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.
Monday, February 11, 2013
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
Monday, January 28, 2013
Corrections...
First, I need to make a correction to an earlier blog. I had mentioned that I have already read 73 books this year...oops! ACTUALLY, I have 73 books on my amazon list, but I didn't think about the fact that it has all the books I have downloaded this year...which does not equate to books I have read. I don't know how many of those books I had NOT read at the time of the previous post, but at this moment, there are 8 books that are still unread. So, in reality - I have read (one moment while I pull of the calculator because I can't do math to save my life)...65 books. Which is still pretty damn impressive. It is more than two books a day. It only takes me about 5 hours to read a book...unless I have other stuff to do and then I just read during all the down time I have...while I cook, going to the bathroom, while Landry naps, etc. With the kids being sick for the last week and a half...there has been NOTHING but down time.
One downfall of reading so much is that my DVR is quickly running out of space. At least once a week, I try to pick one show to catch up on...but it seems that I can only watch a couple of episodes of said show..and then I go back to reading. It's not really a bad thing, but I am starting to wonder how much of my life I am actually living and how much I spend in fantasy - be it reading or watching tv! Oh well, I am pretty content!
Logan is back in school! YAY. His last fever was on Thursday. I forgot to mention that when we went to the doctor Logan is in the 94% for height and the 63% for weight. Landry is in the 91% for height and the 48% for weight. It's so funny to see them growing up. They are such sweet kids, and I love them. Landry STILL has a fever...it's only 100.6 - which is much better than the 3 consecutive days of 103, but I am ready for her to be well again.
Here are a couple of actual reviews for the books I have read over the last few days. Most of the time I will probably just list the book and link it, but sometimes I will actually write a review of the book, so if you are interested...READ ON!
Reckless Nights in Rome by CC MacKenzie 238 pages, the first in (A Ludlow Hall story) series.
Great book - Bronte Ludlow and her brother Alexander lose their parents in a terrible car crash, but the loss doesn't stop there. Secrets are unearthed and on top of it all Alexander sells their family estate, Ludlow Hall, to his best friend and they turn it into a five star hotel. All Bronte has left is The Dower House and her own business, but Nico wants the Dower House, her last remaining ties to her heritage.
Nico Feranti is a wealthy man, who always gets what he wants. What he want's is for his best friend's sister to stop being a brat and sell him the Dower House. But meeting Bronte just might give him everything he thought he never wanted.
Two Fiery personalities clashing both in and out of the bedroom, but can either of them learn to compromise and trust each other completely?
A Stormy Spring by CC MacKenzie - 315 pages, book 2 in A Ludlow Hall Story
I am not really sure what this book has to do with the Ludlow Hall series excactly other than the fact that the main characters take a short holiday to Ludlow Hall, and the very short reappearance of Nico and Bronte...other than that, the book is completely on its own. This is good and bad. It's means that the series doesn't really need to be read in any sort of order, and that each book can stand alone. On the other hand, it would have been better if the characters would have been mentioned somewhere in the first book or even the third book (which I will get to in a sec). It's just so separate that it doesn't make a lot of sense as to why it's part of the series.
Anyway, this one is about Becca Wainwright, a choreographer, who has been riddled with tragedy after tragedy. Her story is rough, and heartbreaking. After her life falls apart she throws herself into her work. She basically stops living - all she needs is to work, and sleep, and work.
Lucas Del Garda owns a PR firm. He's front and center 90% of the time and he loves his job.
An out of character night for Becca, lands herself in the hotel room with Lucas, who can't fathom Becca walking out of his life. Can he convince her to at least give it a chance?
Run Rosie Run by CC MacKenzie 355pages, Book 3 in A Ludlow Hall Story
This one takes us back to Ludlow Hall. It has all the same characters as book one, with a couple new people thrown in..I'm guessing we will get their stories in the future with this series.
Rosie, Bronte's best friend has been in love with Alexander Ludlow just about all her life.
Alexander has always treated her like another sister.
After a phone call with her mother about Rosie's biological clock tick tocking away, Rosie decided it's time to stop pining away for Alexander and move on, but can she do it while seeing him every day? She'll have to leave everything she loves in order to start fresh, but Alexander has other plans.
This was a good book, but Rosie is a bit crazy. In some ways, she's crazy funny, and others she is crazy neurotic. If you can get past the whining and poor pitiful me crap, it's a good book.
Liar's Fire: A Cooper Brothers Novel by Dee Burks - 272 pages
Serena Finley is an editor at a small town Texas newpaper. She has big dreams, but before she can pursue those, she has to get her son off to college. After her father died when she was young, Serena became a wild child and ended up pregnant at 17...now her son is about to graduate high school, and she can go after her dream. NEW YORK. Unfortunately, her uncle (and boss), comes up with a plan to get business booming at the paper. The plan - a romantic series written by Serena. She doesn't do romance. So she comes up with an idea of faking the romance as long as she can find someone that will play the role.
Tyler Cooper just happens to be date number three after his nosy sister places an ad in the paper. They come to an agreement to help each other out. Neither has anything to worry about...everything about Tyler is wrong for Serena, and Tyler doesn't have time to deal with women - which is why he needs her help to get his sister off his back.
Can they pull of this hoax and stay unattached?
Book 4 in the Friends with Benefits...I read the more erotic version called Second Thoughts by Ian Dalton
It was good. It closes out the series, with leaving a few things open in case he wants to go back and add more to the story...but isn't detrimental if he doesn't. I am not happy about a particular couple and the way things end. I think it's wrong - he got it wrong...but that's just my opinion. It wasn't nearly as funny as book 2 in the series - but, overall it was good. I'm still pissed about this one couple, and I can't let go of it - but my friend read the series too and she said she liked it...so I guess it's just a matter of opinion.
Sweet Water by Anny Jeffrey...not worth the time. Such a slow progressing book. Most of the time when I read a book - I fly through it...I just can't wait to turn the page...this one felt like it took FOREVER to get to the damn point. I do NOT recommend this one.
This Little Piggy went to the Liqour Store by A.K. Turner - not worth it...the reviews talked about how "funny" this book was. I didn't see it. It was dumb. Didn't like it - again...took forever to get to a plot...the book was a lot like my blogs...just incessant rambling...except that it is 202 pages book of rambles. do NOT recommend
I think that is all I've read for the last couple of days...I feel like I am missing one or two....oh, well - I'm sure I will catch them somewhere!
One downfall of reading so much is that my DVR is quickly running out of space. At least once a week, I try to pick one show to catch up on...but it seems that I can only watch a couple of episodes of said show..and then I go back to reading. It's not really a bad thing, but I am starting to wonder how much of my life I am actually living and how much I spend in fantasy - be it reading or watching tv! Oh well, I am pretty content!
Logan is back in school! YAY. His last fever was on Thursday. I forgot to mention that when we went to the doctor Logan is in the 94% for height and the 63% for weight. Landry is in the 91% for height and the 48% for weight. It's so funny to see them growing up. They are such sweet kids, and I love them. Landry STILL has a fever...it's only 100.6 - which is much better than the 3 consecutive days of 103, but I am ready for her to be well again.
Here are a couple of actual reviews for the books I have read over the last few days. Most of the time I will probably just list the book and link it, but sometimes I will actually write a review of the book, so if you are interested...READ ON!
Reckless Nights in Rome by CC MacKenzie 238 pages, the first in (A Ludlow Hall story) series.
Great book - Bronte Ludlow and her brother Alexander lose their parents in a terrible car crash, but the loss doesn't stop there. Secrets are unearthed and on top of it all Alexander sells their family estate, Ludlow Hall, to his best friend and they turn it into a five star hotel. All Bronte has left is The Dower House and her own business, but Nico wants the Dower House, her last remaining ties to her heritage.
Nico Feranti is a wealthy man, who always gets what he wants. What he want's is for his best friend's sister to stop being a brat and sell him the Dower House. But meeting Bronte just might give him everything he thought he never wanted.
Two Fiery personalities clashing both in and out of the bedroom, but can either of them learn to compromise and trust each other completely?
A Stormy Spring by CC MacKenzie - 315 pages, book 2 in A Ludlow Hall Story
I am not really sure what this book has to do with the Ludlow Hall series excactly other than the fact that the main characters take a short holiday to Ludlow Hall, and the very short reappearance of Nico and Bronte...other than that, the book is completely on its own. This is good and bad. It's means that the series doesn't really need to be read in any sort of order, and that each book can stand alone. On the other hand, it would have been better if the characters would have been mentioned somewhere in the first book or even the third book (which I will get to in a sec). It's just so separate that it doesn't make a lot of sense as to why it's part of the series.
Anyway, this one is about Becca Wainwright, a choreographer, who has been riddled with tragedy after tragedy. Her story is rough, and heartbreaking. After her life falls apart she throws herself into her work. She basically stops living - all she needs is to work, and sleep, and work.
Lucas Del Garda owns a PR firm. He's front and center 90% of the time and he loves his job.
An out of character night for Becca, lands herself in the hotel room with Lucas, who can't fathom Becca walking out of his life. Can he convince her to at least give it a chance?
Run Rosie Run by CC MacKenzie 355pages, Book 3 in A Ludlow Hall Story
This one takes us back to Ludlow Hall. It has all the same characters as book one, with a couple new people thrown in..I'm guessing we will get their stories in the future with this series.
Rosie, Bronte's best friend has been in love with Alexander Ludlow just about all her life.
Alexander has always treated her like another sister.
After a phone call with her mother about Rosie's biological clock tick tocking away, Rosie decided it's time to stop pining away for Alexander and move on, but can she do it while seeing him every day? She'll have to leave everything she loves in order to start fresh, but Alexander has other plans.
This was a good book, but Rosie is a bit crazy. In some ways, she's crazy funny, and others she is crazy neurotic. If you can get past the whining and poor pitiful me crap, it's a good book.
Liar's Fire: A Cooper Brothers Novel by Dee Burks - 272 pages
Serena Finley is an editor at a small town Texas newpaper. She has big dreams, but before she can pursue those, she has to get her son off to college. After her father died when she was young, Serena became a wild child and ended up pregnant at 17...now her son is about to graduate high school, and she can go after her dream. NEW YORK. Unfortunately, her uncle (and boss), comes up with a plan to get business booming at the paper. The plan - a romantic series written by Serena. She doesn't do romance. So she comes up with an idea of faking the romance as long as she can find someone that will play the role.
Tyler Cooper just happens to be date number three after his nosy sister places an ad in the paper. They come to an agreement to help each other out. Neither has anything to worry about...everything about Tyler is wrong for Serena, and Tyler doesn't have time to deal with women - which is why he needs her help to get his sister off his back.
Can they pull of this hoax and stay unattached?
Book 4 in the Friends with Benefits...I read the more erotic version called Second Thoughts by Ian Dalton
It was good. It closes out the series, with leaving a few things open in case he wants to go back and add more to the story...but isn't detrimental if he doesn't. I am not happy about a particular couple and the way things end. I think it's wrong - he got it wrong...but that's just my opinion. It wasn't nearly as funny as book 2 in the series - but, overall it was good. I'm still pissed about this one couple, and I can't let go of it - but my friend read the series too and she said she liked it...so I guess it's just a matter of opinion.
Sweet Water by Anny Jeffrey...not worth the time. Such a slow progressing book. Most of the time when I read a book - I fly through it...I just can't wait to turn the page...this one felt like it took FOREVER to get to the damn point. I do NOT recommend this one.
This Little Piggy went to the Liqour Store by A.K. Turner - not worth it...the reviews talked about how "funny" this book was. I didn't see it. It was dumb. Didn't like it - again...took forever to get to a plot...the book was a lot like my blogs...just incessant rambling...except that it is 202 pages book of rambles. do NOT recommend
I think that is all I've read for the last couple of days...I feel like I am missing one or two....oh, well - I'm sure I will catch them somewhere!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Just Wow
The kids are on the mend...at least I freaking hope so. We went to the doctor...which I hated doing because I am not an idiot and I already knew what was happening...but there was still that slight fear that something else MIGHT be wrong, so I took the kids...paid $60 for them to tell me to make sure they drink lots of fluids, rest, and give tylenol or motrin to keep the fever down...it's the flu! I totally should have been an effing doctor! Did I mention Logan was not happy about this visit - yeah, told me over and over that we was fine, didn't need to go...we got there, he wouldn't get out of the truck, said he would just wait in the truck. I finally got him to tell me he didn't want to get a shot! Geesh, kid, you aren't getting a shot, the doctor is just going to give you a little look, make sure everything is working well and see what we can do about the cough. As we walked into the office I found myself praying that they didn't give him a shot...I really didn't want to be a liar.
Yesterday was Lanrdry's worst...her fever got up to 104.3, and I was ready to rush to the ER, but I waited it about, and annoyingly kept asking her random questions (I admit, I was a little concerned about brain damage)..maybe the "should have been a doctor" isn't the greatest idea. Anyway, for most of the day her fever was 103...I think she was only AWAKE for about 2 total hours all day, and mostly because I kept waking her up to drink some fluids, take some medicine and ask stupid questions. For some reason I can never just be ON the line...I'm either on one side or the other..."Oh, you're fine" or "OH MY GOD, call 911".
Anyway, while the kids have been sick, we have spent almost every day laying around the house...somehow - I still haven't caught the flu - THANK YOU ANTIBODIES...my immune system must have super power, because the kids have kissed me, taken my drinks, snuggled with me...yeah, their germs have MOST definitely been all up in my grill! While lounging, I haven't done much more than READ -READ - READ. I checked my Amazon cache...I gotta say, I was a bit surprised to find out I have read 73 books already this year. I'm a bit of a freak I guess!
So, about these books...here is a good series I started...there are 4 books...or 5 depending on your taste. If you're looking for steamy but in a milder manner check out Friends with...benefits series by Luke Young there are 4 books in the series. I have to say - book 2, so far, is my favorite...it is seriously LOL funny...JR was a little worried about me at one point because I couldn't stop laughing. As I went to purchase book 4 today, I found out that this series come in a more explicit version so I bought book 4 in the (more) erotica version, If you want to start the series and you know you like things a little spicier, check out the Victoria Wilde series by Ian Dalton. This is the same author, he just uses a different pen name for his erotica books, and in this verison he even wrote a prequel to get some background info on Victoria. I haven't read the prequel, because I just found out about it 20 minutes ago...don't know if I will go back to read it, since I have already read 3 books, so I feel like I know her character pretty well...but we will see. Anyway, Great books...Hoping book 4 gets back to the amazingness of book 2...book 3 was a good, but was no where near as good as book 2.
Another good series is The Kowalskis by Shannon Stacey...so far I have only read two of them..."Undeniably Yours" and "Exclusively Yours" but I plan to read some of the others. Really good...I have no idea where the series starts, I'm thinking its just one of those things were it's about the same group of people but you can read them independently...at least I haven't found anything anywhere that shows and order to the books. Anyway - give it a shot.
Undercover Heat by Danielle LaBue is a pretty good one. It's a little crazy at times, but still good. This is just a romance novel, there aren't any steamy scenes that will cause you to chase your husband around the house, but still its a good story.
Save the Date (Modern Arrangements) by Sadie Grubor and Monica Black...OMG soooo sooo good. I will warn you, this book is awesome! There is SO much sexual tension, but that's just it...just the tension. Nothing graphic, but the book, the story line, characters...everything - so, so good. Something you should DEFINITELY know...I am so pissed about this book - why? Because of it's awesomeness...you get to the end, and OH SHIT! CLIFFHANGER...the second book doesn't come out until March. I CAN NOT wait for the release of book two! Usually I try not to read an anthology book, unless there are already a few out...but I didn't realize that this had a part 2...and now I am stuck waiting for the second book for this one, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden which was HUGE cliffhanger and The Secret of Ella and Micha Damn you Jessica Sorenson! Anyway...these 3 books are HIGHLY anticipated.
Some terrible books - Hot Coco (The unbridles series) by Cindy McDonald...honestly - I shouldn't say anything about this one because I didn't even get half way through...I read about 50 pages and just couldn't keep going, so maybe it is someone else's cup of tea...it wasn't even worth trying to wait around for something good to happen to me.
Fire and Ice (an erotic novel) by Marlene Darcy, I hated it. I thought it was poorly written...couldn't really identify with the whiny protagonist. She was really annoying - I wouldn't reccommend it!
I think that about covers the last few days. Enjoy, and check out one of these books if you get a chance! Also, I am always open to book suggestions from the readers!
Yesterday was Lanrdry's worst...her fever got up to 104.3, and I was ready to rush to the ER, but I waited it about, and annoyingly kept asking her random questions (I admit, I was a little concerned about brain damage)..maybe the "should have been a doctor" isn't the greatest idea. Anyway, for most of the day her fever was 103...I think she was only AWAKE for about 2 total hours all day, and mostly because I kept waking her up to drink some fluids, take some medicine and ask stupid questions. For some reason I can never just be ON the line...I'm either on one side or the other..."Oh, you're fine" or "OH MY GOD, call 911".
Anyway, while the kids have been sick, we have spent almost every day laying around the house...somehow - I still haven't caught the flu - THANK YOU ANTIBODIES...my immune system must have super power, because the kids have kissed me, taken my drinks, snuggled with me...yeah, their germs have MOST definitely been all up in my grill! While lounging, I haven't done much more than READ -READ - READ. I checked my Amazon cache...I gotta say, I was a bit surprised to find out I have read 73 books already this year. I'm a bit of a freak I guess!
So, about these books...here is a good series I started...there are 4 books...or 5 depending on your taste. If you're looking for steamy but in a milder manner check out Friends with...benefits series by Luke Young there are 4 books in the series. I have to say - book 2, so far, is my favorite...it is seriously LOL funny...JR was a little worried about me at one point because I couldn't stop laughing. As I went to purchase book 4 today, I found out that this series come in a more explicit version so I bought book 4 in the (more) erotica version, If you want to start the series and you know you like things a little spicier, check out the Victoria Wilde series by Ian Dalton. This is the same author, he just uses a different pen name for his erotica books, and in this verison he even wrote a prequel to get some background info on Victoria. I haven't read the prequel, because I just found out about it 20 minutes ago...don't know if I will go back to read it, since I have already read 3 books, so I feel like I know her character pretty well...but we will see. Anyway, Great books...Hoping book 4 gets back to the amazingness of book 2...book 3 was a good, but was no where near as good as book 2.
Another good series is The Kowalskis by Shannon Stacey...so far I have only read two of them..."Undeniably Yours" and "Exclusively Yours" but I plan to read some of the others. Really good...I have no idea where the series starts, I'm thinking its just one of those things were it's about the same group of people but you can read them independently...at least I haven't found anything anywhere that shows and order to the books. Anyway - give it a shot.
Undercover Heat by Danielle LaBue is a pretty good one. It's a little crazy at times, but still good. This is just a romance novel, there aren't any steamy scenes that will cause you to chase your husband around the house, but still its a good story.
Save the Date (Modern Arrangements) by Sadie Grubor and Monica Black...OMG soooo sooo good. I will warn you, this book is awesome! There is SO much sexual tension, but that's just it...just the tension. Nothing graphic, but the book, the story line, characters...everything - so, so good. Something you should DEFINITELY know...I am so pissed about this book - why? Because of it's awesomeness...you get to the end, and OH SHIT! CLIFFHANGER...the second book doesn't come out until March. I CAN NOT wait for the release of book two! Usually I try not to read an anthology book, unless there are already a few out...but I didn't realize that this had a part 2...and now I am stuck waiting for the second book for this one, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden which was HUGE cliffhanger and The Secret of Ella and Micha Damn you Jessica Sorenson! Anyway...these 3 books are HIGHLY anticipated.
Some terrible books - Hot Coco (The unbridles series) by Cindy McDonald...honestly - I shouldn't say anything about this one because I didn't even get half way through...I read about 50 pages and just couldn't keep going, so maybe it is someone else's cup of tea...it wasn't even worth trying to wait around for something good to happen to me.
Fire and Ice (an erotic novel) by Marlene Darcy, I hated it. I thought it was poorly written...couldn't really identify with the whiny protagonist. She was really annoying - I wouldn't reccommend it!
I think that about covers the last few days. Enjoy, and check out one of these books if you get a chance! Also, I am always open to book suggestions from the readers!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Recovery -
We are back from Vegas! We lost our butts off, but had such a great time. We have spent the entire weekend trying to recover for the lack of sleep, but we came home to two kids with the flu, so we are watching them try to recover too! Today is day 5 for Logan and day 4 for Landry! Poor kiddos.
At the end of our recovery....we are gearing up for another gambling trip to Coushatta for Vanessa's birthday at the end of February. I am really looking forward to it! LOL...Gamblers anonyous, anyone?
Books - First I will start with the good ones...Private Passions (Private series)by Jami Alden. All three are very good.
Unleashed by Cherrie Lynn, Leave me Breathless (leather and Lace series) also by Cherrie Lynn...very good books. Escorted by Claire Kent...very very good. Paradise Awakening (Passion in Paradise series) by Jaci Burton
blah books: (anywhere from 1 to 3 stars in rating)
Ryan's Return by Barbara Freethy **
Hardball by V.K. Sykes ***
Into the Arms of a Cowboy by Isabelle Ashe **
Kidnapped the wrong sister by Marie Kelley ***
Impact (Wild men of Alaska series) by Tiffinie Helmer -The books in this series are short probably about 120 pages or less...some are better than others, but good for a quick short read - ***
Right Moves (Playing with the Boys series) by Ava McKnight *
Candy Store by Bella Andre **
I may have mentioned some of these in a previous post...can't remember - in the last few days I have read only 1 book that was worth it's weight and that was "Unleashed" by Cherrie Lynn. I would still only give is 4 stars...but I love her writing, and the book was really good.
At the end of our recovery....we are gearing up for another gambling trip to Coushatta for Vanessa's birthday at the end of February. I am really looking forward to it! LOL...Gamblers anonyous, anyone?
Books - First I will start with the good ones...Private Passions (Private series)by Jami Alden. All three are very good.
Unleashed by Cherrie Lynn, Leave me Breathless (leather and Lace series) also by Cherrie Lynn...very good books. Escorted by Claire Kent...very very good. Paradise Awakening (Passion in Paradise series) by Jaci Burton
blah books: (anywhere from 1 to 3 stars in rating)
Ryan's Return by Barbara Freethy **
Hardball by V.K. Sykes ***
Into the Arms of a Cowboy by Isabelle Ashe **
Kidnapped the wrong sister by Marie Kelley ***
Impact (Wild men of Alaska series) by Tiffinie Helmer -The books in this series are short probably about 120 pages or less...some are better than others, but good for a quick short read - ***
Right Moves (Playing with the Boys series) by Ava McKnight *
Candy Store by Bella Andre **
I may have mentioned some of these in a previous post...can't remember - in the last few days I have read only 1 book that was worth it's weight and that was "Unleashed" by Cherrie Lynn. I would still only give is 4 stars...but I love her writing, and the book was really good.
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