It's Monday! What Are You Reading??

Check out my giveaway this week at: 

http://brunettelibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/06/giveaway-giveawayand-weenie-dog.html

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

What I Read This Week...

"Jacked Up"

By: Erin McCarthy

Eve Monroe is a stock-car PR pro who puts her career first—until an on-track wardrobe malfunction reveals more than the sexy smile of her race-car brother’s jack-man, Nolan Ford. The video’s become an internet sensation, and it’s Eve’s job to calm the sponsors and put a spin on the unexpected exposure. It may be purely a public relations job, but now that Eve’s seen what’s under Nolan’s crew suit, it’s gotten a little personal—and after a few dates she has Nolan pretty revved up. If only she’d learn to relax and enjoy it…

Nolan’s sure that the spontaneous birthday bash he’s throwing for Eve in Las Vegas should loosen her up. It does more than that. Somewhere between cocktails and a smoking-hot motel-room derby, Eve and Nolan wake up hitched, thanks to a post-sex-high detour to a Vegas chapel. A hangover marriage to a virtual stranger isn’t good for anyone’s image, so Eve plans to play the happy wife long enough to satisfy the press, and then quietly part ways. Now all she has to do is convince her new personal jack-man. But Nolan has plans of his own…

"New Species: Tiger"
By: Laurann Dohner
Zandy’s had too much to drink and is in the wrong place at the wrong time. She knows she’s going to die. When her eyes open again, a beautiful man-creature is holding her in his arms. He is just too tempting to resist—her fallen angel. She wraps herself around his body, determined to have him. Reality crashes in when he turns out to be flesh and blood. She’s just molested a New Species.

Tiger’s shock quickly turns to intense passion when the small human female kisses him. She’s trying to get his clothes off and wants to share sex with him but she’s lying across the hood of his Jeep and he’s engaged in a task force operation.

Tiger has made it clear that he will never take a mate. There’s only one small problem—they can’t keep their hands off each other. The taste and feel of her just leaves Tiger wanting more.

"The Duchess of Love"
By: Sally MacKenzie
The day was as hot as the pond was inviting. It’s not as if anyone in Little Huffington was going to happen upon a secluded vale on the Duke of Greycliffe’s lands. And Venus Collingswood didn’t want to get her shift all wet. It was the perfect setting in which to plan her lovely bookworm of a sister’s betrothal to the mysterious new duke arriving seven days hence. If only she had a suitable accomplice...

Andrew Valentine, Duke of Greycliffe, never thought arriving at his own household a week early would cause so much trouble. The housekeeper thinks he’s his own cousin. Actually, the chance to not be the duke for a while is a pleasant opportunity indeed. It might even help him interrogate the delectable little nymph he’s discovered swimming in his pond—if he can manage to get a word in edgewise...


What I'm Reading Now...

"Summer Nights"

By: Susan Mallery

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery's newest Fool's Gold story proves that wild hearts cannot be tamed... Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he's determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher's wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill. Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can't understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool's Gold festival. And maybe while he's at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too-some lessons, a girl shouldn't learn from reading a book! 



"Bedding Lord Ned"
By: Sally MacKenzie
Determined to find a husband, Miss Eleanor "Ellie" Bowman attends a ball put on by the Duchess of Greycliffe, fondly referred to as the Duchess of Love. But she roundly dismisses the suitors the matchmaking hostess has invited on her behalf. For it's the duchess' dashing son, Ned, Lord Edward, who long ago captured Ellie's heart—and roused her desire. All it takes is a pair of conveniently misplaced silky red bloomers to set the handsome widower's gaze on this unusual girl who is clearly more than meets the eye.

After four years of mourning, Ned must find a wife. At first glance, the birthday ball his mother has thrown in his honor is decidedly lacking in suitable mistresses. But he senses something unexpectedly alluring beneath the veil of Ellie's plain exterior—and suddenly she's invading his dreams in a decidedly scandalous manner.

Giveaway!! Giveaway!!...and a Weenie Dog

It's been a while since we've had a giveaway here at the Brunette Librarian and I have some pretty cool prizes to giveaway!

I know its not entirely book related but its still pretty cute. I'm giving away a Large "Hot 'n Juicy" Wendy's T-shirt and a $5 gift card to B&N or Amazon.

No big ways to enter - leave a blog comment on a review and your entered. 

Daisy Jane, my little weenie dog, is currently in a contest on Facebook. Get 5 extra entries for voting. You don't have to vote for her but it would be appreciated! 

You can vote and earn an entry each day!

http://apps.facebook.com/tailwagger/contests/227178/voteable_entries/51601009

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! The winner will be picked June 14th.

"Improper Relations" By: Juliana Ross Review

"Improper Relations"

By: Juliana Ross

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified -- but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.
     The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.
     When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

My Thoughts:

      “Improper Relations” tells the story of Hannah and Leo, distant relations through marriage, who find themselves unwittingly attracted to one another. Hannah has recently lost her husband and now finds herself in the position of poor relative. Leo is the “black sheep,” no one really likes him, yet they family tolerates him and his bad boy ways. As is the way with most romances, Hannah and Leo, both outcasts in their own ways, find themselves drawn together.
      This is my first novel by Juliana Ross and I was fairly impressed. The romance is a novella, so it is short, but it is a tightly written story. There is sufficient background on the characters, their actions seem believable, and the romance is sweet. Hannah seemed complex, unsure of herself and her place in the world. Leo gave her stability, a foundation really, something she has never had. Just a sweet, short romance that’ll leave you with a smile.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Book Details

Publisher: Carina Press

Date of Publication: April 2012

ISBN: 978-1426893650

Children's Book Saturday "Small Bunny's Blue Blanket" By: Tatyana Feeney

"Small Bunny's Blue Blanket"

By: Tatyana Feeney

Synopsis from Amazon:

Small Bunny does everything with Blue Blanket. Blue Blanket helps him paint the best pictures, go the highest on the swings, and read the hardest words. They need each other. But one day, Small Bunny's mother insists Blue Blanket needs to be washed.She says Blue Blanket will be as good as new after. But Bunny isn't sure he likes new. Will his friend ever be the same?

My Thoughts:
     With simple drawings, a simple story, and simple colors, Tatyana Feeney will bring a smile to your face as you read "Small Bunny's Blue Blanket." The entire book is done in blue and black tones, which is strangely appealing. The drawings are simple, yet there is a wealth of meaning in the simple lined drawings. I can't say enough nice things about this book, but the true gem is in the writing.
      The Bunny from the story is cute, sweet, and appeals to toddlers and younger children. Easy to read for a read-aloud, I loved the idea of having a favorite blanket. The bunny drags the blanket through life, taking it everywhere. You can't help but smile when Mom takes the blanket away from bunny to wash - he is definitely disgruntled. This is one of the cutest stories I've read in a long time; a great picture book for story times! 

To see examples of Tatyana Feeney's artwork and to find out more about the author,

 check out her website at www.tatyanafeeney.com

I received this as e-book in exchange for an honest review from Edelweiss.

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: June 12, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375870873

"Rescue Me" By: Rachel Gibson Review

"Rescue Me"

By: Rachel Gibson

Synopsis from Goodreads:

She’s 33, unmarried, and stuffed into a Bubble Yum pink bridesmaid dress. And the whole town wants to fix her up with anyone with a dental plan… Who’s going to rescue Sadie Hollowell now? Everyone in Lovett, Texas knows Sadie has always been a ‘notional’ kind of gal. She got a notion to leave town asap , and never visit her daddy (bless his heart). Now, she’s back and got the notion to invite a good-looking, hard-muscled, total stranger to her cousin’s wedding. Better a stranger than some of the losers she’s dated. Vince Haven got his muscles the hard way—as a Navy SEAL in Afghanistan. He’s staying in Lovett to visit his crazy aunt—the proprietor of the local Gas N Go. Before he can get the heck back out of the small town, his aunt makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Maybe he’ll stick around Lovett for a while. Maybe he’ll make a ‘go’ of the Gas N Go. Maybe he’ll rescue Sadie out of that pink dress!

My Thoughts:
Rachel Gibson is one of my favorite authors. When I found her a few years ago, I immediately ran out and purchased every book she has ever published. It bit into my bank account a bit, but each and every book she has written I have truly enjoyed and I think each in its own right is pretty amazing. “Rescue Me” is Gibson's newest title, is part of a new series, and while a decent romance, just doesn't live up to its full potential.
Vince (brother to Autumn from “Any Man of Mine”) is in Lovett, Texas to help out his ancient, ornery great aunt Luraleen. She runs the town's gas station and has decided to sell. Vince, looking for a money making opportunity and no real roots, decides to purchase the gas station and run it himself. On his first night in town, his truck breaks down and while he's pacing on the side of the road, Sadie Jo Hallowell stops and gives him a ride.
Sadie Jo, also known as Mercedes Johanna, is back in town for her younger cousin's wedding. She's 33 and hasn't lived in Lovett for years. She has a hard time connecting with her father, her mother has long since passed, and she has no siblings. When she meets Vince, she is attracted to his utter lack of wanting a relationship. He doesn't want a relationship and neither does she and of course this equals a match made in heaven!
Sadie and Vince seemed to fit together very well. They both are used to being independent, strong-willed and understand life outside of Lovett. Sadie goes through some pretty emotional upheavals during the novel and yet, she can be vulnerable with Vince. Vince has some pretty big mental problems dealing with past wartime experiences and Sadie is the only person who has ever seen him go through these episodes, thus allowing him to be vulnerable with her as well. The romance grows slowly yet you can see it at every step, which I quite enjoyed.
I wanted to love this book, and while I did like it, it wasn't a grand love for me. The beginning of the book really seemed to drag and I actually put it down twice before continuing, which never happens with normal Gibson books. I had loved Vince in “Any Man of Mine” but during “Rescue Me” he seemed flat and very one note. Sadie came across as depressed and kind of self-pitying which got old really fast. She makes mention of everyone talking about her being single, yet she herself mentions it continually. I guess its a romance, but jeesh, you don’t need a man to live!
I think the charm in “Rescue Me” is the language in which the world within the novel is depicted. 

Shortly after graduating from Lovett High, she'd [Sadie] packed up her Chevy and headed out for some fancy university in California, leaving her father and soiled cotillion gloves far behind. No one saw much of Sadie after that. Not even her poor daddy, and as far as anyone knew, she'd never married. Which was just plain sad and incomprehensible because really, how hard was it to get a man? Even Sarah Louise Baynard-Conseco, who had the misfortune to be born built like her daddy, Big Buddy Baynard, had managed to find a husband. Of course, Sarah Louise had met the man through prisoner.com. Mr. Conseco currently resided fourteen hundred miles away in San Quentin, but Sarah Louise was convinced he was totally innocent of the offenses for which he'd been unjustly incarcerated, and planned to start her family with him after his hoped-for parole in ten years. Bless her heart (Gibson, 6).

The moment in which Sadie realizes she is in love with Vince was quite magical. 

It felt like she was falling through the cracks in her heart. Right there in the hall of his unfurnished apartment. On the worst possible day of her life. She tried hard. Tried hard not to fall in love with Vince Haven, the most unavailable man on the planet, but she did (Gibson, 166).

Fans of Gibson's work will enjoy seeing what has become of Vince and the trip back to Lovett. If you have never read her before, please don't start with this one! “See Jane Score” and “Simply Irresistible” would be wonderful ways to begin, trust me.

Book Details

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date of Publication: May 29, 2012

# of Pages: 384

ISBN: 978-0062069122

"More Than Meets the Ink" By: Elle Aycart Review

"More Than Meets the Ink" 

By: Elle Aycart

Synopsis from Goodreads:

      Wickedly sexy James Bowen is a bad boy of the highest order -- tattoos and attitude included -- which unfortunately ranks way up on Tate’s not-a-chance-in-hell list, right there along with skydiving naked over Teheran and juggling Ebola vials just for kicks. But what the heck, she’s on holiday, the guy is absolutely irresistible, and she needs to unplug from her life. With her dad and brother gone, Tate is left to deal with the family restaurant, which is fast going down the drain. Her employees are acting out, her boyfriend has bailed out, and her very own private stalker is emailing her to death with lovely threats of doom, fire, and dismemberment. So yeah, maybe a little holiday fling is in order. Strictly sex though, and no follow-up whatsoever once.
       She hadn’t counted on her take-charge holiday fling having an opinion of his own and stubbornly sticking around, before and after the sex, making himself at home in her life. There is definitely more to James than meets her prejudiced eye, and even if she's not ready to look deeper, James isn't prepared to permit her not to.

My Thoughts:
     Again I have plunged into the depths of those “If you liked 50 Shades...” lists on Goodreads and came out with “More than Meets the Ink” by: Elle Aycart! I was incredibly surprised by how much I ended up liking this funny, sweet, kinda hot romance from a relatively new author. How do I know this? Because as soon as I finished, I immediately hopped over to Barnes & Noble to get another book by her and they aren’t even out yet!
    James and Tate both meet while visiting their parents at a senior housing complex in Florida. As with all good romances, even though they are meeting in Florida, they both happen to live in Seattle (yay!). Tate decides she wants a fling with James and James is more than happy to oblige.
    Yet after their brief stay in Florida, when life returns to normal, James doesn’t want the fling to end. He is interested in more than just the obvious, he wants to help Tate with her restaurant and introduce her to his family. Tate is hesitant because, and granted this is a little silly, James is kind of wild looking with tattoos and this mkes her nervous. Silly I know and it's a plot device used over and over but I just kind of read over that part.
    Why did I like this book? Completely James. Absolutely the hero. Tate I could have cared less about, but James was so excellently written I felt like I knew him. He was funny, caring, tough, and pretty awesome just in a general sense.
    “More than Meets the Ink” is funny, romantic, and a pretty fun romance. The second title in what I’m hoping will be a series (hoping for James’ brothers) will be called “Heavy Issues” and will feature Cole, James’ brother. Not as intense as Fifty Shades, Elle Aycart gives you that intense hero we’ve been missing!

Book Details

Publisher: Loose ID

Date of Publication: June 28, 2011

# of Pages: 211

ISBN: 978-1611184310

"The Grimm Legacy" By: Polly Shulman Review

"The Grimm Legacy"

By: Polly Shulman

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library— a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That's where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers     Grimm fairy tales: seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White's stepmother's sinister mirror that talks in riddles.
      When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime—or captured by the thief.
     Polly Shulman has created a contemporary fantasy with a fascinating setting and premise, starring an ordinary girl whose after-school job is far from ordinary— and leads to a world of excitement, romance and magical intrigue.

My Thoughts:
I love anything Grimm. Doesn't it seem like your seeing it everywhere now? The TV show Grimm is everywhere and fairy tale books are popping up in great abundance. “The Grimm Legacy” was selected as a Truman Award winner, I decided I just had to read it!
Elizabeth Rew is your average teenager, going to school, having friend problems, complete with a wicked stepmother. Yet, what sets her apart, is that she has just been hired to work in a lending library, full of strange and wonderful objects with a few mundane ones to round out the collection. She discovers that the Brothers Grimm were not only real, they actually collected items from the stories they wrote. In fact, an entire section of the library is dedicated to the Grimm collection.
I'm not going to go into the plot too much, as I'm sure you can infer and with any other YA novel, there are a lot of friendship problems, family strife, and a mystery involving someone taking things from the Grimm collection. Elizabeth has to work through all of these problems, while also helping find out who the culprit is. In the end, she even finds a boyfriend who also works in the library, which I enjoyed very much.
At times the novel drifted, but overall it was a neat little mystery filled with things teens have problems with; friends, family, money, jobs, school. I work in a library and loved the library world Shulman presented within the novel, as well as the mystical elements therein. A fun YA novel, “Grimm Legacy” will appeal to wide audience while also leaving the doors wide open for sequels. Great selection for the Truman Award, that's for sure!

Book Details

Publisher: Penguin Group

Date of Publication: July 8, 2010

# of Pages: 336

ISBN: 978-0399250965

Armchair BEA - Getting to Know You :)

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging?

    Welcome to the Brunette Librarian! :) I am thrilled you are here for Armchair BEA - it’s my first year participating. My real name is Rachael and I live in a tiny town in the smack dab middle of Missouri. 

May 2012 - Kansas City Zoo

   I am an actual librarian (yay me!) and actually serve a community of about 45,000 in a neighboring town. I began my life in the library world in circulation checking in and checking out books, changed jobs and went to the Outreach department. Not many libraries have an Outreach department, but my library does. Through the Outreach program, the librarian pulls books for homebound people. It’s a great way to send books to people who normally wouldn’t have a chance to read. You have no idea of the look on people’s face when you bring books to their door. It’s pretty priceless! AND, after Outreach a job came open in our Teen/Adult Services department, I applied and here I am. I am now the Teen & Adult Services Librarian, and I have to say, it may be my favorite job yet.

My Library :)

      I began blogging in October 2011. I’m still a fairly new blogger but love it. While at a Missouri Library Conference so many of the librarians there had a blog and shared their views on books...it seemed fun, so I decided to try. Here I am all these many months later, still blogging and still reading and still having fun.

Tell us some non-book-related things that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.

     Hmmm...I have all sorts of crazy things to share.

• I’m 26 years old.
• I have five piercings all in my ears.
• I have a dachshund named Daisy Jane. She’s 6.
• I live in a town that has less than 300 people.
• I hate chocolate.
• My favorite TV shows are The Office and Bob’s Burgers. Love them!
• I’m a huge genealogy nut - I have my family traced back 8 generations

What is your favorite feature on your blog?

I love “What are you reading? Mondays” The meme is sponsored by by Sheila from "One Person's Journey" I enjoy visiting other blogs and seeing what everyone else is reading. It’s fun to find book ideas, and share your love of favorite books with one another.

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?

One of my favorite posts that I have posted so far is my spotlight on “Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.” It’s been one of my favorite books of the past few years, but what makes it a favorite is that the author, Beth Hoffman, actually commented on my review! MADE MY YEAR, let me tell you.

Have you read "Saving CeeCee Honeycutt" By: Beth Hoffman ? The book is amazingly sweet, heartfelt, funny, and just endearing. Love, love, love it.

Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging? How?

I am a hardcore romance fan, I have been for years. I love the romance of it all - the heroes, the heroines, the locales...all of it. However, since starting my new job in Adult Services, I have to coordinate five different book groups. That’s a lot of book group reading, trust me. I personally don’t feel that romances are super condusive for great book group discussion, so I’ve definitely had to broaden my reading selections. 
So, since starting my blog I’ve picked up a ton more young adult novels, mysteries, and just general adult fiction. I’ve even added a few nonfiction titles in there! Definitely broadening out my reading horizons!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

What I Read This Week...

"New Species: Justice"

By: Laurann Dohner

Justice North is the face of New Species. Seeing him up close makes Jessie's heart race. He's the ultimate alpha male-big, muscular, exotically beautiful...and dangerous. Of course he's off limits. But then the sexy man purrs and all bets are off.Jessie Dupree is a mouthy, fiery human female who brings out the animal in Justice. She wants to show him how to relax, and he's all for anything she wants to do, but Justice has sworn to protect his people and to take a Species mate. He's torn between the woman he wants and the oath he's taken.Jessie knows a relationship between them probably won't end well; heartbreak is inevitable. But that won't stop her from freeing the wildness inside Justice and spending every moment she can steal wrapped around his hot body, making him roar with passion.

"New Species: Brawn"

By: Laurann Dohner

One look at Brawn and Becca is wondering how he’d look without his clothes. Brawn is instantly attracted to Becca but has sworn never to touch a human female. They just aren’t sturdy enough and he likes his sex a little rough. He is shocked to learn he’ll be living with her when she refuses to leave her home. He is there to represent New Species and to learn about humans so maybe this will be a good educational experience. He just has to keep his hands off her.

His good intentions go astray when they are kidnapped and locked together inside a cage. Brawn finds himself reliving a nightmare when he is once again subjected to breeding experiments at the hands of New Species’ enemies. They will use Becca to get what they want from him. Brawn will do everything he can to protect her but they only have each other to depend on while trying to survive.

"New Species: Wrath"

By: Laurann Dohner

Wrath volunteers to live and work outside Homeland where he’ll once again be confined in a small space with other males. He was subjected to horrific abuse and conditioning and forced to view endless sex tapes of human females while chained to Mercile’s perverted machines. Wrath knows he’s too dangerous and emotionally damaged to ever be with a female.

Lauren has just been detained by three big, buff, well-armed men—New Species. One of them really catches her eye. He is tall, sexy, and…her new roommate apparently. She has never met a man this truly spectacular and she decides to taste every inch of his amazing body. Wrath wants to explore that plan too. The sex is incredible and he gives her everything she needs but he’ll only go so far. Something is holding him back.

Lauren has to make him unleash his desire and Wrath has to get past his fear to give them a chance at a future together

"Rescue Me"

By: Rachel Gibson

She’s 33, unmarried, and stuffed into a Bubble Yum pink bridesmaid dress. And the whole town wants to fix her up with anyone with a dental plan… Who’s going to rescue Sadie Hollowell now? Everyone in Lovett, Texas knows Sadie has always been a ‘notional’ kind of gal. She got a notion to leave town asap , and never visit her daddy (bless his heart). Now, she’s back and got the notion to invite a good-looking, hard-muscled, total stranger to her cousin’s wedding. Better a stranger than some of the losers she’s dated. Vince Haven got his muscles the hard way—as a Navy SEAL in Afghanistan. He’s staying in Lovett to visit his crazy aunt—the proprietor of the local Gas N Go. Before he can get the heck back out of the small town, his aunt makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Maybe he’ll stick around Lovett for a while. Maybe he’ll make a ‘go’ of the Gas N Go. Maybe he’ll rescue Sadie out of that pink dress!

"The Ugly Duchess" 

By: Eloisa James

Theodora Saxby is the last woman anyone expects the gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, to marry. But after a romantic proposal before the prince himself, even practical Theo finds herself convinced of her soon-to-be duke's passion. 

Still, the tabloids give the marriage six months.
Theo would have given it a lifetime…until she discovers that James desired not her heart, and certainly not her countenance, but her dowry. Society was shocked by their wedding; it's scandalized by their separation.
Now James faces the battle of his lifetime, convincing Theo that he loved the duckling who blossomed into the swan.
And Theo will quickly find that for a man with the soul of a pirate, All's Fair in Love—or War.

"Improper Relations"

By: Juliana Ross

When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified -- but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

What I'm Reading Now...

"Summer Nights"

By: Susan Mallery

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery's newest Fool's Gold story proves that wild hearts cannot be tamed... Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he's determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher's wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill. Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can't understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool's Gold festival. And maybe while he's at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too-some lessons, a girl shouldn't learn from reading a book! 

Children's Book Saturday: "Farmyard Beat" By: Lindsey Craig

 

"Farmyard Beat"

Written by: Lindsey Craig

Illustrated by: Marc Brown

Synopsis from Amazon:

As soon as the sun goes down, the animals are up! ("Sheep can't sleep. Sheep can't sleep. Sheep can't sleep 'cause they got that beat!") Before long, there's a giant farmyard dance party, complete with funny animal sounds. But what happens when all the racket wakes up Farmer Sue? Here's a colorful bedtime story that begs to be read aloud. 

My Thoughts:
      A cute book that can read like a song, “Farmyard Beat” will definitely be used at my library for story time! The book tells the tale of different farmyard animals as they dance because they have that 'beat.' A simple story, yet the flow of the story makes you bob your head, smile, and groove. This book is a great read aloud that will easily encourage interaction with children as they make the noises the animals make and dance along. Beyond being a fun story to read, the illustrations are pieces of paper painted and cut. An excellent book that I can't wait to hold in my hands, “Farmyard Beat” is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

I received this book from Edelweiss in order to give a fair and honest review of the material.

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: June 14, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375864551