2009 Pub Challenge

Housekeeping can be fun! Another challenge complete!

Here's what I read:

1. A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair
2. Dawn Keepers by Jessica Andersen
3. The Ghost and the Haunted Mansion by Alice Kimberly
4. Fireside by Susan Wiggs
5. The Illumination by Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori
6. What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
7. Mayhem In High Heels by Gemma Halliday
8. Corked by Cabernet by Michele Scott
9. Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands
10. When A Stranger Loves Me by Julianne MacLean
11. Smart Girls Think Twice by Cathie Linz
12. The Girl Most Likely To... by Susan Donovan
13. Hounding the Pavement by Judi McCoy
14. First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh
15. Bride of a Wicked Scotsman by Samantha James
16. Veil of Midnight by Lara Adrian
17. Love in Bloom by Sheila Roberts

Love In Bloom

Hope Walker survived early breast cancer at just thirty-years-old, but a mastectomy left her with a lot of scarring—and some serious fears about dating. Hope owns Changing Seasons, Heart Lake’s most popular flower shop. When it comes to love and relationships, she’s able to work magic through her expert flower arranging…for everyone but herself. Then one day a handsome contractor starts coming into her shop, but Hope knows he’d rather have a whole woman than someone like her.

When Hope stakes a plot of ground at Heart Lake’s community garden, she finds that a woman can grow all sorts of things there: flowers, herbs, vegetables and even friendship. As she gets to know the two women who share neighboring plots, they discover that they can learn a lot from each other—not just about gardening, but about life. And Hope realizes that in order to live life to the fullest, sometimes you have to take a chance on love.

I'm a sucker for a friendship themed story, and throw in a cancer survivor and I'm a watering pot. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a light, conforting read that uplifted my mood.

The women come together in a community garden. And while they're tending their gardens they develop a deep friendship. And that friendship helped and gave insight to their personal issues: an overworked daughter whose is loosing contact with her children, an out of work husband that doesn't believe in himself, and living with scars of cancer. I enjoyed the characters and each of their own stories, and how it was tied in all together. My only complaint is that I found the last few chapters to be rushed, it didn't have the flow that the rest of the book had.

Love in Bloom by Sheila Roberts (4/5) General Fiction; Published: St. Martin's Griffin (4/2009); New Author; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (53); 2009 Support Your Local Library (48); 2009 Pub Challenge (16);

Veil of Midnight

Bound by blood, addicted to danger, they'll enter the darkest—and most erotic—place of all.

A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man—vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability—a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence—a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness…and pleasure beyond imagining.

A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed—and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata’s powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she’s forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata’s life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond—and a passion that could save or doom them both forever.…

When you think it can't get even better...it does.

I just love strong warrior females, and Renata can definitely kick ass. But she knows when she needs help. She surprised on how kind, considerate and decent Nikolai is...well considering the other vampires she was dealing with it's not a surprise. They come together to save Mira, a child that has an amazing ability and who is saught after by an evil Gen One vampire.

I was sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the book. There were twists and more twists, and just when I thought I had it figured out there was another one. Loved! I liked that it was unpredectable. I loved seeing some of the older characters, but also the introduction of the new ones, like Hunter. Can't wait to hear more about him. And there's also Andreas Reichen, he was in this story as well...and I'm not complaining. I believe the next book of the series, Ashes of Midnight is his.

Veil of Midnight by Lara Adrian (4.5/5) Romance; Paranormal: Vampire; Published: Dell (1/2009); Series: # 5, Midnight Breed; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (49); 2009 Support Your Local Library (43); 2009 Pub Challenge (15);

Bride of a Wicked Scotsman

Lady Maura O'Donnell swore to her father on his deathbed that she'd recover the Circle of Light, an enchanted Celtic relic that had brought the family prosperity—until it was stolen a century earlier by a notorious pirate. Now the pirate's descendant, the Duke of Gleneden, holds this rare treasure, and Maura would give anything to get it back . . .

Alec McBride knows when he's been had. Lady Maura tricked him into marriage with the expertise of a born seductress, and now she'll pay for her treachery. He'll ravish her, tempt her, tame her—until she sorely wishes she'd never heard of the Duke of Gleneden. Caught up in their game of revenge, Alec and Maura never notice what is happening in their hearts—until it's too late.

Their marriage may have been a farce, but there is nothing truer than their desire . . .

Once upon time there was an Irish family that was blessed. One day the Circle of Light was stolen from the Irish by a Scottish pirate. Ever since the robery the Irish family have been experiencing bad luck. Generations later, the current patriarch of the Irish family makes his daughter promise that she'll recover the Circle of Life by any means possible.

And she does... She lies, seduces, drugs and forces a Duke to "marry her".

I didn't like this story at all. I thought the recovery of the relic was overshadowed by the acts of Lady Maura. The only thing she didn't do was kill...maybe that will happen in the next book. I cannot believe that I spent my precious time reading this...

It was a WASTE OF MY TIME!

Bride of a Wicked Scotsman by Samantha James (1/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (March 2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (48); 2009 Support Your Local Library (42); 2009 Pub Challenge (14); Romance Reading Challenge (4)

First Comes Marriage

Another author that I've given up buying her books... If I'm going to buy a book I want to know that I'll be dazzled and entertained and simply fall in love with the story. And with the author's last series, it left me cold...completely not what I expect of Mary Balogh. But I cannot resist reading her books, just in case that one of them will give me a glimpse of the earlier Mary Balogh.

Here's the blurb for First Comes Marriage, the first book of the Huxtable series:

Against the scandal and seduction of Regency England, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh introduces an extraordinary family—the fiery, sensual Huxtables. Vanessa is the second daughter, proud and daring, a young widow who has her own reason for pursuing the most eligible bachelor in London. One that has nothing to do with love. Or does it?

The arrival of Elliott Wallace, the irresistibly eligible Viscount Lyngate, has thrown the country village of Throckbridge into a tizzy. Desperate to rescue her eldest sister from a loveless union, Vanessa Huxtable Dew offers herself instead. In need of a wife, Elliott takes the audacious widow up on her unconventional proposal while he pursues an urgent mission of his own. But a strange thing happens on the way to the wedding night. Two strangers with absolutely nothing in common can’t keep their hands off each other. Now, as intrigue swirls around a past secret—one with a stunning connection to the Huxtables—Elliott and Vanessa are uncovering the glorious pleasures of the marriage bed…and discovering that when it comes to wedded bliss, love can’t be far behind.

Deep breath...Argh! I thought maybe, just maybe this one would be one to break the mold.

I read the prologue, and I honestly thought that Con was the hero...usually that's what a prologue is for to give you some background information on the story or the characters. But although Con is part of the story he doesn't have a major role. Of course, because he isn't the hero...it just took me awhile to get that info into my head. I wonder if I was the only one?

Back to the "real" hero: I did not like him! Nor did I like Vanessa! OMG I just wanted to throw the book out the window. Elliot was an ass with a capital A, and Vanessa's issue with not being a beauty really got on my nerves. What saved the book for me were the secondary characters. Sad isn't, it?

First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh (2/5) Historical Romance; Published: Dell (2/2009); Series: # 1, Huxtable Family; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (44); 2009 Support Your Local Library (38); 2009 Pub Challenge (13);

Hounding The Pavement

A new series starring a dog walker who just happens to understand canine talk...Interesting. Bonus: it's written by Judi McCoy.

Here's the blurb for Hounding The Pavement:

Ellie Engleman, the newest dog walker on Manhattan's swanky Upper East Side, has a talent - besides scooping poop. She can hear what her canine clientele are thinking. So when an owner is killed, Ellie must perk up her ears and bone up on her sleuthing.

Ditching her dog-eat-dog career and cur of a husband, Ellie happily trades her power suits for a panty hose - free wardrobe and her dream job. And she couldn't be happier - unless, of course, Mr. Right shows up at her door with apint of Haagen-Dazs.

But when she stumbles upon dead client, Ellie becomes a suspect in an investigation led by smoking-hot, if cocky, Detective Ryder. Ellie wouldn't exactly mind staying in custody - if it meant sticking close by him 24-7 - but she worries about deceased's missing prizewinning bichon. Did someone steal him? If only she could find the dog, he'd tell her who the culprit is. But a killer wants Ellie to let sleeping dogs lie...or else.

I've had a love and hate "relationship" with "talking" animals in books. They are some that I love (like Susan Wittig Albert's Beatrix Potter series) and others I just can't get into (like Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy series - please no rotten tomatoes!), so I was a little hesitant about reading this book, but it is written by an author that I enjoy so I gave it a try and ...

Two words: cute and entertaining. It was fast paced and interesting. I enjoyed the way that Ellie talked and took care of her charges. I loved the banter between Rudy and Ellie. Plus there's a promising romance going between Ellie and Detective Ryder...even if Ryder can be somewhat an ass. Can't wait to see what will happen next!

Hounding the Pavement by Judi McCoy (3.5/5) Contemporary Mystery; Published: Obsidian (3/2009); Series: # 1, A Dog Walker Mystery; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (43); 2009 Support Your Local Library (37); 2009 Pub Challenge (12);

The Girl Most Likely To...

Kat Cavanaugh was sixteen when she hitchhiked out of Persuasion, West Virginia and vowed never to return. Who could blame her? She’d just stumbled upon her father’s adulterous affair, found out she was pregnant, got dumped by her boyfriend, and kicked out of her house and school . . . all in a single afternoon. Twenty years have gone by and Kat’s back—gorgeous, rich, and looking for an apology from everyone who’d turned their backs on her. First on that list is Riley Bohland, the boy who broke her heart before she could tell him about the baby.

But Kat didn’t count on Riley having his own axe to grind, or that he’d be just as delicious as he was at sixteen. She also didn’t count on her heart opening at the sight of him. When their anger ignites a passion intense enough to burn through two decades of secrets and lies, Kat must question everything she thought she knew about her past. And what about her future? The only place to find the answers may be in Riley’s arms…

Susan Donovan is a must read author (at least for me), but the last book left me a little cold. I didn't care for it as much as the previous ones. My expectations for The Girl Most Likely To... were somewhat subdued.

And I'm glad that they were...Don't get me wrong it wasn't a bad read. But it was a more of a "oh well" read. The humour was there, it had the quick dialogue that I adore, the characters were likable (and attractive), but there was way too much going on. The plot had a sub-plot and that sub-plot had it's own sub-plot...well you get the idea. And it felt rushed.

The Girl Most Likely To... by Susan Donovan (3/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: St. Martin's Paperbacks (1/2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (39); 2009 Support Your Local Library (34); 2009 Pub Challenge (11);

Smart Girls Think Twice

Where dangerously sexy men are concerned....SMART GIRLS THINK TWICE

With her job hanging in the balance, sociologist Emma Riley is back in her hometown of Rock Creek, Pennsylvania, for both her sisters' weddings. As if that isn't depressing enough, Emma also needs to stay focused on the research project that could save her job and launch her career. Her success hinges on sexy Rock Creek newcomer Jake Slayter.

Unfortunately, Jake wants nothing to do with Emma -- or her big project. He has his own motives for being in Rock Creek, and if there's one thing he can't afford, it's a distraction in the form of a brainy beauty like Emma. Too bad Emma has made it perfectly clear that she's way too smart to let him stand in her way. Too bad Jake has made it perfectly clear that he's way too smart to take no for an answer!

I've read the other books in the series and enjoyed them all. They were all fun to read and had great characters. But, I have mixed feelings about this book.

I enjoyed the setting, the characters, I liked the dialogue (even when at times it was repetitive), but it felt rushed...everything happened so quickly. I didn't get emotionally involved with either the hero or heroine...I wanted to know more about them and also wanted a more in depth resolution with Jake family.

Smart Girls Think Twice by Cathie Linz (3/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: Berkley (1/2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (37); 2009 Support Your Local Library (32); 2009 Pub Challenge (10);

When A Stranger Loves Me

I'm not a huge fan of amnesia. I find it overdone, and there's only so many times I can read about a heroine who doesn't remember a thing, super vulnerable without a backbone to speak of. But what caught my attention in When A Stranger Loves Me by Julianne MacLean is that the amnesia victim is the hero.

Here's the blurb for the book:

I saved his life . . . and I had much to demand in return.

When he washed up on shore, I knew my prayers had been answered, and that I, Lady Chelsea Campion, need no longer fear poverty and heartbreak. To secure my family's estate, all I needed was a child. Handsome, clearly noble-born, and with no memory of his previous life, the mysterious man was perfect. All I had to do was visit his bedchamber and seduce him. I had expected him to be a skillful, scandalously wonderful lover, but once in his arms I was overcome by something more than mere passion. I had fallen hopelessly, desperately in love.

My plan has gone shockingly awry. But I will not give up a man who makes me feel such wicked ecstasy. No matter his true identity, no matter the secrets he struggles to remember, I will do anything in this world to make this stranger love me.

I enjoyed seeing Blake's vulnerability. He's physically strong, and seems that he has a strong personality, but the way he deals with amnesia, he shows that vulnerability, and I also enjoyed seeing the anger that he feels with Chelsea scheme. I hate to admit this, but I truly disliked the heroine. I thought she was interesting in the beginning, she had an independent streak that was entertaining until she decided to use the hero.

The book was fast paced and it had good dialogue, but, and this is a big but it lacked spice. I know I've mentioned this before with the previous book of the series, you can find it here. That spark, the chemistry, just wasn't there, in my opinion.

When A Stranger Loves Me by Julianne MacLean (3/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (2/2009); Series: # 3, Pembroke Palace; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (36); 2009 Support Your Local Library (31); 2009 Pub Challenge (9);

Devil of the Highlands

They call him the Devil . . .

He is the most notorious laird of Scotland: fierce, cold, deadly . . . and maybe even worse. Yet Evelinde has just agreed to wed him. Anything, she thinks, is better than her cruel stepmother. Though Evelinde should be wary of the rumors, she can't help but be drawn to this warrior . . . for the Devil of the Highlands inspires a heat within her that is unlike anything she has ever known.

They may call him whatever they wish, but Cullen, Laird of Donnachaidh, cares only for the future of his clan. He must find a wife, a woman to bear him sons and heed his commands. He has no need for beauty or grace, but one taste of his lovely bride's sweet lips and the sultry feel of her skin arouse an untamed passion. Perhaps there's more to marriage than he thought . . .

To get rid of her step-daughter, Edda, is willing to do anything. Even agreeing to marry her to a rumored murderer. But Evelinde doesn't think that the "Devil" is a murderer and she will prove it.

Lynsay Sands is a hit or miss author for me, and for me it was a miss. In my opinion the author had the opportunity to make the plot more enticing but it was not done. The characters seemed shallow and boring, the story was very much a one sided deal, I felt like I didn't to know Cullen. And the investigation of the "crimes" was a tad to simplistic. But it just my opinion....

And it wasn't so bad that I would consider it a waste of my time. Well, I guess that's the silver lining!

Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands (2.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (2/2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (33); 2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge (28); 2009 Pub Challenge (8);

Corked by Cabernet

What's not to love about A Wine Lover's Mystery series? It's set in the Napa Valley, more presicely in a winery, it has fiesty and funny heroine, a sexy hero and it has recipes!

Here's the blurb for Corked by Cabernet by Michele Scott:

Nikki Sands is exactly where she wants to be as the Manager of the Malveaux Estates in Napa Valley—and "shacking up" with the owner, her boyfriend Derek Malveaux. But she starts to lose control when some self-helpers arrive and steal her peace of mind...

Nikki couldn't be happier settling into the vineyard with her boyfriend Derek. But when a guru and his followers check into the winery's boutique hotel and spa for a retreat, she feels far from enlightened as she's forced to take on the role of event coordinator. Their first outing on the famous Napa Valley Wine train reinforces her doubt when a member goes missing. The guru's devotee is found in the wine storage car where someone quite literally—and fatally—put a cork in him. It's up to Nikki to stop a killer who's developed a real taste for murder...

In the fifth installement of the series, we find Nikki organizing a retreat for guru Sansibaba and his followers - S.E.E. (Source of Enlightened Elite) the newest pet project of Simon and Marco. Derek is out of town for business. The first event Nikki finds the body of one of the members of S.E.E.. Detective Yummy, excuse, Robinson asks Nikki to keep her ears open, basically he asks for her help.

The book has the usual fast pace that I expect for a Michele Scott book. There's also the comic relief of Simon and Marco, I love those two, but they've also grown on me...there's a depth in each of them that I hadn't seen yet. We're also given a little info on Robinson's life, which explains a lot for me. And then there's Derek, although we don't see him all that much in this book, he does put on quite a performance at the end.

Getting to the murder, and the motive behind it, it just doesn't make sense, to me at least. It was explained, but it felt like a weak excuse.

Corked by Cabernet by Michele Scott (4/5) Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (2/2009); Series: # 5, A Wine Lover's Mystery; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (32); 2009 Support Your Local Library (27); 2009 Pub Challenge (7);

Mayhem in High Heels

I've been hooked on Gemma Halliday's High Heels series right from the first book, Spying In High Heels. I love the heroine, Maddie and her leading man Ramirez. I've been looking forward to this book for a long time.

Here's the blurb for Mayhem in High Heels:

Maddie Springer is finally walking down the aisle with the man of her dreams. And she's got the perfect wedding planner to pull it all off in style. Well, perfect, that is, until the woman winds up dead—murdered in buttercream icing. Suddenly Maddie's hope of a dream wedding melts faster than an ice sculpture at an outdoor buffet. And when her groom-to-be is assigned the detective in charge of the case, there goes any chance of a honeymoon. Unless, of course, Maddie can find the murderer before her big day.

With the help of her fellow fashionista friends, Maddie vows to unveil the cold-blooded killer. Is it the powerful ex-husband, the hot young boy toy, a secret lover from the past, or a billionaire bridezilla on the warpath? As the wedding day grows closer, tempers flare, old flames return, and Maddie's race to the altar turns into a race against time.

Maddie and her main man are finally getting married. Being her usual busy self, Maddie gets help from the best wedding planner she can find. But there's a little hitch, that said planner has met an unfortunate accident - buttercream frosting and a knife.

I really enjoyed this book. It had the usual fast paced, humor and just plain fun that I expect when I read Gemma Halliday. Maddie, Dana and Marco, their own version of Charlie's Angels is hilarious, but Dana and Marco are doing double duty...not only are the helping to solve the murder but they are also planning Maddie and Ramirez's wedding. I was truly surprised at the end when they caught the murderer. I was expecting someone else, but it did make sense, after it was explained to me...I was having a moment.

I was expecting a twist at the end. I truly was...Don't get me wrong, I loved the ending, but I've been spoiled with the previous books, there's always a twist or a big cliffhanger, and it didn't happen in this one. Which makes me wonder if this will be the last High Heels book in the series. I certainly hope not.

Mayhem in High Heels by Gemma Halliday (4/5) Mystery; Published: Dorchester (1/09); Series: # 5, High Heels Mystery; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (30); 2009 Support Your Local Library (25); 2009 Pub Challenge (6);

What I Did For Love

How did this happen? Georgie York, once the costar of America's favorite television sitcom, has been publicly abandoned by her famous husband, her film career has tanked, her father is driving her crazy, and her public image as a spunky heroine is taking a serious beating.

What should a down-on-her-luck actress do? Not go to Vegas . . . not run into her detestable former costar, dreamboat-from-hell Bramwell Shepard . . . and not get caught up in an ugly incident that leads to a calamitous elopement. Before she knows it, Georgie has a fake marriage, a fake husband, and maybe (or not) a fake sex life.

It's a paparazzi free-for-all, and Georgie's nonsupporting cast doesn't help. There's Bram's punk-nightmare housekeeper, Georgie's own pushy parent, a suck-up agent, an icy studio head with a private agenda, and her ex-husband's new wife, who can't get enough of doing good deeds and saving the world—the bitch. As for Georgie's leading man, Bram's giving the performance of his life, but he's never cared about anyone except himself, and it's not exactly clear why.

Two enemies find themselves working without a script in a town where the spotlight shines bright . . . and where the strongest emotions can wear startling disguises.

I really hate when this happens. I've been looking forward on reading a new Susan Elizabeth Phillips book for ages, and I kept What I Did For Love on my nightstand for a while before reading it. I've been anticipating this read, imagining it to be wonderful like the previous book I read of hers, Natural Born Charmer. So, I begin the book, and after 10 minutes I came to the conclusion that the book is based on the Jennifer Anniston/Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie media circus. I kept on reading, hoping that it would be a good experience.

A good experience? Well, not all that good. I found Georgie to be a wet noodle, she needed to grow a spine, but I liked her...eventually she found what she wanted and didn't give a heck what her father/manager thought. I didn't like Bram, he was ass. The one character that I really enjoyed was Chaz. She was the saving grace of the book.

I probably should have stopped reading the book halfway through but I didn't because of the author. Well, because of her previous books, I was hoping that the end would redeem the book. It didn't, I'm afraid to say...Just my opinion.

What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (2.5/5) Romance; Published: William Morrow (1/2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (28); 2009 Support Your Local Library (23); 2009 Pub Challenge (6); Romance Reading Challenge (2);

The Illumination

Natalie Landau, a museum curator with an expertise in Mesopotamian protective amulets and magical beliefs, has received a puzzling gift from her sister Dana--a necklace with a blue evil eye pendant on it. The Evil Eye is a symbol of protection common throughout the world, with a history connecting it to many religions.

When Natalie learns Dana was murdered only hours after sending the gift, she begins to think her evil eye amulet had something to do with her sister’s death. As she races to discover the origin of the pendant, Natalie is sucked into an international battle between powerful religious factions, each battling for the eye, which turns out to be far more valuable—and far more powerful--than she could ever imagine.

When Natalie receives a small gift from her sister, from Iraq where Dana is a reporter for a major news station, Natalie feels like there might be hope to salvage their shaky relationship. But when she finds out that Dana was killed, and her cameraman is missing, Natalie cannot rest until she finds the truth behind the antique necklace and pouch. And she's hoping that Joe D'Amato will be able to help her.

I'm a sucker when it comes to action/adventure/intrigue type of stories, and mix religion into it I'm a very happy reader. I absolutely love the genre, and truth be told, I don't think I'll tire of it anytime soon. So it isn't surprising that I was hooked right from the beginning. I couldn't put the book down...good thing it was a P.A. day and the kids kept busy with video and board games...because I needed the time to read.

Compared to the authors' previous book, The Book of Names, is was more violent. Which within the context of the story I found that it wasn't out of place, but in my opinion there was a little too much of it. I think it may have helped my need to finish the book, I wanted the good guys to win. I enjoyed the explanation of the Light, the way it was created and the reason behind the various groups wanting it. I liked both Natalie and Joe, they made a good partnership, but it would have been nice to have more background on other characters.

The Illumination by Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori (4/5) Suspense; Published: St. Martin's Press (2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (27); 2009 Support Your Local Library (22); 2009 Pub Challenge (5);

Fireside

Fireside is the latest novel in the Lakeshore Chronicles by Susan Wiggs. In this book we see Bo Crutcher again, he was in the previous book, Snowfall at Willow Lake.

Here's the blurb:

Baseball hopeful Bo Crutcher is about to get his shot at the majors. That is, until life throws him a curve ball. When AJ, the son he's never met, lands on his doorstep, Bo's life becomes a whole new ball game. He needs help—fast.

Enter Kimberly van Dorn. Hired to smooth Bo's rough exterior for the media, she expects the kind of shallow pro athlete she's used to handling. But Bo is willing to sacrifice everything for his vulnerable son. Kim can train him to hit a home run with the press, but over a breathtaking winter on frozen Willow Lake, she realizes he has far more to teach her about the game of life…and putting love first.

In Fireside he gets an opportunity that he never thought he would get, to play Major league baseball. But at the same time, he gets a frantic call from the mother of his son, and it may just be life changing. For the first time in twelve yea rs he'll have a chance to spend time with son. But he knows next to nothing on raising children.

Kimberly van Dorn, left LA after a rocky relationship with a pro athlete. Not only did the jerk breakup with her, he also fired her. She comes to Willow Lake for some much needed TLC, and her mothers kind support.

Kimberly and Bo soon find that they can help each other. Bo needs help with his imagine, and to get media savvy. And Kimberly wants to get back on her feet. Along the way she helps Bo connect with his son, and loses her heart to both Bo and AJ.

I found myself glued to the couch. I was engrossed. It was fast paced and entertaining. The characters (as usual) were interesting and familiar. It's great to see some of the characters from the previous books. And the newly introduced characters weren't too shabby either. I liked Kim. Her wanting, her needing a change but also her willingness to help Bo not only with his media training but also with his son, spoke volumes in my opinion. Bo grew from a self centered bachelor to caring single father. But the scene stealer of the book was AJ, he was such a courageous boy and it showed with everything he did.

Fireside by Susan Wiggs (4/5) Romance; Published: Mira (2/09); Series: # 5, Lakeshore Chronicles; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (23); 2009 Support Your Local Library (18); 2009 Pub Challenge (4);

The Ghost and the Haunted Mansion

I'm on a roll with the paranormal mystery and I can't seem to stop. Not that I'm complaining...I just wonder how long it will last?

Here's the blurb for The Ghost and the Haunted Mansion by Alice Kimberley:

Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure didn't believe in ghosts - until she met the ghost of hard-boiled 1940s private investigator Jack Shepard. And when Pen's friend and mailman, Seymour Tarnish, gets into deep trouble, Pen not only believes in her ghost - she also thinks he can help...

An elderly lady of leisure has been found dead on posh Larchment Avenue, her will recently - and suspiciously - revised to name Seymour as heir of her mansion. Just as eyes turn to him as the murdered - and Seymour gets busy settling into his ritzy digs - the mansion's ghosts begin plaguing him. So he hires a team of parapsychologists to exorcise all the spirits from the Quindicott - and that includes Jack. Pen must act fast, because losing Jack scares Pen more than rattling chains and cold spots...

So far all the book of the Haunted Bookshop series have been fun to read, and I think it's what keeps me coming back to more. I love the main characters and their banter. And I also enjoy their friendship and the way they need to be together.

I also enjoy the secondary characters. Seymour Tarnish for instance is one of my favorites and I was happy to see him take a "lead" role in this mystery, even if he was a "person of interest". But when he brings in the people to exorcise the ghosts he had me worried...well not overly much...you cannot have Haunted Bookshop without a ghost.

The Ghost and the Haunted Mansion by Alice Kimberly (3.5/5) Contemporary Mystery; Paranormal: Ghosts; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (1/2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (21); 2009 Support Your Local Library (16); 2009 Pub Challenge (3);

Dawnkeepers

I had this book on my nightstand for over two weeks. I wanted to read it as soon as possible but every time I picked it up to start, I would set it down. My problem, was that I loved, absolutely loved the first novel of The Final Prophecy series, Nightkeepers, and I was having second thoughts about the second book, Dawnkeepers. Would it be just as good as the previous book? Or would I end up feeling like it was a waste of my time?

Here's the blurb for Dawnkeepers by Jessica Andersen:

The countdown to the end of days has begun. According ancient prophecy, on December 21, 2012. Mayan demons from the underworld will trigger an apocalypse. Only the Nightkeepers, mortal descendants of a race of magic-wielding-warrior-priests, can prevent the annihilation of all mankind

Nate Blackhawk can't help but resent the demands of his bloodline. Unlike his fellow Nightkeepers, he isn't about to let the gods determine his destiny - especially when it comes to love. Which means he refuses to submit to the unquenchable desire he feels for Alexis Gray, the shockingly beautiful trainee who first appeared in his visions. But that's easier said than done, considering that Nate needs Alexis's help in uncovering the seven Mayan artifacts inscribed with clues on how to defeat the demons.

Alexis is willing to do whatever is necessary to prove herself as a Nightkeeper. She believes in the life she was born into and the future the gods have written for her - even when it comes to Nate, who seems intent on ignoring the intense passion between them. But as she and Nate test their powers in a race to recover the seven statuettes before the demons do, Alexis finds it impossible to deny her feelings for the one man who's destined to be hers.

Let me start by saying that it was not a waste of time reading this book. I enjoyed it. Now, that being said, I didn't think it was as good as the first book. But from experience, seconds books never are.

The beginning of the book had an action/adventure feel to it, and that got me hooked. I was so enthralled with it that I read uninterrupted for several hours. The setting was amazing (as usual), the characters are believable (their feelings) and likable (well, some of them at least), the rituals and beliefs were interesting and gripping and they kept me turning the pages.

The main characters, Nate and Alexis, were good, I liked the way Nate grew to understand his feelings towards the Nightkeepers, his family and eventually his feelings for Alexis. Alexis on the other hand, I didn't care too much for her, a romantic lead. She had this need to be as powerful, as needed, and respected as her mother was previously, her winikin Izzy really got on my nerves, always pushing her, and manipulating her (in my opinion). Anyway back to romance, I didn't think it was there, well, at least not like the first book. The chemistry/lust was there but the little things that would make this a "romance" wasn't there in my opinion.

I also think that I might have been more interested on what was going on with the rest of the Nightkeepers. Rabbit, still dealing with the death of his father, and understanding and experiencing his gifts. Anna, basically being forced to come home and help, even it's the last place that she wants to be. Lucius, his curiosity got the better of him, so now he's enslaved and possessed by evil magic. And the search for missing Sasha continues...I'm sure they'll find her next book.

Speaking of which, Skykeepers, will be released in the summer.

Dawnkeepers by Jessica Andersen (4/5) Paranormal Romance; Mayan Mythology; Published: Signet Eclipse (January 2009); Series: # 2, The Final Prophecy; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (16); 2009 Support Your Local Library (12); 2009 Pub Challenge (2);

A Veiled Deception

I found A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair on the new releases shelf at the library. I couldn't resist bringing it home with me.

Here's the blurb:

With years of experience working for a top New York designer, Madeira Cutler has learned to appreciate the clean line, rich texture, and elegant draping of a finely crafted garment. It's not until Maddie goes home to Mystick Falls, Connecticut, for her sister's wedding, however, that she discovers her understanding of fashion goes much deeper...

Before the accessory shopping and fittings can begin, the festivities hit a snag when Maddie finds her sister's nemesis strangled with the bride-to-be's veil. In between opening her own vintage clothing shop and keeping the wedding on track, Maddie's determined to perform her own investigation to clear her family's name. She soon finds that her best witness may be an antique wedding dress that magically unveils to her the secrets of those who have worn it. But if the gown doesn't talk fast enough, the lives of everyone Maddie loves will surely fall apart at the seams.

I admit, although I was a tad excited about this book, I was also a little skeptical. I enjoy paranormal mysteries on occasion but they can be a bit overdone in my opinion. But I was pleasantly surprised with this one though.

I loved the setting, I have the perfect picture of Mystick Falls (I have vivid imagination!), I can picture the shops and the homes, very quaint and peaceful with lots of curious visitors. I did mention my vivid imagination, right? The characters are great! I love the closeness that Maddie has to her friends and family. Nick is one hot tamale! And then there's a very interesting ghost, named Dante. I love the way Maddie's father has a perfect quote for everything. Aunt Fiona has potential, she seems to be a maternal figure for Maddie, but can there be something brewing with the father? The story was good. I figured the whodunit pretty early, but I still enjoyed it. My favorite part of the book was the dialogue, it was awesome! Full of humor and sarcasm, and at times very touching and emotional.

Now, for the bad part. I have to wait until August for the next book of the series, Lace and Larceny.

A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair (4/5) Contemporary Mystery; Paranormal: Psychic/Ghost; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (1/09); Series: # 1, A Vintage Magic Mystery; 2009 Pub Challenge (1); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (8); 2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge (6);

Yet, another challenge....

I cannot help myself... It's a sickness! But a wonderful one of that...

1morechapter is hosting The 2009 Pub Challenge. Here are the rules:

1. Read a minimum of 9 books first published in 2009. You don’t have to buy these. Library books, unabridged audios, or ARCs are all acceptable. To qualify as being first published in 2009, it must be the first time that the book is published in your own country. For example, if a book was published in Australia, England, or Canada in 2008, and then published in the USA in 2009, it counts (if you live in the USA). Newly published trade paperbacks and mass market paperbacks do not count if there has been a hardcover/trade published before 2009. Any questions on what qualifies? Just leave a comment here, and I’ll respond with the answer.

2. No children’s/YA titles allowed, since we’re at the ‘pub.’

3. At least 5 titles must be fiction.

4. Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.

5. You can add your titles as you go, and they may be changed at any time.

6. Sign up below using Mr. Linky. You can find it here.

7. Have fun reading your 2009 books!

Here are my titles:

1. A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair - Published January 2009 ** Completed January 19th, 2009

2.Dawnkeepers by Jessica Andersen - Published January 2009 ** Completed February 5th, 2009

3.The Ghost and the Haunted Mansion by Alice Kimberly - Piblished January 2009 **Completed on February 15th, 2009

4.Fireside by Susan Wiggs - Published February 2009 **Completed on February 18th, 2009

5.The Illumination by Jill Gregory & Karen Tintori - Published January 2009 **Completed on February 27, 2009

6.What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - Published January 2009 **Completed on March 1st, 2009

7.Mayhem in High Heels by Gemma Halliday - Published January 2009 **Completed on March 6, 2009

8.Corked by Cabernet by Michele Scott - Published February 2009 **Completed on March 9, 2009

9.Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands - Published February 2009 **Completed on March 18, 2009

10.When a Stranger Loves Me by Julianne MacLean - Published February 2009 **Completed on March 23, 2009

11.Smart Girls Think Twice by Cathie Linz - Published January 2009 **Completed on March 25, 2009

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