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The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi
For John Dodge, moving to new places and reviving ailing businesses is a way of life. So when he sees an ad for Scriveners, a stationery shop in a small town in South Carolina, he decides to take the plunge. As soon as he arrives in Lambert's Corner, Dodge falls happily into the whirl of gossip, gifts, and quintessential Southern hospitality. Link Kay, one of his employees, warms up to him after Dodge admires his expertise on pens. Bean Hurt-a feisty and outspoken ten-year-old-becomes a fast friend. And Maude Golden, the mayor, supplies him with indispensable information. But the one person who really catches Dodge's eye is Julia Darrow-the beautiful but aloof pajama-wearing owner of the Cocoon, a popular store specializing in luxury linens. Dodge tries to befriend her, but she remains elusive and mysterious. Everyone knows that she is a widow, but no one seems to know why she came to town or why she never leaves Lambert Square-or does she? Like Dodge, Chicago-born Julia is fleeing a tumultuous past. But with the help of a hilarious and endearing cast of characters, Julia and Dodge learn that, sometimes, you don't need to go far to find home.
Awesome book. I had a hard time putting it down to get stuff done (driving kids to practice and cooking etc.). If you read this normally you know that I love steamy books and there are not too many that I read that have little steam factor. This one has very little steam factor but that does not detract for me and it had a wonderful storyline. I loved that characters. It is a great small town romance. The dialogue and characters had me laughing out loud and sharing lines with my hubby (who just looked at me funny) and other friends who I now have to lend the book to. The only downside is that it is hardback and does not come out until Valentine's Day.
My pregnancy is going well. I got the hear the heartbeat this week. I had a biopsy done on Friday of the mass in my breast. That was uncomfortable. It was not very painful for me, thank goodness, but he had to make an incision and now I have tape on my breast that itches. I hope that everyone is doing well. My hubby turned 30 this week so that was a fun birthday to celebrate. I read another really cool book that I am going to post about tomorrow night. But here is another one.
Beautiful Girl by Shiloh Walker
Sometimes getting to heaven requires a trip through hell.
Twelve years ago, it looked like Del Prescott had it all. The wealthy family, the car, the looks and charm, and the perfect boyfriend. Then, mysteriously, she disappeared to “study abroad.” Now she’s back, and it’s not merely to attend a high school reunion. She’s here to face her demons—and Blake, the man she has never stopped loving.
Blake Mitchell is a changed man, thanks to surviving twelve long years of difficulties that began after Del dropped out of his life. Now she’s back, and she’s nothing like the polished, stylish world traveler he imagined she’d be. There’s a darkness about her, and a grim expression in her eyes that says she’s prepared for fight or flight.
Blake’s concern for her breaks down the walls Del has built around her heart and she finally begins to heal from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her own family. But the betrayal goes deeper than either of them ever imagined—and it’s about to come back to haunt them.
Heart of Honor by Kat Martin
Krista Hart, publisher of the weekly London ladies' gazette Heart to Heart, is not afraid to speak her mind. Even on such unpopular issues as social reform--risking her reputation and her very safety--Krista will not be intimidated, although she knows full well she is the target of angry opposition for her outspoken views.
When she encounters a powerful Viking descendant imprisoned as a local sideshow attraction, Krista angrily demands his release. Although she tells herself that freeing Leif Draugr is simply the right thing to do, she can't deny being attracted to the fierce Nordic chieftain, especially after her father transforms him into a "proper" English gentleman.
But as anonymous threats against Krista become more and more aggressive, it is Leif who must face the unseen enemies desperate to silence her, even as they push her closer into the embrace of a warrior prepared to do whatever it takes to make her his.
I got this from the library when I heard that Heart of Fire just came out and this one comes before it. It was good. I liked the heat between the hero and heroine. And I liked the ending. Good book. If you have a chance to read it, I would.
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As a viscount's daughter, vivacious Coralee Whitmore is perfectly placed to write about London's elite in the outspoken ladies' gazette, Heart to Heart. But beneath her fashionable exterior beats the heart of a serious journalist.
So when her sister's death is dismissed as suicide, Corrie vows to uncover the truth, suspecting the notorious Earl of Tremaine was Laurel's lover and the father of her illegitimate child. Corrie infiltrates Castle Tremaine posing as a wide-eyed country relation whose charming figure— and reduced circumstances—make her irresistible to the confirmed scoundrel. But Corrie finds the earl is not all he seems…nor is she immune to his charms, however much she despises his caddish ways.
Far from a society column, Corrie's life soon reads more like one of Mr. Dickens's serials. But the danger of her ruse is hardly fictional: someone is bent on ensuring Corrie's questions go unanswered—and unasked.
I found this book on the used books table at the library, what luck! I really enjoyed it. I think that I liked it better than the first. Good trilogy/series so far. Cannot wait for the next book. We got a glimpse of the characters for the next book in this one. Lots of spark. You do not need to read the first book to read this one. They are linked by characters so they go together, but they are both stand alone books. These were fun historical reads. The characters were smart and entertaining and the storyline kept me interested.
Labels: historical
Pleasures of the Night (Dream Guardians Book 1) by Sylvia Day
In the Twilight between sleep and consciousness, a battle rages between Dream Guardians and Nightmares. Captain Aidan Cross is a legend, as skilled in fulfilling erotic dreams as he is with the glaive that kills his enemies. Women see Aidan as part of their fantasies . . . except Lyssa Bates. Exquisite, desirable, enigmatic Lyssa perplexes this immortal seducer because she sees him as he really is. And as he attempts to unravel her secrets the unthinkable occurs: Aidan Cross falls in love. Lyssa has been having the most incredible dreams about a man whose blue eyes hold the promise of decadent pleasures and tempting intimacies. And then he appears on her doorstep! This intoxicating stranger is just as irresistible as the man of her dreams . . . but with her surrender there is also grave danger . . . Because Aidan is on a mission, and the passion that consumes them body and soul could have dire consequences. Loving the mortal woman prophesied to destroy Aidan's world is not only impossible . . it is forbidden.
Heat of the Night (Dream Guardians Book 2) by Sylvia Day He is a vision from every woman's erotic fantasies. Existing in the twilight beneath sleep and consciousness, Connor brings them decadent pleasures, fueled by their sexual energy. But violence and strife now tear apart both worlds, and Connor must embark upon a quest into the mortal realm . . . and into the arms of one intoxicating enchantress.
Stacey Daniels has always been attracted to the wrong type of men—and the muscular, Viking-like champion on her front doorstep is no exception. She can hardly believe the wounded warrior is from another world, a world where erotic dreams are needed to survive, a world of terrible danger that has followed him to her home. Connor finds solace in her passion, but only time will tell if he can defeat the dark foe who hunts them . . . and if Stacey can surrender to the promise he offers with every electrifying touch.
Good series. A friend of mine collects them and lets me borrow her copies to read. I am enjoying it. It is different that your typical paranormal vamps and shifters. Not as much action in the second book as the first. Very hot love scenes. I think that i like the first book better but the second one was good. I look forward to the next one. Labels: dreams, paranormal
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She doesn't know what bit her...Seemingly overnight, Claire Morgan has transformed: the normally mousy schoolteacher is now bold, and her behavior is truly wild. Her eyes gleam silver. Suddenly she's a self-confident femme fatale with a libido that just won't quit. After an impulsive makeover, she's even...dare she say it?...sexy. Is Claire going insane?
Then brutally handsome stranger Gideon March tells her she was bitten by a werewolf, and Claire figures he's the insane one. Sure, she was attacked by a nasty dog in a back alley, but this guy stalking her says he's a member of an underground society of lycan hunters -- and his mission is to kill her immediately.
When Claire finally realizes she really is a lycan, there's no turning back -- because by now Claire and Gideon are bound by a hungry passion. If they can't break the curse by the next full moon, Claire's soul will be lost forever and Gideon will be forced to terminate his prey -- a woman dangerously close to devouring him, heart and soul.
This is a debut by this author. I got it for the cover and the fact that it was a werewolf book. It was good, I liked it. It is a story of a newly turned lycan and a lycan hunter. He is obligated to kill her at first chance but cannot get himself to do it. He is tired of killing and wants to try to help instead. Of course they are inexplicably drawn to each other. The love scenes were nice and steamy.
There is a second book called Kiss of a Dark Moon that comes out in September about the hero's sister who is sort of a hunter. Labels: paranormal, werewolves
Sucker Bet (Vegas Vampires Book 4) by Erin McCarthy
A night of indulgence can feel like an eternity. Gwenna Carrick has a history-900 years of it. As the vampiress ex-wife of the notorious vampire Roberto Donatelli, she must keep a low profile. Not easy when you're bathed in the neon glow of Las Vegas-especially when there's a whole online group of vampire slayers bent on dealing you your last hand.
A wild night with a stranger was not in the cards for Gwenna. But that's what happened when she met the ruggedly handsome detective Nate Thomas. Their passion made her feel alive again. But when Donatelli catches wind of the tryst, he's determined to clean house, with Nate the first on his to-off list. Gwenna knows she hit the jackpot with Nate and won't let anyone stand in the way. But both soon realize they have far more enemies than Donatelli- both on the strip and underground.
Fun book I enjoy this series. They are fun light hearted vampire books. This one was no exception. If you like this series, this is a good addition.
Any Way You Want It by Kathy Love
Maggie Gallagher spends her nights with lots of men. Of course, they’re all dead composers, but why nitpick? Her love life is just like the musical compositions she researches—undiscovered. It’s time for Maggie to let loose and go wild. In a dive bar on Bourbon Street, Maggie makes a real find in the house band’s keyboard player. He’s hot. Sexy. Flirtatious. Soulful. And she could swear he’s playing an unknown piece she’s been researching, which is impossible, unless he’s dead… Centuries before he was a badass vampire with a rock-star wardrobe and Big Easy charm, Ren was Renauldo D’Antoni, a composer on the verge of great success until he was betrayed. No one could ever know that, but tonight, the shy strawberry blonde with the big eyes and obviously borrowed outfit actually seemed to recognize his long-lost composition. Now, she wants to know about the composition, and Ren wants to know her…intimately. But what starts as attraction—and distraction—just might lead to the biggest discovery of their lives…
This was different in that he was not a traditional vampire but a lampir which is like an energy vampire. They get strength by siphoning energy off of the people around them. I expected them the spend more time on the fact that he was this composer from long ago, but they mainly just used it to prove how old he was. It did come up a couple of other times, just not as many as I expected. I enjoyed this one. It was a nice read , not spectacular, but enjoyable.
My pregnancy is going well. I am supposed to go in for a biopsy next week on the mass. Sorry if I am quiet lately around blogland. I am reading your posts, just not always commenting. This is the end of the grading period so all of our grades are due this week. So I will see you around, thank for coming. :)
Darkling (Sisters of the Moon Book 3) by Yasmine Galenorn
The D'Artigo sisters, Camille, Delilah, and Menolly, are half-human, half- Fae operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. When humans begin to go missing, then turn up as newly born vampires, Menolly- an acrobat extraordinaire-turned-vampire- must face the demons haunting her memories.
This is the third in the series. I thought it was going to be a trilogy, but I was wrong. The first two books are Witchling and Changeling. This book was not exactly what I was expecting. It was good just not what I was expecting. I forgot about her quote on her site that said that these books are actually urban fantasy not necessarily romance. The biggest thing that threw me for a loop was that fact that Menolly was bi. After thinking about it I vaguely remember that from the other books but totally forgot. So if that totally turns you off you will need to skip a page or two. The sex scenes were not totally descriptive but they were not closed door either. All of the books are in first person which I know also turns some people off. Each book is told from a different sister's perspective. I like the series but I do not think that they are ones that I am going to collect. At this moment I will get them from the library. If the library stops getting them, then I will re-evaluate.
Bond of Fire (Texas Vampires Book 2) by Diane Whiteside
Ever since they saw each other across a glittering ballroom centuries ago, Jean-Marie St. Just and Hélène d’Agelet have loved each other. Yet no matter how passionate their attachment, it’s always been blocked by demands of duty and honor that neither can break. Jean-Marie, conceived for profit then tormented for decades before being saved by the vampire knight Don Rafael, would rather die than betray the only family he’s ever known. Hélène, firestarter and British secret agent, longs to regain a simpler life, while always haunted by an unsettled legacy of family ghosts and eternal evil.
Now Jean-Marie and Hélène face each other over something far stronger than ancient ecstasies: Jean-Marie is determined to kill Hélène’s sister, Madame Celeste – the vampire Queen of New Orleans – before she can destroy Jean-Marie’s family.
But for Hélène, that means choosing between the love of her life—or murdering her own flesh-and-blood…
I like this cover, it is very 1920s to me. This book is unique in that I can safely say that it is both historical and contemporary. the first half of the book takes place in the late 1700s during the time of the French Revolution. That is when our Hero and Heroine first meet.
I would say that you is a big help is you read the Bond of Blood (which I read during my internet leave) before this one. There is another book in the series called The Hunter's Prey but it is not really necessary for the storyline. It is more an added bonus if you know the characters. The book is a series of erotic encounters that the various main characters have (not really with each other but with mortals they are feeding on). So if you want short steamy erotic vampire encounters that is good.
Okay, now back to the book.
I enjoyed it, there was a lot of story to it that got you trying to figure out how it was going to end. Ms Whiteside has a unique voice. I love her Devil series, but I am not sure if I am totally sold on this series. Labels: contemporary, historical, vampires
Well, I have succumbed to the North and South movie. I finally got to finish it tonight. I loved it. I would say if you enjoy Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice then you will love this one as well. The storyline was excellent, it was about 4 hours long but it kept you interested and was very well written. You cared about the characters and wanted to see the outcome of the story. The actors were wonderful and all fit their parts beautifully. Richard Armitage was beautiful. I had not seen him in anything yet, but I will be on the look out for him now. I borrowed this from the library, I was extremely fortunate that they had it. I love my library. But the next thing I want to see they do not have so I am wondering if it is okay to ask for for a baby shower (my birthday has already past and Christmas is too far, baby shower is the next thing I can ask for gifts for).
I really want to see the BBC Robin Hood series. 
Richard Armitage is in this as well, but I have always loved the story of Robin Hood since I was a child. It was my favorite Disney cartoon and this version was my absolute favorite show
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A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town's first cop, he does so knowing it's time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she's got some fears she can't escape—but now she has someone who will show her just what it means to trust again.
Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she's so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.
Well, I got this from the library while I am waiting for the second book, Shelter Mountain, and got tired of waiting for the second one so I went ahead and read the third one. The first one, Virgin River, was awesome and I loved it, so I was anxious to read the rest of the trilogy. I am usually one whole is a stickler for reading the series in order but I gave in this time. I do not think there was much that I did not pick up from the context and from reading the excerpt about the second book. So I am still awaiting the second book. I enjoyed this one but I still liked the first book more. Labels: contemporary
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Jilted at the altar, Breanne impulsively sets off alone for the fabulously exclusive honeymoon suite (after all, Dean had already paid for it) at a luxurious retreat in the rugged Sierras. But no staff greet her upon her arrival, her luggage is still in San Francisco, a blizzard has cut off power and any thought of escape, and, worst of all, her suite is already inhabited--by a tall, enigmatic, and furious stranger. Gradually Cooper and Breanne forge an alliance of sorts, fueled mostly by their immediate appreciation of each others' physical attributes, but attraction swiftly grows into friendship mixed with exasperation as they find themselves curious about each other's secrets and those the motley collection of staff are trying so desperately--and unsuccessfully--to hide. Shalvis skillfully mixes the bizarre with the poignant and the hilarious in this deliciously creepy romp, while three totally mismatched couples eventually find true love as well as an adventure worthy of sharing with their grandchildren. Lynne Welch Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
This is a cute book with some fun mystery. I enjoyed it. I love Ms Shalvis's book they are always a lot of fun with witty banter and humorous situations that they get into. Labels: contemporary
Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson Book 3) by Patricia Briggs
When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to shapeshifting car mechanic Mercy Thompson to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. And she'll have to choose between the two werewolves in her life-whether she wants to or not.
I love this series. The books just keep getting better, unlike a lot of series. She does make a choice between Sam and Adam in this one. It was an awesome story. If you have not read the series you need to read them in order because one story builds on another. The first story is Moon Called and the second is Blood Bound. After Blood Bound there is a short story in the anthology, On the Prowl (I read it while I was on Internet leave of absence, it was a good anthology, it also contains a short story from Sunny's Monere series.) If you have not read this series yet and you enjoy paranormal books (and do not require them to be steamy) then you HAVE to read this series. These books are not steamy at all but there is some romance and a great story line.
Well, back to school on Monday. Don't know if I am looking forward to it or dreading it. But I got some good reading done over the break. I have started reading the infamous North and South video. I am halfway through and enjoying it alot. For a while I had it stuck in my head that it was a redo of the North and South with Patrick Swayze. I was so confused because I knew it was a BBC movie and made in England. But now I am better informed. ;) Well I am off to get a little sleep before I head back to school.
Silken Shadows (3rd in trilogy) by Jennifer St. Giles
When Gemini Andrews laid eyes on Captain Deverell Jansen, she didn’t need her psychic abilities to know that he would soon be hers. It was just a matter of convincing him. So when Gemini learns of his voyage to Northrope in search of a vicious killer whose victims are left strewn among the Druid Stones, she hatches a plan. Knowing she can help—and with hopes of growing closer to Dev—she stows away on his ship…
Dev is shocked to discover Gemini, knowing what this kind of stunt could do to her reputation. Yet after learning of her powers, he realizes he does need her, in more ways than one. These murders could be the work of notorious killer Jack Poole—but from beyond the grave? Together they are thrust into the realm of the supernatural, and Dev must trust in the love that Gemini is so certain of—or else there’s no hope of withstanding the strength of a killer’s thirst…
This is the third in a trilogy, the other two are Midnight Secrets and Darkest Dreams. I am almost positive that I have read Midnight Secrets (I know I checked it out from the library but am not positive that I actually read it), but I do know I have not read Darkest Dreams. I would suggest at least reading darkest Dreams before this one because this one is a continuation of a murder investigation from that story. Though she did give sufficient background within the story that it is not imperative, but it would add to the story. This book was good. It did not lose my interest and it was a nice change to historical for me. I do not read that genre often. I enjoy psychic characters as well. I have to go read Darkest Dreams now. Labels: historical, paranormal, psychic
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Blessed with uncanny psychic abilities, Anna Ridgeway now uses her gift in a mind-reading nightclub act. But when she meets treasure hunter Zachary Robinson, their physical and psychic bond astonishes them. They find they share a common past-and an uncommon passion for each other.
This is the second in the series. The first book, Beyond Control, came out a while ago (I read it before I stated blogging). I had to find my copy so I could figure out what the first book was about. It is helpful to read the other book before this one because the couple from that book play a good size part in this one. If you like contemporary books with psychics and some suspense and action you might want to give these a try. Labels: paranormal, psychic
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Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against the backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal-clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included.
When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to re-energize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving: the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she's made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning. But a tiny baby, abandoned on a front porch, changes her plans…and a former marine cements them into place. Melinda Monroe may have come to Virgin River looking for escape, but instead she finds her home.
This was a wonderful book. It has been too long since I have read a small town contemporary romance, with no added killer or paranormal element. This book hit the spot. It had a very engaging storyline and a great cast of characters that sucked you in and made you care about them. Awesome book, I highly recommend it if you have not read it yet (thought i am probably the last person to read it). Labels: contemporary
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Montana rancher Caleb O'Hara's precognitive abilities once saved his family from an alien attack. Now the aliens have returned. The only way to ensure the safety of his empathic wife, Jane, and his brothers is to isolate them on their ranch. All three brothers love Jane, though she married Caleb. He foresees the shocking truth of what they have to do in order to survive, and his visions never lie. All the while they must find a way to protect two newborn babies who are innocent pawns in the aliens deadly game.
I found a menage that I was not bored with, yeah. I really liked this book alot. It is futuristic Earth after an alien race that was here years ago (and started our legends of elves) comes back and destroys much of the the population so that they can recolonize. Almost all the people who survived are descendants of the original aliens who came here and had kids with humans and those descendants have psychic abilities that neither race has on its own. The oldest brother of this family, Caleb is a precog (sees the future) and foresees the invasion so collects his brothers and his wife and goes to the mountains to make a self-sustaining ranch. It does not start out as a menage at all but evolves into one because of Caleb's visions to the reluctance and hope of Caleb's brothers who have both love Jane forever. It was a very interesting storyline and I cannot wait for Davin's Quest to come out in February.
Labels: futuristic, paranormal, psychic
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What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless you’re Lauren Redstone. In her case, a little klutziness at a hotel bar turns into an unexpected opportunity to indulge in her most erotic fantasy – sex with a real, honest-to-goodness cowboy. When Lauren wakes up the next morning, she discovers she’s gotten more than a night of incredible passion – she’s also sporting a brand new, sparkling gold wedding band. Grayson Turner never expected a woman like Lauren to literally fall into his lap. He may have only recently traded his pinstriped suits for a dusty Stetson, but if the lady wanted a cowboy, he figured he fit the bill well enough. This was Vegas, after all, and marriage to this sexy woman fits his goals even better than a single hot night in the desert. But Lauren’s plans don’t include a lifetime commitment to one man. Not when she has a nice safe life with her retro props business and a firm desire to stay far away from controlling men like her father. Love isn’t even a factor in her game plan. But her sexy cowboy isn’t ready to fold his hand just yet. Can he convince her that true love always wins the game in the end?
Cute book. He fell in love with her quickly now he has to convince her to stay married to him. Nice and steamy with a pretty good storyline. I wish that the relationship with his father could have been more developed, or at least another conversation or two between them. But I enjoyed the book.
Labels: contemporary
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