, 2008

This contemporary romance was Ms Andersen's earlier books so I feel the need to give her a little leeway as to storyline. With that in mind, I'd give Be My Baby 3 stars-and that's being generous.

On the positive side-the hero and heroine are for the most part likably flawed characters. Having the story set in New Orleans was fun, and the love scenes and sexual chemistry between Beau and Juliet was good, and quite spicy:)

Unfortunately, there were some negatives. Mainly, as other reviewers have stated-the almost non existent "mystery". Anyone can see the culprits literally as they are introduced in the story-and the fact that the hero, a seasoned cop, didn't have a clue till the end was stupid and didn't ring true. My biggest peeve with the book: as a Southerner, the author's over the top use of Southern euphemisms by the hero (Dawlin', Sugah, Soogah, and the worse Honey Chile) was cringe worthy. Northern authors get a clue-almost ALL Southerners do NOT talk this way and to write us in that vein is on the cusp of being derogatory.

Finally, while I'll try another of this author's books, unless you're looking for nothing but "fluff" then you can skip this book.
3 stars.

The Pact by Jodi Picoult

Back Cover:

Until the phone calls came at three o'clock on a November morning, the Golds and their neighbors, the Hartes, had been inseparable. It was no surprise to anyone when their teenage children, Chris and Emily, began showing signs that their relationship was moving beyond that of lifelong friends. But now seventeen-year-old Emily is dead—shot with a gun her beloved and devoted Chris pilfered from his father's cabinet as part of an apparent suicide pact—leaving two devastated families stranded in the dark and dense predawn, desperate for answers about an unthinkable act and the children they never really knew.

From New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult—one of the most powerful writers in contemporary fiction—comes a riveting, timely, heartbreaking, and terrifying novel of families in anguish and friendships ripped apart by inconceivable violence.

My Review

This was the first book that I have read of Jodi Picoult. Although I thought that in parts, it was a bit slow, I really did enjoy reading it. The story content also left me with unanswered questions, which is why I am only giving it a 4 stars. Emily seemed like a very happy teenager and loved being with Chris. It didn't make sense as to why she would so freely take her life. Furthermore, if Chris was as mature and loving as the book claimed him to be, I don't understand how he would assist her in her suicidal quest. Now, I am nervous about my children falling in love!

All in all, I would recommend this book.

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 5 stars

Title#: 6. Book by Lisa Kleypas

Pages: 368

Published: 2006

Back Cover: Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition: marriage!

Sebastian's reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden's good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared, unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.

But Evie's proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another of the dashing libertine's callously discarded broken hearts- which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions... or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.

Review: This is the third book in the Wallflower series. I have heard that it is by far the best of all. I wanted to be different so I went into reading this book with the thoughts that I thought It Happened One Autumn was the best and there was no way that Devil in Winter would top it. Boy was I wrong, I have fallen into the hordes of people who all believe that Devil in Winter is the best one!! After what Sebastian attempted in It Happened One Autumn I could not believe that he was going to be the hero of this book... surely Evie would come to her senses before reaching Gretna Green. I enjoyed watching Sebastian struggle with the unknown feelings and being brought to the brink of insanity by sweet little Evie. Who would have thought that this "tangle-tongue" mild tempered woman had it in her to tame the most notorious rake in London. I absolutely loved this book!

How to Knit a Wild Bikini by Christie Ridgway

How to Knit a Wild Bikini by Christie Ridgway

Book published in 08

Pages 277

rated 3 stars

Back Cover:
The beachside knitting shop Malibu & Ewe is the perfect place for L.A.'s hip young crowd to enjoy colorful yarn and intimate conversation. For personal chef Nikki Carmichael, it could be the softest place to land if her new job falls through. Working for magazine writer Jay Buchanan has come with some strange conditions--like pretending to be his girlfriend. As for Jay, he finds himself drawn to the kitchen, where he’s intrigued by his sexy cook's ability to withstand the heat between them. And now he thinks it’s time to turn up the flames.
My Thoughts:
Well, I'm not sure what to say. I liked the book. I found some of the subject matter difficult. Personal stuff with me, so ...Was it well written? I guess. I found myself skimming. That's probably not a great sign. I felt like Shanna and Jorge's story was...hmm.. underdeveloped. I would have loved to see more of them. Maybe give them their own, story or something. It felt a little odd, to me. Why are they there? It didn't seem to relate at all to Jay and Nikki's story, but was some aside! I liked the way Gabe and Cassandra were written here. They were introduced, but not wrapped up with a bow. Also, there was enough of a teaser, that makes me want to get to know him better. Why is he so tortured? How is he going to heal, and how is she going to get him to let her in? I'll probably look for Gabe and Cassandra's story, but will probably have to read the other one of the three to get the between story. I'll probably give it a 3. It was alright.
I did get a kick out of all the lesbian innuendo! That cracked me up.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

239 pages

For my #1 challenge (Reader's Choice), I read The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. Thirty-one year old Noah Calhoun comes back to North Carolina from World War II haunted by memories of a girl he had lost fourteen years earlier. Allie Nelson is twenty-nine and about to marry a wealthy lawyer, but before she marries she is determined to find the boy who stole her heart so long ago.

Allie and Noah have a deep and abiding love for one another. Surely such a love can turn tragedy into triumph and outlast even life itself. I give this romance five stars.

Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood

Rating: 5 stars

Title#: 1. Readers Choice

Pages: 374

Back Cover: In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton- The Wolf- unleashed his warriors against Louddon's domain. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he captured... but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast... as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for ...HONOR'S SPLENOUR.

Review: From the moment Madelyne warms Duncan's feet she is bound to him, but Duncan is using her as a pawn in his feud with Louddon. Madelyne has practiced hiding her emotions from all, seething inside she appears to be very serene on the outside. Duncan has been the only one to see past her barriers to the insecure little girl that hides beneath. He promises that he will not harm or dishonor her, yet he uses her for his own purposes.
Honor's Splendour was funny, sweet, and passionate. This was definitely a page turner and one I could not put down. I think it is by far one of the best books that I have read this year and by this author.

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 4
Title: #6 Read a Lisa Kleypas book
Pages: 210

Description: It’s Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady in waiting and, if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.

Review: What an enjoyable book! In A Wallflower Christmas we visit our favorite group of girls at Christmas time. This story was the story of Hannah and Rafe, Lillian and Daisy's oldest brother. Even though this book doesn't focus intensely on the couple, it works nicely. I don't know why I didn't feel it worked out well in Scandal in Spring, but this, I liked.

Could this be her closure of the wallflowers? I really hope not. I still want to hear about the twins (Lillian and Daisy's twin brothers) and maybe even the antics of the wallflower children (Can you image, Merritt, Isabella and Evie's little girl?). This Christmas book made me FEEL like Christmas, Ms. Kleypas wove the holiday throughout the story splendidly. If you read the wallflower girls, you will not want to miss out on this book. And Ms. Kleypas, please don't let this be the end!

PS- Is there an award for LEAST pages read (J/K but sounded good)... the books I am picking seem to be short!