Drive-By Reviews

Hi All... here are some Drive-by Reviews of what I've read lately...

Trouble . . .

Chelsea Ross's acting career has been a total bust. The closest she ever came to stardom was her brilliant performance as "Pretty Dead Girl #1." But leaving Hollywood to become the personal assistant to a famous hockey player could be her stupidest career move ever.

More trouble . . .

Injured superstar Mark Bressler's glory days are over. The bad-boy ex-jock could at least be civil to the pint-sized, pink-haired bombshell who the Seattle Chinooks hired to be his P.A. If Chelsea didn't need the money, she'd be running from the world's biggest jerk as fast as her feet could carry her.

Big trouble!

Chelsea can deal with Mark's rotten attitude and dark moods. The problem is those biceps and that red-hot bod! And when the bad boy starts to put the moves on her, Chelsea knows it's time she banished him to the penalty box . . . if only she could resist the kind of trouble he has in mind!

I loved it. I love all Rachel Gibson's books. While there truly wasn't a ton of serious conflict, the book was fun...really fun... and, as always, Gibson's sex scenes were HOT. The ending felt rushed a bit--but then again that could be because there wasn't much conflict and it was an easily resolved situation, but overall I enjoyed the book very much.

I'm gonna do the next ones a bit different--short synopses of thoughts and then an all around take on the series.

Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends-and business partners-to see her way to her own happy ending.

Okay. I so wanna cheat and post the review that publisher's weekly posted because they say it so much better here. Mac's mother is a nightmare, one she would rather just pay off than deal with. She meets Carter again (knew in high school) and sparks fly. They hook up and he wants more from it than she does as he's always had a thing for Mac. She's complex and yet simple. I love Carter's geekiness and the fact that he's a klutz. It's endearing and adorable. A great ending. Sighs.

In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr. Right. And the last place she's looking is right under her nose.

But that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's so close to the women of Vows that he's practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—they must trust in their history…and in their hearts.

This is a friends-to-lovers story but a much more complex one as it not only involves Emma and Jack, it also involves a close-knit family of friends--on the part of both Jack and Emma--as well. They are reluctant to take it to the next step but a kiss on the stairs changes everything. It leaves them both thinking and wanting more, but afraid to take the leap. When they finally do, it's fantastic. The conflict is real, the worries on both parts are very very real. Another great ending. Le sigh.

Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood.

But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her-or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her-leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del-she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever...

Laurel is truly complex and I guess I'd say closed off. She comes across to those who don't know her as quiet--a woman of few words I guess, but once they get to know her, they have to love her. She's sweet, caring, funny and an amazingly talented baker--the cakes she creates-wow. I wanted to be eating some of those while I was reading this book. If you've got a sweet tooth like I do, you're gonna want cake or pastries while reading this--be sure to get some :)

She's had a thing for Del forever--he's never looked at her in quite that way--or had he? She kisses him in front of the refrigerator out of pure frustration and he is stunned and she's a bit baffled that she took the first step in such a manner...she intends to apologize but he's thinking along different lines. They're going to take this to the next level and date--but no sex for 30 days which-of course-spurs a bet amongst the other characters. They learn many things about each other they didn't know before. While some may not find Laurel likable as she's complex and defensive and kinda bitter at times, I like her because she's complex. And she and Del are kinda opposites in that right, but it makes for a fantastic relationship between them. Laurel finds herself, every now and then, defensive about money--Del and Parker are brother and sister and wealthy while Laurel is not. She has issues with her family and her social status as well which adds to the conflict that is truly Laurel and Del--but where she sees conflict, he sees none which is what makes Del a truly lovable hero. I want a Del of my own. The ending, omg the ending of this book--tears. I loved it. Honestly and truly loved it. I can't wait to see what happens between Parker and Mal in book 4, Happy Ever After which doesn't come out until NOVEMBER. WTF? Cries a lot. I want that book RIGHT NOW.

Okay--let me summarize the series a bit.

As little girls MacKensie, Emma, Laurel, and Parker spent hours acting out their perfect make believe "I do" moments. Years later their fantasies become reality when they start their own wedding planning company to make every woman's dream day come true. With perfect flowers, delicious desserts, and joyful moments captured on film, Nora Roberts's Bride Quartet shares each woman's emotionally magical journey to romance.

And thus far each journey has been very magical. I enjoyed each book but for different reasons as each of the heroines have so many distinct differences and issues. This makes for a very well-rounded series, IMO. Ms. Roberts takes us into the lives of wedding planners and what each woman has to do to fulfill their duties. With Mac it was photography. With Emma it was floral arrangements and decorating. With Laurel it was the cakes and pastries(still want cake!). And with Parker it's the details, the coordinating, the defusing of frazzled brides and those of the brides' families. Parker "handles" things... I think in book 4 she's going to find Mal "handling" her if I have to guess and I am looking forward to that...someone taking Parker's "crackberry" from her and showing her there is more. Anywho--the series is a delight. BUT I must admit that I had just read 3 J.D. Robb Books before this series and, like Lori and many others, I prefer the story telling of J.D. Robb to la Nora. I'm not sure how this is so... maybe it's because in the In Death series we see most everything from Eve's POV and some from Roarke. I'm not sure. Though I did enjoy this series very very much thus far, I have to, once again, admit that I prefer the older Nora Roberts novels to these. I love and frequently reread Nora's classics like the Chesapeake Bay series and The MacKade brothers--The Heart of Devin MacKade SWOONS! Fave Nora book EVER!.

BUT--don't let this discourage you from reading this series because it is quite enjoyable and right now on Amazon the books in the series are at phenomenal prices! Vision in White $9.36 vs. normally priced $16.o0, Bed of Roses $6.99 vs. normally priced $16.00, and Savor The Moment $9.36 vs. normally priced $16.00... so go buy them! You won't be disappointed. These are happy reads and we all love those, don't we? :)

Anne's June Reads

I'm not going to review them... sorry, I just don't have the time right now. But here's a list and the grade.

1. Hotter After Midnight- Cynthia Eden: A
2. Just Sex - Susan Kay Law: A
   
3. At Last - Barbara Bretton: A-
4. Ladies' Man - Suzanne Brockmann: B
5. Once Around - Barbara Bretton: A-
6. Close To You - JoAnn Ross: A-
7. Promises To Keep - JoAnn Ross: B
   
8. Traceless - Debra Webb: C+
   
9. Taking The Heat - JoAnn Ross: A-
10. Not Another Bad Date - Rachel Gibson: A
11. Hot - Julia Harper: A-
    
12. Wanting What You Get - Kathy Love: A-
13. Getting What You Want - Kathy Love: B+
14. Wanting Something More - Kathy Love: B+
15. Once and Always - Judith McNaught: A-
    
16. The McKetrrick Way - Linda Lael Miller: B+
17. The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell - Samantha James: C+
18. Three Nights of Sin - Anne Mallory: B
19. Right Here, Right Now - HelenKay Dimon: C-
    
20. Sweet Talk - Susan Mallery: D (GAH! Sadness!!)
    
21. Until You - Judith McNaught: C+
22. Every Breath You Take - Judith McNaught: A

I was surprised to see I read so many, but then again I figure with my dad in the hospital and some of the books being very quick reads or books that I skimmed rather than read because they annoyed me, I can see how I read that number.

For two or three of the books I've read this month, I rated them lower because the heroine used sarcasm and smart-ass come backs way too much for my taste. Little zingers here and there... fine. All the time? Doesn't work for me. Makes me think the heroine is bitchy.

Some new-to-me authors like Cynthia Eden, Susan Kay Law, and Julia Harper were really great finds and I'll be looking forward to more from each of them. And I'll be reading the rest of the McNaught historicals as well. Yes, ladies, I do believe you've got me hooked. :-)

REVIEW: Sweet Talk - Susan Mallery

Is there anything sweeter than a first love?

Don't ask Claire Keyes. The twenty—eight—year—old piano prodigy has never had a regular boyfriend, much less a real romance. Her music career has left little room for friends or family—which is just part of the reason she hasn't seen the family bakery or her two sisters in years.

But now Nicole is sick, and Jesse is AWOL. Despite the fact that Claire can't boil water, she's determined to play caretaker. Connecting with her sisters tops her to—do list…along with falling in love, or at least in lust, for the first time.

Ruggedly sexy Wyatt just might fit the bill. Although he keeps saying that he and Claire come from entirely different worlds, he lights up hotter than a bakery oven whenever Claire is near. If this keeps up, she just might sweet—talk him into her bed…and her life.

I will begin by saying I had mixed feeling about this book. In some ways I liked it, in others I, well, to be honest, hated it. I must start with the thing that drove me batshit crazy throughout the whole book--Nicole's (the heroine's sister) attitude. She is by far the bitchiest, stubborn, irrational, single-minded character I've ever seen Ms. Mallery write... and I don't mean that in a good way. All three sisters have serious personality flaws and ones that either the reader will be willing to accept or ones that the reader will dislike. I fall into the latter category. I can't put my finger on one thing that had me not liking this book very much... whether it was the characters, their attitudes, the immaturity displayed by the 20-something-year-old females in this book, the fact that I didn't really "see" the romance developing..there was a zing for him, three chapters later she felt the zing, then whamo! Chemistry. They hadn't hardly spent any time together. The reasons for why Claire has sex and the reasons why Wyatt doesn't want more than that were cliched. Normally I can handle a cliche, but this time, it just didn't work for me.

Sorry for bouncing all over the place with this review, but it really was a confusing and exhausting book. I think, looking back, it really was the immaturity and personalities of the sisters that turned me off of this book. It felt like it should have been a YA book-- almost-- or a relationship novel for the women and should have just left the romance out of it, because to me the romance honestly felt like an afterthought.

So, while Susan Mallery is one of my favorite authors, I must admit to not liking this book much. My overall grade (and I cringe as I admit the truth): D.

REVIEW: Reason Enough - Megan Hart

Blurb: Elle and Dan haven’t quite achieved their goal of having sex in every room of their new house--but almost!

Marriage hasn’t dampened their hunger for one another in the least, and their relationship is as hot and passionate as ever. But when Dan brings up the subject of having a baby together, Elle finds herself conflicted. Between her dysfunctional family background and her fear of how a baby might change their life together, Elle’s not sure she’s ready for the big step. Dan doesn’t bring the subject up again, but the issue takes hold in Elle’s mind. And as their frequent lovemaking sizzles with unquenchable desire, Elle’s heart is filled to the brim with love and the longing to give Dan everything.

I met Dan and Elle in Dirty, Megan Hart's first Harlequin Spice release. I loved that book.

I won't rehash the storyline because the blurb does that amazingly well. What I will tell you is that I absolutely LOVED this book. It's rare to find an author who can write as poignantly as Megan Hart, what's even rarer is finding an author who can write short stories that are just as deep, touching, and moving. This story was more than I imagined it to be. I thought, "A short story about Elle and Dan! Yay!" I read the blurb and expected Elle to be at war with her feelings regarding a baby (which she was). What I didn't expect was so much to be packed into so few words. It was about Elle but we also got to see so many other people in her life and what they mean to her and how they help her form her decision as to whether or not she's ready to have a baby. In the end, the decision she makes comes from her heart. I love how well Dan fits her. He just lets her make her own decisions. He may plant the seed of thought there, but he doesn't push. THAT is what makes them perfect together.

I love follow-up stories like this. Thank goodness for Spice Briefs because otherwise we may not have had another chance to visit with Dan and Elle. I can't help but wonder if Ms. Hart will, at some time in the future, let us drop in on Elle and Dan and see what's new in their lives once again. I know they've got their happily-ever-after and that alone can sustain me, but I like Elle and her complexity. She's real. Megan Hart has quickly become on of my favorite authors... and now that I know she writes such amazing Spice Briefs, I'm going to go get her other one, This Is What I Want.

My grade: A+.

Buy it here.

AND from now until June 30th, all Spice books (ebooks and print) are 30% off!!!

Through The Veil - Shiloh Walker

Blurb:

Found wandering in a field as a child, Lee Ross was given a name by the state and put in a foster home—without anyone realizing she wasn’t entirely human. All her life, she’s tried to forget the odd dreams that have plagued her, of monsters creeping through the night and a man fighting demons by her side. But the bruises she wakes with are all too real to ignore…

Then the man from her dreams appears—in the flesh. His name is Kalen—and he insists that her destiny lies in his world, the world of her dreams. To save their people, he must convince Lee to give up everything she knows, follow her heart, and cross over into the Under Realm—even though once she does, she’ll never be able to return.

This was my very first Urban Fantasy so I wasn't sure what to expect. Add in the fact that it's mixed with paranormal ... well, generally that's not my style. But, I'd been wanting to try UF for a while, and when Shiloh offered the ARC, I snapped it up. Why? Because I love her writing. LOVE IT. So I figured the fact that I always enjoy her writing would be a great way to ease into the UF genre. I was right.

I have to admit that the beginning, the world building, was a little slow going for me, but in some ways I think the route Shiloh took was necessary because there is A LOT of stuff going on in this book. So many different creatures... some of them just way creepy. Shiloh sure has a GREAT imagination. Anyway, I'm not going to rehash the book and what happens in it except to say... expect the unexpected.

In Through The Veil Shiloh took me on a journey to another world. One that was bleak and dark and, frankly, scary. I mean I sure as heck wouldn't want to meet up with one of those Sirvani or Ikacado demons. *shudder* I loved Lee. I loved how Shiloh didn't make Lee one of those tough-as-nails women who ends up in a different dimension/world and doesn't get freaked about it but instead kicks ass without hesitation. I like how Lee was "humanized"... how she did get freaked and how she did wonder what she was doing there and just what the hell was going on.

Enter Kalen. Oh, hunky Kalen. He is no pushover. He gives Lee the what-for more than once and I like that about him. He doesn't push her farther than he knows she can go, but he does give her the shove she needs to be what she needs to be and helps her down the path in finding it.

There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, creatures from your worst nightmares, a lovely romance in spite of the chaos and war, and the occasional surprise in the story that will keep you turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed Through The Veil and I hope that Shiloh will continue this as a series. It certainly would be interesting to see where Kalen, Lee, and their people go from here. (Hint, hint *G*)

My grade: B+.

Monthly Recap

Shaken & Stirred; Sex, Straight Up; Nightcap by Kathleen O'Reilly: These were the first Blaze books I'd read in a while, mostly on the recommendation of Dear Author and the reviews and comments there. They didn't disappoint. Each brother is unique as is each heroine. I still wish Sean (Nightcap) had ended up with the realtor lady. I think the storyline in Nightcap was too big for the 55K of a Harlequin Blaze. Still, it was good. The first two books A's, the third a B.

Just Desserts by Barbara Bretton: New-to-me author one whose backlist I fully intend to explore in detail. I saw the storyline and it looked intriguing. Glad I snagged this one from the library. It was good. B+.

The Day We Met by Barbara Bretton: I enjoyed Just Desserts so much I decided to explore Ms. Bretton's backlist. I really enjoyed this story a lot. It's different and explores the many facets of the life of a cop who has a troubled past, and a divorced, single mom, who meet by chance in Atlantic City and instantly feel a connection... then when they get back to reality, it's a little harder to be together than they realized it would be and though it all fight to be together. Enjoyable storyline. B+

Pursuit by Elizabeth Jennings: The beginning of this book rocked and I was enthralled for about 2/3 of the book... then it dragged. It was as if once the H & H hooked up, that was where the book should have ended. Then, the ending? Like two pages. It felt VERY rushed, but that's probably because we had already rectified nearly everything way too early in the book. I think the first 2/3 of the book was an A, the last 1/3 a C.

Silent Run by Barbara Freethy: Well thought out romantic suspense. I like that the H & H have issues they need to resolve along the way. Freethy is also a new-to-me author and one I'm glad I found. I'm looking forward to reading the next book Silent Fall. My grade: B.

Private Pleasures by JoAnn Ross: I picked this one up by chance from the library as the storyline looked good. Holy crap! This book rocked my socks off! If you like older Sandra Brown books, you're going to LOVE this book. It isn't a suspense, but rather a contemporary, one that spans about 15-20 years, but dude, it's awesome. My Grade: A+. It's a keeper for me. It'll go right next to Sandra Brown's Mirror Image. (NOTE: I'm not sure if this part of a trilogy or connecting stories or not, but I will be looking Ms. Ross's earlier books for sure!)

A Gentle Rain by Deborah Smith

A Connecticut heiress.
A Florida cowboy.
His heart. Her secret.
And the very special family
she has come home to find.


When this book was recommended to me by both Linda and Jennifer, I was like, "It's first person." I rarely do first person. But the raves kept coming so I said, "What the hell. Why not?" and got the book from my library. Boy, oh boy, am I glad I did!

A Gentle Rain isn't your normal book. You won't find Navy SEALs, serial killers, or drug dealers. You won't find wannabe gangsta vampires (stab me in the eye with a flaming hot poker!). You won't find billionaires whose secretaries are secretly having their babies. You won't even find hot, steamy sex. No, with A Gentle Rain you find so much more. Between the covers of this book you will find emotion, acceptance, and forgiveness. You will find uneducated and "simple" human beings who are so much more than they look to be. You will find a woman searching for her "identity" and finding exactly what she needed.

Deborah Smith's A Gentle Rain will teach you "a lesson in humility" (that's a quote from Jennifer B). It's an amazing story that touched my heart from the get go. On page 5, I fell in love with Ben. Here's the reason why.

I walked toward the second door. "Don't you go in there, boy," the nurse called. "You don't want to see that poor little ugly baby."

"He's my brother, lady, and you shut the hell up."

I'd never spoken to a woman like that before. I'd been raised right. But I'd never been the big brother of a feeble-hearted idiot before, either. Shame and pride fought it out inside me. I started defending my baby bubba from the first, even when I wished he'd never been born. I went into his room.

He was wrapped in tight sheets inside a small metal crib with a see-through dome. An oxygen tank fed air into it, hissing like a snake. I clutched the crib's side, swallowed my bile, and slowly, squinting in fear, peered down at him. He looked back, or tried to, as best as any baby can focus.

His head was too big, and his face was flat. His eyes slanted like the eyes of a Chinese boy I'd seen at a rodeo in Tallahassee. He was scrawny. His skin had a weird blue tint.

But he wasn't ugly. He had mine and Pa's black Seminole hair. He had Ma's cute, brunette-white-girl nose. He had my serious look on his face. And he smiled. He smiled at me.

I put my forehead against the clear dome that separated him from me, and I cried. It was the first and last time I'd let him see me shed tears over him. That's when I realized it: He's a Cracker horse. I have to see him as special, and that means worth saving.

Pa came in eventually, looked the baby over without a word, then finally spread one big, callused hand on the crib's dome. He put the other hand on my shoulder. I felt a tremor in it. "What d'ya think, Ben?"

"He's a Cracker," I whispered hoarsely. "If we don't give him a chance to prove hisself, who's gonna?"

Pa squeezed my shoulder. "Then we're agreed. Your Mama'll be proud of you. Proud of us both. She loves him."

"Then so do we, " I said.

Ben was nine years old at the time and he was amazing. He's this young and this accepting. This young and could see his brother for something more than the "retard" the doctors and nurses were calling him. And he loved and accepted him just as he was. Imagine, nine years old and capable of this, imagine how much more amazing he is as an adult. While Ben is uneducated, he's extremely intelligent. The beginning of the book had me teetering on the edge of reading on and putting it aside, I couldn't decide. But it was Ben and his compassion and Kara and her plight that had me continuing on.

Read the book. You won't be sorry.

Craving Contemporaries!

Huge cravings for contemporaries... HUGE! These are all recent reads and I enjoyed each and every one of them--two rereads, three new reads.

This is a fabulous book and I love, love, love Harley. With a name as macho as that, how could you not? This one has Barber in it as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series.

Sometimes Fate delivers a left hook.

After Fate deals Supreme Battle Challenge (SBC) fighter Harley Handleman a sucker punch, his uncle secretly hires a pretty lifecoach to get Harley back in the ring of life. Anastasia Kelley has actually known Harley for years, but never as well as she's going to now. Hot for his fighter's form, she has trouble keeping it professional, especially since Harley doesn't know she was hired. And when Anastasia turns the tables on him, it's as if he's been hit below the belt. But that's also where is uncontrollable lust for her burns.

Loved this book--and I lately I normally don't like Blaze books! Ms. O'Reilly has a great voice and weaves a great story. I'm already looking forward to the next two books in the series!

As a student and part-time bartender in Manhattan, Tessa Hart has found that a succession of roomies and cramped apartments are necessary evils in her life. Until she's out on the street and Gabe O'Sullivan, her mentor, boss and certified babe-magnet, steps in.

Any other woman would die to share his apartment—not to mention his bed—but Tessa's determined that they should stay just friends. The fiercely independent mixologist has to prove to their skeptical coworkers at Prime—the O'Sullivans' hot Manhattan bar—that the arrangement is strictly hands-off! But Tessa has trouble adhering to her own "no touching" rule when the actual sharing of close quarters day and night leaves her shaken and stirred….




Another good book by Ms. O'Reilly. Not as good as the one above, but good enough that I'm going to be searching out her stuff methinks.

When Amanda Sedgewick runs out of nice ways to say "no way" to dating Dr. Avery Barrington, she dumps her defensive posturing and goes on the offensive. she signs up Joe, Avery's young hung of a brother, for a faux fling.

Truth be told, Amanda's always had the hots for the laid-back, rough-around-the-edges, drop-dead-gorgeous Joe. But how to turn a fantasy into a reality? As a successful attorney, Amanda spends her days being convincing in the courtroom; how she wants to spend her nights being convincing in the bedroom--with Joe. He wants to play it careful--no pressure, no risk--until the sexual sparks soon cost them everything!




This is a reread, but I love this book. One of Lori Foster's best.

Grace Jenkins has had little experience with men—feeling too awkward and insecure to free the passionate woman inside her. But that hasn't stopped her from dreaming about Noah Harper. Gorgeous, strong and darkly sexy, his rough edge beneath the polish promises no mercy in the bedroom. When Grace learns Noah's engagement has ended in scandal, she shyly offers him her support and her friendship. But Noah's looking for something extra...

Noah wants Grace—badly. He wants to possess those curves that go on forever, to savor her sweet innocence, to take her to the limits of white-hot desire...again and again. What he doesn't want is anything more complicated than that, and he knows Grace is a woman who deserves better. Grace, however, knows exactly what she wants—the kind of ecstasy only Noah can give her. Brazenly, she accepts, and Noah promises to make all her secret fantasies come true...

Another awesome reread.

In the wonderfully erotic bestseller, Too Much Temptation, readers fell in love with two brothers -- dark, sexy Noah, and his roguish, younger brother, Ben -- as Noah followed his heart's desire. Now, acclaimed author Lori Foster returns to their world, this time exploring the sensual longings, secret wounds, andhidden needs of irresistible Ben Badwin, a man for whom there is never too much of a good thing...

He Wanted Her Completely

A confirmed bachelor, Ben Badwin has had his share of women, and he likes them as sexy, wild, and uninhibited as his desires. Nothing at all like the brash, dirt-covered, wholesomely cute woman who just strutted into his diner for a cold drink. But something about Sierra Murphy's independent attitude makes Ben fantasies run wild. He'd love nothing more than to dazzle her with his prized sensual skills...to make her want him as badly as he suddenly wants her...

Sierra has her own plans -- and they don't include getting involved with a notorious Romeo. Fiercely independent, with her own landscaping business to run, she makes it perfectly clear that she doesn't need a man to help her, not even one as sinfully tempting as Ben. But the more Sierra keeps her distance, the more Ben wants her. And the more Ben wants her, the harder it is for Sierra to steer clear of his teasing touches and enticing eyes. To get him into her bed -- and out of her system -- Sierra makes him a proposition: she'll sleep with him, but for one night only. Now, it's up to Ben to turn one night of pure ecstasy into a lifetime of passion...

Recent Reads

Here are a few recent reads... and really good ones too! Woot!

Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall
You can buy it here.

For powerful emotion and unforgettable romance Sharon Sala can't be beat. This beautifully repackaged classic is sure to delight her long-time fans and attract new ones!

Jackson Rule had spent nearly half his life behind bars for murder. Now he was starting over--or trying to. Once he laid hungry eyes on his new employer, though, his resolve to lead a simple solitary life deserted him, replaced by yearnings for fierce, forbidden passion.

Preacher's daughter Rebecca Hill was raised to give folks the benefit of the doubt--though maybe this time she'd taken charity a bit too far. True Jackson Rule had paid his debt to society, and was a hard, honest worker. What threatened to undo her was the sheer burning desire she felt in his presence, and the sinking feeling that her heart would be his captive forever.

This was a recommendation I saw on The Bradford Bunch by Ann Aguirre and holy smokes is this book GREAT! I love Jackson. He's so deep, tortured, and angsty... but he doesn't do anything by halves... no siree. Jackson does everything full-out and with everything he has... including love. Oh, he's oh so very dreamy. :o)

The Sheik and the Pregnant Bride by Susan Mallery
Silhouette Special Edition
March 2008

Maggie Collins had come to the exotic kingdom of El Deharia to restore Prince Qadir's antique car…not to get married. The no-frills mechanic had been burned by love before, and marriage—even to a seductive sheik—didn't top her agenda. But then Qadir made her an offer she should have refused.

It was meant to be a temporary engagement…until Maggie discovered she was pregnant. Now Qadir was honor-bound to give Maggie and her child the protection of his name. He never expected her to sweep him off his feet.

Would there be a royal wedding after all?

Dude, make fun all you want, but this book rocked. Sheiks baby! Lots of humor, wit, and awesome characterization. Woot! While her last two books (including one sheik book) were mediocre at best this one was fabulous! Ms. Mallery is back!

What Mattered Most by Linda Winfree
Available in Ebook here.
Available in print here.

A man in the worst place he can be—between two women—and forced to choose which one lives or dies.

Houston homicide detective, John O’Reilly, is torn between two women. One is the woman he’s loved without hope for years. The other carries his unborn child. Now, a man bent on revenge wants O’Reilly to choose, and any choice he makes could cost him everything.

Gutsy sheriff’s deputy, Lanie Falconetti, is determined not to repeat her mother’s mistakes in love. Her no-strings attached affair with John O’Reilly leads to an unexpected, but joyfully welcomed pregnancy. However, the shadow from John’s past threatens not only her chance at happiness, but her life and that of her unborn baby as well.

I read this on a recommendation from Lori and boy, oh boy am I glad I did. This book was awesome! A little suspense, a lot of relationship with tons of emotion, great characterization by an author who has immense talent is the prize you get when you read What Mattered Most.

Grimspace By Ann Aguirre

Publisher: Ace
(February 26, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0441015999
ISBN-13: 978-0441015993

BLURB:

By all accounts, Sirantha Jax should have burned out years ago…

As the carrier of a rare gene, Jax has the ability to jump ships through grimspace—a talent which cuts into her life expectancy, but makes her a highly prized navigator for the Corp. But then the ship she’s navigating crash-lands, and she’s accused of killing everyone on board. It’s hard for Jax to defend herself: she has no memory of the crash.

Now imprisoned and the subject of a ruthless interrogation, Jax is on the verge of madness. Then a mysterious man breaks into her cell, offering her freedom—for a price. March needs Jax to help his small band of rogue fighters break the Corp monopoly on interstellar travel—and establish a new breed of jumper.

Jax is only good at one thing—grimspace—and it will eventually kill her. So she may as well have some fun in the meantime…

THOUGHTS: I haven't read much Science Fiction up to this point, truthfully none, and Grimspace was the perfect place to start.

In Grimspace, Ann Aguirre takes the reader on an amazing journey to different worlds, different, I guess you'd call them races as they weren't all different species, and so many different "abilities" within those races. I absolutely LOVED it.

I enjoyed Sirantha very much. She's a kick-ass heroine who doesn't put up with anybody's crap. She faces things head-on, no wussy-girl here. I love her strength and her resolve.

Then there's March. Wowza. He's been through some bad stuff and done some really bad stuff in his life, but there's something about Sirantha that calls to him on a deeper level, something that allows her to touch him on a deeper level. He doesn't put up with her crap either, and I really like that about him. Who wants a hero who lets the heroine overpower him? So not my cuppa. He finds what he needs for the present and future with Jax and I love that. Absolutely love it. Together they are amazing.

I so totally love that Sirantha and March can communicate telepathically and in a way that no one else has ever been able to do with him. That is so awesome and very sexy. They can see deep inside one another and that is a level of intimacy I never even pondered. Again, unique.

Dina was a hoot... "You stupid bitch. I don't need you dying for me. I need you to stick around because... you're my best friend." Gotta love her.

I liked Vel very much too. I queried Ms. Aguirre and it turns out that, yes, Vel will be in the next book. Woot!

The world Ms. Aguirre has created is unique, very exciting and so different from anything I've ever read. She took me to a place I didn't know existed, a place that was unlike anything I could ever imagine. Amazing. Truly amazing.

OVERALL GRADE: A.

Grimspace comes out on February 26 and I highly recommend picking up this book and venturing on journey like no other.

Read an excerpt here.
Pre-order the book here, here, here, and here.

The next book in the series, Wanderlust, is scheduled to release in September 2008.

Blurb:

Sirantha Jax doesn’t take chances…she jumps at them…

Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. Jax has worked for the Farwan Corporation her entire career. But now the word’s out that the Corp deliberately crashed a passenger ship, and their stranglehold on intergalactic commerce has crumbled—which means that Jax is out of a job.

She’s also broke, due to being declared dead a little prematurely. So when the government asks her to head up a vital diplomatic mission, Jax takes it. Her mandate: journey to the planet Ithiss-Tor and convince them to join the Conglomerate.

But Jax’s payday is light years away. First, she’ll have to contend with Syndicate criminals, a stormy relationship with her pilot, man-eating aliens, and her own grimspace-weakened body. She’ll be lucky just to make it to Ithiss-Tor alive…

Read an excerpt here.

Riding Wild by Jaci Burton

Title: Riding Wild.
Author: Jaci Burton.

Publisher: Berkley Heat.
Series: Yes, Wild Riders.

Why: I entered an ARC contest on Jaci's blog and won.

Blurb: He's a Harley-riding ex-thief working undercover for the government. She's a gun-toting ex-socialite hired to protect a valuable museum exhibit. But in her attempt to stop a heist, she never anticipated having her breath and her heart stolen...

Mac Canfield was the last man Lily West expected to see again, never mind aim her gun at. But here he was, the bad boy who'd broken her heart years ago-still a thief, this time high-jacking a priceless artifact--and it was all she could do to push aside the memories of how it felt to have his perfectly chiseled body next to hers.

Mac was no less shocked to see the beautiful girl-next-door all grown up, threatening to shoot him on the spot. Little did she know she was blowing his cover-and now he had to figure out how to get her out of harm's way without succumbing to his crazy desire to take her on a hot trip down memory lane.

Unfortunately, Lily has no intention of going anywhere with Mac. Which means he has to resort to kidnapping. Unless, of course, she agrees to let him take her for the kind of ride destined to drive them both unbelievably wild...

Thoughts/Comments: As a fan of Jaci's books, especially her erotic romance, I was thrilled when I found out I won an ARC of Riding Wild because the storyline really intrigued me. Harley riding studs who work for a secret government agency... sweet, no?

I did think so, at first. But as I read farther into the story, I changed my mind. I was reading along feeling a bit disjointed from the story from the get go, feeling as if the plot were a cliche. Let me explain. Lily is an ex-cop turned PI, Mac is a Harley-riding undercover operative working for the government, and they had a "thing" 10 years ago.

The story starts with Lily working, testing security for a museum. She's standing outside surveilling the museum when she hears a motorcycle. Flashback to a fantasy of her and Mac that is WAY hot. She comes back to reality and steps back into her job, and watches as someone pulls up on a motorcycle, picks the lock of the museum door, and comes back out carrying and artifact. She confronts him and it turns out to be Mac. Both are surprised, she assumes he's still the thief he used to be, only having stepped it up to a much higher level. He assures her it's not what it seems, she doesn't believe him, then they start getting shot at. He kidnaps her and now she's got reason to believe not only is he a thief, but also a supplier for terrorists-- which, of course, is false.

So, she's kidnapped, by Mac, yet she's hot for him, in spite that and her assumptions. She says he doesn't trust her, he says she doesn't trust him-- and for the most part I think it's true on both sides. Then they have wild monkey sex--lots and lots of it. Lily drugs Mac, tries to run away, he catches her on his motorcycle in spite of being drugged and drives her back...drugged. Hmm. They get back to the monkey sex the following morning--still in the same place they were, not knowing a darn thing about one another, and yet not using a condom except for the first time.

The whole condom thing is a hot button for me, but what made me close the book and put it down was when Lily and Mac go visit her snobby father and, even though he is a jerk, she tells him that she and Mac are "going to bed so we can fuck". That was the show-stopper for me, the spot where I stopped reading.

So, while the sex is scorching, steamy, and will have you wriggling in your seat, the story just didn't work for me. Will I read the next one? You betcha.

Upcoming: Next in the series is Riding Temptation which comes out in October 2008.

Beautiful Girl by Shiloh Walker

The Blurb: Sometimes getting to heaven requires a trip through hell.

Twelve years ago, it looked like Del Prescott had it all. The wealthy family, the car, the looks and charm, and the perfect boyfriend. Then, mysteriously, she disappeared to “study abroad.” Now she’s back, and it’s not merely to attend a high school reunion. She’s here to face her demons—and Blake, the man she has never stopped loving.

Blake Mitchell is a changed man, thanks to surviving twelve long years of difficulties that began after Del dropped out of his life. Now she’s back, and she’s nothing like the polished, stylish world traveler he imagined she’d be. There’s a darkness about her, and a grim expression in her eyes that says she’s prepared for fight or flight.

Blake’s concern for her breaks down the walls Del has built around her heart and she finally begins to heal from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her own family. But the betrayal goes deeper than either of them ever imagined—and it’s about to come back to haunt them.

Read An Excerpt.

Buy It Here.

As you know, I don't do summaries because generally when I do or when I read reviews of the same nature, I find too much of the plot is given away. And besides, Shiloh did a fabulous job with the blurb. It is a perfect summary of the book.

My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. In my opinion, this is one of the best books Ms. Walker has ever written... ranking right up there with Her Best Friend's Lover and His Christmas Cara which are my two favorite Shiloh Walker books evah.

Del is a strong heroine who has overcome so much and is still working her way back to normality. She comes home, though she doesn't want to, but after running into her cousin Vance, he passes her address on to Del's best friend from high school, Manda, who basically forces her back to Prescott, Tennessee. So, Del decides to face the past, deal with it once and for all, and hopefully move past it. She just didn't count on it being able to, after 12 years, bring her to her knees.

After 12 years away, Blake still pines for Del, not really knowing the depth of that emotion until he sees her. But the Del he once knew is no more. This is a harder Del, a cautious Del, and the fear he sees in her eyes makes him want to pound something or someone into the ground. Oh how I love him. He is a sigh-worthy hero, one that touched me and had me falling in love with him from the first moment of introduction. By no means has his life been easy since Del has been gone. Oh, no. He's had his own issues to deal with, but now, she's back, and he wants her to stay... with him. He makes no qualms about his feelings for her, no excuses. He's a man who admits to his feelings and doesn't pussy-foot around, hemming and hawing, and that to me makes him a unique hero as of late. When he finds out what happened in Del's past, he really wants to kick someone's ass, and who could blame him? But instead of doing that, he's there for Del, supporting her, helping her work through her issues, and giving her the one thing she needs: Love.

Beautiful Girl is Shiloh Walker at her best. The characters in the story come alive from the first page, and the emotions... This book is packed with emotional intensity that is so vivid, so real you can't help but want to protect Del and hug her, and fall in love with the amazing man that is Blake. God, what Del has had to deal with. The intensity of it broke my heart. I'm not ashamed to tell you I cried for her and with her. I also, like Blake, wanted to beat the hell out of someone, and also hug her and protect her from the horror that has haunted her since she was 16. I felt Del's pain, her fear, her torment. I felt Blake's anger, rage, and love.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for more than a superficial read, for someone who is looking for a story with substance, grit, and emotion. I recommend Beautiful Girl anyone and everyone. This story IS. THAT. GOOD. So good, in fact, that I must site a few examples (I asked permission first), just a few sentences or paragraphs that will give you a taste of how beautifully written this story really is.

Blake seeing Del for the first time.

She looked like she was dressed to fight, Blake realized. Well, maybe not fight. She didn’t look like she was out cruising for trouble, but she sure as hell looked ready to deal with it if it happened her way. This dark haired woman carried herself with a tense, wary grace, ready to defend herself or take off running. Like she’d had to do both in the past, and she was prepared to do either or both again.

The bell over the door chimed and Vance held the door open. The woman stepped through and Blake almost turned away. That wasn’t Deedee. But then her eyes met his and his heart stopped.

Oh, shit.

Those pretty, misty green eyes were unmistakable. He had dreamed about those eyes more times than he cared to remember. But her gaze wasn’t so soft now—hell, with the exception of the breasts straining under the thin cotton of her shirt, nothing about her looked soft.

She wasn’t just dressed to fight. She was prepared to fight.

And then...

She glanced at Blake. Sadness filled her. He was watching her with that same, intent stare she remembered from high school. Like she was the only person in the room. And it still had the weird affect of making her heart dance in her chest. If she wasn’t so screwed up inside… She cut off the what if thoughts before they could fully form.

What ifs were fairy tales and Del was damaged goods. She wasn’t so messed up that she couldn’t realize it was the victim inside her talking. She did all the things she knew she was supposed to. She had a small, select group of friends she could talk to and there was even a support group she hit when things got too rough. The other stuff, she dealt with, attending her meetings faithfully and she was determined she wouldn’t ever slide down the dark road she’d walked for so long.

But she was also realistic enough to know that getting past all her issues was still a long, long time coming. And it may never come.

And one last one... here's what I mean about Blake and his emotion.

She reared back with her head and caught him in the nose. Pain flared hot and bright but he didn’t let go.

He almost did, when she started to cry. Rage burned inside him, a slow fuse at first, but with every soft, muffled sob, it grew hotter and brighter until it felt like a supernova had settled inside his gut. He wanted to tear something apart with his hands. No. Someone. But he couldn’t do that until he knew who it was he had to kill.

Can't you just feel it? The intensity? God, I love it.

The only thing I would liked to have seen was for Del, just once, to have had the chance to belt Louisa Prescott Sanders. God, just once to give that amoral witch a good fist in her face would have had me clapping aloud.

Go buy the book. You're going to love it!

Read An Excerpt.

Buy It Here.

2007 Reads In Review

I feel compelled to do this now that I saw Jennifer did hers, but mine won't be nearly as organized LOL

Like Jennifer, included in my top reads were:

• 1) Nalini Singh as well, but mostly Slave to Sensation and Visions of Heat. Caressed by Ice was good, but not up to the caliber of the first two.
• 2) I also Megan Hart's Broken and Dirty. Great reads.

One's JB didn't mention that I thought were great:

• 1) Second Time Around by Marie Ferrarella. Wonderful story.
  
• 2) The Me I Used To Be by Jennifer Archer. Bawled my eyes out. Loved it.
• 3) Then there's Mallery's Her Last First Date, witty and fun.
• 4) McCarty's Caine's Reckoning. Hot, sexy, Alpha... another great McCarty.
• 5) High Noon by NR.
• 6) Innocent In Death by JD Robb... all of them really. Thoroughly enjoy them, every single time.
• 7) Up Close & Dangerous by Linda Howard
• 8) Seven-Year Seduction by Heidi Betts
  

Last year I discovered JD Robb and the In Death series, so I got to read all the back stories in the series and wheeeee was that awesome! This year, after much apprehension on my part, after much urging by way of Sarah McCarty, Jennifer, and the Mobettes who were talking about Julie Garwood's historicals, specifically The Bride, I felt it was time to take the plunge... and Lord am I glad I did. The Bride, The Wedding... The McBain...GRRR. This year I discovered HIGHLANDERS!!! And I devoured as many highlander books as I possibly could from Monica McCarty to Karen Hawkins, Karen Ranney to Melissa Mayhue. They were all great and enjoyable highlanders, but none of them compare to Garwoods. NONE.

I'm so sure I'm leaving something out, but

All in all it was a good year for me reading wise. I read 143 books total and out of that I only had 3 DNFs. Not bad.

REVIEW- Sexiest Man Alive by Diana Holquist

Title: Sexiest Man Alive.
Author: Diana Holquist.
Publisher: Grand Central (former Warner).

BLURB: Shy No More Worksheet
Name: Jasmine Burns

Imagine the person who intimidates you. Naked.

I'm intimidated by Josh Toby, the world's biggest movie star. Who has to imagine him naked? I've seen it on a forty-foot screen.

Breathe deep.

Did I mention he's Josh Toby? As his costume designer, I'm supposed to dress him. And undress him. Oh, and my psychic sister Amy, who has never been wrong, named him my One True Love. Breathing is completely out of the question.

Ask for what you want.

What I want is for him to stop being so...irresistible! I want not to fall in love with a man who's stalked by the paparazzi, whose washboard abs could cut glass, and whose movie star girlfriend is the most stunning creature ever.

Believe you can do what needs to be done. Then do it.

So, all I have to do is believe I can resist Josh Toby. Resist those deep violet eyes, those strong, muscular arms, and the way he makes me feel like the only woman on earth. Couldn't be easier. Yeah right...

I read this book because I kept seeing decent reviews and I was expecting a fun, quirky storyline. Well, I got that, but what I didn't get was a hero I found... heroic. He was a touch on the feminine side. Why do I say this do you ask? Let me site some examples.

Example 1: He's a movie star, the press thinks he's dating Cleo Chan, but really that's a ruse. Anyway, he talks Jasmine into dressing up for Halloween and she finally reluctantly agrees. The catch is, she'll dress up as him, Josh Toby, but as his character Mitch Tank and he'd dress up as Cleo Chan.

"What?" he asked. His eyes lit up to match the spark in hers.

"I'll be you." She paused as she considered the implications of what she was about to say, then rushed ahead recklessly before she lost her nerve. She could do it. she could make the costume with her eyes closed. She could transform this man into whomever she liked. "And you be your girlfriend, Cleo. That's my final offer. Take it or leave it."

But instead of looking horrified, he grinned. "Ooooh, yes! Very wicked, Jas. i'll have to back you into corners more often. I'm in. Definitely in."

Okay... what hero in a romance novel talks like that? Does that not sound a little on the gay side? Or at least bisexual or metrosexual to you? Gah.

Example 2: They did the Halloween thing and are now at a restaurant eating. He asks her if she has a boyfriend. She lies and says yes. He asks what his name is...

"His name is Josh also. Coincidence." Not.
"So, what's he like? C'mon. Spill. What kind of man can penetrate the defenses of the elusive Jasmine Burns?"

Any of you dated a guy who talks like that? A guy who says, "spill"?

While the storyline and premise of the book were fun and quirky, the hero was just too feminine in spots for me to enjoy his character 100%. Now for me, the "Sexiest Man Alive" is a man of few words, and when he does speak, they're masculine... words that make you shiver.

Anyway, that's my take on this book. It's impossible to give it a grade, but if you don't mind a hero who isn't necessarily macho, then you''ll love this book. As it is, I did like the story and the premise and most of the characters, sans the blips where the hero was less than macho in my eyes. *shrug*


Grade of the storyline alone: B.
Grade of the story as a whole: Probably a D.

Caine's Reckoning by Sarah McCarty

Caine's Reckoning by Sarah McCarty. Where do I start? It started off with a bang that sucked me right into the story and ended on a more emotional note, one that had the tears flowing. Oh how I love a book that takes me on a roller coaster ride emotionally.


I won't go into the plot or try to summarize it for you as so many others have done, but I do have to ask you one question: Did you all laugh aloud as I did at the rooster scene? And the second one on page 428? I must share the snippet:

She looked down at the red pacifier in her hand and then at the dog. "What do you think, Boone? Should we throw away our scruples or make a stand for what's right?"

Boone eyed the monster. It spread its wings and crowed. Mid-crow, Boone shivered and let out a moan of pure terror.

Desi glanced at the outhouse. Shadow would be popping out of there any minute now, which meant expediency was her best bet if she didn't want a twenty-minute lecture. "You're right. We don't have time for scruples."

She tossed the pacifier on the ground. Cantankerous went for it with unholy zeal. She shook her head as he hopped on board. "That's just not right."

LOL…No, it's not right, but it sure is freaking funny. That as well as the scene where Caine is teaching Desi to shoot and she misses on purpose (the purpose is a kiss), shooting the outhouse instead of her target, and Sam comes running out pulling up his drawers, gun at the ready. Snort. Ms. McCarty paints a very vivid picture, one that made me laugh out loud.

I felt so badly for all the men of the Hell's Eight, what they went through when they were little boys. The old West was a son of a bitch, wasn't it? Forcing boys to grow into men before their time, and allowing women to be used as any man saw fit. Son of a bitch, indeed!

I enjoyed watching Desi bloom as she found her footing on the ranch, and mostly after she learned that she didn't have to work herself into the ground to earn Caine's respect. She'd already had it.

I liked Caine from the first page. I found his hard exterior very attractive, but when his sensitive side came to the fore, that was when I fell in love with him.

Together Caine and Desi learn to give and take, to bend, and in the process find love. She's the one thing he'd never expected to find, he's not at all what she expected her husband to be, yet together they find the one thing neither knew they were looking for: Each other.

Caine's Reckoning is a story of hope, a story of grit and determination. At the core of the story I found love, laughter, and family. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time, and one I will read time and time again as I anxiously await the next book in the series: Sam's Creed.

My grade: A. You can buy it here, here, and on November 1st here.

What I've Been Reading

Annie Parks came to Hawaii to gather information and settle a score, not spend time handcuffed to a sexy stranger's bed. Okay, so this particular stranger saved her from drowning after she was pitched overboard by some goons. And he's about six feet of hard, Hawaiian muscle and gorgeous cool that's making forgotten parts of her say, "A-lo-ha!" She needs to stay focused, but a side dish of Kane Travers is awfully tempting.

Kauai Police Chief Kane Travers is not a vacation kind of guy. So it figures that when Internal Affairs suspended him, he'd end up rescuing a sarcastic, dishonest, extremely hot redhead who is clearly hiding something. Amnesia? Yeah, right. Kane's got half a mind to give Miss Whoever She Is something she'll never forget. His cop senses tell him that the lady's in deep and needs his protection. But how can he get her to tell him anything when all he wants is to take her home and do everything?

I was lucky when I won this book over on Alison Kent's blog but until I began reading this book I didn't realize how much. First let me say I love the character names- Kane Travers and Annie Parks. As you know, I don't delve into the story because the blurb tells it all, but I will tell you this- this was my first book from HelenKay Dimon and it won't be my last. It had all the elements to make a great story: humor, drama, suspense, mystery, sexual tension, and hot sex. I'll be looking forward to more great stories from Ms. Dimon.
Rating: B+

A mysterious plane crash . . . a dangerous trek through the Idaho wilderness . . . a smoldering attraction . . . and a deadly game of cat and mouse. In her latest tour de force of romantic suspense, New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard blends these elements into a gripping story that will keep readers breathless–and leave them begging for more. For in Linda Howard’s world, trust can be a weapon, a kiss can be a threat, and intimacy can be deadly. Bailey Wingate’s scheming adult stepchildren are surprised when their father’s will leaves Bailey in control of their fortune, and war ensues. A year later, while flying from Seattle to Denver in a small plane, Bailey nearly dies herself when the engine sputters–and then fails. Cam Justice, her sexy Texan pilot, manages to crash-land the aircraft. Stranded in the wilderness, and struggling to douse her feelings for the ruggedly handsome man by her side, Bailey begins to wonder whether this was a mere accident. Who tampered with their plane? Who’s trying to reunite Bailey and her husband in the afterlife? Cut off from the world, and with little hope of rescue, Bailey must trust her life–and heart–to Cam, as they battle the harsh elements to find a way out of the unforgiving wilds and back to civilization . . . where a killer may be waiting to finish the job.

I'm not sure why this book is getting the reviews it is at Amazon.com, but I freaking loved this book. This is Linda Howard at her finest. This book focuses on plot, yes, but the romance and characterization are prominent and, to me, that's what her books have been missing for quite a while. I hope Ms. Howard continues with this style, the one that made me fall in love with her stories in the very beginning.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was the abrupt ending. When I say abrupt, I mean it literally. It was as if there was a chapter missing from the final version of the book. I like closure, and I didn't get that for Bailey and Cam in this book. Unless a book is going to be a continuation story, it needs an ending, more than what Ms. Howard gave us in this one. Another chapter or at least an epilogue would have left me satisfied and given Up Close and Dangerous an A rather than a B+.
Rating: B+.


Millionaire of the Month: Jack Howington III

Source of Fortune: International security corporation

The woman he can never have: Meredith Palmer

When he arrived at Hunter's Landing, Jack got the surprise of his life. His best friend's shy little sister had become a breathtaking young woman—with an ax to grind. Still smarting over Jack's long- ago rejection, Meredith was now intent on luring the mogul into her bed…and her bed was right across the hall. At what cost would Jack keep a decade-old promise?

As with all Susan Mallery stories, this one was very entertaining. I liked Jack and Meri's past, I enjoyed Colin and Betina's secondary romance. What I didn't like at times was Meri's personality. There were times it was over the top and grated on my nerves. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't enough that I hated her because I did like her. Anyway, the story was great as are all Mallery stories.
Rating: B+


Would she accept one million euros to be his mistress for a month? How could practical American Stacy Reeves say no to Franco Constantine's proposal? The wealthy, arrogant CEO of Midas Chocolates was overwhelmingly passionate in his pursuit. Their union would be pure pleasure….

But Stacy did not know Franco's offer was part of a bet. Her acceptance would label her a gold digger and give Franco complete control of Midas. Unless the billionaire denied his dynasty for the woman in his bed….

To say I was disappointed with this book would be putting it mildly. Normally I love Emilie Rose, but not with this book. It just wasn't her best work. I can't explain why it didn't work for me, I still haven't figured it out, what she did differently in this book than in her others. Whatever it was, let's hope it doesn't happen again. Sigh.

Rating: C(maybe less)

A Midsummer Night’s Steam story

A year after her husband died while serving in Iraq, Cassidy Yates still nurses a broken heart. Thinking a vacation will help, she agrees to a week in Key West with her best friend, April. Upon arrival, April suggests a way for Cassidy to ease her pain—sleep with the sexiest stud she can find.

Not the type to bed hop, Cassidy refuses April’s idea and ends up alone. Abandoned by her friend, Cassidy decides to take a nighttime swim. In the Jacuzzi, she masturbates to the memories of making love to her husband. Mortified by her own behavior, Cassidy retreats to her hotel room, hoping no one witnessed her exhibition.

Chase Dempsey is a man with rugged good looks and a killer smile. He isn’t looking to fall in love and only wants few days of relaxation before returning to his Texas ranch. Still, he’s curious after watching Cassidy’s erotic display and wonders what makes the gorgeous redhead tick. When he finds her dropped sarong, he realizes she’s just given him the opportunity to find out…

I'm normally not a fan of short stories, but this one was really, really well done. It made me laugh and cry... hard to do in a short story. Great story. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Rating: A-.

Finished Megan Hart's Broken...

And absolutely loved it. I finished it a few days ago and needed time to process my thoughts/feelings about the story.

First and foremost let me say if you're looking for a light, fun read, you're not going to find it in Broken. Within the pages of this book, you're going to find a story unlike any you've ever read. One that will leave you, at times, confused, sad, afraid, and fearful, and at other times you'll be happy and content.

In this book, first person totally worked. I didn't want to know what any of the other characters were thinking. Sadie's thoughts and feelings kept me plenty enthralled.

Truthfully, when I picked up this book, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about Sadie's brushing the invisible do-not-cross line between fidelity and infidelity, but as I read the book, I understood the "why." When you don't receive physical touch for a long time, I can see needing it, even if it is living vicariously through another's escapades. And in Sadie's case, the title of this book, Broken, fits so many things: her relationship with her husband, her husband, and, most of all, herself. Her life is, indeed, broken. Being broken can make a person feel lost and confused and so totally fucking frustrated you just want to break down and cry your eyes out, especially when no matter how hard you try to find a way to fix or repair things, you just can't.

But Sadie doesn't do that. She doesn't whine. She doesn't wail. Just just does. She goes on living her life, and I applaud her for that. Her strength(which she didn't see in herself) is amazing. I ached for this woman. I cried for her. I got angry with her. I got frustrated with her. I laughed with her. I felt everything she felt.

Megan Hart is an amazing author. With both books Dirty and Broken, she took me places I never imagined I'd go, and I thank her for sharing her amazing talent and fabulous stories with me. First person or not, with these two books, Ms. Hart has earned a spot on my auto-buy list.

(Cross posted on Let's Gab)