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...

"Vision in White"

By: Nora Roberts

Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends-and business partners-to see her way to her own happy ending.

"Bed of Roses" 

By: Nora Roberts

As little girls MacKensie, Emma, Laurel, and Parker spent hours acting out their perfect make believe “I do” moments. Years later their fantasies become reality when they start their own wedding planning company to make every woman’s dream day come true. With perfect flowers, delicious desserts, and joyful moments captured on film, Nora Roberts’s Bride Quartet shares each woman’s emotionally magical journey to romance.

In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. And the last place she’s looking is right under her nose.

But that’s just where Jack Cooke is. He’s so close to the women of Vows that he’s practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—they must trust in their history…and in their hearts.

"Happy Ever After"

By: Nora Roberts

As the public face of Vows wedding planning company, Parker Brown has an uncanny knack for fulfilling every bride's vision. She just can't see where her own life is headed. Mechanic Malcomb Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker is no exception. Both know that moving from minor flirtation to major hook-up is a serious step. Parker's business risks have always paid off, but now she'll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart...

What I'm Reading Now...

"Savor the Moment"
By: Nora Roberts
Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood.

But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her-or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her-leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del-she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever...

"Rainshadow Road" By: Lisa Kleypas Review

"Rainshadow Road"

By: Lisa Kleypas

Synopsis from Amazon:

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington.  She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal:  her fiancé Kevin has left her.  His new lover is Lucy’s own sister.   Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life.   Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.

My Thoughts:
     I love Lisa Kleypas books. There, I said it. I love them. They make me happy. They are the kind of book you can pick up at any time, read it, and end up smiling. While “Rainshadow Road” isn't going to go down as my favorite romance of all time, it did leave me smiling.
     Lucy is living in Friday Harbor, pretty much having a perfect life, until her sister and her boyfriend (Kevin) decide they are in love and want to get married. Pretty much leaving Lucy shocked, alone, and heart broken.
     Sam has known Kevin since they were younger, but is surprised when Kevin asks him to pretend to date Lucy. Kevin thinks that if Lucy finds a new man, his new girlfriend (Lucy's Sister) will like him better and her family will be better able to accept the switch. Got all that? Sam kind of goes with it and yet doesn't...its kind of a weird situation, but he does become interested in Lucy.
     Lucy and Sam are kind of thrown together in a weird mad romance that at points make you go what? They have seen each other like two times and suddenly Lucy is staying at the Nolan's house. I actually read this part 2x because it seemed to come out of left field. I also think Sam was kind of shady in his dealings with Kevin, instead of coming out and telling Lucy he knew him it was kind of kept as a secret. I know it probably needed to be that way for plot but it was annoying.
     The characters aren't as fully developed as they are in the predecessor "Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor" and the plot isn't as tight, but you do come to enjoy Sam and Lucy. They verbally spar for most of the novel which I always enjoy. Quick wit is always fun and Sam is full of it. I also liked delving into the Nolan family again and hearing more about the characters from the first title. I'm looking forward to "Dream Lake" coming out later this year!

Book Details

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Date of Publication: February 28, 2012

# of Pages: 336

ISBN: 978 - 0312605889

Friday Harbor Series

"Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor" (Oct 2011)

"Rainshadow Road" (Feb 2012)

"Dream Lake" (Aug 2012)

Children's Book Saturday - "Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears?"

"Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears?"

By: Carmela LaVigna Coyle

Illustrated by: Mike Gordon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Follow along as two ragtag, everyday super heroes don capes to play in the mud, save their stuffed animals from certain peril, conquer the vegetables at dinner, and overcome darkness at night.Are super heroes always brave and daring?We’re brave and bold and kind and caring.After five successful books in the “Princesses” series, Carmela LaVigna Coyle now turns her attention to an all new childhood fantasy in this wonderful new story about imagination and play. Every little boy and girl has a super hero somewhere inside just waiting to come out. Tie on your cape (blankies recommended) and join the adventure.P.S. Do super heroes have teddy bears? Why, yes, they do!

My Thoughts:

     This is one of the most fabulous, be who you are because you are awesome, books I have ever read! That's a mouthful, but you know what I mean. This book encapsulates the meaning of being true to yourself, because yourself is pretty cool. The illustrations and the text are incredibly funny and I can see this book easily becoming a cult classic.
      The book follows two children throughout their day and asks the reader, what does a true hero do? From brushing their teeth to eating vegetables, true super heroes have no problems with these tasks because that's what brave kids do! The very last page is perhaps my favorite, because it tells the reader to Be Your Own Hero...an idea which I absolutely love.
       The illustrations are whimsical and fit the story well. The colors are bold and really appeal to the reader. I loved this book more than I can express and can see all sorts of children loving it. It will appeal to all age ranges but probably would be best for Kindergarten-2nd Grade, but that's just my opinion. I can also see this book being good for a read aloud as the pictures add to the story, but the words and the sentiments are the basis. Great book you should order immediately! You're going to love it!

Book Details

Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing

Date of Publication: May 16, 2012

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1589796935

Check out other titles by Carmela L. Coyle

"Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor" By: Lisa Kleypas Review

"Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor"

By: Lisa Kleypas

Synopsis from Goodreads:

ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY

One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.

ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE

The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.

SOMETIMES, IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC…

Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.

…TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE

Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home…

My Thoughts:

     “Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor” is the beginning of Kleypas' new Friday Harbor series. I had been putting off reading this romance because I'm not a huge fan of Christmas stories or contemporaries. However, as always, anything written by Lisa Kleypas is pretty magical and this book is no exception.

      The story opens with a funeral. Mark Nolan's sister has just passed away and he is now charged with caring for his six year old niece. Mark will be her chief caretaker while his two brothers will try to help. He doesn't know a single things about kids and is scared to death he will scare or hurt the little girl.

      Months go by and Mark's niece, Holly, doesn't speak a word...until one day they visit Maggie Collins' store. Maggie, Mark and Holly bond over fairy houses and its at the store Holly speaks her first words since her mother's death. Mark is impressed by Maggie's unspoken connection with the little girl and is intrigued by Maggie.

      The magic of this book is the pacing. You fall in love with the characters slowly before they even know one another. Mark is intrigued by Maggie when she helps Holly, but they truly don't connect until they are on the ferry together. You connect with the characters before they connect with one another, which doesn't happen very often.   You love the characters, their little quirks, and when they persevere, you do too.

      Kleypas has written a sweet, short beginning to start her new series. Light and fluffy, yet with enough depth to keep you interested, “Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor” is a romance not to be missed. Wonderful characters, Sunday afternoon romance, and an enchanting background come together to create a magical romance. I loved being swept away to Friday Harbor and you will too. You don't even have to read it at Christmas!

Product Description

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Date of Publication: October 4, 2011

# of Pages: 240

ISBN: 978-0312605872

Friday Harbor Series

"Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor" (Oct 2011)

"Rainshadow Road" (Feb 2012)

"Dream Lake" (Aug 2012)

"The Raven Prince" By: Elizabeth Hoyt Review

"The Raven Prince"

By: Elizabeth Hoyt

Synopsis from Amazon:

There comes a time in a woman's life when she must do the unthinkable - and find employment. For the widowed Anna Wren, that means taking a job as female secretary for the Earl of Swartingham. Secretaries are always male - never female - as Anna well knows but the real downfall of her career is the realisation that she is falling in love with Edward de Raaf - the Earl. But when she realises that he is going to visit a brothel in London to take care of his 'manly' desires, Anna sees red - and decides to take advantage of the opportunity to also take care of her 'womanly' desires - with the Earl as her unknowing lover. But the Earl has another reason for going to London. He is formalising his betrothal and trying (with little success) to forget about a secretary that has no right being female. Unhandsome, he knows that no woman wants him. Except for the mysterious lady with whom he spent two unforgettable nights at Aphrodite's Grotto, the most scandalous brothel in London. But when Anna's plan is revealed, a bit of blackmail is thrown into the mix, a proposal is rejected and even the Earl himself will be unprepared for the intrigues that ensnare them.

My Thoughts:

      Elizabeth Hoyt is one of my favorite romance authors and has become an absolute must buy for me. “The Raven Prince” was the very first book I read of Hoyt's and cemented her place in my little romantic heart. Let me tell you, what she can do with characters is simply beyond wonderful.

      Anna Wren is a down on her luck widow living in a little English town. As she is walking down the lane one day, she is confronted by a rude, overbearing man who accidentally knocks her down. Little does she know, within days she will be working for the very same man...and that he's the richest and most well known man in town, the current Earl, Lord Swartingham!

      As we all know, in a good romance, working together and spending quite a bit of time together almost guarantees a romance between the two characters...and Hoyt delivers. The buildup and chemistry of these two characters is wonderful. There is a sublime romance, but the conversations and verbal sparring between the two really sells it.

Anna laid down her quill and held out her hand to Jock, who had accompanied his master into the room. “I was beginning tothink you'd forgotten this morning's debt, my lord.”
He arched an arrogant brow. “Are you impugning my honor?”
“If I were, would you call me out?”
He made an inelegant sound. “No. You'd probably win if I did. I'm not a partciularly good shot, and my sword work needs practice.”
Anna raised her chin loftily. “Then perhaps you should be careful what you say to me.” (Hoyt, 114)

     The passion and romance in this story is hardly paralleled by any books I've read recently. Anna is such a different heroine than what you read about. She sees what she wants and takes life by the horns. She is independent and not htat fake independent that lasts until someone else can take charge. Edward, the Earl, is haunted by his past but isn't afraid to seize the future either. Just enough friction to make a wonderful story, but not allow it to become bogged down.

      I think everyone should read this book. Honestly. Every single person. I love it and without a doubt consider it one of my favorite books of all time. I own it in paperback and have read it so many times, the cover is almost ready to fall off. The conflict, the romance, the characters all come together in a delightful combination of a perfect story.

Book Details

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Date of Publication: November 1, 2006

# of Pages: 392

ISBN: 978-044661872

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...

"The Governess Affair"

By: Courtney Milan

She will not give up.

Three months ago, governess Serena Barton was let go from her position. Unable to find new work, she’s demanding compensation from the man who got her sacked: a petty, selfish, swinish duke. But it’s not the duke she fears. It’s his merciless man of business—the man known as the Wolf of Clermont. The formidable former pugilist has a black reputation for handling all the duke’s dirty business, and when the duke turns her case over to him, she doesn’t stand a chance. But she can’t stop trying—not with her entire future at stake.

He cannot give in.
Hugo Marshall is a man of ruthless ambition—a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner’s son to the right hand man of a duke. When his employer orders him to get rid of the pestering governess by fair means or foul, it’s just another day at the office. Unfortunately, fair means don’t work on Serena, and as he comes to know her, he discovers that he can’t bear to use foul ones. But everything he has worked for depends upon seeing her gone. He’ll have to choose between the life that he needs, and the woman he is coming to love…

"See Jane Score"

By: Rachel Gibson

A fanciful romance between brainy Seattle Times columnist Jane Alcott and hockey player Luc Martineau. Luc, nicknamed Lucky for his ability to score with women and keep his opponents from scoring on the ice, is less than thrilled to hear that Jane will be reporting on the team's games and digging into his unsavory past. Still, he can't help feeling attracted to the pint-sized writer, despite her drab clothes and unfortunate profession. For Jane, the assignment is the perfect opportunity to stop writing fluff and break into serious reporting. But following the progression of the puck turns out to be less challenging than getting the players to talk, particularly Luc, whose lusty looks make her want to ditch her black clothes and wear red. The two eventually wind up in bed together, but Luc's fear of commitment and Jane's fear of abandonment may keep them from taking the next step. 

"It Must Be Love"

By: Rachel Gibson

Undercover cop Joe Shanahan's bad luck hit bottom the morning he stared up into the face of sexy suspect Gabrielle Breedlove. She'd blown his cover—brought him down with a can of hairspray—and now his new assignment was to pose as her boyfriend. But spending as much time as possible with the utterly irresistible New Age beauty caused unexpected complications. To make matters worse, his matchmaking sisters are picking out china patterns.

Joe's brooding good looks and T-shirt-straining muscles might be easy on the eyes, but how could Gabrielle be attracted to a straight-laced detective who's determined to find evidence to arrest her? Still, he invades her dreams and when they share a transcendent lovemaking experience, Gabrielle knows it must be love.

"Love's Rhythm"

By: Lexxie Couper

Nick Blackthorne knows all about words of love. They’re the reason he’s the world’s biggest rock star. The irony? He turned his back on love a long time ago, lured away by the trappings of fame.
An invitation to a friend’s wedding is a stark reminder of how meaningless his life has become. When he enters that church, there’s only one woman he wants on his arm—the one he walked out on a lifetime ago. But first he has to find her, even if all she accepts from him is an apology.
Kindergarten teacher Lauren Robbins once had what every woman on the planet desires. Nick. Their passion was explosive, their romance the stuff of songs…and it took fifteen years to get over him. Then out of the blue Nick turns up at her door, and all those years denying her ache for him are shattered with a single, smoldering kiss.

"The Trouble with Valentine's Day"

By: Rachel Gibson

When everything about her life in Las Vegas just seems to be going wrong, Kate Hamilton leaves her job as a PI and points her car toward Gospel, Idaho. Gospel is the kind of town where a girl can take it easy and just be herself, or so she hopes. But when she gets there, people get the impression that she's a bit of a ball–buster. And she is, at first.

But Gospel has a way of softening people up. One of those ways is Rob Sutter. He's a spectacular–looking former hockey player with a wild past of his own, who now lives a quiet (albeit slightly macho) life running his sporting goods store and fly–fishing. Kate and Rob are so wrong for each other that there must be something right. If only they can start seeing each other for who they really are...

"Hearts in Darkness"

By: Laura Kaye

Makenna James thinks her day can't get any worse, until she finds herself stuck in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. Distracted by a phone call and juggling too much stuff, the pin-striped accountant caught only a glimpse of a dragon tattoo on his hand before the lights went out.

Caden Grayson is amused when a redhead literally falls at his feet. His amusement turns to panic when the power fails. Despite his piercings, tats, and vicious scar, he's terrified of the dark and confined spaces. Now, he's trapped in his own worst nightmare.

To fight fear, they must both reach out and open up. With no preconceived notions based on looks to hold them back, they discover just how much they have in common. In the warming darkness, attraction grows and sparks fly, but will they feel the same when the lights come back on?

What I'm Reading Now...

"Vision in White"

By: Nora Roberts

Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends-and business partners-to see her way to her own happy ending.

"Kill Me Softly" By: Sarah Cross Review

"Kill Me Softly"

By: Sarah Cross

Synopsis from Amazon:

Mirabelle's past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents' tragic deaths to her guardians' half-truths about why she can't return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.

In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who's a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again.

But fairy tales aren't pretty things, and they don't always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy tale curses of their own . . . brothers who share a dark secret. And she'll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.

My Thoughts:

      I have been sucked into the retelling of fairy tales for a couple of years now. Each one is so unique and entertaining, its easily one of my favorite new genres out there today. I had a chance to read and review “Kill Me Softly” before it came out and I just couldn't resist this cute, interesting young adult novel.

     The novel starts out with Mirabelle running away from home. Her parents were killed when she was a baby so she lives with her two “aunts.” (They turn out to be Fairy Godmothers, cue...gasp!) As she is nearing the age of 16, she decides she wants to find out more about her parents. She's been kept in the dark about her family so she sets off in the dark of night to go to where her parents are supposedly buried.

      Mirabelle travels to the town where she was born and immediately meets all sorts of different people. I wish I could make friends as fast as this girl does! She befriends a group of teens who are mysterious and seem to speak of secrets, yet they accept her and her mysterious birth mark. Throughout the book it is revealed the teens are really living out the fates of famous fairy tale heroes and heroines and they each have their own birthmarks. Mirabelle, who had no idea she had such a fate, finds out she herself has such a fate.

     Beau Rivage is a town of fairy tale people. It's a great concept and I loved reading how each teen was going to fulfill their destiny. There are Cinderella types, a Beauty and a Beast who hate one another, and even a Sleeping Beauty. In addition to meeting this specific group of teens, Mirabelle is attracted to two mysterious brothers who hate one another but both attract girls.

      The story is original filled with great multidimensional characters. It was really interesting to find out about the Grimm's tales that are not as well known and how they fit in. I will warn you, when I finished the book I wasn't nearly ready to be done and am already ready to read the sequel. The teens at my library will definitely enjoy this title and as a twenty something librarian, I loved it! Fun, interesting, and the perfect mix of fairy tale mythology and real world, this is one not to miss.

Book Details

Publisher: Egmont USA

Date of Publication: April 10, 2012

# of Pages: 336

ISBN: 978-1606843239

"Fifty Shades Freed" By: E L James Review

"Fifty Shades Freed"

By: E L James

Synopsis from Amazon:

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true.

My Thoughts:

      Whew. I'm writing this after finishing the third book in the Fifty Shades series and I'm exhausted. Amazingly happy but exhausted. E.L. James finishes the Fifty Shades trilogy with a bang in this finale title, “Fifty Shades Freed.” I devoured this series within about four days and have to admit, I was a little sad when it finished. Since I finished, I have recommended this series to so many people at my library, and when they return after reading it, I love to see their faces!

      The third book opens immediately after Ana and Christian's wedding. They are ready to start their lives together, but people and situations from the previous books try to block their happiness. The boss from Ana's job (who was fired for sexual harassment) turns up in this book along with Mrs. Robinson and her whole host of crazy problems.

       “Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Fifty Shades Darker” are must reads before you pick up this title. Its bad to say, but I honestly don't think you would be able to follow the book or characters without first reading the previous two titles. While not my favorite of the trilogy, “Freed” concludes Ana and Christian's story and finally gives them a happily ever after.

Perhaps my favorite moment of the series occurs in the final pages of this title as you see Christian with his son and he seems happy. From the first glimpse of Christian, I felt he was so unbelievably sad and was relieved to finally see him relaxed, calm, and exuding happiness.

       E L James has been criticized for not being incredibly literary, and I would have to agree. The sentence and story structure of the trilogy isn't complex in the least, yet the books are addicting. She is wonderful at characterization. You know the characters in and out and are always a little surprised at the situations they find themselves in. You absolutely have to find out what happens to them, you strive to know what happens next. Without a doubt, if there were a fourth book released, I would rush to buy it, they are that addicting and great.

Book Details

Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop

Date of Publication: March 2, 2012

# of Pages: 466

ISBN: 978-1612130606

"Crazy on You" By: Rachel Gibson Review

"Crazy On You" 

By: Rachel Gibson

Synopsis from Amazon:

     Lily Darlington's been called crazy in her day-and, yeah, driving her car into her ex-husband's living room probably wasn't the smartest move ever made-but the louse deserved it. Now Lily is happily single, and she's turned it all around. She knows she's a good mom, a homeowner, and a businesswoman, all wrapped up in one good-looking package.

     A package that police officer Tucker Matthews is dying to unwrap. This ex-military man sure doesn't need another woman in his life. His last girlfriend left him with nothing but memories and a cat named Pinky! But living next door to Lily has been driving him nuts. He dreams about her long blonde hair and even longer legs. And maybe it's time to go a little crazy . . . and fall in love.

My Thoughts:

     Rachel Gibson could write on the back of a cereal box and I would run to the store to read it. "Crazy On You" is a new short story that introduces her new series while finishing the story of characters we know and love. An amazing story about second chances and of course, falling for the boy next door.

     We have met Lily Darlington before in "Daisy's Back in Town." Lily is the sister of Daisy and considered just a little different...well, maybe a little crazy. She's drove her car into her ex-husband's house, she's partied a little too hard, danced on some tables, but she considers all that behind her now. She's raising her son and trying to hide from her interfering mother who happens to live next door.

     One evening she is pulled over by a Police Officer and it isn't until the next morning she realizes its her new neighbor! Tucker Matthews has just retired from his military career and is trying to find happiness in life by working for the police and living in strange little Lovett, Texas. Instantly the two have sparks, made more complicated by Lily's wild mother and son. 

      I loved this story. While it was a short novella and no where near as long as Gibson's other works, it definitely worked for me. The characters grew through the story and when I finished the story, I expected to see them shopping in my supermarket. I was pretty attached to them, I have to admit. There was romance, it was funny, there was a little heartbreak and a wonderfully happy ending. Run, don't walk, and grab this one up!

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

Rachel Gibson's next book, "Rescue Me" is coming out May 29th and continues her stories of ex-military men. Guess who already has it pre-ordered??

Book Details

Publisher: Avon Impulse

Date of Publication: May 1, 2012

ISBN: B007MB55UA

Where can you buy this fabulous title?

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

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...

"The Grimm Legacy"

By: Polly Shulman

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.

           

"Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure"

By: Sophie Barnes

It's going to be a wild ride . . .

Lady Alexandra Summersby is not your average society miss. Not only is she more likely to climb a tree than she is to wear a dress, but she has also sworn off marriage. Alex loves taking chances, which is how she finds herself embroiled in a secret mission as she races across the country with the Earl of Trenton. But Alexandra is about to discover that the real danger lies not in duels, but in her completely unexpected reaction to Lord Trenton's company.

Michael Ashford, Earl of Trenton, is a man of duty. Honorable, charming, and a hit with the ladies, he's never had trouble staying focused-until now. Lady Alexandra is like no other woman he's ever met, and suddenly the prospect of marriage seems far more appealing. Now, to convince Alexandra that a life together could be an adventure like no other . . .

What I'm Reading Now...

"Vision in White"
By: Nora Roberts
Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends-and business partners-to see her way to her own happy ending.