It's been a while since I have blogged, and I apologize. I have been reading and the list of books that I need to blurb is pretty long since its been two weeks, so I will get to that soon, but not today. Instead, today is about the other stuff...you know, what I've been doing while not reading.
Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I spent going over to my parents house to help my mom pack. Well, really we were trying to clear out the garage. First, I need to explain their garage. My parents have lived in the house they are in for 11 years and somewhere along the way it became somewhat of a storage/catch all. When my sister and her two kids lived with my parents, Randi had a lot of stuff that she couldn't fit in their bedrooms. They had the entire upstairs as their own, which is 3 bedrooms and a bath, but then she used the garage for her extra storage. When my mom quit teaching she moved all her boxes of teaching material into the garage. After eleven years it was so packed that you couldn't walk through it. So Thursday and Friday my mom and I decided to at least make a walking path. We started with Randi's storage crap since we knew most of that would be going to the trash or Goodwill. My sister and tubs and tubs of Isabella and Isaiah's baby clothes. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people save their baby's clothes for a number of reasons...maybe they plan to have another in the near future or whatever. Well, Isabella is 10. Isaiah is 7, so there was no reason to save it any longer. I am not kidding when I say that I have never seen so many baby clothes. The plastic tubs were all labelled too. "Isabella 0-3months" Yup....she had 0-3 all the way up to 5T clothes for both kids...tubs of shoes, infant and baby toys...it was so ridiculous. So, Thursday we ended up loading the entire bed of my truck, plus the inside with trashbags full of clothes, and dropped them off at Goodwill. This barely made a dent in the garage. Friday morning after dropping Logan off at school, I headed for my mom's and round two. Again, we loaded my truck with more clothes and toys. We used an entire box of trash bags on Randi's stuff alone...56 trash bags! yeah...crazy! Next we started on my mom's crafts. My mom loves crafts, she has a couple of sewing machines (which I took one of) several tubs on materials, then the whole scrabooking tub, then her crocheting tub, then the cross-stitching tub...yeah - it goes on. We went through all of that and got it really organized and threw away a bunch of stuff she didn't want of need. By then it was time to head to goodwill and then go pick up Logan.
Saturday, JR, and the kids came with me. My dad had come home Friday evening so he could help out and he was taking a bed back with him so he could move out of the hotel and into their new house. I became in charge...it was kind of awesome. My plan was to take EVERYTHING out of the garage and make piles of stuff they were keeping, stuff that needed to go to the dumb, and stuff that was going to goodwill. Just to give you an idea of what else was in their garage....5 no longer working tv's, and old oven, a bed and bed frame, along with a mattress and box spring, a load of Vanessa's stuff from college. 3 computer desks, 2 dressers, about 3 bookshelves, 3 lawn mowers - 2 push and one riding....and more of those plastic tubs containing everything from VHS's, DVD's, books, and loads and loads of pictures - loose pictures, framed pictures, picture albums...2 small refrigerators (the kind you use in a dorm room)...the list goes on. By the end of the day, we took 4 truck loads to the dump and 5 truck loads to goodwill. And the amount of stuff they kept could probably fit into one truck bed! Woohoo! so proud. I wanted to get the garage done, because on the inside of my parents house....there was boxes and MORE plastic tubs EVERYWHERE. I told mom to start lining up the boxes in the garage so that they were out of the house, and when the times comes to load the U-haul, it will be easier to just move everything from the garage to the truck. Also, I told my mom to start packing in those plastic tubs because they have SOOOOOOOOOOO many, and they are sturdier than boxes anyway, she may as well utilize the space. I would estimate that they have around 40 of those things if not more. So crazy!
While we were emptying the garage, JR leaned over and ruptured a disc in his back. It was terrible. It's still bad. I ended up taking him to the emergency room on Sunday. He has taken the entire week off work. Yesterday we went to a physical therapist, and he will go see an orthopedist sometime either this week or next and he's got to have an MRI. He can barely move, so I have been trying to help him. He was given some pain killers, muscle relaxers, and steroids, and is doing a little better, but he still can't sit down, and can only stand for short periods of time. He has to be laying down on his back. It's really bad, and after 3.5 days of doing nothing but laying down, he is bored and grumpy! Poor guy!
This weekend is Vanessa's 24th birthday celebration. The whole family is supposed to be going to Coushatta to do some family gambling...JR had always planned on staying home with the kids so that I could go, but now I am not sure if I will be able to go...which sucks on so many levels - one being that I put the whole damn trip together. SUCKS! Not only do I have to figure out if JR will be healthy enough to stay with the kids, but we have already spent so much money at the ER, the PT, the prescriptions, and we still have the specialists appt. to pay for and the full cost of the MRI, since we haven't reached the deductible for our insurance yet. Ughhhh! AGAIN, SUCKS!
Okay, I think that's about it for now...Happy Hump Day!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Bragging rights
OKay, so just to forewarn you...I am about to brag about my kid! I got an email from Logan's teacher today letting me know that Logan is now in the "above grade level" category in reading. Apparently, he is where average kindergartners are at the end of the year. WOW! pretty awesome, especially since he was at the bottom of the barrel at the beginning of the year. I don't want to take anything away from Logan's hard work or the fact that his teacher really is great, but I also want to acknowledge the fact that we work on his reading everyday at home. I asked how he was doing in the other areas...behavior, social skills, social studies, math, science...and she said he was at grade level in all areas and has no problems behavior wise. So awesome news!
It really got me thinking about how important it is to keep communication open with your kid's teacher(s). I worked for a school district for three years, so I know that a lot of parents basically just drop their kids off and pick them up Monday through Friday, but dont pay a lot of attention to what they are doing while they are at school. Part of me feels a little guilty because we have worked on his reading this whole year, and while we might throw in a little math and social studies and science, our main focus has been reading. In my defense, he hasn't had any issues in the other areas so we spent a lot of time on his weakness. Now, it has paid off - He is about 4 months ahead of where he should be, and luckily, he didn't fall behind in any other areas, but I feel like maybe we should start doing some more math skills. I do think that at this age reading is so important, it's kind of the basis for learning anything...except that math crap! lol
Anyway, I couldn't be more proud of him. I'm glad I pay attention and stay in contact with his teacher. I'm so happy that he likes reading, that he can read. It's so fun letting him pick out our bedtime story and listening to him read to his sister and how far he has come. There is so much less frustration, and less stumbles. I love watching the way he helps his sister, from teaching her to play a game on the computer, or on the DS, to pointing out different lettters, or "building" words with their bath letters. In the process, he has taught Landry so much, and she will be so much more prepared when she gets to kindergarten. I don't know another way to put it, just that I am so proud of my baby boy. In a way it's bittersweet. He no longer needs me to read to him, but I secretly love it when he can't figure out a word and asks for help. Which is another HUGE difference...at the beginning of the year he HATED to ask for help, he would just get frustrated and start crying...now he asks for help. He's growing up. It's heartbreaking and amazing at the same time. I can't believe in one month and a week he will be turning 6. Most of the kids in his class are already six, but I just want to hang on to 5 for as long as I can. I don't know how to explain it, but if you are a parent, I'm pretty sure you know what I mean. You want them to grow up and be independent and make good choices in life...but there is that part of them that will always be your baby, and you want them to need you.
Enough of the sappy - Just wanted to brag about my brilliant son! LOL
It really got me thinking about how important it is to keep communication open with your kid's teacher(s). I worked for a school district for three years, so I know that a lot of parents basically just drop their kids off and pick them up Monday through Friday, but dont pay a lot of attention to what they are doing while they are at school. Part of me feels a little guilty because we have worked on his reading this whole year, and while we might throw in a little math and social studies and science, our main focus has been reading. In my defense, he hasn't had any issues in the other areas so we spent a lot of time on his weakness. Now, it has paid off - He is about 4 months ahead of where he should be, and luckily, he didn't fall behind in any other areas, but I feel like maybe we should start doing some more math skills. I do think that at this age reading is so important, it's kind of the basis for learning anything...except that math crap! lol
Anyway, I couldn't be more proud of him. I'm glad I pay attention and stay in contact with his teacher. I'm so happy that he likes reading, that he can read. It's so fun letting him pick out our bedtime story and listening to him read to his sister and how far he has come. There is so much less frustration, and less stumbles. I love watching the way he helps his sister, from teaching her to play a game on the computer, or on the DS, to pointing out different lettters, or "building" words with their bath letters. In the process, he has taught Landry so much, and she will be so much more prepared when she gets to kindergarten. I don't know another way to put it, just that I am so proud of my baby boy. In a way it's bittersweet. He no longer needs me to read to him, but I secretly love it when he can't figure out a word and asks for help. Which is another HUGE difference...at the beginning of the year he HATED to ask for help, he would just get frustrated and start crying...now he asks for help. He's growing up. It's heartbreaking and amazing at the same time. I can't believe in one month and a week he will be turning 6. Most of the kids in his class are already six, but I just want to hang on to 5 for as long as I can. I don't know how to explain it, but if you are a parent, I'm pretty sure you know what I mean. You want them to grow up and be independent and make good choices in life...but there is that part of them that will always be your baby, and you want them to need you.
Enough of the sappy - Just wanted to brag about my brilliant son! LOL
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Saturday Night!
So Saturday night I had the pleasure of going to a bar...with my PARENTAL UNITS! I have never sone that before. I have been to the bar with my dad, but not my mom. I was actually excited until she got there...then I was a little uncomfortable because she kept glaring at me...not cool. Then I gave up caring and just had fun. I love how she looked down her nose at me every time I took a drink...ummmmm - you met my dad at a bar when you had two kids at home, soooo please - don't judge me! Plus, I was there for 4 hours and I only had 3 beers....but then again I did take 3 shots! oh well...it was fine. My friend Dana and her parents were there as well, plus Vanessa and Kyle came too. we had a pretty good time, but I got to witness a whole new side of Kyle. One that I didn't like...AT ALL. I'm not happy with him, and since these are my sister's personal issues, I wont discuss them...but let's just say - I am not a fan of his. Anyway, I had a really good time other than that little debacle. It is so weird to go out and just be me for a few hours...not JR's wife, or Logan and Landry's mom...just Sara. I needed it. I'm glad I got to do it.
That's about it. I am still being super lazy. Not doing much but reading, although that has come to a slow down...doesn't look like I will get in 15 books this week, nor will I surpass it. I have too much to do around the house that I have neglected for so long, plus grocery shopping, and Logan's Valentine's party on Thurday....bleh!
That's about it. I am still being super lazy. Not doing much but reading, although that has come to a slow down...doesn't look like I will get in 15 books this week, nor will I surpass it. I have too much to do around the house that I have neglected for so long, plus grocery shopping, and Logan's Valentine's party on Thurday....bleh!
Monday, February 11, 2013
...continued!
Okay so today is just going to be about books...tomorrow, if I have time I will let you all know about my weekend...but for now, here is a continuation of the books I read starting with where I left off.
Your to Keep (The Kowalskis) by Shannon Stacey - 336 pages
This is book three in this series, so if you haven't read the first two, check out Exclusively Yours-book 1 (which is free on Amazon right now) and Undeniably Yours- book 2. This is the story of Emma and Sean. Sean just got out of the army and head to his cousins home in New Hampshire to figure out what he's going to do with the rest of his life. He could go home to his family home in Maine, but he doesn't want to get roped into taking care of the family business. Before he can even wrap his head around the idea of the decisions he needs to make, Emma, a woman he has never even met before shows up to ask him to be her fake fiance. Clearly, the woman is bat shit crazy.
Emma needs Sean to agree to one month of being her fake fiance. After her parents died she was raised by her grandparents and after her grandfather's death her grandmother retired to Florida. She should be living it up and enjoying retirement instead of constantly worrying about Emma. So when grandma starts talking about coming back because there is just too much for Emma to do on her own, Emma tells her that she's engaged. She blurts out Sean's name after talking to her best friend, and one lie turns into another and another. Now grandma is coming to visit for a month, so she has to talk Sean into pretending so that her grandmother wont worry so much and will actually start living her life.
Sounds a bit cheesy and crazy, but it's really good! Loved this book
All He Ever Needed (The Kowalskis) by Shannon Stacey - 304 pages
Moving on to Sean's older brother Mitch. Mitch is called home to Maine because his idiot baby brother broke his leg and needs help at the family ski lodge. But things get a little crazy when he meets Paige, the owner of the local diner. He's never had to work so hard for a girl, and Paige doesn't need a man. She spent her whole life travelling from one place to another so her mom could follow whichever boyfriend she had at the time. She refuses to become like her mother where she would give up her whole life for a man. 2 years ago she landed in town and finally has a place to call home, so there is no way some man is going to come and mess up what she's wanted her whole life. He's only in town for six weeks - it takes half that time to even consider spending time with him, but she knows that its dangerous, because he could easily break her. He tells her from the beginning that all he can give is the six weeks he's there, after that - he's gone, he wont call, he won't text, he won't write...that just isn't in the cards for him. Paige convinces herself she can handle that...if she goes into it with eyes wide open, she wont let herself fall in love and get hurt...it's just a few weeks of fun - and she could use it.
All He Ever Desired (The Kowalskis) by Shannon Stacey - 336 pages
This was probably my least favorite of the entire series...don't know why - it was still a good book, and I could have never skipped out on it because it would always bother me to not know Ryan's story...but yeah, it just wasn't as good as the ones before. This one is Ryan and Lauren's story. They share a past, and because of it, Ryan rarely comes home and when he does, he stays the hell out of town so he can't bump into Lauren. It's been a decade and half but from the moment he literally runs into her, all the old feelings and emotions come back. Then Lauren's 16 year old son goes and gets busted for destroying Ryan's property and they are thrown together yet again. Their chemistry leads them down a road of what if's and trying to figure out the what's next.
All He Ever Dreamed (The Kowalskis) by Shannon Stacey - 384 pages
This is the youngest of the Kowalski brother's story. Josh was the baby of the family, so when his three brothers and sister all left home without looking back, he was the one stuck at home with his dad to run the family business, and when his dad died, everyone just assumed he would keeping running the place. No one stopped to consider that he might want to get the hell out of Maine and do something different. After breaking his leg, he finally lets it out and tells his brothers he want to get away from the ski lodge so the family starts the process of fixing up the place, and then they will decide together whether to sell it or hire a manager to run it.
Katie is Josh's best friend. They grew up together, when Josh's mom passed away when he was five, Katie's mom became a surrogate mom to the Kowalski clan. Katie is just one of the guys. She swears, she watches sports, and she can be tough as nails...but she's also been in love with Josh nearly her whole life. When her mom comes down with pneumonia Katie moves into the lodge to help out. Who knew that all it would take was a white tank top and boxer shorts to get to notice she's actually a girl with girly parts. LOVED this book! Exciting news...there will be more - Liz's story is next and new characters will be introduced for more books as well! YAY
Unwrapped by Chantilly White - 177 pages
The is a really quick read. It's about best friends Derrick and Mia. Mia doesn't even know how beautiful she is and for years Derrick has watched her go through boyfriends which all leave her with less confidence than she had before. She's a 25 year virgin...something must be wrong with her. She has a 3 month rule...kind of like the 3 date rule...if the guys last 3 months, she will finally give up the V card. But none of them ever last. After the last disasterous relationship, Derrick decides it finally his turn. He's finally going to show Mia that he's been in love with her all these years. Except she propostions him first and it blows his mind. So he decided to make a deal with her...they will date for 3 months and if at the end of that time she still wants to give him her virginity he'll do it. Secretely he's hoping to get Mia to fall in love with him before time runs out, but everything might just blow up in his face...or hers.
Scandal and Sin (Men with Tools) by Lynn Lefleur - 198 pages
Another quick read...this is book one in the 3 part series, and its free on Amazon right now! Alaina walks into Rye Coleman's construction office and from the first moment sexual tension is off the chart. She has a few secrets that she isn't willing to share just yet, but she needs him and his firm to refurbish or more like completely gut and rebuild the old Stevens house on the edge of town so she can make it into a bed and breakfast. After a quick sexual encounter against the wall, Alaina tells Rye that she is actually the sister of the woman who humiliated him 3 years before. He wants nothing to do with her, and she has to convince him she's nothing like her sister.
Irresistible Sin (Men with Tools) by Lynn Lefleur - Book 2
Oh yeah...forgot to mention that the three men in these books are triplets...so yeah there's that.
This is Griff and Emma's story. Griff recently lost his wife in a bank robbery gone wrong. Well recently is relative when your the one grieving. In comes Emma, Alaina's best friend, and she's bubbly and happy, and witty, and sexy as hell. She's not one to settle down, she thinks she is far too young to settle on one piece of man flesh for the rest of her life, but there's something about Griff. She should be more interested in Dax (the other brother) they are more on the same pace..but something about Griff calls to her. A need to try to fix him turns into something she never expected, but nothing can ever happen between them if he can't let go of his dead wife.
Walking Sin (Men with Tools) by Lynn Lefleur - book 3
Dax Coleman is a ladies man. There's really no other way to describe him except maybe manwhore. Kelcey is Emma and Alaina's other roommate. When both girls move to open the bed and breakfast it was always the plan that Kelcey would follow. Kelcey lived through a tragic event or events that have caused her to be incapable of having a relationship with a man. WARNING - Kelcey's past involves childhood molestation. Kelcey has never told a soul except for her mom who didn't believe her, and a few therapist over the years. When an encounter with Dax causes Kelcey a panic attack it becomes clear that she has to tell her best friends her past. She makes a decision to use Dax to get over her fears. He's the perfect man to try it with. One, he's already seen her freak out and he didn't run screaming, and two, Dax is not the forever kind of guy so there are no worries about heartache and heart break.
Starburst by Jettie Woodruff - 481 pages
This one is a little harder to blurb. The first half of the book was really good, it a series book - but I have no desire to read book 2. This book was scattered all over the place. The editting was terrible, and the narrative jumps back and forth between so many people that its hard to keep up. Once you get past all that, and trust me there is some readind and re-reading you have to do, like I said the idea behind the first half of the book is really good...the second half of the book is about different people and seeing as the book is nearly 500 pages I am not sure why the author didn't just make the second half a seperate book and maybe actually finish the story of the main characters in the first half. The book was pretty much a clusterfuck and I dont recommend it. Sorry!
One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy - 185 pages
Super quick read. Loved this book, there is just something about messed up people coming together and healing each other that I love. Trust me Drew's character has a completely screwed up past, and while Fable's is no where near what his is, she still has her own cross to bare. Drew needs to go home for Thanksgiving, but going to the house he grew up in and inviting all those terrible demons back into his life is too much to take on. He needs a buffer, he needs a girlfriend...one that wont want anything from him after the week is up. That's where Fable comes in. She's the perfect candidate...if only she will stay yes. ---This book has a part 2 coming out at some point...dont know the date, but I can't wait! Such a good book.
Rule by Jay Crownover - 327 pages
Oh yet another book with a angst ridden tattooed bad boy. This is a GREAT book and it looks as though there is more to come, but luckily this is one of those series where there is a complete ending to the main character's story...the next book just conitnues on with a character that you meet in this book. Anyway, this is the story of Shaw and Rule (I know - weird names). Shaw has loved Rule since she was 14, but he's only ever seen her as his twin brother's girl. No matter how many times Shaw has made it clear that she and Remy were only friends, no one seems to believe it. Remy was killed in a car accident nearly 3 years ago, so Shaw has taken it upon herself to try and keep Rule together. On her 20th birthday, Shaw throws herself at Rule, and since he's always been a jerk anyway, he goes for it...why not? But, going at it with Shaw comes with undeniable proof that she was never with his brother, and being with her is an experience he's never had before. There are TONS of issues these two will have to work through to have a fighting chance in hell of making a relationship work...
So there you have it folks...another 15 books for this week! Hope you can find one you like. None of these are overly erotic, there are some sexual encounters, but nothing too raunchy, so for those of you that like the cleaner side of erotic novels...you should enjoy these.
Your to Keep (The Kowalskis) by Shannon Stacey - 336 pages
This is book three in this series, so if you haven't read the first two, check out Exclusively Yours-book 1 (which is free on Amazon right now) and Undeniably Yours- book 2. This is the story of Emma and Sean. Sean just got out of the army and head to his cousins home in New Hampshire to figure out what he's going to do with the rest of his life. He could go home to his family home in Maine, but he doesn't want to get roped into taking care of the family business. Before he can even wrap his head around the idea of the decisions he needs to make, Emma, a woman he has never even met before shows up to ask him to be her fake fiance. Clearly, the woman is bat shit crazy.
Emma needs Sean to agree to one month of being her fake fiance. After her parents died she was raised by her grandparents and after her grandfather's death her grandmother retired to Florida. She should be living it up and enjoying retirement instead of constantly worrying about Emma. So when grandma starts talking about coming back because there is just too much for Emma to do on her own, Emma tells her that she's engaged. She blurts out Sean's name after talking to her best friend, and one lie turns into another and another. Now grandma is coming to visit for a month, so she has to talk Sean into pretending so that her grandmother wont worry so much and will actually start living her life.
Sounds a bit cheesy and crazy, but it's really good! Loved this book
All He Ever Needed (The Kowalskis) by Shannon Stacey - 304 pages
Moving on to Sean's older brother Mitch. Mitch is called home to Maine because his idiot baby brother broke his leg and needs help at the family ski lodge. But things get a little crazy when he meets Paige, the owner of the local diner. He's never had to work so hard for a girl, and Paige doesn't need a man. She spent her whole life travelling from one place to another so her mom could follow whichever boyfriend she had at the time. She refuses to become like her mother where she would give up her whole life for a man. 2 years ago she landed in town and finally has a place to call home, so there is no way some man is going to come and mess up what she's wanted her whole life. He's only in town for six weeks - it takes half that time to even consider spending time with him, but she knows that its dangerous, because he could easily break her. He tells her from the beginning that all he can give is the six weeks he's there, after that - he's gone, he wont call, he won't text, he won't write...that just isn't in the cards for him. Paige convinces herself she can handle that...if she goes into it with eyes wide open, she wont let herself fall in love and get hurt...it's just a few weeks of fun - and she could use it.
All He Ever Desired (The Kowalskis) by Shannon Stacey - 336 pages
This was probably my least favorite of the entire series...don't know why - it was still a good book, and I could have never skipped out on it because it would always bother me to not know Ryan's story...but yeah, it just wasn't as good as the ones before. This one is Ryan and Lauren's story. They share a past, and because of it, Ryan rarely comes home and when he does, he stays the hell out of town so he can't bump into Lauren. It's been a decade and half but from the moment he literally runs into her, all the old feelings and emotions come back. Then Lauren's 16 year old son goes and gets busted for destroying Ryan's property and they are thrown together yet again. Their chemistry leads them down a road of what if's and trying to figure out the what's next.
All He Ever Dreamed (The Kowalskis) by Shannon Stacey - 384 pages
This is the youngest of the Kowalski brother's story. Josh was the baby of the family, so when his three brothers and sister all left home without looking back, he was the one stuck at home with his dad to run the family business, and when his dad died, everyone just assumed he would keeping running the place. No one stopped to consider that he might want to get the hell out of Maine and do something different. After breaking his leg, he finally lets it out and tells his brothers he want to get away from the ski lodge so the family starts the process of fixing up the place, and then they will decide together whether to sell it or hire a manager to run it.
Katie is Josh's best friend. They grew up together, when Josh's mom passed away when he was five, Katie's mom became a surrogate mom to the Kowalski clan. Katie is just one of the guys. She swears, she watches sports, and she can be tough as nails...but she's also been in love with Josh nearly her whole life. When her mom comes down with pneumonia Katie moves into the lodge to help out. Who knew that all it would take was a white tank top and boxer shorts to get to notice she's actually a girl with girly parts. LOVED this book! Exciting news...there will be more - Liz's story is next and new characters will be introduced for more books as well! YAY
Unwrapped by Chantilly White - 177 pages
The is a really quick read. It's about best friends Derrick and Mia. Mia doesn't even know how beautiful she is and for years Derrick has watched her go through boyfriends which all leave her with less confidence than she had before. She's a 25 year virgin...something must be wrong with her. She has a 3 month rule...kind of like the 3 date rule...if the guys last 3 months, she will finally give up the V card. But none of them ever last. After the last disasterous relationship, Derrick decides it finally his turn. He's finally going to show Mia that he's been in love with her all these years. Except she propostions him first and it blows his mind. So he decided to make a deal with her...they will date for 3 months and if at the end of that time she still wants to give him her virginity he'll do it. Secretely he's hoping to get Mia to fall in love with him before time runs out, but everything might just blow up in his face...or hers.
Scandal and Sin (Men with Tools) by Lynn Lefleur - 198 pages
Another quick read...this is book one in the 3 part series, and its free on Amazon right now! Alaina walks into Rye Coleman's construction office and from the first moment sexual tension is off the chart. She has a few secrets that she isn't willing to share just yet, but she needs him and his firm to refurbish or more like completely gut and rebuild the old Stevens house on the edge of town so she can make it into a bed and breakfast. After a quick sexual encounter against the wall, Alaina tells Rye that she is actually the sister of the woman who humiliated him 3 years before. He wants nothing to do with her, and she has to convince him she's nothing like her sister.
Irresistible Sin (Men with Tools) by Lynn Lefleur - Book 2
Oh yeah...forgot to mention that the three men in these books are triplets...so yeah there's that.
This is Griff and Emma's story. Griff recently lost his wife in a bank robbery gone wrong. Well recently is relative when your the one grieving. In comes Emma, Alaina's best friend, and she's bubbly and happy, and witty, and sexy as hell. She's not one to settle down, she thinks she is far too young to settle on one piece of man flesh for the rest of her life, but there's something about Griff. She should be more interested in Dax (the other brother) they are more on the same pace..but something about Griff calls to her. A need to try to fix him turns into something she never expected, but nothing can ever happen between them if he can't let go of his dead wife.
Walking Sin (Men with Tools) by Lynn Lefleur - book 3
Dax Coleman is a ladies man. There's really no other way to describe him except maybe manwhore. Kelcey is Emma and Alaina's other roommate. When both girls move to open the bed and breakfast it was always the plan that Kelcey would follow. Kelcey lived through a tragic event or events that have caused her to be incapable of having a relationship with a man. WARNING - Kelcey's past involves childhood molestation. Kelcey has never told a soul except for her mom who didn't believe her, and a few therapist over the years. When an encounter with Dax causes Kelcey a panic attack it becomes clear that she has to tell her best friends her past. She makes a decision to use Dax to get over her fears. He's the perfect man to try it with. One, he's already seen her freak out and he didn't run screaming, and two, Dax is not the forever kind of guy so there are no worries about heartache and heart break.
Starburst by Jettie Woodruff - 481 pages
This one is a little harder to blurb. The first half of the book was really good, it a series book - but I have no desire to read book 2. This book was scattered all over the place. The editting was terrible, and the narrative jumps back and forth between so many people that its hard to keep up. Once you get past all that, and trust me there is some readind and re-reading you have to do, like I said the idea behind the first half of the book is really good...the second half of the book is about different people and seeing as the book is nearly 500 pages I am not sure why the author didn't just make the second half a seperate book and maybe actually finish the story of the main characters in the first half. The book was pretty much a clusterfuck and I dont recommend it. Sorry!
One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy - 185 pages
Super quick read. Loved this book, there is just something about messed up people coming together and healing each other that I love. Trust me Drew's character has a completely screwed up past, and while Fable's is no where near what his is, she still has her own cross to bare. Drew needs to go home for Thanksgiving, but going to the house he grew up in and inviting all those terrible demons back into his life is too much to take on. He needs a buffer, he needs a girlfriend...one that wont want anything from him after the week is up. That's where Fable comes in. She's the perfect candidate...if only she will stay yes. ---This book has a part 2 coming out at some point...dont know the date, but I can't wait! Such a good book.
Rule by Jay Crownover - 327 pages
Oh yet another book with a angst ridden tattooed bad boy. This is a GREAT book and it looks as though there is more to come, but luckily this is one of those series where there is a complete ending to the main character's story...the next book just conitnues on with a character that you meet in this book. Anyway, this is the story of Shaw and Rule (I know - weird names). Shaw has loved Rule since she was 14, but he's only ever seen her as his twin brother's girl. No matter how many times Shaw has made it clear that she and Remy were only friends, no one seems to believe it. Remy was killed in a car accident nearly 3 years ago, so Shaw has taken it upon herself to try and keep Rule together. On her 20th birthday, Shaw throws herself at Rule, and since he's always been a jerk anyway, he goes for it...why not? But, going at it with Shaw comes with undeniable proof that she was never with his brother, and being with her is an experience he's never had before. There are TONS of issues these two will have to work through to have a fighting chance in hell of making a relationship work...
So there you have it folks...another 15 books for this week! Hope you can find one you like. None of these are overly erotic, there are some sexual encounters, but nothing too raunchy, so for those of you that like the cleaner side of erotic novels...you should enjoy these.
Friday, February 8, 2013
moving and grooving!
This week has either flown by or is dragging on ridiculously slow. I'm not sure which. There is SO much crap I need to do around my house, but I'm boycotting! JR was gone all weekend and I really thought I would use the time to get caught up on house work, but one book led to another...you know how it goes. I don't have a lot of time for blogging, I will try to write some reviews, but some may be short and sweet. I finally broke down and stepped on the scale the other day. I have been eating fast food and junk for about 2 months now. I still weigh 133. Like I have said before, I can neither gain or lose weight. And again, I will point out - the number on the scale doesn't bother me, its the band of fat around my belly that drives me insane. Sometimes, I don't even think about it, but my mom and sister and I were together the other day and my sister commented on me being skinny. She asked if she could hire me as her personal cook so that she could lose a few pounds..."HA" - as if she needs to lose weight, she is perfect, which I told her. Then she looked at me and said that I only way 5 pounds more than she does and I am nearly 6 inches taller than she is. Before I could say anything, she quickly told me not to say she has more muscle than I do (which is completely true), because it was ridiculous. So, I just told her that it was all in her boobs - which is also true! LOL Then my mom dropped a whopper telling me that I needed to gain about 10 pounds. First - NO...Been there done that, and again, I don't think I have had a vegetable or anything relatively healthy in about hmmmm...since Christmas? pretty sure I had some vegetables at Christmas dinner...although, sweet potatoes covered in a HUGE dallop of butter and cinnamon...probably not too healthy! EH! The problem is motivation....what motivation do I have to work out and eat healthy when there are no results? Sure I will lose a few pounds (water weight), but I never see ANY changes in my body. The fat doesn't tone...it just doesn't. I've tried - it is what it is. I guess the motivation would be knowing that I am taking care of myself and that I will be thankful for it years down the road..but, I guess I am part of that instant gratification generation. I am going grocery shopping tomorrow while JR stays home with the kids...and I am going to try to get us back on a healthier diet. I would also like to start running....probably not, maybe walking - something though. I just have to figure it out. I dont know what I'm going to do...I just feel stagnant, and I'm hoping if I do some more moving around it might help with my joints a bit. They've been bothering me for a while now. We'll see!
My parents are moving! My dad has accepted the job in Weatherford, TX as the new head football coach. This is a huge deal for my dad. Every since I was little, my dad has always had his eye on coaching a 5A football team. His dream has arrived. My dad is an incredible coach and I am so happy for him. I am a bit sad that they will now be 3.5 hours from us, but it will be really good for him and my mom. My mom is going to go back to teaching, which is really exciting. She taught English for 13 years before leaving. She loved teaching, and the kids loved her - but the politics of the school district in Wimberley got to be too much. My mom is not a "blow smoke up your ass" kind of lady. She's blunt, and doesn't have a problem telling you something that you might not want to hear. That was a big deal in Wimberley...they couldn't and wouldn't fire her...they needed my dad to stick around to do anything like that, but they did a great job of making her pretty miserable, so when the chance came along to leave - she did...with her middle finger in the air and few choice words! HA! That's my mom! My dad starts his job today. He's there meeting staff and faculty, and the kids, so Monday they will start with off season and really getting to know the the area and the people. It's a much larger school so he wont be the athletic director anymore...but I think that's really a plus...He's getting paid much more money, and he only has to focus on football. He has to deal with less politics, and less parents...yes, it's a bigger school, but when you are the athletic director - you're in charge of all sports, baseball, track, powerlifting, swimming, volleyball, etc. - then you have to remember that it's both girls AND boys sports. So any complaint goes to him, then he had the school board to appease the booster clubs, the principle, the superintendant....bleh! Anyway - I am super happy for them both!
ON to books - with very quick reviews...out of time - sorry!
Not Quite Dating by Catherine Bybee - 258 pages
Super cute book! Basically - it's a single mom, struggling to not only raise her 5 year old son, but also help her sister finish nursing school so that she, herself can go to school and make a better life for herself. It's not great but it works, her sister goes to school, while her son is at school and she sleeps. When her son gets home, she spends the day with her little man, then works the grave yard shift at a diner while her sister watches him and he sleeps! It's grueling. Then in walks a man that's perfect for her...except he has no money and he's dreamer. She needs stability - she can go with out the romance and butterflies and true love crap, as long as the man she marries can respect her, share some interests, and be a responsible man...right?
"Shot in the Dark" by Jennifer Conner -
Girl works at a bikini coffee shop...she gets buglarized and close to being raped. One of her regulars, just happens to be a detective and is one of the first to arrive. 6 months ago he was shot in the leg and doesn't really care about life anymore. He takes her to the hospital, then takes her home...one thing leads to another...sex leads to love. They heal each other. I'd give it 3.5 stars
"Boots and Chaps: Ugly Stick Saloon" by Myla Jackson -
This is an erotic novel...it was okay - but Honestly, I have a thing about doing it with brothers. It's one thing, if you dated one YEARS before the other...it gets a little awkward if there has been sexual relations with both brothers...but even that can be overcome. Doind brothers at the same time is just wierd for me. I was okay as long as I could try to pretend the guys weren't REALLY related...but, I don't know - Erotic novels are supposed to make you feel icky in a good way...this one made me fell dirty in a bad way, I am pretty hesitant about moving on to read the second in the series...just not sure if I can go through it again.
"Lipstick and Leather" by Cheyenne McCray -
This was a actually of three separate novellas put together. Each story has nothing to do with the other - All three are somewhat erotic, but nothing too raunchy, just regular old two people fall in love, screw each other and live happily ever after. The fact that each book involves a cowboy makes it sexy - I LOVE COWBOYS...book three was pretty crappy though...just FYI
"Yours to Keep (The Kowalskis)" by Shannon Stacey - .....................
To be continued...I ran out of time, sorry...but this is a VERY GOOD BOOK AND A GREAT SERIES...I have already written about book 1 and 2 in previous posts...look for "Exclusively Yours" and "Undeniably Yours"
I will try to get in the reviews for this one and the others later today or tomorrow!
Have a great weekend
My parents are moving! My dad has accepted the job in Weatherford, TX as the new head football coach. This is a huge deal for my dad. Every since I was little, my dad has always had his eye on coaching a 5A football team. His dream has arrived. My dad is an incredible coach and I am so happy for him. I am a bit sad that they will now be 3.5 hours from us, but it will be really good for him and my mom. My mom is going to go back to teaching, which is really exciting. She taught English for 13 years before leaving. She loved teaching, and the kids loved her - but the politics of the school district in Wimberley got to be too much. My mom is not a "blow smoke up your ass" kind of lady. She's blunt, and doesn't have a problem telling you something that you might not want to hear. That was a big deal in Wimberley...they couldn't and wouldn't fire her...they needed my dad to stick around to do anything like that, but they did a great job of making her pretty miserable, so when the chance came along to leave - she did...with her middle finger in the air and few choice words! HA! That's my mom! My dad starts his job today. He's there meeting staff and faculty, and the kids, so Monday they will start with off season and really getting to know the the area and the people. It's a much larger school so he wont be the athletic director anymore...but I think that's really a plus...He's getting paid much more money, and he only has to focus on football. He has to deal with less politics, and less parents...yes, it's a bigger school, but when you are the athletic director - you're in charge of all sports, baseball, track, powerlifting, swimming, volleyball, etc. - then you have to remember that it's both girls AND boys sports. So any complaint goes to him, then he had the school board to appease the booster clubs, the principle, the superintendant....bleh! Anyway - I am super happy for them both!
ON to books - with very quick reviews...out of time - sorry!
Not Quite Dating by Catherine Bybee - 258 pages
Super cute book! Basically - it's a single mom, struggling to not only raise her 5 year old son, but also help her sister finish nursing school so that she, herself can go to school and make a better life for herself. It's not great but it works, her sister goes to school, while her son is at school and she sleeps. When her son gets home, she spends the day with her little man, then works the grave yard shift at a diner while her sister watches him and he sleeps! It's grueling. Then in walks a man that's perfect for her...except he has no money and he's dreamer. She needs stability - she can go with out the romance and butterflies and true love crap, as long as the man she marries can respect her, share some interests, and be a responsible man...right?
"Shot in the Dark" by Jennifer Conner -
Girl works at a bikini coffee shop...she gets buglarized and close to being raped. One of her regulars, just happens to be a detective and is one of the first to arrive. 6 months ago he was shot in the leg and doesn't really care about life anymore. He takes her to the hospital, then takes her home...one thing leads to another...sex leads to love. They heal each other. I'd give it 3.5 stars
"Boots and Chaps: Ugly Stick Saloon" by Myla Jackson -
This is an erotic novel...it was okay - but Honestly, I have a thing about doing it with brothers. It's one thing, if you dated one YEARS before the other...it gets a little awkward if there has been sexual relations with both brothers...but even that can be overcome. Doind brothers at the same time is just wierd for me. I was okay as long as I could try to pretend the guys weren't REALLY related...but, I don't know - Erotic novels are supposed to make you feel icky in a good way...this one made me fell dirty in a bad way, I am pretty hesitant about moving on to read the second in the series...just not sure if I can go through it again.
"Lipstick and Leather" by Cheyenne McCray -
This was a actually of three separate novellas put together. Each story has nothing to do with the other - All three are somewhat erotic, but nothing too raunchy, just regular old two people fall in love, screw each other and live happily ever after. The fact that each book involves a cowboy makes it sexy - I LOVE COWBOYS...book three was pretty crappy though...just FYI
"Yours to Keep (The Kowalskis)" by Shannon Stacey - .....................
To be continued...I ran out of time, sorry...but this is a VERY GOOD BOOK AND A GREAT SERIES...I have already written about book 1 and 2 in previous posts...look for "Exclusively Yours" and "Undeniably Yours"
I will try to get in the reviews for this one and the others later today or tomorrow!
Have a great weekend
Monday, February 4, 2013
Superbowl party and weekend reading!
Let's start with the Superbowl. First, JR went to Houston to be with his guy friends for a weekend celebration. The kids were actually pretty good all day Saturday. We went to the park for a little bit since the weather was so nice. Plus, I just felt like getting out of the house but without having to get dressed...so we walked over, me in the sweats I slept in the night before! LOL ON Sunday, I got up around 10. Went to get breakfast for the kids and I, and then started baking brownies for the Superbowl party the kids and I were going to.
At 4:30 we went over to my friend Lynn's house for the Superbowl Party. Her daughter is in Logan's class and her son turns 4 today. Erin came over and brought her two little ones, so the kids all had people to play with. The party was hmmm...different from any other Superbowl party I have EVER been to. No one...and I mean NO ONE watched the game. For nearly the entire first half I was the only one inside watching. There were about 12 adults and 7 kids there, and I was the ONLY person watching the game. It was really strange. The ladies all came in to watch the half time show. I spent that time making fun of Beyonce. The biggest shocker was that I somehow forgot that Superbowl Sunday...means it's on a Sunday and that means it is a school night. OOPS! So the kids didn't get baths last night, and went to sleep a little late. CRAP!
Now on to Weekend Reading -
Downt to You by M. Leighton - 299 pages
This was a bit of a wild one, especially if you have a thing about dating siblings, and tall tales. However, even with the stretch of the imagination, it was still a good book. Normally, I don't care too much for books that are just too far from reality - unless I am specifically reading in the Sci-Fi or Fantasy genres, but again; this was a great read.
Olivia is just your average girl. Going to college, working at a bar, and doing what she can to make sure that her degree will allow her father with the family sheep farm. Her mother abandoned him years ago for greener pastures, and she'll be damned if she makes the same mistake. At her best friends bachelorette party she accidentally mistakes the club's owner as the stripper they hired - OOPS! Too bad she would not have minded seeing every last inch of skin. What a shock when she wakes the next morning and meets her roomate/cousin's boyfriend Nash...the owner of the club....but wait, turns out, Nash is in law school - the club owner??? That's his twin brother Cash. Somehow, both men get entwined into Olivia's life - she wants both of them. Nash is the kind of man she SHOULD be with - he's a good guy, but Cash is under her skin. He's a bad boy, and if Olivia has learned anything, it's to stay AWAY from bad boys.
Up to Me by M. Leighton - 289 pages
The continuation...or book 2
I don't really want to do a review on this because it's difficult without giving away Olivia's choice - if she ever had one to begin with. So, I'll say this. Nash and Cash have a pretty dark past, which catches up to them full force (as it always does). Again, there are twists and turns as the book becomes more far fetched, but if you read the book as if you were watching a movie...it's pretty awesome. I love that the book will continue, book 3 will be out later this year. What I hate is that I feel like I am always left hanging. I have read so many series lately, and now I am just sitting back waiting for the next book to come out. I feel like I can relate to all those "Harry Potter" people!
Hard to Love by Ryan Kendall - 226 pages
In my attempt to finally get some closure, I decided to read a few books that wouldn't leave me hanging on the edge of a cliff!
This was a cute book...I liked the sweet and rough characters. A perfect blend of innocence and eroticism (don't know if that's a real word...but yeah, it is now). Alexa is a 20/21 year old student nurse. She comes from a priviledged background and other than actually going to school and having a job she loves, she's always been a good girl who does what her parents tell her to.
Caden got a somewhat shitty hand in life. His meth-head parent's finally got their 3rd strike and went to prison, but no before dropping off his baby sister who was born with spina bifida. At 18 he loses both his grandparents and gains full custody of his 3 year old sister. By 22, he'll do anything to pay the bills - the exorbitant bills it requires to take care of his sister, pay the mortgage, and put food in their bellies. So when the opportunity comes to make a huge amount of money, he takes it...even if it means doing porn. After the producer of his film decides to give him 2 little blue pills...well, the commercials come to life - "if you have an erection lasting more than 4 hours..." so, he meets Alexa. Shy, sweet, good girl, Alexa.
On Alexa's 21st birthday she decides it's time to lose her pesky virginity and explore her sexual side. She know just who to go to for help. Cade's a porn star, so it's not like he'll have a problem divesting her of her virginity, and at least she'll enjoy the experience. The problem...when she arrives at his house, she realizes she's been judging the book by it's cover.
Beautifully Damaged by L.A. Fiore - 345 pages
Oh, man. Such a good book. Trace Mongomery is a complex man. He has a dark and sordid past. Hang in there, because it takes a LONG time to find out his story, and even then, there are twists you don't see coming. Ember Walsh is quiet, and maybe a little bit shy. She has a huge heart and the first time she meets Trace she can see how damaged he is, but can't stop wanting to help him. Even in a city as large as Manhattan, somehow Trace keeps showing up - they keep running into each other. Trace knows he needs to stay away, he will only destroy someone as pure as Ember, but he can't stay away. Their friendship can only last as long as Trace is willing to let it. The minute she get's too close, he will shut down...and Ember - she'll be the one waiting for him to cool down and come back. But when they finally give in and push things to the next level...how long can she se with only a part of him? And how close will he let Ember get before he pushes her away again. What happens when she gets pushed one time too many?
Lost to You by L.A. Jackson - This is a prequel to "Take this Regrets" Neither of these books are erotic...just an FYI
This is the story of Christian Davison and Elizabthe Ayers. It's the beginning of how they meet, how they try to stay friends while silently falling in love with each other their Freshman year at Cornell. They meet as study partners, and from that first moment, Elizabeth knows that he would have the power to destroy her if she let him. Over time Christian learns what it means to be humble, unselfish, kind, and patient. The world doesn't revolve around him and what he wants. It's too much...the attraction, the lust, the passion, but ultimately the love. It can't be denied only embraced.
Take This Regrets by A.L. Jackson -297
This book picks up four years later...senior year of college. I don't want to give away what happens, so I'm going to give a version of the Amazon review. Basically it will all boil down to forgiveness. Forgiving the person who betrayed you. Forgiving yourself. And allowing yourself to trust. Trust others, and trust yourself to make good decisions. This is an emotional book. It's full of battles, emotional wars, tears of heartache, and tears of joy.
So, there you go! Hope you find one you enjoy. 15 books in one week! Whew! That might be a record!
At 4:30 we went over to my friend Lynn's house for the Superbowl Party. Her daughter is in Logan's class and her son turns 4 today. Erin came over and brought her two little ones, so the kids all had people to play with. The party was hmmm...different from any other Superbowl party I have EVER been to. No one...and I mean NO ONE watched the game. For nearly the entire first half I was the only one inside watching. There were about 12 adults and 7 kids there, and I was the ONLY person watching the game. It was really strange. The ladies all came in to watch the half time show. I spent that time making fun of Beyonce. The biggest shocker was that I somehow forgot that Superbowl Sunday...means it's on a Sunday and that means it is a school night. OOPS! So the kids didn't get baths last night, and went to sleep a little late. CRAP!
Now on to Weekend Reading -
Downt to You by M. Leighton - 299 pages
This was a bit of a wild one, especially if you have a thing about dating siblings, and tall tales. However, even with the stretch of the imagination, it was still a good book. Normally, I don't care too much for books that are just too far from reality - unless I am specifically reading in the Sci-Fi or Fantasy genres, but again; this was a great read.
Olivia is just your average girl. Going to college, working at a bar, and doing what she can to make sure that her degree will allow her father with the family sheep farm. Her mother abandoned him years ago for greener pastures, and she'll be damned if she makes the same mistake. At her best friends bachelorette party she accidentally mistakes the club's owner as the stripper they hired - OOPS! Too bad she would not have minded seeing every last inch of skin. What a shock when she wakes the next morning and meets her roomate/cousin's boyfriend Nash...the owner of the club....but wait, turns out, Nash is in law school - the club owner??? That's his twin brother Cash. Somehow, both men get entwined into Olivia's life - she wants both of them. Nash is the kind of man she SHOULD be with - he's a good guy, but Cash is under her skin. He's a bad boy, and if Olivia has learned anything, it's to stay AWAY from bad boys.
Up to Me by M. Leighton - 289 pages
The continuation...or book 2
I don't really want to do a review on this because it's difficult without giving away Olivia's choice - if she ever had one to begin with. So, I'll say this. Nash and Cash have a pretty dark past, which catches up to them full force (as it always does). Again, there are twists and turns as the book becomes more far fetched, but if you read the book as if you were watching a movie...it's pretty awesome. I love that the book will continue, book 3 will be out later this year. What I hate is that I feel like I am always left hanging. I have read so many series lately, and now I am just sitting back waiting for the next book to come out. I feel like I can relate to all those "Harry Potter" people!
Hard to Love by Ryan Kendall - 226 pages
In my attempt to finally get some closure, I decided to read a few books that wouldn't leave me hanging on the edge of a cliff!
This was a cute book...I liked the sweet and rough characters. A perfect blend of innocence and eroticism (don't know if that's a real word...but yeah, it is now). Alexa is a 20/21 year old student nurse. She comes from a priviledged background and other than actually going to school and having a job she loves, she's always been a good girl who does what her parents tell her to.
Caden got a somewhat shitty hand in life. His meth-head parent's finally got their 3rd strike and went to prison, but no before dropping off his baby sister who was born with spina bifida. At 18 he loses both his grandparents and gains full custody of his 3 year old sister. By 22, he'll do anything to pay the bills - the exorbitant bills it requires to take care of his sister, pay the mortgage, and put food in their bellies. So when the opportunity comes to make a huge amount of money, he takes it...even if it means doing porn. After the producer of his film decides to give him 2 little blue pills...well, the commercials come to life - "if you have an erection lasting more than 4 hours..." so, he meets Alexa. Shy, sweet, good girl, Alexa.
On Alexa's 21st birthday she decides it's time to lose her pesky virginity and explore her sexual side. She know just who to go to for help. Cade's a porn star, so it's not like he'll have a problem divesting her of her virginity, and at least she'll enjoy the experience. The problem...when she arrives at his house, she realizes she's been judging the book by it's cover.
Beautifully Damaged by L.A. Fiore - 345 pages
Oh, man. Such a good book. Trace Mongomery is a complex man. He has a dark and sordid past. Hang in there, because it takes a LONG time to find out his story, and even then, there are twists you don't see coming. Ember Walsh is quiet, and maybe a little bit shy. She has a huge heart and the first time she meets Trace she can see how damaged he is, but can't stop wanting to help him. Even in a city as large as Manhattan, somehow Trace keeps showing up - they keep running into each other. Trace knows he needs to stay away, he will only destroy someone as pure as Ember, but he can't stay away. Their friendship can only last as long as Trace is willing to let it. The minute she get's too close, he will shut down...and Ember - she'll be the one waiting for him to cool down and come back. But when they finally give in and push things to the next level...how long can she se with only a part of him? And how close will he let Ember get before he pushes her away again. What happens when she gets pushed one time too many?
Lost to You by L.A. Jackson - This is a prequel to "Take this Regrets" Neither of these books are erotic...just an FYI
This is the story of Christian Davison and Elizabthe Ayers. It's the beginning of how they meet, how they try to stay friends while silently falling in love with each other their Freshman year at Cornell. They meet as study partners, and from that first moment, Elizabeth knows that he would have the power to destroy her if she let him. Over time Christian learns what it means to be humble, unselfish, kind, and patient. The world doesn't revolve around him and what he wants. It's too much...the attraction, the lust, the passion, but ultimately the love. It can't be denied only embraced.
Take This Regrets by A.L. Jackson -297
This book picks up four years later...senior year of college. I don't want to give away what happens, so I'm going to give a version of the Amazon review. Basically it will all boil down to forgiveness. Forgiving the person who betrayed you. Forgiving yourself. And allowing yourself to trust. Trust others, and trust yourself to make good decisions. This is an emotional book. It's full of battles, emotional wars, tears of heartache, and tears of joy.
So, there you go! Hope you find one you enjoy. 15 books in one week! Whew! That might be a record!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Book Swap
Before I get to the books, I just want to say that my kids are driving me crazy this week. Thank God it is Friday...oh wait, never mind, because JR is going to be out of town all weekend. Sucks to be me. Landry no longer even asks for things, she just immediately starts crying. It starts from the moment she wakes up until she goes to sleep. Just CONSTANT whining and crying. I have no patience left. AT ALL. Logan hasn't been going to bed at night when he is supposed to, which means he is CRANKY all the time. I have no patience for him either. It is seriously annoying.
My friend Erin and I have been book swapping quite a bit. I will loan her ebooks, which works great, and this week she has loaned me quite a few paperback books to read. I love that we read the same stuff. I am sad that her iCloud or whatever it is she has on her iPad doesn't have the loan option. :( Anyway, I have read some great books this week, so here they are...
Bared to You A Crossfire Novel by Sylvia Day - 352 pages
If you were a fan of the 50 Shades of Grey books...READ this book. It's a little darker in some aspects and less kinky in the sex department but still....ummm, orgasmic? for lack of a better description. This is the first book, where you learn about Eva, her background, and a glimpse into a truly disfunctional relationship with her best friend, her mother, and of course Gideon Cross.
Reflected in You A Crossfire Novel by Sylvia Day - 432 pages
Book 2 of the Eva and Gideon story. This is still told from Eva's view, you FINALLY learn a piece of Gideon's dark past. Yes, it was hinted throughout the first book, and through most of this one before you learn what happened, but I read from the Author's web site that book three will be written from Gideon's perspective. Anyway, more twists and turns and trials and tribulations in this book. My heart actually aches for this couple. Great books...book 3 comes out May 7! Can't wait!
The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst - 336 pages
The story of Alexa and Nick - Alexa is one of those genuinely good caring people. The kind of person that gives without ever expecting anything in return. She forgives without holding it over your head, and she will do anything to save her family home...all she needs is $150,000.
Nick just happens to be her best friend, Maggie's, brother. They grew up together, but couldn't be more different. While Maggie and Alexa have stayed as close as sisters throughout their lives, Alexa and Nick haven't seen each other in years, which Alexa is happy for since he tortured her childhood. Turns out...Nick needs a wife, and FAST in order to get his inheritance and take over the company he has been running. There in lays the marriage bargain. She gets $150,000 and he gets a wife - for one year only. Can they make last the year or give in to the sexual tension and build something more?
The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst - 285 pages
Maggie and Michael's story - Welcome back to Maggie, Alexa's best friend. Maggie couldn't be more happy for her brother and her best friend, but she sees the way Michael, her brother's business partner and friend, looks at Alexa. She'll do anything to keep him from trying to break up their marriage.
Michael's chaotic life just got worse...his sister is ready to marry, but thanks to a death bed promise his mother made to his father...none of his sisters can marry until he does first. CRAZY ITALIANS!! So, he makes a deal with some one who there is no chance of having actual feelings for him...Maggie. They head to his hometown outside of Milan, and set out to convince his family that they are married and to please his mother they will have a wedding in Italy as well. The plan is simple...pretend to be married, and leave on an "emergency" before the REAL italian wedding takes place. Keep the charade going long enough for his sister to marry, and then they can break it off. How hard can it be? They live in New York, his family lives in Italy...it's only one week.
The Marriage Mistake by Jennifer Probst - 338 pages
Carina and Max's story - Carina is Michael's (from book 2) baby sister...Max is Micheal's best friend and business partner. Carina has just finished her MBA and goes to New York to learn management of the family business. She's been in love with Max her entire life, but she knows he will never look at her as anything but a little sister. She learned that painful lesson 3 years ago. Finally away from her family in Italy, she is ready to explore her sexuality and maybe FINALLY get to have some no holds barred S-E-X...at least she's going to try - but Max always seems to be in the way, and suddenly, he isn't looking at her like a little sister anymore. Book 4 comes out in July...so excited
Forget Me Knot by Sue Margolis -383 pages
This book is a funny, quirky romantic story. Here's the deal...Abby owns her own floral business, she's contantly being bullied by a florist down the street, who just happens to be her assistant, Martin's, ex boyfriend. Abby is engaged to Toby...but he has a problem getting it up. He says it's because he's over worked and tired...but could it be that he might be gay? How do you marry someone if you think they could be gay? Then there is the whole class factor..he's upper crust, nobility even, and she's just a regular girl from a middle class family. On her way to meet his mother for the first time, she gets stuck in an elevator where she meets Dan. There is an instant spark, but she's engaged. This is a cute book, there is a lot going on, but the relationships are great. Oh, by the way, it's a british humor thing - and yes, I read almost the whole thing in a British accent. Couldn't help it.
Anything He Wants -dominated by the billionaire by Sara Fawkes - 268 pages This isn't out on Amazon yet. Most of these books I read in paperback form, but I linked them for those of you wanting to read it on your e-reader.
This was another one of those 50 shades types of books. I mean, yeah - there is a billionaire... but instead of having a dark past like in 50 Shades, and the Crossfire series, there isn't anything horrifying-well not horrifying, but Jeremiah definitely has a screwed up past and terrible childhood. There is an element of mystery, and in all honesty complete make believe in this book. Whereas in 50 or the crossfire series, I can actually believe that those books could be true...could be real, this one is not like that - it is pure fiction. It's still a good book, just not really believeable, and yet I will still be reading book 2 when it comes out, because now I know the characters and I want to see what happens. I can't really explain this book because there is so much going on. The is a billionaire - Jeremiah Hamilton, who basically screws Lucy Delacourt into becoming his personal assisstant. She is required to give him ANYTHING he wants - they fly to Paris, where they attend a charity gala and she is manhandled by his brother Lucas who most likely stole 30 million dollars from Jeremiah's company. When they return to their suite, she gets poisoned and nearly dies...it was meant for Jeremiah, but now she's seen the hitman's face and she becomes a target. Then all hell breaks loose after being under house arrest for a few days...truths come out and everything becomes a cluster$*@&! Good book, but of all the dark, dangerous, erotic billionaire series I've read...this is probably in the middle to the bottom of the list, just on unbelievability factor alone.
Derailed (Clayton Falls) by Alyssa Rose Ivy - 260 pages
Molly's life is falling apart...or fell apart and she doesn't know what she wants out of life anymore. She quits law school and returns home to her childhood home. Of course, she didn't really think through that decision either, because now, instead of the new demons that have been haunting her, she gets some old ones as well. Somehow, even with all her crap, she still can't resist the one man she knows she should stay away from. Not that he gives her much choice. Can she keep herself from falling back in love with her highschool sweetheart, the man she nearly destroyed when she left the first time? And, will she be able to avoid destroying him again?
Veer (Clayton Falls) by Alyssa Rose Ivy - 287 pages
It's been a shit year for Becca. Needing a break from Boston, she takes a summer job in her best friend, Molly's home town. Of course, her car breaks down right outside of town - lucky for her an officer who know Molly gives her a ride to her friends house..well maybe not so lucky. Turns out, sparks fly every time Becca and Gavin are in newar proximity of each other...there's a strong attraction, but can they get past their own issues to see the attraction and set off a different type of sparks?
Okay, I think that is all I have read in the last 4 days - so NOW I have read 74 books...not too bad for one month! JR says I need therapy...he doesn't realize this IS my therapy! LOL
My friend Erin and I have been book swapping quite a bit. I will loan her ebooks, which works great, and this week she has loaned me quite a few paperback books to read. I love that we read the same stuff. I am sad that her iCloud or whatever it is she has on her iPad doesn't have the loan option. :( Anyway, I have read some great books this week, so here they are...
Bared to You A Crossfire Novel by Sylvia Day - 352 pages
If you were a fan of the 50 Shades of Grey books...READ this book. It's a little darker in some aspects and less kinky in the sex department but still....ummm, orgasmic? for lack of a better description. This is the first book, where you learn about Eva, her background, and a glimpse into a truly disfunctional relationship with her best friend, her mother, and of course Gideon Cross.
Reflected in You A Crossfire Novel by Sylvia Day - 432 pages
Book 2 of the Eva and Gideon story. This is still told from Eva's view, you FINALLY learn a piece of Gideon's dark past. Yes, it was hinted throughout the first book, and through most of this one before you learn what happened, but I read from the Author's web site that book three will be written from Gideon's perspective. Anyway, more twists and turns and trials and tribulations in this book. My heart actually aches for this couple. Great books...book 3 comes out May 7! Can't wait!
The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst - 336 pages
The story of Alexa and Nick - Alexa is one of those genuinely good caring people. The kind of person that gives without ever expecting anything in return. She forgives without holding it over your head, and she will do anything to save her family home...all she needs is $150,000.
Nick just happens to be her best friend, Maggie's, brother. They grew up together, but couldn't be more different. While Maggie and Alexa have stayed as close as sisters throughout their lives, Alexa and Nick haven't seen each other in years, which Alexa is happy for since he tortured her childhood. Turns out...Nick needs a wife, and FAST in order to get his inheritance and take over the company he has been running. There in lays the marriage bargain. She gets $150,000 and he gets a wife - for one year only. Can they make last the year or give in to the sexual tension and build something more?
The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst - 285 pages
Maggie and Michael's story - Welcome back to Maggie, Alexa's best friend. Maggie couldn't be more happy for her brother and her best friend, but she sees the way Michael, her brother's business partner and friend, looks at Alexa. She'll do anything to keep him from trying to break up their marriage.
Michael's chaotic life just got worse...his sister is ready to marry, but thanks to a death bed promise his mother made to his father...none of his sisters can marry until he does first. CRAZY ITALIANS!! So, he makes a deal with some one who there is no chance of having actual feelings for him...Maggie. They head to his hometown outside of Milan, and set out to convince his family that they are married and to please his mother they will have a wedding in Italy as well. The plan is simple...pretend to be married, and leave on an "emergency" before the REAL italian wedding takes place. Keep the charade going long enough for his sister to marry, and then they can break it off. How hard can it be? They live in New York, his family lives in Italy...it's only one week.
The Marriage Mistake by Jennifer Probst - 338 pages
Carina and Max's story - Carina is Michael's (from book 2) baby sister...Max is Micheal's best friend and business partner. Carina has just finished her MBA and goes to New York to learn management of the family business. She's been in love with Max her entire life, but she knows he will never look at her as anything but a little sister. She learned that painful lesson 3 years ago. Finally away from her family in Italy, she is ready to explore her sexuality and maybe FINALLY get to have some no holds barred S-E-X...at least she's going to try - but Max always seems to be in the way, and suddenly, he isn't looking at her like a little sister anymore. Book 4 comes out in July...so excited
Forget Me Knot by Sue Margolis -383 pages
This book is a funny, quirky romantic story. Here's the deal...Abby owns her own floral business, she's contantly being bullied by a florist down the street, who just happens to be her assistant, Martin's, ex boyfriend. Abby is engaged to Toby...but he has a problem getting it up. He says it's because he's over worked and tired...but could it be that he might be gay? How do you marry someone if you think they could be gay? Then there is the whole class factor..he's upper crust, nobility even, and she's just a regular girl from a middle class family. On her way to meet his mother for the first time, she gets stuck in an elevator where she meets Dan. There is an instant spark, but she's engaged. This is a cute book, there is a lot going on, but the relationships are great. Oh, by the way, it's a british humor thing - and yes, I read almost the whole thing in a British accent. Couldn't help it.
Anything He Wants -dominated by the billionaire by Sara Fawkes - 268 pages This isn't out on Amazon yet. Most of these books I read in paperback form, but I linked them for those of you wanting to read it on your e-reader.
This was another one of those 50 shades types of books. I mean, yeah - there is a billionaire... but instead of having a dark past like in 50 Shades, and the Crossfire series, there isn't anything horrifying-well not horrifying, but Jeremiah definitely has a screwed up past and terrible childhood. There is an element of mystery, and in all honesty complete make believe in this book. Whereas in 50 or the crossfire series, I can actually believe that those books could be true...could be real, this one is not like that - it is pure fiction. It's still a good book, just not really believeable, and yet I will still be reading book 2 when it comes out, because now I know the characters and I want to see what happens. I can't really explain this book because there is so much going on. The is a billionaire - Jeremiah Hamilton, who basically screws Lucy Delacourt into becoming his personal assisstant. She is required to give him ANYTHING he wants - they fly to Paris, where they attend a charity gala and she is manhandled by his brother Lucas who most likely stole 30 million dollars from Jeremiah's company. When they return to their suite, she gets poisoned and nearly dies...it was meant for Jeremiah, but now she's seen the hitman's face and she becomes a target. Then all hell breaks loose after being under house arrest for a few days...truths come out and everything becomes a cluster$*@&! Good book, but of all the dark, dangerous, erotic billionaire series I've read...this is probably in the middle to the bottom of the list, just on unbelievability factor alone.
Derailed (Clayton Falls) by Alyssa Rose Ivy - 260 pages
Molly's life is falling apart...or fell apart and she doesn't know what she wants out of life anymore. She quits law school and returns home to her childhood home. Of course, she didn't really think through that decision either, because now, instead of the new demons that have been haunting her, she gets some old ones as well. Somehow, even with all her crap, she still can't resist the one man she knows she should stay away from. Not that he gives her much choice. Can she keep herself from falling back in love with her highschool sweetheart, the man she nearly destroyed when she left the first time? And, will she be able to avoid destroying him again?
Veer (Clayton Falls) by Alyssa Rose Ivy - 287 pages
It's been a shit year for Becca. Needing a break from Boston, she takes a summer job in her best friend, Molly's home town. Of course, her car breaks down right outside of town - lucky for her an officer who know Molly gives her a ride to her friends house..well maybe not so lucky. Turns out, sparks fly every time Becca and Gavin are in newar proximity of each other...there's a strong attraction, but can they get past their own issues to see the attraction and set off a different type of sparks?
Okay, I think that is all I have read in the last 4 days - so NOW I have read 74 books...not too bad for one month! JR says I need therapy...he doesn't realize this IS my therapy! LOL
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