10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
Living Dead in Dallas
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Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
Paranormal
Sookie Stackhouse is a telepathic cocktail waitress in small town Louisiana. Her boyfriend, Bill is a vampire. Sookie is in love but has a fight with Bill and leaves in a snit to wander in the woods and encounters a maenad. To save Sookie, Bill takes her to the head of the vampires in the area, Eric and it takes several of them to give her their blood in order to survive.
Eric then loans her out to the vampires in Dallas who need to find one of their own who is lost. This leads to the Fellowship of the Sun which is a fanatic Christian-based vampire hate group. Hate, murder, werewolves, pain, injury and all sorts of nasty things happen as Sookie follows the leads to find the missing vampire.
A sub-plot is the murder of the cook of the bar where Sookie works. The two stories seem totally unconnected and it feels a bit like it was a filler to round the book out.
My comments about Bill: what a sleaze. He is cold but he is however a vampire. Eric is also a vamp but he seems so hot. Bill seems to want sex whenever Sookie is hurting. Lots of compassion there. NOT! Bill is definitely not one of my fav characters.
I felt this book was better than the first in the series.
Rating:
(3.5/5)
Paranormal
Sookie Stackhouse is a telepathic cocktail waitress in small town Louisiana. Her boyfriend, Bill is a vampire. Sookie is in love but has a fight with Bill and leaves in a snit to wander in the woods and encounters a maenad. To save Sookie, Bill takes her to the head of the vampires in the area, Eric and it takes several of them to give her their blood in order to survive.Eric then loans her out to the vampires in Dallas who need to find one of their own who is lost. This leads to the Fellowship of the Sun which is a fanatic Christian-based vampire hate group. Hate, murder, werewolves, pain, injury and all sorts of nasty things happen as Sookie follows the leads to find the missing vampire.
A sub-plot is the murder of the cook of the bar where Sookie works. The two stories seem totally unconnected and it feels a bit like it was a filler to round the book out.
My comments about Bill: what a sleaze. He is cold but he is however a vampire. Eric is also a vamp but he seems so hot. Bill seems to want sex whenever Sookie is hurting. Lots of compassion there. NOT! Bill is definitely not one of my fav characters.
I felt this book was better than the first in the series.
Rating:
(3.5/5)
The Innocent by Harlan Coben
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The Innocent by Harland Coben
Thriller
Thriller
This book started off as quite a thriller however once the first twist came, which was about half way through, I felt that the book lost some steam. I'm not sure why but I think I would have enjoyed the book more if Coben had held off on the large plot twist for a bit longer. The remaining plot twists were pretty insignificant following that so I didn't care as much about them as the first one.
First Line: "You never meant to kill him."
Rating:
(3.5/5)
New Re-Releases features + Q&A with Barbara Delinsky
To contact us Click HERE
Barbara Delinsky has been entertaining me and educating me, making me laugh and cry for years now and St. Martin's Press is re-releasing some of her earlier novels in digital format for the first time.If you've read her and couldn't find her early works this is your chance, if you've never read her this is a perfect time to start.
New Re-Release Feature6-25
Barbara Delinsky
Please welcome #1 NY Times Bestselling author BarbaraDelinsky to the General Fiction forum. Barbara is one of my favorite, most prolific authors, and, since lateMay, a number of her early romance novels have been re-released digitally. Here is a listof these books on her website, and these are all available in Nook format too.
Debbie - Barbara,it is good to have you visit us here at the General Fiction forum. Tell us a little about the re-releases,how many are being re-released, whether they only being released in e-form, andwhy now.Barbara - Thanks,Debbie. It’s great to behere. I am really, really excitedabout the rerelease of these early romances. All told, there are sixteen of them, and they’re beingreleased in clusters, starting with the four on sale now, and continuing oninto the summer. These twelve willappear only as e-books for now, but knowing that many of my readers still loveholding a physical book in their hands, there will be two 2-in-1 print editionsof others of my oldies in fall and winter.
I was reading your bio and something intrigued me – it saysthat your writing career started as a fluke when you saw an article profilingthree female writers. Who werethey, and did they have more of an impact on you than just their being femalewriters?Honestly? I don’t remembertheir names. The sole significanceof their being female was that they were raising families and writing at thesame time. They made it sounddo-able, which was important to me, since I had a young family, too. Beyond that, the impact these writershad on me was what they wrote – romance. I had never read the Harlequin-type romance, but I did then. I read dozens, literally, in the weeksafter reading that piece. Ioutlined the ones I liked best, sat down and wrote my own, and it sold!
Tell us a little behind your only non-fiction title Uplift,what’s it about, and what led to your writing it.The full title of this bookgives you a clue to its contents – UPLIFT: Secrets from the Sisterhood ofBreast Cancer Survivors. It iscomprised of short little hints from more than four hundred survivors, allupbeat and practical, on ways to deal with a breast cancer diagnosis andtreatment. The inspiration forthis book? Katherine Evans. She is a secondary character whoappeared in my novel, Coast Road, in 1998, and she’d had breast cancer, just asI have. She was attractive andartistic and sexy. Readers lovedher and wrote so many notes that I realized they were hungry for a positive, upbeat,can-do role model like Katherine, perhaps even like myself. I conceived of UPLIFT as a supportgroup in book form, and that’s just what it is.
Many writers are also readers. Are you? Who doyou like to read?Sadly, I read minimally whenI’m writing. The danger is beingdrawn into someone else’s book so deeply that I confuse voices when I return tomy own! That said, I am in a bookgroup, and our list runs the gamut from fiction to non-fiction, literature topopular fiction. I gotta say – Ilove the latter. I’ve been havinga ball with Fifty Shades …
What’s the longest research trip you ever took, and for whatnovel was it?I went to San Francisco forCoast Road, which, since I live in Boston, is a haul. Funny, though, San Francisco didn’t work for me – maybebecause it’s a romantic city and my husband wasn’t there, so I felt totallyalone. He did join me afterwardfor several days in Big Sur, one of our favorite vacation spots. So that’s where I ended up setting mybook, with only the occasional, foggy San Francisco scene.
You describe yourself as a character-driven author. Can you explain that to us?Interesting choice ofwords. I’ve always thought of my plots as being character-driven, since the actioninvolves people and their emotional growth. But I guess I’m a character-driven person, too – i.e., Ilove observing people, love interacting with them, love seeing their growth.
What are you working on next?I am in the final fewchapters of Sweet Salt Air, the story of two friends who reunite after tenyears apart. One is a foodblogger, the other a journalist, and their plan is to compile a cookbook ofrecipes and local lore from the island where they spent childhood summers. Once there, the details of their lives duringthose ten years apart clash in unexpected and heart-wrenching ways. Talk about character-driven? Sweet Salt Air explores thelimits of marriage, friendship, and love.
I know a lot of fans here would love to meet you in person. Do you have in-between release eventsat B&N stores?Since I’ve been burning themidnight oil working on Sweet Salt Air, my personal travel schedule has been limited. That said, I am always availableonline, whether at my website, www.barbaradelinsky.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bdelinsky, or on Twitter.
Here are the digital re-releases available for the Nook
Barbara Delinsky has been entertaining me and educating me, making me laugh and cry for years now and St. Martin's Press is re-releasing some of her earlier novels in digital format for the first time.If you've read her and couldn't find her early works this is your chance, if you've never read her this is a perfect time to start.
New Re-Release Feature6-25
Barbara Delinsky
Please welcome #1 NY Times Bestselling author BarbaraDelinsky to the General Fiction forum. Barbara is one of my favorite, most prolific authors, and, since lateMay, a number of her early romance novels have been re-released digitally. Here is a listof these books on her website, and these are all available in Nook format too.
Debbie - Barbara,it is good to have you visit us here at the General Fiction forum. Tell us a little about the re-releases,how many are being re-released, whether they only being released in e-form, andwhy now.Barbara - Thanks,Debbie. It’s great to behere. I am really, really excitedabout the rerelease of these early romances. All told, there are sixteen of them, and they’re beingreleased in clusters, starting with the four on sale now, and continuing oninto the summer. These twelve willappear only as e-books for now, but knowing that many of my readers still loveholding a physical book in their hands, there will be two 2-in-1 print editionsof others of my oldies in fall and winter.
I was reading your bio and something intrigued me – it saysthat your writing career started as a fluke when you saw an article profilingthree female writers. Who werethey, and did they have more of an impact on you than just their being femalewriters?Honestly? I don’t remembertheir names. The sole significanceof their being female was that they were raising families and writing at thesame time. They made it sounddo-able, which was important to me, since I had a young family, too. Beyond that, the impact these writershad on me was what they wrote – romance. I had never read the Harlequin-type romance, but I did then. I read dozens, literally, in the weeksafter reading that piece. Ioutlined the ones I liked best, sat down and wrote my own, and it sold!
Tell us a little behind your only non-fiction title Uplift,what’s it about, and what led to your writing it.The full title of this bookgives you a clue to its contents – UPLIFT: Secrets from the Sisterhood ofBreast Cancer Survivors. It iscomprised of short little hints from more than four hundred survivors, allupbeat and practical, on ways to deal with a breast cancer diagnosis andtreatment. The inspiration forthis book? Katherine Evans. She is a secondary character whoappeared in my novel, Coast Road, in 1998, and she’d had breast cancer, just asI have. She was attractive andartistic and sexy. Readers lovedher and wrote so many notes that I realized they were hungry for a positive, upbeat,can-do role model like Katherine, perhaps even like myself. I conceived of UPLIFT as a supportgroup in book form, and that’s just what it is.
Many writers are also readers. Are you? Who doyou like to read?Sadly, I read minimally whenI’m writing. The danger is beingdrawn into someone else’s book so deeply that I confuse voices when I return tomy own! That said, I am in a bookgroup, and our list runs the gamut from fiction to non-fiction, literature topopular fiction. I gotta say – Ilove the latter. I’ve been havinga ball with Fifty Shades …
What’s the longest research trip you ever took, and for whatnovel was it?I went to San Francisco forCoast Road, which, since I live in Boston, is a haul. Funny, though, San Francisco didn’t work for me – maybebecause it’s a romantic city and my husband wasn’t there, so I felt totallyalone. He did join me afterwardfor several days in Big Sur, one of our favorite vacation spots. So that’s where I ended up setting mybook, with only the occasional, foggy San Francisco scene.
You describe yourself as a character-driven author. Can you explain that to us?Interesting choice ofwords. I’ve always thought of my plots as being character-driven, since the actioninvolves people and their emotional growth. But I guess I’m a character-driven person, too – i.e., Ilove observing people, love interacting with them, love seeing their growth.
What are you working on next?I am in the final fewchapters of Sweet Salt Air, the story of two friends who reunite after tenyears apart. One is a foodblogger, the other a journalist, and their plan is to compile a cookbook ofrecipes and local lore from the island where they spent childhood summers. Once there, the details of their lives duringthose ten years apart clash in unexpected and heart-wrenching ways. Talk about character-driven? Sweet Salt Air explores thelimits of marriage, friendship, and love.
I know a lot of fans here would love to meet you in person. Do you have in-between release eventsat B&N stores?Since I’ve been burning themidnight oil working on Sweet Salt Air, my personal travel schedule has been limited. That said, I am always availableonline, whether at my website, www.barbaradelinsky.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bdelinsky, or on Twitter.
Review of One Mountain Away by Emilie Richards
To contact us Click HERE
One Mountain Away
Emilie Richards
Mira Books
ISBN13:9780778313557
480 pages
Emilie Richards has always given me a sense of completionwhen I’ve finished one of her novels, she has a unique way of telling a storyand this story is her 70th published novel, and a debut in a brandnew series. What a grand accomplishment. Maybe it’s her perspective from beinga minister’s wife, maybe it’s she was born with that storytelling spoon in hermouth, whatever it is this story is special, unique and very emotional. As Irecall her past novels I remember laughter and I remember a certain way shegave me life lessons, I’ve seen her mature as a writer as she’s matured as awoman and all of those things culminate in this most amazing read. The story isone any of us women of a “certain age” can empathize with, with all of ouraccomplishments but especially our regrets, it’s what Emilie did with theregrets part that will always stay with me. Her characters are as in depth asif they were my neighbors or friends, even enemies and she takes time toestablish each one in her or his own part of her tale. Her narrative is whatI’ve come to expect from her, her quiet and calming words that tell ofexplosive situations that’s easy to read and understand, she brought me thesights, smells and sounds of her story and I saw each scene with only herdialogue needed for my guide. This is much more than a love story althoughthere is certainly that as well, but it’s a lesson to us all that it’s nevertoo late to change and to remember that memories are sometimes flawed byemotions.
If you like the writing of Karen White or Patti Callahan Henry you'll love Emilie Richards.
Ms. Richards I'm so looking forward to where you take this series from here and thank you for always taking me on a trip worth remembering.
I'm also proud to announce that Emilie has graciously agreed to be my featured author for the Barnes & Noble General Fiction forum's September group read, so please pre-order the book now below and join us when we read and discuss this wonderful piece of literature together.
Charlotte Hale has always had to be in control, little doesanyone know it stems from uncontrollable fear in her past. She’s done everything to get to where sheis today, but she’s suddenly reminded of the costs she paid to get here. Now ata painful crossroads in her life she’s vowed to make amends, the trouble will beto convince those she needs that a leopard change her spots and the hope thatshe’ll have the time she needs to accomplish these difficult but important things.
Taylor has always relied on her father’s support ever since her mother’s wordscut her heart out, but now at a crossroads of her own Taylor learns of hermother’s attempt to be a part of her and her daughter Maddie’s lives.
Ethan Martin is about to have a revelation when he sees his first ex-wifewatching their grand-daughter from a bench in the park where she’s playing, ishis heart willing to listen or has it become hardened to her voice.
Harmony Stoddard has escaped a hopeless situation at home only to find herselfin the middle of another one, she’s about to meet a woman who will change herlife. The question is will she recognize it for the miracle it is or will shelet her past relationships rule her future ones too.
Reverend Analiese Wagner is going to be given an opportunity to practice whatshe preaches when she sees Charlotte sitting in an empty pew waiting for her.
With Devine intervention and human tenacity this unlikely group will have thepossibility to make a change for the better in not only their own lives but also their community, the question iswill they recognize it as a gift or will they let what came before predicttheir futures as well.
Buy the book herevisit the author’s website here
One Mountain AwayEmilie Richards
Mira Books
ISBN13:9780778313557
480 pages
Emilie Richards has always given me a sense of completionwhen I’ve finished one of her novels, she has a unique way of telling a storyand this story is her 70th published novel, and a debut in a brandnew series. What a grand accomplishment. Maybe it’s her perspective from beinga minister’s wife, maybe it’s she was born with that storytelling spoon in hermouth, whatever it is this story is special, unique and very emotional. As Irecall her past novels I remember laughter and I remember a certain way shegave me life lessons, I’ve seen her mature as a writer as she’s matured as awoman and all of those things culminate in this most amazing read. The story isone any of us women of a “certain age” can empathize with, with all of ouraccomplishments but especially our regrets, it’s what Emilie did with theregrets part that will always stay with me. Her characters are as in depth asif they were my neighbors or friends, even enemies and she takes time toestablish each one in her or his own part of her tale. Her narrative is whatI’ve come to expect from her, her quiet and calming words that tell ofexplosive situations that’s easy to read and understand, she brought me thesights, smells and sounds of her story and I saw each scene with only herdialogue needed for my guide. This is much more than a love story althoughthere is certainly that as well, but it’s a lesson to us all that it’s nevertoo late to change and to remember that memories are sometimes flawed byemotions.
If you like the writing of Karen White or Patti Callahan Henry you'll love Emilie Richards.
Ms. Richards I'm so looking forward to where you take this series from here and thank you for always taking me on a trip worth remembering.
I'm also proud to announce that Emilie has graciously agreed to be my featured author for the Barnes & Noble General Fiction forum's September group read, so please pre-order the book now below and join us when we read and discuss this wonderful piece of literature together.
Charlotte Hale has always had to be in control, little doesanyone know it stems from uncontrollable fear in her past. She’s done everything to get to where sheis today, but she’s suddenly reminded of the costs she paid to get here. Now ata painful crossroads in her life she’s vowed to make amends, the trouble will beto convince those she needs that a leopard change her spots and the hope thatshe’ll have the time she needs to accomplish these difficult but important things.
Taylor has always relied on her father’s support ever since her mother’s wordscut her heart out, but now at a crossroads of her own Taylor learns of hermother’s attempt to be a part of her and her daughter Maddie’s lives.
Ethan Martin is about to have a revelation when he sees his first ex-wifewatching their grand-daughter from a bench in the park where she’s playing, ishis heart willing to listen or has it become hardened to her voice.
Harmony Stoddard has escaped a hopeless situation at home only to find herselfin the middle of another one, she’s about to meet a woman who will change herlife. The question is will she recognize it for the miracle it is or will shelet her past relationships rule her future ones too.
Reverend Analiese Wagner is going to be given an opportunity to practice whatshe preaches when she sees Charlotte sitting in an empty pew waiting for her.
With Devine intervention and human tenacity this unlikely group will have thepossibility to make a change for the better in not only their own lives but also their community, the question iswill they recognize it as a gift or will they let what came before predicttheir futures as well.
Buy the book herevisit the author’s website here
Review of The Other Woman by Hank Phillipi Ryan
To contact us Click HERE
The Other Woman
Hank Phillipi Ryan
Forge Publishing
Publish Date 9-4-2012
ISBN13:978032578
416 pages
Jane Ryland was going places in TV news that is until shegot the camera pulled out from under her. Now she finds herself out of work andthe forefront of a lawsuit as a result of a news story where she won’t revealher source. She’s given a chance to work as a newspaper reporter on the BostonRegister and is given her first assignment to interview the wife of a candidateto the Senate. But nothing is ever as it seems and Jane’s nose smells a biggerstory one where there seems to be “The Other Woman” involved, and the more sheinvestigates the deeper the subterfuge seems to go and the more danger Jane isput in because of it. In the mean time the case that got her fired from Channel11 is raising it’s ugly head again and she may just get her head taken offbecause of it. She only has her wits and one particular sexy cop to protect herand they’re both spelling trouble with a capitol T.
Jake Brogan has his plate full with multiple murders that the press isscreaming serial and the cops are trying to keep the screaming down to a dullthud. And the murders are taking him right into the path of a certain girlreporter that he’d like to know a lot better, but for professional reasons shewon’t let him. But that doesn’t stop him from trying to keep her informed andkeep her out of harms way especially since their paths seem to be crossing withgreat frequency and he’s not above using those crossings to strengthen his casefor them to be a pair.
Hank Phillipi Ryan has wowed me before with her CharlotteMcNally series and she’s doing it again with her debut novel in her brand newJane Ryland series. Her quirky, and laughable sense of humor is still front andcenter and there’s a deeper and more complicated feel to Jane that makes her amost interesting protagonist. Her storyline is a quagmire of puzzle pieces thatshe fits together perfectly, but she doesn’t fill in all the pieces until theend but much sooner than that she had me hook line and sinker. Her dialogue isfilled with cop-speak and reporter jargon that made me wince, tense and laughsometimes all on the same page while she filled my head with images from thewords on her pages. Her characters are awesome, both bad guys and good guys andsometimes I had trouble figuring out who was who until she told me. Her Jane isa complicated woman who’s nose for news sometimes battles with her sense ofresponsibility and it was my pleasure seeing her work them out. They always saywrite what you know about which is what makes this such a slam dunk of a crimedrama told in an expert voice that knows exactly what she’s talking about. Ifyou like seriousness mixed withhumor you’ll love Hank Phillip Ryan, if you’re a crime drama lover, a lover ofmystery or heck just a fantastic read put this on your wish list for September.Hank Pillipi Ryan is a brilliant and relatively new voice in this genre andalready she’s had to move over her Emmys for all her writing awards, so if youhaven’t tried her do and if you have and you’re biting at the bit, your wait isalmost over.
Hank thanks for another unforgettable journey fueled by your imagination Ican’t wait to see where we travel from here.
I’m also excited to announce that Hank will be spending thewhole month of October with us at the B&N.com General Fiction forum wherewe will read and discuss this brilliant new novel.
Buy the book here visit the author's website here and in October join us at the B&N.com General Fiction forum here as we read and discuss the novel as a group and with Hank joining in
Here are the Charlotte McNally novels by Hank Phillipi Ryan
The Other WomanHank Phillipi Ryan
Forge Publishing
Publish Date 9-4-2012
ISBN13:978032578
416 pages
Jane Ryland was going places in TV news that is until shegot the camera pulled out from under her. Now she finds herself out of work andthe forefront of a lawsuit as a result of a news story where she won’t revealher source. She’s given a chance to work as a newspaper reporter on the BostonRegister and is given her first assignment to interview the wife of a candidateto the Senate. But nothing is ever as it seems and Jane’s nose smells a biggerstory one where there seems to be “The Other Woman” involved, and the more sheinvestigates the deeper the subterfuge seems to go and the more danger Jane isput in because of it. In the mean time the case that got her fired from Channel11 is raising it’s ugly head again and she may just get her head taken offbecause of it. She only has her wits and one particular sexy cop to protect herand they’re both spelling trouble with a capitol T.
Jake Brogan has his plate full with multiple murders that the press isscreaming serial and the cops are trying to keep the screaming down to a dullthud. And the murders are taking him right into the path of a certain girlreporter that he’d like to know a lot better, but for professional reasons shewon’t let him. But that doesn’t stop him from trying to keep her informed andkeep her out of harms way especially since their paths seem to be crossing withgreat frequency and he’s not above using those crossings to strengthen his casefor them to be a pair.
Hank Phillipi Ryan has wowed me before with her CharlotteMcNally series and she’s doing it again with her debut novel in her brand newJane Ryland series. Her quirky, and laughable sense of humor is still front andcenter and there’s a deeper and more complicated feel to Jane that makes her amost interesting protagonist. Her storyline is a quagmire of puzzle pieces thatshe fits together perfectly, but she doesn’t fill in all the pieces until theend but much sooner than that she had me hook line and sinker. Her dialogue isfilled with cop-speak and reporter jargon that made me wince, tense and laughsometimes all on the same page while she filled my head with images from thewords on her pages. Her characters are awesome, both bad guys and good guys andsometimes I had trouble figuring out who was who until she told me. Her Jane isa complicated woman who’s nose for news sometimes battles with her sense ofresponsibility and it was my pleasure seeing her work them out. They always saywrite what you know about which is what makes this such a slam dunk of a crimedrama told in an expert voice that knows exactly what she’s talking about. Ifyou like seriousness mixed withhumor you’ll love Hank Phillip Ryan, if you’re a crime drama lover, a lover ofmystery or heck just a fantastic read put this on your wish list for September.Hank Pillipi Ryan is a brilliant and relatively new voice in this genre andalready she’s had to move over her Emmys for all her writing awards, so if youhaven’t tried her do and if you have and you’re biting at the bit, your wait isalmost over.
Hank thanks for another unforgettable journey fueled by your imagination Ican’t wait to see where we travel from here.
I’m also excited to announce that Hank will be spending thewhole month of October with us at the B&N.com General Fiction forum wherewe will read and discuss this brilliant new novel.
Buy the book here visit the author's website here and in October join us at the B&N.com General Fiction forum here as we read and discuss the novel as a group and with Hank joining in
Here are the Charlotte McNally novels by Hank Phillipi Ryan
8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar
Author Comments on Reviews
To contact us Click HERE
I am always thrilled when I get an author comment on a review I have written. My blog is still pretty small so it doesn't happen often but when it does. it's exciting. I generally only review books that I have liked although I don't hesitate to say what I have not liked about a book even though I have enjoyed it overall. So, I hope that an author reading my review feels I have been respectful of their work and a comment from them reinforces that. I guess my basic book geek fan persona feels flattered that an author I have enjoyed appreciated my little post. or review on one of the big bookseller sites.
The first author comment was actually from one of my absolute favorite authors- Margaret Maron. She pasted my review to FB and I was in alt! I was debating about keeping up the blog and it helped me decide to keep going.
My blog will never be one of the big blogs and I'm ok with that. I write it primarily to inform our library patrons about Mystery and Romance books we own or will be purchasing. I have met many of the authors I review at Library Conferences or professional expositions and I have found them almost always to be friendly and open to chatting with their readers. We have had authors come to our library or Skype into our book discussions and they have been very open to all comments. If an author had an issue with what I wrote I would want to know, especially if I had misinterpreted a story line or plot. I think if we respect them, they will respect us.
The first author comment was actually from one of my absolute favorite authors- Margaret Maron. She pasted my review to FB and I was in alt! I was debating about keeping up the blog and it helped me decide to keep going.
My blog will never be one of the big blogs and I'm ok with that. I write it primarily to inform our library patrons about Mystery and Romance books we own or will be purchasing. I have met many of the authors I review at Library Conferences or professional expositions and I have found them almost always to be friendly and open to chatting with their readers. We have had authors come to our library or Skype into our book discussions and they have been very open to all comments. If an author had an issue with what I wrote I would want to know, especially if I had misinterpreted a story line or plot. I think if we respect them, they will respect us.
A Night Like This by Julia Quinn
To contact us Click HERE
Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is...But she's managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge— in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy— no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.Daniel Smythe-Smith might be in mortal danger...But that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she's a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending... ( synopsis from http://www.juliaquinn.com/)
Avon , Paperback, 384 Pages
I have never read a Julia Quinn book that I didn't love and this is no exception. Daniel Smythe-Smith has come home after three years abroad. His exile in Italy was the result of a duel in which he accidentally shot and wounded his friend and the man's father swore to kill him. Now assured that the threat has been removed, Daniel returns home on the night of the dreaded Smythe-Smith musicale.Anne Wynter is the governess of Daniel’s nieces and has been coerced into playing the piano for the recital after one of the girls fakes an illness. Anne is mortified at having to perform in public, not only because she knows how horrible the group sounds but also because she does not like to be on public display. Anne has secrets in her past and she means to keep them there. Daniel spots her right away and is drawn to her but she has been burned before by the master of a house she works in and doesn’t want to lose her job.Ms. Quinn has written a delightful tale of a man charming his way into a woman’s heart. There is plenty of romance to be had and a good helping of suspense as well. What always make me happiest in Ms. Quinn’s books are the little vignettes she adds that show the caring and good humor of the characters. There is a scene where Daniel participates in a 12 act play that one of the girls wrote that is absolutely hilarious. Daniel and Anne are both good people who have made tragic mistakes in their lives which they have paid a heavy price. Daniel has made peace with his past and is ready to move on but Anne is not there yet and has a lot of fear about her future and what could happen if she lets her guard down. As always love conquers all but it is a convoluted path to the end. I am on pins and needles for the next Smythe-Smith installment.
Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is...But she's managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge— in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy— no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.Daniel Smythe-Smith might be in mortal danger...But that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she's a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending... ( synopsis from http://www.juliaquinn.com/)Avon , Paperback, 384 Pages
I have never read a Julia Quinn book that I didn't love and this is no exception. Daniel Smythe-Smith has come home after three years abroad. His exile in Italy was the result of a duel in which he accidentally shot and wounded his friend and the man's father swore to kill him. Now assured that the threat has been removed, Daniel returns home on the night of the dreaded Smythe-Smith musicale.Anne Wynter is the governess of Daniel’s nieces and has been coerced into playing the piano for the recital after one of the girls fakes an illness. Anne is mortified at having to perform in public, not only because she knows how horrible the group sounds but also because she does not like to be on public display. Anne has secrets in her past and she means to keep them there. Daniel spots her right away and is drawn to her but she has been burned before by the master of a house she works in and doesn’t want to lose her job.Ms. Quinn has written a delightful tale of a man charming his way into a woman’s heart. There is plenty of romance to be had and a good helping of suspense as well. What always make me happiest in Ms. Quinn’s books are the little vignettes she adds that show the caring and good humor of the characters. There is a scene where Daniel participates in a 12 act play that one of the girls wrote that is absolutely hilarious. Daniel and Anne are both good people who have made tragic mistakes in their lives which they have paid a heavy price. Daniel has made peace with his past and is ready to move on but Anne is not there yet and has a lot of fear about her future and what could happen if she lets her guard down. As always love conquers all but it is a convoluted path to the end. I am on pins and needles for the next Smythe-Smith installment.Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh
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Adria, wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past—one as unpredictable in love as it was in war. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to a desperate woman who belongs to another.For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion toward one another proves a losing battle.Their coming together is an inferno…and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realize that they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must make a decision that might just break them both. (Synopsis from B&N.com)
Hardcover, Penguin, 432 pages
Reading Tangle of Need was a good/bad experience. Good in that it was an excellent book and bad in that it's going to be a long wait until the next one comes out. The main part of the book is about Riaz and Adria, both members of the Snow Dancer pack who have incredible chemistry between them. He unfortunately has a mate named Lisette who is married to and in love with another man. Adria has ended a long term relationship with a submissive named Martin that finished badly. Riaz is determined to live life alone and Adria wants to protect her heart at all costs. As the relationship develops between them, both parties have to re-evaluate what they really want in their future and what are they willing to do to make that future happen. Unlike previous couples, this one would seem to be the easiest to get together because they are both packmates and changelings, but the obstacle of the mating bond is a constant sword over both of their heads.One of the nice things in this book is how Ms. Singh has given the reader a look at the relationship between Hawke and Sienna and how it is progressing. The level of understanding between them, the perfectness of their mating is exquisitely portrayed in this book. There are glimpses of other couples in the book as well but Hawke and Sienna really stand out without overshadowing the main couple. So much more about the pack system and how it stands or fails is explained in this book.The tension between the changelings, the Psy and the Pure Psy people is ratcheting up and there is a lovely little cliffhanger of an ending that makes you want to scream with frustration that the next book is not in your hand immediately!
Adria, wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past—one as unpredictable in love as it was in war. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to a desperate woman who belongs to another.For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion toward one another proves a losing battle.Their coming together is an inferno…and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realize that they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must make a decision that might just break them both. (Synopsis from B&N.com)Hardcover, Penguin, 432 pages
Reading Tangle of Need was a good/bad experience. Good in that it was an excellent book and bad in that it's going to be a long wait until the next one comes out. The main part of the book is about Riaz and Adria, both members of the Snow Dancer pack who have incredible chemistry between them. He unfortunately has a mate named Lisette who is married to and in love with another man. Adria has ended a long term relationship with a submissive named Martin that finished badly. Riaz is determined to live life alone and Adria wants to protect her heart at all costs. As the relationship develops between them, both parties have to re-evaluate what they really want in their future and what are they willing to do to make that future happen. Unlike previous couples, this one would seem to be the easiest to get together because they are both packmates and changelings, but the obstacle of the mating bond is a constant sword over both of their heads.One of the nice things in this book is how Ms. Singh has given the reader a look at the relationship between Hawke and Sienna and how it is progressing. The level of understanding between them, the perfectness of their mating is exquisitely portrayed in this book. There are glimpses of other couples in the book as well but Hawke and Sienna really stand out without overshadowing the main couple. So much more about the pack system and how it stands or fails is explained in this book.The tension between the changelings, the Psy and the Pure Psy people is ratcheting up and there is a lovely little cliffhanger of an ending that makes you want to scream with frustration that the next book is not in your hand immediately!Ain't Misbehaving by Molly Cannon
To contact us Click HERE
Marla Jean Bandy might be down, but she's not out. Even though her no-good ex-husband left her for another woman - a Bookmobile-driving librarian twenty years her senior - Marla Jean won't settle for another lonely night. She's not ready for Mr. Right, but why not have a little fun with Mr. Right Now? The only wrench in her plan is her childhood crush. Jake- and the memory of the one toe-curling kiss they shared on a hot summer night years ago. ( Synopsis from MollyCannon.com)
Paperback, Forever Press, 374 pgs.
Marla Jean is determined to move on with her life after her husband ditches her for the town librarian- a woman 20 years older. She goes out and decides she is going to have fun with local Lothario Donnie Joe, only to have her hot and heavy make out session interrupted by her childhood crush, Jake. Jake is also her brother Linc's best friend and has committed to keeping Marla Jean safe while Linc is away. Both Marla Jean and Jake fight their obvious attraction through most of the book with occasional sexy lapses.
Being a librarian of a certain age, I have to admit I was intrigued by the premise of the book but disturbed by the way it seemed that the whole town had just forgiven the two cheaters and left Marla Jean with virtually nothing- both financially and in terms of her self respect. The issue does get addressed later in the story in a way that is satisfactory for the reader. Jake is in a double bind, having feelings for Marla Jean and being the nephew of the librarian. It was interesting to read a book where you had some sympathy for the other woman because you saw her through her family's eyes.
Jake is a genuinely nice guy who takes his friendship with Marla Jean seriously and Marla Jean is a sweetie who has had a rough time and deserves someone sexy like Jake to make her see that there is still a life out there for her.
I especially enjoyed some of Marla Jean’s creative cursing. How often do you hear a character say “ poop faced son of a dodo bird”. This was a fun read with a nice romance and a happy ending all the way around. ( Just a note-Donnie Joe has his own book coming out April of 2013 and it looks pretty good from the excerpt.)
Marla Jean Bandy might be down, but she's not out. Even though her no-good ex-husband left her for another woman - a Bookmobile-driving librarian twenty years her senior - Marla Jean won't settle for another lonely night. She's not ready for Mr. Right, but why not have a little fun with Mr. Right Now? The only wrench in her plan is her childhood crush. Jake- and the memory of the one toe-curling kiss they shared on a hot summer night years ago. ( Synopsis from MollyCannon.com)
Paperback, Forever Press, 374 pgs.
Marla Jean is determined to move on with her life after her husband ditches her for the town librarian- a woman 20 years older. She goes out and decides she is going to have fun with local Lothario Donnie Joe, only to have her hot and heavy make out session interrupted by her childhood crush, Jake. Jake is also her brother Linc's best friend and has committed to keeping Marla Jean safe while Linc is away. Both Marla Jean and Jake fight their obvious attraction through most of the book with occasional sexy lapses.
Being a librarian of a certain age, I have to admit I was intrigued by the premise of the book but disturbed by the way it seemed that the whole town had just forgiven the two cheaters and left Marla Jean with virtually nothing- both financially and in terms of her self respect. The issue does get addressed later in the story in a way that is satisfactory for the reader. Jake is in a double bind, having feelings for Marla Jean and being the nephew of the librarian. It was interesting to read a book where you had some sympathy for the other woman because you saw her through her family's eyes.
Jake is a genuinely nice guy who takes his friendship with Marla Jean seriously and Marla Jean is a sweetie who has had a rough time and deserves someone sexy like Jake to make her see that there is still a life out there for her.
I especially enjoyed some of Marla Jean’s creative cursing. How often do you hear a character say “ poop faced son of a dodo bird”. This was a fun read with a nice romance and a happy ending all the way around. ( Just a note-Donnie Joe has his own book coming out April of 2013 and it looks pretty good from the excerpt.)
Summer Nights ( Fool's Gold # 11) by Susan Mallery
To contact us Click HERE
Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he’s determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher’s wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill.Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can’t understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool’s Gold festival. And maybe while he’s at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too—some lessons, a girl shouldn’t learn from reading a book!
Synopsis from susanmallery.com
Paperback, Harlequin, 381 pgs.
This is the second book of the latest Fool’s Gold trilogy about the Stryker brothers. Shane Stryker has come to Fool’s Gold to start a horse ranch adjacent to the property his mother and brother Rafe own. Shane is divorced, having been in a hellacious marriage, and wants his next serious romance to be with a nice, faithful woman. Annabelle Weiss is the Fool’s Gold Librarian and is also divorced from a man who belittled and controlled her. She is looking for someone to love her unconditionally. Unfortunately for her, the first time Shane meets her is when she impulsively jumps upon the bar in Jo’s place to demonstrate the dance of the happy virgin from the Maa-zib. Shane immediately paints with the same brush as his ex-wife. When Annabelle turns up at his ranch for riding lessons, Shane manages to insult her in short order. He apologizes and the riding lessons continue and they get to know each other as time goes along. Annabelle does find immediate unconditional love from someone on the ranch- a beautiful horse named Khatar!Both of the people in this romance have baggage from previous relationships that shapes how this one develops. Shane is definitely interested but he keeps acting like a jerk and messing things up. Annabelle has feelings for Shane but she keeps getting rebuffed and forgives him but then it happens again. Both people get lots of advice from well- meaning friends but the changes have to come from inside for the relationship to really work out. Fool’s Gold works its magic again with Shane and Annabelle. Favorite characters from previous books make frequent appearances and we get to see how their lives are progressing which is always nice. We also get a hint of who the next lucky couple will be. This is a great summer romance that has a little drama, a little humor and keeps the readers interest all the way through.
Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he’s determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher’s wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill.Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can’t understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool’s Gold festival. And maybe while he’s at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too—some lessons, a girl shouldn’t learn from reading a book!Synopsis from susanmallery.comPaperback, Harlequin, 381 pgs.
This is the second book of the latest Fool’s Gold trilogy about the Stryker brothers. Shane Stryker has come to Fool’s Gold to start a horse ranch adjacent to the property his mother and brother Rafe own. Shane is divorced, having been in a hellacious marriage, and wants his next serious romance to be with a nice, faithful woman. Annabelle Weiss is the Fool’s Gold Librarian and is also divorced from a man who belittled and controlled her. She is looking for someone to love her unconditionally. Unfortunately for her, the first time Shane meets her is when she impulsively jumps upon the bar in Jo’s place to demonstrate the dance of the happy virgin from the Maa-zib. Shane immediately paints with the same brush as his ex-wife. When Annabelle turns up at his ranch for riding lessons, Shane manages to insult her in short order. He apologizes and the riding lessons continue and they get to know each other as time goes along. Annabelle does find immediate unconditional love from someone on the ranch- a beautiful horse named Khatar!Both of the people in this romance have baggage from previous relationships that shapes how this one develops. Shane is definitely interested but he keeps acting like a jerk and messing things up. Annabelle has feelings for Shane but she keeps getting rebuffed and forgives him but then it happens again. Both people get lots of advice from well- meaning friends but the changes have to come from inside for the relationship to really work out. Fool’s Gold works its magic again with Shane and Annabelle. Favorite characters from previous books make frequent appearances and we get to see how their lives are progressing which is always nice. We also get a hint of who the next lucky couple will be. This is a great summer romance that has a little drama, a little humor and keeps the readers interest all the way through.
7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi
Paris in Love by Eloisa James
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In 2009, New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James took a leap that many people dream about: she sold her house, took a sabbatical from her job as a Shakespeare professor, and moved her family to Paris. Paris in Love: A Memoir chronicles her joyful year in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
With no classes to teach, no committee meetings to attend, no lawn to mow or cars to park, Eloisa revels in the ordinary pleasures of life—discovering corner museums that tourists overlook, chronicling Frenchwomen’s sartorial triumphs, walking from one end of Paris to another. She copes with her Italian husband’s notions of quality time; her two hilarious children, ages eleven and fifteen, as they navigate schools—not to mention puberty—in a foreign language; and her mother-in-law Marina’s raised eyebrow in the kitchen (even as Marina overfeeds Milo, the family dog).
Hardcover, Random House, 272 pages
What a wonderful book this is! Eloisa James has written a memoir that is at times funny, romantic, and poignant. After a health crisis, she and her husband Allessandro both take a sabbatical from their respective teaching positions and move their family to Paris. The book is chock full of little vignettes of their life in France, adjusting to the cultural differences, finding their way around the city and even bridging the language issue. I particularly like the stories about her feisty daughter, Anna and her run- ins with a fellow classmate who eventually becomes her friend. There were so many interesting parts to the book. My heart felt sad when Ms. James wrote about a small museum of French historical treasures started by a local banker and later imparts the fact that the house was donated to the French government, his son died as a soldier for France and yet the entire family was shipped off to Auschwitz and never returned.
The American in me loved that some of the highly touted French cuisine is in fact, not so good, but the description of most of the food is simply amazing. The markets, the stores, the buildings make one want to chuck it all and head to France. The stories of the homeless man living in a tent with two little trees as his enjoyment in life make you appreciate life here. I had a good laugh with the stories about Milo, the family's part time Chihuahua who lives with Allesandro's mother in Venice and weighs 27 pounds! Mostly, I enjoyed the everyday stories of a family adjusting to change and loving being together. I read most of this book while writing a complicated grant for the library where I work and I couldn't wait to get home and start reading and feeling the stress just flow away with every page.
In 2009, New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James took a leap that many people dream about: she sold her house, took a sabbatical from her job as a Shakespeare professor, and moved her family to Paris. Paris in Love: A Memoir chronicles her joyful year in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.With no classes to teach, no committee meetings to attend, no lawn to mow or cars to park, Eloisa revels in the ordinary pleasures of life—discovering corner museums that tourists overlook, chronicling Frenchwomen’s sartorial triumphs, walking from one end of Paris to another. She copes with her Italian husband’s notions of quality time; her two hilarious children, ages eleven and fifteen, as they navigate schools—not to mention puberty—in a foreign language; and her mother-in-law Marina’s raised eyebrow in the kitchen (even as Marina overfeeds Milo, the family dog).
Hardcover, Random House, 272 pages
What a wonderful book this is! Eloisa James has written a memoir that is at times funny, romantic, and poignant. After a health crisis, she and her husband Allessandro both take a sabbatical from their respective teaching positions and move their family to Paris. The book is chock full of little vignettes of their life in France, adjusting to the cultural differences, finding their way around the city and even bridging the language issue. I particularly like the stories about her feisty daughter, Anna and her run- ins with a fellow classmate who eventually becomes her friend. There were so many interesting parts to the book. My heart felt sad when Ms. James wrote about a small museum of French historical treasures started by a local banker and later imparts the fact that the house was donated to the French government, his son died as a soldier for France and yet the entire family was shipped off to Auschwitz and never returned.The American in me loved that some of the highly touted French cuisine is in fact, not so good, but the description of most of the food is simply amazing. The markets, the stores, the buildings make one want to chuck it all and head to France. The stories of the homeless man living in a tent with two little trees as his enjoyment in life make you appreciate life here. I had a good laugh with the stories about Milo, the family's part time Chihuahua who lives with Allesandro's mother in Venice and weighs 27 pounds! Mostly, I enjoyed the everyday stories of a family adjusting to change and loving being together. I read most of this book while writing a complicated grant for the library where I work and I couldn't wait to get home and start reading and feeling the stress just flow away with every page.
Ain't Misbehaving by Molly Cannon
To contact us Click HERE
Marla Jean Bandy might be down, but she's not out. Even though her no-good ex-husband left her for another woman - a Bookmobile-driving librarian twenty years her senior - Marla Jean won't settle for another lonely night. She's not ready for Mr. Right, but why not have a little fun with Mr. Right Now? The only wrench in her plan is her childhood crush. Jake- and the memory of the one toe-curling kiss they shared on a hot summer night years ago. ( Synopsis from MollyCannon.com)
Paperback, Forever Press, 374 pgs.
Marla Jean is determined to move on with her life after her husband ditches her for the town librarian- a woman 20 years older. She goes out and decides she is going to have fun with local Lothario Donnie Joe, only to have her hot and heavy make out session interrupted by her childhood crush, Jake. Jake is also her brother Linc's best friend and has committed to keeping Marla Jean safe while Linc is away. Both Marla Jean and Jake fight their obvious attraction through most of the book with occasional sexy lapses.
Being a librarian of a certain age, I have to admit I was intrigued by the premise of the book but disturbed by the way it seemed that the whole town had just forgiven the two cheaters and left Marla Jean with virtually nothing- both financially and in terms of her self respect. The issue does get addressed later in the story in a way that is satisfactory for the reader. Jake is in a double bind, having feelings for Marla Jean and being the nephew of the librarian. It was interesting to read a book where you had some sympathy for the other woman because you saw her through her family's eyes.
Jake is a genuinely nice guy who takes his friendship with Marla Jean seriously and Marla Jean is a sweetie who has had a rough time and deserves someone sexy like Jake to make her see that there is still a life out there for her.
I especially enjoyed some of Marla Jean’s creative cursing. How often do you hear a character say “ poop faced son of a dodo bird”. This was a fun read with a nice romance and a happy ending all the way around. ( Just a note-Donnie Joe has his own book coming out April of 2013 and it looks pretty good from the excerpt.)
Marla Jean Bandy might be down, but she's not out. Even though her no-good ex-husband left her for another woman - a Bookmobile-driving librarian twenty years her senior - Marla Jean won't settle for another lonely night. She's not ready for Mr. Right, but why not have a little fun with Mr. Right Now? The only wrench in her plan is her childhood crush. Jake- and the memory of the one toe-curling kiss they shared on a hot summer night years ago. ( Synopsis from MollyCannon.com)
Paperback, Forever Press, 374 pgs.
Marla Jean is determined to move on with her life after her husband ditches her for the town librarian- a woman 20 years older. She goes out and decides she is going to have fun with local Lothario Donnie Joe, only to have her hot and heavy make out session interrupted by her childhood crush, Jake. Jake is also her brother Linc's best friend and has committed to keeping Marla Jean safe while Linc is away. Both Marla Jean and Jake fight their obvious attraction through most of the book with occasional sexy lapses.
Being a librarian of a certain age, I have to admit I was intrigued by the premise of the book but disturbed by the way it seemed that the whole town had just forgiven the two cheaters and left Marla Jean with virtually nothing- both financially and in terms of her self respect. The issue does get addressed later in the story in a way that is satisfactory for the reader. Jake is in a double bind, having feelings for Marla Jean and being the nephew of the librarian. It was interesting to read a book where you had some sympathy for the other woman because you saw her through her family's eyes.
Jake is a genuinely nice guy who takes his friendship with Marla Jean seriously and Marla Jean is a sweetie who has had a rough time and deserves someone sexy like Jake to make her see that there is still a life out there for her.
I especially enjoyed some of Marla Jean’s creative cursing. How often do you hear a character say “ poop faced son of a dodo bird”. This was a fun read with a nice romance and a happy ending all the way around. ( Just a note-Donnie Joe has his own book coming out April of 2013 and it looks pretty good from the excerpt.)
Summer Nights ( Fool's Gold # 11) by Susan Mallery
To contact us Click HERE
Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he’s determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher’s wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill.Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can’t understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool’s Gold festival. And maybe while he’s at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too—some lessons, a girl shouldn’t learn from reading a book!Synopsis from susanmallery.com
Paperback, Harlequin, 381 pgs.
This is the second book of the latest Fool’s Gold trilogy about the Stryker brothers. Shane Stryker has come to Fool’s Gold to start a horse ranch adjacent to the property his mother and brother Rafe own. Shane is divorced, having been in a hellacious marriage, and wants his next serious romance to be with a nice, faithful woman. Annabelle Weiss is the Fool’s Gold Librarian and is also divorced from a man who belittled and controlled her. She is looking for someone to love her unconditionally. Unfortunately for her, the first time Shane meets her is when she impulsively jumps upon the bar in Jo’s place to demonstrate the dance of the happy virgin from the Maa-zib. Shane immediately paints with the same brush as his ex-wife. When Annabelle turns up at his ranch for riding lessons, Shane manages to insult her in short order. He apologizes and the riding lessons continue and they get to know each other as time goes along. Annabelle does find immediate unconditional love from someone on the ranch- a beautiful horse named Khatar!Both of the people in this romance have baggage from previous relationships that shapes how this one develops. Shane is definitely interested but he keeps acting like a jerk and messing things up. Annabelle has feelings for Shane but she keeps getting rebuffed and forgives him but then it happens again. Both people get lots of advice from well- meaning friends but the changes have to come from inside for the relationship to really work out. Fool’s Gold works its magic again with Shane and Annabelle. Favorite characters from previous books make frequent appearances and we get to see how their lives are progressing which is always nice. We also get a hint of who the next lucky couple will be. This is a great summer romance that has a little drama, a little humor and keeps the readers interest all the way through.
Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he’s determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher’s wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill.Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can’t understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool’s Gold festival. And maybe while he’s at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too—some lessons, a girl shouldn’t learn from reading a book!Synopsis from susanmallery.comPaperback, Harlequin, 381 pgs.
This is the second book of the latest Fool’s Gold trilogy about the Stryker brothers. Shane Stryker has come to Fool’s Gold to start a horse ranch adjacent to the property his mother and brother Rafe own. Shane is divorced, having been in a hellacious marriage, and wants his next serious romance to be with a nice, faithful woman. Annabelle Weiss is the Fool’s Gold Librarian and is also divorced from a man who belittled and controlled her. She is looking for someone to love her unconditionally. Unfortunately for her, the first time Shane meets her is when she impulsively jumps upon the bar in Jo’s place to demonstrate the dance of the happy virgin from the Maa-zib. Shane immediately paints with the same brush as his ex-wife. When Annabelle turns up at his ranch for riding lessons, Shane manages to insult her in short order. He apologizes and the riding lessons continue and they get to know each other as time goes along. Annabelle does find immediate unconditional love from someone on the ranch- a beautiful horse named Khatar!Both of the people in this romance have baggage from previous relationships that shapes how this one develops. Shane is definitely interested but he keeps acting like a jerk and messing things up. Annabelle has feelings for Shane but she keeps getting rebuffed and forgives him but then it happens again. Both people get lots of advice from well- meaning friends but the changes have to come from inside for the relationship to really work out. Fool’s Gold works its magic again with Shane and Annabelle. Favorite characters from previous books make frequent appearances and we get to see how their lives are progressing which is always nice. We also get a hint of who the next lucky couple will be. This is a great summer romance that has a little drama, a little humor and keeps the readers interest all the way through.
At Last ( LuckyHarbor #5) by Jill Shalvis
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Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she’s looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she’s tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won’t make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.
A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn’t let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can’t deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it’s up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor. ( synopsis from Jillshalvis.com)
Paperback, Forever, 345 pgs.
Amy Michaels gets lost in the woods, alone and inappropriately dressed with no idea of how she is going to get out of the mess she is in. She started her journey to look for a mysterious spot her grandmother wrote about in her diary. She is looking for the answer to finding peace in her life.Matt Bowers is a forest ranger who rescues Amy when she gets lost on her trek. Having been a soldier and then a cop, he has found this new job to be perfect for him, including rescuing the occasional pretty girl. His nickname around town is “Ranger Hot Buns”. Both Amy and Matt are attracted to each other but they both have baggage in their lives that makes it almost impossible for either one to think about a long term relationship. They dance around each other, much to the amusement of their friends, and finally decide to start a no strings relationship. This is a tried and true plot in romance novels but in this case, it seems perfectly appropriate for two people so dragged down by their past.The addition of Riley, a teen runaway who Amy befriends, provides insight into Amy’s past and into why she acts as she does towards Matt. Her relationship with Riley also sets up a situation that could be the undoing of Matt & Amy’s fledgling relationship. I enjoyed reading this book even though Amy could be a little exasperating at times. She and Matt have great chemistry and it was interesting to see her go from being a self-hater to a person ready for and open to love. Matt also had to move on from his broken marriage and let go of his self-blame. The support of their friends is a big part of how they are able to do so. It was fun to see Mallory and Ty continuing in their romance from the previous book and turning the tables on Amy and Matt. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she’s looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she’s tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won’t make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn’t let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can’t deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it’s up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor. ( synopsis from Jillshalvis.com)
Paperback, Forever, 345 pgs. Amy Michaels gets lost in the woods, alone and inappropriately dressed with no idea of how she is going to get out of the mess she is in. She started her journey to look for a mysterious spot her grandmother wrote about in her diary. She is looking for the answer to finding peace in her life.Matt Bowers is a forest ranger who rescues Amy when she gets lost on her trek. Having been a soldier and then a cop, he has found this new job to be perfect for him, including rescuing the occasional pretty girl. His nickname around town is “Ranger Hot Buns”. Both Amy and Matt are attracted to each other but they both have baggage in their lives that makes it almost impossible for either one to think about a long term relationship. They dance around each other, much to the amusement of their friends, and finally decide to start a no strings relationship. This is a tried and true plot in romance novels but in this case, it seems perfectly appropriate for two people so dragged down by their past.The addition of Riley, a teen runaway who Amy befriends, provides insight into Amy’s past and into why she acts as she does towards Matt. Her relationship with Riley also sets up a situation that could be the undoing of Matt & Amy’s fledgling relationship. I enjoyed reading this book even though Amy could be a little exasperating at times. She and Matt have great chemistry and it was interesting to see her go from being a self-hater to a person ready for and open to love. Matt also had to move on from his broken marriage and let go of his self-blame. The support of their friends is a big part of how they are able to do so. It was fun to see Mallory and Ty continuing in their romance from the previous book and turning the tables on Amy and Matt. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
Beach Colors by Shelley Noble
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Beach Colors is a story of Margaux Sullivan, an up and coming New York fashion designer who after a serious loss realizes her life has become the same as her designs, stark, cutting-edge and dark. What happened to the enthusiastic, colorful designer she was when she started in the fashion business. The optimistic girl she had been when she lived in Crescent Cove, Connecticut, a beach town where every day was more colorful than the day before. Whether it was light glistening on the Long Island Sound, or clouds reflecting off the waves during a storm, sunrise or sunset, every day was a promise of something wonderful ahead.
Now she’s come home to rediscover those things, that person, to reconnect with her mother and her two best friends, to reinvent her life and perhaps, just perhaps, get a second chance at love. (synopsis from w.shelleynoble.com)
Trade Paperback, William Morrow, 368 pages.
Margaux Sullivan returns home to Crescent Cove, CT after her marriage, fashion business, and her life in general, have gone down the tubes thanks to her scummy husband. Being stopped for speeding as she crosses the town line is not an auspicious beginning to her plan to start over. Police Chief Nick Prescott realizes immediately that the out of state speeder he has stopped is the girl he had a major case of unrequited love for when he was younger and going off to college. His plan to teach at the college level has been shelved as he returns to his hometown to care for his traumatized nephew Connor after the death of Jack’s brother. Despite the unfortunate beginning to their becoming reacquainted, Margaux and Nick find themselves drawn to each other. Margaux has the seed of an idea to return to the fashion world but it will require a lot of hard work and immense amounts of time. Nick would still like to return to academia but has to put Connor’s needs above his own and that includes not getting involved with a woman who may not be around for the long haul. Margaux and Connor bond at their first meeting, however, and that adds to the tension between the two adults. I enjoyed watching two people who have so many reasons to never fall in love again, dancing around each other and putting up walls at the same time. Lucky for them both, they have friends and family who love to interfere and provide the support and advice Margaux and Nick need to work out their relationship. Salon owner Linda becomes Margaux’s fairy godmother and Margaux’s two friends, Grace and Brianna, provide some tactful pushing. The three women, known as “The Selkies” in their childhood, have all achieved their childhood dreams but have not found the happiness they thought they would have for various reasons. Finally, the setting of the town itself becomes the creative muse for Margaux and her new designs.Nick has friends give him a nudge toward Margaux and his mother and nephew are smitten with her. He is the one holding back because of his fears about Connor being abandoned by another mother figure. It is interesting that Connor gives Margaux his whole heart without reservation and that Nick is the fearful one.The story is resolved in a realistic but satisfying way that is true to the personalities involved. I am hoping that we will soon see a book for Grace or Brianna and more of the wonderful town of Crescent Cove. This is the first piece of women’s fiction from this author who writes mysteries as Shelley Freydont. Kudos to Ms. Noble on her debut book.
Beach Colors is a story of Margaux Sullivan, an up and coming New York fashion designer who after a serious loss realizes her life has become the same as her designs, stark, cutting-edge and dark. What happened to the enthusiastic, colorful designer she was when she started in the fashion business. The optimistic girl she had been when she lived in Crescent Cove, Connecticut, a beach town where every day was more colorful than the day before. Whether it was light glistening on the Long Island Sound, or clouds reflecting off the waves during a storm, sunrise or sunset, every day was a promise of something wonderful ahead. Now she’s come home to rediscover those things, that person, to reconnect with her mother and her two best friends, to reinvent her life and perhaps, just perhaps, get a second chance at love. (synopsis from w.shelleynoble.com)
Trade Paperback, William Morrow, 368 pages.
Margaux Sullivan returns home to Crescent Cove, CT after her marriage, fashion business, and her life in general, have gone down the tubes thanks to her scummy husband. Being stopped for speeding as she crosses the town line is not an auspicious beginning to her plan to start over. Police Chief Nick Prescott realizes immediately that the out of state speeder he has stopped is the girl he had a major case of unrequited love for when he was younger and going off to college. His plan to teach at the college level has been shelved as he returns to his hometown to care for his traumatized nephew Connor after the death of Jack’s brother. Despite the unfortunate beginning to their becoming reacquainted, Margaux and Nick find themselves drawn to each other. Margaux has the seed of an idea to return to the fashion world but it will require a lot of hard work and immense amounts of time. Nick would still like to return to academia but has to put Connor’s needs above his own and that includes not getting involved with a woman who may not be around for the long haul. Margaux and Connor bond at their first meeting, however, and that adds to the tension between the two adults. I enjoyed watching two people who have so many reasons to never fall in love again, dancing around each other and putting up walls at the same time. Lucky for them both, they have friends and family who love to interfere and provide the support and advice Margaux and Nick need to work out their relationship. Salon owner Linda becomes Margaux’s fairy godmother and Margaux’s two friends, Grace and Brianna, provide some tactful pushing. The three women, known as “The Selkies” in their childhood, have all achieved their childhood dreams but have not found the happiness they thought they would have for various reasons. Finally, the setting of the town itself becomes the creative muse for Margaux and her new designs.Nick has friends give him a nudge toward Margaux and his mother and nephew are smitten with her. He is the one holding back because of his fears about Connor being abandoned by another mother figure. It is interesting that Connor gives Margaux his whole heart without reservation and that Nick is the fearful one.The story is resolved in a realistic but satisfying way that is true to the personalities involved. I am hoping that we will soon see a book for Grace or Brianna and more of the wonderful town of Crescent Cove. This is the first piece of women’s fiction from this author who writes mysteries as Shelley Freydont. Kudos to Ms. Noble on her debut book.
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