Book Dragon's lair: Romance

Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Historical Romance Reading Challenge

Historical Romance

Reading Challenge

2017

hosted by I Heart Romance & YA
for more information or to sign up, click here

social media: #HRChallenge2017

Any format, any length. Any historical romance novel and novella counts toward this challenge (Adult, YA, NA, Erotic). If you want a sub-genre, romance must be the focus.

There are several levels including one with categories! There is also a giveaway so check out the sign up page for details.

I'm going for . . . . Baroness . . . . and hope to read 1-5 books

~ Books Read ~

Thursday, September 8, 2016

RC - Fall in Love

Fall in Love

Reading Challenge

Sep 22 - Dec 20

hosted by me!
for more information or to sign up, click here

This is a super casual, no stress challenge all about romance!

~ Reading Goals ~

My plan is to read at least six titles and 1,000 pages

~ Books Read ~

61 - A Good Feeling by S.A. Meade (m/m, military, contemporary)
180 - Rory's Last Chance by Bailey Bradford (m/m, cowboy, contemporary)
224 - You In My Arms by A.C. Katt (m/m, contemporary)
216 - Bobby's Old Man by A. C. Katt (m/m, contemporary)
140 - Liam's Unexpected Alpha by Alice Cain (m/m, wolf shifter, contemporary)
183 - Second Chance by Aiden Bates (m/m, contemporary, non-shifter mpreg)
~ 6 titles and 1,004 pages! ~

Challenge Completed: October 8

It Takes Two to Tango by M.A. Church (m/m, contemporary, shifter)
Second Chance Bite by Flynn Eire/Joyee Flynn (m/m, contemporary, shifter)
Spencer's Secret by Flynn Eire/Joyee Flynn (m/m, contemporary, shifter)
Dying Assassin by Flynn Eire/Joyee Flynn (m/m, contemporary, shifter)
The Final Addition by Flynn Eire/Joyee Flynn (m/m, contemporary, shifter)
Squeak and a Roar by Joyee Flynn (m/m, contemporary, shifter)
Tristan by Joyee Flynn (m/m, contemporary, shifter)
Whiskers, Mane, and a Biter by Joyee Flynn (m/m/m, contemporary, shifter/vamp)
Fire and Ash by Gabrielle Evans (m/m, contemporary, shifter/Sprite)
Ace-High Royal Flush by Tinnean (m/m, contemporary)
Here Kitty, Kitty by Joyee Flynn (m/m/m, contemporary, shifter/human)
series - Minnesota Christmas (m/m, contemporary)
series - Who Needs Christmas? ( m/m, paranormal, contemporary)
Safe Haven by Caitlin Ricci (m/m/m/m, contemporary)
The Wedding Date by Sean Ashcroft (m/m, contemporary)
My Heart to Keep by Bailey Bradford (m/m, contemporary)
Harey Situation by Bailey Bradford(m/m, shifter)
Defrosting Jack by Susan Laine (m/m, fantasy)
Wolfe and His Bunny by Susan Laine (m/m, shifter)
Home at Last by Tymber Dalton (m/m/m, contemporary)
Safe Harbor by Tymber Dalton (m/m/f, contemporary)
series - Hot Mess by Stormy Glenn(m/m, contemporary)
Dangerous Curves Ahead by Tymber Dalton (m/m/m, contemporary)
The Hunter's Wolf by A.M. Halford (m/m, fantasy)
Full Moon Mating by Stormy Glenn (m/m, shifter)
Midnight Romance by A.M. Halford (m/m, fantasy)
Lock and Key by Z. Allora (m/m, contemporary)
Chocolate Cupcakes and Mythical Creatures by DeShaun Walker(m/m, fantasy, shifter/vampire)
series - Cedar Falls by Shea Balik (m/m, contemporary)
Str8te Boys by Evangeline Anderson (m/m, contemporary)
The Reluctant Wolf by Lisa Oliver (m/m, shifter)

Monday, February 16, 2015

Spotlight on . . . Before I Fall by Jessica Scott

Before I Fall
by Jessica Scott

series: Falling, book 1
Publisher: Jessica Scott
~~ISBN:~~ ASIN: B00TCV5Z1C
Published: March 3, 2015
genre: romance
223 pages

format available: ebook

author's website - twitter

Description:
Stay focused. Get a job. Save her father's life.

Beth Lamont knows far too much about the harsh realities of life her gilded classmates have only read about in class. She'll do whatever it takes to take care of her father, even if that means tutoring a guy like Noah - a guy who represents everything she hates about the war, soldiers and what the Army has done to her family.

Noah Warren doesn't know how to be a student. All he knows is war. But he's going to college now to fulfill a promise and he doesn't break his promises. Except he doesn't count on his tutor being drop dead gorgeous and distracting as hell. One look at Beth threatens to unravel the careful lies Noah has constructed around him.

A simple arrangement turns into something neither of them can deny. And a war that neither of them can forget could destroy them both.

internal use:
First contact: Feb 15
Jessica Scott

ebook
arrived: Feb 16
started review:
Notified Jessica that review is live:

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

True Love by Jude Deveraux

True Love
Nantucket Brides trilogy
by Jude Deveraux

Ballantine Books
July 2013
978-0345541796
hardcover (also ebook, MMP, and audio)
Romance
448 pages

author's website

Book Description:

Just as Alix Madsen is finishing up architectural school, Adelaide Kingsley dies and wills her, for one year, the use of a charming nineteenth-century Nantucket house. The elderly woman’s relationship to the Madsen family is a mystery to the spirited Alix—fresh from a romantic breakup—but for reasons of her own Alix accepts the quirky bequest, in part because it gives her time to plan her best friend’s storybook wedding.

~ My Thoughts ~

How wonderful to see the Taggerts and Montgomerys again. You don't need to read any of the previous books with the Taggerts and Montgomerys in them but they do make an appearance.

How would you feel if your favorite Aunt died and instead of you inheriting the house as you expected, you got the house. . . and a houseguest?
Of course there are bad feelings coming from Jared but the secrets he is keeping could to more damage to this budding relationship. To make matters worse, Jared isn't the only one keeping secrets and Alix's world is about to be rocked.

This is a beautiful story about friendship, family, and true love with a little paranormal thrown in.

Book 2 comes out next month (hardcover/ebook/audio) and is Toby's book. I'm assuming that book 3 will be Lexi's book and her true love will be her boss. Also thinking it will be coming out in 2015. :-(

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy . . . and going back to revisit the Taggerts and Montgomerys.

This was checked out of the library. I'm a fan of Jude Deveraux and have already read the previous books with the Taggerts and Montomerys.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

RC: Romance Challenges

Contemporary Romance

Reading Challenge

2014

hosted at The Book Vixen

For sign- ups and more information, click here

Basic Requirements: Read or re-read 10 fiction romance books, any format, 100 pages minimum. Books that qualify for this challenge can be young adult, new adult, or adult. Books can be M/F, M/M, or F/F. Romances with the following elements do not qualify for this reading challenge: paranormal, historical, time-travel, fantasy, science fiction, or mystery/suspense/thriller.

Romantic Suspense

Reading Challenge

2014

hosted at The Book Vixen

For sign- ups and more information, click here

Basic Requirements: Read or re-read 10 fiction romantic suspense books, any format, 100 pages minimum.

The Romance

Reading Challenge

2014

hosted at ...the bookworm...

For more information and to sigh up, click here

Basic Requirements: Pick five romance books. Read and review them during 2014. The list can change but the books must be ones you picked out for yourself.

Historical Romance

Reading Challenge

2014

hosted at Herding Cats and Burning Soup

For more information and to sigh up, click here

Basic Requirements: Read and review a minimum of 12 books. Any format of at least 100 pages. Any time period prior to 1920

Erotic Romance

Reading Challenge

2014

hosted at Herding Cats and Burning Soup

For more information and to sign up, click here

Basic Requirements: Read and review a minimum of 12 books

M/M Romance

Reading Challenge

2014

hosted at Walkabout

for more information and to sign up, click here

Basic Requirements: Read male/male romance books. Any format/length, several levels to choose from.
I'm going for . . . Surprise Me! . . . because I have no idea how many I'll get to this year.

~*~ Contemporary Romance ~*~

1. Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell
2. Blackberry Summer by Raeanne Thayne
3. Seaview Inn by Sherryl Woods
4. Hope Flames by Jaci Burton
5. Sweet Laurel Falls by RaeAnne Thayne
6. When We Met by Susan Mallery
7. Hearts and Swords by Robin D. Owens
8. The Return of Brody McBride by Jennifer Ryan
9. Sawyer by Lori Foster
10. Cure for the Common Breakup by Beth Kendrick

~ Challenge Completed ~

May 23

~*~ Romantic Suspense ~*~

1. Forever by Tinnean
2. The Return of Brody McBride by Jennifer Ryan
3. Falling for Owen by Jennifer Ryan
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

~ Challenge Completed ~

date

~*~ Romance w/reviews ~*~

1. Dreamweaver Trail by Emily March (pre-ordered for 5-27)

2. The Escape by Mary Balogh (pre-ordered for 7-1)

3. Broken Trust by Sharon Dunn

4. Merry Ex-Mas by Sheila Roberts

5. The Highlander Next Door by Janet Chapman (pre-ordered for 8-26)

~ Challenge Completed ~

date

~*~ Historical Romance w/reviews ~*~

1. The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn

2. When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James

10.

11.

12.

~ Challenge Completed ~

date

~*~ Erotic Romance w/reviews ~*~

1. Hold Me Together by Felice Fox

2. The Perfect Balance by Trina Lane

10.

11.

12.

~ Challenge Completed ~

date

~*~ m/m Romance ~*~

1. Here Kitty, Kitty by Joyee Flynn

2. My Little Kitty by Joyee Flynn

3. Our Sexy Tiger by Joyee Flynn

4. My Angel Cheetah by Joyee Flynn

5. Kitty in the Middle by Joyee Flynn

6. Cheetah in Charge by Joyee Flynn

7. My Feisty Kitten by Joyee Flynn

8. My Spotted Dream by Joyee Flynn

9. A Squeak and a Roar by Joyee Flynn

10. Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn
11. Fire and Ash by Gabrielle Evans
12. Attracting Anthony by Amber Kell
13. Baiting Ben by Amber Kell
14. Courting Calvin by Amber Kell
15. Denying Dare by Amber Kell
16. Enticing Elliot by Amber Kell
17. Finding Farro by Amber Kell
18. Getting Gabe by Amber Kell
19. Hunting Henry by Amber Kell
20. Inflaming Inno by Amber Kell
21. Judging Jager by Amber Kell
22. Keeping Kylen by Amber Kell
23. White Paws and a Dream by Stormy Glenn
24. Splash and Elegance by Gabrielle Evans
25. Myth and Mischief by Gabrielle Evans

jump to new page!

~ Challenge Completed ~

date

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Two of a Kind by Susan Mallery (#83)

We met Felicia in the previous Fool's Gold novel but it isn't necessary to read it first. Felicia is beautiful and wicked smart. Reading at two and mixing chemicals at four smart. I've got a couple passages of the book for you. Just know this is a happy-ever-after romance and I cried. Of course, the road isn't easy, Felicia has a history with Gideon and Gideon has nightmares and other troubles from his days in the military. The town comes through for him too.

"I don't understand," Felicia whispered. "You want me to be in charge of the festivals?"

"Yes," the mayor said firmly.

"But they're important to the town. I know you have other industries, but I would guess that tourism is your main source of income. The university and the hospital would be the largest employers, but the visitors are the real money."

The town of Fool's Gold puts on at least one festival a month, several more during the winter holidays. Vendors come and set up booths, there is music and parades. The best ones are several days long and fill up the hotel rooms and the bed & breakfast places. Felicia spent several years doing logistics for black ops missions but she grew up in a university setting, spending most of her time in a lab since she was four-year-old. Felicia just doesn't have the social/people skills she thinks she needs to pull off the job.

As an introduction to the town, she missed work because of a sick child and forgot to schedule the workers needed to decorate for one of the festivals. In a manner of hours, people poured into town to help with banners, ribbons, planter boxes and water dishes (it was the Dog Days of Summer Festival) and everything was back on schedule. This town support is important later. . .

She leaned against the counter and told herself that everything would be fine. She was strong and capable and she had a support system. As soon as her friends found out what had happened, the would surround her with love and encouragement. And, most likely, casseroles.

We've met several characters that I'm sure will have books and I'm sure I'll be purchasing them all but I'm really looking forward to Consuelo's story and crossing my fingers that she gets one.

The next book comes out in July and I've already ordered it.

Two of a Kind
Fool's Gold
Susan Mallery
978-0373777686
Harlequin
June 2013 (6-25-13)
379 pages
mass market paperback (ebook, audio)
Age range: high school

Romance
source: private library

finished reading: June 27
Grade: A

Felicia Swift never dreamed she'd hear a deep, sexy voice from her past in tiny Fool's Gold, California. The last time Gideon Boylan whispered in her ear was half a world away…on the morning after the hottest night of her life. Her freaky smarts have limited her close friendships, and romance, but she came to Fool's Gold looking for ordinary. Gorgeous, brooding Gideon is anything but that.

Black Ops taught Gideon that love could be deadly. Now he pretends to fit in while keeping everyone at arm's length. Felicia wants more than he can give—a home, family, love—but she has a lot to learn about men…and Gideon needs to be the man to teach her.

As these two misfits discover that passion isn't the only thing they have in common, they just might figure out that two of a kind should never be split apart.

~*~*~

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Where are you reading
Outdo Yourself
Library Books Read-a-Thon
In the Middle

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #79: Sea Glass Island (more sweet)

Sea Glass Island
Ocean Breeze #3
Sherryl Woods

9780778314462
Mira
June 2013
378 pages
print
Age range: 14+

romance
source: private library
(Amy wanted to send me the ebook but I bought the print so it would match the other two books she sent me to review)

Grade: B+

With her two younger sisters heading for the altar, will Samantha Castle exchange old dreams for new ones? Lately she'd rather be on the North Carolina coast with family than in New York with agents and actors. Though she vows not to let her teenage crush on Ethan Cole influence her decision, it's hard to ignore her feelings for the local war hero.

Ethan lost more than his leg in Afghanistan. He lost his belief in love. Even being surrounded by couples intent on capturing happily-ever-after won't open this jaded doctor's heart. It's going to take a sexy, determined woman—one who won't take no for an answer.

~*~*~

I'd like to say this is all about Samantha. About her lost love of acting, the high school crush that she never got over, her love of family. Except, Emily hasn't gotten married yet. Samantha is Maid of Honor and Ethan is Best Man. They are consistently thrown together because of wedding stuff, add in a meddling Grandmother who just wants to see her girls happy and you have a LOT of drama.

Still it is Samantha's story so while the wedding is a "character" it is Samantha's viewpoint we see it from.

I'm just at 200 pages and so far their Dad has had some very insightful comments. The love the sisters have for each other really shows through. I'm really looking forward to finishing the book but am sad that the trilogy will be over.

back to reading. . . .

I thought the book wasn't totally about Samantha and Ethan. Turns out that while Emily's wedding and a whole lot more are happening, Samantha and Ethan are up to their necks in almost everything.

I love the twists, the unexpected situations, the interactions between friends, family and town folk.

Ms. Woods does leave us hanging about a couple of things concerning B.J. but I'm very satisfied with the trilogy.

As for sex. . . it does happen, over halfway through, after tension for most of the book but it isn't in your face or pages and pages of it.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Outdo Yourself
In the Middle
ARC
Monthly Key Word
Spring Reading Thing
52 in 52
Men in Uniform
Monthly Mix-up Mania

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #73: Just One Kiss (sexy)

Just One Kiss
Fool's Gold
Susan Mallery

9780373777600
Harlequin
June 2013 (4th?)
376 pages
Mass Market Paperback
Age range: 16+
some sex and lots of hot kisses

Contemporary Romance
source: private library

Grade: B+

He won't hesitate to put his life on the line…but will he ever risk his heart?

Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw's otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now he's back in Fool's Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won't abandon her again—and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He's returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can't resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice's past doesn't make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they'll succumb to just one kiss… Then one more… Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone's control.

~*~*~

Welcome to Fool's Gold. Again. This is something like the 11th book in the series and while I like to read book one first, you could start with this one. You'll miss the hits/misses of the relationships from prior books but the main story is about Patience and Justice. About dreams coming true, heartbreak and redemption. There are just enough hints of stories to come to keep you looking for the next book. I personally am looking forward to Felicia's

I think you find you like it here.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Way
Outdo Yourself
Spring into Reading (on wish list 12-12)
Monthly Mix-up Mania
A to Z
Contemporary Romance
In the Middle

Finished Reading . . . #74: One Day in Apple Grove (sexy)

One Day in Apple Grove
Welcome to Apple Grove
C. H. Admirand

978-1402269028
Sourcebooks Casablanca
June 2013
309 pages
Mass Market Paperback (and ebook)
Age range: 16+

romance (Small Town Contemporary)
source: private library

Grade: B

Caitlin Mulcahy loves her family. She really does. But sometimes they can drive her to her last shred of sanity—from her dad ("I'm not meddling, I just want what's best for you") to her eight-months-pregnant older sister to her younger sister, who will do just about anything to avoid real work. Cait just needs to get away, even if for only an hour.

When she sees someone in need of help on the side of the road, of course she's going to pull over. She might even be able to fix his engine—after all, the Mulcahy family is a handy bunch. She's not expecting that former Navy medic Jack Gannon and a little black puppy named Jameson will be the ones who end up rescuing in her...

~*~*~

Cait is the middle child and this is her story. It is also the story of a small town and of a man with PTSD. It is a romance.

Wait? Romance and PTSD? Yes. It has always been around, called several things, talked about in hushed whispers-if at all. This books brings it all out into the open.

So, yes, this is a romance in small-town America. About a girl with dreams of working with wood (as in furniture) but works as a handyman in the family business. About a man, a doctor, who comes back home to take over his father's practice. A man who didn't plan on ever coming home. A man with issues, a girl with issues, how they deal with them together.

And a little black puppy.

Jack didn't plan on falling in love, didn't want to share his scars. Cait doesn't know about the PTSD until she spends the night during a thunderstorm and Jack has a flashback.

Lots of twists and meddling/helpful neighbors. Love and loss and new beginnings. Memorable marriage proposals.

Book three comes out later this year and book one is in my shopping cart at amazon.

Prayer chains are mentioned. There are curl-your-toes kisses and drawn out lovemaking but not as much as some and mostly skip-able.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Way
Outdo Yourself
Monthly Mix-up Mania
Contemporary Romance
In the Middle
Where are you reading?/50 States
Wicked Wildfire
Men in Uniform
Foodies Read

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #60: Wind Chime Point (mostly sweet)

Wind Chime Point
Ocean Breeze #2
Sherryl Woods
978-0-7783-1442-4
Mira
May 2013
393 pages
print
Age range: 14+
warning: the main character is pregnant and unmarried.

romance
source: Amy Bromberg affiliated with McAllister PR

Grade: B+

Facing a personal crisis, ambitious and driven Gabriella Castle retreats to the welcoming arms of her family. Everything she's worked for has been yanked out from under her, and she seeks the serenity of her grandmother's home on the North Carolina coast. With difficult decisions to make about her future, the last thing she wants is an unexpected love.

Wade Johnson fell for Gabi the first time he saw her. It's not the only time he's found himself in the the role of knight in shining armor, but Gabi isn't looking for a rescuer. To get her to stay, Wade will need a whole lot of patience and gentle persuasion...and maybe the soothing sound of wind chimes on a summer breeze.

~*~*~

Gabi was a good girl all through school. She didn't have time to get in trouble, she was too busy planning her future in hopes of making her father proud of her, even going so far as to work in the same field. She's done well for herself but the 60 hour weeks are starting to take their toll and when she comes up pregnant (and still single) she's demoted. Not because she's pregnant, noooo, that would have been illegal. It was still a demotion and she took the severance package.

So, she come to her Grandmother's house. No, to Grandmother's home. She's already been there a lot because of the storm damage but now she has decisions to make. Will she keep the baby? Go back to her old life? Find something new? Someone new?

Now there are two dads in the picture. Her Father and the father of her child. Her Father is improving, I'm happy to say but the baby's father gives new meaning to the phrase sperm donor.

"I'm afraid I'm a work in progress, Gabriella. I imagine there will be a few setbacks when I'll revert to my familiar, self-absorbed ways."

I love the support she receives from the family. I love the spirit she displays when dealing with her Grandmother's meddling, her ex-boyfriend and her Father's "help". You know how sometimes you get a wow feeling when the title makes sense. I got that with this one. Wind Chime Point may be the middle book in a trilogy but it is a satisfying read all on it's own.

Then again, I can't wait to see what happens to the third sister. Hey, Sea Glass Island is on my reading pile :-)

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Way
Outdo Yourself
contemporary romance
In the Middle
ARC
Monthly Mix-up Mania

Saturday, May 25, 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

Friday, May 24, 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

Wednesday, May 22, 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

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

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

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #42: Loving a Lost Lord (sexy)

Loving a Lost Lord
The Lost Lords #1
Mary Jo Putney
978-1-4201-2862-8
Zebra
March 2012
352 pages
ebook (also in print)
Age range: 18+

historical romance
source: Private Library

Grade: B+

Battered by the sea, Adam remembers nothing of his past, his ducal rank, nor of the shipwreck that almost claimed his life. However, he’s delighted to hear that the golden-haired vision tending his wounds is his wife. Mariah’s name and face may not be familiar, but her touch, her warmth, feel deliciously right…

When Mariah Clarke prayed for a way to deter a bullying suitor, she didn’t imagine she’d find the answer washed ashore on a desolate beach. Convincing Adam that he is her husband is surprisingly easy. Resisting the temptation to act his wife, in every way, will prove anything but. And now a passion begun in fantasy has become dangerously real—and completely irresistible…

~*~*~

First in a new series, we meet all four of the Lost Lords in this story, learn how they became friends and grew into more like brothers, willing to do anything for each other.

I'd love to be friends with Mariah, she's so sensible but fun.

I'm not sure what to say. There is danger, memory loss, recovered memories, back-from-the-dead relatives, shady characters, and a satisfying ending.

Oh! I started today. I finished today. I really liked this one and am looking forward to the other three.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebook
romance
In the Middle
Bout of Books 7.0
52 in 52

Finished Reading . . . #39: Halfway There (sweet/sexy)

Halfway There
Fool's Gold
Susan Mallery
9781460311998
Harlequin HQN
May 2013
47 pages
ebook
Age range: 14?

contempory romance
source: Private Library

Fayrene Hopkins may be only twenty-four years old, but she runs her own business and has big plans—plans that don't involve falling in love yet. She's determined to make her mark on the world before settling down.

She thinks she's got life all figured out—until she meets Ryan Patterson on her latest job. Fayrene senses his interest in her, and she has to admit he gets her pulse racing. Luckily, starting a relationship with Ryan is safe—he's leaving Fool's Gold when his work contract is up.

Ryan has goals of his own and a job waiting for him in Texas. He doesn't expect to get waylaid by a sassy blonde and cozy town. But what started out as temporary is starting to look like the real thing. If only he can convince Fayrene that some plans are made to be broken.

~*~*~

It was nice to visit Fool's Gold once again.

This is a short story of one couple. How they meet, why they date, and what happens when one is given a gift they didn't know they wanted.

Totally a happy ever after story.

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

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #31: The Heart of a Hero (sexy)

The Heart of a Hero
Spellbound Falls (book 4)
Janet Chapman
978-0515153200
Jove
March 2013
353 pages

Romance, paranormal (magic), contemporary
source: Public library

Originally from the ancient mythical island of Atlantis, Nicholas has spent the last year deep in the mountains of Maine, serving as Director of Security for the Nova Mare and Inglenook resorts. Fully embracing his life in the twenty-first century, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to a trouble-prone employee, and is determined to keep her safe.

The last thing Julia Campbell needs is a man with a hero complex, especially one as handsome and imposing as Nicholas. All she has to do is keep it together until her younger sister turns eighteen, and then she can focus on her own life. But strange things have been happening at the resort—and it’s Nicholas who keeps coming to her rescue. When Nicholas is suddenly the one in trouble, Julia realizes he’s not quite what he seems—and that she’ll do anything to help the man who’s stolen her heart…

~*~*~

This is book four and there were hints of book five so I've got my fingers crossed! Is it necessary for you to read the first three? No. You'll understand relationships better and some events but you could pick up this book and fall in love with Spellbound Falls.

This is a romance with magic. Not just the true love kind but move mountains and travel through time kind of magic. Our male lead is a warrior from another time, now head of security at Nova Mare Resort. You'd think he'd be bored but there are plenty of time travelers willing to spend the big bucks to stay at the 5-star resort and some of them don't pay attention to modern ideas. Like, your son can't lure a local girl into the woods without consequences ideas. This a a small part of a perfectly lovely story and illustrated to our female lead, and her brother, what he thought of them. (It turned out to be a good thing).

Julia is just trying to make enough money to live a comfortable life, pay for her sisters education, and hopefully save her brothers from following their dad's footsteps of not only being abusive but also the town drunk. Maine women are tough and independent and Julia has eyes that remind Nicholas of a cat.

Most of the book is a about a hunky-could-have-anyone guy and a girl who's been-crushed-so-doesn't-see-she's-wonderful. The miscommunication, stress and worry that can happen at the beginning, just with a little twist such as several character being from the ancient mythical island of Atlantis.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
Library Books
In the Middle
What an Animal
Where are you reading/50 States
Witches and Witchcraft
Paranormal

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Finished Reading . . . #29: The Wanderer (sexy but sweet)

The Wanderer
A Thunder Point novel (book 1)
Robyn Carr
978-0778314479
Harlequin MIRA
April 2013
377 pages

romance
source: Public library

Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.

~*~*~

I expected to like this book because of past experience with the author. I didn't. I ended up loving it. It took me a little time to get into it but that was mainly because of other reading material and I ending up going 20 to finished overnight!

There are some loveable characters, some I didn't like, several story lines going on at once, and one really creepy high school kid.

I expected the realtor to try more with Cooper and was prepared to really hate her but she backed off. Maybe she'll be a side romance in another book but I hope it's after the other couples get together.

There were a couple of spots I was afraid were going to be cliffhangers but there were resolved enough that I didn't need to throw the book.

Luckily for us, Ms Carr (or her publisher) is not making us wait a whole year before we can read more from Thunder Point. Book 2: The Newcomer is coming late June and book 3: The Hero is coming late August!

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
Where are you reading/50 States
52 in 52
In the Middle
Library Books
Contemporary Romance

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