Monday, October 27, 2008

Unleashed

Unleashed is another wonderful book by Lori Borrill. From the back cover - Purse designer Jessie Beane has some bad habits when it comes to men. So she's going to boost her sexual karma-by indulging in and extra-naughty, one-night stand?

Detective Rick Marshall is the perfect candidate-a hot cop with a creative and insatiable libido. Unfortunately, Jessie's poor excuse for an ex uses the opportunity to rob Jessie's apartment and steal Rick's car...with key evidence in the truck!

Jessie and Rick don't have time to waste...They need to find that car now. And if spending time together gives them the chance to unleash their voracious appetite for each other, then they'll be certain to enjoy every salacious minute.

Unleashed is a very fast-paced romance. Borrill writes a winner with the chemistry between Jessie and Rick. Both have stayed away from the opposite sex for different reasons, and when they get together it's like fireworks on the 4th of July. Rick finds a woman that draws him out of the shell he has lived in for the past few years, and Jessie finds the first man she has ever been able to trust. The romance between Rick and Jessie is a bit of a roller coaster, but the ride is worth it.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Into the Flame

Into the Flame by Christina Dodd is the final book in her Darkness Chosen series. From the back cover- Ruggedly handsome cop Doug Black is determined to find the birth family who left him with nothing but a terrifying inheritance: the ability to change into a savage golden cougar. His search leads him to a woman as fearless and exotic as her name. Firebird Wilder is bitterly familiar with supernatural gifts, and flees on discovering Doug's secret, leaving him alone once more. But no one can escape a wild cougar on the hunt. When he finds her, they must decide which is more powerful: the love that binds them or the secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

Firebird Wilder and Doug Black keep many secrets from each other. Her biggest secret is their son Aleksandr, his is he has figured out he is a member of the Varinskis clan. Both must learn to trust one another again to survive the upcoming attack from the Varinskis. The war between the US Varinskis, now Wilder's and the Varinskis from Europe will be a winner take all death match. Firebird and Doug also learn something unexpected about their births, that gives Doug the family he always wanted,

Dodd gives readers another action-packed story filled with romance, mystery, and a few twist and turns. I enjoyed this series and look forward to more books by Dodd in the future.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Into the Shadow

Into the Shadow by Christina Dodd is the 3rd in her Darkness Chosen series. It's the story of Adrik Wilder, who's family believes he is dead, and Karen Sonnet. Adrik, also known as Warlord, is attracted to Karen from the minute he sees her. Karen is attracted to her mystery night-time lover, but has no idea of the secrets he hides.

Warlord and Karen must deal with many misunderstanding to survive. Even with all the trouble that occurred, Karen is still wildly attracted to Warlord and he has never lost his feeling for her. As the run from the Varinskis, they must work together to survive.

Dodd writes another fast-paced book full of adventure, suspense, and romance. The final book in the Darkness Chosen series is Into the Flame, and I can't wait to find out how the series ends.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Touch of Darkness

Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd is the second book in her Darkness Chosen series. From the back cover-Handsome, powerful Rurik Wilder battles darkness-the darkness without and the darkness within. He possesses the power to transform himself into a fierce bird of prey, and that gift has caused death and destruction. At last he is offered the chance to redeem himself and break the evil pact that has held his family in thrall for centuries. Only one woman stands in his way- Tasya Hunnicutt, a writer determined to wreak revenge on the assassins who murdered her family. Assassins, it's rumored, who have powers no human should ever possess.

Rurik knows the only way to end the curse that was placed on his family over 1000 years ago is to locate the icon, a religious symbol, and bring it home. As he works to locate the icon at his dig site in Scotland, he must also keep up with Tasya. He has no idea that she is actually trying to bring down his family, the Varinskis, which are his cousins that still reside in Europe. Tasya wants the Varinskis to suffer for killing her entire family when she was just 4 years old. Rurik must find a way to keep both Tasya and himself safe as they try to locate the icon and return to the States.

The Varinskis continue to track them as they travel and only Rurik knowing his family and Tasya's inner sense about the Varinskis keep them safe. Rurik and Tasya also are fighting their attraction to one another as they travel to safety. Rurik and Tasya must find a way to put their pasts behind them and work together to stay alive.

Dodd writes a winner with Touch of Darkness. I love books that have mystery, adventure, and romance, and Dodd delivers with all three.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Tribute

Tribute by Nora Roberts tells the story of Cilla McGowan, a former child star, who comes home to Virgina's Shenandoah Valley to restore her grandmother's former farmhouse. Cilla's grandmother was the famous Hollywood star Janet Hardy. Ford Sawyer is Cilla's new across the street neighbor. Ford and Cilla are instantly attracted to one another. Cilla must learn to trust not only Ford, but her father, who she hasn't ever really spent any time with her entire life. Cilla goes from being a total loner to having family, friends, and a wonderful lover.

Cilla finds that someone is not so excited that she has decided to restore her grandmother's former farmhouse. Injuries to workers, graffiti to her car and fence, and damage to the home almost push Cilla to stop her process with her new home. With the support of Ford and her family, Cilla continues her dream, learning for the first time what it's like to have help without strings.

In addition to romance, Roberts throws in a bit of mystery and danger to make a very interesting and fast read.

Friday, October 17, 2008

The Undead Next Door

The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks is the first book picked for the online book club at http://jennifersrandommusings.wordpress.com/. I like to read books in a series in order, but stepped away from that format for the book club. The Undead Next Door is the 4th in the series by Kerrelyn Sparks, but won't be the only book I read. I really enjoyed the story between Heather and Jean-Luc. I know I want to go back and read the first 3 in the series, since most of the characters are mentioned in The Undead Next Door.

Jean-Luc is instantly attracted to Heather from the first time he sees her. He just has one little problem that they must live with, he is a vampire. Heather knows there something is a little different about Jean-Luc, but is so attracted to him that she just moves her concerns to the back burner. Jean-Luc must protect Heather from a murderous villain that has been killing any woman Jean-Luc loves for centuries.

The Undead Next Door is a fun read with a bit of mystery, action and lots of romance. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books by Sparks in the future.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

To All A Good Night

To All A Good Night contains three novellas that center around Christmas themes. Donna Kauffman, Jill Shalvis, and HelenKay Dimon each write wonderful novellas to keep the reader wanting more.

"Unleashed" by Donna Kauffman has Emma Lafferty pet sitting over the holidays for a billionaire CEO. Things really heat up when Emma and Trevor, the CEO's hot nephew, get snowed in due to a storm.

"Finding Mr. Right" by Jill Shalvis has Maggie Bell deciding to quit looking for Mr. Right and settle for Mr. Wrong. In walks Jacob Wahler, the rough and ripping contractor who she had a crush on in high school. Maggie and Jacob burn up the pages in this fast-paced romance.

"Can You Hand Me the Tape?" by HelenKay Dimon has Natalie Pritchard asking her nemesis Spencer Donovan for help. It's the week before Christmas and Natalie needs Spencer's help in retrieving the naughty tape she made for her now ex-boyfriend. Spencer must not only retrieve the tape, but make Natalie see that he really does find her attractive.

All three stories are wonderful and leave the reader wanting more.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood

I've been reading through The Black Dagger Brotherhood An Insider's Guide over the past several days. The short-story about Bella and Z is wonderful. Zsadist has always been my favorite of the brothers and I loved to get a continuation story for Bella and Z.

There are also interviews with each of the brothers, an interview with the Warden and the brothers, deleted scenes, and so much more. I really enjoyed reading how each book came about and loved reading more about each of the brothers. The additional bonus of seeing a sneak preview of Lover Avenged, which comes out in May 2009 only makes me want May to get her that much faster.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Untamed

Untamed by PC Cast and Kristin Cast is the 4th book in their House of Night series. Zoey Redbird is having to deal with the fact that she seriously messed up and all of her friends are angry with her. Zoey has decided her whole life sucks right now. She has gone from having 3 boyfriends to none, and having a close group of friends who trusted and supported her to being an outcast. Of the friends Zoey has left, one is undead and one is now unMarked. To make things worse, Neferet has declared war on the humans, which Zoey knows is wrong.


As a new celebrity fledgling comes to the school and the High Priestess of all vampires, Shekinah arrives to lets Neferet know the council has voted against a war with the humans, Zoey and her friends must step up once again. Zoey, with the help of the Twins(Shaunee & Erin), Damien, Jack, Aphrodite, and Stevie Rae, must come up with a way to stop the evil that is on the horizon of the House of Night. Zoey and her friends learn to trust each other more and work through their differences to keep as many fledglings and humans safe as possible.

Untamed is another winner for PC & Kristin Cast. I look forward to Hunted, which will come out in March 2009.

Monday, October 06, 2008

Wuthering High

Wuthering High by Cara Lockwood is the first book in her Bard Academy series. When Miranda, a slightly spoiled fifteen-year-old from Chicago smashes up her father's car and goes crazy with her step-mother's credit card, she is shipped off the Bard Academy, a boarding school where she is supposed to learn to behave. Miranda knows something is different about Bard Academy from the very first night. Her crazy roommate is convinced that Dracula is prowling the campus and Miranda and her new friends feel like they are caught up in some of the classic literature they are learning in class.

To complicate matters, Ryan Kent, a basketball player from Miranda's former school, has been sent to Bard Academy too. Ryan shows interest in Miranda from the beginning, but there are forces around the school that don't want Miranda near Ryan.

Miranda and her friends must solve the mystery of Bard Academy to not only stay alive, but to save the school. Miranda seems to be the key to keeping everything going on the right track for Bard Academy.

Lockwood writes a really fast-paced YA book that keeps the reader interested from page one. I look forward to reading more books by Lockwood.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

I've been tagged by Alyssa

I've been tagged by Alyssa Goodnight to grab the first book near me.

The rules are as follows: Grab the nearest book. Open the book to page 56. Find the fifth sentence. Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your journal/blog along with these instructions.Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the closest. Tag five other people to do the same.Here's page 56 of the closest book on my desk.

"The dining room is dark and depressing. The lights above are dimly lit chandeliers, with flickering bulbs that give off about as much light as candles. The electricity in the dining hall and about everywhere else seems patchy at best."

I just started reading Wuthering High by Cara Lockwood. Julie Leto over at plotmonkeys.com suggested it and I look forward to giving it a try. Cara Lockwood is a new author to me and Julie has always given me great suggestions.

Stay the Night

Stay the Night by Lynn Viehl is the final book in her current Darkyn series. I won the ARC from her site and very much enjoyed Stay the Night, as I have the rest of the Darkyn series. This book focuses on Robin of Locksley and federal agent Chris Renshaw. Robin has stolen countless works of art, evading human authorities for the past seven hundred years. Chris is an undercover federal agent, who is hoping to capture the elusive art thief, using as bait the priceless Maiden's Book of Hours. When it is stolen, Robin and Chris must join together to ensure it's safely recovered.

Although Chris and Robin really don't trust one another, neither seems to be able to keep their hands off each other. Chris and Robin have a very steamy, but almost tender relationship as they discover one another. Chris has never fallen in love before and Robin hasn't been in love in over 700 years. Chris and Robin have many obstacles to over-come as they work to not only save themselves, but more of the Kyn as well.

Viehl writes another winner with Stay the Night, and I look forward to reading many of her books in the future.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Twilight Fall

Twilight Fall by Lynn Viehl is one of the final books in her Darkyn series. We re-visit Valentin Jaus, who has already infected one woman with his vampire blood. He meets Liling Harper who has been hiding from an organization desperate to reclaim her. Liling has been attracted to Valentin from the first time she saw him.

Liling needs to leave Chicago to go back on the run, and Valentin offers to fly her with him to Atlanta. While in flight, Valentin and Liling give into their passion for one another. Liling has no idea that Valentin is a member of the Darkyn and Valentin has no idea that Liling was raised to believe all Darkyn are evil. Liling and Valentin must work together to survive, while trying to make it back to Valentin's home.

Viehl writes another winner with Twilight Fall. She gives the reader even more background story of both the Darkyn and the Brethern. Viehl give the reader plenty of romance, action, adventure, and a bit more mystery to keep the reader ready for the final Darkyn book Stay the Night, which will be released in January 2009. I won an ARC of Stay the Night from Lynn and can't wait to start reading the book.

I Read Banned Books!

How many have YOU read? Celebrating Banned Book Week 2008, here is the ALA’s list of the 100 most frequently challenged books from 1990 through 2000.
All titles in Bold are books I've read!

Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
Forever by Judy Blume
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Giver by Lois Lowry

It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine (at least one in the series)
A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Sex by Madonna
Earth’s Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
The Witches by Roald Dahl
The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
The Goats by Brock Cole
Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
Blubber by Judy Blume
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
Final Exit by Derek Humphry
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (My favorite book ever!)
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
Deenie by Judy Blume
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
Cujo by Stephen King
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
Ordinary People by Judith Guest
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
Fade by Robert Cormier
Guess What? by Mem Fox
The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Lord of the Flies by William Golding (read part, but never finished)
Native Son by Richard Wright
Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies by Nancy Friday
Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
Jack by A.M. Homes
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
Carrie by Stephen King
Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume

On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
Family Secrets by Norma Klein
Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
Private Parts by Howard Stern
Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
Sex Education by Jenny Davis
The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

Allie Boniface suggested Summer of My German Soldier, so I know I'm going to give that one a try.