Contents of blog copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2023
I've been gone a while. I started reading fanfiction to escape and I got sucked in an abyss.

I have no idea if someone else is hosting similar challenges. I just grabbed some of what I have hosted before.

Here's to a happy year of great reading
Jan2023: Not much has changed. Writing a fanfiction now O_o as well as reading but I bought 7 new books in December and hope to get those read soon. Crossing fingers about adding challenges (late!)

Friday, May 31, 2013

Spotlight On . . . The Spirit of the Heart

The Spirit of the Heart
Stories of Family, Hope, Loss, and Healing
Ismael N. Nuno, M.D.

9780985906108
Lighthouse Publishing
October 2012
202 pages
Hardcover (and ebook)
Age range: 18+

Non-Fiction, medical, spiritual
source: The Cadence Group



On this journey of life, we all have moments of fear, doubt, loneliness, and disconnection. We might question our purpose or seek answers in places and things that don't serve us. As a result, we end up feeling more disconnected than before, suffering from a kind of emotional and spiritual heart disease. However, suffering can be transforational leading to powerful and long-lasting healing.

For over thirty-five years, Dr. Nuño healed patients' hearts. As one of America's former leading cardiac surgeos, Dr. Nuno dedicated his life to repair the heart muscle and extending people's lives. Fixing "broken" hearts gave him a unique and intimate view into the poser of the heart. Even coming face to face with death and losing patients, there is a beauty that can exist even in loss.

The Spirit of the Heart is a collection of heart-warming stories that resonate at the core of our humanness. This book offers readers a unique blend of his perspective-that of doctor, of patient, of father, and son- of teacher of students and student of life. He graciously offers the insights he has gained from occupying a front-row seat at some of life's most real and raw moments. These tender stories teach us about what it means to be human, to be connected to others, to love, to live, to forgive.


 available at Barnes & Noble, amazon, and as always, please check your favorite local bookstore.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Spotlight on review books. . .

Truly a case of my eyes being bigger than my stomach, or in this case, my time/desire. I have a HUGE backlog of books to review as well as new ones coming in and they're just sitting there! I was thinking of doing a wall of shame post but what I really need to do is tell you about the books as they come in then review them as I read them. Once upon a time I did this, it's time to start up again. I'm such a mood reader that if I force myself to read a book I won't like it. huh, could explain some of my school grades, shrug.

Yes there are duplicates, one for me to giveaway. Some of these are read/reviewed but this is an older picture and there are more of them now. Plus, ebooks!

Here are links to posts where I spotlighted the author, posted an article from them or just told you about the book. I hope to add to the list as I catch up with my pile but I don't want to overwhelm you with spotlight posts so it will be a slow process.

18 Billion by Jack Gresham - here

Across the Endless River by - here and here

The Art of Meaningful Living by Christopher F. Brown, LCSW - here
beautiful coffee table book of self-help with art by John Palmer

Awakened by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis ~ review

The Bishop's Wife by Mette Ivie Harrison - here

Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti - here

Caught Up in Raine by L.G. O’Connor - here

Children of Dust by Ali Eteraz - here
A Memoir of Pakistan

A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi, M.D. - here

Cover Your Eyes by Mary Burton - here

Defenders of the Scroll by Shiraz - here

Disaster Falls by Stéphane Gerson - here

A Dog like Sam by Edward van de Vendel - here

Echo Lake by Carla Neggers - here ~ review

Gertrude and Toby Meet the Wolf by Shari Tharp - here ~ review

The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead - here

The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis - here

Lessons from Zachary by Sandy Scott - here

The Lie by Fredrica Wagman - here

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett
 The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession - here ~ review

The Manufactured Identity by Heath Sommer - here

My Yellow Balloon by Tiffany Papageorge - here ~ review

Nibble & Khun by David Schmahmann - here

Our First Christmas anthology - here

Possible Futures by Jude Treder-Wolf - here
Creative Thinking for the Speed of Life

Prince Harming Syndrome by Karen Salmansohn - here
Break Bad Relationship Patterns for Good-5 Essentials for Finding True Love (and they're not what you think!)

Prince Noah and the School Pirates by Silke Schnee - here ~ review

The Prince Who was Just Himself by Silke Schnee ~ review

Pumpkinflowers by Matti Friedman - here

The Recipe Club by Andrea Isreal & Nancy Garfinkel - here
A Tale of Food and Friendship

Stepmonster by Wednesday Martin, Ph.D - here and here
A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do

Solace by Roberta Temes, Ph.D. - here and here
Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again

The Spirit of the Heart by Ismael N. Nuno, M.D. - here
Stories of Family, Hope, Loss, and Healing

The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries - here

Thirsty by Kristin Bair O'Keeffe - here

We are the Destroyers by D. K. Lindler - here

Win Friends and Customers by Lawrence J. Bookbinder, Ph.D. - here
Relationship and business Success from Empathic Acknowledging




Thursday, May 30, 2013

Armchair BEA Daily Topic ~ Genre: Non-Fiction



Armchair BEA
May 28 to June 2

For more information and to register,  click here

Genre: non-fiction in all it's forms!







After Etan: The Missing Child Case that Held America Captive
by Lisa R. Cohen

True Crime

my post

On the morning of May 25, 1979, six-year-old Etan Patz left his apartment to go to his school bus stop. It was the first time he walked the two short blocks on his own.

But he never made it to school that day. He vanished somewhere between his home and the bus stop, and was never seen again.

Thirty years later, May 25 is recognized as National Missing Children's Day, in Etan's honor.



The Noticer  
Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective
by Andy Andrews


Philosophy/Practical Living

my post

A couple are having problems, she thinks he doesn't love her because he doesn't say it, he thinks she doesn't love him because she doesn't acknowledge all the little extra things he does around the house.

Just a small piece that needs a little perspective. I wish I could buy this for everyone!



Repairing Rainbows
A True Story of Family, Tragedy and Choices
by Lynda Fishman

Memoir

my post

A child leaves home with relatives, she'll be getting the summer place ready for the rest of the family. Mom and the other two girls will fly out for two months, Dad will come for the last two weeks. The plane crashes and the world ends for the Dad and the daughter that survives. Lynda takes us through the surprise, denial and pain of her experience. This is a book about tragedy. It is also a book about hope and perseverance. A book about choices.



Soft Spots
A Marine's Memoir of Combat and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
by Clint Van Winkle

memoir

my post

Clint Van Winkle has invited us into his life and into his nightmares. He'll be sitting in a bar sharing "normal" life with us but when the news comes on; the ghosts come out - and not just the dead ones.

The writing flows so smoothly between current events, nightmares and memories that it took awhile to get use to it. One minute we're sitting in the living room drinking a beer and the next paragraph we're sitting in Iraq. It happened that fast for him, it happens that fast for us.

This book taught me to be angry and thankful. Read about it, think about it, thank a vet.



Mistaken Identity
Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope

Don & Susie Van Ryn and Newell, Colleen & Whitney Cerak
with Mark Tabb

memoir

my post

I read a book earlier called Eye Contact and thought it was a mother's worst nightmare, getting a phone call from your child's school and hearing "I'm sorry, your child is missing from campus". Then I read Mistaken Identity with the late night/early morning phone call, and "there has been a terrible accident" and "I'm sorry, your child didn't make it".

A terrible accident, five funerals, one severely injured and comatose. Then five weeks later. . .

"Okay, Laura, I would like you to write your name for me," the occupational therapist said.

W-H-I-T-N-E-Y"


and some I didn't post about but should have. . .



Until Tuesday
The story of a wounded veteran and his service dog. The trials of life before they came together as well as the ups and downs they dealt with together.

by  Luis Carlos Montalvan










The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession

by Allison Hoover Bartlett











The Gardner Heist
The True Story of the World's Largest Unsolved Art Theft

by Ulrich Boser












copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Armchair BEA Starting Line post


Armchair BEA
May 28 to June 2

For more information and to register,  click here

Design credit: Sarah of Puss Reboots
 
Armchair BEA is an online conference that runs in conjunction with Book Expo America in New York City. There are a large number of people around the world that are not able to join in the literary celebrations in the Big Apple, so Armchair BEA brings the celebration to you by allowing networking among other book bloggers, authors, and publishers as well as special coverage of the event, all from the comfort of your own comfy armchair.

There will be daily discussion topics, twitter chats, and giveaways.

I wasn't going to participate at all this year, it is an extra busy week for me but I just couldn't stay away. This will be my starting point to hold the links to the other posts I do. I decided to link up to tell you about a special non-fiction. Not sure if I'll get the others but I did see picture books listed!

Genre: non-fiction


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #59: Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn (early reader)

Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn
Cynthia Rylant
Arthur Howard, illustrator

978-0-15-206095-4
Sandpiper
October 2007
44 pages
paperback
Age range: 6-9

children's book, early reader, animals, friendship
source: Private Library

Grade: A+

Trying to be neighborly, Mr. Putter decides to serve tea to Mrs. Teaberry's knitting club but chaos ensues when Tabby the cat and Zeke the dog find the party irresistible.

~*~*~

This is number 15 in the series but once you read the first one you should be fine reading them in any order. In this book, Mr Putter is worried that he isn't as good a neighbor as Mrs. Teaberry, after all, all he does is eat the food she makes him.

All room full of knitters and a cat shouldn't mix but add to that a dog who likes hat decorations and the party has all the hallmarks of being a disaster. Those who knit or do other crafty stuff will cringe when they read about the sweater. And the ending illustration shows just how good of a neighbor Mr. Putter really is.

My son is 23 now but I got a smile and a "hey, is that a new one?" from him.

~*~*~

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #58: Defending the Duchess (clean)

Defending the Duchess
Protecting the Crown
Rachelle McCalla

978-1460307342
Harlequin
March 2013
224 pages
ebook
Age range: I'd say 12

Christian Romantic Suspense
source: Private Library

Grade: B+

Protecting the royal family is Linus Murati's job. So when the queen's younger sister is attacked, the devoted Lydian royal guardsman goes into action and saves her life. But this was no random occurrence. Danger has followed Julia Miller across the Atlantic from Seattle. Now Linus has two missions: to keep the maddeningly independent future duchess in his sights at all times, and to catch the culprit who threatens the woman whose trust—and love—he desires above all others.

~*~*~

"Rachelle McCalla writes books with kissing, praying, and dead bodies." How perfect is that?

This is the second series with the country of Lydia as the backdrop. The first was Reclaiming the Crown and now it is time to Protect it. This book had everything I'd expect from a book set in Lydia. Kidnapping, murder, cross continent flights plus kisses as well prayer. And of course, there was a happy ending. At least for now.

There was references to the first series to remind us of what went before but it was more of an explanation of why things are how they are now so I'm sure if you've read the others recently it won't be tiresome. On the other hand, it has been a while for me so the reminders were more of a "oh, yeah" reminder. I don't know how you'd do jumping in right here.


Protecting the Crown series:
A Royal Marriage, December 2012
Defending the Duchess, March 2013
Royal Heist, July 2013
The Secret Princess, October 2013

I'm looking forward to July and October but it looks like I need to read A Royal Marriage! Darn, it, guess I'm going shopping ;-)

~*~*~

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
Romantic Suspense
Men in Uniform


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, May 27, 2013

Participation Challenge




Participation Challenge
June 1 to December 15

Hosted at Worth Reading It?

sign up here


Starting June 1st to December 15th

  • One entry for every book you link up using Mr. Linky below (leave a comment to this post only containing your name, the book you read, and the date you read it for those who do not have a blog)
  • One entry for following Worth Reading It? blog
  • One entry for liking I Love Reading Challenges Facebook page
  • One entry for following me on Twitter
  • One entry for every time you use hashtag #WorthReadingIt (limit 4x a day per person)
  • Five entries for every trivia question you answer
    • Trivia questions will always come from a book I have read. Leave the answer to the trivia question in the comment section for that book.
  • Mini challenges will be announced per a blog post and twitter a few days before they start. Number of entries will vary depending on the mini challenge.
Entries are for a drawing on Sunday December 15th 2013 to win a $25 Barnes & Noble or Amazon gift card. Just in time for Christmas!


Not sure how I'll do over the summer, I had planned on taking a break but I've got a large pile of ARCs to review. Also, not sure how to keep track, here, of what I've done. Guess I'll figure it out as I go.

Follow blog?
Follow on Twitter?
Like on Facebook?

I guess you'll need to follow me on Twitter to see my usage of #WorthReadingIt. I'm at @bookdragonslair.

Trivia questions? Yikes!

Mini challenges may have their own post, not sure.

Books Read




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Happy Monday ~ Memorial Day edition

Happy Memorial Day to all my USA friends.... remember those who have paid/are paying for our freedom.

We spend the day with the family, here for a swim party. My brothers and their families are invited but I don't think they'll all come (out of town) but my in-laws will be here along with friends. This year a few cousins will be in town for a wedding so we're happy they can come.

 

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thank you to April's host: MariReads. May's host is
4 the Love of Books.



Received for Review:


Giveaway/Contest/Gift:


from Author:


Purchased/delivered:
Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Kealy
Kneading to Die by Liz Mugavero
Cheyenne Amber by Catherine Anderson
No Longer a Gentleman by Mary Jo Putney


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
Never Less Than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney
The Lady Most Likely by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway (a novel in three parts)
Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson
With This Kiss, part three by Eloisa James



Also went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)



Current Library books at the house:

State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy
Homeland by R. A. Salvatore
Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick


I have no idea where I'm at anymore with the rest of them....I've got over 30 books on request, most delayed.



What are you Reading?


A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.

Finished:
Never Less Than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney
The Lady Most Likely by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway (a novel in three parts)
The Carpenter and the Actor by RJ Scott
The Fireman and the Cop by RJ Scott
Going Down by Cassandra Gold
Three Little Words by Allison Cassatta
The Teacher and the Soldier by RJ Scott
Back Home by RJ Scott
With This Kiss, part three by Eloisa James
William's House by Amber Kell
Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods
Temporary Mark by Kim Dare
A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes
Needing Seth by Shawn Lane


Books stacked by my reading chair (clean slate for the year):
The Weight of Deeds by Eli Thorpe
Howard's Gift by Eric C. Sinoway with Merill Meadow
The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis
Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods
What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon


Next up:
Cat and the Lady Killer by Lisa Orchard
Finding the Voice Inside You by Jill Birth
The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead
Wind Chime Point by Sherryl Woods


Reviewed:
Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods (long post)


Did Not Finish, may try again later:



Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Sunday, May 26, 2013

150+ Reading Challenge, part two



150+
Reading Challenge
2013


hosted at My Overstuffed Bookshelf

Sign- up here


DETAILS/RULES:

1. The goal is to read 150 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Posting on GoodReads or wherever you post your reviews is good enough.
2. Allowed are: Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.
What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible and comic books.
3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.
5. Challenge begins January 1st, 2013 thru December 31, 2013. Books started before the 1st do not count. You can join at anytime.
6. When you sign up under Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.
READY......SET.....SIGN UP!!!!

I'll be able to cross over to my 200 books AND count all the little ones. I'm thinking I over challenged myself with the 200. Now to figure out where/how to list all of these books.

~ Books Read ~
starting with #51 

continued from here
51. Back Home by RJ Scott (May 24)
52. With This Kiss, part three by Eloisa James (May 24)
53. William's House by Amber Kell (May 24)
54. Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods (May 25)
55. Temporary Mark by Kim Dare (May 25)
56. A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes (May 25)
57. Needing Seth by Shawn Lane (May 26)
58. Defending the Duchess by Rachelle McCalla (May 29)
59. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn by Cynthia Rylant (May 30)
60. Wind Chime Point by Sheryl Woods (Jun 2)
61. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett (Jun 2)
62. Watch Me by Carol Lynne (Jun 3)
63. Threadbare Gypsy Souls by T. A. Chase (Jun 3)
64. Son of Death by Nikki McCoy (Jun 3)
65. Master of Wrath by Nikki McCoy
66. Blue Christmas
67. The ABC's of Freezer Cooking by K.M. Logan (Jun 6)
68. The Gift of Running by Dr. P. Mark Taylor (Jun 7)
69. Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick (Jun 9)
70. Chasing the King of the Mountains by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes (Jun 10)
71. A Poppy Is to Remember by Heather Patterson (Jun 10)
72. Gordon the Giraffe by Bruce Brown (Jun 11)
73. Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery (Jun 11)
74. One Day in Apple Grove by C. H. Admirand
75. Black List by Brad Thor
76. Ropes and Dreams by Bailey Bradford
77. Breaking the Devil by Bailey Bradford
78. Thankful by Lissa Matthews
79. Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods
80. Fatal Error by Colleen Thompson
81. That Old Flame of Mine by J. J. Cook
82. Subterranean by James Rollins
83. Two of a Kind by Susan Mallery
84. The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens
85. Killing Floor by Lee Child
86. A Timely Vision by Joyce and Jim Lavene
87. Cat Trick by Sofie Kelly
88. Modelling Death by Amber Kell
89. Sorry, Bro by Genevieve Bergeron
90. Point of No Return by N. R. Walker
91. Die Trying by Lee Child
92. En Prise by Sean Michael
93. Magically His by Amber Kell
94. The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye
95. The Doctor and the Bad Boy by RJ Scott
96. Finding Absolution by Carol Lynne
97. Stockholm Syndrome by Sage Marlowe
98. The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick
99. A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
100. Blood Knot by Tracy Cooper-Posey


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #57: Needing Seth (sexy)

Needing Seth
Shawn Lane
978-1-61124-410-6
Amber Quill
April 2013
105 pages
ebook
Age range: 18+ because of content but 16 should be fine)

Romance, male/male
source: Private Library

Shy and a bit of a science fiction geek, Seth Landers is afraid he’s going to die a virgin.

Then one day, Casey Logan, the sexier-than-sin doctor where Seth works, notices him. Not only that, but Casey actually asks him out!

Seth’s life could finally change for the better, but only if Casey can convince the shy geek that he needs Seth in his life just as badly...
~*~*~
A short, intense story full of insecurity, best friends, family, bigotry, hatred, and a possible happy ever after. It ended well but I still have questions.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
m/m romance
Men in Uniform
Monthly Mix-up Mania


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #56: a Sticky Wicket in Bollywood (NSFW)

A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood
International Men of Sports
T. A. Chase
Devon Rhodes

978-1-78184-299-7
Total-e-Bound
April 2013
155 pages
ebook
Age range: 16+

Romance, male/male
source: Private Library

Rajan Malik has the world of Bollywood in the palm of his hand—a beautiful girlfriend, starring roles, adoring fans… He should be happy, but behind the façade lies a man conflicted and exhausted by the pressure placed on him by his terminally ill mother, his agent and society. His life is not his own, and all he wants to do is escape.

Indian Premier League cricketer Ajay Singh can’t believe how bad his university roommate Rajan looks when he spots his picture in the paper. They had parted on bad terms. Still, he’s moved to offer Rajan his support by renewing their friendship.

But friendship was not all they shared back then. Though Ajay is out, Rajan isn’t willing to give up his carefully cultivated Bollywood image to be with him publicly. And with very little privacy, it won’t take long for someone to find out they are more than friends.

Their renewed secret affair is fraught with difficulties as they deal with the death of Rajan’s mother, the secret of Rajan’s till-now absent father, a jealous friend, the intrusive media and threatening notes from someone who seems to know all about their private lives…

It’s a bit of a sticky wicket they find themselves in. Will it be too late when they finally realise that they’ll both need to compromise, or they’ll stand to lose everything?

~*~*~
What's a man to do when the love of his life is not only in the closet but is being run ragged by a controlling mother, agent and co-star?

I really wanted to shake Rajan. He's exhausted, doesn't want to do another film right away but doesn't say anything when his agent announces it is a done deal. His house is not a hideaway, heck anyone can get in and usually do, tour bus regularly stop and stare. Add to this a stalker and Ajay's offer of a place to hide becomes a lifeline.

I must tell you that I ended up liking everyone, even the stalker.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
m/m romance
Men in Uniform
Monthly Mix-up Mania
52 in 52
Where are you reading





copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #55: Temporary Mark (NSFW)

Temporary Mark
Collared
Kim Dare

978-1-78184-284-3
Total-e-Bound
March 2013
111 pages
ebook
Age range: 18+

Romance, male/male, light BDSM
source: Private Library

Mr Nolan’s last relationship lasted for over two decades. But, since suddenly finding himself single two years ago, he has struggled to find a submissive who can fill the void in his life. Maybe a temporary arrangement is exactly what he needs to ease him back into the lifestyle he loves so much.

Mark’s never experienced life under the protection of a good dom. He’s merely had a series of abusive partners. He’s used to being treated as a temporary feature in a man’s life, then thrown away when they tire of him.

When mutual friends push them together, the last thing Mr Nolan or Mark expects is to end up hoping a temporary collar will become permanent.

~*~*~
I'm just as angry as Edward as to the men who say they are Doms but have such total lack of regards for the men in their care. They are not "Doms" and are as a rotten apple, spoiling the rest of the barrel (the world's view) of the whole D/s culture.

okay, off soapbox 

What's a man to do when his friends show up late a night asking for a favor?

Edward takes in a submissive who was disowned by his last Dom, left on his own at a club with only the clothes on his back. And it turns out, he's injured.

Mark hasn't had any proper training, doesn't realize that being a submissive can be more than about pain, doesn't realize that the sub chooses the Dom. Now add in the fact that Edward's sub has been dead for two years, they'd been together 20+ years, and he hasn't replaced him and poor Mark has a serious case of insecurity.

The story is short, sweet and fast, taking place mostly over the weekend. I liked that both characters had insecurities and the author let us hear their inner monologue.

Beautiful ending.



Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
m/m romance
Monthly Key Word



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #54: Sand Castle Bay (more sweet)

Sand Castle Bay
Ocean Breeze #1
Sherryl Woods
978-0778314363
Mira
April 2013
384 pages
print
Age range: 14+

romance
source: Amy Bromberg affiliated with McAllister PR

Grade: B+


In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved.

For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.

Will fate once again separate them—or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?

~*~*~
I haven't gotten very far in reading yet but have to tell you that in-laws and custody suits don't mix well. Boone seems to be a very level headed man just trying to make a living for him and his son. To have the in-laws come in and take a son away from his only parent (Mom is dead) just doesn't sit well with me. As if having the grandson will replace losing the daughter. shudder.

Okay, off my soapbox and off to read . . .

Oh, man!  First off, it isn't grandparents, just the mother-in-law.

I don't recall much about the town other than "beach" and "peaceful" - sounds great!

I've got at least five sticky notes to tell you about and just hope they can convey the love of family, importance of compromise and communication, and dealing with grief and disappointment.

I got to page 137 before I went to find my stickies and my copy is an uncorrected proof so while I'm sure the sentiment is there, don't hold me to specific quotes.

1) If Boone had needed a role model for the type of father not to be, Sam Castle would have been it. Even so, he'd wandered dangerously close to being exactly like him.

-Sam and his lack of being there for his family carries through the whole novel and I'm sure it will continue to play a part in the other two, especially Gabi's book.

2) ". . . Men are always trying to find the right balance between the truth, diplomacy and what a woman really wants to hear. We get tripped up on that a lot."

B.J. shook his head. "Sounds way too complicated. I'm thinking girls might not be worth it."

-Well, B.J. is 8 and this just shows how there Boone is for him.

3) "I don't like leaving the important stuff to chance," Cora Jane said in frustration.

"Think of it this way." Jerry suggested. "You're putting it in God's hands. Last time I checked, He was even better than you at making sure things turn out hte way they're supposed to."

Cora Jane could hardly deny that, but she sure as heck didn't have to like it.

-This isn't a preachy novel, just accepting that there is a higher power. It also illustrates a grandma's need to see all is right with her grandchildren.

4) "I think Boone and I are agreed that boring doesn't enter into what we have," Emily said with a chuckle.

"Some details you can keep to yourself, young lady." Cora Jane scolded.

Emily laughed. "I'm definitely not planning to discuss my sex life with you. You might be inclined to turn around a tell me about yours."

For an instance her grandmother looked shocked, but then a grin spread across her face. "As if I'd do such a thing," she muttered indignantly.

But Emily noticed she didn't deny that there was a sex life to be discussed. Just thinking about that kept a smile on her face all the way to the airport.

-Yes, the main couples are having sex but most of it is off screen, except for kisses, and Cora Jane's is complete speculation at this point.

5) "The Farmers (in-laws) aren't the only family you and B.J. have," she reminded him.

She thought she saw some of the tension in his shoulders ease at her words.

"You have no idea how much I count on that," he said.

She grinned at him. "Doesn't need to be legal to be real," she told him. ...

-Isn't that the truth! Sometimes we're blessed with a blood family that is wonderful and sometimes we're blessed with circle of friends that are family.


I haven't mentioned Boone's parents have I? They're there but still not. I'm looking forward to meeting them. Also crossing my fingers that things improve with the in-laws. Otherwise I'm going get out my wet noodles!

Lucky me, book two (Wind Chime Point) is on my shelf and book three (Sea Glass Island) should be here on the 28th :-)


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
contemporary romance
In the Middle
ARC Clean Sweep
Monthly Mix-up Mania
Where are you reading/50 States



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Friday, May 24, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #53: William's House (sexy)

William's House
Hidden Magic #1
Amber Kell

978-1-78184-308-6
Total-e-Bound
May 2013
83 pages
ebook
Age range:

Paranormal Romance, male/male, fantasy
source: Private Library

Born a void, someone who cannot perform magic, Will Stamson moves away in order to live on his own, away from his matchmaking family. While house-hunting, he falls for an old mansion that calls to him…and is situated on a vortex of magic almost limitless in power.

Cassius Grant, Cash to his family, is charged with getting rid of the house’s new resident. Determined to evict the interloper, he is taken aback by the beautiful, wilful man who refuses to abandon his new house under any circumstances. Cassius realises the best way to deal with the man is to keep a close eye on him…and what better place than from Will’s bed?

~*~*~
Betrayal, secrets, true love, and laughter. Throw in a hit-and-run, a ghost, and a Zombie Master and you've got yourself a great story.

Nowhere near long enough.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
m/m romance
Monthly Key Word
Paranormal
Where are you reading/50 States
Witches and Witchcraft




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #52: With This Kiss, part three (NSFW)

With This Kiss, part three
Eloisa James
9780062276957
HarperCollins-Avon Impulse
March 26, 2013
87 pages
ebook
Age range:18+

Regency-era Romance
source: Private Library

Dear Readers,

We left Colin Griffin and Lady Grace Ryburn in an inn, when she just realized that it would break her heart to marry a man who loves her sister Lily-and believes he made love to Lily, when in reality he was making love to Grace.

But Colin has decided that he should imitate his pirate father, throw propriety to the winds, and simply take what he most wants. . .

Be sure to read the first two parts of With this Kiss before leaping into Part Three!

With all best wishes,

~*~*~
and in 87 pages, Ms James takes us through the convincing of Grace to marry (forceful but not off putting with gentle spots), stopping by an unknown parish with a special license and having a profound effect on the Parish Priest, rescuing a horse (showing true colors), loving each other.

She leaves us with an epilogue of "Ten Years Later" that is most satisfying. I still want to know the ins and outs of the ten years but am happy with the ending.


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #50: The Teacher and the Soldier (sexy)

The Teacher and the Soldier
Ellery Mountain #2
RJ Scott
978-1-78184-283-6
Total-e-Bound
2013
87 pages
ebook
Age range:18+

Romance, male/male
source: Private Library


Luke Fitzgerald left Ellery Mountain for college and vowed never to come back. When his father is murdered he has no choice but to return. Luke only goes home to sell off his share of the Ellery Mountain Cabins, but everything changes when he meets the son of the other owner. Daniel Skylar is an ex-soldier who lives every day to the limit and sees a future in Luke.

It doesn’t matter what Daniel says, or how much he needs Luke; Luke isn’t staying once everything is sold off. Surely Daniel can understand that?

~*~*~


I knew going in that they'd end up a couple, after all, I'd already read book 3. Only, the interactions were so good that there we several places where I seriously doubted it would ever have a happy ending.


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
romance
m/m romance



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #49: Three Little Words (sexy)

Three Little Words
Allison Cassatta
978-1-61124-406-9
Amber Quill
2013
186 pages
ebook
Age range:18+

Romance, male/male
source: Private Library


After Matt’s “perfect” life comes crashing down around him and the man he plans to marry leaves him, he has it in his mind he’s going to make an escape, take an adventure up to New England and get away on the open seas with the big brother with whom he needs to reconnect after too many years apart. He plans to spend months away from home, clearing his mind and experiencing a different way of life, but undying feelings and a catastrophe with Luke, his lifelong best friend, causes him to go running back home, only to be met with the ignorance and hatred of the people dearest to Luke.

Will an old love be the key to unlocking Matt’s heart and sending him on the right path, or do some secrets and feelings need to remain locked away for the comfort and security of everyone involved?

~*~*~


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
m/m romance
Men in Uniform



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #48: Going Down (cover is NSFW!)

Going Down
Cassandra Gold
978-1-61124-411-3
Amber Quill
2013
45 pages
ebook
Age range:18+

Romance, male/male
source: Private Library


Tattoo artist Laurie Watson has felt the distance between himself and his live-in boyfriend, Win, for a long time, but he’s finally had enough. He’s determined to figure out how to work out whatever’s gone wrong between them. Unfortunately, when he gets home, he finds Win talking with his ex.

Figuring he’s missed his chance to fix things between them, Laurie flees. The temperamental elevator has other ideas, however, and Laurie and Win are trapped between floors.

No longer able to hide from their problems, Laurie and Win will either make up, or break up for good...

~*~*~

A quick read but with an underlying moral. You must communicate to make relationships work. I hope it doesn't take an elevator, it sounds scary.


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
m/m romance
Monthly Mix-up Mania


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #47: The Fireman and the Cop (sexy)

The Fireman and the Cop
Ellery Mountain #1
RJ Scott
978-1-78184-217-1
Total-e-Bound
January 2013
78 pages
ebook
Age range:18+

Romantic Suspense, male/male
source: Private Library


Ellery is a quiet town in the Smoky Mountains, at the base of Ellery Peak, where nothing ever happens. Max Harrison escaped from his firefighting job in the city to take up a role as assistant to the mayor, whilst also holding the position of a volunteer firefighter.

Finn Ryan is one of only three cops in the small town and it soon seems to Max that someone is out to hurt the sexy cop. Rescuing Finn from a burning precinct was the easy part—it’s keeping him alive after that that fireman Max Harrison finds difficult.

~*~*~

Max's first fire with his new job is the police station. He meets Finn when he goes in to save him.  Finn grew up in Ellery and has a regular Friday night with his friends and that's our introduction to half of the three couples in the series.

I was thinking it would be a quick, light hearted read but it wasn't. Yes there was humor but there were several places where my breath speed up or got caught in my throat.

I loved how the roots of being in the same small town kept popping up for Finn and the love and support he's shown.

Wishing now that I had bought book two as well...off to go shopping!


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
romance
m/m romance
Men in Uniform
Monthly Mix-up Mania


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #46: The Carpenter and the Actor (sexy)

The Carpenter and the Actor
Ellery Mountain #3
RJ Scott
978-1-78184-321-5
Total-e-Bound
May 2013
87 pages
ebook
Age range:18+

Romance, male/male
source: Private Library


Jason McInnery, hounded by the paparazzi after his brother's death, runs to the one place where he hopes people will not sell him out. The place where he was born.

Hiding in the tourist cabins at Ellery Mountain Resort out of season he thinks he finally has room to breathe.

If only Kieran Dexter, a man ten years his junior, would stop fixing stuff and generally causing ripples in Jason's calm space.
~*~*~
I didn't feel lost when I read this one, even though I didn't read the first two books in the series. Jason is believable in his grief, the small town is believable in leaving him alone (almost), and Kieran is a sweetheart!

We also meet the couples from the first two books but instead of making me think "Oh, I know how the book ended" I'm thinking "wonder how they got there".


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
romance
m/m romance
Where are you reading/50 states

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #45: With This Kiss, part two (sexy/NSFW)

With This Kiss, part two
Eloisa James
9780062276940
HarperCollins-Avon Impulse
March 2013
62 pages
ebook
Age range:18+

Regency-era Romance
source: Private Library


Lady Grace Ryburn has accepted another man's proposal after the love of her life, Lieutenant Colin Barry, asked for her own sister's hand in marriage.

But when Colin returns home from the wars, injured in body and spirit, will she be able to turn her back and marry another? Or will she throw away every rule her mother taught her and try to seduce a man who has shown no interest in her kisses?

Part one must be read before reading parts two and three. Author's Note: Lady Grace is the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, from The Ugly Duchess, and Colin is the eldest adopted son of Sir Griffin Barry, from Seduced by a Pirate. In its entirety, With This Kiss is a 200-page double-length novella.

~*~*~
As with most trilogies, we are thrust into the middle, barely catching our breath from the cliffhanger at the end of part one before heading for another one.

I'm not liking Grace very much at the moment. She's being insensitive, pig-headed and self-absorbed.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
romance

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #44: The Lady Most Likely (sexy)

The Lady Most Likely
a novel in three parts
Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway
978-0061247828
Avon
December 2010
384 pages
ebook (also in print)
Age range: 18+, I think 16 should be okay

historical romance
source: Private Library

Grade: B+


Alec stopped chuckling. “What?”

“A list. Of women. I had my sister make me a list of possible brides. I can’t be expected to figure this out on my own.”

“The rest of us generally do.”

Hugh gave him a powerfully irritated glare. “I’m busy.”

~*~*~
Hugh, Earl of Briarly, is not your typical Earl. He would rather be in his stable than anywhere else and he trains his own horses. Most Earls would simply hire a trainer but Hugh wants the horses trained, not broken so he does it himself. This leads to forgetting to come to dinner on time and sometimes he smells more like his horses and misses dinner completely! This is fine when you're at your own home, but at a house party, you're expected to arrive on time and smell like a recent bath.

Training your own horses is not the problem, the problem is that Hugh is an Earl, with entitled property and as he has no wife, his heir is a cousin none of his sisters like. Come to think of it, he doesn't either. After a nasty fall that leads to a week-long coma, he decides he needs to get married in order to have a proper heir.

This leads to the list. A house party given by his sister and her husband. And the women being crossed off his list one by one.

This may be "a novel in three parts" but it is seamless. It is funny, romantic and sexy all in the right spots.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
romance
In the Middle
Monthly Mix-Up Mania


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, May 20, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #43: Never Less Than a Lady (sexy)

Never Less Than a Lady
The Lost Lords #2
Mary Jo Putney
978-1-4201-0329-8
Zebra
May 2010
352 pages
ebook (also in print)
Age range: 18+, I think 16 should be okay

historical romance
source: Private Library

Grade: B+


As the sole remaining heir to the Earl of Daventry, Alexander Randall knows his duty: find a wife and sire a son of his own. The perfect bride for a man in his position would be a biddable young girl of good breeding. But the woman who haunts his imagination is Julia Bancroft—a village midwife with a dark secret that thrusts her into Randall’s protection.

Within the space of a day, Julia has been abducted by her first husband’s cronies, rescued, and proposed to by a man she scarcely knows. Stranger still is her urge to say yes. A union with Alexander Randall could benefit them both, but Julia doubts she can ever trust her heart again, or the fervent desire Randall ignites. Yet perhaps only a Lost Lord can show a woman like Julia everything a true marriage can be…
~*~*~
We met Alex and Mrs. Bancroft in the previous book. . . Just when all seems safe, danger lurks again. And again. I was starting to wonder when it would end and IF there'd be a happy ever after at all rather than the formula of there has to be one!

I love when "doing your duty" falls by the wayside when "follow your heart" comes into play. To have such a twisty happy ever after just adds to the satisfaction. I do have several questions so I don't feel this one ends tied neatly in a bow.

There are two more available in the series, one coming out soon and another in the works. There is hope to have my questions answered!


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
A to Z
ebook
romance
In the Middle
Men in Uniform
Monthly Mix-Up Mania


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Bout of Books 7.0 Wrap-Up


Bout of Books
Read-a-Thon
Wrap-Up


Official Blurb
(Please make sure you’re linking back to the Bout of Books website and attributing properly.)

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 6.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. -From the Bout of Books 6.0 team

~*~*~*~
 
My goals may have bit the dust but I still want to know how I did. . .

Goals
  • I plan on reading each day, just like I usually do. No, I did not read on Monday, all day at Disneyland wiped me out.
  • Read 1,000 pages, or at least 4 books. Finished four books and started one more. Total Pages read? more than 743.
  • do Twitter updates. Yes. One.
  • Check out the challenges (doesn't look like I'll be able to actually do any of them). no
  • Daily comments on other blogs. Sigh, didn't get this done at all!

List of possible books

Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods
What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
Informed Risk by Robyn Carr
And Then She Fell by Stephanie Laurens
...and about six library books scarred around

~*~*~*~

Monday
Disneyland

Tuesday
California Adventure
started The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn 

Wednesday
Disneyland
read some of Halfway There by Susan Mallery

Thursday
finished - Halfway There by Susan Mallery (no page count for Bout of Books)
finished - With This Kiss, part one by Eloisa James (no page count for Bout of Books)
finished - The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn ~ 374 pages
started/finished - Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney ~ 352 pages

Friday - Sunday
started - Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods ~ 17 pages


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Happy Monday ~ Bout of Books edition

Two week report of new books in the house

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thank you to April's host: MariReads. May's host is
4 the Love of Books.



Received for Review:


Giveaway/Contest/Gift:


from Author:


Purchased/delivered:
Sleight of Hand by Peter S. Beagle (short stories)
The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn
Inferno by Dan Brown (for M but I'll read it too)


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
With This Kiss, park two by Eloisa James
About My Mother, anthology



Also went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)



Current Library books at the house:
Fellowship of Fear by Aaron J. Elkins
State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy
Homeland by R. A. Salvatore
Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick


I have no idea where I'm at anymore with the rest of them....I've got over 30 books on request, most delayed.



What are you Reading?


A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.

Finished:
With This Kiss, part one by Eloisa James
Halfway There by Susan Mallery
The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn
Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney

Books stacked by my reading chair (clean slate for the year):
The Weight of Deeds by Eli Thorpe
Howard's Gift by Eric C. Sinoway with Merill Meadow
The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis
Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Bay




Next up:
Cat and the Lady Killer by Lisa Orchard
Finding the Voice Inside You by Jill Birth
The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead


Reviewed:



Did Not Finish, may try again later:
Starting Now by Debbie Macomber - library book with holds...will try again later


Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013
Disclaimer

In accordance to the FTC guidelines, I must state that I make no monetary gains from my reviews or endorsements here on Book Dragon's Lair. All books I review are either borrowed, purchased by me, given as a gift, won in some kind of contest, or received in exchange for an honest review.