The Reading Spot

A Time to Die by Beverly Barton
Ten years ago, Black Ops commando Deke Bronson's bullet left up-and-coming journalist Lexie Murrough paralyzed. It's taken years of painful physical therapy to bring Lexie back from the brink. And Deke is just grateful that she has no memory of his part in the incident that left her injured and him emotionally scarred. He's tried to put the past behind him, leaving the military and joining the Dundee Agency, but he's never been able to forgive himself.…
When Lexie, now head of an international charity organization, begins receiving terrifying threats from the son of the dictator killed during that long-ago operation, it's Deke who's assigned to keep her safe from harm.
Maybe it's fate's way of giving him another chance, but falling for Lexie isn't supposed to be part of the deal. And what if she finally discovers the truth?

This book was pretty good. Not awesome like some of her others but pretty good. There were lots of things that i liked about it, nothing that I hated, but nothing that I absolutely loved either. I liked that I did not know who the bad guy was (had an inkling but was not sure) . I liked that there was some angst with Deke and his feelings (but not whiny) for shooting Lexie but he did not dwell over it too much. He got over it to get the girl. Steamy, but not as hot as some of her other books. All around decent book, but nothing I am jumping up and down and saying "go buy this book".

Labels: contemporary, suspense

Well, i went to the doctor yesterday and today. For a sonogram of the baby and about the lump in my breast. The baby is doing great. I got to see (him/her) and (he/she) was wiggling all over the place. And I got to see the little heartbeat and everything. So cute. The doctors think the lump in my breast is a benign tumor of some sort. I have to make another appointment with a general surgeon to find out what he thinks we should do about it (biopsy, remove now or wait until after the baby is born). But that is my news for the week. I have to go clean my house now while a friend is watching my kids.


Strong and Sexy by Jill Shalvis
n a family of serious over-achievers, Shayne Mahoney has always been the laid-back, easy-going rebel. But running Sky High Air—a charter airline catering to the rich and famous—is a dream come true, in-flight specials included. Like kissing his client’s beautiful, brainy daughter in a coat closet. But before Shayne can say “Fasten Your Seatbelts,” Dani claims to witness a murder, gets stalked in her own apartment, and as added bonus, gets them both shot at by a mystery sniper. Normally Shayne would be running from the obviously crazy woman, and yet he finds himself trying to help her, leaving him to doubt his own sanity…
There’s a reason Dani never attends her mother’s high society parties. The fake people, the shallow conversation—and the fact that she doesn’t fit in. She’s a zoologist, not a starlet, and happy about it, even if she wishes men like ruggedly handsome Shayne Mahoney would spare her a second glance. Of course, dodging bullets isn’t exactly what she’d call the perfect follow-up to their heated kiss, but Shayne makes it clear she can depend on him. All she has to do is hold on tight to his delicious hard body until the ride is over…

This is the second book in a trilogy. The first book is Smart and Sexy. Each book of the trilogy features a pilot who flies private planes for Sky High Airlines. This book was fun to read. It was a nice change from the books that I had been reading lately. I still cannot wait for the next book, Superb and Sexy, the long awaited story of Brody and Maddie.

Labels: contemporary

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas. I did, I got an IPOD, I am so excited. my hubby has had one for a while but he bought me one for Christmas. I also got a bunch of maternity clothes, some new movies and a Borders giftcard, so I did really good. My family had a good time except for my hubby, he was so sick and still is but still had to go to work. I have my first sonagram on Friday so Keep me in your prayers please. After a normal sonagram the doctor says that my chances for a miscarriage goes down to like 9%. I had a miscarriage about two years ago so that is a worry.
Well, here are a couple of books that i am just getting around to posting about.



Menage A Magick (Wizard Twins Book 1) by Lora Leigh
She was to be the filling in a Wizard Sandwich. For a millennia, the Covenani Sorceresses of planet Sentmar have been separated from the Cauldaran Wizards, their natural mates. Deceit and blood have forced a reunion; destiny and passion have forced a bond. Brianna, youngest of the Princesses of Covenani, will be a consort to two handsome, virile Wizards. Will the union be forged in desire and love, or will she deny the union, as well as the two men who are bound to her, hearts and souls?

Well, this was one of the books that I read when I was offline and I got the second one last week, so I figured I would post about both. This one was a good beginning to the series (I think a trilogy). It is not very long. I found it at my ubs. It was decent but either i am getting really tired of menage or I did not like this book as much as some of her others.

When Wizards Rule (Wizard Twins Book 2) by Lora Leigh
Desperate to avoid a Joining with the wickedly handsome Sashtain Twins, Marina escapes them at every turn. Relentless, they plague her days and torment her dreams-wickedly erotic dreams that make her body pulse with the promise of dark desires revealed and a sexual heat that will send her up in flames. But when the hated Seculars gain in strength and dark magic weaves an insidious, invisible threat to all she holds dear, she discovers there is more to be gained by aligning her magick with the Sashtain Wizards than she thought. Caise and Kai'el Sashtain, focused solely on convincing the innocent young Sorceress to bond with them, get a lot more than they anticipated. Marina unknowingly weaves her magick spell on them-a sensual spell that pulls them into a vortex of churning emotions, forcing them to decisions that could alter all their lives. Dark magick is terrorizing the land, no one is safe, all become suspect, and trusting her Wizards with her heart, body and soul is a lesson Marina has to learn before all is lost.

Okay, gotta say this cover looks much better than the cover that is on mine. Well, the storyline was a little better with this one (it helped that it was much longer) but the relationship in this one was same story second verse from the first book.

Labels: fantasy, magic

Down Home Zombie Blues by Linnea Sinclair
In this steamy, suspenseful new novel from RITA Award–winning author Linnea Sinclair, a dangerously sexy space commander and an irresistibly earthy Florida police detective pair up to save the civilized galaxy . . . but can they save themselves from each other?
Bahia Vista homicide detective Theo Petrakos thought he’d seen it all. Then a mummified corpse and a room full of futuristic hardware sends Guardian Force commander Jorie Mikkalah into his life. Before the night’s through, he’s become her unofficial partner—and official prisoner—in a race to save the earth. And that’s only the start of his troubles. Jorie’s mission is to stop a deadly infestation of biomechanical organisms from using Earth as its breeding ground. If she succeeds, she could save a world and win a captaincy. But she’ll need Theo’s help, even if their unlikely partnership does threaten to set off an intergalactic incident. Because if she fails, she’ll lose not just a planet and a promotion, but a man who’s become far more important to her than she cares to admit.

I just finished this today as I am stuck in my bed with morning sickness. It has passed for the moment so I am leaving in a moment to run some errands while I have a break. But I wanted to start this post so I would not forget about it. This was a long book. If you adore sci-fi then you will probably love this book. I like sci-fi but for me it dragged. The storyline was good, but it seemed to take a long tome for anything to happen. This was not a bad book but I like some of her others much better. It could be my own preferences because when it comes to sci-fi I prefer futuristic, not aliens come to present-day Earth.

Anyway, I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and I will see you after the holiday.

Labels: sci-fi

Brazen by Maya Banks
One womans campaign to win the hearts of the two men she loves. Jasmine left the Sweetwater Ranch and the Morgan brothers, no longer able to bear the painful dilemma of loving them both. After a year away, in which she gains new perspective, she returns home with one goal. To make Seth and Zane Morgan hers. Jaz may have left an innocent girl, but she's returned a beautiful, sensual woman. Seth and Zane aren't prepared for the full on assault she launches and each battle an attraction they've fought for years. She wants them both, but Seth has no intention of sharing his woman. It's up to her to change his mind because she can't and won't choose between two men she loves with equal passion. For her, it's all or nothing.

I bought this e-book the other day and read it yesterday, in one sitting. Very good. It is a nice change of pace for menage stories. Usually it is two guys looking for a third but this one was a girl trying to form a menage with her two guys of choice. It was a good story, not all sex, good storyline, kept me interested.

Labels: contemporary

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy Book 1) by Rachelle Mead
St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . . Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

I have had this from the library for a while just got to reading it. I enjoyed it. I don't think I loved it as much as Stephanie Meyer's series, but I thought it was good.

Labels: paranormal, vampires, young adult

Sexy Devil by Sasha White

"The Devil Inside"
Workaholic Caleb Mann used to think blind dates were a waste of time, but when his ex-girlfriend calls him boring in bed, Caleb becomes bent on changing his image fast - with the help of the incredibly sexy woman standing in front of him. He barely knows his date's name, but her sassy mouth is almost hypnotizing, in more ways than one, and he can't stop fantasizing about replacing the sleek motorcycle between her firm thighs and letting her ride him all night long...

"Devil's Jewel" Ex-soldier and psychic hunter Angelo Devlin has seen evil first-hand. He knows how perilous his assignments can be, and he doesn't welcome outside help, which makes his run-in with Jewel Kattalis all the more infuriating. But instead of sending her away, he wants to grab her, take her, and tease every inch of her beautiful body. This woman may be more dangerous than any mission he's ever been on before...

I LOVE this cover. It is a little much in that I cannot read it in front of my kids but in private, I love this cover. The stories were really good as well. The heroine in the first story and the hero in the second story are brother and sister. They both come from a family loaded with psychic abilities. They are also a nice combination of stories. The first story is more of your straight contemp story with some psychic ability thrown in. The second has a little action and fighting in it for a nice change of pace. There is also a bonus story in it at the end. It ties up a loose end of a character who is briefly introduced in the first story. Very good book.

Labels: contemporary, psychic

Jacob's Faith (Wolf Breeds book 2) by Lora Leigh
They are a new breed, a new race. Engineered rather than born, trained rather than raised, and their unique genetics have created more than one surprise...
Jacob left Faith six years before, unaware that the mark he left on her also left her in an agony of sexual heat that never dimmed. Now Jacob and Faith are together again, but surprises lurk around every corner and dangers as dark and deadly as their very creation surround them in more ways than one.

I finally got to read this. I know that there is another one before it, but I got this one used so I was not going to complain. I kind of reminds me of Kiss of Heat though with him leaving her for 6 years and stuff. Not my favorite of the series, but I love the Breeds.

Labels: Breed, paranormal

I went a little crazy (well at least for me) and bought a bunch of books this week. I went to my ubs and bought
Sexy Devil by Sasha White
When Wizards Rule by Lora Leigh
Tanner's Scheme by Lora Leigh (already read but did not own)

Then I went online and bought three e-books from Samhain
Brazen by Maya Banks
Hara's Legacy by Bianca D'Arc
Love Me Still by Maya Banks

I went ahead and read Love Me Still because it is a short story. It is only 56 pages but it was a good story. It is in print in an anthology called The Perfect Gift. The story and the others in the anthology are on sale right now for the holidays for $2.25 and I really love her writing so I grabbed it.

Love Me Still by Maya Banks

Forgiveness is the most difficult thing to give but the most cherished thing to receive.

A story from The Perfect Gift

Beloved mate to two wolves, Heather lived an idyllic life until hunters destroyed the pack’s peaceful existence.

Believing their mate betrayed them and was responsible for their father’s death, Cael and Riyu cut Heather from their lives. But when they realize their terrible mistake, can they ever gain her forgiveness and win back her love?

This was a very nice story. There are no sex scenes in the story, but there is a committed menage relationship and is a story about forgiveness. Heather's mates are shape shifters and she is a human living with their pack as their mate. The men's father is murdered and his last words are about Heather's betrayal. So when she shows up they cast her off. She all the while declaring her innocence. I really enjoyed it and thought it was well written.

Labels: paranormal, shape-shifter

Well sorry it has been a while, this week has been insane and it is spreading into the week as well. I have my first prego check up on Friday. Zeek is having a contest on her page giving away some cool books, stop on by. I have other books I want to write about but have not had time to post them yet, hopefully soon. But here are two that I just finished that I really enjoyed. These two books are best read in order.

Dragon Heat (Dragon series book 1) by Allyson James
Lisa Singleton has an unusual roommate-a fifty-foot dragon named Caleb who has glittering scales and a bad attitude. Little does she know that Caleb is actually a powerful warrior sent to protect her from those out to steal her magic and destroy the world. Or that Caleb can take the human form of a sexy hunk. Now, if he doesn't stop distracting her with those gorgeous bedroom eyes, they may not have time to stop their enemies before all of existence is wiped out. At least Lisa and Caleb will have savored every last minute.


The Black Dragon (Dragon series book 2) by Allyson James
When Saba Watanabe is attacked by white dragons in human form on the streets of San Francisco, the only man she can turn to for help is the dangerously seductive Malcolm, a black dragon who once made Saba his love slave. But it's Saba who must use her rising powers to save Malcolm-and all of his kind.

I really liked both books. But probably I liked the second one more, I think it is the whole bad boy thing. Because in the first book he is the "bad guy" and in the second he is the hero. I love books like that. The first book is a nice story but I liked the storyline of the second one better and you are building relationships with the characters because they all appear in the first book and then again in the second. But very good books.

Labels: dragons, magic, paranormal

Well, I went to the doctor today and he confirmed that i am pregnant!! I do not know if I can do this again but I guess God knows best. No, we were not trying, it was a surprise. We have not told the other two yet we are waiting until I get further along.
I also got a good confirmation. I have a pain in my breast that I have had for about 14 years. The doctors all said that it was a "tenderness" or that it was related to my pregnancy or it was related to my menstral cycle. Over the years it has gotten worse though and I asked to doctor (different doctor) about it again today and he did a breast exam on me and found the spot and said it felt like a cyst. I can feel it when I do my exams but I know what and where I am looking. So he is going to talk with my OB/GYN when i go to them about what my options are. Finally.
Honestly why I have had it so long is my own fault. One, i hate going to the doctor so I never make appointments (unless pregnant) and two, I am timid enough not to fight or argue with the doctor.
On a more distressing note, the doctor did say that he wanted me to completely cut out caffeine, including chocolate!!!!!!!! I do not know if I can handle that. My hubby said that maybe we can work out a rationing of the chocolate, like one a week, but I do not think that is going to cut it. this is going to be a long pregnancy.

Update: If you want a too funny Christmas song go read this.
Another addition: A friend emailed this video to me and I do not know how to put it on my blog but i will give you the link, it is hilarious.

Labels: misc

The Faerie Path (Book 1 of the Faerie Path) by Frewin Jones

Swept away into a court of magic and beauty, she discovers she is Tania, the lost princess of Faerie: the youngest daughter of Oberon and Titania. Since Tania's mysterious disappearance on the eve of her wedding five hundred years before, Faerie has been sunk in darkness and gloom. The courtly Lord Gabriel Drake, who Tania was once to marry, has found her and brought her back.
With Tania's return, Faerie comes alive again as a land of winged children, glittering balls, and fantastic delights. But Tania can't forget Anita's world, or the boy she loved there.
Torn between two loves and between two worlds, Tania slowly comes to discover why she disappeared so long ago. She possesses a singular magical ability and she must use it to stop a sinister plan that threatens the entire world of Faerie.

I read this book while I was on internet hiatus and really enjoyed it. It was a cool story and I was anxious for the second book. Which I got this week and already read. The story has some romance in it but that is not the primary focus of the story. The main focus is her goal to try to understand what happened to her and accept that she is actually a faerie princess for real and that Faerie does exist and it needs her help.
It is not anything deep or dark but an light interesting story.

The Lost Queen (Book 2 of the Faerie Path) by Frewin Jones

Tania is a princess of Faerie.
And now she must return to the Mortal World.
Once upon a time, Tania was an ordinary girl. But then she was swept into another world, where she was the long-lost princess of the elegant and magical court of Faerie, and only she could save the court from great peril.
Now Tania—and her true love, Edric—will go back to the Mortal Realm to seek Queen Titania, lost hundreds of years ago while searching for Tania.
Their return leads to struggles with Tania's much-loved mortal parents and friends as she and Edric try to conceal their secret. But much more serious dangers lurk: The sinister Lord Drake is not yet defeated, they are pursued by dark supernatural forces, and Tania's two worlds are about to collide in amazing and frightening ways she never could have anticipated.

This was a quick read (the book is thick but the print is pretty large) but definitely the second in the trilogy. You know, the book that is the transition book. Some stuff happens that needs to happen to finish the story, but it is really killing time until you get the third book and the climax. There was no real climax in the book unless you count the very end (like the last page).
Book 3, The Sorcerer King comes out in hardback the end of January.

Labels: fantasy, sidhe, young adult

Heart Dance by Robin D. Owens

DuFleur Thyme is a scientist who's secretly experimenting with time. She'll allow no distractions from her work-not even from a HeartMate. Meanwhile, Saille T'Willow has sent his HeartGift out into the world in hopes of finding his HeartMate, who, it turns out, is DuFleur. Still, DuFleur wants nothing to do with Saille, especially when she discovers that it was his grandmother who brought about her father's ruin. Unfortunately, her body can't help but submit to the passion he stirs in her. But when a scandal threatens Saille's position as head of the family, will DuFleur stand by his side?

This is the sixth book in the series and I love this series. It is a great story and told in a really great world. The characters that have evolved and been born in this series are wonderful. I highly recommend if you have not read them and enjoy fantasy romance. The first in the series is called Heart Mate. The only other one I have posted about is the previous book, Heart Quest.

Labels: fantasy, psychic

Atlantis Awakening (Warriors of Poseidon Book 2) by Alyssa Day

To rescue the world from an overwhelming evil, Poseidon's warriors have risen from Atlantis. Chief among them is Ven, serving as the King's Vengeance by birthright and by battle challenge. None can conquer him--except perhaps for one human female....
The Warrior... Ven's mind is filled with duty. He must serve as Atlantean liaison to the humans in a war waged against the vampires. A sword is his weapon--not diplomacy. But on a mission to recover the Nereid's heart--a ruby of immense power--it will take every ounce of strength he possesses to resist the sexual allure of the beautiful witch chosen to work with him.
And the Witch... Erin's heart is filled with vengeance. She lives only for the chance at revenge against those who murdered her family. Now she must partner with a legendary Atlantean warrior whose dark desire threatens to crash through the barriers built around her emotions--and her heart. Caught in the trap of shifting alliances, how long can Ven and Erin resist their awakening passion?

Dark forces beware: Atlantis is awakening.

This was an awesome book. I enjoyed it much more than book 1. This is actually the third story in the series. The first is the book, Atlantis Rising (Con and Riley's story) and the second story is in the anthology Wild Thing (and is Bastien and ??? can't remember her name at the moment).
I thought it was a good all round story. Had action, good story line, did not drag, nice love scenes, and an HEA and not predictable. Worked for me.

Labels: Atlantis, magic, paranormal

Well I am sitting up procrastinating about cleaning my house. I have to do it, but I keep saying i will do it later. I am having a jewelry party at my house tomorrow/today/Sunday (it is late), so the house has to look presentable. I also have some cool news but I will tell you about that later.
Ran around all morning. My oldest daughter was in the city Christmas parade earlier today then we had about 10 minutes to rush home, change into her soccer uniform and race to the field for her team pictures and then a game. We made it, barely. She had a great time at both events so it was worth it.
Well I really should go clean, on with the review.



Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole

Her breathless kiss haunts him...
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed -- until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible...
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.
No deed is too wicked for her seduction...
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul -- or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?

This is the third full book in the "Immortals After Dark" series. This is a great series and helpful if read in order. For more info about it click here. I just finished it tonight and really enjoyed it. Bowen has issues but he is trying to change to win Mari and does not whine about it like Deke does in Decadent (now that I think about it that is one reason I did not like that book as much as the first one, he was whiny).
The characters are a good match, they made me want to keep reading. A couple of times I was not quite following the story during the Hie and the trapping in the cave. I do not know if it was because I was tired or it was difficult to follow. I will have to re-read it later when I have had more sleep. If you have read it please let me know.

Labels: immortals, magic, paranormal, werewolves

Fire and Ice by Jerri Drennen

He’s a hunky fire investigator, she creates ice sculptures—when these two get together things can’t help but sizzle.
Fire investigation is Knox Manning’s passion, that is until he meets the suspect in his latest arson case. The moment he locks eyes with Melanie Sharp’s powder blue gaze his knees buckle—a foreign reaction to the six-foot-two fireman. Thing is, the woman is trouble with a capital “T”. Messing with her could cost him his job and his sanity. That’s what his mind says anyway, too bad his body isn’t listening.
Melanie’s a talent, an up-and-comer in the cultured art world and a woman with a less than stellar past. When one of her promotional fliers is found at the scene of a burned out house, she suddenly finds herself the focus of an arson investigation. One led by a dark-haired man who scares her as much as he thrills her. The house blaze had been set, but not by Melanie. She’s determined to prove that to Knox, who has suddenly become the catalyst of her secret sexual fantasies—igniting an inferno so intense she’s afraid of sustaining third-degree burns.

This was a nice quick read. I would not classify it as the best thing I have read but it was nice. It kept my interest and was satisfyingly steamy. Plus I love the cover.

Labels: contemporary