Sunday, August 12, 2012

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...
Tall, Dark & Heartless (Pyte/Sentinel, #3)
"Tall, Dark & Heartless"
By: R.L. Mathewson

He should have left her and never looked back.......

But, that's not how things played out for Caine, a nearly one thousand year old Pyte, who should have known better. Instead of walking away years ago, he stuck around and watched over the only woman he'd ever cared about. When trouble finds her, he knows that he should just cut his losses and walk away, but there was no fighting the hold that woman had on him and now they were both paying the price.

Danni didn't care that she wasn't technically a Sentinel and was putting her life in danger every time she went out on patrol, because she had a job to do. It was the only thing that mattered to her anymore and she wasn't going to let it go without a fight. Unfortunately for her, she didn't foresee her ex-boyfriend selling her out to a Master, being captured, locked up and stuck in a room with the cranky Pyte that broke her heart years ago and wouldn't stop glaring at her as if their little predicament was all her fault

One Night Rodeo (Blacktop Cowboys, #4) 
"One Night Rodeo"
By: Lorelei James

All it takes is one night to change a cowboy’s life… Barrel racer Celia Lawson knows better than to tangle with bull rider Kyle Gilchrist. The sexy cowboy’s love ‘em and leave ‘em ways have earned him a reputation on the rodeo circuit, and he’s always seen her as his best friend’s kid sister. But after one wild, tequila-fueled night, Celia wakes up to find out she’s gotten herself hitched—to a man she never should have married! When Celia insists on an annulment, Kyle has no good reason to say no—except he isn’t ready to let go of his new bride. But then Kyle inherits a sprawling Wyoming ranch, and seizes the opportunity to enlist Celia’s help. She agrees to lend a hand—with two conditions: He has to get up to speed as a rancher within six months; then they’ll get a divorce. And their marriage will be in name only. Kyle gives in to Celia’s demand, yet he's ready to prove to her he has what it takes to turn their one night rodeo into a lifetime of love….

Without Regret (Pyte/Sentinel, #2) 
"Without Regret"
By: R.L. Mathewson

Chris Williams is used to making sacrifices. For years he's done his duty by his family and his calling as he awaited the one person that was meant for him. When she finally came into his life she was nothing like the woman he'd expected. Instead of being the warrior ready to help him protect his family and the humans under his care he got.....

A computer geek named Isabella, who somehow managed to get her name on every Master's hit list. One minute she admits that she'd made a foolish mistake and the next she's kidnapped, held hostage by a crazy cult who steals her chocolate and she's sure is after her program, a program she has no plans on giving up anytime soon. As she tries to keep her wits about her the sexiest man she's ever seen claims her, only he doesn't seem to happy about it. It's clear that he doesn't want her, but the stubborn man just won't let her go even when it's clear that he may not have a choice 



Firelight (Darkest London, #1)
"Firelight"
By: Kristen Callihan

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

What I'm Reading Now...
Wrangled and Tangled (Blacktop Cowboys, #3)
"Wrangled & Tangled"
By: Lorelei James
Janie Fitzhugh and Abe Lawson have long been divorced and living apart. Now she's back in town, a changed woman-making cattleman Abe want to wrangle an invitation to her bed...

To get his dream ranch, Renner Jackson has partnered with spoiled daddy's girl Tierney Pratt. She thinks she can handle this cowboy, but Renner won't make it easy. Little do they know they will be entangled in ways neither dreamed possible.

Current Giveaways
Don't forget to enter for a chance for an Amazon Gift Card!

Children's Book Saturday "I Like Old Clothes" By: Mary Ann Hoberman

"I Like Old Clothes"
By: Mary Ann Hoberman
Synopsis:
I like old clothes, / Hand-me-down clothes, / Worn outgrown clothes, / Not-my-own clothes. . . . Originally published by Knopf in 1976 (with illustrations by Jacqueline Chwast), this poem-an exuberant celebration of hand-me-down clothes-is just as relevant and accessible today as it was over 30 years ago. Children's Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman offers a bouncy, fun-to-read-aloud text and a refreshingly agreeable, resourceful protagonist who likes old clothes for their "history" and "mystery." Illustrator Patrice Barton brings new, contemporary life to the poem, with an adorable little girl and her younger brother playing dress-up, making crafts, and happily treasuring their hand-me-downs.
My Thoughts: 
        An incredibly cute, whimsical story about a little girl loving clothing and the adventures they've had, "I Like Old Clothes" is a great story that I simply loved. With a simple verse that is easy to read, the reader takes an adventure entirely through clothes. Interesting and imaginative, you actually smile as you read about where the used clothes have been and what they've been doing.
      When I finished the story, I immediately thought of the book as an adventure book - you never knew where you would end up. Through the book she's a soldier, a fancy lady, and even a wild child with a dress and a party hat. Each trip is entirely told through imagination, which makes the story a little more magical. "When I wear them, Then I say, "Clothes, I wonder who wore you before you were mine? Was she light-haired or dark-haired, seven or nine? Did you make her look awful or make her look fine?" (I Like Old Clothes)
       The illustrations are done by Patrice Barton, who also has illustrated titles such as "Mine" by Shutta Crum, "The Looking Book" by P.K. Hallinan, and "Sweet Moon Baby" By: Karen H. Clark . Most of the colors are muted and calming. A sense of whimsy and fun are infused within each illustration. Time and care was taken in these paintings, you can feel the love in each brush stroke.
      "I Like Old Clothes" is a wonderful read aloud book for children. Groups or one-on-one, it doesn't matter. The story and the illustrations work wonderfully together to leave one feeling happy when finished. Probably not best for the pre-school crowd, I think I would share this one with Kindergarten and up. A wonderful combination of a great story and wonderful pictures, "I Like Old Clothes" is sure to be a favorite with many children.

Book Details
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Date of Publication: August 14, 2012
# of Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0375869518

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Follow Friday


FEATURE AND FOLLOW FRIDAY IS A BLOG HOP PUT TOGETHER BY TWO HOSTS: PARAJUNKEE AND ALISON CAN READ AS A WAY TO HELP BLOGGERS BECOME AWARE OF OTHER BLOGS AND BLOGGERS. 

IT'S A GREAT WAY TO MAKE NEW BLOGGER FRIENDS.




Q: What would you do over if you were to start your blog again from scratch?

Oh my gosh! First off, I think I would have learned a little more about HTML coding and add-ons for blogger. When I started, I just typed and added a picture or two. Now I link to other blogs and have started to use a little HTML coding for different aspects of the blog. Love it!

Beyond that, I am loving blogging! Almost a year and still going strong. People have been so incredibly nice and I've loved all the great books I've discovered. 
Perfect fit for a librarian from Missouri!

"Everything Forbidden" By: Jess Michaels


"Everything Forbidden" 
By: Jess Michaels

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     For summers Miranda Albright has watched—aghast, yet shamefully titillated—as her wicked neighbor Ethan Hamon, the notorious Earl of Rothschild, "entertained" a succession of lovers on the grounds of his estate. Now that her father has passed on, leaving behind a mountain of debt, Miranda must do the unthinkable. For Ethan has promised to sponsor her younger sisters, financially and socially, at a scandalously dear price: Miranda must offer herself to him completely for three full months, with no remorse and no restraints.
      Ninety days and nights of unbridled sensuality await her in the arms of a rogue who views her submission as no more than a grand erotic game. But neither Miranda nor Ethan realize that fire blazes behind her innocent blush. And once her passion is unleashed by his lips and his touch, it is the student who will school the teacher in the ways of forbidden pleasure ... and love
My Thoughts:
     I read this book years ago and recently picked it up again, remembering how much I had enjoyed it the first time I read it. Jess Michaels is unique in that she writes historical romances with a little naughtiness thrown in. Her characters seem a little over the top, but I think that's what I like most about her novels; the grand declarations, gestures and of course, the heart break.
      Miranda Albright has all of the responsibility for her family in regency England. Her father gambled away the family's fortune, her mother has no idea how to save money, and she has three sisters needing ot have their seasons in London society. With no idea how to make money or stop the huge financial debt her mother insists on putting the family through month after month, Miranda comes up with an idea. Miranda approaches her neighbor Ethan, a rake of the highest order, and asks him for help.
      Ethan, intrigued of course, decides to help Miranda with the bills and her sisters in exchange for 90 days as his “mistress.” Ethan is very take charge, which I love, and sure of himself. When this young neighbor comes to him, he is amused and interested, yet you never felt he would take advantage, and he didn't.
     We all know what happens next, love and then marriage, just without the baby carriage. Miranda has had a crush on Ethan throughout her young life and Ethan was intrigued by Miranda. He is impressed by her utter lack of selfishness and wants to give instead of take, which is pretyt much the only thing her family wants. Two utterly different people drawn together by fate in a truly fantastic scene and all the reader wants is that happy ever after.
     “Everything Forbidden” is one of those books that you'll read and think about later and smile. Fun, flirty, yet serious and heartwrenching, Miranda and Ethan will draw you in. Each vulnerable in their own way, when the two meet and fall in love, you will fall a little in love too. Gorgeous story!


Book Details
Publisher: Avon Red
Date of Publication: October 30, 2007
# of Pages: 262
ISBN: 978-0061283940

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine

Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #11)
"Lover At Last"
By: J.R. Ward

The eleventh novel in the stunning #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series--the hotly anticipated story that finally unites Blay and Qhuinn...forever.

Expected Publication: March 26, 2012

What are you Waiting on this Wednesday?

Monday, August 6, 2012

Giveaway and Blog Tour - "Seven Sexy Sins" By: Serenity Woods



Welcome to a blog stop 
on the awesome 
"Seven Sexy Sins" tour! 


"Seven Sexy Sins" 
By: Serenity Woods

     Faith Hillman is in a bit of a pickle. She’s been commissioned to write a series of magazine articles on spicing up your love life. She’s got the theme—the “Seven Sexy Sins”—but there’s one major problem. She hasn’t experienced any of them.
      Ever since Faith’s older brother gave Rusty Thorne a black eye for kissing her on her eighteenth birthday, he’s kept his distance, waiting for the right time to make his move. This is it. She needs a research partner? He’s the man for the job.
      When sex-on-legs Rusty offers his services, Faith is all over it—with one caveat. The notorious heartbreaker must sign a confidentiality contract. Just to keep him safe from her brother’s wrath, of course…and her heart off Rusty’s long list of conquests.
      As they work their wicked way through the list, the implications of the contract hit Rusty as hard as the handcuffs binding his wrists to the bed. It isn’t just Faith’s touch that rocks his world. It’s the way his heart likes it that blows his defenses out of the water. And makes him wonder, when the contract ends, if he can bear to let her go.
Author: Serenity Woods
Serenity Woods lives in the sub-tropical Northland of New Zealand with her wonderful husband and gorgeous teenage son. She writes fun, flirty, and sexy romances in a variety of romantic sub-genres. She’s won several romance writing competitions and is a member of the Romance Writers of New Zealand. She would much rather immerse herself in reading or writing romance than do the dusting and ironing, which is why it’s not a great idea to pop round if you have any allergies.
You can check out all her books at http://www.serenitywoodsromance.com.

My Thoughts:
    “Seven Sexy Sins” sucks you into its world and doesn’t let go. An interesting plot driven by complex characters in the world of New Zealand. Really, what can go wrong?
     Faith is a reporter writing about...you guessed it, sex. She already has a popular blog but now she is commissioned to write about the seven sins but in a delightfully naughty way. When she talks about the project with her friends, they all laugh it off, except for one, her brother’s best friend, Rusty.
     As with most of these friend turned lover stories, Rusty has had a crush on Faith for years. It’s not until he hears of her project and decides maybe he could help her in secret that he finally reveals his true feelings.
    Faith and Rusty were really fun characters to read about. They seemed so light and happy to me, you could truly see the friendship. When things did get naughty, it didn’t seem out of character and was totally plausible, which I enjoyed. The plot is simple and easy to read while the magic lies in these two characters coming to care for one another. A cute read for a summer afternoon, “Seven Sexy Sins” may want you to try out one or two sins of your own! 
Book Details
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Date of Publication: August 7, 2012
# of Pages: 238
ISBN: B007TOJB9Q
Buy Links
Samhain         Amazon         Barnes & Noble 






Serenity Woods' Facebook
Twitter: @Serenity_Woods





What can you win??
Your choice of a Serenity Woods book from her backlist or a $5 Amazon gift card. Your choice! 
Leave a comment with your e-mail 
for a chance to win! 
Winner will be chosen August 15th.
~~~~AND~~~~
Serenity is offering a $20 gift card to one commenter from the tour. 
Fill out the form below to enter

Sunday, August 5, 2012

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...
Defying Destiny
"Defying Destiny"
By: Olivia Downing

She is a Huntress, the last of a long line of warriors who protect the human world from man-eating immortal Wolves.
He is a Wolf Guardian, the only of his shape-shifting kind who can break the 500-year old curse that drives his brethren mad beneath the full moon.
Blinded by duty and vengeance, Maralee chases her destiny determined to rid the world of the monsters that massacred her family and continue to haunt her nightmares. Desperate to end the slaughter, Nash is certain he can prevent Maralee from slaying his people by showing her their humanity. He invites the Huntress into his life and falls for her. He hides his Wolf form from her, knowing he is everything she hates.

"Promises Prevail" 
By: Sarah McCarty
Wyoming Territory 1870 Widowed and barren, Jenna sees the newborn left on her doorstep as a priceless gift worthy of any sacrifice. She knows she'll need a husband to keep the baby, but nothing prepares her for the man who offers. Big and dark, simmering with a deadly intensity, Clint McKinnely could put fear into the devil. He certainly strikes fear into her. But Jenna soon discovers that the man behind the reputation is the one man she longs to trust. A hard man burned out by the choices he's made, Clint is looking for a reason to go on. He finds one in Jenna Hennessy. Lushly plump, sweet and shy, she calls to him on every level. When it looks as though Jenna might lose the daughter she loves for lack of a husband, Clint steps forward. Having Jenna in his home brings Clint a peace he's never known, but even as he ferrets out the secrets that haunt Jenna's nightmares, Clint keeps his own close to his chest, knowing this marriage is temporary because there are some sins a man can't expect his wife to forgive

"Promises Keep" 
By: Sarah McCarty
eing kidnapped into a bordello has a way of changing a woman's focus. On the day Mara Kincaid escapes the Pleasure Emporium, she vows to start living for herself. Rebuilding her life isn't easy as the town isn't fond of reformed fallen doves, but she's a Kincaid and Kincaids are known for their stubbornness. She's successful right up until the notorious ex-marshal Cougar McKinnely comes into town. As big as a mountain, dark as sin, and wearing a reputation as deadly as the knife strapped to his thigh, McKinnely is a man who knows what he wants. By rights, Mara should be shaking in her shoes when he approaches her. But when the powerful half-breed turns his dark gold eyes on her, it isn't fear that has Mara trembling, but rather an overwhelming desire to be the kind of woman Cougar needs to satisfy his deepest desires.

"Dream Lake"
By: Lisa Kleypas
Dream Lake takes readers once again to the exquisite setting of Friday Harbor, and tells the story of Zoe Hoffman, an innkeeper who has all but given up on love. She’s a gentle, romantic soul, but has been so hurt in the past that she dare not trust her heart with anyone. Especially not Alex Nolan. Alex is the most haunted of all the Nolan brothers. He drinks to keep his demons at bay and not only has he given up on love, he has never, ever believed in it. Zoe and Alex are oil and water, fire and ice, sunshine and shadow. But sometimes, it takes only a glimmer of light to chase away the dark. Dream Lake is classic Lisa Kleypas: romantic, powerful, emotional, and magical.

What I'm Reading Now...
Firelight (Darkest London, #1)
"Firelight" 
By: Kristen Callihan
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Cherished (Includes: Delicious, #1)
"Cherished"
By: Maya Banks & Lauren Dane

What are you reading this week??

Children's Book Saturday "Dog Loves Drawing" By: Louise Yates

"Dog Loves Drawing"
By: Louise Yates

Synopsis from Amazon:
Dog loves books, but one day he receives a strange one in the mail—it's blank! Soon, Dog realizes that this book is not for reading, but for drawing. Before long, Dog is doodling and drawing himself into a new world, full of friends and surprises.
My Thoughts:
      Who doesn't love a book about a dog who loves books? This adorable book shares the story of a dog who owns a book store. He's so surprised to find in the mail one day, a book...with no words! A whole book just filled with blank pages. Well, turns out this blank book is a drawing book just ready for Dog's imagination.
      The story and the drawings from this book are impressive. The story is cute, complete with drawing a ship to take you to an island where you meet a monster, but you quickly draw a door with a chain to keep that mean old monster out. The drawings are exquisite, honestly looking like the scribblings of a child, only done really well. They appeal to me as an adult and will easily appeal to children who love to draw. 
      All in all, "Dog Loves Drawing" is a really cute story. For Librarians, this book probably wouldn't be the best read aloud with a large group. I think much of the story relies on the pictures. This book will be great for parents reading with little ones who have the time to digest the illustrations. Great story that makes you look forward to seeing what else Louise Yates will come out with!

For more information or see what upcoming books she has up her sleeve, check out her website

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

Book Details
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Date of Publication: August 14, 2012
# of Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0375870675

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Follow Friday - Moods?


FEATURE AND FOLLOW FRIDAY IS A BLOG HOP PUT TOGETHER BY TWO HOSTS: PARAJUNKEE AND ALISON CAN READ AS A WAY TO HELP BLOGGERS BECOME AWARE OF OTHER BLOGS AND BLOGGERS. 

IT'S A GREAT WAY TO MAKE NEW BLOGGER FRIENDS.




 Do your reading habits change based on your mood? 

It's weird to say, but my reading habits DO change. While I do not necessarily change genres, 
I do re-read books when I'm kind of depressed 
or in a funk. 

I find myself if I have had a bad day, picking up an old favorite rather than reading something new. 

Maybe it soothes me, who knows...but I prefer to re-read rather than read something new when I'm in a weird mood. 

How about you?


"The Theory of Attraction" By: Delphine Dryden Review

"The Theory of Attraction"
By: Delphine Dryden

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it’s hard to connect with a man who doesn’t seem to know she exists…

Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it’s not for a date—he wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn’t expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of “lessons”
My Thoughts:
      What started out with a promising premise, “The Theory of Attraction” left me feeling a little flat when I finished. The story had promise, but I never really connected with the characters. Honestly though, when you are reading the description, doesn’t it sounds a bit like the Big Bang Theory??
     Camilla is attracted to her downstairs neighbor, Ivan. Ivan is extremely intelligent and works at a college, but he definitely has a few quirks. Extremely uncomfortable in social situations, Ivan worries he will lose his job and asks his popular neighbor Camilla for help.
     Neither Camilla nor Ivan ever really clicked with me. Camilla seemed a little needy to me and was easily manipulated. Ivan was a huge jerk! He wanted things his way continually and the “oh I don’t know how to act in social situations” angle was played a little too much. Even going so far as to not call Camilla his girlfriend but his submissive. Ugh.
     I've read many other positive reviews, so I know this book works for others, just not for me. The plot may have worked but the characters ruined it for me. Check out the reviews on Goodreads and Netgalley for more information!


Book Details
Publisher: Carina Press
# of Pages: 136
Date of Publication: July 9, 2012
ISBN: 978-1426894046

I received this book from Netgalley free of charge and in exchange I promised a honest review.