Julia's Books Corner !

Holly Lane by Toni Blake: Review

2012-01-27T02:36:00.001-06:00

Toni Blake
SBN-13: 9780062024602
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date: 10/25/2011
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Edition description: Original
Pages: 384
Series: Destiny, Ohio Series, #4

Sue Ann Simpkins is working hard to rebuild her life and find some holiday spirit. A weekend away from Destiny in a cabin on nearby Bear Lake seems like the perfect Christmas gift to herself -- until her ex's best friend, Adam Becker, shows up at the door, claiming the cabin is his! And if that's not trouble enough, how had she never noticed how gorgeous he was?

Alone for the holidays and forced to play a reindeer at the local department store, Adam's been feeling rather Scrooge-ish himself. But finding the smart, sexy woman he's admired since elementary school waiting in the house he rented is helping to brighten his humbug mood. And when a sudden snowstorm strands them together in very close quarters, leading to one very hot night together, Adam soon realizes that what he really wants for Christmas is a second chance at love. Now all he has to do is convince Sue Ann....

Sue Ann's perfect world has changed when her ex husband Jeff, divorced her six months ago. Feeling shocked and disappointed, she decided to take a weekend off and take a trip to the cabin where she can concentrate on being herself and figure out what to do. She want to stay strong for her daughter Sophie, because she wanted her to have the best Christmas and not worrying about her and Jeff aren't together anymore. But as she is about to settle down and to relax in the cabin, her ex-husband's best friend Adam, walks in the cabin.

Grumpy and disappointed that his twin sons are off for the holiday with their grandparents and won't be spending holidays with him, Adam decided to spend his time at the cabin where he and his twin sons usually go to on Thanksgiving. He wanted to keep those memory of his time spent with his boys when they are together in the cabin, the one they rented every year. But he is surprised to find Sophie in his cabin and demand to have his cabin back.

After learning the owner made a mistake on their reservation from the registry and that both Adam and Sue Ann are double booked in the same cabin, things got worse when they also found themselves snowed in as well. But sparks started to fly when their attractions collide, and their one night together was hot and steamy. The next day, they both agree that this can only be a one time thing and when they come home to Destiny, no one is to know about what happened in the cabin. When they came back to Destiny, both started to feel like...maybe their one night stand might be more than just sex between them. And no matter how hard they tried to stay away from each other, they just couldn't deny their attraction for each other is there. But because Sophie has trust issues, she fear to have relationship with Adam due to his secret and any relationship with him would mean losing custody of her daughter.

I loved that this book kinda has the classic retelling of A Christmas Carol with the premonition ghost dream thrown in, even though it is contemporary romance. I admit I wasn't expecting it in Toni Blake's Destiny novel, but I enjoyed this book because it themed around Christmas holidays and I thought it just seems to fit with A Christmas Carol added in. It was minor things, that didn't take away the story.

I loved that even behind Adam 'bah-humbug' grumpy attitude, there is a soft and sweetness side of him. The wonderful sweet things he did for little Sophie was heartfelt that it gave me those warm-fuzzy feeling moments. He wants Sophie Christmas to be special, and it surely shown in his actions. I loved the way he loves his two sons and think about them all the times. I know for sure he is a great dad. And I know a couple of times I just wanted to knock some sense out of Sue Ann and Adam when they resisting to be together, especially Sue Ann. I understand the issues about Sue Ann's fear since her divorce and not wanting to lose her daughter, but it become annoying when she keeps making that as an excuse to have chance with Adam at every opportunity.

I'm very happy to see old characters showing up again. It was nice to see them and get a peek of what they have been doing since their HEA. Especially the good surprise! And I sure hope to see them again in the next two upcoming books.

HOLLY LANE is about second chances, new beginnings, and finding love when and where you least expect it. Also it is a self discovery break through, uplifting, sweet, heartfelt, magical, romantic and steamy hot! I felt every emotions that was thrown toward me, and sighed contently after I finished and closed the book. It is the perfect book to read during Christmas time or winter, and have a cup of hot chocolate while you read it. It would sure warm your heart.

I'm a huge reader of Toni Blake's books. All of the Destiny novel are sitting in my keeper bookshelf. I know it's the novel I want to re-read over again. I'm in love with every characters in Destiny because I felt they are real, although my heart always belong to Mick and Lucky *G*. I'm looking forward to reading more of Toni Blake's upcoming Destiny books and hope they are as good as the first four books!

4.5/5 stars

What Been Going On With Me50 Books Challenge

2012-01-17T22:13:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry for not posting enough, and the last time I posted was Christmas 2011. It had been a busy month for me, since January 2012 arrives. With the New Years and birthdays all happened at once, so that was why I delayed in posting. Plus the darn 'Gardens of Time' apps game from Facebook, which my good friend M had got me to play. I hate this game for a good reason, HA! *G* I will try to keep up and post more on my blog whenever I can. I was debating (and have been since last year) of closing this blog down because I fear that my blog isn't getting enough readership. And that it get very hard for me to think of something good to post about. But a very good friend of mine 'pushed' me to keep it running and do my best in my blog as much as I can. She said "practice make perfect". In a sense, that is true. But it is HUGE challenge for me. I'm not the best grammar and speller out there, I will admit. But I don't wish to make my readership feel uncomfortable to be here and I do hope they will stay with me as long as I still have this blog. I still use my blog to keep up with the books I read over the years and to remember what the book are about from the reviews I've done. I also want to see how many books I can read each years too. I always challenge myself to read 50 books. And if I can reach it, then I go further for 100. But no matter how fast or slow I read, I can only managed to read below 50. In 2011 I read a total of 37 books. While that isn't a bad number, it still leave me feeling...unsatisfied because I didn't reach that 50 books goal. This year, I'm going to try my best to reach that 50 books goal! And I know I'm going to need those 'push' from friends and that would be helpful for me.

I have not posted books that I read in December 2011. So here they are. See below. I only read 3 books for December but two out of the three books were very good! Both are my favorite authors. And I hope you would check them out and read their books! I also have not posted all the books I have read for 2011 either. I will post that underneath the "December Books 2011" too. I know I didn't put links to read the book's reviews for each books, but I only have limited time to blog. And it'll take me long time to link them to each books. You are more than welcome to search it around my blog. Most of my reading range from contemporary romance, romance suspense and erotic contemporary romance. A few historical and paranormal (no vamps please *G*!) And these are all books I bought on my own. And if I'm lucky enough to win books from online contests, it make me happy and I be glad to review them :) I have read many good books from my favorite authors in 2011 and I hope to continue to read plenty more books from them in 2012! I also wish everyone happy reading! :)

DECEMBER Books 2011:
35. Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis – 4 stars
36. Exotic Indulgence by Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee – 3.75 stars
37. Holly Lane by Toni Blake – 4.75 stars

50 Books Challenge 2011:
JANUARY
1. Something About You by Julie James – 4 ½ stars
2. Sugar Creek by Toni Blake – 5 stars
3. Cowgirls, Don’t Cry by Lorelei James – 4 ½ stars
4. Whisper Falls by Toni Blake – 5 stars

FEBRUARY
5. Along Came a Husband by Helen Brenna – 4 stars
6. The Sheriff’s Secret Wife by Christyne Butler – 4 stars
- Beguiled by Deeanne Gist J. Mark Bertrand - DNF
7. Body Heat by Brenda Novak – 5 stars
8. The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton – 4.5 stars
9. Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden – 5 stars

MARCH
10. Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis – 4 stars
11. Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden - 5 stars
12. A Lot Like Love by Julie James – 4 stars

APRIL
13. Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James – 4 stars
14. Temperature’s Rising by Karen Kelley – 3.5 stars
15. Everyone Loves a hero by Marie Force - 4 stars
16. Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden - 4 stars

MAY
17. Nauti Nights by Lora Leigh – 4.5 stars
18. The Search by Nora Roberts – 4 stars

JUNE
19. Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher

JULY
NOTHING!

AUGUST
20. Temp Me Tonight by Toni Blake – 4 stars
21. The Trouble With Paradise by Jill Shalvis – 4.5 stars

SEPTEMBER
22. Aussie Rule by Jill Shalvis – 4.5 stars
23. Going All In by Jess Dee (e-book) – 4 stars
24. Call Me Irresistible by SEP – 4.75 stars
25. Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis – 4.75 stars
26. Nauti Dream by Lora Leigh – 4 stars

OCTOBER
27. Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis – 4 stars
28. Beg for Mercy by Jami Alden – 4 stars
29. Sage Creek by Jill Gregory – 4 stars
30. Don’t Mess With Texas by Christie Graig – 4 stars

NOVEMBER
31. Chasing Eight by Lorelei James 4 stars
32. Addicted to You by Beth Kery – 4 stars
33. Courting Death by Carol Stephenson - 4 stars
34. The Sweetest Things by Jill Shalvis (re-read) – 4 stars

DECEMBER
35. Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis – 4 stars
36. Exotic Indulgence by Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee – 3.75 stars
37. Holly Lane by Toni Blake – 4 stars

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T23:32:00.000-06:00

Have yourself a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my home to your! Hope you have better and healthy year 2012! -- Julia

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T18:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all the people in Blogger land! I'm thankful for all the people in my life. Without them I weren't be who I am. Lots of love for you all!!! Below we had Mr Turkey, sweet potatoes casserole, cornbread stuffing and greenbean casserole. Now shown in the picture are: cranberry sauce, rolls, ham, shrimps & crabs casserole and pumpkin pie.

Book Cover Alert : Head Over Heels

2011-11-18T14:39:00.001-06:00

This is one of the book I have been waiting to get my hand on. Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis, is book three of the A Lucky Harbor Novel. I have already read book one Simply Irresistible but not book two The Sweetest Thing yet, because I want to wait until this book to come out first so that I can read both books one after another. I'm excited that this book will be release less than four more days! I think Chloe and Sawyer would be an interesting pair and I'm looking forward to see what they are up to. I do need to cut back on buying more books to only two books because the holidays is coming. But I will definitely go buy a copy of this book and get myself a nice winter seasonal hot drink at my local Barnes and Noble while I start on the last two books. Isn't the book cover simply sweet and romantic? *nodding head* I think so too :) I really enjoy reading Jill Shalvis and recommend readers to try her books. Start with A Lucky Harbor Novel, you won't regret it :)

FYI- About Head Over Heels: For the print book, it will come out first but ebook readers will have to wait another week.

Happy reading and shopping!

A Lot Like Love by Julie James

2011-11-16T22:30:00.000-06:00

Julie James
Pub. Date: March 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Mass Market Paperback , 304pp
ISBN-13: 9780425240168
ISBN: 0425240169

Agent Nick McCall has just taken a time off from an undercover job, after he had helped take down twenty-seven dirty cops, to head back home for his mother's sixtieth birthday party when unfortunately his boss call and ruined his plan. His boss wanted his help in taking down Roberto Martino. So Nick and Agent Huxley visit Jordan's wine store The DeVine Cellars to get her to help them with the FBI undercover investigation. They asked Jordan to attend as a guest with one of them at the charity fun-raiser of famous restaurateur so that they can get a proof for a arrest. And Jordan agree but on one condition, if the FBI help her get her brother released from jail. So they set up a plan to plant bugs during Xander Eckhart party, who the FBI suspect is helping launder money for Roberto Martino. Nick first has a rule where he never get personal, especially on 'date' with Jordan since she is only an assignment. But on their first meeting, Jordan and Nick just can't seem to be together for five minute without any bantering or sarcasm.

Nick was assigned to be inside a van with the tech team, a block away from party, to make sure the recording devices are working correctly during their undercover Op. And Agent Huxley was to be Jordan's 'date' at Xander Eckhart party, and plant in some bugs in his office for record of proof. The morning of the day when the plan was to take place, Agent Huxley got sick and Mick end up taking over his place instead. When the bugs were set and the plan working, Nick and Jordan thought that they can now forget about everything and move on with their life but unfortunately Xander had other plan. Because of this, to avoid blowing up their undercover op, they decided to continue to 'date' each other until they make the arrest. And while Nick and Jordan pretend to be a couple, he begin to learn more about Jordan and her love for wine tasting along the way. She gave him a tour to the winery and show him how to know the different about each wines. Jordan may be a billionaire's daughter, but she is financially independence and is the owner of her own wine business DeVine Cellers. And she won't let anyone think she doesn't know how to run her business. And even when they are bantering at each other, spark fly between them and they have fallen hard.

After his girlfriend has broken his heart, Jordan's brother Kyle was arrested for hijacking twitter and causing the Great Twitter Outage of 2011. But Jordan know that Kyle had learn from his mistake and doesn't think that he deserved to be in jail. So when an opportunity walk into her life, a chance to help her brother release from jail, she took a chance on it.

I thought A Lot Like Love is another enjoyable books I've read. It is a fun, smart and steamy. I love the sexual tension between Jordan and Nick. The bantering were so witty it made me chuckle. One of my favorite scene is when Nick saw Jordan in the dress that she is wearing to the Charity fun-raiser event for the first time. He was starring at the dress and thinking how he like her in the dress. His reaction to the back of the dress had me chuckling. And his reaction when he discovered that she was braless...priceless! I couldn't stop laughing over it! I also like that we get to see Kyle and how he adjusting his time in jail. And see the people he interacted with there and the funny comments said about him. I loved that he is said to look like Josh Holloway from the TV show Lost and his reaction to it when someone mention the look-a-like. And some of the scenes at the winery was plus. I thought the book cover is pretty sexy and I love the fact that the h/h 'look' and their clothing they worn are true to what is inside the story. I've always complaint how the front cover of the book does not match what is inside the book, but I'm so happy that this book didn't disappoint me.

I have always enjoy reading Julie James' books. Her books always managed to make me smile, laugh and made my heart flutter. I love the humors and sarcastic dialogue between the characters in her writing. I also love that her heroine are strong and smart. I have read up to the first three books and I had finished reading A Lot Like Love since this May 11th but is now just posting this review up (yes am so late in reviewing this book). I don't think there are any James' books that I didn't enjoy.

4 1/2 stars

50 Challenge Books : October

2011-11-03T23:21:00.001-05:00

I'm still a little low in my reading but reading 4 books this month is much better for me. I hope to read more in November. I have read a total of 30 books since January started. A lot of Jill Shalvis older and newest books (some not shown here, since it on last month read) and I enjoyed them all. Jami Alden, Jill Gregory and Christie Graig were my 'new to me authors' and so far I enjoyed the books but I think I like Jami Alden's BE FOR MERCY a lot. And I'm thinking of picking up the 2nd book that just released. I hope it would be more better than the first book. Here are the books I read in October. Have a good day! :)

OCTOBER
27.Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis – 4.75 stars
28. Beg for Mercy by Jami Alden – 4.75
29. Sage Creek by Jill Gregory – 4.37 stars
30. Don't Mess with Texas by Christie Graig – 4.75

2011-11-02T03:15:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I went to Barnes and Noble in hope to find some of the books that was released on Tuesday. I had trouble finding them on the shelves because some of the books had to be back order; like Sarah McCarty's Tracker's Sin (print mass market paperback) for example. So I requested to order the book and reserved my copy to have it pick up at the store when it available. Two night before Lorelei James' Wrangled and Tangled was to be released this week on Tuesday, I saw online at Barnes and Noble that it was out of stock. I was worry that there won't be no copies at my local book store on the day of it release date. So I called my local Barnes and Nobles and requested for pre-order copy and have it pick up at the store when it available. I got a call on Tuesday, the day of its released date, that the book is waiting for me to pick up. Now that I have the book, I can't wait to dive into it! I will post more about the book later! I love how Lorelei' put together two characters and make them work. I love the interaction of the family and friendship, the humors and the sexy. And what more better is the heroes are sexy cowboy -- what not to love *g*. That why Lorelei James is my auto buy!

So when I couldn't find the books I wanted last week, I end up picking up Kristan Higgins' latest book Until There Was You. I am aware that most of Higgins' books are told in first person point of view (correct me if I'm wrong). And I will admit that I'm not a fan of that view (although there are few books of exception I would read). So when I read from the author's note on the inside of the first page from the front of the book that it written in third point of view and that hero is bad boy, I grab the book and went straight to the check out counter and bought the book. Okay, so I love book that has 'bad boy' as theme, shoot me. But that would have caught my attention and made me buy the book all the times *g*. I think that Kristan Higgins' book covers are all pretty. Very simple, cute, sweet and romantic. The same way I thought of Until There Was You. I also admit I never read books by Kristan Higgins before, so this will be a 'new to me author'' for me as well. So hopefully this will become my latest new author to collect.

She's having serious prom-night deja vu....

Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her loveable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend ---- sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking...something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas....

Cover Goodness: Holly Lane by Toni Blake

2011-10-25T15:54:00.001-05:00

Toni Blake has been one of my favorite author, ever since I read her first Destiny series One Reckless Summer three years ago. Of course I have to thanks my friend BJ who recommended me to read Blake's book, which I delay reading until she surprise me with a gift Letters to a Secret Lover in my mailbox. Its a stand alone historical romance. I knew that I'm going to love Blake's Destiny series after I read the first book and anticipated for the next installments to come each years. Three of Destiny series books are already out; One Reckless Summer, Sugar Creek and Whisper Falls (I love the titles and covers art for each books!). And while I do love all three books, Whisper Falls is my favorite. Very close up to One Reckless Summer. I love reading this series because Toni have a way to make me love each characters and made the story emotionally moving that it tugs at the heartstrings. It heartwarming, touching, inspired, tension and sexy hot! It set in a small town community and it has a warm homecoming feel to it. highly recommend this series!

Today is official release street date of Toni Blake's fourth book, HOLLY LANE. And this is Sue Ann and Adam story. I have waited...WAITED....for a long time for their book to come out. And I'm so happy to say I went out and got a copy of the book! And I'm not embarrassed to say that when I stood by the bookshelf at Barnes and Noble and holding HOLLY LANE in my tiny hand, I did a happy snoopy dance right there and then *grin*. Of course no one was around, but I would still do happy dance anyway. I even swing the book around in my hand and raise up both hand and wave while doing a 'Oh Happy Day' dance too *grin*. I am too excited and looking forward to reading this book soon! This book is out today, so go grab a copy! It highly recommend!

The Weather outside is frightful, but kisses y the fire are so delightful....

Sue Ann Simpkins is working hard to rebuild her life and find some holiday spirit. A weekend away from Destiny in a cabin on nearby Bear Lake seems like the perfect Christmas gift to herself -- until her ex's best friend, Adam Becker, shows up at the door, claiming the cabin is his! And if that's not trouble enough, how had she never noticed how gorgeous he was?

Alone for the holidays and forced to play a reindeer at the local department store, Adam's been feeling rather Scrooge-ish himself. But finding the smart, sexy woman he's admired since elementary school waiting in the house he rented is helping to brighten his humbug mood. And when a sudden snowstorm strands them together in very close quarters, leading to one ery hot night together, Adam soon realizes that what he really wants for Christmas is a second chance at love. Now all he has to do is convince Sue Ann....

Destiny series:
One Reckless Summer
Sugar Creek
Whisper Falls
Holly Lane

Teaser Tuesdays

2011-10-11T14:55:00.002-05:00

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

"She tried to scream but all that came out was a sick, choking sound as she clawed at the arms digging into her chest. The sound of rending fabric pierced the air as the fingers dug harder into her throat."

Beg For Mercy by Jami Alden
Chapter 13; page 227

Today Is My Birthday!!And Books!

2011-10-04T16:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to ME! Yes today is my birthday and while I'm not excited am getting another year older, I'm excited to wake up in the morning to see a lot of wishes from my good friends and family. Thank you so much for the warmth, heartfelt wishes! I loves you guys very much! :)

I am also excited that I will be heading out to Barnes and Noble to buy a copy of Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis! I've been waiting such long time for this book, so now that it finally here I know I won't have to wait any longer *g*. Maybe while I'm there, I will get myself a drink of Mocha Coconut Frapp and if I have the time, I find a table and sit down to read it right away. I love reading Jill Shalvis' books, she is the 'author to go to' when I want to read something fun, light, funny, sweet and sexy ;) Happy Release's Day to Jill Shalvis!

Dinner tonight will be crabs! I love them and this would be perfect thing to have for dinner on my birthday :) Thank you to my parents for the crabs!

Today is Release Day, and there many books I want hitting the store today. In my previous post (see below) I have listed some of the books coming out in October. However I don't know why, but I left some of the books out. Here are the three books that also coming out today.

- Night Moves by Stephanie Tyler (Oct 4, 2011)
- Sweet Revenge by Christy Reece (Oct 4, 2011)
- Men Out of Uniform by Maya Bank, Karin Tabke, Sylvia Day

I hope I have all the correct books listed. If not, please let me know. I would have given links but since am in such hurry I do it later. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy your day with a nice book to read for today :)

50 Books Challenge: SeptemberWeekend & Books

2011-10-03T02:48:00.001-05:00

Here are books I've read in September. It not much but it so much better than it was in the last couple of months where it has been a slow reading for me lately. Since January I've read 26 books! I'm hoping to reach 50 this year. I don't think I reach it last year, and I was disappointed. Pray for me that I reach it this year! I've always enjoyed Jill Shalvis' books so it wasn't surprise when I read the two books on this list and also enjoyed them too. AUSSIE RULE is oldie but the goodies *g*. After reading ANIMAL MAGNETISM, I'm really looking forward to reading Dell and Jade story in ANIMAL ATTRACTION this Tuesday! And I'm excited for Chloe and Sawyer story in HEAD OVER HEELS, which releasing in November -- almost there but I want it now. I just can't wait to read it! *g*. Below are books I read this September.....

SEPTEMBER
22. Aussie Rule by Jill Shalvis – 4.5 stars
23. Going All In by Jess Dee (e-book) – 4 stars
24. Call Me Irresistible by SEP – 4 stars
25. Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis – 4.5 stars
26. Nauti Dream by Lora Leigh - 4.5 stars

I went book shopping Saturday and bought a book and my favorite drink for the moment, Mocha Coconut Frapp. It was a blessing day, sun was playing out in 78 breezy weather. Feel nice outside. But am pretty sure it will turn cold soon, so am just going to take the Saturday weather while I still have it. After shopping at Barnes and Noble, I head over to my friend's house where she was BBQ cookout there and I devour the sausage on the bed of wheat bread and fill with tomatoes, lettuce, onion, BBQ sauce, mustard and ketchup. Or we can replace the sausage for hot dogs on it's bun if we prefer it. Also we add in chips with dip, such a crunchy way to eat it after biting those nice juicy sausage in wheat bread. And I was ready to eat it up! Sunday was my usual busy day, and beside chores I spent the afternoon watching the football games on TV. I'm very proud of our two football teams winning this week. If our college football team keep up their ranks, they can go for the champion!! Keep up the great job boys!

These are books I'm looking forward to reading this month of October (see below). I hope I have the right release date for each books correctly. If not, please let me know. I'm definitely excited about HOLLY LANE by Toni Blake. Been waiting for that book for long time now. It just seem like forever! I've read Blake's first three books of her Destiny series and really love them. HOLLY LANE is book #4 and will come out in couple weeks. WHISPER FALLS (book #3) made a good impression for me and the love between Tessa and Lucky was emotionally sweet. I couldn't help but fall in love with these two characters. The book is full of emotions that tugs on your heart strings. It's redemption about living life to the fullest and make you loves the characters for who they are. Very sexy, passion and intense. I love how Tessa lives her life everyday in good spirit. This book was by far my favorite of series. Beside ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, that is. So if you like contemporary romance with bad boy heroes, friendship, laughter, sweet, sexy and a little dark secret in a small town community then pick up this series!

OCTOBER BOOKS
Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis (Oct 4. 2011)
Night After Night by Janelle Denison (Oct 4, 2011)
The Heart of the Killer by Jaci Burton (October 25th 2011)
Holly Lane by Toni Blake (Oct. 25, 2011)
In Close by Brenda Novak (Oct 25, 2011)

This Tuesday I'll be reading ANIMAL ATTRACTION by Jill Shalvis, once I go and buy myself a copy of the book at Barnes and Noble. A good birthday present for me *g*. I just finish reading THE SWEETEST THINGS, also by Jill Shalvis and I love it! I'm on Shalvis' roll (okay that probably didn't sound right *g*) and I can't wait to read it. So...what going on your side of the world? Happy reading! :)

Teaser Tuesdays

2011-09-27T15:06:00.000-05:00

Kris drank a glass of red wine, the alcohol warming her insides and relaxing her groggy brain. She shouldn't mix Tylenol and alcohol, but hell, maybe the combination would doubly knock her out.

Page 15; Ch. 3 (from ebook)
Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba

Things Happen In My Life...And Books

2011-09-26T18:58:00.001-05:00

I usually post my weekend here, but life has made me so busy that I forget to post something. Mom personal health and then a member of the family is moving to be with her hubby and she taking her a week old baby boy with her. I'm going to miss them very much. They will be far up in Virginia, so I won't have lot of time spent with my ONLY great-nephew as I want to when she move. Since this October, I've been spending time with her as much as I can. And now that she will be moving, I'm also spending as much as I can with the baby too. Then after, we going to do Skype video, although I never use Skype before. So that what taken me long time to finally post on my own blog. Hopefully the next few weeks I be able to settle and post something.

Ever since Borders had closed down, I was sad to see its go. I had to say goodbye to the staffs working there. And I also said my goodbye to my favorite drinks and their wonderful discounts on books too. I'm going to miss it because it was the only store where I feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. Plus it right smack right in the mall areas. If I want to go shopping for something, I can do so after a nice reading in Borders store. In the last three weeks, I've been visiting Barnes and Noble to buy my books lately and it just not the same "feel" as Borders does for me. Yes I still buy print books but am trying my hardest to try winning Kindle from contests, where ever it open online. So far, no luck winning. While I was at Barnes and Noble, I order a Mocha Coconut Frappuccino and I really enjoyed those drink. It's really good! I took my drink and went straight toward the New Release swinging bookshelf. Saw one possible interested book but decided to go upstairs to see more variety of books to choose from. But I didn't see any books that I really dying to buy. There were however another possible interested book but I debated over it for hours until I finally decided to to buy it. It was contemporary romance, DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS by Christie Graig. I was trying to find Erin Quinn's HAUNTING BEAUTY, which supposedly re-released in mass market paperback. But none were on the shelves. So I had to ask the staff to order and reserved copy for me. HAUNTING BEAUTY is part of serious book from her HAUNTING; Mist of Ireland Novel. Been waiting for this to be released in mass market paperback, since I heard so much good thing about the book. If am correct, it's an paranormal romance/time traveling? I love reading book with time traveling and I had enjoyed most of the one I read so far. And I'm looking forward to Shannon Mckenna latest book BLOOD AND FIRE to come out in October!

I know I have not been posting books that I've bought over the last few months. But I also still haven't post books I bought from 2010 starting in October, which was my last post on my blog. I wonder if I should post where I last left off (in 2010 but only 3 months need to be post) or start from January 2011? Maybe I should just start with this month instead? What your suggestion?

I really don't know when am going to start reviewing books again. I know my reviews aren't perfect, but I have done the best I can. But by the end of this September, I will be posting books I've read this month. I did lot of reading, which is much better than few months ago, where I read less. Hopefully my reading will speed up in couple of months.

Hope everyone have a good day! Happy Reading! :)

BBAW Interview Swap: Melody @Melody's Reading Corner

2011-09-13T00:57:00.002-05:00

First let me say that I wasn't planning to participated in the BBAW 2011 because I know I'll be busy this week and have no time to participate. However a dear friend of mine need a interview Q&A swap partner at the last minute, so I decided to help her out *grin*. But this be the only thing I will participate in. Below are my questions and Melody answered.

Julia: What made you decide to start your own book blog? And how many years have you been blogging?

Melody: I first started this blog in 2006, and at that time I didn't know if there is a community of book bloggers. To me, I simply created this blog as a way to jot down my thoughts on the books I read. You see, I don't have a habit of writing in journals (although I love journals and will buy them for their beautiful designs) and I find typing them online is faster and convenient as compared to writing anyway. No one knew about my blog then except my husband as I felt rather self-conscious but I think that is being silly considering that blogs are public sites where anyone could view it; and anyway I think it is just a matter of overcoming my personal demons and that time and finding this book blogging community have taken away all of that (most, anyway).

Julia: What have you learnt about yourself since you start blogging?

Melody:Hmm... I don't think I have seen much changes of myself except that my reading horizons have expanded, thanks to all my book blogger friends for their book recommendations as they have introduced me to a few genres which I think I may have avoided at the beginning.

Julia: Vampires seem to be the most popular trend in authors books lately. What are your thoughts on it?

Melody:Yes, I do see a surge of those books lately and I think this all reflects on the trend and also the demand from readers (think the Twilight Saga). That said, I believe any genre (or any themes in this case) will stay as long as they continue to intrigue and captivate the readers.

Julia: What are your favorite books of all times? And who are your favorite authors?

Melody:Wow, these questions are so hard to answer! I have too many favourite books; and I just wish I have the time to devour them over and over again but unfortunately, I don't have the time to re-read anymore as I'd rather use those time to catch up on my monstrous TBR pile. As for my favourite authors, I think my list will go on forever if I have to name them all so here are just a few who I will buy without a doubt: Mo Hayder, Tana French, Anne Stuart, Matthew Reilly, Banana Yoshimoto, etc.

Julia: I always enjoy reading your thoughts on books that you reviewed. Do you ever have trouble writing your reviews or is it easier for you as you draft it?

Melody:Very often, I will draft my review when I am reading the book. I like this process as it allows me to jot down my thoughts as I go along so that important notes (or how it affects my mood when reading some particular scenes) will not be missed. Ideas and moods also play a part in my reviews and I will leave it for another day if I don't have those as well.

This has been fun, thanks Melody! I hope you enjoyed today interview. To read Melody's questions and my answers, please visit Melody's site at Melody's Reading Corner. And here are the link to visit other interviews swap participates at BBAW 2011

50 Challenge Books: June/July/August

2011-09-04T16:51:00.003-05:00

Since I've been away, I never post the last 3 months of books I've read for those months. So here it is. I know it isn't much, but I only able to read less books this summer. I admit that the last two books I read in August, I really did enjoy them a lot. Toni Blake and Jill Shalvis has already been my auto buy for longest time now. And I highly recommend them! :)

JUNE
19. Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher

JULY
NOTHING!

AUGUST
20. Temp Me Tonight by Toni Blake – 4 stars
21. The Trouble With Paradise by Jill Shalvis – 4 1/2 stars

I hope everyone have a good September and happy reading! :)

Coming Up For Air...

2011-08-30T17:23:00.005-05:00

HI! Did you miss me? *grin*. Yes, I know that I've been gone for almost 2 months. And in almost 3 days it'll be September. The months flew by so quick I never have the time to think! On my previous post, I mention that I has been dealing with mom health issues. Last month, she went under heart surgery and have been taking 2 weeks rest. And I have been at home taking care of her ever since. Her last check up was two weeks ago and the doctor said everything seem fine. I'm relief because I've been too worry over her that I couldn't read as much as I like. Mom seem to have too many health problem, that included her diabetes issues, that I just never know what else issues will arise. Really drive me insane!

I recently just finish reading this month, THE TROUBLE WITH PARADISE by Jill Shalvis. One of her oldies but the goodies. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to read another of Jill's book AUSSIE RULES, another of her oldies. But pretty soon, I want to go back and read her recent new series books soon. I love those too! I've read Jill's books in the past, but I'm just slowly getting through all of her backlist. I recommend all her books, if you looking for a humors, fast, fun, sweet and delightful read.

I haven't post my books read for the last two months, yet. I'm far behind. In the summer, I really didn't read much. Only two books this month! In fact it seem like this year is my slowest read so far. But I'm hoping to speed that up from now until the next few months. Wish me luck, I need it! *grin*

I still have to post of all the books I bought, and I delay posting that for long time now. I still have them on record for me to remember which one I posted and not post yet. But I wonder if I should post the older one or not, since they are no longer newest/recent books bought even though it only been last year or this year when I bought it.

Hopefully I can get back on thing now, but don't expected my update to be quick on blog as I know I be real slow in updating it. It take lot of 'shove' and 'push' to get me to post something teeheee once or twice a week. So...what everyone currently reading?

50 Challenge Books: April and May

2011-06-15T23:15:00.006-05:00

I know, I know. I'm been MIA for such long time. Sorry about that. There have been some health issues with mom. And I have been away taking care of that. But mom is better now, and I'm so relief. It has been a very scary but exhausting month.

So now, am back. I notice I have not post books I've read in April and May. The good new is that I did read plenty in April but the bad new is that I'm sorry to say I didn't read much in May, because all the worry over mom have distracted me from reading book. Even those comfort books didn't help. I was hoping that June will be better but I've been slow on that too. And no, I'm not in reading slump at all. I just only had trouble to figure out what books to read next. My mood were playing havoc on me, and I just couldn't pick out one or two. But I finally did and I'm happy to say I'm currently reading BURNING ALIVE by Shannon K. Butcher. I know, this book was published long way back. But while I am familiar with the author romantic suspense (and I love those series!), It just took me a awhile longer to try her paranormal romance series. After a friend push, I finally decided to read the book. And so far, I am enjoying it :)

Below are the books I read in April and May. I've read 18 books this year, so far. While it not much, it still been a good reading. I will try to catch up and make up for the reading, hopefully in couple of months. Happy reading everyone! :)

APRIL
13. Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James – 4 stars
14. Temperature’s Rising by Karen Kelley – 3.75 stars
15. Everyone Loves a hero by Marie Force - 4 stars
16. Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden -

MAY
17. Nauti Nights by Lora Leigh -
18. The Search by Nora Roberts - 4 stars

Sorry MIA :)

2011-05-14T18:38:00.004-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA. I have some personal family medical issues that I need to take care of. I won't know how long it will be until I'm able to post something new, but I promise that I will be back as soon as I can. Maybe I post something once a week. And I will post more book's reviews and books I bought as soon as I get back :)

Hope everyone have a good weekend and weeks ahead :)

Julia

50 Challenge Books: March

2011-04-12T00:47:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I'm late in posting books I read in March. So here it is...

Although I read less books in March, these books are a very GOOD read. I've been reading Jill Shalvis and Julie James books over the years and still read them but I've been slowly getting to all of their books and have most recently trying to catch up on their books. I really did enjoyed Jill's Animal Magnetism and Julie's A Lot Like Love. Both were entertaining read for me, which I knew it'll be :)

The good new is, I discover my 'new to me author' this year. Friends (thank you!) recommend me to read Cynthia Eden's Deadly series. So I pick up all three books and read the first two books. And I'm loving it! Really an awesome, sexy and intense books. Good suspense too. Romantic Suspense reader would enjoy these books!

Below are the books I read. I have not grade them is because I have not review them yet. Eventually when I do post the review, you be the first to know :) So far I've read 12 books total since January. Let just hope my April books will be more up to speed :)

MARCH
10. Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis
11. Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden
12. A Lot Like Love by Julie James

Happy reading everyone! Have a great day! :)

My Weekend : Books

2011-04-10T03:01:00.009-05:00

Saturday, I did my usual thing -- books/grocery shopping! That was always fun. I stopped by B&N first, just to check to see if there any books that I want there. Lately, the Borders I go to does not have all the books available on the day of it street release date, until a week or two later. So I have to relay on B&N to have the books out on it official release date. And I bought one book there that just recently came out, Lisa Marie Rice's Hotter Than Wildfire. Then we head off to Borders and like always I take my time to smell all those good coffee flavors that is in the air. Then I walk over to the nearest books and hug them too. Yep that my daily routine I do every time I visit the bookstores *grin*. Then I head over to the cafe area, where I ordered myself a Cinnamon Vanilla Twist latte drink. It's their new spring beverage now. And I love the flavor of cinnamon - yum! So I took the drink with me and then browse around the shelves. I pick up a few books, sat down on the chair and read the first two chapters from each books, just to see if it will grab me. And if it does, that be the one I buy for today. I'm sure the one that I didn't get, I will go back for them, eventually. I end up coming home with Roxanne St. Claire's Shiver of Fear and Shannon K Butcher's Living On the Edge. I also got a copy of Jill Shavlis' The Sweetest Thing too :) However, I discover later that I already got a copy of Roxanne St. Claire's Shiver of Fear, so now I will have to return it back for refund - eh!

I'm currently reading two books at same time, Marie Force's Everyone Loves A Hero and Lorelei James' Saddled and Spurred. I'm enjoy both and can't wait to continue to read more. I've been reading these two authors for years and now I buy whatever books they have out. I'm not even sure what I will read next after these two books, but I'm going to wait to see where my mood take me.....

I can't remember if I share with with all of you here, that I recently bought three bookcases? I got two black 5 shelf bookcases and one 3 shelf bookcase. Everything is already set up and my bookcases are now line up side by side against the wall. And two of the bookcases hold my keeper/collection books while the other bookcase hold my TBR books. Also my very old 3 shelf bookcase also hold my TBR books as well. I think the bookcases look great! :)

I still have more pending books to reviews that have been in draft stage since last year. And I still have some books I recently read that need to be reviews too. I will try to post it here as much as I can. I know, I'm just slow at posting them ;) I'm also supposed to share with you books that I've bought from last year as well. I well get those done eventually, but I hope it be done by the end of this year.

Have a good week and happy reading everyone!

Chasing Perfect by Susan MalleryReview (a late one!)

2011-04-06T22:00:00.002-05:00

Susan Mallery
Pub. Date: April 2010
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 376pp
Series: Fool's Gold Series, #1
ISBN-13: 9780373774524
ISBN: 0373774524

First let me explain that I read this book last year in July and was drafting & editing it then. But it took me until now to finally post it here. And I know I'm very late, but I hope readers enjoy the review.

I usually like Susan Mallery's older books and have enjoy some of the recent one too. I think my favorite would be the Buchanan family novel. It's something about that family that made me love them. I felt like I've grew up with them, in their everyday life. It was heartwarming, romantic, humor and made me fall in love. So I was excited when I learn that Susan had brand new Fool's Gold books. And I quickly bought the first book Chasing Perfect...

Welcome to Fool's Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There's lots to do and plenty of people to met, especially women. Because there's just one tiny problem in Fool's Gold, the men don't seem to stick around. Maybe it's the lure of the big-city life, or maybe it's plain old bad luck, but regardless of the reason, the problem has to be fixed fast. And Charity Jones may be just the city planner to do it.

Charity's nomadic childhood has left her itching to settle down, and she immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer -- everything that is, except its sexiest and most famous resident, former world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she's not about to take a chance on another bad boy, even if everyone else thinks he's perfect just the way he is. But maybe that's just what he needs -- someone who knows the value of his flaws. Someone who knows that he's just chasing perfect.

Charity was selected to be part of the community city planner. The community gather together to discuss the problem that needed their attention and make plan for upcoming events. In the community there are more female but zero men but with Charity help, she and the community plan to get more men involved. Upon moving in to Fool's Gold, California; Charity fell in love with the town and hope to stay in the town longer. Little did she know she going to fall head over heel with Josh Golden, the retired professional cyclist. Josh have been hiding himself and his secret from everyone ever since the accident that change the people he love the most. People couldn't see the real Josh, in their eyes he still the famous cyclist everyone love and admired. But only Charity knew the real Josh, and at first she didn't want to be like other girls who are always fawning over him. But she realized that nothing appear as it seem, and she know she can't deny her feeling for him any longer either. Sooner or later, Josh need to confront his own fears and only Charity can help him face that fears.

At first I did had problem with Charity, but then she grew on me. At the beginning she came across to me as if she was too judgmental about everything, even about the town of Fool's Gold. And then she made some assumptions about Josh over something that she seen and thought he no good for her. I can understand her reaction and would have reacted same way but I just didn't like the way she handle it. I wasn't sure if Josh would be likable enough for me. Not until I understood why he been quiet about the secret he been hiding, it made me feel sympathy for him. I enjoyed seeing them two fall in loves and trying to make the relationship work. I wasn't sure about them at first after I seen their first meet, but they had to work on it for me to decide. I also enjoyed seeing the town interaction with one another, including with Charity. I thought the secondary characters were more interesting to read about. In fact I thought there seem to be wide variety characters to have their own story told, that I would be interested to read more about them.

This is book #1 and its introduces a series based around the small town of Fool's Gold. Even though the story were a little predictable, I love the setting of the town in Fool's Gold. It just seem to be the place to hang out with friends, families the community and have fun. In this town, everyone know everyone business but the people are always there for each others to show them their love and support when someone going through a bad or good times. I love the friendship between the women in the community and learning how much they have changed over the years. There is some issues from the past that need to be confront and amend, so I hope that get solved in the next book.

Chasing Perfect was a cute, light and fun story. There is a small mystery that was easier to figure out and the problem doesn't play too much through the whole pages but is easy to solved. I did enjoyed the book and I laugh or smile at some part of the scenes too. Even though I enjoyed the book, it wasn't a wow factor for me. But I will buy Susan Mallery's next two installment, that is already out.

Grade: 4 stars

draft: 7-30-2010
edited: 9-26-2010

50 Books ChallengeBook Read Jan & Feb

2011-03-10T18:42:00.005-06:00

I'm not sure if I ever post my books read for January, so I decided to go ahead and post it along with my February books read. So far since January & February, I've read a total of 9 books. This probably a good thing, since it mean my reading pace have gone much quicker than last year. I'm happy, even though it doesn't seem to be a lot of books. I hope to read more books this year than I did last year but I don't wish to speed read it. I like to devour it, take my times with getting to know the characters, the story and the place. January seem to be the month that I read lot of very good books! All four books are awesome! But including the last three books in February from author like Jaci Burton, Cynthia Eden and Brenda Novak were also good books. I hope you give these great authors a try. I think they are worth reading :)

By the way, before you read my list of books of the months below - I need to say that I've read two books for March so far and both are good. Jill Shalvis' Animal Magnetism and Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden. Both are really good and I recommend it!

JANUARY
1. Something About You by Julie James – 4 1/2 stars
2. Sugar Creek by Toni Blake – 5 stars
3. Cowgirls, Don’t Cry by Lorelei James – 4 1/2 stars
4. Whisper Falls by Toni Blake – 5 stars

FEBRUARY
5. Along Came a Husband by Helen Brenna – 4 stars
6. The Sheriff’s Secret Wife by Christyne Butler – 4 stars
- Beguiled by Deeanne Gist & J. Mark Bertrand - DNF
7. Body Heat by Brenda Novak – 5 stars
8. The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton – 4 1/2 stars
9. Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden – 5 stars

Happy Reading everyone! Hope you have great day!

Happy Fat TuesdayBabbling About Books

2011-03-08T17:04:00.010-06:00

So here I am on a Fat Tuesday at 3:33pm, and I'm sitting trying to keep updates on all my email (two differ accounts), catch up on Facebook and blogs. And I yet to figure out what book to read next. I know it been few while since I last posted my babbling news *grin*, and I have not been keeping up with my blog but it has been a struggle for me to post when I'm always busy. Last month, on February, I read four books. This month, in March, I only managed to read one book. The last three books I read was The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton, Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden and Animal Magnetism. All three were very good read.

In Jaci Burton's The Perfect Play I thought it was a very sweet, kinda of Cinderella-like story except minus the step mother and step sisters. It's also HOT, a little spicy, sexy and romantic. I really love the hero, Mick. Women might flock over him and take advantaged of his all-star football fame image to make them look good but our heroine Tara did not. She is attracted to him but her main focus priority is always on her son. So Mick decided to "chase" her until he have her. He had plan, and once he set his mind to it he plan to win. Review coming soon!

Cynthia Eden's Deadly Fear was an awesome exciting read for me. She was 'new to me author' as well. Friends recommend her books left to right and when I finally decided to try her Deadly series, I was hooked. Deadly Fear was a dark, intense and disturbing with a good plot that keep you turning the pages. Hot, steamy and good chemistry between the two main characters. Passion and relationship so good, that the characters are unforgivable to me. I really fall for Luke and loves his attitude! *happy sigh*. If you like romantic suspense, you will love the action pack, good plot and wonderful characters in Eden's first Deadly book. Review coming soon!

Lastly in Jill Shalvis' Animal Magnetism, over the years I have read few of her books. But with so many other authors to discover, it kinda hard for me to keep updates on the authors that I'm already fan of. I know I have lot more books by Jill to read from her backlist, but eventually I'll get there. After a friend comments on Animal Magnetism, I bought a copy and read it. After reading Deadly Fear I knew I need something a little light and romance. And I was right, Animal Magnetism was perfect read for the mood I'm in. It was a very sweet and charming story. It's something about the way a macho army guy interacted with a cute puppy that made me chuckle every time. Brady is sexy macho man with softness inside, who is attracted to Lilah and is charmed by all her animals she taken care of for her clients. Jill Shalvis tend to make her stories humorous without making her characters became TSTL. And that what I love about her books. Will review it soon!

On Saturday, I stopped by Borders bookstore to browse around and hope to find books that I might want there. By now everyone have heard that Borders have file for bankruptcy and that over 200 Borders stores are going to close down. Lucky the Borders near by my city are safe and I'm so happy because Borders is the bookstore I go to more than the others. We do have Barnes and Noble near by, but I feel more comfortable and at home in the Borders store than I do with other. Maybe that due to because Borders are in the outlet of the mall area. And it nice there. However I'm waiting to find out which next possible 75 stores are closing, too. I don't feel our Borders are safe yet until the 75 stores are announced online. So anyway, I walked in and did all my smell-the-coffee-and-smell-the-books-and-hug-them-weekly routine, before I dash into the romance section and browse around. The staff are used to see me there all the time, so it nothing new if they seen me do something weird and out of the ordinary -- like my stupid snoopy dance -- *grin*. They just smiled at me and move on. It has been hard to not buy books in the last two months but I'm so happy I can now. Most of the March books that I've seen on the shelves have already been ordered online and its on it way to deliver to my house in few days. I pray it'll be today or tomorrow *g*. I did see Against the Wind by Kat Martin. I took it with me to the Border's cafeteria area, and got myself a cup of Ultimate Mocha Extra chocolate to drink (it's yummy by the way!), and sat down to read the first two chapters in. So far I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I had to put it back on shelf and wait to get a copy another time. I know many readers are recommending Kat Martin's Against series, and I'm anxious to see what about the book that has everyone talking ;)

March books I bought online and I'm looking forward to read are: Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann, Hidden Away by Maya Bank, Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James, A Lot Like Love by Julie James, A Light At Winter's End by Julia London and Shiver of Fear by Roxanne St. Claire.

And lastly I need to share with you a book that I bought last year in October, (I delay this weekly post for long time now) Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning. I did read this book last year and it was pretty good! Erotic romance of rock in roll *grin*. It about a group band, call The Sinners, who on the road on a tour. And along the way, Brian fall in love. The guys treated each other more like brothers than just a band members. And each guys get their own story. I will do a review on Backstage Pass soon, so be on the look out. You be able to see cover here. I'm happy to know that book #2 Rock Hard will be release out soon. Hope the book cover entice you to buy a copy of the book. And if you got it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Also, grab a copy of A Lot Like Love by Julie James. I enjoyed all of her contemporary romance books and looking forward to read her latest one! There were a mishap on the missing pages of the book, so I'm return it to get another one that is in good condition. I don't want to miss reading this book! :)

I still have not decided what to read next, but I hope I make the decision soon because March is a busy month for me. I wish everyone to have a good day! Happy Fat Tuesday! :)

Along Came a Husband by Helen BrennaReview

2011-02-17T23:23:00.005-06:00

Helen Brenna
Pub. Date: June 2010
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: Mass Market Paperback , 251pp
Series: Harlequin Super Romance Series , #1640
ISBN-13: 9780373716401
ISBN: 0373716400

Along came trouble!
Missy Charms just got the shock of her life. The man she thought was dead has turned up on her doorstep. Her ex-husband, Jonas Abel.
Four years ago, Missy Charms fell hard for Jonas. But his FBI job always came first. Missy only wanted - still wants - a home and family. Jonas isn't husband material, not even close. And now his latest undercover mission has trailed him to Mirabelle Island. With both their lives on the line, Missy knows she's been fooling herself. She loves Jonas as much as she ever did - maybe more. His return also means finally admitting the truth: She can't lose him again....

Missy Charms came to stay in Mirabelle Island, to get away from her family. Her father is the powerful, United States senator who was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. His controlling and manipulative behavior have caused Missy to feel distant and anger with him. She want to be herself and not what her father wants her to be. When she married Jonas Abel, she thought she will finally have a home and family she always wanted and be herself. But his FBI job always come first before her. Angry and tired of being alone, she filed for divorce, but only to find her husband had died. After his funeral, she left home and disappear -- never to be found or heard from again. Then she was shocked to find 4 years later that her supposedly dead husband appear at her doorstep in Mirabelle Island, alive!

Jonas last mission have gone wrong, and taking the bullet wound on his side had trailed him to Mirabelle Island. Seeing Missy again was unexpected as he still love her but wasn't sure how to dealt with it because the last time he saw her, she wanted divorce. Missy fears that he will break her heart again, so she asked him to leave. He refused but asked her to let him stay for few days until he get better and figure out who want him dead. Even though Missy doesn't like the idea, she agrees on the term. Would they be able to amend and admit the truth and get second chance at love, again?

But when danger arise and he's afraid for Missy and the people of Mirabelle Island safely, he knew he must work faster and protected them or it will all break loose.

This book was a short read, but it was an enjoyable read. It's about 251 pages long. It was more on the light romance side but had little bit of suspense added to it. I enjoyed getting to know Missy and Jonas and see what made them connect to each other. I thought that Jonas FBI job and Missy's loneliness show what real life is like from the choice they made, which have impact their lives; it seem realistic to me. And the loves, the romance and the devotion between them were simply proven it still existed. I loved that the people in Mirabelle Island are like a "family" and are always there for each other and protect them no matter what happen in their past. If I have known this is the fourth book in the Mirabelle series, I would have stopped and read the first book (I'm anal about reading series books in order)but it didn't seem like I missed anything. The only complaint I have is that it was too short read. But it took me two weeks to finally posted this review because I was trying to finish reading other books. And I definitely will read more of Helen Brenna's books, in future.

Along Came a Husband is a upbeat, fast pacing reading and heartwarming story of two people trying for a second chance at loves and finding hope again.

Grade: B

Whisper Falls by Toni BlakeReview

2011-01-27T00:03:00.004-06:00

Toni Blake
Pub. Date: December 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Mass Market Paperback , 384pp
Series: Destiny, Ohio Series , #3
ISBN-13: 9780061765803
ISBN: 0061765805

Welcome to Destiny, Ohio - where coming home mean finding your true heart and maybe even your true love...
Tessa Sheridan came crawling back to her quaint hometown of Destiny after her big-city interior design career crumbled. Now not only must she struggle to make ends meet, but she has to contend with a biker next door and the roar of Harleys shattering the serenity of her cabin in the wood by Whisper Falls. Worse still, her sexy, bad boy neighbor makes her feel breathless and weak - and shy, petite Tessa knows what a major mistake it would be to get involved with someone so...dangerous.

They say that former teen rebel Lucky Romo has a dark, secret past - that he's trouble with a capital "T". Still, Tessa feels all tingly when she sees how well he fills out a pair of tight jeans. And when Lucky invites her into his world, she knows the intense heat sparking between them could lead her somewhere wild and wonderful...and, yes, dangerous!

Tessa is an interior designer, who career took her to the big city of Cincinnati until one day she found out she is diagnosed with Crohn's disease. This force her to make major changes in her life. She left Cincinnati to come home to her childhood hometown in Destiny, OH and move in at Whisper Falls Road, where she can get peace, quiet and privacy. And also hope to open her own interior designer business there. Since her discovery of Crohn's disease, she try to be strong everyday with her life by working at bookstore her friend Amy owned, met up friends and find up lifting quotes for inspiration. But when she get sick, she does not feel her worth. When she meet Lucky, he seem to make her feel alive and sexy for the first time in many years. He also made her want to grab life and do things she never had the gut to do. Even though at first, he did make her nervous because she felt intimidated by him and she heard about his rebel wild bad boy run with the outlaw gang. But the attraction pull her closer and she couldn't resist him. The shy Tessa is about to found out who Lucky really is.

Lucky Romo, came home to Destiny, OH after being gone from home for many years. He decided he want to find place where he can have his privacy, be alone and hide. But coming home mean to face his family whose he have not keep in touch with for so long. His childhood with them was not happy one. His older brother, Mike is still angry with him but he hope to resolve his relationship with him and his family. He had his reason to come home and he hope to keep that a secret and buried it for good. He want to leave his past behind and start over. Little did he expected to meet Tessa and was smitten and amused by her. Despite his bad boy image: long hair with bandanna wrapped around his head, biker clothes and tattoos, he didn't want to make Tessa nervous or be scared of him. But to avoid getting closer to Tessa was difficult to do and Lucky attraction made him thirst for more of her.

Lucky's past finally catch up with him, and he fear that his secret might come out. He worry he'll put not only his family in danger but Tessa as well. He had choice, to run or face his past. But the true test of Tessa faith in him cause him to question if her faith truly is trusted. And if he had any faith left in himself as well.

I LOVE this book! I think this is another favorite book of the Destiny series, along with book #1 One Reckless Summer. I felt more emotionally involved in the story and also with Tessa and Lucky. I like that Tessa took a chance with Lucky and that she is a strong, positive person. I think Tessa is a well written surviving character and I love how she lives life to its fullest and don't let it eaten her inside. My heart broke for Lucky's childhood and for his family. I can feel the sadness in him as a young boy he was. But I like that Tessa have changed him to be a better person he is now. They both tug my little heartstrings, with every feeling they throw out on me and as I read, I felt them to be real. I have to admit that I had a hard time to write this review. Not only because I don't always do justice in writing good book's reviews but because I love this book so much that I felt I want to do well on this review. It's making me nervous.

Whisper Falls is a sweet and heartwarming story about two people making changes and finding love. It's charming and sexy. Steamy and hot. Emotional and fun. It warm the heart and sizzle the pages. A perfect read for true love. Thanks Toni Blake for a wonderful story! I highly recommend this book, to anyone!

Grade: 5 stars

Books Bought on October 2010

2011-01-19T21:27:00.004-06:00

Last year, I've been sharing a post of the books I've bought on my blog. Then I had to stop buying books for a month right before Christmas start, since I will be busy during the holidays and won't be able to post much. So I delay posting them. Now that the holidays is over (thanks goodness!), I can now continue to show you the rest of the books. These books was bought on October 2010 -- 4 months ago.

Brenda Novak and Lorie O'Clare are both 'new to me author', although I do have the book of Lorie O'Clare last trilogy romantic suspense books. But I haven't read them yet.It sitting in my TBR pile -- somewhere. This book Play Dirty (see the cover above) is book #1 to new The Bounty Hunters book. I am already a reader of Anne Stuart and Jill Shalvis. I love their books but is slowly trying to read their backlist books too. But I'll get to them eventually.

I can't tell you how many times I have raves about Anne Stuart's books. Her ICE books is awesome read.I hope new readers who like romantic suspense give her ICE series a try. Also I have read Jill's stand alone contemporary romance books and they are good. I think that Jill's personality really show in her books. Especially her humors. Not only does her humors made me like her books, but it's sweet, fun, romantic and hot! I'm looking forward to discover all of her series/trilogy from her backlist!

I will be posting more books I bought to share with you. Some from October-November 2010. Hopefully by time I share all the 2010 books, I hope to buy more books for 201l :) Happy reading everyone!

Sugar Creek by Toni Blake

2011-01-15T23:29:00.026-06:00

Toni Blake
Contemporary Romance
Pub. Date: May 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384pp
Series: Destiny, Ohio Series, #2
ISBN-13: 9780061765797
ISBN: 0061765791

Welcome to Destiny, Ohio - where two families have been at odds as long as anyone in town can remember...
Rachel Farris returned to her childhood home with one mission in mind: get Mike Romo out of her family's apple orchard business and out of the their lives. But hard-nosed and totally hot Mike, who happens to be the law in Destiny, is convinced the Farris clan stole the land from his family fifty years ago and he's not backing down. Even when shapely trouble shows up in a pair of designer blue jeans. However, neither the hunky cop nor the sexy prodigal hometown girl can anticipate the electricity that heats things up whenever they're together - adding new sizzle to an on going feud that's raged for generations, and soon putting both their hearts at risk.

Rachel had a life in big city and there is a reason why she left her hometown at Destiny, Ohio to live in Chicago. Never want anyone to know why, she try to stay away from visiting Destiny. But when her grandmother Edna claimed that her knee were injury, she wanted her home to help her with apple orchard business. And because her advertising career has run into a snag, she decided to come home.

Rachel was driving home toward Destiny but was stopped by a cop for speeding. She tried to get out of getting ticket by claiming that her frail, ailing grandmother is expecting her and she didn't realized she was speeding. When they discover that they were each other enemies, known to their family feud that happen generation ago, Mike promise not to give in to what Rachel want. And neither would she. But the two kept 'accidental' seeing each other so much that it's when their love-hate relationship begin to grow, their attraction built up and neither couldn't denied it after fighting it for awhile. And they finally 'got it out of each other system'. One sex lead to another until their growing relationship goes deeper than they would have want it to be. Pretty soon Rachel knew that she would have to head home to Chicago. But that mean leaving the life she had in Destiny and saying goodbye to her friends

My thought:
Let me start by saying that I love to read story with small town setting. And where hero/heroine come home for whatever the reason is, and then meet their childhood crush/enemy again and then fall in love. Toni Blake made me feel for the characters and fall in love with them, enough for me to want them to be happy. I love that even when Mike is gruff and mean, he does have his weakness and vulnerable side. When he began to open his painful past to Rachel, he share with her the heavy guilt hanging over him that he held for so long and never told anyone. It was very emotionally hard for him to talk about it but yet, he was able to when he with Rachel. I also like that he treated her like the way he does with everyone and not different, even when she is his girl. I love it when Mike and Rachel are together, one minute they banter and the next minute they are sizzling the pages! Rachel is said to be the wild teen but I didn't see much of that in her now. However she is the responsible one and take her job seriously. Nothing about Rachel that I hate. She just seem to be the nice girl I like to be friend with. I also adore Edna, she speak whatever on her mind and had me chuckling few times.

The history between the Farris and the Romo feud fifty years ago was an interesting story told by Rachel's grandmother Edna, who I adore. Once I learn from the story about the history of the Romo land and Farris apple orchard business, I understood Edna more and it made me cheers for her. The feuding between the two families kinda remind me of the Romeo and Juliet tale. I didn't realized this until Edna finish the back story of feud. But it is interesting how its turn out.

I love that we get to see recurring characters. They were intriguing enough for me to want to know whose story will be next. I love Toni Blake, not only because she made me love each characters but her writing style is well written in a way that grab me and hold my interested to keep reading and even break into smiles. I also love the cover art of this book. Very romantic setting on the cover, and it is what I felt most of the time while I was reading this book.

Sugar Creek is sizzling sensuality, sexy, sweet, heartwarming, engaging book. I'm looking forward to read Whisper Falls book #3 next! And the rest of the upcoming installment from Destiny series as well!

Grade: 5 stars

Something About You by Julie James

2011-01-08T20:29:00.016-06:00

Julie James
Pub. Date: March 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Mass Market Paperback , 336pp
ISBN-13: 9780425233382
ISBN: 0425233383

Fate has thrown two sworn enemies...
Of all the hotel room rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago -- and for nearly ruining his career...

..Into each other's arms
Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it's no joke; the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor sharp jibes -- and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension...

Three years ago Attorney Cameron had a chance to charges against Roberto Martino's organization, the same case that Jack Pallas was working on for nearly two years and was finally able put Martino in jail from all the evidence information that he had gather after going undercover. However Cameron's boss decided to not file for the charges. Which upset Jack because he felt that two years of his hard work on the case are going down the drain. His famous outburst comments went through national news world wide, and cause him to be transferred out of Chicago to Nebraska

Jack meet Cameron again after he is assigned to the high profile homicide case. A video tape show U.S. Senator involved in a sexual contact with a call girl, the victim. And Cameron happen to be the eye witness to the crime. And although she didn't see the murderer's face, the FBI didn't want to put her life to risk. So she was put in protection 7/24 a day with Jack following her every wake. Jack and Cameron wasn't thrilled to see each other again since he still believe that she is the one responsible for his transferred out of Chicago and she didn't want him to find out the truth of his transferred. But they are willing to put their past different aside and try to help each other to solve the case. Soon they couldn't denied their attraction to each other and chemistry that is so strong that they fight it every step of the way.

My thoughts --
First I want to say how much I love the cover! handsome,Sexy and beautiful! I didn't find anything to dislike about the characters. I thought that Cameron was strong, smart, reasonable, likable and doesn't try to run people job. Most of the time I run into TSTL heroines in other books, but Cameron sure isn't that. I like that Jack was three dimensional guy. He was stubborn and arrogant but protective. He was drool worthy but not so perfect. He is sexy in the way he reacted around Cameron, which made him hot! There so many things to like about him, that I can't help but want to squeeze him, hug him and love him.

Most of the times when I read a book where the heroine and hero had their first sexual intense contact, it always happen too early, too late or right on times. I've always said that I wish that they try to built up their attraction and relationship first before they do the actual sexual scene. Sometime that work and other time -- it doesn't. Sometime I want it early and other times I want it to be slow. I admit at first I was going bananas, just waiting for it to happen. Each time they built it up a little and then stopped. But when it finally did happen, I thought it was done very well. Very romantic, sensual, sexy and emotionally loving. It was all worth the wait :)

The readers wasn't left wondering about the villain but to watch Jack and Cameron trying to figure out the case. The villain was greedy, selfish but not too evil. But once the case was solved it end the book satisfied for me.

I would love to know more about Agent Wilkins and hope he get his own story. I also love that we got more of Collin and Army too.

I did enjoy this book. It's sorta different than the first two books Just the Sexiest Man Alive and Practice Make Perfects because the first two were more contemporary romance. And while this book has it too, it also has a suspense subplot add to it. But it still witty, delightful, sexy, enjoyable and 'laugh out loud' moments. I find myself laughing and smiling lot of times on different scenes. Julie James' never miss that trademark! I love her writing and those delightful characters we love. I like that James' books always had strong, smart and likable heroines. Love Julie James' books. You can't go wrong with her books. Pick this up!

Grade 4 1/2 stars

P.S. This is not one of my older pending book reviews. I recently just read it this year :)

Before/After New Year Post

2011-01-05T23:02:00.001-06:00

2010 have been a very slow reading for me. I still think I didn't read enough as much as I want to. Reading 40 books total for the 2010, isn't that huge to me. But it was so close to reaching my 50 Books read goal. Even though I am happy of the numbers books I've read that year. So this year 2011, I'm hoping to read more books by making the times to do it when I'm not busy. A few days ago, I stay up reading until 5am in the morning and right before I turn off the light to go to bed, I thought to myself "Wow, I sure miss reading late in the night!" *grin*. You see, I'm a late owl and I used to read books during those late times. It the only time I get that quiet, peaceful and be able to focus more on the story. But lately -- okay it seem like few years -- I've been too busy trying to play catch up in the emails (I've 2 accounts), other online social network and my friends. Gotta love my friends. Can't live without both my outside/online friends! But I weren't change those time for anything.

Since the first week of December and the holidays started, I have not bought even one book. Yep. Not. ONE. Book. It was the holidays, you know. So now that 2011 is finally here, I can't help but feel sad but yet at same time relief. I'm so used to buying books every weekend! I find myself visiting Borders and just browsing around now. And jointing down books I want to buy later. Have to wait few months to buy books now. Last week, I heard a child cried -- well screaming actually. And I had this image in my mind that the child is crying because he couldn't buy a book. And I stood there and cried along with him. Quietly of course LOL!

I just went over my TBR pile, going through it to put all the series/trilogy in order by stacking them together. Then I decided to pull out some of the books I think I'm ready to read. Some are the first books in series/trilogy. And few are stand alone. I want to start the reading with a big bang and hope I read more 2011. Some books has been there for few while -- or longer -- but also it's a 'new to me authors' too. I'm going to start with Something About You by Julie James, contemporary romance. I've read the first two books by James before, and love it! You can't go wrong with Julie James' books. I do highly recommend her books.

I recently finish reading Coming Undone by Lauren Dane. It marked the last book to the end of 2010 read on my list. And I did enjoy the book. Brody is so sweet and sensitive even around his bad boy image. I adore him so much! I didn't expected much of him from this book but wow I was surprise! He sure show how much he care and love Elise *sigh worthy*. I'm looking forward to read Inside Out, book three of The Brown Sibling books soon!

I wish everyone a better reading of 2011 !!!

Favorite Books of 2010

2011-01-03T18:34:00.004-06:00

Many are posting their "Favorite/Best Books of 2010", so I decided to post mine. In 2010, I was reading mostly 'new to me authors' and have discover few authors I know I would like to continue to read more of their books. There is a huge TBR pile towering up with many 'new to me authors' I yet to read. I know pretty soon I will discover them as the months goes by this year. But I hope to also read more from my favorite authors too. At the bottom is a list -- not in any order -- of my Favorite Books of 2010. I couldn't just pick a few. Even if a gun was held in my head, I won't even choose a few *lol*. These authors are all 'new to me authors' who I discover through my friends' recommend (thank YOU!) :)

Here are my Favorite Books of 2010 (in no order):

Hold On Tight by Stephanie Tyler - I chose book three because all the characters are in it. More actions and emotions going on in deeper level. I got more emotional involved with each couples as their relationship unfold and was sad to see the book ended. I like the family dynamic and how well the brothers are together. And I'm glad that Stephanie got me really invested in them. Her writing was great and in depth. Intense and romantic. She weave in stories into one, making each couples story connected and fit. I love a GOOD story and hawt Navy SEALs men, and Stephanie's books have them. I'm looking forward to read more of Stephanie's books! Especially the brand new series she had out now.

By Lorelei James books:
Corralled
Long Hard Ride
Cowgirl Up and Ride
What can I say about Lorelei James' books? WOW! Her books are raw, rough, sexy, hot, explicit and so romantic! It is western/cowboy erotic contemporary romance, but Lorelei does tackle the personal issues very well. Even when it kinda bizarre or uncomfortable situation, I just like the way Lorelei handle the issues. She really made me feel for the characters and get emotionally invested into them. I also love that Lorelei had each couple talk to each other about what is to be expected and made agreement on what they both want and agree to do before they actually start having sex. Corralled is the first book to the A Blacktop Cowboy novel but was the first book I read that begin my love for Lorelei writing and my search for the McKay from Rough Rider series. I loved Hank and was wow by the writing style. I'm definite looking forward to read book 2: Saddled and Spurred. After I read Long Hard Ride, which is book 1 of Rough Rider novel, I knew that Lorelei will be my keeper books. I fell in love with Colby and couldn't get enough of him. And then Cowgirl Up and Ride is my third pick because it's when we learn about all the McKay Brothers and West boys lives and the issues that arise through out the rest of the books and problem unfold. Love Lorelei James, and I think she made me see cowboy/western in a different light now!

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning - I think the reason this book is one of my favorite is because I never come across to find romance book about rock band before. So reading this was different. I love how well Olivia written each characters attitude in the life of rock in roll. And how each characters has their downside issues too, that made them emotionally human to me. Each characters are different but they work well together. I see them acted like a brothers when they are around each other, even though they are closed friends. I love to be surprise and discover the secret of each guys. There even dark side of one character -- but in good way LOL! The guys may have done stupid stuff but they do mean well but for a good reason, IMO. There are five members in the band, and each guys will have their story told when each installments come out.

Coming Undone by Lauren Dane Is book 2 of the Brown Sibling series. I love this book because I can't help but fall in love with Brody. He is sensitive, sweet, caring person. Even around his controlling, bad boy attitude image, inside his heart is soft. I love how he is around Elise and her daughter. Even when he around his two sibling. He take care of them. Lauren write her stories really beautifully that you care enough for each characters and want them to be happy with their HEA. Lauren also tackle the issues of abuse, sexual, drugs very well too. I find myself wanting to know more about the guys and the women (heroines) that capture their interest.

Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish Romantic suspense have always been my favorite genres and when I discover Leslie's books I was excited. This book wow me. The story grab me from the first chapter until the last pages to the end. Very interesting of what goes through 'the Reaper' mind as he plan his killing and video taped his victim's final moments before they died. It was really suspenseful and kept me turning the pages. And the Satan's Playground, while it's fiction, seem so real it felt like I can imagine it existence out there...somewhere. I love Leslie writing and how she kept me up on my toes. It was dark, gruesome, galore, intense and thrilling. And I love that the CAT team (aka Cyber Action Team) were like a 'family'. There is only three books of the CATs book already out, sadly the publisher decided not to do anymore Cats series. I want MORE! But I'm happy that she had new series out, which I already brought!

There are more books that are Honorary Mention, but it could take me all day to post it. Beside I just couldn't pick just a few LOL! But I am happy with my top favorite books of 2010 and hope more readers try to read these authors and their great books. Three of the book are erotic contemporary romance and the two are romantic suspense.

Happy reading!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 !

2011-01-01T00:00:00.001-06:00

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year 2011!

Thanks everyone for your friendship and many enjoyable of sharing reading books with you! Those were one of the best moments for me in 2010. I'm not going to make resolution, since I tend to never able to keep it *grin*. But I wish those who will do it, good luck! :)

I hope 2011 will be better year for you and your family. Wishing you lots of luck, loves, money and healthy!

Julia

50 Book Challenge Books 2010 Read

2010-12-31T23:10:00.005-06:00

Okay, you guys remember when I had lost the file that I kept over the last 3-4 years of books I've read since we started the 50 Challenge Books? Well I had to redo it and go by what my blog show of the books I read for this year 2010. Hopefully this is all the correct books I've read. I didn't post those books I read for the last three months to the group, but you can now see it here. And some books, I have to go by memory for the grades *grin*. And I know, it have been slow reading for me. But I hope 2011 would be better reading!

P.S. -- I didn't put down Anne Stuart's trilogy book RUTHELESS, RECKLESS and BREATHLESS because I can't remember which months I read it. But I think book one was 5 stars, book two was 4 stars and book three was 4 stars too :)

50 CHALLENGE BOOK 2010

JANUARY
1. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts (joint-read with Alice)– 4 stars
2. The Unsung Hero by Suz Brockmann (re-read 3x/joint-read with Alice)– 5 stars

FEBRUARY
3. Skin Game by Ava Gray – 4 1/2 stars
4. Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish- 5 stars

MARCH
5. Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas - DNF
6. Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas (joint-read with Annie and Linda)4 1/2 stars
7. Lone Riders by Lauren Bach 3.75 stars
8. Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas (joint-read with Annie and Linda)4 stars
9. The Definat Hero by Suz Brockmann (re-read 3x/joint-read with Alice)5 stars
10. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kelypas
(joint-read with Annie and Linda) - 4 stars

APRIL
11. Dare to Surrender by Lilli Feisty - 4 1/2 stars
12. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler - 4.5 stars
13. Too Hot to Hold by Stephanie Tyler - 4.5 stars
14. I’m In No Mood for Love by Rachel Gibson - 4 stars
15. Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas – DNF
16. Manhunt by Janet Evanovich (joint read with Annie and Linda)4 stars

MAY
17. Irresistible by Susan Mallery – 4 stars
18. Delicious by Shayla Black – 4 stars
19. Extreme Danger by Shannon McKenna – 4 1/2 stars
20. Over the Edge by Suz Brockmann (re-read 3x/joint-read with Alice) – 5 stars

JUNE
21. The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann (re-read/joint-read with Alice )
4 1/2 stars

JULY
22. Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery - 4 stars
23. Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery - 4 stars

AUGUST
24. Hold on Tight by Stephanie Tyler - 5 stars
25. End Game by Dee Davis - 5 stars
26. Enigma by Dee Davis - 4 stars

SEPTEMBER
27. Exposure by Dee Davis - 4 stars
28. Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts - 4 stars
29. Riding Wild by Jaci Burton - 4 stars
30. Devil of the Nanking by Mo Hayder - 3.75 stars
(wasn't b/c it was bad, I did enjoy it. Just that I'm normally not always into first POV characters unless they wow me out of my sock)
31. Corralled by Lorelei James - 5 stars

OCTOBER
32. Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning - 4 1/2 stars
33. Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James - 5 stars
34. Rode Hard, Put Up Wet by Lorelei James - 4 stars
35. Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James - 5 stars

NOVEMBER
36. Strong Silent Type by Lorelei James - 4 stars
37. Shoulda Been a Cowboy by Lorelei James - 4 1/2 stars
38. Raising Kane by Lorelei James - 4 stars

DECEMBER
39. Laid Bare by Lauren Dane - 3.75 stars
(It wasn't b/c it was bad, it it's a good book. Just something uncomfortable)
40. Coming Undone by Lauren Dane - 5 stars

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T00:17:00.006-06:00

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays! Enjoy the moments you have with your families and friends. Make memory, cherish them and be loved with the one you have now and hope forever. And may the the New Year bring you more happiness, joyest and be healthy!

P.S. - Thanks to my wonderful and beautiful friends for their thoughtful gifts (love it!). And who had also given me the bestest gifts in the world --- THEMSELVES!

Merry Christmas from my home to your!

With loves,

Julia

Last weekend....

2010-12-11T02:58:00.006-06:00

Sorry! It has been since Thanksgiving that I posted here. I've been too busy with life that it kept me up on my toes these days. I will try to post here whenever I can get a chance to :)

Here another book I brought in September 2010 - CORRALLED by Lorelei James. See the book cover above,left(this is book 1 of the Blacktop Cowboy series). I love the cover! She is an erotic romance who wrote good story with characters we can grow to love. In the Rough Rider series, the emotion, the loves and realistic of each story in her books is what kept me reading straight through the series. The love between the characters does not just happen so quick. It take times to built it up and get to that point. There are lot of raw and raunchy explicit sex, but it all come down to the love we have for each characters and how beautiful they are together as couple and family. Please do give Lorelei James a try, she worth it :)

Last weekend, my goal was to buy everyone gifts and then be done with Christmas shopping. Unfortunately, it didn't go that way for me. I had an idea what to get for each person but the things I want was not available or just out of stock! It weren't be so hard to get them if its was there. Then I be done with the shopping -- *sigh*. So hopefully I get it done this weekend instead. Wish me luck!

At Borders last week, I got a free beverage coupon - yay! So I order myself a Gingerbread latte. Love the delicious flavor in it - yummy! So while I was drinking, I browse around to see what new release books had been out, I saw some interesting books that I know I want. I hug them all and people around me thoughts I was nut *grin*. But that okay. If they understood my reason then they weren't have try to run like I was going to hug them next -- or something. Is that a crime? *grin*. I can't wait until January come around when I can began to buy books again. It been so hard not to!

I want to thanks all my friends around the world for sending me your wonderful Christmas cards. It sure made my day! It kick the cold I've had for a week. Looking forward to see more as it get closer to Christmas's Day. I love this time of the holidays.....well minus the hard freeze cold we been getting over here -- eh! There are few packages I need to mail out, so I hope to do that Monday morning. Be on the look out my friends! :)

I'm currently reading another erotic contemporary romance, LAID BARE by Lauren Dane. It the first book to the Brown Sibling series. So far I'm loving it. Next up, I think I read Dane's book #2 COMING UNDONE. But that depend on where the mood will take me.

And I know I've not been posting my delay book reviews, but I will try to post them. I can't promise anything, since the holidays is keeping me busy. But I wish everyone happy reading, have a good weekend and a Happy Holidays! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T13:00:00.005-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone around the world! May you have a blessing times spent with your family and friends. Have fun but be safe! I'm thankful for all the wonderful people in my life who been with me from a child all the way to adult. Thanks for being with me in my growing life :)

XOXOXO

Julia

Weekend: Books, Friends and Drink

2010-11-15T02:32:00.002-06:00

Another weeks have gone by and I have yet to post new book review. Sorry! But I hope to post one this week. In the meantime, I'm sharing with you the next pending books that I've brought few months ago. Above, are the books I brought in September 2010. The first two books are 'new to me authors' but the third book, I have read one of her book before. It was because of that one book, that got me to buy this book. Lili Feisty book (not sure both) were once on the magazine but I forget which one. I heard so much about Shiloh Walker wonderful books but not much by Joyce Lamb. But I like to give both authors a try.

It get harder not to buy books when I stopped by Borders bookstore in the last two weeks. When I walk in last Saturday and see books, I started to pout and then whine silently. Then I reach out my hand, wanting to touch it but I can't. I tell myself it just only two more months, two more months...I end up just browsing through the shelves to see what books is already out. And then write them down on papers and add it on my wish list online later. This is to remind myself to buy them when I'm ready to next year. I did find few books I want and hope to get them soon! I tried to find Lori Armstrong mystery books, but I have seen NONE! I wonder if it because lots of people brought them and it ran out and the store need to restock it or the store just never stock them. I have read books by this author before but not under this name. But I would love to read them. After reading books by her other pen name Lorelei James (I love the Rough Rider series!)I was surprise to find she also write mysteries books. There are already two different mysteries series published. I need to catch up! Maybe I should talk with the Borders staff about re-stocking Lori Armstrong's Julie Collins series books.

While I was at Borders, I was hoping to get my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte fix but was disappointed when it was replaced with new holiday drinks that Seattle's Best Coffee offer. I did tried their iced Peppermint Mocha Trio and it was so good! I never have this before so I was unexpectedly surprise how yummy it was. They also offer two other holidays drink Sugar and Spice Latte and Gingerbread Latte. I'm definitely going to order this again next week! Anyone ever had these three drinks before? What your thoughts? I would love to hear it :) Although I have always been a Caramel Frappuccino drinker at Starbucks, I'm always craving for drinks at Borders' Seattle's Best Coffee much more.

I've not been reading lately. Too busy and always doing house chores -- yuck! -- or play catch up on emails and watching TV shows. But I'm starring at my TBR pile everyday to remind myself I have books starring back at me too. It like a starring contest but no one win tehehe. It waiting for me to pick them up! I think I'm itching to read Anne Stuart's book #3 Breathless, of The House of Rohan trilogy (I love her work!). Or maybe book #3 Inside Out by Lauren Dane. But I have yet to read book #1 Laid Bare, yet. I usually read series/trilogies in orders, I'm anal like that, but this time I didn't with these Brown Siblings series. I started with Coming Undone, instead. I love the emotions, the issues that arise from the characters and the loves they give each others. They may not be perfect but they have scars, flaw and insecurities that make them real to me. That why I love them! Anyone enjoy a erotic contemporary romance, would love this series!

What books I'm waiting and anxious to get on hands for upcoming release in the next few months? I can lists some books from now through next year. Like Nora Roberts' Happy Ever After (already out). Lora Leigh's Styx's Storm (already out), Shannon K.Butcher's Living Nightmare (already out), Stephanie Tyler's Promises In the Dark (release 11-23-10), Toni Blake's Whisper Falls (release 12-28-10), Maya Banks' No Place To Run (12-7-10), Olivia Cunning's Rock Hard(release 4-2011), Ava gray's Skin Heat (release 1-4-11)...I am sure there more books but I just can't remember them. I need to find those list papers and wish list online. I will have to check and list it here another time *grin*.

My friend birthday was on Friday Nov 12. But we decided to have a little family dinner party on Saturday instead. Her sister cooked some Gumbo soup. In the soup was, some crabs and shrimps. Just add rices and we are good. We also had some sweet potatoes and bread spread in butter for the side dish. And plus, what a birthday without a cake! So we had some of that too :) I love to have dinner with friends. Especially my best friends. They are like a part of my family, I grew up with them. After singing Happy Birthday, eat cake and pass gifts to the birthday girl, we then sat down and chat. I had a wonderful time! It has been a long times since we done this because everyone been so busy lately. Next week, we having our usual Thanksgiving dinner early. So I be baking yams casserole for dinner. While my friends and her sister bakes the other stuff (greenbean casserole, Mac & Cheese casserole, turkey, cranberries..etc). Looking forward to this! I'm sure I be with my real family for Thanksgiving, but I have yet to know what dishes I am baking this times. I'm thinking maybe greenbean casserole, since that is my favorite. And Stove Top dressing and mash potatoes. Maybe mac & cheese. Mom will do the turkey. I have not yet master baking turkey yet.... teeheee. But Thanksgiving won't be fun without my sisters to join us. I miss her already! :)

Happy reading and have a good week! :)

Weekend: Books & Holidays

2010-10-30T20:21:00.002-05:00

Another pending books, these two books was bought in September. I was excited when I saw Jill Shalvis reissue of Trouble With Paradise. It is one of the book I have not yet read. I'm trying to get copies of all of her backlist as much as I can before I can read some that are in connected series. I really enjoy reading Shalvis' books because she write emotions and humors very well. Highly recommend her. I'm not yet familiar with Jessica Inclan, but I did read good reviews and I brought two of her The Believe Trilogy. I just need to get the last copy to finish the trilogy. Both books are sitting in my TBR pile. When I saw that she release a brand new series The Being Trilogy, I brought her first book Being With Him. I'm looking forward to read from both authors soon!

Last weekend, my family went out of town to visit my uncles to do some praying and then eat. One of my uncle who live few states away came down to visit. So it was like family reunion again. So because of this, I wasn't able to shop for some books at Borders but I did do some good reading. I also spent times with my good friends too. They were cooking some good steaks, potatoes salad, beans, garlic breads and squash. We were celebrating because one friend's youngest son had just finish his 3 weeks of football practices for kids first learner that his day camp open for them. YUM and fun!

However today (Saturday), I did end up going to Borders. I went inside to take look around to see what books have recently came out. There wasn't too many recent one but I did see few that I want. And I joint it down on paper, bring it home and add it to my wish list bookstore online. Yep, I came home empty handed. And as sad as I am, there is a reason for it. You will see below :) I also got myself some Iced Pumpkin Creme Latte - it was yummy drinklicious! ;)

In the next two months, I be real busy with holidays. So this mean I have to cut back on buying books for awhile. I won't be buying books except maybe 1 book each months (there are 2 months left) until January 2011. But I have add all the books that I want on my wish lists, this way I can remember what books I'm buying when January come around. This made me sad, since I'm so used to buying books every weekend. I love to visit bookstores, buy books and add them to my TBR piles/bookshelves. But I rather save money for holidays(gifts,foods..etc) because it my favorite times of the years. And I can't be selfish, right? I love seeing kids eyes lighten up when they see gifts I brought them. And I love to see the loves in people eyes when they discover unexpected surprises gifts too. It will be a hard struggle for me to try not to grab books, every time I go near bookshelf, but it's still all worth the challenge for me. I've been doing this for every years now, so it no big deal to me. If you saw someone pressing her face against the window pane, staring in through it and has finger's prints smear on it, at the bookstores during the holidays then yeah... that was me LOL!

I'm still participating in the Christmas cards exchange. I figure that would make up for not participating in Secret Santa this year (another things I'm sad about) and for cutting back books buying too. I love to see cards from all over the world, including closest friends who I have had chat and been with over many years online/off line. Cards always brighten my day no matter if I have good or bad days :)

Even while I'm busy with the holidays, I'm still planning to share books that I've brought in the last few months and my pending book's reviews, that I've not yet posts both on my blog. These are books that have been already bought, before I announced about cutting back books for awhile because of the holidays. Stay tune!

I have just finish reading Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning, and I love it! It is erotic romance and I love the two main characters of this book. It about a group of rock band name Sinners and each members is going to have their own story with love interest in the series. I'm looking forward to reading each installments! It interesting because I never read books with rock band story before. But Olivia Cunning wrote these men as if they're alive and real. She wrote these band in a way rock in roll reacted and lives. I have not figure out what to read next, but I think I might read a historical book by Anne Stuart's Reckless, book #2. Then after that, who know. Let see where my moods take me.

Halloween is tomorrow (Sunday), and we not craving pumpkins this year. But we will pass out candies. And no, we not dressing up either -- teehee! I wish everyone a Happy Halloween! Have fun but play it safe! :)

Irresistible by Susan Mallery

2010-10-22T21:02:00.000-05:00

Susan Mallery
Pub. Date: February 2010
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384pp
ISBN-13: 9780373775101
ISBN: 0373775105

It wasn't just her homemade brownies that made Walker find Elissa irresistible...

When ex-Marine Walker Buchanan stops to help Elissa Towers change a tire, he tells himself it's just the neighborly thing to do. And when Elissa find herself baking him a thank-you pie, she's just returning the favor...right?

Both of them have sworn off dating--Elissa's determined to protect her little girl, and that means ditching her taste for dangerous men...especially former Marines with dark secrets. Walker knows that he's not cut out for hearth and home...his own crazy family made sure of that. But the sparks won't stop flying between them.

Now the two are struggling to keep their relationship "just friends," but with every kiss, their rules fly out the window...

When Elissa had a flat tires and Walker offer to take the tires to get it fix, she refused. She didn't like to owe him money, knowing she won't be able to pay him back. But Walker finally got her to agree to let him take it and get it fix, only if he take the earring she want to give to the owner of the car shop for his daughter birthday. She agree only if they don't replace the old tires with the new one and just only get it fixed. But when Walker come back with a new tires, she knew they had trick her. Now she felt she owe Walker back his money for the new tires, which she couldn't afford. But she promise him she would, even in the situation she is in. But Walker refused to let her and tell her he can only accepted offer of her baking foods instead...

Than Elissa got use to have Walker around, and finally accepted that asking for help is okay. It took her awhile to because her stubborn pride get in the way. She has had a difficult life that causes her living arrangement trouble. She ran off with two boyfriends, one who she hope would make it big in musics industry but turn out he have no talent. The second one, Neil who did had talent but loves drugs more. When she got pregnant, she left Neil and moved to Seattle to raised her daughter, Zoe. The many bad choices she made, had causes her to become distance with her family whose she is now trying to reconcile. She also has been having trouble with her ex-boyfriend Neil who is blackmailing her by threatening her with Zoe. And now she is currently waitress in a small cafe and making jewelry on the side. She used to be on her own, just her and Zoe. But her attraction with Walker is too hard resist.

Walker was expected to work in family business, but instead he joined the marines. It was what he wanted to do. But when his friend was killed, he quit and came home to Seattle. Maybe it is a good thing, because it will give him time to think about what he want to do with his life. Unfortunately his snobbish and mean grandmother had heart attack and now it up to Walker to keep the business running. But he also discover that the people who been working for his grandmother seem nervous and uncomfortable having him around but yet they follow on his every demand.

I got to admit it took me longer to finish this book. I read this in the summer, but usually the summer always kept me busy. Sometime I could only read a couple of pages in and sometime I don't read at all. But I try to read as much as I can.

I also have to admit, it took me even longer to like and warm up to Elissa. Her attitude was bit too much at the beginning and it rub me wrong. Especially the attitude she bring when she around Walker. But later when she went soft, she changed. But for the most part, I understood the reason for her behavior but I don't have to like it. I really love her daughter, Zoe. And their elder neighbor who watch Zoe when Elissa is busy with work or going out. The connection between the two were sweet and heartwarming. The elder lady love Zoe like a 'grandkid' and you can tell.

I love meeting up with Buchanan family again, seeing what they are doing. It's always fun to take a peek at what their life is like after HEA. This is why I love series books. We get to see the family/gang again while the series are still going. Looking forward to read more Buchanan family in the next installments.

I read this in May 2010, and is just now post the review on the book. But I hope I remember correctly about this book. More depending reviews coming soon. Happy reading!

Grade: 4 stars

drafted: 5-10-10
edited: 10-21-10
edited: 10-22-10

Weekend: BooksCurrent Read

2010-10-20T01:18:00.001-05:00

Again, I did buy a book last Saturday. But I won't show it to you today, because I need to post all of the books that is still sitting in the draft folders. It just sitting there waiting for me to post them. These three books are one of my delay post. I brought them in September when I went there in search for Deadly Little Secret,because I've been waiting for the longest time to get my hand on this book. The first two of Jeanne Adams books are awesome! I do recommend it, if you have never read her romantic suspense books :) She was a 'new to me authors' either last year or two years ago. I'm looking forward to read more of her books soon. I'm already familiar with Jill Shalvis and Alexis Morgan, and have been reading them for long while. What I've read from them are also great!

To learn more info on each three books, click link below..

Deadly Little Secret by Jeanne Adams
Dark Warrior Untamed by Alexis Morgan
Aussie Rules by Jill Shalvis

I have just finish reading a historical book, Ruthless by Anne Stuart and Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James, yes this is erotic romance book. I'm currently reading Coming Undone by Lauren Dane. I want to read something else in between it, but I have not decided which one yet.

Last week, I was able to post two pending reviews and I hope to do more this week. At same time I also need to post the books I've read from last month. But I don't think there are lot to list. We shall see. I hope everyone have a good week :)

Happy Reading! :)

I'm In No Mood For Love by Rachel Gibson

2010-10-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

Rachel Gibson
Contemporary Romance
Pub. Date: September 2006
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384pp
Series: Avon Romance Series
ISBN-13: 9780060773175
ISBN: 0060773170
Edition Description: Reprint

What is Clare Wingate doing? One minute she's suffering in a pretty-in-pink gown she'll never wear again, and the next thing she knows it's morning...and she has the nastiest hangover of her life.

To make matters worse, she's wearing nothing but a spritz of Escada and lying next to Sebastian Vaughan...her girlhood crush turned sexy, globe-hopping journalist. Somewhere between the toast and the toss of the bouquet she'd gotten herself into a whole lot of trouble.

But Sebastian pushed all the wrong buttons-- and some of the right ones, too. Clare is in no mood for love-not even for lust-- and wants to forget about Sebastian and his sex pack abs ASAP. But he isn't in the mood to go away, and his kiss is impossible to forget

I'm In No Mood For Love is part of a connected books, of three others books: Sex, Lies and Online Dating, Tangled Up In You and Not Another Bad Date Each book is connect through the friendship of female characters, whose are all a writer.

Clare wake up to find herself naked in bed with Sebastian, her childhood girl crush. Horrified the thought that she may have had sex with him, she pick up her clothes and left. She recall being drunk at her best friend's wedding but not what happen afterward. Now with hangover and Sebastian teasing her about their sex encounter, she wonder what else embarrassing thing happen.

Sebastian had know Claire since she were kids. He used to tease her all the times too. He didn't expected to find himself in hotel room with Clare all drunk, but when he seen her in a sexy pink thong he suddenly see her not a kid anymore but in whole different light - grown up. He decided to make is visitation stay for a few more longer. But also, so that he can spent time with his dad who he had lost touch with after his mom passed away. But the longer he stay, the closer he and Clare got together and reacquaint. And then a sudden kisses, rattle Clare and make her nervous when he around her. He find it interesting and decided he going to like his time here.

They end up agreeing to affair with no strings attach, and keeping it secret from everyone. But Clare is nursing a broken heart while he is a commitment phobia. With his career on the line, he risks to go see her. After Clare bad relationship with men in her past life, she realized she didn't want to follow that same path again and decided to start over with Sebastian. But she have fallen for him too and that scared him and he ran off. Would he able to face his fear about himself and be commitment to the one woman he love. Or risk losing her forever.

I truly enjoy the book, and chuckle over some scenes between the two characters. I truly find them real, funny and delightful. Even though they had childhood history together, the relationship between them was new, so it scared them even more so they trust each other less. But it was fun to see they test themselves on that too and try to fight their feeling. A wonderful witty book. I think I like this one much better than her first book Sex, Lies, And Online Dating - book #1. Probably because I warmed up to Sebastian and Claire more easier than I did with previous characters from book #1. Plus I love the theme that the hero and heroine knew each other as kids first before they grew up and became lover. I've been reading lot of similar themes and have enjoy the one I've read so far.

I also love seeing Clare's friends again. They are truly a fun bunch of women who I think I would have love to be in their circle of friends. I'm glad to hear that we will see more of them in the last book. I'm looking forward to read it, once my moods is ready for it :)

This is another delay book review that I've first started drafted on April 2010. I hope my memory are correct of this book as I remember it. If not, than I should do a re-read to refresh my memory. I wish I could remember more because I would have given more thoughts into this book or even more thoughts on the like and dislike of the characters. But I do however remember enjoying the book, loving the two main characters and had good feeling after I close the book. And I believe, that each books can be read as stand alone too. Anyone can correct me if I'm wrong :)

Happy Reading!

Grade 4 stars

drafted: 4-23-10
Edited: 10-11-10
Edited: 10-13-10

Weekend: August BooksWhat I've Been DoingToday, Yesterday, Tomorrow

2010-10-09T22:00:00.004-05:00

Reckless by Anne Stuart (book #2 of The House of Rohan)
Last To Die by Kate Brady (sequel to ONE SCREAM AWAY). I did brought books last week, but I won't show it today. Instead, I want to go back a few months and show those books that I've brought but never post it. Above the post, are the two books I brought on the last week of August. With my busy life, I've forgotten to post it. It has been 3 months ago. There are still more books I need to show you, and I hope to get through those books as quickly as I can. Starting with books from September.

I recently had just finish reading the following books: THE DEVIL OF NANKING by Mo Hayder , CORRALLED by Lorelei James and RIDING WILD by Jaci Burton. And enjoy all of them. They was my 'new to me authors' but now, I think I'm going to read more books by them. If you decided to visit author's website, beware that the 2nd and 3rd links mean you're entering on your own risks. Because some of the their books are erotic books. So you must be 18 or older to enter ;)

Now I'm currently reading RUTHLESS by Anne Stuart. I'm really enjoying it so far. It's historical romance but I'm so used to reading lot of Stuart's romantic suspense books, which I devour. But no matter if it historical or suspense, one good thing Stuart does so well is writing dark heroes. That why I love Stuart's books so much! I know I'm going to want to read another book in between it but I've not decided which book(s) yet.

I'm hoping to post books I've read for the month of September, but with everything going on I'm not sure I can post it by tomorrow. I will try. When I lost everything from my memory stick files, I kinda had to relay on my blog to remember which books I read for which months. Or the totals I read from January - September. It got confusing. So until I get all that fix and correct, then I will post my 50 Books Challenge of months.

Today (Saturday), I came out of the bookstore...empty handed *gasp!* --- I know! Unheard of me, right?! But I didn't see books I want on shelves. Because most of the books are coming in two weeks -- eh! I can't wait that long! ;) I tried to use my free birthday drink coupon at Borders, but couldn't order a Pumpkin Spice Latte. The coupon are free ONLY for small coffee or tea - bleh! I just kinda gave the lady a -you-got-to-be-kidding-me look when I stared at her. And just left.

Yesterday (Friday) was mom birthday. And we invited guests (mostly parent's friends) to stop by and eat dinner with us. We had some chocolate cake, which we devour and it's so delicious! (view picture below). We also had some crabs too, and most are all gone.

Tomorrow (Sunday), we will have guests coming over because it has been almost 100+ months since my grandmother passed away. And mom will be serving one of our family favorite foods - Wanton Soup. I'll be helping mom, but this will take many hours to finish it. Many of the guests will be bring something when they come over too. This will be a long Sunday.

Have a good rest of the weekend, everyone! Happy reading everyone!

Mom's Birthday cake :) (click to enlarge it)

Dare to Surrender by Lilli Feisty

2010-10-07T17:00:00.005-05:00

Lilli Feisty
Erotic Contemporary
Pub. Date: February 2010
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 352pp
ISBN-13: 9780446541930
ISBN: 0446541931

He meets his match.....
She meets her master.....

Art Gallery curator Joy Montgomery has never liked her body's generous curves. And she's always been too shy to explore her wild side. But tonight, everything is going to change...

Desperate to save her job, Joy approaches bad boy artist Ash Hunter and asks him to exhibit his erotic work at her gallery. Ash agrees on one condition: Joy must pose as his model. But business soon turns to pleasure, as Joy experiences a passion beyond her wildest imaginings...and Ash finds more than just inspiration in his voluptuous new muse.

The blurb pretty much tell you what the story is about. This book is not for the fate of the heart if you are not into erotic story. But it is very hot read! While there is sex after sex of the pages, I felt there is more in the characters then just the sex. Their relationship built as they learn to grow to desire and love each other. Ash bring out the beauty in Joy, while she taught him about love. I love how Ash try to show her the beauty of her body and to appreciated it, even when she is always down on herself about her curvy body. He might be a little rough or too demanding (sorta like bad boy vibe) but he want her to appreciated herself more and see what he see in her when he admired her body. I love that he care about her and protective over her too. He eventually understood what love mean, when he meet Joy. And that was new to him.

Than both had secret that they are too scared to tell each other. At that point, I just want to knock some sense out of Joy and yell at her to come clean and to go tell him. He would understand. I was worry that the longer she held this secret the worse thing can happen. Well, you going to have to read it to find what happen *grin*. Joy can be a little dense and weak sometime, but she had experience passion that is beyond her wildest dream that only Ash can bring for her. And this soon made her realized that she can be stronger person.

I love the relationship that Joy had with her friend, Erica. And hope to see more of her if there are more book to come (hint hint to Lilli!). I know that this book isn't the first book. There is another book before this one, the title is Bound to Please. It took me a long while to finally get a copy of BTP, but I got it! Looking forward to reading it soon :)

This is the first time I read book by Lilli Feisty, and I like this book. I've read this book way back in between March - April 2010 but is just now writing this review today. So I only go by memory of what I remember of the book. I hope I got the story right. I'm sure I miss some scenes that I did like, but couldn't recall them. Sorry for the long delay! :)

Grade: 4 1/2 stars

Drafted: 4-11-2010
edited: 5-10-2010
edited: 9-25-2010

My Birthday Today!

2010-10-04T15:08:00.008-05:00

Today is my birthday! It's scary when I think about how old I am, and I just don't want to think it LOL! So over few years when I reach ages where I know I'm about to head to the next big numbers, I kinda block the thought of it and try to have fun with the 'new' me. Anyone whose asks my age, I would just say I don't know LOL! But it always fun to see people trying to guess my ages LOL! Not sure what I'll be doing today, but we shall see about what happen later...so, Happy Birthday to me! *grin*

On Saturday, I went to my local Borders to get some birthday books *grin*. I did brought some books and I will post it in separate post, later. While there, I finally was able to order some Pumpkins Spice latte drink at the cafe area. It's only available during Autumn season. So I was excited when I saw it's in the menu. It was delicious! Then I went inside our mall (the bookstore are located in the outside area of the mall lots) and got myself a soft Italian Pretzel. I love these and try to get one each weekend. It was crowded inside the mall, because downstairs in the middle center of the floor they always have some promotion going on. So I try to avoid it, took my pretzel and got out of the mall as quickly.

Yesterday, on Sunday, Mom took me and little brother out for an early brunch. We went to King Buffet, our family favorite to go, and ate variety of good foods there. Every time I'm there, the first thing I grab for is Snow King Crab's leg and I dipped it in melted butter ---YUM! After that, I always have Vegetable Lo Mein, Mushrooms w/Oyster Sauce, Honey Chicken, french fries, Wanton Soup or Egg Drop Soup and many more! Desserts are always the green or orange melon and ice cream sundae. And drink of coke. Double yum...I think I had organism LOL! Mom birthday will be this Friday, so who know *shrug* maybe we'll get to go to King Buffet again teeheee.

After we ate, I went shopping for a little while. Brought myself a pair of brown boots. In the last few days, while the weather is still beautiful and it's nice breezy outside, sometime at night and in the morning it get chilly. So, I figure since autumn is approaching than winter is near. So I must get myself a new boots. Ignore the fact that I already had two pair of boots in my closet LOL! I will try to take picture of my new boots if I can remember to. And since I had a nice day that day, I even brought a $30 SAINTS football jersey shirt for little brother. His old one is almost worn out, so he need a new one. And yes, I fainted when I discover the grand total for my pair of boots and his shirt!

OMG, the football game for our SAINTS and LSU team was so unbelievable! I can imagine the upset with our opponent team and I don't blame them. But I hope lesson are learn from all the mistakes for all the teams. Congrats to our team for making it this far, I'm proud of them! :)

Still reading THE DEVIL OF NANKING by Mo Hayder and CORRALLED by Lorelei James. I will change my sidebar and show currently reading, later. I also well try to post some of my pending reviews as well. Sorry for the LONG over due reviews :)

Happy Reading everyone! :)

Weekend: Books Month Ago: Jill ShalvisMo Hayder

2010-09-23T01:41:00.003-05:00

These books are another set I have brought month ago but never post it. I have read books by Jill Shalvis in the past, but it took me a while longer to get through all of her backlist. I've been buying her books when ever I see it released in the stores. And I add them into my growing TBR piles. The last book I read by Shalvis was Slow Heat and then my moods went to a different direction and I pretty much stuck with that for long while. But I did enjoy the book, even when I don't know nothing about baseball. It's something about reading men in sports that seem so sexy to me. I would grab them as fast as I see sports romance at the bookstores. In the past years I've read lot of sports romance (SEP's football, Martin's hockey, Foster's fighter, Kate Angell's baseball..etc.) and have enjoy them. If you going to read Shalvis' Heat then you should first start with Double Play. These are her first two baseball books. Then recently I brought the mass market reprint of her The Trouble With Paradise. I also heard lot of positive reviews on her Wilder Adventures books and decided to grab copy of each trade size paperback books. But my local bookstore at Borders only had the last two books because the first book Instant Attraction wasn't in stock at the times. So I can't start on these books now without the first book. But I know that eventually I will get it soon. For now, the two books I do have remain sitting in my TBR pile. Anyone who have not try Jill Shalvis' books, should do so. She mixed her romance very well with witty humors, sizzling love scenes, emotions, sexy men and smart heroine in her books. It always a fun read :)

Here are the two Wilder Adventures books I brought....

Instant Gratification
Instant Temptation

I've finish reading NR's Savor the Moment and Dee Davis' Exposure but it'll be awhile until I post reviews on them. Next up I am going to read a thriller book, The Devil Nanking by Mo Hayder. I promise my friend, Melody from Melody's Reading Corner that I will read this book, since it's her favorite book and she love the author's writing. Because thriller novels usually aren't my cup of tea,(of course there are some exception I'll read) it took me a years or two to finally borrow it from the library. So now I have it right next to me, waiting for me to read it. I will start on it tomorrow, since I have whole day to read it then. I might read another book between reading Nanking but not sure what book yet. Maybe a romantic suspense book, because it's one of my favorite genres to read these days. Happy reading everyone! :)

Weekend: Books3 Months Ago

2010-09-20T01:06:00.001-05:00

I brought these books three months ago but just never post it to the blog. I thought I've already done so, but I didn't. I guess I've been too busy to remember what I've posted over the pass months. Of the three books, only Cynthia Eden is new to me author. Heard good raves about the book, so I decided to pick up a copy and read it for myself and see if the raves is what everyone said it's to be. Anne Stuart and Dee Davis are the two authors who books I've read over the years. I love their books and hope to read more in future. Below is the links that take you directly to authors' website and the book covers of the three books I brought.

Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden (Book One of the Deadly Series)
Ruthless by Anne Stuart (book #1 of The House of Rohan)
Desperate Deeds by Dee Davis (book #3 A-TAC series)

I'm currently still reading Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts, but on my own this time and I'm almost done with the last few chapters. In between the book, I'm also reading Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis. I'm hoping to finish reading both this books, so that I can start on the next books, that is awaiting for me to read them :)

Tomorrow, I will post another set of books that I have brought last month but never post here. There are other books I've never post either, so you will see three different posts about all the books I have brought in the last two months. And I'm hoping to post some pending book reviews real soon too. Happy reading everyone! :)

50 Challenge Books: August

2010-09-04T22:48:00.006-05:00

It has been a slow reading month for me..again. Beside going to work/babysitting, another reason why I'm slow with my reading is because...here I lay the blame on my mom and my friend Melody. Yep, you heard me LOL! They got me addicted to watching the Asian drama movie online. It's where I discover some eye candies like Jerry Yan, Michael Zhang and Wu Chun. But my favorite is Jerry! My mother introduced me to Kwon Sang Woo, in which I saw all of his films too. I know, you probably wondering why an Vietnamese gal like me are watching Taiwan or films that isn't in my languages. How can I understand them? The films online had subtitles or close caption in English sub. I do enjoy all films I've seen so far. We do have couple of films showing on our satellite TV but the movies are like watching American daily drama day time TV show, so each day it an hour run or two. Thanks mom and Melody for the addiction! I love it! Love you guys ;)

So that the reason for my slow reading. But that should be no excuse, right? *grin*. I will try to make up for it this month of September. If anyone remember, I have posted about my computer woes and lost everything I saved into my memory stick. I lost my 50 Books Challenge file, where I listed books (with it grade) that I've read over the first 3 years ago when I first started making this files. So now I've to go by memory and my old previous posts from this blog, to remember what I've read. Below are the two books I've read for August. A total of 25 books read since Jan 2010. This is the lowest total of books to begin with that I've read, compare that with the last 2 years which have ended the totals from 40-50. Wish me luck to make it close to 50 by the end of this year, please :)

24. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler
25. End Game by Dee Davis

I'm going to joint-read Nora Roberts' Savor the Moments with my blog friend Alice. We will be read it chapters to chapters each days. I am also reading EXPOSURE by Dee Davis, all by myself. Up coming, I will post some of the books I brought in the last two weeks. I hope to do this Sunday.

EndGame by Dee DavisReview

2010-08-29T21:02:00.007-05:00

Dee Davis website
Pub. Date: March 2005
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384pp
ISBN-13: 9780373770366
ISBN: 0373770367

Their next move could mean life or death...
FBI criminal profiler Madison Harper understands dangerous minds. Tough, tenacious, with nerves of steel, she's the best of the best. So is her new partner, Gabriel Roarke, a crack CIA operative who likes to do things his way. When the two are forced to jointly head up a task force investigating murder in high places -- it's no surprise that sparks begin to fly.

As Madison and Gabriel race through a shadow world of power, politics and deadly secrets, the passion that simmers between them soon ignites. But a clever killer at the top of his game has challenged Madison to play to the very end. Now all she can trust is her instincts - and Gabriel, the one man reckless enough t keep her alive...

I'm going to go by memory since I read this book in April. Hopefully I remember the story.

Madison Harper is an FBI top criminal profilers, who was just wrapping up one of her big case when her boss change the plan and put her into latest case that is top secret. Cullen Pulaski, her godfather, is well known richest man in America, had a suspicions that someone is killing off the key players of the Accord. With the White House approval, Cullen order a task force to investigate his believe. He assigned Madison and Gabriel to be the two people in the task force team.

Before Gabe join in the task force team, he was also pull out of his undercover mission. A mission that he was working on for three years. And he was not happy about being pull out of that mission. When he meet Madison, he was not happy to share command with "proflier" either. Unknown to him, Madison feel the same way. Both recruited or call in people to make their own team, which made the dislike with each other more annoying. Both strong willed and are used to do their own thing, neither expected to find attraction between them and nothing they can do to avoid it. When a close family friend die right in front of Madison, she turn to Gabe for comfort and their well to fall in love developed.

But while they join force to solves the mystery crime, and knowing they must work together and outsmart the killer, because people are dying and the Accord is in jeopardy, they must work quickly because time is ticking and when they discover that Madison is the target then no one is safe. Even when killer is hitting so close at home.

EndGame is an action suspense crime with romance. Good writing depth and plot. And wonderful characters. I really enjoy the book!

And I'm always look forward to reading more of Dee Davis' books. I've read couple of Davis' other books many years ago and have enjoy those too. Her writing are always driven in depth as well with plot and characters you can feel comfortable with. My two stand alone favorite of David were Eyes of the Storm and Chain Reaction. I'm looking forwarding to read her latest A-Tac Series Book, which I will read soon.

Grade: 4 stars
Read & Drafted: 4-11-10

Weekend: Books at Borders

2010-08-23T23:00:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, was a long day! I wasn't having a good day but once I got home thing got better as soon as I sat down in front of my laptop to check emails, check on FB and blogs. And then after that I watch some TV shows with dinner in front of me. It was blessing...

Last week I went to Borders to check to see if there any new books out. Because I'm a Borders Award member, I got two coupons to use for the day. It was for 1.) a free drink and 2.) I get 33% off of any one item. Little brother tag along with me, and I decided to give the free drink to him since he wanted the Strawberry FruitKula. I took the book coupon for myself. So I browse through the bookstore but didn't find anything new or anything I want. This mean I have to wait until the last week of August or in September for the new books release. I wasn't going to buy any books (yeah right, like I could walk out the store empty handed *grin*)but I notice an interesting cover and pick up the book. I read the back synopsis and thought it might be something I would like to read. I want to be sure the book was stand alone, so I flip to the last few pages from the book to see if there a hint of any connection titles that I need to pick up. Yes there is. So I pick up the other title too and took it to the check out counter and pay for the books with the coupon. I'm not sure if there are other titles that is connection to the two books, but if someone know it then please let me know. I'm looking forward to read both books! :)

The two books I brought were Lone Star Woman and Man of the West, both by the same author Sadie Callahan. I love the cover art for both books! Anyone ever read the books? Your opinion?

Happy reading everyone!

Hard to Hold by Stephanie TylerBook Review

2010-08-22T20:49:00.001-05:00

Stephanie Tyler
Pub. Date: November 2009
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 400pp
ISBN-13: 9780440244349
ISBN: 044024434X
Edition Description: Original

Lieutenant Jake Hansen has survived some of the riskiest missions known to man. But now the wounded Navy SEAL faces his toughest job yet: smuggling Dr. Isabelle Markham out of Africa without triggering an international incident. Not easy to do when the gorgeous hostage happens to be a senator's daughter - and about as easy to resist as an oasis in the desert.

If it weren't for Jake, Isabelle would still be halfway across the world,where rebel forces left her for dead. The special ops warrior may have saved her life, but she doesn't need him to protect her now. Tell that to the ruggedly handsome hunk in full battle fatigues who's just been assigned as Isabelle's personal bodyguard. Close quarters aside, Isabelle won't let Jake anywhere near her heart - until danger throws them together again. And nothing in the jungles of wildest. Africa could prepare them for passion this wild. This crazy. This hot.

At the beginning of Chapter one, the story take us to the earliest time where Isabelle had travel to African Congo, to work for 'Doctor Without Borders' hoping to make different, but she was kidnapped, raped and beaten to death by Rafe who is the ruthless mercenary. She was left for dead, but struggle to stay strong and alive. She thought she was going to die until she met Jake who came to rescue her.

Now forward to the present, Isabelle return back to the Congo and join the military because she want to put her skills as a plastic surgeon to good use. But Isabelle is in danger again and Jake wasn't too happy when he was assigned to bodyguard Isabelle. Because his position as a SEALs and he thought that Isabelle feeling for him was because of his heroic act from rescue her in African Congo two months ago. Jake also knew that it mean to be near her at at all time. And he was not happy about it. He couldn't help remembering what happen two months ago rescue and he wanted to forget about it. But as the story move along, they learn about each other secrets and the brutal story of what happen to her that night at the African Congo. At same time Jake promise to protected her and kept her away from the enemy that seek her, no matter how much he tried to stay away from her.

I really did enjoy this book. I like that I gotten to really know and understand Isabelle and Jake, they hold interested to the story for me. I felt their physical and emotional scars when it was reveal about their history background while they both try to fight for their attraction and feeling for one another. And the childhood life for Jake just seem so sad for him that I'm just glad he was brought up by a loving family who take him in their life. I love his interaction with his two 'brothers'. They just seem to fit together as family should be. And he had a loving father who love him and his 'brothers' no matter what. I'm looking forward to read about the two 'brothers'. There are secondary characters and lot of other characters you will meet later. They well also have their HEA. I know that there are too many characters in the book, that it seem to take the focus away from Jake and Isabelle story. But it didn't bother me at all because I like that each couple/characters story do intertwine within the story and in the future books.

There are lot of telling and not enough showing in the book. Some scenes were skipped but were told of what happen later but we don't get to see it happen, which I would have like to really see. This isn't a big compliant but it one of the thing I thought it would have made the story more enjoyable for me. But I really do love the book. The book is right in the same pages as Suzanne Brockmann, who I also love. But of course every authors have their own writing style and you can tell the different with both the authors. I highly recommend this book to everyone who like romantic suspense/military

Most readers, if not all, probably know that Stephanie Tyler also write under another pen name Sydney Croft, co-write with author Larissa Ione. It is an erotic romance with a blend of paranormal, science fiction, military romantic suspense (an ACRO Agency series - agency for covert and rare OPs.)". In the past, I read Sydney Croft's Riding the Storm a first book to the ACRO Agency series. It been a long while since I read that book and I never started book #2 yet. I am hoping to catch up on this series before I could read Stephanie Tyler brand new Shadow Force series, starting with Lie With Me. I'm really excited about this because after reading Tyler's Hold series books (I really love each installments of the books!), I'm hoping that the next series will be as good :)

Since I lost my record of books I have read over the last 3-4 years, I now have to start all over again - eh! So I'm not sure when I started reading this book, but I'm thinking it was in March 2010. I notice I started drafting on April 11. So I'm now just posting this review. Sorry for the delay. I still have other pending reviews to post but will try to do it as quickly as I can. I'm also going by memory of this book, so I hope I have everything I want to say here. I also hope the details are as I remembered it. Sorry if I miss up. Happy Reading! :)

Grade: 4.5 stars

draft: 4-11-2010
edited: 7-27-2010
edited: 8-1-2010
edited: 8-22-2010

50 Challenge Book: June/JulyLaptop Woes

2010-08-14T00:36:00.009-05:00

First let me say, that a few days ago I lost everything that I have kept as backup in my memory stick. I had a laptop with a personal password set up. Rewind to last month (or the first week of August) when my AC adapter went dead. I had to buy another one in order to get my laptop running. The order purchase took a week or two to deliver to my door. Forward to the day when I got it, I plug in my AC adapter into my laptop to get it charging. While it was booting up, I got to the part where I was to type up my password. Turn out I completely forgotten my password! Who would have thought after not using the laptop for two/three weeks that one would forget her own password! I end up having to restore the laptop system..grrr! This mean reinstalling everything back from the discs. So everything that was on that laptop --- gone. I did transfer the important stuff into my memory stick long way back before all this happen, but there are some that have been updated most recently that I have not yet transfer it to memory stick. I couldn't retrieve it, so I can't transfer the update into my memory stick before I could restore my laptop system. EH! So, after I had the system restored - my sister was helping me reinstalled important stuff into the system. And she need the memory stick, to get some of the stuff back in --- you know where this is going, right? And you thought everything is going to be alright with the world again -- wrong! As soon as I put in the memory stick, we were installing something and all of the sudden laptop freeze. And I had to shutdown the system. Once everything is boot up, I realized then that I have left the memory stick still plug in. I should have taking it out. Now everything that is in the memory stick got corrupted. So I lost everything in that stick - double EH! The books I have read over the years, are all gone. The only way to remember what I read is from this blog (thanks goodness!) but the blog doesn't have half of the books listed from the beginning way back then when it first started. My pictures are also gone (I'm glad I saved my pictures in my Kodak memory card for backup) but I can retrieve it back. But all the others stuff in that memory stick and my laptop system (before the restore), I will never able to get it back --- *whine* -- eh! So, with the blog being my backup for the list of books I read for each months -- below is the books I read for June and July.

It has been a long while since I post my lists of books I've read. I realized today that I never posted my June book. So I decided to add the June book with July books in this post. I find that June is my lowest reading time. I've been watching three kids this summer while their parents are off to work. And while I do love and miss them very much, I'm so glad that two of the kids are back to school already. They get bored easily and always fighting over small stuff. I still watch the 1 year old kid, but at lease, I don't have to deal with the screaming and the fighting. So anyway, notice I only read 1 book in June. See told you it was my lowest month. But still even July have also been my lowest too. I hope to read more this month, now that I won't be too busy. Wish me luck! And thanks to my blog friend, Alice from Hello, My Name Is Alice who joint-read The Defiant Hero with me. Notice I didn't give grade for July books. I just have not review them yet. Eventually when I do, I grade them then. I've read a total of 23 books since Jan 2010. One book in June and two books in July. Happy Reading everyone! :)

June
21. The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann (re-read/joint-read with Alice) - 4 1/2 stars

July
22. Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery
23. Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery

Weekend: Lisa Marie Rice's Books

2010-08-10T01:20:00.000-05:00

About a week ago, I mention that I am going to try Lisa Marie Rice's books since I heard raves about her. I have a friend who told me that she like her writing style and would still read her books, even though it has been a long time since she read Lisa. I always trust her book recommendation because she and I have lot of common likeness in books and authors. Except for paranormals. She like all paranormals type where as I like almost all paranormals except for vamps. I learn long time ago that vamps is not my cup of teas. I'm sorry authors *grin*. So back to what I was saying...I was a little disappointed to discover that Lisa does not have her own website. Sure there are website that are run by someone else about her, but it not her very own website (at lease I think). So I know just a little information on her books. But what I know about her books I learn it from readers. So a couple of months ago I brought Lisa's Dangerous Lover (book #1) and Dangerous Passion (book #3). But I couldn't get Dangerous Secret, book #2 because there were none in stock! I didn't think I was going to see anymore of the book, since most of the time our store don't stock many quantity of the same title trade size paperback books here. I always wonder why. If I see any new release book in trade size paperback that I want then I must grab it because sometime it'll be all gone. Well I had surprise last Saturday when I saw book #2 on shelf! I didn't hesitated and just grab it. There wasn't any new release books that I want on shelf, so I took Lisa book to the check out counter, and came out a happy camper! *grin*. Oh and these books are part of her Dangerous Series, too. Not sure if it necessarily to read it in order or not. But I always read series books in order, so I am starting with book one ;)

Lisa Marie Rice also write under another pen name Elizabeth Jennings. So I also brought the latest book Shadow at Midnight as well. And I think this is her second book writing under this pen name. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong ;)

I sure do have lot of catching up on Lisa Marie Rice's books. I think maybe I make it a read-a-thon-night *grin*. But not until I'm done reading the current books first. And then I need to read one more book before I start my joint-read with my friend Alice *waving hi!* and then maybe I start....okay I need to stop yapping and get myself busy with those books, teehee! Have anyone read Lisa Marie Rice before? What your thoughts?

Whatcha reading? Happy reading everyone!

Drew Brees Book signingAt Borders

2010-08-01T22:50:00.019-05:00

First let me thanks our quarterback Drew Brees for leading the football team - The SAINTS - run to victory to the Superbowl last year. We are grateful to our hero! Second thing is I want to apology how late I am in posting this. I know it sorta long over due, but I guess it better late then never..right? *grin*

My experience with Drew Brees book signing on July 25, 2010 was hot, long and yet exciting! I'm glad I knew ahead of time that if we want to get our spot on the line, we had to get to Border bookstore early before the book signing is to take place at 3pm to get our colored band. These bands hold our spot for the group in line and get our book signed. The store open at 11am, so we got there at 11:30am and I notice there already a LONG line of people waiting to get their colored band. I discover later that these people got there as early as 9am in the morning and slept there until the store are open. And a lot of them were from out of town! I was in line for 2 hours to get this band, under a very hot humid sun. It could have been 98 degree that day! And I was sweating even though I was wearing a short, a soft halter V necklace and sandal. Two Border's staff were walking by with cooler with drinks inside. I brought two (one for me and the other for brother) and was thankful for it. There were even a lady who is one of the staff at BJ's restaurant, passing out free pizza for us too! *side note* - I love eating at BJ. One of my favorite place to eat - *end side note*.

When I finally got near the door entrance, I was so relief to feel the warm air of the AC blowing directly at me. At that moment, I felt like I want to pull the 'Jack-I'm-King-Of-the-World' scenes where he and Rose stood at the end of the boat with their arms wide open and the wind blowing directly toward them - couldn't you just feel that wonderful breezy air? LOL! I didn't do it. I don't need embarrassment. Haven't I learn that already with the "nice butt" comments I made to a guy who was a stranger, in the past? Long story, don't ask *grin*. We got our colored band -- and we end up being the pink color, which is the last group in line (that suck!) -- and went inside Border bookstore and just hang out for awhile, until it time for the 3pm signing. My friend and her two kids came along, and we waited with them inside at the back of the store and sat on the big chairs that is place near the windows. It was set up near about two feet a walk to the table where the cafe area are. Since it was only 1-ishpm, we had another 2 hours wait so we chat for awhile until Drew Brees show up. The Border staff was trying to entertain everyone who was waiting in the store - singing and reading. There was even our local TV News man walking around trying to get a short interview from the fan. We even heard group of teens chanting "Who Dat?! Who Dat?!".

When Drew finally enter the store, crowed of people applause and cheer while he raise his hand up and pumped it in the air. People took pictures (I wish I thought about that first hand because I barely got many picture) and then start line up when their colored band group are called out. Since we were the last group in line, we sat down on our chairs for another hours! By the times it was our turn, it was 4:30pm and the signing was from 3pm-5pm. So we had little bit time before he leave. We face him and I try to take picture -- but I only managed to take two blurry pictures, EH!! -- and I was rushed by one of the Border's staff. I didn't even get no chance to say my thanks to Drew for all that he done for us and that we appreciated it, comments. No I didn't, we were rushed. The book was put in front of Drew, he signed it and then we were told by Border staff to go outside. And that was that. I was so disappointed. I didn't like how Border work the signing line. But yet at same time I was excited that I got to see him. I'm gun shy anyway, so I don't think I could even say hello to him. It always take someone, a friend, to push me forward to say something LOL! I was grateful that he came down to sign the book. I do have my book autographed - YAY! I had fun spending that weekend with my friend thought. It was good time with them. And I'm really looking forward to reading it soon :)

P.S. I wish I could post pictures of Drew and the book, but I don't want to take any chance for a good personal reason. Sorry! :)

My Weekend: BooksWhat Been Going On Lately

2010-07-31T11:00:00.003-05:00

Since the summer begin, I've been shopping for books every weekend. It obvious I did, if you have seen my previous posts in the last three months since summer. Most are brand new book as stand alone or part of an series book. It can't be help that when I see books I want, I grab for it. I won't count how many books are towering currently in my TBR pile -- I'm already scare to even look. So far the heavy Outlander book have kept all the books down from attacking me at night, those who conspiracy against me. But I had my Deveraux's Knight In Shining Armor to protect me and keep me safe while I sleep ;) Below are all the books I've brought for July. These were brought on a different days and different weeks, not on same day.

In the past I've read book by Nora Roberts, Suz Brockmann, Laura Griffin, Anne Stuart and Dee Davis. These authors are some of my favorite. Leslie Parrish, JoAnn Ross, Cynthia Eden, Lisa Marie Rice and Shiloh Walker is 'new to me author'. These are the authors I've heard many raves about and I'm now just starting to buy their books.

I heard nothing but raves about JoAnn Ross' High Risk series. So I decided to give those a try and see what the raves all about. I have all the books except for book #2, but will buy them later. But since I do have book 1 already, I shall start with that one first.

The Search by Nora Roberts
Cold Sight by Leslie Parrish (book #1 Extra Sensory Agents)
Dangerous Desire by Dee Davis (book #2 A-TAC series)
The Missing by Shiloh Walker

One Last Breath by Laura Griffin
Freefall by JoAnn Ross (book #1 of the High Risk series)
Shattered by JoAnn Ross (book #3 of the High Risk series)
Breakpoint by JoAnn Ross (book #4 of the High Risk series)

Infamous by Suz Brockmann (new book, it's not a navy SEALs book)
Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden (book #1 of the Deadly series)
Into the Crossfire by Lisa Marie Rice

The House of Rohan by Anne Stuart (free ebook, it a prequel first start on her upcoming new historical trilogy of The House of Rohan book. The link above shall take you to the blog about the prequel free ebook of that title. And to read more info on the first three upcoming trilogy, you can see it here. Next week I'm planning to buy Ruthless it's book #1 that start the first trilogy of The House of Rohan books.

I'm currently reading Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery and Enigma by Dee Davis. And then when I'm done, I'm going to joint-read Nora Roberts' book #3 of Savor the Moment and Suzanne Brockmann's Out of Control with my blog friend Alice from Hello, My Name Is Alice. I've always enjoy joint-read with her :)

I still have few more pending book reviews I need to post soon. Sorry for the delay. I've just been too busy during the summer and couldn't take the time to sign in and post. School will start on August 11 for kids over here. Parents are already starting to buy new clothes and school supplies for their kids. Once school start again, then I will be able to post more often.

Also - since my AC adapter had died and I couldn't charge it up on my laptop to retrieve the list of books that I've read for month of July, I would have to delay posting it for few days. Hope I get a new AC adapter this week!

And yes...I changed my layout/format of my blog. I hope you like it! Every now and than, I like to change them. Just to make the blog lovely and more better. Plus my mood changed all the times. What did you think? I hope everyone have a good rest of the weekend! Happy reading! :)

Lone Rider by Lauren Bach

2010-07-27T01:57:00.003-05:00

Lauren Bach info
Pub. Date: November 2001
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 304pp
ISBN-13: 9780446611145
ISBN: 044661114X

Synopsis from back of book:

A woman in desperate need of rescue...
A deserted stretch of highway, a young woman stranded in a fancy car, and the sound of motorcycles in the black night...Tess Marsh's cross-country trip ends all too suddenly when Dallas Haynes finds her. From his sexy bedroom eyes to his black leather jacket and dusty jeans, he spells trouble, but so does the nasty-looking biker gang that surrounds them. Within minutes, Tess is on the back of Dallas's Harley, and at the mercy of a man who breaks through all of her defenses and makes her want him -good or bad, right or wrong.

An unlikely savior in leather and jeans...
Dallas' mission doesn't need another complication, yet from the moment he sees her he wants her with a rough, hungry passion that can hurt them both. Claiming her and abducting her is the only way to protect her from the gang. Then all hell breaks loose, and Dallas and Tess are on the run with no place to hide -- except in each other's arms.

The blurb pretty much explain what the story is about. So I'm just gonna say a little bit of what my feeling of the book. But first let me explain that this book is also one of the depending review that I delay for longest time now. Sorry for the long wait - Sorry for the short review ahead! :)

From the beginning, it started out really good but then right in the middle it kinda fell through out for me. Okay yes, it was enjoyable with actions but I wish for more excitement, thrilling and it didn't live up to that expectation. The book was sensual, hot and there a few steamy scenes. I love the hero, he was the bad boy type but yet at same time he was mysterious and protective.

we see the mystery Dallas capture Tess and made her his. But all the while, he kept telling her that she can trust him and ask her not to do something that will put herself in danger. But she unsure if she can trust him because while he made her afraid, he also made her feel safe. she get afraid every time she around the gang as well. Until he made her feel in a way no one had ever made her feel. And the closer she got with the Dean the more she is fallen in love with him. Then she discover his secret and wonder if he was who he said he is to be when they were together with promise of loves to one another. She wonder if everything he said was the truth or not.

For awhile, I was thinking Tess was such TSTL heroine. I understand her being scared and frighten especially from these dangerous biker people but the action she taking could have causes her life and Dallas. But the ending of the book was well done and from most part, I enjoy those scenes. I wish to read more pages to the ending though and more relationship development. I did enjoy the book for most of the half part of the story but wish there more to it.

Grade: 3.75

Drafted: 4-11-2010
edited: 5-9-2010
edited: 7-27-2010

The Day After 4th of July ;)

2010-07-05T21:15:00.003-05:00

This is the day after 4th of July post *grin*. Remember yesterday when I said I will post my finish pies IF it turn out the way it suppose to? Well I think it turn out great. All the Key Lime pie are gone and the only left is the Peaches pie. I tried taken pictures of the pies inside, but the result didn't turn out good. I probably need to re-take the pictures again. However I did take it at the top and it look delicious. Here what it look like (see bottom).

We went to King Buffet restaurant earlier that afternoon on the 4th of July. It's one of our family personal place we like to go and eat. We had lot of fun. I always love the Snow King crab's legs that is serve there. And that the first thing I will eat. Then I eat the Veggie Lo Mien noodles, Honey Chicken, Mushroom pour in their special sauce, some french fries. For desserts: watermelon and fudge ice cream.

The cook out and firework in the backyard, was fun. We had Hamburger, hot dogs, sausages, BBQ ribs, brownies, watermelon, Key Lime pie, Peaches pie, chocolate banana pudding bread, chips and drink choice: Fanta strawberries or coke. I wish I took picture of the foods but too much was going on all at once that I forgot. But I did had so much fun spent with my friends!

Today, my lovely sweet niece Trish came down for a unexpected nice surprise visit. We always love to see her whenever we can. Today we spent a day with her, so we head over to the mall and then we went to eat. Later, she had to head home as she didn't want to come home in the dark. So although we spent only a day with her, I had a good time. I hope she visit us again, real soon. I already miss her :)

I'm looking forward to this Saturday coming up. Nora Roberts new hardcover book The Search is coming out this Tuesday! I love her books and always excited whenever her books are out. Also, I be getting Dee Davis' Dangerous Desires, Leslie Parrish's Cold Sight and Shiloh Walker's The Missing that same Saturday as well. Is there any other books I'm forgetting? ;)

I wish everyone a good day! :)

My Key Lime pie and Peaches pie:
(click images to see it larger)

Happy 4th of July Everyone! :)

2010-07-04T02:03:00.005-05:00

It's is 2:18am (US times) in the morning (yes I am night owl)and today is 4th of July and we'll be eating at restaurant for an early brunch with the kids whose my parents became god-parent to. Turn out the elder girl b-day is today. So we going to celebrate it. Then later, I be heading to my friend's house for a burger cook out. Of course they'll be cooking something else too, but I don't know what yet. And then we'll see firecracker at night, afterward. I be bringing drinks and home-made desserts. Yes, I'm making it teehee. This will be the first time for me to make Key Lime pie and Peaches pie. I'm not great at cooking but I have try my best when I made other stuffs that turn out good as result. The Key Lime pie and Peaches pie, is not fancy though because it only done with yogurts, jello and cool whip. But I heard from many others that it turn out great for them. That what made me excited to give it a try ;)

Just few minute ago, I prepare my pies ahead of time so that I can have it in the fridge over-night. And then it'll be ready when I bring them to my friend's house. I admit while I was preparing the pies, I was nervous as I mixed the ingredients together and then pour it into the pie's crust. I was praying through out the progress of mixing them, that the result will turn out great when it time to eat it later...please pray for me LOL! I'm thinking it'll be too watery or something. I might take pictures of my pies IF it turn out the way it suppose to be. And I might tell you what everyone think when they take a bite of the pies. It sure look gooood when I finally put them up in the fridge. Can't wait to give it a try when it time to eat it.

Now, I need to go lay me to sleep so that I can have all the energy when I wake up later in the morning to enjoy the day with my wonderful family and friends. And to enjoy all the good foods lay on the tables for me to eat! Goodnight beautiful people, see you tomorrow and sweet dream....Happy 4th of July Everyone! Have a good weekend and happy reading! :)

Books WeekendLast few weeks ago

2010-07-01T01:15:00.003-05:00

Sorry for posting this late, as I got so busy that I'm slacking on updating my blog. So here the rundown of what happen with me in the last few weekend....

In the last three week, I went to B&N and Borders but find nothing new that I want. It seem most of the books that I want will be releasing in July. So I decided to get a copy of Dark and Deadly by Jeanne Adams. It's one of the book that I have been wanting to read for a long while. After reading Dark and Dangerous, I just knew I must read the next book! However, I wait far far too long to get a copy of Dark and Deadly until three weeks ago. This book was published in Jan 6, 2009, so you can tell how long it has been ;)

For many years now, I've heard good raves about Lisa Marie Rice. And been meaning to try her "Midnight" series, but just never had the chance to read them yet. I notice that these books were first published in paperback format but is now available in Kindle eReader. I don't own a eReader, so I'll get it in paperback eventually. It is hard to find it at my local bookstore because these are published from Ellora Cave paperback and it doesn't last that long in bookstore. Sorta like once it is released then you gotta get it before it all gone. Unless you order it online, it easier to get it quickly. Two weekend ago, I went to Barnes and Noble again and saw three of Lisa's Dangerous series in paperback and it's published by Avon Red. I decided to get the first two, since I knew if I don't then it be gone later. And I'm hoping that the third book will still be there when I come back the next weekend and grab a copy of that one. And then maybe start on the series sometime next month...depending on the mood I am in ;)

Then this Tuesday, I brought four more books. I was excited and couldn't wait to bring them home with me *grin* I think I heard them sigh as I put them into my TBR piles....do you think the TBR books is whispering to the newbie about their on going plan to conspiracy against me? Maybe I shall put the OUTLANDER book at the very top of the piles, to keep them from coming to me...yeah that would work LOL! ;) Here are the books I brought this Tuesday:

- Unspeakable by Laura Griffin (The Tracers Series book 2)
- Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery(Book #2 Fools Gold series.
More info here
- Crazy For Love by Victoria Dahl (stand alone?)
- Dangerous Secrets by Lisa Marie Rice (Dangerous series book #3)

In July, I'm looking forward to get the following books:

- Dangerous Desire by Dee Davis(book #2 A-TAC series)
- Cold Sight by Leslie Parrish (book #1 Extra Sensory Agents)
- Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann
- The Search by Nora Roberts(new book - stand alone)
- The House of Rohan by Anne Stuart (free ebook, it a prequel first start on her upcoming new historical trilogy of The House of Rohan book. The link above for Anne's book shall take you to the blog about prequel free ebook. And to read more info on the first three upcoming trilogy, you can see it here

There might be more books in July, but at the moments I either blanking on them or I don't have that information, and no one tell me about it ;)

I've been watching So You Think You Can Dance, and am rooting for Alex Wong - the Asian ballet dancer who did an awesome hip hop dance with the previous All Stars Switch, this week. I was so darn surprise of his dance, not expecting for him to pull it off with hip hop dance since his dance style is contemporary/ballet(which is brilliant!). I was so excited for him that he did it! His first performance was great too but his second was not. And the hip hop number this week was the best of the two, IMO. Alex is my favorite and I hope he win. I want to show the video clip of his hip hop but it not available online yet (maybe show it later). I also like Billy too and hope he at lease make it to the final. There are other TV shows I'm trying to keep up with during their re-run schedules for the summer. But will talk about that another time ;)

This Friday will be my youngest niece Heather 20th birthday. And then this Sunday will be the 4th of July. And next Saturday will be elder niece Trish 21st birthday. I think my hair just turn gray, at the thought of her at age 21 :::thuds:::! But there be lot of things for me to celebrate on the month of July. And I'm looking forward to spending the time with both nieces on their special day, if not then in spirit :)

Have a good day everyone! Whatcha be doing on the month of July? :)

The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann

2010-06-20T01:45:00.004-05:00

Suzanne Brockmann
Pub. Date: February 2001
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 416pp
Series: Troubleshooters Series, #2
ISBN-13: 9780804119535
ISBN: 0804119538
Edition Description: Reissue
Original print paperback cover: click here

There are two covers for The Defiant Hero. The one you see above (reissue print) and the one from the link, also above (original cover). I've both of them. In the past many years, I've been re-reading Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter books with my good non-blogger friend Angela. It has always been fun re-reading the books with her and drool over some of the men we both like. And I sure hope to do another re-read of this series with her again :) Since The Defiant Hero is also a re-review on my blog, I decided to use it for this post too. I need to re-amend from the old one. It messy *Grin*. My feeling didn't change much on after I've re-read this book 3x. The only differ is that I'm re-reading it with my blogger friend Alice from Hello, My Name Is Alice this time. I truly always love doing joint-reading with her. It always fun to share favorite books and get Alice hook on them too ;) Thanks Alice!

Back Blurb

"The United States refuses to negotiate with terrorists." Meg Moore remembered the warning from her job as a translator in a European embassy. Those same words will spell out a death sentence for her daughter and grandmother who have been kidnapped by a lethal group called the Extremists. Meg will do anything to meet their unspeakable demand; anything - even kill - to save her child.

When Navy SEALs Lieutenant, junior grade, John Nilsson is summoned to Washington, D.C., by the FBI to help negotiate a hostage situation, the last person he expected to see holding a foreign ambassador at gunpoint is Meg. He hasn't seen her in years, but he's never forgotten how it feels to hold her in his arms. John could lose his career if he helps her escape. She will lose her life if he doesn't....End Back Blurb

Not sure if consider the post to be SPOILER, but in case it is then you are WARNED! :) And forgive me for any errors spelling or grammars :)

Meg Moore, a widow, was forced by terrorists to kidnap a foreign national for exchange of her daughter and grandmother who was held captive by them. Meg feel like it was hopeless situation, since she does not trust the terrorists nor anyone else for their help. Under duress, she tell the hostage negotiators that she will only negotiated with John Nilsson, a Navy SEAL who she had met in foreign assignment in the past. But Meg would do anything to meet their unspeakable demands, anything -- just to save her daughter.

John was summoned to Washington,D.C. by FBI to help negotiate a hostage situation. But he didn't expect to find Meg holding the foreign ambassador at gunpoint. He has carried with him a feeling he had for her over many years. He just never acted on his feeling since she was married at the time. Now that they meet again, his feeling for her never disappear and he decided to let her know.

One of my favorite scene of the book was with Nilsson standing outside the rain, on top of the car. What follow it...was WOW - hot! I like Nilsson and was glad to get to know him in this book. Pretty much he is one who I want to know more of but I think the story focus more on Meg instead. For me, I have an hate/love relationship with Meg. I can understand what she went through and why she did what she did and doesn't trust anyone to help her but how many times does it take for someone to repeatedly tell her that she can trust them? Someone have proven and shown this to her but still it not enough for her -- eh! I want to smack her LOL! I think she is one of the stronger woman, and a very admired protective mom who love her daughter more than anything in the world but still she is my least favorite heroine.

We also get to see the first starting glimpse of the story behind the love/hate relationship between Navy SEAL Lt. Sam Starrett and FBI Agent Alyssa Locke (my favorite hero/couple). Their story proceed over the next several installments in the series. I always look forward to seeing more of them the most. Every scenes with them in it at each installments --- sizzling HOT! ;)

There is a background story of Eve (Meg's mother--transplanted from Hollywood to Ramsgate, England when she was 15) and Nick. The world War II subplot is centered around the May 1940 evacuation of the BEF (British troops) from Dunkirk in the terrible aftermath of the Nazi blitz invasion of France.

You will met more of the the Navy SEALs, Troubleshooter team: Wilcard, Jazz, Jenk, Mike Muldoon, Jay Lopez..etc. They are seen also on several installment of the books, later on.

I love this book because this is when we see the beginning of Sam and Alyssa relationship. We see the good and the bad side of both of them. And it interesting to see how they interacted, connect and their relationship built up and developed. I also love Suz's WWII subplot in stories and it revolved around with threading the other two stories into one. I wish that Suz do more WWII subplot stories. This is also one of the first sixth books where the series were more a favorite and better than the later books, IMO. Although I still fully enjoy reading the later books too. Because a popular character get his story later, and he is one of my favorite. Few things I like about the Troubleshooter series is because characters growth, relationship built up and development + HEA, the dialogues (always funny, romantic, sweet and sometime frustration) and the actions. Suz know how to work her characters, I love her books! I'm looking forward to read Izzy story in 2011! (hopefully it'll be out that year)

Grade: 4 1/2 stars

Re-read: March 2010
Drafted: 4-11-10
Edited: 6-20-10
I read this in March and posted it today. Sorry delay posting old reviews.

Weekend: BooksDelay Post

2010-06-04T00:45:00.001-05:00

I've delay posting books that I've brought over the last two weekend. I have no reason other then being over tired and holidays (Memorial's Day) weekend. But it has been an interesting to find books that I've waited so long to get copy of. Like Sugar Creek and Skin Tight and Fade to Midnight for example. I've already read book #1 of the first two books. So I'm excited to read book #2. I'm a huge fan of Shannon McKenna, so I was really excited when book #10 (maybe it #6?) came out. But was really surprise that it in hardcover instead of the usual trade size paperback like the way all the McCloud Brothers series books are in the past. I had to pay lot of extra price for the book - eh! But McKenna have been my auto buy anyway *sigh* -- guess I have to deal with it *double sigh*. I'm also a fan of Shannon K Butcher's romance suspense books and I'm so excited that she had new paranormal series book out, The Sentinel Wars is the book #3 I believe.

I brought the following books, see below. Not all books was brought at same, since I want to follow the release dates of each books. Bella Andre, Robin Wells and Karin Harlow are all "new to me authors", which was raves, recommend and words of the mouths to me by readers and friends. And I'm looking forward to read the books.

Click each book titles, it'll take you to the authors' site and directly to the books for more info.

Fade to Midnight by Shannon McKenna
Running Scared by Shannon K Butcher (paranormal romance)
Sugar Creek by Toni Blake (romance)
Skin Tight by Ava Gray (contemp/paranormal romance)
Never Too Hot by Bella Andre (contemp romance)
Still the One by Robin Wells (contemp romance)
Enemy Lover by Karin Harlow (the bind said romance but I thought it paranormal romance?)

Happy Reading Everyone! :)

50 Challenge Books: May

2010-06-03T03:09:00.005-05:00

In the last two months I've read 6 books. Now since school is out and summer is near, I only able to read 4 books for May. But I've read totals of 20 books since January. I know that not enough totals of books read but it's sad list of totals read this year so far, right? I think I be reading less during the summer since the kids will keep me up on my toes, while their mom get away with work ;) There still too many pending reviews I need to post, but I do my best to get to them ASAP! Cross fingers that I've some reading done this summer :)

I have not post a reviews for each books yet, so there won't be a link to take you directly to my reviews. But I promise to post it whenever I have the chance.

MAY

17. Irresistible by Susan Mallery 4 stars (contemp romance)
18. Delicious by Shayla Black 4 stars (erotic romance suspense)
19. Extreme Danger by Shannon Mckenna 4 1/2 stars (erotic romance suspense)
20 Over the Edge by Suz Brockmann
(re-read 3rd times/joint-read with Alice) 5 stars (romance suspense/military)

Autumn's ConcertoDrama movie review

2010-05-31T02:42:00.028-05:00

WARNING: There will be LOTS of spoiler ahead, so read at your own risk! ;)

My mother got me sorta addicted to watching Korean drama movie and drama serial online a year ago. I've seen couple of drama serial that I did enjoy. I even discover some great Asian actors (lot hunks!*grin*) I like. And try to watch every shows/movie that the actors starred in LOL. I kinda stopped watching it after awhile so that I can start reading more books. Recently my blogger friend, Melody got me addicted to watch this Taiwanese drama serial title Autumn's Concerto and I love it! Darn it Melody LOL! So, we decided to do a Q&A together of this show. Sorta like a joint-drama serial/show together *grin*. Please forgive me for any errors spelling and grammars :)

Melody Questions:
1) What are your views of the hero and the heroine from the beginning? Do you think there is indeed chemistry between them despite the difference of their personality and their status?

- Yep I sure do think there is chemistry between them. The reason I said that is because I knew there going to be a hate/love relationship coming a mile away *grin*. My views of the hero was that he was so mean. Truly mean. But then he seem to have an issues that is coming from home because he had an bad boy attitude in him. I like bad boy type of guys in movies and books *grin*. I thought the heroine was brave to confront him at the beginning during their first meeting. But I also thought she change a lot there after too. She have gone softer on him. And that probably because she have finally let go of what happen to her in the past, where she was the victim of sexual harassment by someone close in the family. And was able to get closer and warm up to the hero.

2) What makes you think the hero changed his opinions on the heroine thereafter?

- I think after he seen her emotional breakdown when he demanded her to have sex with him. Also when he discover she became a victim of sexual harassment, he became softer toward her. And I think she remind him of himself because they both had same childhood situation. They both lost their parents. And also they both have likeness hobby in common too.

3) After the hero knew about his brain tumor, he refused to seek further medical assistance from his mother's friend, somewhat knowing he would feel obligated and be pressured to enter a relationship with his daughter. At this stage, do you think he is doing the right thing by saying no to the help he might get?

- I think if I was in his mother shoes, I would have done the way she plan it because if there no other options to have higher percent of success surgery, then I would have want to take whatever opportunity for my child to have the chance to have a successful surgery and live. Although I don't fault the hero for refusing to seek medical assistance from his mother's friend. Because I weren't want to be pressure to be in relationship with someone I don't love. I weren't want to feel like I've been put through exchange marriage or have to feel like I own them back a favor.

4) So finally the heroine has somehow convinced him into getting medical assistance, but as a way of telling a white lie. If you were the hero, would you blame her for deceiving you in the first place?

- Yes I would. But then I would come to understand that she did it only because she love me enough to want me to live. And it was the only best choice of having successful surgery.

5) The heroine has chosen not to rekindle her relationship with the hero after the success of his surgery, partly given the fact that he couldn't remember her after the surgery. Do you think it's fair to their young son since he has the right to know who his father is?

- I think every child have the right to know who their father is. No matter if the father is bad or good person. No matter what the situations is a child deserve to know their father and the father need to be with their child. So I don't think it fair to him. Beside I love that kid! He just a cute and smart boy :)

6) Is it true that if you love a person, then you should let him/her go under certain circumstances?

- Oh goodness. Not sure how to answer this question lol. I think that if you love someone you have to let them go. Because sometime it all for the best at the times. It give you room to grow up and have a chance to do the things you must do in order to learn more about yourself. If many years from now gone by and the person realized s(he) love you back, then that person will find you. Or fate will guide both of you together somehow - someday. Gosh, I hope this make gibberish sense to you LOL

Julia Questions
1) The show seems to have shown us many different kind of violence issue against women that are still happen today, e.g. abuse, sexual harassment, stalker, hitting..etc. What are your thoughts in how the show portrays the issues and did you find it realistic? Why or why not?

- In all honestly, I was surprise to see some issues in the movie. At first I was confuse in what the heroine was doing at the beginning until I realized she is one of the victims. While the reaction of the female were realistic to the feeling of being scared and fearful, the action taking for the men punishment for their crimes didn't happen the way I would have want it. Mainly the crimes focus on the female violation and their right to file a case to court.

2) Being a single parent is no easy task. In the show, the heroine had raised her son for 6 years with some assistance from her friends. Life is tough and yet she managed to take care of her own son, bring foods to the table and find home in village. The mother strength comes from their own children. What did you think of the heroine's role and the way she handle this kind of life?

- I really admired her ability to raise her child and yet managed to make a living, no matter big or small, for herself and her child. But I think she have already learn to take care of herself since she was raised by her "aunt". And she had to work to make living for both herself and her "aunt" at the time. So it come to no surprise to me how well she can handle this kind of life with her son in the village where she stay as a single parent.

3) The little kid plays an important role in this show. The kid brought his parents closer together again. And he even got closer to his grandmother too (which he never knew of their relationship until the end). He also brings out the good in everyone who's in his life. What is it about the kid, who seems to bring people together?

- I admit I LOVE this kid. He sweet, charming, funny and smart. Sometime I just want to hug him when he is feeling down or when he is sad. He talkative and very delightful that grown up can't help but love the kid. Sometime when he know someone doesn't like him, he tried very hard to change their mind. By getting closer and talk to them. Sometime I think he is 5yrs old going on 20yrs old - I just want him as my own son LOL!

4) The hero and heroine started out with a love/hate relationship. But what bring them close together was understanding each other background history. And the kind of childhood life they were raised to be. If the heroine and hero situation was turn around, do you think their life will be any different or would it be the same? Do you like love/hate relationship type in movies

- I do enjoy love/hate relationship because it interesting to see how the characters interacted and reacted with each others. And the characters will grow with each others as time goes by. I always look for this themes in books or movies. I think if the situation was switch place between the heroine/hero then it would have been different. The heroine would be rich, given up child for adoption, became a lawyer and never have to go through abuse or sexual harassment. While the hero would live in village with friend and maybe through fate, adopted the baby that heroine gave birth to without even knowing it his child.

5) The movie had shown that heroine and hero are destined to be together, So many scenes show fate appear to play role in the movie also. No matter where they go, they will meet again. Do you believe in fate?

- I think things happen for a reason. And I think that couple are meant to be together if they were sent by fate. Especially for an example, returning to the scene where they first started their meet. One of my favorite scene is when the hero and heroine sorta "bump" into each other again when the heroine were on the bus and hero driving his car. They were taking back almost to the same scenes like it at the beginning except for this time, they sorta didn't see each others even though both were there at same time. There were other scenes too but I don't want to spoil it.

6) Secondary characters play a role where they help hero/heroine in so many ways. What did you think of the secondary characters/couple?

- I really like the secondary male character. He was sweet, cute and funny. He was also protective and sorta like a best friend/brother I want to have. I was sad for him when he finally realized the heroine love him but not in love with him. He also realized that she love the hero more. I was so happy when he did get his HEA though, even when I think the girl is kinda weird and crazy LOL! I was rooting for their HEA at the end too :)

I hope you enjoy my answer to the Q&A post. If you like to see Melody answers then please visit her at Melody's Reading Corner

Thanks to Melody for recommend me to see this show. I love it and enjoy every moments of it. Love all the characters and the loves between heroine and hero. I hope to someday watch another show with you ;)

Fade To Black by Leslie Parrish

2010-05-23T16:13:00.003-05:00

Leslie Parrish website
Pub. Date: July 2009
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 368pp
Series: Black Cats Series
ISBN-13: 9780451227485
ISBN: 0451227484
Edition Description: Original

From his years in the FBI's violent crimes unit, Special Agent Dean Taggert has learned first hand how vicious people can be. But this is the worst he's ever seen. Eight victims have been murdered, their final moments captured on film and shown on a secret web site called Satan's Playground. And a madman who refers to himself as the Reaper is auctioning off their means of death.

When the investigation leads Dean to the small town of Hope Valley, he enlists the help of sexy and capable Sheriff Stacey Rhodes, who's dealing with secrets of her own. It's too late to save the latest victim, but Dean and Stacey still have to work fast because the Reaper's next auction is about to begin...

At the beginning we see the Reaper plan his first kill and the final moments, right before the victims recognized who he is. But..it too late because Reaper will not be discovered when his victim finally die. Then seventeen months and several death later, his crime was discover from internet. And the CAT aka Cyber Action Team, is called in to help and stop this from happen to the next victims. These group are specialized division of FBI who deal with cyber crimes. One of the team member discover the video footage of the earliest crime and came to Special Agent Dean Taggart for opinion. They later call on their leader, Supervisory Special Agent Wyatt Blackstone who then call on the team to work on finding the Reaper. It was then that Dean decided to use the eight deaths video footage to follow the trail, which lead him to Hope Valley and into sheriff, Stacey Rhodes life.

Stacey have came back home to Hope Valley to get away from the gruesome violent she have deal with everyday. But she didn't expect to find that a crime has come to her town and interrupted her life once again. She also didn't expect to sense a mutual attraction between her and Dean, who seem to distracted her at every turn. So she act on it and had a temporary fling with him, thinking maybe it help her to not think about the crime so much.

Together Dean and Stacey work to find the Reaper before he plan his next kill. But they find it get harder to catch him as the Reaper kept raising the stakes with each crime. And the longer they take in solving the crime, the more quicker the victims will die. Time is running out.

My thoughts:
I really like this book. The story grab me from the first chapter until the end. Very interesting of what goes through the Reaper mind as he plan his killing and videotape his victim's final moments. It was interesting that Leslie Parrish gave us several possible suspects and kept me guessing until the end. I did not see that coming and was surprise. The story was suspenseful and kept me turning the pages. The Satan's Playground, while it was fiction, it seem so real that it felt like I can imagine it existence out there somewhere. It made the back of my hair spring up of the though of it. It remind me of a movie I saw once, where the killer kidnap it victims and torture them, while at the same time video taping it live coverage on TV and internet. And the more the viewer watch the more rating boot up and it bring the victims to their death. The only different is that both killer does it for a different reason to their crimes. Also the book is gruesome and galore, intense and thrilling. It is also graphics but not as graphics as the movie was, since we can see it all happen on screen. But I shudder every time I read each scenes from the book.

The heroine, Stacey is a strong person. She not easily scared but get weak because she hate to see violent happen to innocence people. She sympathy and comfort them when she know they need it, even to the one that is weird but lonely. She not a TSTL type of heroine and does not whine to get what she want. I really like Stacey enough to root for her and her HEA.

Dean is work-holic, who had a son and ex-wife. He thought about his life and what went wrong in his marriage while he work everyday. It obvious he love his son and always try to be there for him, even when he is call off to work. Stacey bring out the good in him, and I love it when everytime he see her his heart start beating. It really cute.

I really enjoy the book. Because it kept me in suspense and turning the page to figure out who dunnit. And by the end, I was surprise when the reaper was finally reveal. And it wasn't who I expected it to be. The book is dark, gritty and intense. And I also like all the characters whose were team together and help the CAT crimes. You will see more on some of the people in the next installments books.

I have heard alot about Leslie Kelly books but have not yet read her. I was surprise to discover she is the same author who wrote under Leslie Parrish, which I really like. If I'm correct, Kelly are more lighter/contemporary romance while the Parrish are more romance suspense/gritter. I'm definate will read the other CAT series :)

I started reading the book on Feb 2010 but delay posting the review after drafting it on April. Then re-drafted/re-edited in May. I took such a long time posting it, that I hope I remember the book. Usually I draft and post the reviews right after I finish the book but there have been books I want to jump in right away, that I just couldn't wait! If this review seem to not make any senses, blame it on my lack of sleep and busy weeks ;)

Grade: 5 stars

read: Feb 2010
draft: 4-11-10
re-edited: 5-05-10
re-edited: 5-23-10

Weekend: BooksHappy Late Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T23:44:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, I went to my normal grocery/books shopping and plus brought gift for Mother's Day. There wasn't much books to buy today, but I've been buying too many books recently! You can see the two books I brought today below. My family and I took mom out to eat at Nagoya, a Japanese Seafood buffet restaurant. She love the place. And today they offer a free special wine to all the mom who came to eat, with their choice wines. Mom favor the Merlot wine and was happy about it ;) When ever we go there I'm always eating snow crabs and honey chicken with noodles. These are my favorite. Mom also received a dozen of red roses from me and little brother. She love flowers (and even grow flowers in our yards) so we knew we weren't be screw with this gift ;) We had great time.

Wishing everyone a Happy late Mother's Day! Happy Reading! :)

Straight Up by Deirdre Martin
Line of Fire by Jo Davis

50 Books Challenge: April

2010-05-02T18:44:00.006-05:00

This month of April, I read 6 books. It's not much different than last month 'cause I also read 6 books in March too. My total reading since January of this year is 16. Not bad. But I hope to read more than just 6 books next time. I have not write reviews or grade each books yet. I will soon. There too many pending reviews I need to get to before these books here. I've delay a whole lot of them ;)

If you notice, one of the book Mine Till Midnight is a 'did not finish' book. I must have focus too much on it, because I can't seem to get into the story. I probably will have to pick it up and re-read it again later. The following are books that I've read for this month. Click the titles and it'll take you to learn more info of each books. Happy Reading!

11. Dare to Surrender by Lilli Feisty
12. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler
13. Too Hot to Hold by Stephanie Tyler
14. I'm In No Mood For Love by Rachel Gibson
15. Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas - DNF
16. Manhunt by Janet Evanovich (joint read w/ non blogger Annie and Linda)

Book Weekend & Update

2010-05-01T20:52:00.004-05:00

Last week, I brought two books. And they are Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery which is her latest and brand new Fool's Gold series. I also got In Shelter Cove by Barbara Freethy, the latest Angel's Bay book #3. Looking forward to read both very soon, since I have enjoy books by them in the past :)

Then today, on a Saturday, I brought more books. I finally got my copy of Nora Roberts' book #3 In The Bride Quartet Savor the Moment ! I've been waiting to read Laurel and Del story for awhile now, since their encounter from Bed of Roses. I also got Christy Reece's book #3 Last Chance. I have yet to read the first two books of this "Chance" trilogy (is there more on the work?) but from the blogs reviews and 'words of the mouth' I've read, these books seem to get a good grade from the readers. I hope to start reading these trilogy soon. And lastly I brought Rachel Gibson's latest book Nothing But Trouble. This book seem to get good grade as well. I've read Gibson's books in the past and have enjoy them so far :) two weeks ago, I finish I'm In No Mood For Love and thought it was delightful reading. I still have few more of her books I need to start reading, which is still sitting somewhere in my TBR pile *grin*.

Right now, I'm currently reading Janet Evanovich older book Manhunt with my two non-blogger friends. I like it because it is short and sweet. I've read few of Evanovich's older books and couldn't get through it. I still read her Stephanie Plum series, but not lately. Well have to remedy that soon. I am also reading Lisa Kleypas' Mine Till Midnight and so far...it okay. I'm probably concentrating too hard because I can't seem to get into the story. So far I do like the two main characters but I have not yet to read it further to see where their relationship is heading to. But at this point I'm thinking of pulling the DNF of this book. Should I keep reading? I will never know it'll get better later, right? So far books I've read are all okay. But I don't know if I be reading other books.

I will put together of all the books I've read for the month of April, here soon. May is going to be an exciting month, because there are many books I'm looking forward to get my tiny hand on. I can't wait! Happy reading and have a good weekend everyone!

Skin Game by Ava Gray

2010-04-25T17:31:00.000-05:00

This happen to be one of the pending reviews that have been sitting in my draft box since February, so that have been 3 months ago -- OOPs! I kinda was drafting this review for awhile and then I get nervous to published it, I admit. I know I'm not good with reviews but I do the best as I know how :) But look for 8 more pending reviews from me in near future teehehe.

Ava Gray
Pub. Date: November 2009
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 320pp
ISBN-13: 9780425231531
ISBN: 0425231534
Edition Description: Original

Kyra is a con woman and a thief who had a particular special skill - steals with a touch. She became the person her target's strongest skill, but only for limited of time. When her father die from the hand of the casino owner Gerard Serrano, Kyra want to avenging his murder by pulling the ultimate con and flee with his money and his pride. She travel from place to place to continue to do what she does best: conning and steals. But she does it for good reason and not ashamed of it. And with the money hidden in safe place, she set out a plan for another adventure. Hoping that Gerard or his men won't be near to find her. But Gerard Serrano couldn't let her get away embarrassing his pride or stealing his money, so he hired a hit man to bring Kyra back with his money.

Reyes is a hit man, who never misses his mark. He is the best at what he does and when he take his job, mercy never sway him wrong. He get his job done. Unfortunately when he with Kyra, he can't help but be tempts with her fierce passion and heart. And every minute he have with her, he wonder if maybe Kyra isn't as bad a she seem to be, because he have fallen for her. But he still decided to go through with his plan carry out the hit and find out where she hidden the money.

I think this is an unusual kind of heroe and heroine that we don't often see. At lease for me. Both had a job that isn't honorable. Kyra a con and thief. Reyes is dangerous hit man. They both enjoy what they do and if they took a break, both felt they've miss doing their job. This seem like these characters aren't likable or heroine/hero worthy. BUT as you get to know them inside and out, you will be able to understand them a lot more and know the reason why they do what they do. You may not like it but you might find that you care for them to want to root for their HEA ( I know I did!). And when they are together, spark fly and sizzle the pages. Together, Kyra and Reyes are compatible who stay true to themselves and didn't change from who they are. I can see why some people said the book are dark. Because it obvious is. It was a little gritty and raw and even have a powerful emotions. There was one scene where it was unexpected and intense. And it surprise me when it happen. I thought it was well done for Ava Gray to have that gut to write that scenes. And I love the ending!

You will meet the secondary characters who also will have their own story next. I was intrigue by them and wanting to know what happen to them in the past before they end up doing what they currently do now. Especially when the secondary guy seem to be dark one with bit of soft side in between, IMO.

I REALLY did enjoy reading this book from beginning to end. It kept me turning the pages. It actions packed, raw and gritty. Romance and emotions. I love that the book balance everything. This the first book I read by Ava Grey and it won't be my last! And I don't think you'll regret reading it! Looking forward to read the 2nd book Skin Tight, next!

Grade: 4 1/2 stars

draft: 2-21-10
re-edited: 3-11-10, 3-28-10, 4-25-10

Weekend Books!

2010-04-12T01:14:00.009-05:00

It been an tiring weekend for me. Saturday was my normal grocery/books shopping. Yes I brought books. I always do teehee. Then Sunday I was away from home to visit my cousin who delivered a new born baby girl a week ago. So we went over to my aunt's house to celebrate. We had seafood gumbo soup, crawfish, corn, sausage, fried meatball, fried chicken, strawberries and grape. And of course soft drinks. We've been there all day and I'm to exhausted! *phew!*.

So, let get to the books part. I'm sure you would like to know what books I brought. Okay below is the list of books and if you click on author's names, it'll take you to their website and direct to the book titles. First I want to mention that Patience was a book I won from a contest I participated in from the blog. There were a mishap of the wrong books sent to me. But I'm happy with whichever I got. Secondly, I wonder if I have to read Laid Bare first before starting on Coming Undone? Please let me know before I start the books. I usually like to read series, connection or related books in order :)

Patience by Lisa Valdez Book #2
Dare to Surrender by Lilli Feisty
On Shadow Beach by Barbara Freethy - Angel's Bay Series Book #2
Dark Deceptions by Dee Davis A-Tac Series Book #1
Lois Lane Tells All by Karen Hawkins Book #2
Lion's Heart by Lora Leigh Breed series Book #21
Coming Undone by Lauren Dane Related to book, Laid Bare

I'm still re-reading The Defiant Hero with my joint-reading buddy, Alice. We are on Chapter 15 now. And I'm having fun re-reading the first two books. One of my all times favorite series book - Hooyah! In between re-reading this book, I'm also reading Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler. I'm almost done with this book and can't wait to get to the end. I enjoy it!. Not sure what I'll next, but I think Lisa Kleypas' historical The Hathaway books which started with Mine Till Midnight. If that book turn out good, then I read the next two books of that series then. Otherwise I'm going to read the next book from Stephanie Tyler's romance suspense books.

Happy Reading everyone! :)

50 Books Challenge: March

2010-04-02T20:46:00.003-05:00

Last month of Feb, I've mention that I never gave grades or reviews on the last three books, yet. I finally able to give it to you here. They are:

2. The Unsung Hero by Suz Brockmann (re-read 3x/joint-read with Alice)~ 5 stars
3. Skin Game by Ava Gray ~ 4 1/2 stars
4. Fade To Black by Leslie Parrish

I only managed to give grade/reviews for first two but have not yet done so for Fade To Black by Leslie parrish. But I promise that I will, later. Listed, below, are the books I've read for month of March. I've been trying to keep myself busy that I forgetting that I've read more then I thought. This month its 6 books reading --- WOW! Spring Break reading sure kept me busy. I was joint-reading Lisa Kleypas' three contemporary/woman fic books along with two of my non-blogger friends. Even though I was reading along, I slow them down. So I had to rush to keep up with them (sorry guys!). I'm also currently joint-read The Defiant Hero with my blogger friend Alice from Hello, My Name Is Alice

Even though I've read 6 books this month, my total of reading since January of this year is still not much. My totals reading is 10. I still need to speed up and try to reach my 50 books before I can move on and read as much as I can to see how many I can read by the end of the year. The following books are read in March --- and yes, I notice that I didn't grade these books either. And these are in pending reviews ;)

MARCH
5. Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
6. Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas (joint-read w/Annie & Linda)
7. Lone Riders by Lauren Bach
8. Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas (joint-read w/Annie & Linda)
9. The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann (re-read 3rd times /joint-read w/ Alice)
10. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (joint-read w/Annie & Linda)

I hope to read more books in April -- wish me luck! And Happy Reading and Easter to everyone!

My Weeks: All About BooksReviews, Joint-Read, Current, Upcoming

2010-03-29T01:44:00.000-05:00

This weekend have been chaos! Lot of things have happen and there was no room for me to breathe. When I was finally able to relax and settle down, I went online to check on my daily routine chores: emails, GRead/blogging/blog hop, Facebook and tweets. Unfortunately, all this was done at my friend's house (I'm having 'puter problem at home). I will try my best to catch up on all these chores by the end of Sunday night...hopefully. Or die trying teehee. So please, don't think that I'm ignoring you, I'm not.

A few of you might remember the post from three weeks ago, where I mention about not able to find the two books I was anxious to get. If you don't, you can read about it here. Well a week later, I finally found it and was happy to add it to my mountain of TBR pile *grin*. I have no idea when I get to these two books, since I've million of other books wanting my attention. I swear I can hear them whisper a conspiracy plan against me everday because I don't read them fast enough. Trust me, it whispering *grin*.

Since that week, I brought more books and add them in my tower of TBR piles. I realized that I've been buying more books in March then I ever did in the last two months! A few of the books I've listed (see below) have been out a few months ago, and I just now brought them. I waited to get it because I either can't remember if I already brought or not. Another reason is because there were other books I want more than the others. And I knew that I will get the other books later. Some books I've listed are the most recent or the latest books out this month. And of course I brought some of these books in different weeks. If you click on the authors name, it'll take you directly to their website where its show the feature books that I brought.

Guilty by Lora Leigh
Delicious by Shayla Black
Sealed with a Ring by Mary Margret Daughtridge
Defeat the Darkness by Alexis Morgan
The Black Sheep and the Princess Donna Kauffman

Then my sweetie nieces, Trish and Heather came down to visit us. They want to treat us out to brunch for my little brother birthday. We ate at Nagoya restaurant and even though there isn't a lot of foods there, the foods are great. Afterward nieces and I went to the malls. I got me more books, and Trish was SO SWEET to pay for them. It a belated Xmas presents for me. See why I LOVE her :) The following books are what I got. Click authors name and it'll direct you to their site and books.

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (re-issued MM paperback)
Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis
Smart and Sexy by Jill Shalvis (re-issue MM paperback)
Set the Dark On Fire by Jill Sorenson
Hot As Sin by Bella Andre
Feel the Heat by Cindy Gerard
Second Chance by Christy Reece

I'm currently joint reading Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas with my two non-blogger friends, Annie and Linda. I'm also reading Lone Rider by Lauren Bach, by myself. And starting Monday (which is today), I'll be join re-reading Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann with my friend Alice, who is reading the book for the first time. Just like The Unsung Hero, I've read this book about almost three times (maybe my fourth time now *shrug*).

I've already done one of my long wait pending review The Unsung Hero and if you like to read my babbling review of the book, then just scroll down to the next post. I still need to do two more pending reviews for Skin Game by Ava Gray (almost done drafting it) and Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish (have not start drafting). I enjoyed reading both, whose also my new to me authors! After the two reviews then I'm done with the old reviews. But unfortunately, later I will have to deal with doing pending reviews for March books - eh. I think there are 5 books I've read in March -- GOODNESS, I just realized that is my longest books read then the last two months. In the last two months I only managed to read less then three books each months. I'm happy! Wish me luck with the March reviews, which I will post soon! :)

If you have stay here this long, congrats. Go shake your butt and you may now get back to your normal program ;) Happy Reading everyone! :)

The Unsung Hero by Suzanne BrockmannRe-Read and Joint-Read

2010-03-28T02:16:00.001-05:00

Suzanne Brockmann
Military Contemporary Romance
Pub. Date: June 2000
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Format: Paperback, 416pp
Series: Troubleshooters Series, #1
ISBN-13: 9780804119528
ISBN: 080411952X
Edition Description: 1st Edition

Synopsis from Suz's website
After a near-fatal head injury, U.S. Navy SEAL Lieutenant Tom Paoletti catches a terrifying glimpse of an international terrorist in his New England hometown. When he calls for help, the Navy dismisses the danger as injury-induced imaginings. In a desperate last-ditch effort to prevent disaster, Tom creates his own makeshift counterterrorist team, assembling his most loyal officers, two elderly veterans of the Second World War, a couple of misfit teenagers, and Dr. Kelly Ashton -- the sweet "girl next door" who has grown into a remarkable woman. Once known as the town’s infamous bad boy, Tom has always longed for Kelly. Now he has one final chance for happiness, one last chance to win her heart, and one desperate chance to save the day....

This is a re-read for me. It is part of an on going Troubleshooter series, and I've re-read the series three times (or it could be my fourth read now *shrug*). This is also my joint-reading with my friend Alice from Hello, My Name Is Alice blog, with this book. (Thanks so much Alice for reading this with me). If you would like to read her review on this book, please go to her blog and read it here

Since this is re-read/joint-reading, I've decided to use my original review that I did on The Unsung Hero when I posted it here on my blog almost 4 years ago. But I need to do a lot of editing on this joint-read post. It was a scramble of mess from the original post. And everything as I remember, my feeling during my many read in the past remind the same. And this is also one of the pending reviews I've been delay posting as well. I read it on Feb 2010, edited it few times and just now posting it today :)

Tom Paoletti, Lt. of the Navy SEALs, is on a medical leave after a near-fatal head injury during one of his recent mission. He return home to his uncle Joe, where he was raised. And it's where his sister and his niece live too. But he wasn't expecting to see Dr. Kelly Ashton to come home. The woman who he had almost slept with years ago. Seeing her again bring back old memory, and he wasn't sure he want to pick up where they left off after he went away to join the Navy SEALs. His feeling for her still remain. And he want to avoid touching her again. But he never thought that coming home to New England, Massachusetts, that he would catch a terrifying glimpse of the merchant who was the subject of international manhunt for many years. The merchant had causes a American Embassy in Paris car bombing in 1996. When he try to alert a warning to Adm. Chip Crowley, he ignored Tom. He think that Tom's head injury is causing him to see things that wasn't really there. So now, Tom think he can catch the merchant on his own and prove to Adm. Chip Crowley that he isn't crazy.

Dr. Kelly Ashton, a divorced Boston pediatrician, have come home to help her father Charles Ashton after she discover he have cancer. But Charles is making it hard for Kelly to help him and she got more worry. When she learn that Tom is staying in Massachusetts for 30 days, she is relief. She was hoping to get help from Tom. But asking him for help mean to see him again. Memory of their last encounter was hot but brief and didn't end well. She have now realized that the spark are still there, and assuming it only be a couple a week with no string attached, she decided to have a fling with him. Only to find herself disastrous in consequences.

Joe Paoletti and Charlies Ashton have been best friend since the WWII. They're two elder veterans who past is repeatedly told in flashback about their confession love for the same French resistance woman during the WWII. In the present day, they've been fighting about over Joe participant in celebrating of the Fifty-fifth Anniversary of the "end of the WWII war" and to honor the heroes of Baldwin Bridge, Massachusetts.

The secondary romance couple is a story of two teenager sweetheart, Mallory and David. He is an nerdy comic book illustrator who want to use Mallory for his next comic book. And she is the lonely young gal who always had to take care of her mom and herself with the help from her uncle too. When the two teenager meet, it wasn't easy at first. But once they get to know each other, they soon learn about themselves and fallen in love.

You will see first glimpse of the bad boy Navy SEALs, Sam Starrett (one of my favorite guy *grin*), the excellent sharp shooter cop Alyssa and the Troubleshooter team XO Jazz. These three people you will see more of in most of the later books as the series go on. You will also see glimpse of other Troubleshooter team in later books as well.

I admit the fighting and bickering between Charlies and Joe drove me nuts. Sometime I just want to reach into the pages and grab them and knock their head together. I can understand their frustration and upset too, so I can't just fault them nor can I dislike them. I love them anyway. Their backstory from flashback was interesting and it kept me turning the pages, wanting to know more. I love the romance between Tom and Kelly. Plus the romance between the two teenager sweetheart, Mallory and David. Have I mention I love sweetheart stories? *grin*. Some scenes in the book were funny and some were romantic with plenty sizzling the pages. some were also very emotionally intense with good action in between. I personally love how Suzanne Brockmann weave in all three stories together, and made it revolved around each other. And they connect somehow. It the perfect blend of romance with suspense imo. I love the book!

The Unsung Hero is the first book to Troubleshooter series. I think that there are about 15 installments book all together. I highly recommend you to read these awesome series! You won't regret it :)

I'm looking forward to my joint-read the 2nd book, The Defiant Hero, with my friend Alice on Monday - absofreakinglutely Hooyah! ;)

Grade: 5 stars

Read on: Feb 2010
draft on: 3-11-10, 3-27-10, 3-28-10

Bibliomania Day....and Meme

2010-03-24T22:42:00.000-05:00

I know it bit late to do this, and normally I always posts these meme when given the time to do it. There are lot of other memes I need to posts that is in pending. And I promise to get to it when I have the time. In the mean time....

I read at Melody who read it from Veen's blog that March 20th was in fact Bibliomania Day. What's a Bibliomania Day, you may ask. Well, here's the quote from Veens':

On March 20, 1990, Stephen Blumberg of Ottumwa, Iowa, was arrested for stealing over 23,600 books worth $20 million and weighing 19 tons. So look out for a the "bookey-man"!

Like many book thieves, Blumberg was also a book lover. "It was his habit to read constantly through the night, cat-napping, waking, reading, dozing, waking, reading again, never fully sleeping.
click here to read more of Stephen Blumberg, taken from 123people.com

So now, Melody also tagged me on this fun meme:

#1: Are there any books you would like to beg, borrow, or steal?
- YES! So many of them! I get jealous when other peeps get an ARC or none ARC books before anyone else LOL! Like PATIENCE by Lisa Valdez, for example. And, THE SEARCH by Nora Roberts.

#2: Are you addicted to trips to Borders or the public library?
- Well I'm more addicted to trips to Borders (or any other chain bookstores) than I am with public library. I don't use my library often as I used to. But if I ever do, it always done by online services. The only times I make a trip to the library if I have to go pick up the books I request for hold, after they tell me the books are available to pick up. So I love taking a trip to any local bookstores around here and shop for my favorite books.
- If we are talking about Borders bookstore in particular, then I would say sometime I would shop more at other local bookstore than I would at Borders. Because at my local Borders they only shelves new release books. Or books that is the latest and are still new. They don't have author's older books on shelves, like the way our B&N are.

#3: Do you have a way to remember what books you have read?
- Beside keeping record in my Microsoft Word Document file (and memory stick), I also kept record of what books I've read on my blog as well. The blog is the main reason why I open the account in the first place. I want to be able to have a place where I listed all the books I have read over the years for the "50 Book Challenge of the years" I was doing with one of my Yahoo Group list. I even posted some thoughts of each books about what I like or didn't like and grade them. But then the blog became just not only a place to keep record of books I've read or posts my thoughts in for each books. It was also a place where I practice writing book reviews (for fun, not for any website), found blogger friends and participates in other fun stuff too (Booking Through Thursday, 50 TBR Challenge, meme tags, personal note about my weekend activities..etc). So yes, I do have a way to remember what books I have read and not read :)

#4: When did your love of books begin?
- It began when I was a kid in elementary school. I like to think that I started at baby, because when I first came to America my foster parents always sent books for us to read. I can only just stare at the page of the rich, colorful pictures of whatever on that pages. And not understanding words. I grew from Mother Goose Rhyme books to Golden Book and then to elementary where I first discover Harold and the Purple Crayon, my very first favorite book that stick with me (still do!) and hold my interested for reading. It's that book that I learn I really love to read. Then that when books like Judy Blume, Beverly Clearly's Ramona series, The Babysitting Club series, Sweet Valley High...came along. And follow those books, came my first romance book I read, which was WHITNEY, MY LOVE by Judith McNaught. And the rest as they say..is history! :)

#5: What is a favorite book?
- A favorite book is a book that stay with you even after you close the book. It's a book that make you think about it everyday and you can't get it out of your mind. It the one you still remember even when many years have gone by. It the one where you think the characters are "alive" and real. And you wonder if their life are doing well after their HEA. And you feel the characters are your friends or are part of your families because you connect with them (their personal lives, issues problem...).

#6: Do you still have in your possession a book borrowed, but not returned to its rightful owner?
- I do shame admit I do have books that I borrowed but have not returned it yet. Its owner told me they don't mind. They said to just return it to them whenever I'm ready to and they are not in rush to have it back. I thanks that friends of mine :) But when guilt arise and you want to boil it down, I would try to hurry and do my best to read it sooner and return it as quick to them ;)

#7: What's the most in library fines you have owed?
- Hmm are we talking about if we have a fine on say book and then it officially become our book to keep? Hmm I do remember a book about Dolphin that I had to do a book report on in middle school. And because I lost the book, I had an over due and fine to paid off. I don't recall any other books that I end up keeping but I do remember how many over due books I have to pay for but don't owned the books.

#8: Do you loan books out to others?
- I have loan books out to the others. But not to lot of peeps. Just a few of them. Unfortunately one of the person who is in that "few" category, didn't return a batch of books she borrow. She borrowed some of my books for 2 months. Every other weeks, she will borrow my books and return it to me. It was going good after awhile but the last time she borrowed it, she never return it. Because she moved up west to be with my other sister - eh, but I gotta love my sister ;) Those books are still at her friend's house, who she was staying with at the time.

I'm not gonna tag anyone, since most peeps I know are already tagged. So if you want to play, let me know by comments here. And I try to visit you :) Have a Happy Reading! :)

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

2010-03-09T02:14:00.008-06:00

Nora Roberts
Pub. Date: October 2009
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Paperback, 358pp
Series: Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet Series, #2
ISBN-13: 9780425230077
ISBN: 0425230074

synopsis
Since she was a little girl, Emma Grant has always loved romance. So it's really no surprise that she has found her calling as a wedding florist. She gets to play with flowers everyday and work with her three best friends in the progress. She couldn't ask for a better job.

And on the surface, Emma's love life seems to be thriving. Slim and sultry, she brings color into every room she enters, just like the arrangements she creates. Men swarm around her, yet she still hasn't found Mr Right. And the last place she's looking is right under her nose.

But that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's been best friends with Parker's brother for years, which makes him practically family. The architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more then friendship. And when Emma returns his passion - kiss for blistering kiss - things start to get complicated at Vows Jack has never been big on commitment. Emma yearns for a lifelong love after. If the two are to find common ground, they must trust in their history - and in their heart.
End Synopsis

Let me first start by saying that this was one of the review I have been delay posting. I read the book on the first week of Jan 2010, draft it on Jan 10 and then re-edited in March. I'm just now posting it today (yes it took me 3 months). I admit when I got a copy of Bed of Roses, I didn't know what to expected. Because while I did enjoy Vision In White, it wasn't a favorite. And so I read Bed Of Roses with high hope that it'll be better. I love Nora Roberts' books but there will be some books by her that are more a favorite than the other, right?

I have to say I like Bed Of Roses so much better than Vision In White. Probably because I love theme where hero and heroine known each other all of their life and are practically family. And then they became lover later. And plus Emma is such a romantic dreamer at heart, and that reminded me of myself at a young age always dreaming about romance. There were more intimacy, more dialogues with great quoting and built up relationship between Emma and Jack. The intimacy between them were sensual and sizzling hot. I love how after their passionate kisses, they try to make sense of their feeling for one another and things got complicated. For Jack because he never been a commitment guy and Emma always long for lifetime "Happy Ever After", love. The kind that last forever. And Emma is a friend of his best friend's sister, so Jack felt that Emma is "hand off" whether he honorary or not. Plus they're practically "family". And Emma felt beside their being "family" she thought Jack had feeling for someone close to them and it was one of their "No Dating" rules thing that Emma thought is no no. I like that Emma didn't given in so easily after she and Jack had this one argument. And she waited when she ready to forgive. It was good scenes to see Jack grovel but I felt so sorry for him afterward. I thought Emma and Jack make a good couple. I think Nora made them stay true to their characters, and I like that.

It was interesting to see how Emma love to do what she does best - her job. We get to see how she arrange flowers, prepare them and then display them in the wedding and the reception set room for their clients. We get an idea how many hours it take to have job doing flowers for wedding, and I gotta say that it seem pretty exhausting but fun. I love it that we see more interact and connection with the previous characters. We get to see how stronger the women friendship are and also see how the previous couple, Mac and Carter, have been doing after their story are told. And we get glimpse/hint of who will be next couple in the next books. I especially want to learn more about the guy who own a car shop. He seem to be the type of guy I like to read about - YUM! *grin*.

Bed of Roses was a romantic sweet story. It was more relationship built up and fun. Face pace reading and enjoyable. Friendships, loves and happiness was well blend in together in the book. I'm looking forward to read the third book Savor the Moment to come out soon.

This is my joint-reading with Alice from Hello, My Name Is Alice. If you would like to see her review on Bed of Roses, you can see it here.

Also if you would like to read my review on Vision In White, you can see it here

Thanks so much Alice, for not just only joint-reading this book with me but also sending this to me as a Christmas gift from you for Christmas. It was funny how we both got the idea to sent each other Bed of Roses as gift, teehee. And I'm looking forward to read Savor the Moment with you too! :) Happy Reading!

Grade: 4 stars

Drafted: 1-18-10
re-edited:3-5-10

Books BlueWhat Up With Me

2010-03-06T19:23:00.018-06:00

Last Tuesday I had the blue, and nothing can cheer me up than to go books shopping! So I had to wait until the weekend to go, since I've been busy during the week days. So I went to the store today and had the worse day. Why? Because I couldn't find books that I want! I went to 4 different stores and found none. Okay I did found one but still, I want the rest of the books that have been released since this week. I may have to try Barnes and Noble tomorrow and see if the two book are there. I should have gone there in the first place, but we were in rush to get home for important meeting so there were no time to go. Maybe I will be lucky this time. And maybe I'll sneak in few more books in with them too ;) If I don't find it there, then I'm definitely ordering the books online.

The two book I was looking for, but didn't find are: Something About You by Julie James and Naked Edge by Pamela Clare.The only one I did found was Black Jack by Lora Leigh, and I'm happy with that.

I've been reading Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish, The CATs series. I'm really enjoying this book! It dark,edgy and dangerous with romance in between. I hope to finish the book by this Sunday night (in time to watch Oscar on TV). And then I'm thinking of reading some of Lisa Kleypas historical book Dreaming of You. after it. I have couple of Lisa Kleypas books I borrowed from the library. And it has been renewal three times already. I better start reading these books soon, or else it'll be 4th renewal. Funny that I was thinking about Lisa Kleypas's books recently because today I saw that Smooth Talking Stranger released in paperback edition on the shelf. I almost brought it but decided to wait until I go B&N to see if it there instead. I sorta miss reading historical book like I used to do back then. Maybe I'll be able to catch up on them soon. But I'm really looking forward to read the second book of Leslie Parrish's The CATs series. I've been hearing good thing about this series everywhere.

I also still have few more reviews I need to post. And I know I delay it too much. But that can't be help when your life kept you from posting them. I still have to post Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts and The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann (re-read 3 times), which is my two book joint reading with my blog friend Alice from Hello, My Name Is Alice. I've been drafting them from time to time, but it's almost done. I also need to post Skin Game by Ava Gray and Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish (my current reading) reviews.

I'll be visiting some of my Blog's friends soon, and hope to catch up on everyone news. I thinks you for visiting and comments my blog. I'm also dying to see good movies, and would love to hear any suggestion from anyone. Either from current in theatre or Netflix :) I wish everyone a good day and Happy Reading!

Nauti Boy by Lora Leigh

2010-03-05T01:32:00.005-06:00

Lora Leigh's website
Pub. Date: November 2009
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 304pp
Series: Nauti Series
ISBN-13: 9780425231128
ISBN: 0425231127

Again, I'm so behind with my reviews. I've delay few more books. I wasn't going to write review for this book, but I decided to just put up a synopsis so that you can get an idea what the book is about. I got my reprint in mass market paperback November 2009. The first printing was published in trade paperback in March 2007. I've read other series books by Lora Leigh and have like them. I think I like the Tempting Seals series and the Elite Ops series and The Breeds much better. But that does not mean to say I did not enjoy Nauti Boy either. But this is the first time I read of Nauti Boys series. It was fast pace reading, erotic and it sizzle the pages. Characters are passionated with each other and it show. I did had a little problem with the book, but it just minor. I'm not going to give full detail of this review but by far my feeling of the first book was good :)

Synopsis:
Too weak to resist young Kelly Salyer's attempts at seduction, Rowdy Mackay left home eight year ago. Duty as a U.S. Marine put a safe distance between him and the temptation of the nubile Kentucky vixen. Now Rowdy's back home and ready to engage in the kind of erotic games that have earned him and his two cousins a Nauti-boy reputation.

Once it was Kelly's dream, too - to feel the heat of the bay she desired. But an attack from a stalker still on the prowl has left Kelly terrified of a man's touch. Now as fear and desire converge, Rowdy fights to save her from the deadly threats of a stranger, to rid her of her demon and to satisfy a hunger more powerful than either can imagine.

Grade: 4 stars

Drafted : Dec. 3, 2009
edited : Feb. 28, 2010

50 Books Challenge: January & February

2010-03-01T01:45:00.006-06:00

I realized today that I never posted my books I've read for January 2010. I'm going to post both January and February together on this post. I admit, my reading have been slow due to babysitting and Olympic (wow that was fun games!). And I hope to pick up my reading habit starting in March (Happy B-day Lien!). I really did enjoy reading these books I've read from the last two months. Its even better when I'm joint-reading with my good friends too (thanks Alice!). It make the experience more fun for me, even though it does slow down my reading :) Notice, I did not give grade to the last three books -- yet. Nor have I reviews them either. I hope to be able to post all of my pending reviews and give you my grade soon. Keep fingers cross that I have my reviews up by March (yeah right *evil grin*) Happy Reading everyone! :)

JANUARY
1. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts(joint-reading w/Alice)~ 4 stars
2. The Unsung Hero by Suz Brockmann(re-read 3x/joint-reading with Alice)
(can you tell I love Suz's books?!?! *grin*)

FEBRUARY
3. Skin Game by Ava Gray ~ 4 1/2 stars
4. Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish

Death Angel by Linda Howard

2010-02-25T01:55:00.014-06:00

Pub. Date: April 2009
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384pp
ISBN-13: 9780345486554
ISBN: 0345486552
Edition Description: Reprint

As it should be known by now, Linda Howard current books have been either a hit or miss for me lately. I mostly prefer her older books and wish there more stories like them to read. I can not tell you enough how much I highly recommend readers to try reading Howard's older books. You will enjoy them, I promise. I use to auto buy Howard's books like crazy! So after few years of hit and miss books, I decided then to just buy all of the new books when it come out in paperback instead. I still buy and read all of her books thought, just that they are not auto buy as the way I used to do with her older books. But I was in for a major surprise when I picked up Death Angel in paperback. I did not expected this book to turn out to be good! It is not perfect but it is good than the most of the recent one I've read before this book. This is one of the books I've delayed reviewing since last year. I've started drafting it on December 3rd 2009. So I'm sure I finish the book on the last week of November 2009. And is now just re-edited it and published it today.

Drea Rousseau is said to be a beauty, self-absorbed, bimbo blonde woman who used men and gets what she want. That is how she ends up becoming the mistress of a major drug trafficker lord Rafael Salinas. But what they don't know is that she is smart and use it to her advandage. Things were going well and she had settle into Rafael life and his money until one day he award his cold blooded assassin (for a job well done) to have his five hours spent with her, as his request. Shocked and upset, she plan a revenge against Rafael by playing the "dumb blonde" act, stealing his money and walk away with it. She travel around and put to plan to hide the money. But things went wrong and not as according to plan. And what make it even worse is that Rafael had order the assassin to go after her.

Most through out the book, it shown Drea on the road and plan step by step of her get away and how to hide and retrieve the money. But when horrific accident happen something made her change to a different person. And not only that, she encounter the sexy assassin again. The same assassin whom Rafael have thrown her into for his award. But Drea can not help but remembered of that last five hours of sizzle, steamy night she had with Simmon. When he caught up with her, things changed and she find him hauling along with her on the road. Drea feeling soon developed and she is left wondering what to do for she is fallen for him as well.

I'm gonna have to stop here or else I fear I might spoils something. I admit that at first I wasn't sure if am going to like Drea because of the way she used men to get what she want in order to survived. But she did redeem herself and that made me like her after. I was engrossed from the very first page until the end. Except maybe I felt the step by step of heroine plan while on the road was a bit too much info. But it is a good, sexy, intense book. It is darker and had a subtle paranormal elements that seem to be right in place to bring hero and heroine together and give us reader a satisfying love and deep heartfelt emotions. There is one scene, where its may seem unbelievable for some readers but it definitely a good scene to me, IMO(I admit at first I thought it was weird but now I think it make sense to have it there). Without it, we weren't have seen the change in both Drea and Simon, again IMO. That scene show Simon deep emotion feeling toward Drea. I do think readers should read this book, I don't think you be disappointed :)

I hope for more books like this one from Linda Howard soon!

Grade: 4 1/2 stars

Official date: No Chance by Christy Reece

2010-02-23T16:54:00.009-06:00

Today is official release of No Chance Christy Reece. This is the first book to a second trilogy set: Last Chance Rescue Operative Trilogy. This is also the first time for me to try her book. I've seen reviews on her first trilogy set: Last Chance Rescue Enterprises Trilogy, but I just never pick up these books. If you were to ask me why, I don't even have an answers for you *grin*. But it did peek my interested. I just kept putting it back on shelf. pick up and put it back on shelf again--*sigh*. This isn't the only time I've done this with other books *g*. But I did pick up a copy of No Chance and hope to get into it soon. Maybe it'll make me pick up the first trilogy set later ;) I hope everyone having a good rest of the Tuesday evening - Happy Reading!

Happy Valentine's Day !Happy Chinese/Vietnamese New Year!

2010-02-14T13:17:00.012-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my blogger friends! I hope you have a lovely, fun, romantic, sweet or even scary (LOL) times with your loves one! Also Happy Chinese/Vietnamese New Year too!:)
P.S. Above, the photo is a pink Valentine sugar cookies I brought yesterday.

Recent New Books and New To Me Authors

2010-02-10T01:33:00.009-06:00

These are the following 4 books I brought most recently. If you click on the authors name below each books, it'll take you to their website where you can learn more about each books. I am already familiar with Jennifer Blake and Lori Foster (been their reader for very long time and I do recommend you to read them!) but only Stephanie Tyler and Sara Lindsey is new to me authors. They caught my attention by words of the mouths, reviews and Synopsis. And I thought the covers art are beautiful, sexy and intimate made. And yes, I sure love my romance, alpha men and I'm a die hard series books reader too :)

1. Hold On Tight by Stephanie Tyler
(romance suspense/trilogy or series?)
2. Triumph In Arms by Jennifer Blake (historical romance/series)

3. Promise Me Tonight by Sara Lindsey(historical romance)
4. Back In Black by Lori Foster(contemporary romance/series)

Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich

2010-02-01T03:31:00.007-06:00

Janet Evanovich's website
Pub. Date: October 2006
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 256pp
ISBN-13: 9780060598808
ISBN: 0060598808

I picked up this book to read because I was joint-reading it with my friend Annie. But I didn't start reading at the time when she was already reading it. I had to wait for my copy from the library then. By the time I got it, she was already finish with the book. I also thought I should read it because it was a Thanksgiving book, and at the time I want to read books that had Thanksgiving theme in honor of Thanksgiving weeks (of course I know that was 3 months ago..) Thanks Annie for reading this along with me! :)

I didn't know what to expect once I started reading Thanksgiving, but it sure wasn't this. I thought it was different from the normal books I have read by Janet Evanovich books over the years. I first started Evanovch's Stephanie Plum series many years ago and love them. I try few of her older one and it was okay. I thought that Thanksgiving was an simple, sweet and easy read. It's a romance story of two sweet and cute people fallen in love. There first encounter was when Meghan Murphy discover a cute floppy eared rabbit nibbling on her skirt. The owner, Pat Hunter who is the new pediatrician in town, came to retrieve the rabbit. And although Meg meant to give him her annoyance of the rabbit, she is smitten by his charm. Few days later, she discover the rabbit escaping again and was worry for it safely. So she decided to walk in to his home and give him the riot act, when one of Pat's patients suddenly walk in with her baby and asked Pat to watch Tim for her while she away. And promised to return when she can. She left as quickly as she came, leaving the two shocked and wondering what to do. They decided to take turn taking care of baby Tim, Meg babysit during the days and Pat on night shift. Since Pat had to work at his office. After their agreement, the days gone by and they find their daily routine seem so simple and wonderful with Tim around. They felt like they are family. And they're in love. But the search for Tim's mother was difficult. So what happen if Tim's mother doesn't come back for him. Would they consider adoption him and became his family?

There was nothing wrong with the book, at all. And that is the problem. It was too sweet and cute. And while I love reading books that are sweet and cute I just felt it was too much. I do adore the couple and the baby, they made me smiles a lot. But every once in awhile, I want to see couple argue a little and over come it. Other then that the book was not bad, it was actually a good book :)

Thanksgiving is a sweet, cute and charming story of two couple fallen in love and finding what life is like having kid. It is witty with snappy dialogue and entertaining to read.

Grade: 4 stars

Note: Finish book on 11-09. First drafted on 12-3-09. Posted today on
2-1-10

Teaser Tuesdays

2010-01-18T23:33:00.007-06:00

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

1. Grab your current read.
2. Let the book fall open to a random page.
3. Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7and 12.
4. You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
5. Please avoid spoilers!

That was the real meaning of the message in the fortune cookies. She tucked the paper back into her jeans pocket and then, just as she'd done the last time someone betrayed her, she ran for her life.

"Hunt Her Down" by Roxanne St. Claire
pg. 9

Books Brought Jan 2010..and Gift Books

2010-01-14T16:11:00.003-06:00

First, let me say how sorry I am that I have not been updating my blog. I have said that I might be posting less on my blog for now on. I'm not going to go through details about it or I would just feel let down and depressed all over again.

Anyway, after New Year 2010, I decided that I deserved to buy books. It was getting harder not to stop at the book stores and browse through the books that display on shelf, every time I'm on my way to go grocery shopping. I know I missed lot of books that already came out. And I'm slowly trying to get back on track with catching up to buy the latest book. Or even the upcoming books release and discovering "new to me authors" at same time. And it only been one month since I have not brought any books then. You would have thought it has been a year LOL! The following list below are the books that I've brought.

Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
Street Game by Christine Feehan
Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler
Too Hot to Hold by Stephanie Tyler
Wild Heat by Bella Andre
Hidden Fire by Jo Davis

As promised few weeks ago, I said I'll post the books that my friend Alice from Hello, My Name Is Alice have sent me for Christmas. Thanks again! These were from my wish list (old and new books). We currently joint-reading Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts, together. I'm already enjoying the book :)

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts
Temp Me With Darkness Shayla Black
Riding Wild by Jaci Burton
Guarded Heart by Jennifer Blake

I'm thinking about returning to BTTs and other memes. But... who know *shrug*, if I can keep up. It too time consuming for me. I still have about 5 reviews pending that I need to finish drafting. Hopefully that get done soon. Have a good day everyone! :)

My Favorite Read of 2009

2010-01-01T20:00:00.000-06:00

I know, am days late to post this. But, here are my favorite read of 2009. Lot of them are 4 1/2 stars and 5 stars. And only two are 4 stars. The only reason I add those two 4 stars in is because I thought that even though it got that grade, I still like the book as whole, anyway.

You will notice some familiar faces on the list, since they're my all times favorite authors. I just can't leave them out. And while I do wish to explain why each books became my favorite read, it'll be hard for me to go in detail or else I'll start babbling teehee. But the one that I've marked as "awesome read" are the one that really impressed me the most :)

Into the Fire Suzanne Brockmann
Eyes of the Storm by Dee Davis (awesome read!)
What I Did For Love by SEP
Dark of Knight by Suzanne Brockmann
In a Heartbeat by Rita Herron ~
Dark and Dangerous by Jeanne Adams (awesome read!) ~
No Control by Shannon K Butcher
One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake (awesome read LOVE IT) ~
Crash Into Me by Jill Sorenson (awesome read!) ~
Thread of Fear by Laura Griffin (awesome read!) ~
Edge of Midnight by Shannon McKenna
One Scream Away by Kate Brady (awesome read!) ~
Black Hill by Nora Roberts
Heartsick by Chelsea Cain (awesome read! LOVE IT) ~
Practice Made Perfect by Julie James ~
Death Angel by Linda Howard (much better than her recent books)

50 Challenge Books: December 2009

2010-01-01T19:00:00.000-06:00

Yep, this is my short December list. With the holidays (Thanksgiving/Christmas), I didn't had much time to read when I'm so busy preparing for the holidays. You probably notice I never post the reviews for November yet. But now I may have to post it along with my December reviews. Too much work need done!

I did not reach my "50 Challenge Books" for 2009. I only need to read 7 more books and I would have reach my goal. But this is the first time in 2-3 years that I didn't reach the goal. And that is okay :) The challenge have taught me a lot about myself. It also taught me about my reading habits and my preference. And with the help of the "TBR Challenge of the Month", it help me to discover new authors.

I'm definitely well be participating on both "50 Challenge Books" and "TBR Challenge of the Month" again for 2010. Those are the two things I enjoy participating the most in the last 2 years it ran. I can't wait to challenge myself again, and this time I hope to reach the 50 books this time :)

DECEMBER
42. Don’t Open Till Christmas by Leslie Kelly
43. What She Wants For Christmas by Janice Kay Johnson
44. Once Upon a Christmas by Holly Jacobs

My friend, Darla is joining in the 50 Books Challenge and TBR Challenge of the Month, too. If you would like to see some of her review, please visit her blog. You may have to search from archive to see some old one. But she also post some re "Flashback" of some old reviews she have done in the past.

Happy New Year 2010 !

2010-01-01T02:08:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year of 2010 Everyone! May it bring you all the good lucks! And hope its also bring you MANY enjoyment reading too :)

6 Days After Christmas : Presents!

2009-12-31T01:25:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas? How was it? Now that it's over, I'm hoping to hear what gifts did you get. I hope it was something you've wished for that was on your list this year. I guess I should share with you what I got:

1. A new camera (upgrade it from my old one) in purple! Thanks Sis!
2. A hand-made knitting pair of sock to represent "Sam Starrett", a character from the Suzanne Brockmann navy SEALs Troubleshooter series. Knitted by a brilliant friend, Angela.
3. A "Memories" hanging picture frames ~ Three 4x6 inches frames are attached to the word "Memories" by three hooks.
4. A gift card to "Turn the Page Bookstore Cafe" ~ owned and operated by Nora Roberts' husband, Bruce Wilder. see bookstore here. I'm excited because I've been slowly collection the next installments of the last few In Death books and I need to catch up. Also, with the gift card, was a "Eve and Roarke" lavender Patchouli lotion. These are from the Inn BoonsBoro, created by Cedar Ridge Soaps of Keedysville, MD. See it here
5. Another gift card to Barnes and Noble
6. Four Books from one of my favorite people, Alice from Hello, My Name Is Alice blog. THANKS so much, I know I will enjoy it because these are the books I've been waiting to get for longest time :) You already know I love ya! *grin* I will post the books later on my blog.
7. Two scarves ~ One is a black scarves but can also wrapped it around your shoulder too. It really beautiful. The 2nd one is a Mickey Mouse pink scarf, it really pretty! And I know I've clothes to match it! I'm excited about this one because the person who gift it to me knew that more than anything, I want to visit Disney World someday. Yep you heard me right, I never been there :)
8. A pair of long ivory knitted gloves. It reached half way to my elbow and it doesn't cover the fingers part. It very cute.
9. A wooden keepsakes trinket box (it's shape like a book). It very unusual but very cute! I know where I'm going to keep my bookmarks I have over the years from my Bookmarks Exchange :)
10. A tote bag in wine color ~ I LOVE it! I'll take pic later!
11. A plaid shirt with a ribbon ties at the bottom from my sweet little brother.

And lastly, all the wonderful Christmas cards I received from everyone around the world. Thanks so much for all your wonderful cards! *BIG SQUEEAZING HUGS*. Can you feel that? *grin*. Its brighten my day for the whole weeks long! I also want to thanks my friend Melody for sending me those friendship pin and those two books :)

I'm looking forward to buy more books with my Barnes and Noble gift card and more of In Death books at the Turn the Page Bookstore Cafe. I know for sure I be wearing those scarves, gloves, knitting socks and shirt to keep myself warm. It has been too chilly cold and rain here lately, brrr! And of course, Alice will make sure I keep myself busy reading, when we start on our joint-reading for NR BED OF ROSES! And then I be able to settle down and read those four books she got me too *grin*. And with my new camera, I can't wait to take pics to show off my new wine tote bag and the unusual wooden keepsake trinket box too! And then take plenty of pictures to hang up on my "Memories" picture frames. Thanks everyone who sent me these wonderful gifts. You guys are special people in my life and your hearts touch me more than words I can't say. Thanks for being part of my life :)

Although I might be blogging less next year, I'm looking forward to do lot of reading. I've lot of "new to me authors", that I've yet to read and will try to read them in 2010. That would be one of my goal for 2010. I will also be posting my "Favorite Read In 2009" as well and try to post those book reviews that I have delay doing for a month now. Including the three Christmas books I've finish reading this month of December. I also need to post all the books that I've read for the month of December as well.

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! May the New Year 2010 bring you and your family all the good lucks!

Merry Christmas... Have a Happy New Year!

2009-12-24T14:08:00.006-06:00

Not sure how much time I have to play online today or for the rest of the weekend, but I want to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Have a fun but a safe one!

Today, I be at friend house to exchange Christmas gifts. And then later to attend mass. Then come back to say friend's house to wrap up presents for the kids. On Christmas day I be awake real early to open presents and bake some green bean casserole and stove topping. Mom baking ham and other goodies stuff ;) Saturday I be with my family and just hanging out. Or maybe we be invited by friends to come over their house as well. On Sunday I be out of town for my Aunt and Uncle 70 Anniversary party. See...it'll be a LONG weekend !

How about everyone, what your plan for the weekend?

Have fun whatevr you're doing this weekend!

Julia

Busy with Christmas holidays...

2009-12-09T15:24:00.004-06:00

I'm sorry I have not been posting - again! With Christmas around the corner, I've been busy with work, babysitting and preparing an early gift buying for my families and friends. So far I've already brought my Christmas cards but it being sent a few at a times, since some of the cards will be add into the packages I'm deliver-ing at the post office to friends. Some of the packages are already sent out, but I still have few more packages to prepare that have not been sent out yet. Hopefully I be able to go post office next Monday. I was really surprise how easily fast it was when I went to post office last Monday. I was only in there for less than 15 minute and than we out to our car. I guess with all the drizzling rain, it kept peeps from going out and just report to work.

I do want to THANKS to the people who were generous, kind and so sweet to sent me holidays packages of gifts and cards. I have not open some of them, figure I put them under the tree so that I will have something to look forward to when I open it on Christmas day :) You guys are the best and I love ya!

I did not buy any books during the last two weeks on the weekend, like I usually do. This time I had to save the money to get gifts for everyone. I would hate to see the disappointment in the kids face when they think that Aunt Julia didn't get them anything. I love to see the excitement and joy on the kids face when they're getting something they want/like. It really priceless to watch their expression change when their emotion get the best of them at seeing the gifts they get that they want but didn't expected to get it. Of course I also love watching the adults become a child-like when they too get exciting over gifts they want but also not expecting to get *LOL*. I love to be the giver and brighten up peeps day. This does not mean that I'm going through a Books Ban. This is two different things, IMO *LOL*! I should be back up with my books buying starting January 2010.

I still have not finish drafting up the book's reviews that is still in my "draft" file. But hopefully I'll eventually be able to do it soon. As I'm struggling to reach my 50 books for the "50 Challenge Books" before the end of December, I will have lot of Christmas anthology books to read and finish.

So - I'm currently reading a Christmas anthology books, joint-reading with Melody on Harry Potter Bk #4. I have not start reading any other books, as I'm trying to finish the Christmas anthology books. There are at lease 7 books.

I wish everyone a good day and Happy Holidays!

50 Books Challenge : November

2009-12-03T02:55:00.004-06:00

As always this month have been a little slow. And it not much reading for me. Well..anyone who know me, know that I always read less books each months *sigh*. I wish I could be a speed reader, but than I wonder if I speed read then would I even remember what I read? *grin*. I've read 4 books this month of November. So that a total of 41 books! I'm almost reaching my 50 book goal YAY! I'm hoping to read lot of Christmas theme books to end my 50 Challenge Books for this year 2009

Notice there no link to take you my reviews for each books, below. It's because I have not yet draft and post it to my blog. Even though I've finish reading books #39, #40 and #41. With the holidays coming and going, it doesn't give me enough time to draft and post the reviews. But I promise that eventually I will post it :) I won't know the grade I'm given for each books either until I draft the reviews. So, when I post the reviews I'll be sure to grade them :) I hope everyone is having a good holidays!

39. Death Angel by Linda Howard
40. Harry Potter: And the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling (joint-reading w/Melody)
40. Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
41. Nauti Boy by Lora Leigh

My friend, Darla is joining in the 50 Books Challenge, too. If you would like to see some of her review, please visit her blog....here. You just have to search from archive.

My Sweeet Friend, Melody....

2009-11-25T19:43:00.001-06:00

In my rush to published my previous post (see below) from yesterday, I've was trying to remember what important thing I was suppose to mention on my post while I was drafting it here. It didn't come to me, until later after I came home from grocery to get Mr. Turkey and some side dishes to keep him company *grin* and I realized what it was I forgotten. I want to say how sorry I am that I did not mention about this yesterday....but I surely appreciate the person who gave it to me! Here is what I forgot to to mention...

I received a surprise mail Monday. Okay so I was expecting it but still, it nice to see something sweet and wonderful in the mails other than all the junks mails, right? So I was all smiling and happy with glee (which scared my family when they see my face- lucky I didn't do the Snoopy happy dance or they would thought I'm nut LOL!) as I held the small envelope in my hand and did skip toward the house. I felt something bumpy inside the envelope and wonder what could be inside beside the item I expected in there. I quickly open it and took out the pretty and cute Christmas card and inside it was a pin badge that said "Thank You For Being My Friend!". Awww it the sweetest thing. Thank you Melody, I'm thank you for being my friend too! I love the pin and the card! I appreciate the thoughts that she put in to sent these to me...THANKS again, Melody! I know we will be friend for the long haul :)

Here wishing you a Happy Holidays, Melody!

Busy weeks!

2009-11-24T13:04:00.007-06:00

Sorry that I've not been posting. Too many stuff going on at home (in and out). And with the holidays being close, I've to be prepare for family and friends visiting. And of course I'll be helping Mom cook up turkey and all the side dishes on Thursday of Thanksgiving Day, yay! So we are preparing our menu for event. Last week on Saturday, my friends and I had our Thanksgiving dinner together early. They will be gone on a holidays trip with their kids' grandparents, starting Wednesday of this week. And won't be back until Saturday, I believe. So our early Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful. I love spending time with them and eating our usual favorite foods. We had Turkey, greenbean casserole, cornbread dressing,cranberry sauce, rice with gravy, bean, rolls and Cherry Pie. It was so goood! Wish I took pictures but unfortunately my battery died - eh. And the following day - Sunday - we went out of town to meet up with my elder uncle who travel by himself from plane to visit the families. He is such the sweetest man. I have not seen him in longest times. And if we ever had family reunion again, I would have been in touch. But gathering everyone for family reunion had become difficult. As everyone always busy with something or the others - eh. I miss those days.

So after that week, I've been either working or babysitting. Kids are already off of school for a week of Thanksgiving holidays, so that keep me busy. I did lot of cleaning, laundry and changing sheet..etc. And that give me less reading times. I'm currently reading Nauti Boy by Lora Leigh. I'm also joint reading Potter Bk 4 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with my friend Melody from Melody Reading Corner and also reading Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich (it's reissues) with my other friend, Annie. Pray for me that I get through reading these books in time before December/Christmas roll by.

I did brought two books, while grocery shopping last Saturday. I did plan to only buy just one book, since I'm trying to hold my money for Christmas gifts for everyone. But when you walk by a section of books, you just can't help but stop and walk through the books isle to browse *LOL*! You will never see me go through a book ban. I can't do it! It darn too hard not to! But I'll try to get just one each weeks. Maybe if am lucky and be good, someone will be my SS LOL! I saw Laura Griffin Untraceable, which I have waited to get copy of this book. I didn't expected it to be on shelf so quick. I've previously read Griffin's books and love what I've read so far. She is good with what she write, romantic suspense. Although, this book only said it "romance"...hmmm, what that all about? I also brought Rachel Gibson True Confessions, which is reissue with a new book cover. I've started out reading some of her books and thought they are fair. I do continue to read her book and are collecting few of them but not automatically brought. Turn out, my sister love her books. So in part, I'm buying it not only for me to read but my sis as well *grin*.

If you want to see the back cover synopsis, scroll down..below. I promise to post my reviews for books that I've finish but not yet draft. It coming soon! And make sure you read my last comments on blogger award.

Alex Lovell makes people disappear. Turns out, she's not the only one....
Private investigator Alexandra Lovell uses computer skills and cunning to help clients drop off the radar and begin new lives in safety. Melanie Bess, desperate to escape her abusive cop husband, was one of those clients. But when Melanie vanishes for real, Alex fears the worst, and sets out to discover what happened. Using every resource she can get her hands on - including an elite team of forensic scientists known as the Tracers, and a jaded, sexy Austin PD detective- Alex embarks on a mission to uncover the truth.
As far as homicide cop Nathan Devereaux is concerned, no body means no case. But as much as he wants to believe that Alex's hunch about Melanie's murder is wrong, his instincts- and their visceral attraction- won't let him walk away. As a grim picture of what really happened begins to emerge, Nathan realizes this investigation runs deeper than they could ever have guessed. And each step nearer the truth puts Alex in danger of being the next to disappear....

Hope Spencer got more than she'd ever bargained for in Gospel, Idaho. There are crazy neighbors, competitive toilet tossers, locals with color- coordinated hair...and a long, lean sheriff by the name of Dylan Taber. Hope takes one look at him and faces the awful truth: it's been too long since she's had a man!
All the gals at the Curl Up and Dye hair salon declare he's the best-looking thing in town, but Hope isn't about to confess to them all that she agrees. Still, when an unsolved local mystery involves them both- and when their flirting gets the better of them- Hope and Dylan know it's time to make some true confessions...to each other.
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Alice of Hello, My Name Is Alice gave me The "Uplifting Blogger" Award and I'm so thrilled to receive it! Thank you, Alice! She have always been a fun person to chat with and put up with my weird sense of humors. She have been such a sweet and great friend I have the pleasure to "meet" from blogger land. She always have some generous uplifting thoughts to say and post about. Thanks for being my wonderful blog friend. I'm passing this award back to you!

Now, I'm passing this awards to my friends who have not only been my longest friends but is true uplifting person from the heart from the action of what they do and say. Luv ya both! :)
Darla @ Nichtszusagen
Melody @ Melody Reading Corner

Here wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and upcoming holidays season! Have a wonderful, fun but safe holidays!

Practice Makes Perfectby Julie James

2009-11-17T12:16:00.000-06:00

Julie James's website
Pub. Date: March 2009
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 304pp
ISBN-13: 9780425226742
ISBN: 0425226743

WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION....
Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face-to face, they're perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they have kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as coworkers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm.

THERE ARE NO RULES...
But all bets are off when they're asked to join forces on a major case. Though apprehensive at first, they begin to appreciate each other's dedication to the law-and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection does not last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it's an all-out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hot under the collar...

My Thoughts:
After reading Just the Sexiest Man Alive, I enjoy it so much that I was looking forward to reading Julie Jameson's next book. I was excited to learn later that Practice Makes Perfect was coming. And ever since than, I waited patiently for its release. And did happy dance when I finally got my own copy. Now that I've finish the book, I have to say that I Julie James did it again! I had finish the book since October, but draft it on November 4th. And took this long to finally post it. Sorry for late review!

Payton and J.D. are rivals opposite attract, whose have worked at the same law firm for eight years. Even though they are professional, hard worker and treated each other with courtesy, behind their action there lay a grudge against each other. They always tried to beat one another at their own games. Payton felt that she always have to work harder to get the respect that she deserve more than J.D. since he seem to have more common with everyone he meet.

I like how even when J.D. is a jerk, he does have a good side of him as well. That he is not always what people seem to think he is. I admit at first I reacted strongly about his take on women in "Battle of sexes" and than later got drawn into him as I watch him fallen in love. J.D. have always had to prove to his father he can be good at what he can do and make a good living out of it without his help. So his hope to make partner is important to J.D.

Payton was always annoyed to fact that J.D. is always good with connection with people. That he always the one to be asked to go meeting with important people that could help their company corp. She felt she had to be the one to work harder to get the respect from people in way she thought she deserved.

When their boss announced that he need them to work together for a important case they wasn't please. Even worse, they discover that only one of them will be made partner because the person who is chosen must be over the age of forty so there won't be no age discrimination. This upset them because they knew that they're good at what they do and both deserved to be made partner. Now Payton and J.D. knew that their chance is impossible. Than the war with one another had begin. The teasing, the stunts that they pull at each others were harmless fun and they weren't stop until one is upper the other. But they did not expected to be attracted with one another and that was different ball game all together.

What I enjoy most about the book was that there is plenty of funny scenes, dialogues and even some good moments where I saw something positive about them when looking at it from another light - it made me smiles. At one point on certain scenes, I was chuckling and than the next I started laughing out loud at the incident happen in the courtroom. It took me out of my reading and people was given me the look. I'm sure they thought I was a loony. You just have to read it, to know what I'm talking about teehehe.

I also like how J.D friend were trying to help him about relationship and women by given him tips referring from the movie Pride and Prejudice. The whole conversation, while it was a strange and funny but a good advice, was one of those moment where you can see the friendship between the two men are secure and honest. It was interesting to see two different people can be friend and yet respect and understood each other.

I also like how we get to see a little background of J.D. and Payton life and understood where they were coming from and why they reacted the way they did. We get to see their interaction with both parents and how they dealt with it. I thought the attraction between Payton and J.D. was sensual and romantic. I thought the love scene made up for the lack of it in Just the Sexiest Man Alive and it was wonderful :)

I thought the ending was perfectly done, although I would have love to see the result if the ending was different. But I really enjoy the book overall and think reader should read this book! I'm looking forward to Julie James more upcoming books!

Grade: 4.75 stars

Book Weekend:Queen of Song and Soulby C.L Wilson

2009-11-07T21:31:00.009-06:00

Okay, so I lied. Last week I mention to friend that I saw Queen of Song and Souls (book #4) by C.L Wilson at my local walmart. And was planning to buy it, but than I decided to put it back because I want to get a copy of the first two books of the Tairen Soul series, first. Or least check it out from the library to see if the first book would interested me. Well..that was last week. Today, I went back to Walmart and was just checking to see if there any new books on shelf, since Tuesday is the usual release date for most books. I was disappointed there wasn't anything new. And so I browse through the books and I passed by Queen of Song and Souls about three times until I finally decided to go ahead and grab a copy. I figure I should just get the book now, since it there, so I won't have to worry about buying it later. The first three books are already in my wish list, so I hope to get copies of them and than get into the series soon. Who know, maybe I be lucky to get a surprise from my Secret Santa this year *wink* teehehee.

I've read many good thing about the Tairen Soul series, from friends (you know who you are *grin*)who highly recommend it. It's a fantasy romance, which I don't read a lot of - even though I have read a few in the past. Maybe reading the book, well make me want to go back and read fantasy again.

Here is the synopsis for Queen of Song and Souls by C.L Wilson:

ONLY TOGETHER COULD THEIR SOULS BE COMPLETE...
ONLY TOGETHER COULD THEY SURVIVE...
ONLY TOGETHER COULD THEY UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF THE PAST AND UNLEASH THEIR GREATEST MAGIC....

As war rages all around them, and the evil mages of Eld stand on the brink of triumph, Rain and Ellysetta must learn to trust completely in their love and in themselves, and embrace a forbidden power that will either destroy their world or save it.

The Tairen Soul series
1. Lord of the Fading Lands
2. Lady of Light and Shadows
3. King of Sword and Sky
4. Queen of Song and Souls

Weekend Books: Two in roll

2009-11-04T02:53:00.002-06:00

The following are books I've brought either last week or the week before it. I never post it than because I was so busy and didn't had time to do it. But now, I'm posting it and if you scroll down than you able to read the synopsis for each books. I'm familiar with Julia London, Shannon K Butcher, Lora Leigh and Shayla Black. These are the authors who I've read some of their books and like. However, Lisa Kleypas, Ava Gray and Louisa Edwards are "new to me authors" who I have discover from blog reader's reviews. I thanks those readers for tempting me to buy these three authors *grin*, THANKS! *grin*. Okay now read the Synopsis for each books below. You can also check author's website by clicking their names :) Happy Reading!

Skin Game by Ava Gray
A BEAUTIFUL FUGITIVE-WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE...
Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target's strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist-anything she wants...for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father's murder. With deadly Patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano's inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.

A HIT MAN WHO NEVER MISSES THE MARK...
Reyes has nothing but his work. Unfortunately for Kyra, he's the best-and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He's been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash-and bring her back to face Serrano's "justice." Dead will do if Reyes can't locate the loot. He's never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce passion and her outlaw heart. So Reyes faces a hell of a choice: forsake his world or kill the woman he might love.
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Finding the Lost (The Sentinel Wars series)
by Shannon K Butcher
They are the Sentinels: three races descendel from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes-the synestryn. Now a young woman must put faith in a warrior whose power frightens her even as it draws her in

Andra Madison knows that monsters are real. She's been fighting them ever since her family was victimized by the Synestryn eight years ago. Now she's devoted to finding children who've been abducted by the Synestryn. When she gets a call about a lost little boy, she tracks him to a warehouse on the out skirts of town, where she's aided by a trio of human men...or so she thinks.

Paul has been searching for centuries for a woman like Andra. To find her, he strikes a bargain with a bloodhunter that could cost him his life. Now his desire for Andra threatens to destroy his much-needed control. Against her wishes, Andra agrees to join Paul on a journey fraught with danger-one that leads directly to the Synestryn.
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A Courtesan's Scandal by Julia london
Kate Bergeron is the beautiful and mysterious former mistress of a cloth merchant...and the latest beauty to capture the interest of the Prince of Wales. Mired in a disastrous divorce, the Prince attempts to distract attention from his next amorous pursuit by ordering Grayson Christopher, the eligible Duke of Darlington, to pretend to London society that he is having an affair with Kate. When Grayson reluctantly agrees to his Prince's demand, he finds the lady no more willing than he is. Kate Will grudgingly act the part in public, but her favors are not for sale to any man. s Grayson and Kate mimic ardor for the world to see, they find what started as a deception becoming all too real. And when passion flames into love, their predicament becomes extreme. For while marriage between a duke and a courtesan could never happen, Kate knows in her heart that she is willing to accept nothing less...
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Tempt Me At Twilight by Lisa Kleypas
HE WAS EVERYTHING SHE'D SWORN TO AVOID...
Poppy Hathaway loves her unconventional family, thought she longs for normalcy. Then fate leads to a meeting with Harry Rutledge, an enigmatic hotel owner and inventor with wealth, power, and a dangerous hidden life. When their flirtation compromises her own reputation, Poppy shocks everyone by accepting his proposal-only to find that her new husband offers his passion, but not his trust.

AND SHE WAS EVERYTHING HE NEEDED...
Harry was willing to do anything to win Poppy-excepts to open his heart. All his life, he has held the world at arm's length...but the sharp, beguiling Poppy demands to be his wife in every way that matters. Still, as desire grows between them, an enemy lurks in the shadows. Now if Harry wants to keep Poppy by his side, he must forge a true union of body and soul, once and for all...
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Possess Me At Midnight
Doomsday Brethren Series, Book 3 — Ice’s story
by Shayla Black

As a mysterious dark cloud drains the life of her beloved brother, Doomsday Brethren leader Bram, Sabelle Rion can think of little else. Still, every time she meets Ice Rykard's intense green gaze, her body aches with need for the sexy warrior. Their attraction is explosive, incredible-and forbidden. As dangerous as he is unpredictable, Ice is her brother's sworn enemy. But as Bram weakens, a more sinister force is gaining power.

Evil Mathias and his ruthless Anarki army are on a bloodthirsty hunt for the Doomsday Diary. Sabelle must guard the potent book with her life-and Ice vows to protect the beautiful witch with his. Duty demands that Sabelle deny her lover's fiery call of possession and mate with a man who can sway the magical Council against the impending rebellion. With the fate of magickind hanging in the balance, will she forsake the burning desires she can't ignore or turn her back on her people for the courageous man she can't resist?
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Nauti Boy by Lora Leigh
Too weak to resist young Kelly Salyers's attempts at seductions, Rowdy Mackay left home eight years ago. Duty as a U.S. Marine put a safe distance between him and the temptation of the nubile Kentucky vixen. Now Rowdy's back home and ready to engage in the kind of erotic games that have earned him and his tow cousins a Nauti-boy reputation.

Once it was Kelly's dream, too, to feel the heat of the boy she desired. But an attack from a stalker still on the prowl has left Kelly terrified of a man's touch. Now as fear and desire converge, Rowdy fights to save her from the deadly threats of a stranger, to rid her of her demons and to satisfy a hunger more powerful than either can imagine.
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Can't Stand the Heat by Louisa Edwards
For sharp-tongued food critic Miranda Wake, the chance to spend a month in Adam Temple’s [LE1] kitchen to write an exposé is a journalistic dream come true. Surely Miranda can find a way to cut the hotshot chef down to size once she learns what really goes on at his trendy Manhattan restaurant. But she never expected Adam to find out her most embarrassing secret: she has no idea how to cook.

AND HE KNOWS JUST HOW TO SATISFY HER CRAVINGS...
Adam’s not about to have his reputation burned by a critic who doesn’t even know the difference between poaching and paring. He’ll just have to give the tempting redhead a few private lessons of his own—teaching her what it means to cook with passion…and doing more with his hands than simply preparing sumptuous food.

Books I won:
Also, below are books that I've won from a contest. I thanks the authors and blog's readers for given me these wonderful prizes! And this weekend I'm going to grab my copy of Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts, very soon!:

~~ Winter Kiss (A Dragonfire novel) by Deborah Cooke
~~ The Angel and the Highlander by Donna Fletcher
~~ Hit Reply by Rocki St. Claire aka Roxanne St. Claire
~~ Thrill Me to Death by Roxanne St. Claire

50 Book Challenge:July, August, September & October

2009-11-01T18:25:00.005-06:00

I am WAY behind in posting the books that I've read for each months. I missed posting about 3 months of books (not counting Oct). Now I be putting up the list, including books from October. From July, August, September and October - I've read total of 38 books! I only managed to read 3 books in October, but I'm just so close in reaching my 50 books for the challenge! YAY!

My friend, Darla is joining in the 50 Books Challenge, too. If you would like to see some of her review, please visit her blog....here. You just have to search from archive.

Below is the list of books I've read. If you click the titles of each books, you be able to see review.

July:
32. One Scream Away by Kate Brody - 5 stars

August:
33. Just Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James - 4 stars

September:
34. Harry Potter : And the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling - 4 stars
35. Sex, Lies and Online Dating by Rachel Gibson - 4 stars

October:
36. Heartsick by Chelsea Cain - 5 stars (joint-reading w/Melody)
37. Black Hills by Nora Roberts - 4 stars (joint-reading w/Alice
38. Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James