Thoughts On . . . Paranormal Dentistry for the Fanged and Friendly

Wait, what?

This is a series about a dental office in a small town of shifters. All kinds of shifters. Think about it, where does a werelion go to get his teeth fixed when it is his lion's teeth that hurt?

The series is super fun, paranormal/shifter also romantic and gay. Did I lose anyone? The author has a prequel to the first book on her website, here. Each book is a different couple and all are on the short side. I'd love to see all the books and the prequel in print together.

Peanut Butter and Jelly for Two

author: Jackie Nacht
series: Paranormal Dentistry for the Fanged and Friendly
Publisher: mlr press
ISBN/equivalent: MLR-1-02013-0177
Release Date: December 2013
Genre: paranormal, romance, humor, male/male
53 Pages
format available: ebook

Author's website | Twitter

Grade: B+

Book Blurb:
The sexy chipmunk shifter isn’t afraid of the dentist; he’s in love with him.

Phillip has the best job working at the Paranormal Dentistry for the Fanged and Friendly. As a chipmunk shifter, Phillip has seen handsome men walk through the door but none so gorgeous as his boss and wolf shifter, Dr. Gunner Samuels. When he finds himself being manipulated by his best friend to ask the big bad wolf over for dinner, Phillip realizes his biggest dilemma, he’s never cooked a day in his life, let alone meat. Can Phillip pull off a fabulous dinner for two? And has Gunner had his eye on the sexy shifter all this time?


My Thoughts:
A chipmunk moves to town to work in the dental office. Book one is about him and his boss. Yes, an office romance! Finally Phillip, our chipmunk, asks his boss to dinner. Two problems. Not only does Phillip not cook, he's a vegetarian and doesn't even like the smell of meat. Problem two? His boss is a wolf.

Yes, there is a happy ending, this is fun, fictional romance after all, but the couple does have problems to work out.

I'm serious about the book being short so I can't tell you too much about it. The title should tell you how the cooking goes, the HEA should tell you it turns out well. What I haven't mentioned is the Mom who is worried about her first, and youngest, child that has left home. The 20 siblings. The serious nut storage issue that the chipmunks have. Oh, and the Mom. Did I mention her? Well, she bares repeating.

Book 2: Stalking the Hygienist
This time it is about Phillip's best friend the hygienist, a deer. And a lion. Yup, you read that right.

Book 3: Chipmunk Drizzled in Honey
Phillips brother NIkko comes to visit. Phillip and Nikko were the close growing up so it is natural that he is the first to come visit Phillip in White Pine. Now, Dallas doesn’t know if he wants to push the spunky chipmunk away or make love to him.

Book 3.5: A Paranormal Chipmunk Christmas
It’s time for the chipmunk brothers to take their bear and wolf home to meet the family for the holidays. Think about that. It is stressful enough to visit family at Christmas but there are all those siblings!

Book 4: Hot on a Chipmunk's Tail
Jason has a chance to move to White Pine. Will, his neighbor at home, has feelings for Jason but while Jason does have feelings for Will, he always clams up then runs. It doesn't help that Jason is a chipmunk that prefers to go unnoticed and Will is a mountain lion. This story is about Jason's introduction to life mostly on his own, what happens when Will shows up (you knew he would), and the antics of two of the brothers that came with Jason, the troublesome twins.

Book 5: A White Pine Chipmunk Invasion
Last year, Nikko and Phillip went home for Christmas. This year home comes to White Pine. Yes, Mom and Dad and all the kids have arrived.

Also, one of the twins, Winslow, is dating a crocodile that owns one of the few businesses that doesn't have a ban on the twins coming inside! So this is really Winslow's story that happens at Christmas while the family is visiting.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2016

Thoughts On . . . the series Who Needs Christmas?

series: Who Needs Christmas?
author: Joyee Flynn
publisher: Siren Publishing
genre: male/male erotica, BDSM

available in kindle and print formats at amazon (searched 'Who needs Christmas Joyee Flynn': here)

available in several ebook formats at the publisher, here

author's page for the series, here this has links to each book's info


A group of twelve elves who found each other after leaving the North Pole at different times has been living together for decades. They are comfortable with their new way of life away from the Christmas atmosphere they despise. The only things missing for these serious gamers are their human mates.

Yes, book 1 is called Screw Santa. Each Elf is gay. They didn't fit it well with the other elves at the North Pole and as being gay was frowned upon, they left. As we are introduced to the elves and their mates, we learn why they hate Christmas and it makes sense. They all have magic (duh!) but the strength varies according to age. Well, except for Shadow but you don't find that out until later. I'll let you find out the details on your own.

Screw Santa's elf is Horse. That's right, his name is Horse. All elves name themselves at the age of five when they are baptized in their magic. Each elf has a story about their name. Our first elf saw a magnificent creature and wanted his name to be the same. Unfortunately, the owners of the horse had named the animal Horse, so when asked, that's what they said.

Yeah, they got teased for their names as well.

There is definitely a "formula" to each book. We're introduced to the main character, he meets his mate, something goes wrong, everything works out, happy ever after. The books really up the sex between the two main characters and the "something goes wrong" is inventive.

For example, in one of the books, the human mate is a lawyer. He's decided to give his two weeks notice on Monday and come work for the elves. The Sunday night (actually Monday morning at 1 a.m.) before he can give notice, his boss sends him to bail out a new client. Tame right? Except the new client is the son of the local mob boss and a psychopath that likes to murder "pretty subs". He fixates on his new lawyer and catching him while everything else is going on becomes the "something goes wrong". And to make things worse, his old boss is a vampire and kidnaps him. See? Inventive.

As each can be read by itself you have to expect the repeating of information. Each mate gets the explanation of how the mating works and the mating ritual is repeated in most of the books. It's explained how the elves get by in the human world, the hobbies, their money, all with small changes between books.

The last chapter of the second book is all about Horse. His mate has found a way to help his get over why he hates Christmas. Because as one mate said it, "hate is an ugly emotion that I don’t want to have any room in your heart." This carries on through the rest of the books. The last book's elf, has a free story on the author's website.

These are not mainstream romance books. There is lots of sex between men, elements of BDSM, and toys like you wouldn't believe are used. The difference, for me, between erotica and porn is the story line. If you took each book and toned down the sex but left the story line alone, you'd still have a great book!

What about Christmas do the elves hate? One hates Santa himself, another Christmas music. Snowmen, mistletoe, Christmas trees, jingle bells, twinkle lights, and stockings are all on the list. Plus the others that I haven't re-read yet and don't remember. Let's see, candy canes (hot sugar burns!), cookies, and reindeer.

You know the kind of sugar cookie that you roll out and use cookie cutters? One the elves should have followed in his parent's footsteps but had trouble with the cookies. Too much flour, not enough flour, rolled too thin, not transferring to the cookie sheet right. Yeah, mine never come right either but no one ever made fun of me for it. The really sad thing is that most of the things the elves hate didn't start out that way but the parents and siblings helped prolong the discomfort then the community got involved and by the time the kid was 18 and could leave, there was a hatred so strong that true love was needed.

The books are HOT as well as fun. The author has turned our expectation of elves on it's ear. Also, they're all different from each other, just as you would expect in mainstream romance books. They're real people with quirks and insecurities just like us. They just have a little something extra.

Oh, witches, werecats, vampires, and werewolves make an appearance. Along with stupid people, bigotry and violence. Family, true love, and deep friendship are also part of the series.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

RC - The Valdemar Challenge

The Valdemar Challenge

2015

hosted by Elena at All Booked Up
for more information and to sign up, click here

Valdemar is a series by Mercedes Lackey. There are several levels to choose from, I'm going for . . . level one . . . and hope to read 3 - 6 books. I have the trilogy Heralds of Valdemar as ebooks but will have to get any of the others out of storage.

FYI: There is no linky to sign up and you'll need google+ to comment. Since I don't have a profile, I'll be reading these but not officially part of the challenge. 

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Shield of Winter

Shield of Winter
A Psy-Changeling Novel
by Nalini Singh

Berkley (Penguin Books)
June 2014
978-0425264010
hardcover (also ebook)
Paranormal Romance
448 pages

author's website  (excerpt)

Book Description:

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…

Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to suffocate her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she’ll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness…

~ My Thoughts ~

Wow.

This is book 13 of a fantastic series. And while most of the series can be read as stand-a-lone books, I feel that this one would lose much of the wowness if you don't have a basic understand of the previous books.

Don't get me wrong, there is enough flashback to explain where things are at now but to really understand the importance of the relationship between Vasic and Ivy, you need to know about the Arrows. Please read the first book (Slave to Sensation) at least before this one.

Here's to Ms Singh for another fantastic installment of a fantastic series. Please give us more ;-)

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

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

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

That Old Flame of Mine by J. J. Cook (#81)

I read a lot of paranormal stories and a lot of cozy mysteries but not too many ghost cozies. Although a quick check through LibraryThing revealed that I own several. Yes, I've added them to the TBR tag.

My brother is a fireman. So is a brother-in-law. That and a cute cover had me checking out the title but small-town, here-just-for-a-while, ghost-helps-solve-crime had me purchasing the book. I've already added book 1.5 and 2 to my wishlist/shopping cart.

There were enough wacky characters and weird twists to keep me reading long past the bookmarked stopping place.

Family comes up, there is questions about an old fire death, as well as questions about a new fire death. There is a Vietnam vet that gets some slack because he's a hero. The owner of the pepper packing plant...and employer of most of the town. His newish wife and her (adult) son. But one of the people Stella needs to watch out for turns out to be the manager of the packing plant. He's not use to anyone questioning how he does things nor does he like having to do things differently than "it's always been done this way".

This is only a temporary assignment for Stella, three months to get the fire brigade up and running then home to Chicago and her old job. This is a "first in a new series" so you know she's staying but you've got to be wondering when she'll know she's staying. 

The next book in the series (book 1.5) comes out in December and is an ebook novella about the puppy. Book two, Playing with Fire comes out in January 2014.

That Old Flame of Mine
A Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mystery
J. J. Cook

978-0425252048
Berkley
April 2013
297 pages, includes recipes
mass market paperback (ebook)
Age range: 14+
 
cozy with a touch of paranormal
source: private library

finished reading: June 26
Grade: B+

After knocking the lights out of her boyfriend when she catches him cheating on her, Chicago fire fighter Stella Griffin hops on her Harley and heads for Sweet Pepper, Tennessee, where she ends up becoming the small town's fire chief. When her dear friend Tory Lambert dies after her gingerbread=style house is set ablaze, Stella suspects arson and foul play.

As Stella investigates, she gets help from a most unlikely source-the ghost of Eric Gamlyn, Sweet Pepper's old fire chief. And if that isn't enough to rattle her, attractive police officer John Trump seems to have taken an interest in her. But Stella's got to stay focused if she hopes to smoke out a killer before her own life is extinguished.

~*~*~

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Outdo Yourself
Monthly Mix-up Mania
Genre Variety
Genre/sub-genre
Criminal Plots III

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

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

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #76: Ropes and Dreams (NSFW)

Ropes and Dreams
Mossy Glenn Ranch #2
Bailey Bradford

978-1-78184-372-7
Total-e-Bound
June 2013
136 pages
ebook
Age range: 18+
 
male/male romance, D/s
source: private library

Grade: B-


Ian McCain’s always been one cold, hard man, but a sexy little cook is about to melt his heart.

Drake loves his job as a cook at the Mossy Glenn Ranch. He just wishes he wasn’t scared out of his mind. His ex has him convinced he’s never going to be loved again, so he vows to remain alone.

Officer Ian McCain doesn’t play well with others—unless he’s got a whip or paddle in his hand and a sub at his feet. Control is all he’s had for years now, and he doesn’t think he’s capable of having a relationship.

Then he pulls up at the Mossy Glenn and sees a sexy man with a cute puppy on a leash. From that moment on, Drake might as well have Ian on a leash too, or at least his heart. Ian breaks down Drake’s walls almost as fast as Drake destroys his.

But their chance for a happy life together is something they’re both going to have to fight for as Drake faces his fears and Ian faces losing everything.

~*~*~

This one had lots of sex but it was also full of understanding and love. And bullets.

Book two continues with puppy training and police reports. Ian and Drake find friends in unlikely places and surprises both good and bad.

I'm still wondering what's up with Salt. Maybe his story is next. Whoever is next, I'll be buying that one too.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Outdo Yourself
m/m romance
ebooks
Men in Uniform
Monthly Mix-up Mania

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

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

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #69: Crystal Gardens (sexy)

Crystal Gardens
The Ladies of Lantern Street
Amanda Quick

978-1410447203
Thorndike Press (large print)
hardcover: May 2012
471 pages
large print (also mmp, hardcover, ebook, audio)
Age range: 16+
 
paranormal, romantic suspense
source: public library

Grade: B+


Evangeline Ames has rented a country cottage far from the London streets where she was recently attacked. Fascinated by the paranormal energy of nearby Crystal Gardens, she finds pleasure in sneaking past the wall to explore the grounds. And when her life is threatened again, she instinctively goes to the gardens for safety.

Lucas Sebastian has never been one to ignore a lady in danger, even if she is trespassing on his property. Quickly disposing of her would-be assassin, he insists they keep the matter private. There are rumors enough already, about treasure buried under his garden and occult botanical experiments performed by his uncle—who died of mysterious causes. With Evangeline’s skill for detection, and Lucas’s sense of the criminal mind, they soon discover that they have a common enemy. And as the energy emanating from Crystal Gardens intensifies, they realize that to survive they must unearth what has been buried for too long.

~*~*~

I was sure about this book at the beginning, it felt like I was missing some information but I persevered and fell in love.

The twists and double backs, the realistic characters, the love story, and murder attempts all combined to hold my attention to the last page.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Way
Outdo Yourself
library
romantic suspense
52 in 52

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #64: Son of Death (NSFW)

Son of Death
Keepers of the Gods 1
Nikki McCoy

978-0-85715-550-4
Total-e-Bound
May 2011
224 pages
ebook
Age range: 18+

romance, male/male, BDSM, paranormal, sadistic half-god
source: personal library

When Seth, a Keeper of the Gods, finds the two men he is destined to live eternity with, he must defy the very Gods themselves to save his mates and preserve the existence of man and love.

Discovering love with the one person who is fated to compliment everything that you are is blessing enough, but what do you do when another knight in shining armor sweeps you off your feet?

Jamie found a second chance at life when Loland rescued him from the ignorance and abuse of those who should have protected him. For years they struggled together to cope with Jamie's powers of precognition and his ability to absorb energy from living things.

After centuries of waiting for his other half, Seth finally met Loland, a man that embodied all he'd ever dreamt of in a mate. Meeting Loland's lover, Jamie, and finding that they are both his mates only made the pot sweeter. But while exploring the love they find as mates and the D/s relationships they crave, all three must challenge the will of the Gods and the twisted plans of Jamie's mysterious family.

Ultimately, Seth knows there is nothing he wouldn't do to save the lives and love of his mates.

~*~*~

Oh, boy. Truly a a good example of BDSM.

Jamie and Loland are both subs without a Sir. Loland is searching but Jamie can hardly leave the house and when Loland brings the man he wants to be his Sir home, Jamie takes a swing at him with a baseball bat! Not the easiest of meetings.

Jamie is fearful but strong, loyal to a fault and willing to do what he must. Loland is overprotective, with good reason. And Seth. Seth is a Dom. A good one. One used to being obeyed, willing to be patient with new subs, and quickly losing his heart to both men.

dang, I read book two before writing this.... let's see. Fighting, kidnapping, angry Gods, angrier Keepers, and several half-Gods (offspring of a God and a Keeper). One of the half-Gods has an attitude, just like a rotten apple, giving all half-Gods a bad name. The most sadistic of his behavior is off-screen, we just see the results. Wait, a spiked ball gag? Shudder, I think that was the worst.

But, after everything is said and done this is a love story. The three main characters is this story are having a horrible time but they are working on a relationship that is a love story.

~*~*~

Challenges this counts towards:

150+

Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
Outdo Yourself
m/m romance
ebook
paranormal

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

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

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #62: Watch Me (NSFW)

Watch Me
Campus Cravings #17
Carol Lynne

978-1-78184-323-9
Total-e-Bound
April 2013
84 pages
ebook
Age range: 18+

romance, male/male, light exhibitionism
source: personal library

When you come to the end of a ten-year search, what comes next?

As an eight-year-old, Zeke Straus couldn’t help his big brother Kade when their father kicked him out, but he vowed to find him no matter what it took. At the age of eighteen, Zeke struck out on his own to fulfil that promise. Now, after ten years of fruitless searching and living in run-down motel rooms, he lands yet another bartender job. The last thing Zeke expects is the attraction he feels for the club’s owner.

When Fallon’s on Fifth closes after its owner’s conviction, Reid Jackson and his best friend Alec Demakis decide to buy the bar and turn it into Clean Slate. When a sexy as sin bartender walks through the door to apply for a position, Reid finds he has several in mind he’d like to try with Zeke…

Kade Straus overcame his past and found the love of his life in partner Lark. Although he’s thought of the brother he left behind often, guilt has kept him from contacting his family for twenty years. When he hears that a Zeke Straus with a matching birth date was hired to work at a friend’s bar, he has little choice but to leave Cattle Valley and come face to face with a past he’s never confessed to Lark.

Zeke is torn between his unexpected feelings for Reid and reconnecting with the brother he’s devoted his adult life to searching for. He’s never found a place he wanted to settle down before, so now that his journey’s at an end, how will he choose where to make his home?

~*~*~

This one could possibly be read as a stand-alone. The pain Zeke felt when his brother didn't come back comes through very well. So does his confusion about Reid and his feelings about his brother. I really liked this addition to the series.

~*~*~

Challenges this counts towards:

150+

Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
m/m romance
ebook
Where are you reading/50 states

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

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

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

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

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 . . . #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

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