Julia's Books Corner !

3rd BlogiversaryHappy Birthday Trish!It's Celebration!

2009-07-19T11:59:00.004-05:00

This post will be kept on top until July 19. To see MORE update posts, scroll down below to the next posts entry. Thanks! :)

Today happen to be my 3rd Blogiversary! And to make it even more special, today is also my niece Trish's Birthday! I am happy to celebrate these two important things in my life with everyone. And what more better way to celebrate it? Why not give a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble to a lucky winner? All you have to do is tell me what book(s) are you looking forward to get your hand on this month/ or next month? You've until Sunday July 19 to enter. I will announced the winner on Monday July 20. The lucky reader will have about a week to contact me via email at "Juliayen2u (AT) gmail (DOT) com" (with no space) and give me their snail mail information. Otherwise if the winner doesn't contact me, to be fair - I'll be force to chose another winner.

Good luck! I wish everyone have a good weekend ahead!

TBR

2009-07-16T02:05:00.004-05:00

Booking Through Thursday

Follow-up to last week’s question:

Do you keep all your unread books together, like books in a waiting room? Or are they scattered throughout your shelves, mingling like party-goers waiting for the host to come along?

Actually, all of my unread books/TBR pile are kept together inside three or four tote bags, which are split into two section inside each bags between my closet door and the side of my bookshelf. There are also some on the floor in un-tote bag, but is sitting next to the tote bags too. It's also split in two section. It's growing up way high now. I imagine there are over 180 + books in those piles! I never put my unread/TBR pile books in the shelves because there no room for it. All my keeper books are kept in those 3 book shelves. The one I know for sure that I be re-reading it again and again. But I think I may need to go and buy more shelves so that I can put my unread TBR pile books in it....or maybe just put my other keeper books that was left... all alone, away from the other 3 book shelves -- which wasn't done on purposed, honest! *LOL* -- into the new shelves. There just wasn't enough room for the other keeper books in the shelves that is already fulled...please don't tap your foot, cross your arm and give me that one eye stare...I can't take it!...*LOL*

I can't imagine how many books in there but I'm afraid to counts. The book itself been gathering together at night planning a conspiracy against me for not reading them fast enough or keep adding more newbies book to the TBR pile - with them. You know I like to sleep at night without worrying about my back - the devilish of the books *LOL*

How about you? Where do you keep all your unread books?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

My weekend : Books, Fun Fair and Foods

2009-07-11T13:51:00.009-05:00

Because we are having a Festival Fair at our church, I had to go grocery shopping 3 days early. I started to become obsessed with trying to make my fruit salad perfect most recently. I've made them twice, and it didn't turn out the way my friend made them (the one who gave me this recipes and got me started on it) but my version wasn't even bad either. I like it. But I decided to make it again, so I brought all the stuff needed (I want to write the recipes down but I have to ask friend for her permission first. It's her stuff I believe) to make them. It still sitting in my cabinet, just waiting for me to make it. And because we had too much stuff in the fridge, I want to wait until sometime this week to make them. I like to keep the fruit salad cold over night before eating them, so I need room in the fridge *grin*. I will try to take picture, if I can remember it. I love eating pasta/spaghetti so I'm always buying them. These are my speciality *grin* -- I am no Betty cooker, so you won't be seeing any fancy stuff from me *LOL* -- so I eat them almost every weeks. But it really suck when I'm the only one eating most of it. My family only eat one plate and they're done *sigh*.

I did buy Nora Roberts's latest Black Hills while I was there(see above for book cover). I've been waiting for it for awhile but now that I got it, I have to wait until I'm finish reading my current book first. I should be finish with it by the end of Sunday. So far, I only seen few reviews on Black Hills and it been good.

I did see Linda Howard's Burn but didn't grab a copy, since it's in Hardcover. But I'm anxious to hear reviews up soon, to make up my mind to get it in Hardcover or just wait for release in paperback. I would love to hear any reviews, if anyone know where to find them -- beside Barnes & Noble and Amazon that is...

I did plan to go to Barnes & Nobles and Borders, at my local home town but my friend had to cancel. Her two kids got sick and she need to stay home to be with them. We re-schedule it for this Monday coming up. And if not Monday, we try other days when she is free :) I was looking forward to get the first book to C.L. Wilson's Tairen Soul series, since my friends have raved about it (*waving* Hi Pam and BJ! *grin*). I was also planning to buy other books as well. Such as the first thrilling book of Chelsea Cain's HeartSick. When I first read reviews from other, I wasn't sure if I would be interested to reading the book (Yes, every now and than I do like reading thrilling books but not too often do I read them.) but after reading Katie from Babbling About Books, and More talked about the next installment to the Archie and Gretchen saga, Evil at Heart and then she describe the sickest relationship between Archie and Gretchen(Katie's word *grin*)- I just had to grab the first copy of the series! Here is the link, where Katie talk about Evil at Heart book. Read it Here. And lastly but not the least, I want to get a copy of Leslie Parrish's Fade to Black, her first book to the Black Cat trilogy. I heard good raves about this book too, from my Yahoo Group reader as well as from Stacy at Stacy's Place On Earth who have done a review on the book. Read it Here These books are all "new to me authors", so am looking forward to reading them.

I'm still awaiting to get my copy on Marie Force's Love At First Flight, Suzanne Brockmann's Hot Pursuit and Shannon McKenna's Tasting Fear...all coming out this month! These authors I am familiar with and auto buy and favorite authors for me :)

I will post my reviews for Edge of Midnight by Shannon McKenna and Thread of Fear by Laura Griffin soon. It either on Sunday or this up coming week. Stay tune for that...

And there is a new book coming out from Sandy Blair, historical romance author that I will announce it sometime this week. There even book cover! I love her Highlander paranormal historical romance books. These men are YUMMY! Stay tune...

To all of my friends who attending the Nora Roberts' Turn the Pages Anniversary signing events this weekend, have fun! Take pictures and I be wait for your travelogues to go along with those fun pictures :)

You probably just tired of hearing me talk about going grocery store every weeks. Sorry about that. I've try to make my blog interesting but....I see I'm not doing it good enough ;) ;) But I've done my best to not only entertained myself but two of my friends too *grin*.

In the meantime, I am off to get ready and go Festival Fair. There will be entertainment (singing, acting play, dancing, musics band) as well as foods, games for everyone to do. This should be fun. I see you later!

Have a Happy Reading and a good weekend everyone!

Unread

2009-07-09T22:55:00.002-05:00

Booking Through Thursday

An idea I got from Toddled Dredge (via K for Kat). Here’s what she said:

“So here today I present to you an Unread Books Challenge. Give me the list or take a picture of all the books you have stacked on your bedside table, hidden under the bed or standing in your shelf – the books you have not read, but keep meaning to. The books that begin to weigh on your mind. The books that make you cover your ears in conversation and say, ‘No! Don’t give me another book to read! I can’t finish the ones I have!’ “

I was planning to take pictures and show some of my TBR pile unread books but than it occur to me that the question asks for unread books - the one that you are DYING to read but haven't yet read. So I was going through my TBR pile and put all the books that I was dying to read. I was piling them up into section...and than I stopped. I realized what I did. I got scared of seeing how many books were topping the pile and didn't want to take anymore books out from my TBR pile just to add it to the pile of "dying un-read books". I have way too many books in my TBR pile to even think about going through the TBR pile just to gather all the "dying to read" books and than take pictures *LOL*

But here are some example of the books that are my unread books:

1. Extreme Danger by Shannon McKenna
2. Ultimate Weapon by Shannon McKenna
3. Tasting Fear by Shannon Mckenna
4. Whisper of Warning by Laura Griffin
5. Burning Alive by Shannon K Butcher
6. Double Play by Jill Shavlis
7. Black Hill by Nora Roberts
8. Death Angel by Linda Howard

And than I have those series books, that have been in my TBR pile for longest time but I've been dying to read them. I just haven't got a chance to read them yet. They are:

- The last 3 trilogy romantic suspense of Bullet Catcher book by Roxanne St. Claire
1. First You Run
2. Then You Hide
3. Now You Die

- The last two historical book of Masters At Arms series by Jennifer Blakes
1. Guarded Heart
2. Gallant Match
Really looking forward to the final book Triumph In Arms

- Shannon K Butcher last romantic suspense No Escape

- The last 4 books of Harry Potter series

- The next book of A Dark Ops Novel by Catherin Mann
1. Defender

- The last book of The I-Team series by Pamela Clare
1. Unlawful Contact

Single books:

1. Agnes and Hitman by Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer
2. For the Love of pete by Julia Harper

And the list goes on and on...but I won't bored you with listing more books anymore. I'm sure your butt probably asleep now. Go wiggle it awake *grin* -- and have a good day/weekend!

After 4th celebrating - New to Me Author

2009-07-05T15:45:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone enjoy celebrating 4th of July, yesterday! I mention on Friday, that I was going to be at my friend's house for a cook-out to celebrate it, on Saturday. The foods was...delicious! The hamburgers were so HUGE that you had to open your mouth very wide to take a good big bite *lol*. I had to cut it in half, so that it'll be easier for me to take a bite. I only managed to eat one half of that burger and safe the other for later *grin*. I also ate some hotdog, Okra fries, fruit salad and cupcakes (pic shown above). The cupcakes was the dessert I brought at the store. It was so gooood! The chocolate/white icing melted in my mouth --- YUM!

Friday July 3rd, when I went grocery shopping, I came across a book who author is a "new to me author". I think the book was her debut thrilling romantic suspense and it just came out this July. Reading from the front and back book cover art, it said that its to be scary, chilling, gritty, creepy romance suspense. I flipped to peek inside and read a couple of pages than couldn't make up my mind if I want to buy the book or not. I decided not to and went home and got online to read more information about both the author and that book. After reading a few reviews on the book, I went back to grocery store the next day in the morning (Saturday July 4th) to pick up my copy before heading to cook-out. I decided that it might be worth it, even though I don't know how much of a romance is focus in the book. But one reader said that it is worth it reading for the characters. I love reading books that are characters driven with good plot.

The book I'm talking about is One Scream Away by Kate Brady. I thought the cover art of the book were interesting and it just made me think that it more of romance than a thrilling. But readers who have read this, said it differ. Either way, book cover art isn't what made me buy the book. It words of the mouths and raves from people I trust with same reading tastes as I do. It one of the reason why I didn't thought to pick up this book in the first place when I was debating about whether to buy it or not that last Friday, until I read reviews from trusted friend. plus I love romantic suspense/thrilling books too. *sigh*...I'm starting to buy books more faster than I could read them --- help! ;)

So now, this mean I brought three new books this weekend! ;0)

Happy Reading! And have a good Sunday!

My Weekend and Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-03T19:59:00.006-05:00

I went shopping today because everyone in the family got day off on Friday. So off we went --- shopping. Despite the 95 degree (feel like 103 degree) hot sun, we did get a little done. We decided to just get the important stuff from the grocery store too and than get the rest tomorrow (Sat). Since I'm always the one to bring desserts, I brought home 2 boxes of 24 pieces of 4th of July cupcakes fill with chocolate and white icing. I'm taking this with me over to my friend's house for a cook-out, Saturday(hot dogs, hamburgers,sausages, BBQ ribs..etc). But not before I spent some time with my family first. And than at night, we going to watch my friend's kids and neighbor shoot some fireworks. This weekend is going to be really busy for me :)

I did buy two books today. I was hoping to get more but there was not much books on shelves that I really WANT. Maybe next week, when I go Barnes and Noble or Walden Bookstore nearby the mall with my dearest friend-there might be more new books out by than. The two books I brought today are: Double Play by Jill Shalvis and Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl. I have read one or two books by Jill before and have loved what I read. She has the Firefighter series books and they're great! And one of the stand alone one I read was Get a Clue which was good. Its has been such a long while since I read Jill Shalvis' books and I want to get back to it. I was so excited to discover she had book out, about baseball (love to read sport romance) I don't even know if this is going to become a Baseball series or not, but from her website turn out that Pace’s best friend Wade O’Riley is getting his own story in few months. Victoria's is however, a "new to me author". I have heard about Talk Me Down from other readers and blogger's reviews on the first book. And while I'm bit behind to grab a copy of the first book when it first released, I decided to go ahead and grab the second book Start Me Up and than buy the first book later. I usually borrow "new to me authors" from library instead of buying them, because I wanted to test them first and if I think they're worth it, than I buy their books the next time. So...I don't know what made me go ahead and brought Start Me Up but maybe in the back of my mind, I think it will be worth it. I hope so :) And please do prays for me, when my TBR pile start to conspiracy against me at night for adding newbies to group *grin*

Next week, I'm hoping that I will see Love At First Flight by
Marie Force on shelf. I read Line of Scrimmage and really love the book. It was just a different and refreshing reading for me, I thought. And the main characters still stick in my mind long after the book end and when I closed it. I also hope to see Tasting Fear a brand new latest book by Shannon Mckenna. It's part of her romantic thrilling from the McCloud series book. I am three books behind but I brought them all. Books that I've already read by her so far, are great! thrilling, exciting, intense and so HOT! I'm looking forward to play catch up on it pretty soon. Than there is Dark and Deadly by Jeanne Adams, her 2nd book romantic suspense book that has been out since June of 2009. I just haven't brought it yet but I'm anxious to get my hand on it. I really enjoy reading Dark and Dangerous, her first book that has strong heroine and hero. And lot of action too. Have I ever mention that I love action and romance in my books ;) This is going to be a great summer!

I'm currently reading two books: Edge of Midnight by Shannon Mckenna (6th book in romance thrilling, McCloud Brother series) and Thread of Fear by Laura Griffin (romance suspense). And I am enjoy them both -- I'm gobbling them up as quickly. It fast pace reading. :)

I hope everyone have a great Happy 4th of July! Enjoy spending with your family, celebrate with foods and watch beautiful fireworks too :)

50 Book Challenge: June 2009

2009-06-30T19:36:00.001-05:00

Below, is the book I read in June. I have read 6 books! But a total of my reading so far from the first six months is 28 books! It does seem to be not too much of great total of books I've read so far, but reading 6 books for this month is excitement for me because now it seem my reading slump is now over!. My reading have pick up so much better than the last few months and I'm happy with it. of the six books I've read, two books (Vision in White and Silver Falls) were joint-reading with my dearest friends, Melody and Alice. And it had been really fun to read with them. I'm looking forward to read more with them

My friend, Darla were the one who came up with 50 Books Challenge. If you would like to see some of her review, please visit her blog....here. You just have to search from archive.

Click the titles (below) to read my reviews for each books.

23. Vision in White by Nora Roberts - 4 stars
24. No Control by Shannon K Butcher - 5 stars
25. One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake - 5 stars
26. Crash Into Me by Jill Sorenson - 4 1/2 stars
27. Silver Falls by Anne Stuart - 4 stars
28. Under Fire by Jo Davis - 4 stars

Under Fire by Jo DavisReview

2009-06-30T02:49:00.000-05:00

Jo Davis website
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: May 2009
ISBN-13: 9780451226792
Sales Rank: 10,672
352pp
Series: FIREFIGHTERS OF STATION FIVE Series

Back book blurb

Zack fights fires and saves lives, yet his own thirst for life has run dry - until he comes to the rescue of hardheaded, sharp-tongued exotic dancer Corrine Shannon, who sparks a carnal appetite that has the normally shy hero burning out of control.

But just as they are consumed by the flames of passion, they find themselves under fire from two relentless enemies with fifty million reasons to succeed. The dangerous men will stop at nothing to get what the want, even if it means putting a permanent end to Zack and Cori's love - or their lives. Can Zack and Cori withstand the heat, or will their newfound romance be extinguished as fast as it began?

End Back Blurb

This is the 2nd book to Jo Davis's Firefighters of Station Five series. I have already read the 1st book Trial by Fire and enjoy it. So I was excited when Under Fire came out and grab it as soon as I saw it on the shelf. I'm happy to say I enjoy it!

Firefighter Zack lost his house and his saving, when his father gambling problem cost them to repay the debt that he owned to the casino mogul in Atlantic City. To convince Zack that he need to pay the rest of the debt, a man threaten his dad life who had a stroke and is now in nursing home.

When the team of Station Five got a call that a SUV was hanging off the the Sugarland Bridge after a driver had swerved out of control and went through a guardrail storm, they hit the road to response to it. Zack soon realized that it was Cori's car and he went in to safe her. Only thing was, he almost got himself killed and he had no idea his life is about to change...maybe all for the better...

Cori was also threaten when a stalker seem to be following her everywhere she goes. It become serious when Zack got shot and now they're keeping their eyes open because they knew the stalker isn't going to stop at nothing until they get what they want. And Zack is making sure he is there everyday with her to protect her until the stalker is found.

The romance between virgin Zack and Cori, spark and sizzle the pages! They are so sweet, caring and sexy when they are together. It was intense and sensual encounters that lead to intriguing sexual scenes you can imagine. There wasn't anything I didn't like about Cori or Zack. And you would love them as much as I did! I find Zack to be a great example of hero because he risk his life for heroine life. He protected her with his life too. And he have gotten himself hurt too many times that I'm a even amaze as how strong of person he is to still be alive. I mean from drowning, shot wound, knock on the head, gas poison, beaten and stabbed (and this happen all in different occasion!)...he still recover from all that happen to him. We see him in his weakest point but we also see him in his strong strength too.

The first three chapters was a very intense and emotional! IMO, I thought Jo Davis wrote that scenes so clearly and real that I was holding my breath as I felt the emotions going through me and through each characters as I "watch" the scenes play out. My heart started to beat when Zack let go and accepted his fate, all the while thinking that maybe finally life is over and that bring him relief. And than the people surrounding him fear for the worth as they tried to get him back. I was in tears and terrified for him. I thought for THAT whole scenes, it make the book worth reading.

Than the mystery was interesting, as the villain was finally reveal. The book had action and as well as excitement too.

You will see Howard, who HEA was in Trial by Fire. And of course you will see the rest of the other team again too. It was nice to see them and knowing that they're still together and always there for each other, like family should be.

Under Fire is a sizzling romance suspense with heart beating emotions, that keep you glue to the pages. Very entertained story. Wonderful and delightful characters to love and cheer for.

Grab your copy, you won't be sorry!

Grade: 4 stars

The next FIREFIGHTERS OF STATION FIVE Series upcoming book will be Hidden Fire releasing on December, I can't wait to read it!

Silver Falls by Anne StuartReview

2009-06-25T18:43:00.003-05:00

Anne Stuart's website
Publisher: Mira
Pub. Date: May 2009
ISBN-13: 9780778325970
Sales Rank: 12,751
384pp

Back blurbs:

A predator lurks in the rain-soaked streets of Silver Falls...

Rachel is finally getting it right. After years of wandering, she's married the perfect man and settled into the ideal life. But as her sleepy little town turns into a killing ground, she realizes that this new life might come at too high a price.

He's careful, patient and good at what he does...

Caleb Middleton says he's returned home to set things right. But as her husband's dangerous brother circles like a hungry wolf, poking holes in her perfect world, Rachel draws her young daughter in close. The rain and violence keep coming, and Rachel must decide whether to trust her dream life or her instincts...before the town of Silver Falls becomes her grave.

And when he's finished killing, he goes home...

End Book blurb:

Melody, Alice and I did a joint-reading with Silver Falls and I truly always enjoy reading along with them. It's always fun. We decided to do something different with our reviews this time. Instead of just writing our normal reviews, we decided to Just post Q&A format. Here is is....

Melody Q&A:

Question 1: What do you think of the hero and the heroine?
~ I really love Caleb. I thought that he was written just the way Anne Stuart's bad boy heroes are to be. At some point he made me laugh when he sarcastic said things, but his words just seem to get him in more trouble. I also felt that he was having trouble trying to make end meet between doing the right things with good vs evil when it come to his dynamic family. It probably was hard for him in these situation because of his 'relation' to that family. And you can tell he want to belong by trying to do the right things. But doing the right things can also mean doing the wrong thing too.

However I didn't like Rachel. She was just too 'stupid to live' for me. Very annoying and hard headed too. I've came across many annoying heroine but never have I ever felt strongly annoyed by Rachel. I understand that she want to give her daughter, Sophie a stability life and think David could provided that for her by marrying him which would be the perfect man for her ideal life. And I can see that Sophie is much more important than her own life too. But believing David to be innocence, after many people have told her the evil side of him, and continuing to ignore all the warning and the instinct sign that was given to her - she still lead her daughter right into danger. At some point (I swear I do), I want to knock her head against the wall to get some sense out of her *LOL* But yet at same time, even when she does ignore all the warning sign, she does have a "mother hen" protective in her over Sophie. But she sorta redeem herself later too.

Question 2: What do you think of David's behaviour to the victims? Did it take away all your surprises when he is shown as the murderer from the beginning of the story? Or would you prefer to find out who's the murderer towards the end of the story? Why or why not?
~ I always love to find out who's the murderer toward the end are. Probably because I love to see if I can solve the mystery before the murderer is revealed. I love to discover the surprises to the twist and turn of the suspense. The more dark and thrilling the book are the more I want to keep reading until I reach the ending to discover the murderer. That is one of the reason why I enjoy reading from the beginning to ending, without peeking at the end is because I want to get to that rising point to discover surprised "whodunnit" at the end.

It did somewhat took away the story for me as we discover quickly that Davis is murderer. However it didn't take away my enjoyment to read the book. I thought David was one of the most chilling dark character I ever came across with. It was interesting to see his POV, wondering and knowing what is in his mind as he with his victims. His behavior was icky to me but also was a "hair flying up" chilling too.

Question 3: What attracts the heroine to the hero, considering he is her "brother-in-law"?
~ Not sure. I even wonder what attracted Caleb to Rachel *LOL*! I think she was attracted by his rough bad boy attitude (I mean who weren't?! *grin*). I also think it because Caleb was the first guy who ever wanted her and give her the spark that she never had with David. I admit, I didn't like the thought that Caleb and Rachel got together while she was still with David. But because of the situation between her and David, I guess in her defense it okay for her.

Alice Questions:

Question 1: Are there any ideas that make you stop and think, lessons learned, etc.; for example, be more wary before jumping into a relationship – and how have you changed after reading it?
~ Well for me, I don't think jumping into marriage after just meeting a person in few weeks will be the right move. I would want to know more about the person before getting closer into relationship. And second if there were any warning instinct sign, I would listen to it and get out as fast as I can.

Question 2: Were you able to think of any connections between the book and your life, perhaps in ways that touched you, reminded you of your own life, or reminded you of event(s) that happened to someone else? It may not be murder...
~ Well...this didn't happen to me but believe it or not, my aunt and uncle got married on love for first sight, when they only met for a week. My uncle was supposedly married to someone else (I think it was arrange marriage). And on the day he was to go and met her, he and his friend decided to stop by near our house to pick something up. My uncle met my aunt there and they fell in love. And starting dating. He cancel his arrange marriage to the other and few months later married my aunt. Now they have 4 kids. I thought that was a sweet story.

Question 3: Relating to the characters in the book, which one is your favorite? Is there anyone that you hate or detest? Is there something about the character that you'd like to change? If yes, what?
~ Beside Caleb (yum hero!), I think Sophie is my favorite. She came across as being the only smart and strong one in the family. I thought her character was someone I can root and cheer for. And even admired. I thought she could have saved herself and Rachel from being trapped in a place she knew was just uncomfortable to stay with. But she thought her mom was happy with David. So she risk it and stay.

I would say hate is a strong word. So I would rather dislike *grin*. But Rachel isn't my favorite.

Julia Questions:

Question 1: I remember Anne Stuart said that SILVER FALLS was inspired by Ted Bundy who lived with a woman and her daughter during part of his killing spree and never touched them. And she wondered what that would be like for woman who living with a monster and never knew it. How did that affected you while reading SILVER FALLS, knowing that in real life there were a Ted Bundy just like David?
~ I remember in my teenager years, learning about Ted Bundy. He was most talked about on TV news back than and maybe still do. It sorta made me shudder when I hear things about him and I was always looking behind my back, getting scared and everything. And than a few years later, I picked a book that talked about Ted's killing spree. And I was really shocked at stuff that he have done.

So, I knew ahead of time of what the story would be like when I read Silver Falls since Anne Stuart had mention it either from blog at her own website or other website. But even than, when I started reading Silver Falls it still make me shudder and my hair rise up of the thought of Rachel living with David.

Question 2: Anne Stuart's books are more on the dark, thrilling and Gothics side with a element of good vs evil. From her earlier work or most of her recent work, how does SILVER FALLS compare to those? Was there any difference? What did you like and didn't like about SILVER FALLS?
~ I've read a lot of backlist book from Stuart's but there are few I have not yet read. And those that I've read were very good! Except for one. I also read all of the ICE series up to dates, and those are my most favorite. I think that all of her books are always showing dark bad boy heroes with element of good vs evil. But comparing SILVER FALLS to her recent books, I think that SILVER FALLS is the most darkest book up to date. And I think that most of Stuart's book give readers a 'did he or did he not' questions in their mind, but to me SILVER FALLS didn't show that. And most of the times, it not always what it seem to be. But there never a question whether if Anne Stuarts is good writer or not. She IS definitely one of the GREAT writer IMO! And I love her books!

Question 3: What did yo think about the cover art for SILVER FALLS? Love it? Hate it? Your opinion?
~ While the book cover is too dark, thrilling and scary - I thought it truly match perfectly of the "feeling" that was inside the story of the book. Anne Stuart's books are always dark and gothic. And the the covers art of her books never truly shown or convey to that. And this cover art did, IMO

That the end of the Q&A and I hope you enjoy reading my answers to it. Please don't forget to check out Alice and Melody for their answer to the Q&A too!

Silver Falls is a dark thriller book that make your heart beat with anticipating as you discover the life of innocence people living in danger. It page turner that keep you wanting to know what going to happen next. The romance was tame but it still there. I gave this a 4 stars because of the heroine, but if it wasn't for the story, the plot and the characters I would have given it less stars. Thanks goodness, I end up enjoying the book! :)

I have always enjoy reading Anne Stuart's book! She is a auto buy for me, and I never disappointed with her books. Of course there were one book that I didn't like but most of her books, I really enjoy it. Please pick up a copy of any of her books. Especially her ICE series!

Grade: 4 stars

Crash Into Me by Jill SorensonReview

2009-06-23T06:29:00.003-05:00

Jill Sorenson's website
Publisher: Bantam Books
Pub. Date: January 2009
ISBN-13: 9780553592016
Sales Rank: 12,016
464pp

Back Book blurb:

Though he's gone into virtual seclusion, Ben Fortune was still the world's most famous surfer, known as much for his good looks as for his skill. He's also a suspect in a series of brutal murders that may have begun with his late wife. Now FBI Special Agent Sonora "Sonny" Vasquez has been sent undercover to the elite beach community of La Jolla to make friends with Fortune. With her fierce beauty and take-no-prisoners attitude, she's more than equipped for the job, and soon she and Ben have collided in an affair that is both intense and irresistible. But for the first-and worst-time in Sonny's career, her emotions are threatening to get the better of her. Could this sensual, wounded man, who is genuinely anguished over his troubled daughter, really be a killer? And could falling in love blind Sonny to the greatest danger of all?

End Back Book Blurb:

My Thoughts: I find myself really enjoying this book. I didn't want to put the book down. I want to know what going to happen next. There were many twist and turn, even surprises while we as reader try to figure out the suspect of murders(I figure out right away!). We discover things about "Sonny" background and it interesting because it coincidences with the crimes. It just seem like Jill Sorenson had covered every issues thrown in. There is murder, dysfunctional families, issues with teenage sex, drugs, gay..etc. But it really interesting as you learn things about each characters. I really enjoy this book, because it was sorta different pace of reading I've read lately. And yes, I fear I may have spoilers few things. It hard for me not to spoilers anything but at lease I didn't reveal "whodunnit" ;)

When an unexpected new evidence came to light on the SoCal Strangler case, Sonny is sent to southern California coast to continue the case and find the killer. Apparently the man who they thought were SoCal Strangler, had committed suicide and confessed in his suicide note that he didn't do it. And apology. Now Sonny's boss, an Special Agent in Charge Leland Grant, think the killer could be a surfer. He suspect it Ben Fortune. Sonny try to figure out how to get closer to Ben without being the "beach bunny", because that isn't who she is. But a answer came to her when she saw Ben's sixteen years old daughter Carly drowning in the beach water.

Ben fell in love with her when he realized she is not like all the other women he used to date. He couldn't stop thinking about her, and when he see her he just want her under his skin. But each time he get close to kissing her, Sonny freeze up and get too tense. She couldn't let Ben get too close to her because of her background history of abuse. But she couldn't tell Ben about it. And she didn't want to blow her under cover either. But when they are together, she couldn't help but want him too. The romance story between Ben and Sonny were electrifying! They gave a whole meaning of foreplay in a interesting light *grin*. Different scenes, exciting and hot! When they are together it always powerful and intense. Love it!

I love the interaction relationship between Ben and his daughter Carly. They had so much to catch up on, since Ben was never around when his wife was alive. And he felt guilty for all the years when he wasn't there for both of them. And you can tell he want to change that of himself and make thing right with Carly. But there lay a heavy issues with Carly, who used self abuse for pain to get attention. A loud cry for help. Ben need to remind her that he loves her everyday, was a simple reminder that she is not alone in this world and that he is here for her now. Their conversation between them were funny at some point and some were even emotionally intense too.

Than there is secondary romance between Carly and James. These two are fit when they are together. Two abuse soul who need each other to learn that they are the good people. Despite James' family bad situation at home and his abuse, he was able to show Carly that he care and that he love her. This is a true portray of teenagers issues from two different family background, different world. It really a sweet relationship between them. And when Ben see this, at first he was protective with Carly until he realized that James is good guy.

Than there is Carly and Sonny interaction where Sonny can see through Carly's issues and understood the problem. At first Carly was too hard on her but once she got to know her a bit, she warm up to her. I think that Sonny brought out the good in Carly and Ben and gotten them closer together.

Crash Into Me is a edgy suspense, with likable and real flaw characters that you really care about. It was easy pace reading, well written plot with twist and turn, sensuality and intense. Tough heroine and hero you will grow to love too. And the "whodunnit" may have been surprise to the others but I figure out sooner than I thought ;)

Grade: 4 1/2 stars (Really enjoy it! Go grab a copy!)

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-20T19:50:00.005-05:00

First I want to wish to all the men in your life a Happy Father's Day! May you have a wonderful times spent with your love ones today! :)

It 3:20am in US times, and yet I haven't gone to bed. But I should *grin*. I've been up late trying to draft a reviews for both Crash Into Me by Jill Sorenson and Silver Falls by Anne Stuart. I decided to do a short reviews for Silver Falls and put it together with the 9 question interviews from Melody, Alice and myself. The reason for the short reviews instead of just interviews is because the short review will help me remember what the book is about - and I'm used to doing reviews anyway ;) I'm still drafting and it won't be posted until I'm done :)

On Father's Day, we taking my father out to at King Buffet restaurant. It's one of the family favorite place to eat on special occasion. There lot of good seafoods in buffet and I'm craving for it! Should be fun. I can't promise you pictures, but maybe I'll post about what happen when we were there, later.

Now I need to go to sleep, so I won't be tired when I wake up in the morning! I hope everyone have a great rest of the weekend!

One Reckless Summer by Toni BlakeTBR Challenge for June

2009-06-20T19:37:00.005-05:00

TBR Challenge for June:
Read a book with a 3-word title

Examples from Darla shelves:
Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop
Goddess by Mistake by P. C. Cast
All or Nothing by Claire Cross

Let us know what you read, what you thought about it, and how long it had been in
your TBR pile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I chose One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake. This is the first time I read book by Toni Blake. I've been recommend to read her through lot of good friends. But I've delay it since lot of other books get in the way. I must say how sorry I am for taking too long to read Blake's books. Because One Reckless Summer was awesome! Read my review below (beware, there are spoilers!)...

Toni Blake's website
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Pub. Date: May 2009
ISBN-13: 9780061429897
Sales Rank: 47
384pp

Back Book Blurb:

The perfect daughter. The perfect prom queen. The perfect wife. Jenny Tolliver's been the good girl all her life, and it's gotten her nowhere. Now that her marriage has been busted up by her cheating ex, she's decided it's time to regroup and rediscover herself. This summer she's headed back to her hometown of Destiny, Ohio to the very lakeshore cottage where she grew up, to figure out what life holds in store for her next.

She never dreamed the answer would be Mick Brody, Destiny's #1 hellraiser. He comes from the wrong side of the tracks (or in his case, the lake), and he's landed in hot water more times than he can count. He's exactly the kind of guy Jenny's always kept her distance from... but soon the good girl and the bad boy are caught in a raw heat that's out of control. Too bad Mick's got a secret that threatens to tear them apart and ruin Jenny's perfectly, passionately reckless summer...

End Back Book Blurb

My thoughts :
I honestly love this book. And I think it perfect for summer read! It a book that grab you from first chapter and than made you sigh at the ending. It my first book read by Toni Blake and won't be my last.

Jenny and Mick met when they were young at the Destiny lakeshore cottage. It was in a short amount of "heartbeat thumping" meeting between them. But than they never cross path each other again. Not until fifteen years later and this time across the lake where Mick's family lived. It started out as stranger-rough-yelling- at first, but when they both realized who they were - thing got uncomfortable. But than Mick had a secret that he doesn't want anyone to know. Afraid Jenny will discover the real truth about why he return home, he tried to scare Jenny so that she'll go back home. He touched her where no men have ever could make her feel. One thing lead to another. It turn into sexual, steamy hot love affair. They kept their affair from everyone in town, except Jenny told her best friend Sue Ann. And made her promise not to tell anyone. Even to her father who happen to be a cop.

Both Women didn't forget that Mick is bad boy who had a secret that when he finally told Jenny, she began to worry. Breaking against the law is one thing, but fallen in love for Mick is another. She kept his secret because her instinct tell her that sometime doing the wrong thing...is the right thing to do. In her heart, she know. Their affair could causes her reputation ruin and damaged. The town might not even accept her. But than she learn a lot of thing about herself as days gone by and she gotten to know Mick better. He had made her a better person.

The relationship between Mick and Jenny was interesting. The good girl met the bad boy and than they fall in love. Mick think he not good enough for anyone and Jenny finding that being the "good girl" have a bad side to life. I think they made each other to become a better person. You can tell how much Jenny wanted to change her "good girl" image and proof to everyone she not always good as everyone know she is. Her ex-husband made her feel unloved when he tell her that because she not wild enough in bed , he felt she was too boring for him. It just made her doubt herself. And you can also see how much Mick have changed too. He want to prove that to her. But when Mick and Jenny together, their emotions come out so heartfelt and they find the "goodness" and love for each other inside their heart. Their chemistry boil the pages! It very hot and steamy! Excuse me while I go get some cold ices *grin*. They're the couple you would want to remember.

I like the friendship interaction between Jenny and Mary Sue. It really surprise me of how well their friendship are honor and true. They tell each other their secret and promise not to tell anyone else. You can tell they trust each other and that their friendship are important and meant something. I didn't see any backstabbing or bad gossip like I usually see in some of the books I've read over the years. And that was a good change of pace for me. Jenny and Mary Sue always there for each other, no matter how bad they get themselves into. Sometime they even made me laugh. Their friendship are more close than the three other gal-friends they've been friends with since teenagers but lost touch when Jenny left town. Returning bring back old memories for her.

I also like the interaction between Jenny and her father, it was understandable. Jenny's mother pass away when she was younger, and left her husband to become single parent to Jenny. Although he know nothing about being the "mother" to her, he did his best to be the father. You can tell he want to be the good father but yet he also lonely. It was wonderful to see he met a woman and become involved with her too. They were the secondary couple in the story. If her father ever find out about Mick's secret, would he try to break them apart?

The ending was perfect and I see it done no other way. Its made me smile. I love the town and every characters I met. They were likable people who you wish lives in your hometown.

One Reckless Summer is the sensuous, steamy and emotionally heartwarming story. It's about Finding the good in yourself and loving who you are and accepting the person who you with. You can't help but love the main characters deeply and root for them at the end. It also about trust, honor and love and friendship. You would love the book as much as I did. It a perfect summer read! Run and grab a copy!

This is the first book to A Destiny novel, there be more Destiny book coming up soon. At the beginning we met one of Mick's friend. We also learn about Jenny's friend who left town and didn't want to come back to Destiny. There is hint that these two characters well meet on the second book - it's their story. I can't wait!

I fear I may spoiled a lot of stuff, and don't really make a point with what I want to come across. But I hope you enjoy this review anyway. Have a good day! :)

Grade: 5 stars

Fantasy and Sci-Fic

2009-06-18T02:01:00.005-05:00

Booking Through Thursday

One of my favorite sci-fi authors (Sharon Lee) has declared June 23rd Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers Day.

As she puts it:

So! In my Official Capacity as a writer of science fiction and fantasy, I hereby proclaim June 23 Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Day! A day of celebration and wonder! A day for all of us readers of science fiction and fantasy to reach out and say thank you to our favorite writers. A day, perhaps, to blog about our favorite sf/f writers. A day to reflect upon how written science fiction and fantasy has changed your life.

So … what might you do on the 23rd to celebrate? Do you even read fantasy/sci-fi? Why? Why not?

~ I don't read whole lot of fantasy or sci-fic books. But when there is a good raves about it, I might be tempted to read them. Like Harry Potters series for example. But to watch fantasy/sci-fic from TV show series or movies, is whole different thing to me. I DO watch them. For example, I have seen all the movies from Lord of the Ring series (and it was awesome!), but couldn't finish reading it from the books. And I've seen all the movie up to date of Harry Potter (awesome!), but haven't finish reading book 3 or 4. I can't really explain it but that just me. *shrug* maybe I'm just weird *LOL*

I'm not sure what I will do on June 23, to celebrate this event. I might consider reading a fantasy books. There some series I have not finish yet and I need to. Or I might changed my mind, *shrug* who know.

What about you? What might you do on 23rd to celebrate fantasy/sci-fic event?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

My Weekend: Shop, Books and Fruit Salad

2009-06-13T18:28:00.007-05:00

Saturday is always my grocery shopping day. And usually I head to the store between 12pm-2pm. But we started late today at 4pm because I had to wait for the car. So while I waited, I spent most of those hours reading a couple more chapters from One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake - double yum! It is a reckless, hot summer reading. A bad boy, a nice girl, a hot steamy fling and illegal law situation -- what more can you ask for the summer? *grin*

When it times to go shopping, I walk to the books section (you didn't think I would just pass by it and not look - did ya? *grin*) and browse around the shelves to see if there anything new. There wasn't much of any books that I really WANT. So I look around a little and take a second (it felt lilke the tenth times) glance at some of the books I kept returning back to, every time I return to the store the next weekend. And couldn't make up my mind if I want to get it or not. I finally decided to pick up Charmed and Dangerous by Toni McGee Causey (see book cover above post) She is "new to me author" and she is from Louisiana (my state)! From what I read at the front cover - it said that if readers like the humor of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series than they will like the heroine, Bobbie Faye character. There be two more Bobbie Faye books coming in the next two months (July & August). Anyone read Charmed and Dangerous? If so, what your take on it? :)

Most of the upcoming books I'm looking forward to for it release street dates, will be in July. So..I'm waiting ;) But starting tomorrow, on Sunday, I will be starting joint-reading on Silver Falls by Anne Stuart with my dear blog friend Melody and Alice (Monday their time - oversea). This should be fun!

Tonight, I'm planning to make fruit salad to go along with Grilled Chicken and Veggie (white meat chicken, veggie and Parmesan sauce) skillet pasta. The fruit salad should be easy to make, but if anyone have read my previously post - I normally don't cook a lot. My friend Annie gave me the recipes to make this easy fruit salad. What good about it is she have some secret ingredients add into it to give you a unusual but good taste to it. Although when I first try it, there were too much pink water (from the black cherry I used, the wrong kind!) all over the fruits. I kept asking mom if it tasted alright, despite all that pink liquid onto it. She tried not to snicker at me but said instead "It taste good". I gave her the-are-you-just-saying-that look on my face. I can tell she was snickering ;) I'm going to re-try it again tonight and hope that it turn out right this time. I mean how can someone mess up making fruit salad? No one, right? ;) :)

Hope everyone have a good weekend! Happy Reading Everyone! :)

No Control by Shannon K ButcherTBR Challenge May

2009-06-12T02:34:00.002-05:00

The TBR Challenge for May is to read a book by an author using one initial.

Examples from Darla shelves:
The Songs of Distant Earth by Arthur C. Clarke
No Escape by Shannon K. Butcher
Natural Law by Joey W. Hill

Let us know what you read, what you thought about it, and how long it had been in your TBR pile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I chose No Control by Shannon K. Butcher. This book was published in 2008 but I start reading it this year for this challenge. The first book of Shannon's romance suspense, No Regrets, was published last year in 2007 and it was an interesting read. Sorry that I posted this review late, as I was trying to finish reading it before I can post it for the TBR Challenge of May. Now that it is June, it never too late to post it :)

Shannon K Butcher's website
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date: February 2008
ISBN-13: 9780446618663
Sales Rank: 15,499
400pp

Book Synopsis

NO HIDING

Lana Hancock knows all about danger--and betrayal. Eighteen months ago, she was captured by a terrorist group known as the Swarm while one of its members, a rugged man with sinfully dark eyes, did nothing to help her. Now when she's freed and desperate to put it all behind her, the unthinkable happens. The Swarm is targeting Lana once again and the man who stood silently by has become her protector. But can she trust him?

NO ESCAPE

Delta Force operative Caleb Stone will never forget the hatred shining in Lana's eyes. Ordered to take down the Swarm by infiltrating its ranks, Caleb couldn't blow his cover to save her--no matter how much it haunted him. Now, gifted with a second chance, he vows to move heaven and earth to protect her...and fulfill her every desire. But the Swarm has reorganized. It's more powerful than ever and hell-bent on revenge...

NO CONTROL

End Book Synopsis

My thoughts: One thing I can say about the Lana is that she really started to bother me when she doesn't trust the hero enough to tell him of the secret that she is hiding that is causing all this danger from happening. It driving me nut! I do understand that she was torture and because of that, it causes her not to trust anyone. I felt her pain and the emotion as I was reading the scenes where she was torture. And I can't imagine what that like but going through all that, I can imagine it was painful, scary and you think this be the end of your life. But I think it made her to become stronger and smart person later. But even for a stronger and smart person, she can be dense sometime when she can not see that Caleb, the hero, can help her. The need to ignore that she know something about the Swarm, just to protect and keep her family, friends and Caleb safe is understandable. But having help, can end all these things more faster. And she can't forget that Caleb is Delta Force operative. Now saying that, I do like it that Lana is strong too. And I can tell how much she had changed as she try to get her life back together again.

I felt Caleb emotion as he watch Lana being tortured. It was the hardest thing he ever had to do, at same time he going undercover and couldn't do nothing. It was hard for me too. You can tell he was feeling guilty and stay by her side while she was in the hospital, after he and his team were able to take down most of the Swarm. He kept tab of her over the years, and it been 18 months later when he come to see her again. To tell her she might be in danger again. He also tell her she need to be guard and protected. But she was reluctance to have him around and he didn't blame her for that. He suffer for what happen in the past and not able to do anything about it until it almost too late (the poor guy!), but he is tough guy and hope to have second chance to amend. And he won't leave her unguarded and this time he will stay to protect her. Even no matter how many times she tried to avoid him or the intimacy between them.

The emotions that both of them have been through was not easy to forget. Their romance were rocky and it took longer for them to finally feel and see that they love each other. The chemistry between them were very steamy and emotionally hot! You can see fire between them. They were the couple that meant to be together. They wasn't weak but strong and tough.

It was also nice to see the team of Delta Force operative. We get a hint to see each characters and their personality. And as I understood it, Grant story is from book #3 No Escape . I'm happy to hear this because I knew I want to know more about Grant as soon as he enter the story *grin*. The interaction between Caleb and Grant was interesting. I laugh couple times when they are chanting together. But I also want to know more about Jack too ;) I can't wait to read Grant story!

I almost gave this a 4.75 stars but few pages to the ending, was amazing and excited. The action and everything. And Lana redeem herself for me. Well I mean there was nothing wrong with her and it not that she need to redeem... but still... So anyway, I changed the grade :)

No Control is a very in depth writing and characters driven. An exciting non stop action pack. Like-able characters and good plot. It a must read book! Shannon K Butcher is a wonderful writer who grab me and kept me interested from the first chapter until the the end of the book. I definitely be reading more of her romance suspense books!

I notice that the next romance suspense book Love You To Death is coming out soon, in October 2009! I wonder if this a part of the last 3 books or a newer series book.

Grade 5 stars

Shannon's Romance Suspense in order:
1. No Regrets (click title to read review)
2. No Control
3. No Escape

Niche

2009-06-11T13:28:00.002-05:00

Booking Through Thursday

There are certain types of books that I more or less assume all readers read. (Novels, for example.)

But then there are books that only YOU read. Instructional manuals for fly-fishing. How-to books for spinning yarn. How to cook the perfect souffle. Rebuilding car engines in three easy steps. Dog training for dummies. Rewiring your house without electrocuting yourself. Tips on how to build a NASCAR course in your backyard. Stuff like that.

What niche books do YOU read?

- Beside scrapbook (it still my hobby), I have to say cookbook. I am trying to learn to cook some good meal from many of recipes that I received from my friends. They will pass me some of their favorite recipes from the cookbook. I only own few cookbook, but would love to get more to try. I admit, I'm not a good as cooking a meals. I usually can managed the easy to do meal ;) But it has been an interesting challenge for me to try these wonderful recipes :) Thanks to my friends Annie and Linda.

What about you? What your Niche?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Summer Reading

2009-06-07T16:56:00.005-05:00

Unfortunately, I didn't buy books this weekend. There wasn't a book that I'm excited to get that were sitting on shelves at the stores. I was hoping to see the first book of C.L Wilson series book, since few of my friends raved about the series. I going to have to order it online instead. And maybe next week, will be better books on shelves. I guess I'm sorta waiting for the end of the very last week of June and for the month of July to start. There are lot of books releasing around that times.

It has been a hot weekend, 90 degree! So you can imagine the sweat we got, when we step outside for just 5 minute. But that is expected in this kind of weather heat like this over here. Summer is here and school is out for the kids. Now it time to be with family and have fun! Or go vacation to relax in the hot sun, grab a cold drink and read :) Well....that is my dream vacation, anyway ;)

Now that summer is here, you will be expecting me to read lot of books. Well...I hope I be able to read more. I will try to find books with summer/beach themes. And if there not many in my TBR pile, I would just do with whatever I do have.

I thought about maybe starting the summer read with One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake. Since it's newest book. And the heroine return to her hometown of Destiny, Ohio to the lakeshore cottage for the summer. I also thought about adding in Crash Into Me by Jill Sorenson because since the hero is a famous surfer. And also adding Hot and Bothered by Susan Andersen because the heroine took a vacation and had a fling. Yes, this is re-issue. That why its has a new cover art. And of course I'll add in other romance suspense in between them ;) Now I just need to stick with my reading plan --- can I do it? *grin*

But, I'm still reading No Control by Shannon K Butcher. And it is really a awesome read! I love the hero in this book. It's the book #2 and was published in 2008. I hope to finish this book sooner, so that I can start on my summer read. Wish me luck!

How about you? Any summer read that you like to share with me? I do need more recommend books, so I would love to hear from you :)

Happy Summer Reading Everyone!

Vision in White by Nora Roberts

2009-06-04T16:02:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: April 2009
ISBN-13: 9780425227510
Sales Rank: 50
352pp
Series: Wedding Quartet Series, #1

Book Synopsis

#1 New York Times bestseller author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel and Mac - the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut's premier wedding planning companies.

After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life.

With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera---ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, begs Mac for attention and money. Mac's foundation is jostled again moments before an important wedding planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother....an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

Carter Maguire is definitely not her type. He's stable and he's safe. He's even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There's something about him that make Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bride-zillas and screening her mother's phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends --- and business partners --- Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories.....

End Book Synopsis

First, I want to thanks Alice for joint-reading Vision in White with me (click her name, to read her review). It has been fun and I always enjoy it. I'm looking forward to do more joint-reading with you in the future :) Hopefully sooner! And maybe we will do the reviews differently this time *grin*

I'm not sure how much of spoilers this will be, so read below at your own risk! :)

My thoughts: This is first book to Wedding Quartet Series. I love the cover art for this book and thought it fit well with the story. Very elegant and formal like. The front and back cover flap are fold in (the flap where you usually read the Synopsis from or sometime has "about authors" inside it). It perfect and match the story inside.

Let me start by saying that I'm so glad that this book does not have any paranormal elements in it. And I was also happy that Nora returning to her straight romance writing again. I've missed those stories, like the one she have written in the past. This doesn't mean I don't like her romance suspense. I still do. In fact, I love them. But every once in while, I would love to read Nora's straight romance too. It just something about the way she wrote romance, characters, family and dialogues that stick to me the most.

While reading this book, I was taking back to Nora's earlier romance trilogies, like The Dream Trilogy for example. Both show a very tight knit friends who support each other like family and are loyalty to one another. All characters has their ambition, dream and career. I love The Dream Trilogy, however Vision in White didn't quite hold very close to be favorite. While I did enjoy the book, it almost lacked something. Maybe the book need more interaction between the four bestfriends. Or maybe more dialogues. I don't know. But for the most of it, I did enjoy the book. I love that the book revolved around a wedding planner. It was interesting to see the business life of wedding planner and how they work. It was also interesting to take a look at each women doing their job and what it take to make a perfect wedding for their clients. And you can easily see how well they work together. They were a team, a business partner. It was also interesting to see how they separate their work from their personal life as well.

I remember wanting to be one when I was younger and tearing out pictures, words, poems, segment all of these things from a magazine or kept some document papers into binder folders. It was fun than, but I wonder whatever happen to those bind folders *grin*. But I love wedding! You can see how excited I was when I learn that Nora writing Quartet Series about wedding planner. It made me want to be in their team. I can actually picture the secret insider of their work. It might have seem like thatVision in White was written to give us a set back look into the world of wedding planner and give us who the "player" (characters) are before given us more depth in the romance for each characters, IMO. She usually write the friendship between the women so well, that I feel I know them my whole life.

While the romance between Mac and Carter were there, it was still lacking something. Maybe it was the chemistry, maybe the spark, the firework. Maybe I don't see enough interaction between them. The first time they encounter each other, made me chuckle. I smiled. Carter was a very sweet and caring guy. He is the kind of guy you want to bring home to met your family. Or sit down, relax and eat pizza with. There were couple of scenes where I smile when he was trying to set a plan date with Mac. You can tell he was nervous. Mac seem to be the one who needed self help. With her background history, her parents divorced and remarrying, she just never understood what real love is. Not until she met her three close friends (and business partner) and fell in love with Carter. Her mother is the kind of a person who you want to hate and avoid. It just seem like we know more of Mac history and her mother than anything else. And I root for her when she finally "let her mom have it". I love seeing Mac in her camera mode, when she focus on taking pictures of something she knew would be a "picture moments". She capture those happy moments so well, that you can really tell she want to live in those moments. The kind of moments that she never have, while growing up. It was a great experience for her. I for one, love to take pictures and scrapbooks too. So I do get really involved when there are scenes of Mac in her moments, as she taking pictures.

We got peek of Carter's family and Mac's guys-friend. There wasn't enough of them, but I want to know more and hope we see them in the next installment books. I also want to see more interaction between the women's friendship. I'm interested to know who Emma, Laurel and Parker will end up with. Hopefully an alpha man this time. I am all for the alpha men *grin* I'm glad though that we do not get to see who each person will be with or end up with in the first book, as it had been done in few previous books. I like to "meet" the characters from their own book.

Vision in White was a sweet story about the friendship and love. It was a fast pace and very easily read. Very engaging and fun. It was like a formula developed of characters too. And feeling their emotions and despair. Not a lot of conflict or plot but the book was enjoyable and entertaining. I'm interested to read the next installment. And I hope you will too :)

Grade: 4 stars

Bed of Roses will be the next book, releasing in November 24, 2009. If you click on the titles, you may see the book cover of it. It is ready pre-order now. I can't wait to get it!

Sticky

2009-06-04T04:26:00.004-05:00

Booking Through Thursday

I saw this over at Shelly's, and thought it sounded like a great question for all of you:

“This can be a quick one. Don’t take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you’ve read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes.”

1. Harold and Purple Crayon
2. Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
3. The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5. Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
6. Naked In Death by JDRobb
7. The Last Spymaster by Gayle Lynds
8. Honeymoon by SEP
9. Honest Illusion by Nora Roberts
10. Ramona series books by Beverly Cleary
11. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
12. Black Ice by Anne Stuart
13. The Secret by Julie Garwood
14. Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force
15. Don't Say A Word by Barbara Freethy

Gotta admit, this didn't take me 15 minute to listed 15 books. But it was fun :) There are lot of other books that stick with me, but unfortunately did not make it to the list :)

50 Challenge Books: May 2009

2009-06-01T22:11:00.008-05:00

This month I only managed to read two books. But that okay for me. One of the thing I love about reading is just be able to sit, relax and get into the stories. The more I take my times reading each books, the more enjoyable it'll be. If I rush it or just skip, I'm going to miss something good, that is if the chapters/pages have not been drawn out too long.

Below, is the book I read in May. Since in May, I have read 2 books. But a total of my reading so far from the first 5 months is 22 books! I know, that some of you may consider the anthologies book to be grade as one book. But the Yahoo Group that I joined, have decided to split each stories in any anthologies as separate grade. That is, if the participat-er who participate in the 50 Challenge Books want to do it that way *grin*.

P.S. My dear good friend Darla is the one who came up with this 50 Challenge Book ideas to the group that we both members of. Please click her name (above) to see her book review at her blog (or search archive) :)

(click each titles, below, to read my reviews)

19. Dark and Dangerous by Jeanne Adams 4 1/2 stars
- Hot Summer Night by LuAnn McLane (3 stories)
20. Hot August Night – 4 1/2 stars
21. Heat Wave – 4 stars
22. Hot Shot – 4 1/2 stars

Weekend Plan

2009-05-30T17:16:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I didn't buy books today. But today, I did received my winning prizes from the contest that I enter from one of my Yahoo Group list. They are Cry Mercy by Mariah Stewart and The Angel and the Highlander by Donna Fletcher. Including lot of goodies to go with it :)

Today, am heading to my friend house for a birthday dinner. The actual birthday was this past Monday. But we decided to celebrate on the weekend, to make it more fun. And the sun is really out, a nice day for cook out :) We are having hamburgers, hotdogs, turkey burgers and soft drinks. Of course we can't forget the birthday cake! YUM! This should be fun :)

Yesterday, from Netflix - I have a movie base from Nora Roberts' book Montana Sky. I've seen it already, but I want to re-watch it again because I missed half of the movie. And than after that, I kept missing it when the movie repeat again. Other favorite TV shows get in the way, you know? *grin*. I also have The Invisible and Transporter 3. I know that I'm sorta behind to watch these movies. But I have not any chance to go see them in theatre. I can't wait to start watching them tonight.

I come back and let you know how the cook out went. I wish everyone a good weekend!

Hot Summer Nights by LuAnn McLane

2009-05-29T18:44:00.002-05:00

LuAnn McLane website
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: August 2004
ISBN-13: 9780451213167
291pp

Back Synopsis

Small - town dreams...big - time passion.....

You'll find them both in Sander's city. The town's love affair with baseball sparks some scorching affairs off the field, and the men are fair game. Here are three stories that will remind you there are other ways to score - and that hitting a home run has always meant something a little different when the playing field moves from the stadium to the bedroom...

When the sun sets, temperatures rise. So turn up the air-conditioning, pour a cool drink, and let LuAnn McLane make your summer nights hotter than you've ever imagined.....

End Back Synopsis

I didn't realized this be three stories into one book from McLane's stories, until I open the book to read it. But I weren't even remember that, since this book has been sitting in my TBR pile for longest time. This book was published in 2004, that been 6 years ago. But I would've brought it later that years. So I'm not sure when I brought it. I'm going to review the stories separately with individual grade.

- Hot August Night Principal Erin O'shea hired Michael Manning as coach for the Sander's High school baseball team, after she agree to his request to allow him to donate his salary for the baseball scholarship. They knew each other back in high school old days when bad boy Michael jump into her car naked, trying to escape from being caught by their old school principal. Now, avoiding each other can't be help, when the attraction between them started to spark.
Grade: 4 1/2 stars

- Heat Wave Josey Cooper has her make-up work done, after a year divorce from her ex-husband Carl. The 40 years old drama and speech teacher is now starting over with a new attitude. After Carl invited her for dinner, she want to make sure she show up looking great. Just to show Carl what he is missing by leaving her. Josey didn't counted on to be stood up 2 hours later, and she almost began to get into tears - when she glance up and saw Chase Mitchell has just came in. She notice he look good in his casual clothes instead of his baseball pant, which he also look good in. She have been in contact with Chase on several occasion at Erin and Michael's home for gathering party. So he no stranger to her. Finally she decided to have the nerve to walk up to him at the bar to say hello. But just when she about to get up, a tall blonde walk up to him and made him laugh. And Josey thought he probably won't even remember her name, since he is used to have women around him because he a famous baseball player. But unknown to her, Chase have wanted her since the first time he lay an eyes on her last summer. Spark start to fly and they began a wild night together.
Grade: 4 stars

- Hotshot Halley Frrester, a physical education teacher, went out with her friends for a bachelorette party for one of her best friend. Than the women dare each other to find their fantasy man and they have to kiss their guys. Than Halley eyes caught a gorgeous,tall man with the build of an athlete. She knew that he will be the one. She vows to get past his defences and get to know the real Reese and let him know it. Reese Taylor, a baseball pitcher, who is cockiness with a bad attitudes in and out of the field. He always have to proof himself that he is worthy all of his life. But he was never prepared to be attracted to Halley Forrester, who like him for who he is. With their differences, they were able to work through it and their love conquer all.
Grade 4 1/2 stars

I thought the three stories in this books were fun, witty, emotional stories. I enjoy reading them all. As a whole it B+ book for me. This is the first book, I've read by LuAnne McLane and I'm looking forward to reading more :)

Musing Mondays: Gift Certificates

2009-05-25T00:13:00.008-05:00

Today’s Musing Mondays post is about gift certificates…

Do you give gift certificates to book stores as presents? If so, do you give for actual stores or online stores? Do you like to receive them yourself?

- Yes I do. I give gift certificates to friends on a special occasion, such as birthdays, on any holidays and a "Just Because..." as a presents. I also sign up for MyPoints web, where you get a daily emails from them in your inbox and get points from them. The more points you get the more better awards you get - a free gift certificates you can get of your choices. I chose to get a gift certificates to Barnes and Noble bookstore, from MyPoints award and donated it to the Raffle Basket that one of my Yahoo Group distributes. I do use MyPoints to get a free gift certificates for myself, but I use it mostly to either donated to someone or give it away to someone for special occasion. I like give gifts to people, just love to see the look on their face when they get them. Of course I love to receive them for myself, who weren't. Right? *grin*.

Most of the gift certificates I give are from both actual stores and online stores. I have not try to give them the E-gift certificates kind but I've sent those papers kind where it's mail to your snail mail addy (not too often though). I always get the actual real cards more than any others. This way, you have a choice to either shop online or go to the actual store to buy books. It work both way for the real cards. My family are not a reader, so I always give out gift certificates to my friends I've met from online. They are special people in my life. Now if the questions asked if I ever give any kind of gift certificates (not just books) as presents, than that would be whole different answers all together. That would be a yes. *grin*

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your opinion in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks.

Books and Memorial Weekend!

2009-05-24T00:44:00.009-05:00

So I went grocery shopping Friday instead of my usual Saturday. This is because we had other plan to do on Saturday, which will keep us busy and no times to grocery shop. And than I'm attending an engagement party of my cousin, on Sunday. And will be there all day. I think it would be the usual tradition, where the groom to be and his family come to the bride to be home and bring gifts (jewelry, teas, fruits, whine..etc) to the bride and her family. And we be eating some early brunch.

So when we went shopping on Friday, I walk directly to the bookshelves. There wasn't much of anything new, that I've not buy yet. At least not any authors I'm familiar with. Or I haven't heard anyone raves about, recommend it or words of the mouth about it. However, I did find Toni Blake's One Reckless Summer and pick up a copy. I was surprise to see it on the shelf already because it wasn't supposed to be out until May 26 (says the online bookstores). I did got confuse for minute because at Toni Blake's website, the released date for this books says June 26. I don't think I ever read books by Toni Blake before, but I've heard good thing about her books by my friends. I also pick up a reissue copy of Susan Andersen's Hot and Bothered in paperback. I believe a characters from this book also has their story in the later book Coming Undone from the Marine series. Please correct me if I'm wrong :) This also be the first time I read book by Susan Andersen too. Hopefully I will enjoy both books as much as do enjoy the front cover arts of these books. I can't wait to dive into it this summer :)

Tomorrow at 9AM in the morning (since it is 1:08AM here in US, as I'm typing this), we heading out of town to attend my cousin's engagement party (I mention this above this post) and at same time celebrating Memorial weekend of fun. It doesn't start until 10Am but it is 1 hour and almost 30 minute drive to get there. We'll be home that same day, since my dad have to work on Memorial Day. Can't wait to eat all the yummy foods available there! :)

How are you celebrating Memorial Day?

I wish everyone a Happy Memorial weekend/day. I hope you have fun celebrating no matter where you are :)

Dark and Dangerous by Jeanne Adams

2009-05-23T04:26:00.002-05:00

Jeanne Adams website
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Pub. Date: June 2008
ISBN-13: 9781420104295
Sales Rank: 60,779
352pp
Series: Zebra Romantic Suspense Series.

Back Blurb

Nowhere to hide....

Dana Markham is up against a cold-blooded killer who knows her all too well: Donovan Walker. Wanted for drug trafficking, armed and dangerous - he's also her ex-husband. What she knows about him could land him behind bars forever... or put her and her young son in an early grave if Donovan finds them first. Dana's one chance lies with a man she barely knows at all. Tall and darkly sensual, Caine Bradley is an undercover FBI agent who's been posing as Walker's henchman. Compelled to work with Caine to lure her ex out of hiding, Dana must fight against her own raw, urgent needs. But is he who he says he is? Her passionate desire for him could be her salvation -- or her greatest mistake...

End Back Blurb

I love that Dana is a strong heroine who take the risk of doing things just to protect her son. She was in control and kept herself from being scared for her son sake during their run/escape. They have planned and been in hiding for longest time, since her ex-husband wanted both Dana and her son Xavier back. But when an unexpected plan take a turn, Dana knew she must get their things together and prepare to run again. But before she did, she set up her booty trap and explosion before her escape - and that to me, was brave thing she have done. She was so used to only it be just her and Xavier. No one else. So she was taking care of not only herself but her son too in order to survive. I think she could have made it on her own, without Caine help. But if they work together as a team, than they could have got the job done much faster. And I think they did work well together.

Caine is a FBI undercover agent who assignment was to help lure Donovan out and put him away. He has been posing as Walker's henchman,just to get into Donovan's plan and pass the info to the cop. He know his job and is good to succeed in it. But when he discover the change of plan, he wonder if he be able to make it in times to get Dana and her son out of their hiding place and escape. But when he met Dana, he began to fall for her and knew he will go beyond anything to protect her (and her son) to safely. But Caine have always been able to separate his feeling without getting too close to the women he protecting. This time, it seem like he about to break the rules. And when he does, spark fly. The sexy, sensual intimacy between them was steamy hot!

I don't think there anything negative to say about Dana or Caine. Not even Xavier, who I thought was really smart and brave boy too. Even though he was afraid, he knew he need to do whatever it take to stay alive and get away from his father. And he does it, without whining about it. There are moments when you can feel that Xavier want a normal life (to finally be able to play and have fun like all kids do) and not be on the run all the time. There were a good moments when he and Dana have their talk about their situation and what danger they can get caught in. I thought that seeing Xavier and Caine together and having fun was sweet. You can tell that Xavier feel comfortable and safe around Caine, as if he was father he never have. The main characters were all strong and likable. They were drawn out and realistic. The story was action pack from the beginning to the end. And I love that! Very intense and emotional between mother and son. And the ending of the book..wow!

This is my first book by Jeanne Adams, and it won't be my last :) Pick it up, you be glad you did!

Grade: 4 1/2 stars