The Dangers of Deceiving a Viscount

Julia London is another must read author for me. She’s been a favorite since I started reading the genre. And unlike some authors, her transition to contemporary was wonderful, but I still prefer her historical novels.

Here’s the blurb for The Dangers of Deceiving a Viscount:

Lady Phoebe Fairchild is well aware that the ton would be appalled to learn of a young lady of quality involved in a trade. Therefore, she resorts to selling her beautiful handmade gowns under a fictitious name: Madame Dupree. So when circumstances force her to visit the estate of William Darby, the Viscount of Summerfield, to design ball gowns for his sisters, she assumes Madame’s identity. Phoebe’s discomfort in her new position as hired help is nothing compared to her visceral attraction to the viscount himself.

Heathenishly handsome and shamelessly seductive, Will invites her to be his mistress—and Phoebe is shockingly tempted to accept. But as their desire for one another grows, and the risk of exposure becomes even greater, Phoebe is in dire danger of losing her reputation, her livelihood—and her chance of becoming the bride of the man whose passion has claimed her forever.

I loathe, loathe the mistaken identity theme. Mind you I knew what I was getting into before I read the book. But my reason for it reading the was the author. I love her books, and I thought that maybe, just maybe, I wouldn’t be put off by the theme. My mistake. It bothered me a lot.

I found that the whole masquerade/mistaken identity in this book, was overly done. She could have told her secret at any point, in my opinion. But it continued until, well you guessed it, someone recognized her, and then the crap hit the fan. Excuse my language! It really just ticks me off…. Argh! As if we couldn’t see that one coming.

Oh well, my mistake. I should have gone with my gut feeling. Avoid mistaken identities and masquerades at all costs!

I wonder if I’ll listen to my own advice?!

The Dangers of Deceiving a Viscount by Julia London (3/5) Historical Romance; Published: Pocket Books (10/2007); Series: # 3, Desperate Debutantes Trilogy; 100 + Reading Challenge (73); Library book;

Sweetheart

When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.

Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.

I was blown away when I read Heartsick, I thought it was a brilliant albeit disturbing story, and couldn’t see how the author would top it.

Then I read Sweetheart. Oh my word! It was an amazing read. This book picks up two months after Heartsick left off. Susan is still working on her story about Molly Palmer, Archie is trying his best to stay away from Gretchen, giving his relationship with Debbie another try. And then, remains of a female are recovered from a park, a senator and crime reporter are killed and Gretchen is on the loose again.

Everything happens so fast, you’re afraid that you’ll miss something. There were several times that I went back just to re-read scenes, because I just couldn’t believe what happened. It’s that type of read, you find it so disturbing, but you just can’t put the book down. You’re at the edge of your sit, you just want more.

How long will I have to wait for the next book?

Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain (4.5/5) Psychological Thriller; Published: St. Martin’s Minotaur (9/08); Series: # 2, Beauty Killer; 100 + Reading Challenge (72); Fall Into Reading 2008 (4); Library book;

Seduce Me At Sunrise

Lisa Kleypas is a must read author. I love her books. I’ve read her contemporaries, which I’m not a huge fan of, but I love her historicals. Seduce Me At Sunrise is Lisa Kleypas’ latest historical novel.

Here’s the blurb:

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation…and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Then, Win returns to England…only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It’s now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny—or risk losing the only woman he has lived for…

Kev Merripen and Win Hathaway are polar opposites. While Kev is strong, dark and very primal, Win is meek, soft and sickly. The one common that they both have is their love. A love that is forbidden by society. Kev is a Gypsy, and Win is the sister of a Viscount.

When Win comes back from France along with a surprise guest, her family think that it may just be the kick that Kev needs to make his intentions known. But Kev struggles with his feelings, he doesn’t think that he is a suitable choice, he feels that Win deserves a better man than he, she deserves a gentle man, not a hard one.

This is the second book of the Hathaway series, the first book Mine Till Midnight. I didn’t think it couldn’t have gotten better, but Seduce Me At Sunrise was such a wonderful book. It had it all, the tears (both happy and sad), it had laughter, it had surprises and it had the sizzle. It was hot! Loved it

Now I’ll wait “patiently” until A Wallflower Christmas comes out.

Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas (4.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: St. Martin’s Press (10/08); Series: # 2, Hathaway Family; 100 + Reading Challenge (71); Keeper shelf;

Jane Eyre

5 Minutes for Books is hosting a Classics Bookclub, this months selection is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

I first read Jane Eyre in high school, and back then I thought it was too dark, and boring. I liked Jane, but thought she was too nice and that Mr. Rochester was a despicable man who manipulated situations to suit him.

But now, I have a somewhat different view. I still find Jane too nice, but I also find her to be such a strong individual, physically, emotionally and morally. Mr. Rochester has grown on me, I can understand better the reasons behind what he did, and why he hid Bertha from Jane and his staff. I can see his love and almost obsession with Jane. But I can also see his kindness towards Adele, even when he kept her at arms length.

What I enjoyed the most was Jane’s growth. The way she became the woman that lived her life the way she wanted, and not the way Mr. Rochester or Mr. Rivers wanted her to. She made her choices and lived with them. She wouldn’t corrupt her morals for the sake of her hearts desire. I found that very commendable.

And although the ending is bittersweet. Jane and Mr. Rochester lived happily ever after. And I’m a sucker for a HEA ending.

Since I read this book, I've already ordered the BBC's production of Jane Eyre starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. I think J sees a new obsession starting...these BBC dramas are wonderful.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (4.5/5) Classic Literature; Originally published 1847; 100 + Reading Challenge (70); Classics Book club (2); Fall Into Reading 2008 (3); Keeper shelf;

God's Gold

Last spring I watched a show on History Television about the search of the lost Treasures of Jerusalem's Temple, which were taken by Roman soldiers during the First Jewish Revolt. The search for these lost treasures sparked my curiosity, and when I found this book, I just had to read it.

Here's the blurb:

God's Gold thrillingly pursues a priceless hoard of treasure - snatched from the Temple of Jerusalem in AD 70 - across 550 years of history, five faiths and four civilizations to its dramatic final resting place.

Archaeologist Sean Kingsley sets out on a physical quest to trace the treasure's destiny. From the Vatican to the Vandal palace of Carthage, Constantinople's hippodrome and the wilderness of Judaea, his remarkable journey exposes facts more astonishing than fiction.

I tend to avoid reading non-fiction. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the occasional biography or memoir, but they tend to bore me.

When I started reading God's Gold I was allowing a few weeks to read it. But surprisingly I finished the book within a week. I think what helped was the way it was written. I was drawn in right at the beginning. The book was part travel and part history, but it was done in such a way, that I didn't notice the changes. It felt like I was the one who was visiting these exotic and culture rich locales.

Now if what the author thinks is the absolute truth/fact, I do not know. But it was definitely a worth while read. I got a chance to "visit" countries that I've always dreamt of visiting, and along the way learned a lot. It was quite an experience.

God's Gold: The Quest for the Lost Temple Treasure of Jerusalem by Sean Kingsley (4/5) Non-fiction; Travel; History; Published: John Murray (2006); 100 + Reading Challenge (69); Fall Into Reading 2008 (2); Library book;

The Tale of Hawthorn House

I’m not a huge fan of talking animals in mystery books, but when it comes to Susan Wittig Albert’s The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, I make an exception. It can be that I’m huge fan of Beatrix Potter. Or it just can be that I find the whole series charming, warm and cosy. Perfect books to be devoured on weekends.

And that’s what I did with the fourth book of the series, The Tale of Hawthorne House. I devoured it.

Here’s the blurb:

Beatrix Potter receives an unexpected -- and possibly-term -- visitor in the form of Baby Flora, left in a basket on her doorstep with a note, a sprig of hawthorn, a scarab ring. No one in Sawrey has recently become a parent, so Captain Miles Woodcock deduces that the child must belong to the band of gypsies camped just outside of town.

But the gypsies deny knowing anything about the child -- or the mysterious ring inscribed to R.K., Forever. Further investigation reveals that the ring was pawned and reclaimed in Sawrey by a resident of Hawthorn House. The legendary manor is supposed to be vacant -- and is rumoured to be haunted. Now, Beatrix and her animal friends are left pondering the possibility of fairy-folk involvement in these utterly puzzling happenings…

What’s not to love about this book? It has great characters (both human and animal), the setting is breathtaking (Lake District), and there isn’t any gore or blood. It's warm and cosy, and it made me smile and laugh. I can understand those who think the talking animals childish, but I find them charming. A different side of a genre that I absolutely love.

The author gives us a glimpse on the life of these characters, their interests, the gossip, their prejudices against a certain group of people and unwed mothers. Even their beliefs of what a female could or could not do. It's very interesting, but also a little maddening. But that's the beauty of reading historical fiction.

There’s a bonus in this story. They are a couple of budding romances going on. Finally!

The Tale of Hawthorn House by Susan Wittig Albert (4/5) Historical Mystery; Published: Berkley (2007); Series: # 4, The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter; Fall Into Reading 2008 (1); 100 + Reading Challenge (67); Library book;

Un-Bridaled

Here's the blurb for Un-Bridaled by Eileen Rendahl:

With half her immediate family having been committed -- mentally speaking -- why can't Chloe Sachs commit? After all, she's always been considered the sane one. But standing at the altar, moments away from becoming Mrs. Mark Hutchinson, Chloe hears a voice telling her in no uncertain terms, Run! So she hikes up her wedding whites, leaves behind her handsome fiancé and a few hundred guests, and tears down California's Interstate 505 in her red Ford Frontier.

Now Chloe has no Plan B, two kooky dogs, one angry ex, and a truckload of wedding gifts to return. Taking refuge at her grandmother's empty rental bungalow, Chloe unearths some surprising family secrets while renovating it -- and meets some very intriguing new people, like the hot veterinarian she can't get off her mind. And with her family and friends' help, Chloe realizes she doesn't have to run anymore -- because she's already home.

This was another quick read. It was one of those books that you don't quite remember that you have other things to do...you just want to read. This book had everything! Gorgeous setting, quirky and funny characters, two very interesting pets and one fixer-upper bungalow.

And this is where Chloe comes to sort through things. This is also where she finds a stack of letters. Love letters between her aunt and her lover. She discovers a big family secret, which makes a lot of sense and gives her a different perspective towards her relationship with her mother, which is stressed to say the least.

I found that the story was about Chloe growing into the person that she's always wanted to be. Without the approval of her mother or the manipulations of her ex-fiance.

Un-Bridaled by Eileen Rendahl (4.5/5) General Fiction: Chick Lit; Published: Downtown Press (2006); New Author; 100 + Reading Challenge (66); Library book;

Private Arrangements

I've been meaning to read this book for a while now, it's been in my TBR pit since May.

Here's the blurb for Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas:

To all of London society, Lord and Lady Tremaine had the ideal arrangement: a marriage based on civility, courteousness, freedom—and living on separate continents.

But once upon a time, things were quite different for the Tremaines…When Gigi Rowland first laid eyes on Camden Saybrook, Lord Tremaine, the attraction was immediate and overwhelming: she simply had to have him. But what began in a spark of passion ended in betrayal the morning after their wedding—and Gigi wants to be free to marry again. Now Camden has returned from America with an outrageous demand—an heir—in exchange for Gigi’s freedom.

Gigi’s decision will have consequences she never imagined, as secrets are exposed, desire is rekindled—and one of London’s most admired couples must either fall in love all over again…or let each other go forever.

I found this book a quick read. It was fast paced and the characters were great. I loved the way that the author went through the past and present (of the story), although I admit it took a little to get used to. It was different, "their" story wasn't given right at the beginning you had to read more to get it. The characters felt so real, they made mistakes and are willing to correct them. They grow. Even if it took ten years to do so. Trust me you have to read this book!

For a debut book this was an amazing start for Sherry Thomas. I cannot wait to get my hands on the author's next book.

Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas (4.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Bantam (3/08); New Author; Debut book; 100 + Reading Challenge (65); Keeper shelf;

Sweet Trouble

Jesse Keyes has done some serious growing up. With a steady job and a vibrant four-year-old son, Gabe, she's in a far better place than when she left Seattle five years ago…pregnant and misunderstood by almost everyone in her life.

Now it's time to go home and face her demons. But her sisters, Claire and Nicole, aren't exactly impressed with the new and improved Jesse. And then there's Matt, Gabe's father, who makes it clear that he never wants to see her again despite the lust that still smolders between them.

Jesse doesn't know if she can make up for all the mistakes of her past. But the promise of sweet nights with Matt might just give her the extra incentive she needs to make it worth the trouble.…

Throughout the series, Jesse was made to be the “bad” sister, and everything lead on to that thoughts. But she never had her chance to explain, in my opinion she had plenty of chances she was just hurt. It was all a misunderstanding, one that took almost five years to resolve. In the process the people that were involved moved on, some better than others. Matt didn’t deal very well with “Jesse’s infidelity”, and he’s been taking his anger to the next level.

Of the Bakery Sisters’ series this one is my least favorite. In all honestly I really didn’t care for it. Matt and Jesse got on my nerves, the only good character in this book was Gabe.

I never thought I would say this about a Susan Mallery book, but it was a waste of my time. I should have been reading something else

Sweet Trouble by Susan Mallery (2.5/5) Romance; Published: HQN (08/08); Series: # 3, Bakery Sisters; 100 + Reading Challenge (64); Waste of Time;

8 Sandpiper Way

Debbie Macomber has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. When I read her books I feel comforted and relaxed. And I know I will enjoy what I read.

Here’s the blurb for the latest instalment of the Cedar Cover series, 8 Sandpiper Way:

Dear Reader,

I have something to confide in you. I think my husband, Dave, might be having an affair. I found an earring in his pocket, and it's not mine. I'm also worried because some jewellery was recently stolen from an old woman—and Dave used to visit her a lot.

You see, he's a pastor. And a good man. I can't believe he's guilty of anything, but why won't he tell me where he's been when he comes home so late?

Reader, I'd love to hear what you think. I also want to tell you what's going on with your other friends in Cedar Cove. Like Sheriff Troy Davis, to mention one. His long-ago love, Faith Beckwith, just moved here!

So come on in and join me for a cup of tea.

Emily Flemming

My first reaction when I finished this book was “That’s it?!”. Not necessarily because I wanted more, I just felt that nothing much happened in this book in comparison to the others. I got a chance to visit with some of my favorite characters, and there were new characters introduced to the mix. I just felt that overall the book was filler space, then I found out that there’s another one coming out soon, Cedar Cove Christmas. And guess what….It’s a hardcover. Lovely.

Well, I’m hoping that the next one will be more entertaining.

8 Sandpiper Way by Debbie Macomber (3.5/5) Romance; Published: Mira (2008); Series: # 8, Cedar Cove; 100 + Reading Challenge (63);

Sweet Spot

"Responsibility" should be Nicole Keyes's middle name. After all, not many people would sacrifice their lives to run the family bakery and raise a younger sibling. But with Nicole's twin sister now blissfully married and her younger sis turning out more femme fatale than girl-next-door, super reliable Nicole is getting sick of putting everyone else's needs first!

Enter Hawk. The deliciously sexy former NFL player offers Nicole a taste of the freedom she craves. Hawk may know the way, blindfolded, to her sweet spot, but Nicole's not about to let him get close enough to break her heart. Of course, she might not have a choice in the matter if Hawk's past keeps getting in the way of their present.…

This is the second book of the Bakery Sisters series. The first book was Sweet Talk, which i read and enjoyed, you can find it here. In that book I found Nicole a tad bitchy, but I understood where the anger and resentment had come from.

I was a little concerned about my feeling for Nicole in this one, I was expecting the bitchiness, but I was pleasantly surprised. I found Nicole to be quirky and full of sass. Loved her. I enjoyed Hawk, but found him a little conceited. I didn't like his daughter, found her spoiled and immature. But the scene stealer for me was Raoul, he was such a great character. I'm hoping that Raoul will have his own book in the future.

Sweet Spot by Susan Mallery (4/5) Romance; Published: HQN (8/08); Series: # 2, Bakery Sisters; 100 + Reading Challenge (62);

Late Nights on Air

I read this book as part of the Book Awards II Challenge. Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay, won the 2007 Giller Prize.

Here’s the blurb:

Harry Boyd, a hard-bitten refugee from failure in Toronto television, has returned to a small radio station in the Canadian North. There, in Yellowknife, in the summer of 1975, he falls in love with a voice on air, though the real woman, Dido Paris, is both a surprise and even more than he imagined.

Dido and Harry are part of the cast of eccentric, utterly loveable characters, all transplants from elsewhere, who form an unlikely group at the station. Their loves and longings, their rivalries and entanglements, the stories of their pasts and what brought each of them to the North, form the centre. One summer, on a canoe trip four of them make into the Arctic wilderness (following in the steps of the legendary Englishman John Hornby, who, along with his small party, starved to death in the barrens in 1927), they find the balance of love shifting, much as the balance of power in the North is being changed by the proposed Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline, which threatens to displace Native people from their land.

It was one of those books that I started reading not really knowing what to expect. But I was sucked right in at the beginning. I read the book in a few days, and I enjoyed it, but I really didn't get anything in particular from the book.

I thought the characters were interesting, I didn't care for Dido, I liked Harry, but my favorite was Gwen. But for me the scene stealer was the setting. I found myself more interested in the physical surroundings than what was going on with the characters.

Late Nights On Air by Elizabeth Hay (3/5) General Fiction; Published: McClelland & Stewart (2007); New Author; Canadian Author; Giller Prize Winner (2007); 100 + Reading Challenge (61); Book Awards II Challenge (3); Library book;

The Perfect Match

Here's the blurb for The Perfect Match by Kimberly Cates:

SHE'S GOT A KNACK FOR TROUBLE—AND IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS…

At twenty-seven, free-spirited Rowena Brown has never fit in anywhere—not with her ambitious family, not at veterinary school and certainly not in any relationship she's ever had. But surely the good people of Whitewater, Illinois, will welcome a pet-store owner whose talent is finding the perfect home for "problem" animals, even if they do have names like Destroyer.…

When a hundred-pound monstrosity of a dog appears at his door, Whitewater deputy Cash Lawless knows he's in trouble. A single dad with two young daughters, Cash wants more chaos in his life about as much as he wants to find himself drawn to the eccentric Rowena. But if he's not careful, the unruly hound and his unconventional owner might reignite Cash's hopes along with his heart—and help them all find home at last.

Rowena has a gift. She's able to match problem pets (after rehabilitation) to a perfect owner. When she matches her hyper Newfoundland dog to shy Charlie, she thinks it's a match made in heaven, until she meets Charlie's father. Cash is a single father to two little girls, Charlie and Mac. The last thing he needs is a pet, he has enough problems juggling work, babysitting and physical therapy, he doesn't have time to deal with a troubled dog. Then disaster hits, and Rowena is thrown in the mix of things, and she brings the added "colour" that the girls need. But can she mend the hurt that the Lawless family has endured.

I read this book quickly, it was fast paced, the characters were interesting with one exception. I didn't care for Lisa, but I won't go into it here, you'll have to read the book. Overall, I found the book charming. It brought a smile to face and a few tears as well.

I'm looking forward to reading more books by Kimberly Cates.

The Perfect Match by Kimberly Cates (3.5/5) Romance Contemporary; Published: HQN (2007); 100 + Reading Challenge (60);

Too Dangerous

This is my first time reading Alexandra Benedict. I’m usually a little skeptical about reading new authors (unless someone highly recommends them), but I read the blurb and it sounded interesting, so it came home with me.

Here’s the blurb to Too Dangerous To Desire:

Lonely and overcome with grief after a painful loss in his past, Adam Westmore walks the ocean’s edge in solitude.
Forced to marry a depraved foreign prince, a desperate Evelyn Waye believes she has no choice but to throw herself from the jagged cliffs into the crashing surf below.

When Adam sees the enchanting woman in terrible danger, he rescues her from death and brings her back to his humble cottage. Hesitant to reveal his true identity as a distinguished lord, he nonetheless offers to protect her. And she needs protection, for the prince will find her—and harm her.

Evelyn wants to trust the handsome stranger who saved her life, but her cursed beauty has made her suspicious of all men . . . even one whose kindness disarms her, whose gentle touch inspires passion within her.

Soon Adam and Evelyn are consumed by desire . . . a dangerous desire that puts their very lives in peril.

Both the hero and the heroine have their problems to deal with, Adam with the tragic death of his wife and Evelyn with her upcoming wedding to a man she fears and despises, the man that killed her sister. Adam saves Evelyn from her suicide attempt and promises her to keep her safe from him. And if that means asking for help to do so, he will. Even if it’s his brother…

I enjoyed it. It was a page turner, and very emotional. And with my luck it was the last book of series. I didn’t realize that until I was half-way through, but I kept on reading it. I can’t wait to discover the author’s other books.

Too Dangerous To Desire by Alexandra Benedict (3.5/5) Romance Historical; Published: Avon (8/08); Series: # 3, Westmore; New Author; Canadian Author; 100 + Reading Challenge (59); Library book;

That's Amore

I haven’t read too many of Wendy Markham’s books, I’ve enjoyed one and the other wasn’t that great. But when I found That’s Amore on the new releases shelf at the library, I decided to give the author another chance.

Here’s the blurb:

Daria Marshall is a psychic who sees dead people, but she learned the hard way not to interpret their messages. Now the spirit of an old man keeps popping up wherever she goes, and so does the very much alive -- and charismatic -- Ralph Chickalini. What’s a reluctant medium to do?

The youngest sibling in a large, fun-loving Italian family, Ralph has just lost his beloved father. Everything in his life is changing from the menu at the family pizzeria to plans to preserve his childhood home. Only nomadic newcomer Daria seems to understand Ralph, but she with her own complications. Ralph doesn’t believe in ghosts, or in opposites attracting. And footloose Daria doesn’t want to put down roots. But even as they keep trying to go their separate ways, it seems the Other Side has Other ideas…

I struggled reading this book. The premise of it was promising but the execution was not my cup of tea. Let’s begin with the author writing in the present tense. It really bothered me, I usually don’t nick pick on things like that, but it was really distracting. I can deal with first person, but the present tense bothers me… Go figure!

I found the main characters boring. Yes, boring. Daria is a gypsy by choice, she cannot feel comfortable with staying in one place for too long. And I found Ralphie (yes, Ralphie!) childish. Trust me, I have a child that doesn’t do well with change, and Ralphie behaved the way my six year old would have. What’s the deal with that?!

Another question: What's the deal with dog on the cover? There isn't a dog in the story.

I mentioned numerous times before I’m a moody reader, and I can honestly say it was NOT my mood. I really didn’t like it. Yep, this book has my Waste of Time stamp.

That’s Amore by Wendy Markham (2/5) Romance Contemporary; Paranormal: Psychic; Published: Grand Central Publishing (7/08); Series: # 2, Chickalini Family; 100 + Reading Challenge (58); Library book; Waste of Time;

Malibu & Ewe

Christie Ridgway has a new series! The first book came out in June, and I finally got my hands on it.

Here’s the blurb to How To Knit A Wild Bikini:

The beachside shop Malibu & Ewe has become the knitting hot spot, the perfect place for L.A.’s hip, young crowd to enjoy some colourful yarn and intimate conversation. Just ask chef Nikki Carmichael. It could be the softest place for her to land if her new job falls through…

With a bum knee, Nikki’s days of restaurant work are numbered, so she’s set her sights on becoming a private chef. But her trial run with magazine editor Jay Buchanan comes with some strange conditions -- like pretending to be his girlfriend. If that’s not bad enough, trying to please Jay’s picky palate has Nikki running to Malibu & Ewe for a little stress relief -- and to put some space between her and his perfectly toned body.

As for Jay, he’s given up women for the year -- but finds himself drawn to the kitchen, where he’s intrigued by his sexy cook’s ability to withstand the heat between them. He thinks it’s time to turn up the flames…

Jay is an editor of a Playboy type of magazine, he's used to the B&A girls, and here enters Nikki who is completely different. She's a smart, confident, and a wise-cracking chef. She's also the answer to his prayers. She can pose as his girlfriend, and ward off his sexy neighbor who can't seem to leave him alone. The only problem is that he can't stop thinking about Nikki, she stirs up more than just good food. He's experiencing feelings that he has never had before. Now he just has to convince Nikki, that his feelings are more than just a summer fling. Nikki has trust issues, she's been hurt before and she tends to guard her body and heart. Along way we're introduced to a number of interesting characters, Cassandra the owner of Malibu & Ewe, Gabe her landlord, Shanna the beautiful but troubled neighbor, Jorge the sexy gardener and Oomfaa, which stands for "One of the Most Famous Actresses in America".

I read this book in one morning! It was that good! It was fast paced, it had great characters, an amazing setting, and dealt with knitting and food. Just a few of my favourite things! Plus it had Ridgway’s usual humor, and have I mentioned it was sizzling hot.

Can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series!

How to Knit a Wild Bikini by Christie Ridgway (4.5/5) Romance Contemporary; Published: Berkley Books (6/08); Series: #1, Malibu & Ewe; 100 + Reading Challenge (57); Library book;

The Daddy Verdict

After my last read, I decided I needed a pick me upper. I decided to go rummage through my Harlequins and Silhouettes, and I came up with this one, The Daddy Verdict by Karen Rose Smith.

Here’s the blurb:

By-the-book lawyer Ben Barclay didn't make mistakes—especially not one-night-stand mistakes. So when he learned that his lone reckless act with a beautiful stranger had lasting consequences, he was determined to do the right thing

And that meant marriage.

When Sierra Girard learned she was pregnant she didn't expect Ben to be part of her life. So she was stunned at his insistence that they be husband and wife—if only for the sake of the baby. But even cautious Sierra couldn't deny the smoldering embers of attraction that burned bright. It was a fire that could almost be mistaken for true love.…

I enjoyed both the hero and the heroine. Ben and Sierra have one night of passion, she becomes pregnant. She wants to do the right, and lets Ben know. She's willing to care for the child on her own, and is surprised when Ben wants to be a part of the child's life. But can they make their marriage work.

Just want the doctor ordered! It was a short, a fast and good read. And for an added bonus it had some sizzle.

The Daddy Verdict by Karen Rose Smith (3/5) Romance; Published: Silhouette (9/08); Silhouette Special Edition # 1925; Mini-series: Dads In Progress; 100 + Reading Challenge (56);

Girls In Trucks

This book was recommended to me by a friend. She read it and loved it, and usually our tastes in books are similar, so I didn’t think twice about picking this book up at the library.

Here’s the blurb:

Meet Sarah Walters, a Charleston debutante with questionable manners and an inherited weakness for bad ideas. Sarah’s brilliant older sister just dropped out of Yale to run off with an unstable graduate student from Africa. Her beautiful mother lectures her incessantly on the importance of good etiquette but tends to act cold and mysterious after she’s had her nightly gin. Still, Sarah tries to follow the rules set by the Camellia Society, the creators of the debutante code. After all, this is Charleston. Decorum means everything.

But it’s not easy to be good, particularly in those summers when she and her friend run into wild Island boys in pickup trucks. When Sarah heads north to college and New York, she finds a world very different from the one promised to her by the Camellias. The girls don’t say “ma’am”; the boys don’t act like gentlemen. And then there’s love, which comes to Sarah in the form of Max, a passionate yet emotionally closed older man who leads Sarah to her dark side and then leaves her alone to find her way back.

Events bring Sarah home to Charleston and give her a good, fresh look at her beginnings. The revelation of her mother’s secret - one of many sights now plain to Sarah’s eyes - shows her that the motto of her girlhood, “Once a Camellia, always a Camellia,” has more truth to it than she had ever guessed.

I was expecting this book to have the Southern charm that I love so much, and I got something completely different. I enjoyed the first part of the book, and slowly the story just got so complicated. It felt like the author just jammed numerous sub-plots as fillers, and to me it took away from the main story. As for Sarah, the main character, I thought as a child she had potential, and her character as a teen was strong but somehow she loses all her self esteem and self respect as a adult. Argh! She's one of those heroines that you want slap across the head and say "Snap out of it!".

Bottom line, I thought the book was a waste of my time. I should have been reading something else.

Girls In Trucks by Katie Crouch (2/5) General Fiction; Published: Little, Brown & Company 3/2008; New Author; 100 + Reading Challenge(55); Library book;

Pride & Prejudice

5 Minutes For Books is hosting a Classics Bookclub, and this months selection is Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.

I absolutely love Pride & Prejudice. I first fell in love with it in high school, I admit I was forced to read it, but I was won over right on the first chapter. Since then I've re-read it several times (maybe more - but who's counting), and with each read I get something else out of it. Yes, we have the Darcy's and Lizzie's love story, but there's so much more...The characters are so rich, Mr. Bennet's sarcasm, Mrs. Bennet' nerves, Jane' sweetness, Mr. Collins' absurdity, Wickham's easy manner and wickedness, and Lady Catherine's rants on proper society...and much more! How can I resist it?!

Just last Friday, this happened:

Hubby: "You're reading it again?"
Me: "Yep."
Hubby: "What's the big deal with this book?"
Me: "It's a great story. The characters are amazing."
Hubby: "And Mr. Darcy."
Me: "Yes, him too."
Hubby: "I still don't get it."
Me: "It's a story about first impressions. Both Darcy and Lizzie think they know each other, and they are wrong. While he falls in love with her sooner, she slowly gets to know him and understand his manner, falls in love with him. Then Wickham and Lydia elope, and Lizzie feels like nothing can be done to save their reputations. And he does everything in his power to make her happy."
Hubby: "Yep, typical romance. I guess you'll be watching the movies, again. It's an obsession."

He does have a point there, I'll be watching the movies again. The mini-series with Colin Firth, and the movie with Keira Knightley. It sure does sound like an obsession, doesn't it?

Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen (Re-read) Classic Literature; First published in 1813; 100 + Reading Challenge(54);(Classics Bookclub (1); Keeper shelf;

It's the small things....

It’s my second time reading this book. I first read The God of Small Things by Arundhate Roy when it was first published. I didn’t quite recall what it was about but I remembered that involved twins, and that I didn’t care for the ending.

I’m reading this book for two challenges. Book Awards II and Orbis Terrarum.

The God of Small Things won the Man Booker Prize in 1997.

Here’s the blurb:

The year is 1969. In the state of Kerala, on the southernmost tip of India, a skyblue Plymouth with chrome tailfins is stranded on the highway amid Marxist worker‘ demonstration. Inside the car sit two-egg twins Rahel and Esthappen, and so begins their tale…
Armed only with the invincible innocence of children, they fashion a childhood for themselves in the shade of the wreck that is their family - their lonely, lovely mother, Ammu (who loves by night the man her children love by day), their blind grandmother, Mamma chi (who plays Handel on her violin), their beloved uncle Chacko (Rhodes scholar, pickle baron, radical Marxist, bottom-pincher), their enemy, Baby Kochamma (ex-nun and incumbent greataunt), and the ghost of an imperial entomologist‘s moth (with unusually dense dorsal tufts).
When their English cousin, Sophie Mol, and her mother, Margaret Kochamma, arrive on a Christmas visit, Esthappen and Rahel learn that Things Can Change in a Day. That lives can twist into new, ugly shapes, even cease forever, beside their river “greygreen. With fish in it. With sky and trees in it. And at night, the broken yellow moon in it.
The brilliantly plotted story uncoils with an agonizing sense of foreboding and inevitability. Yet nothing prepares you for what lies at the heart of it.

Here’s another example on how a book can sweep you right in and keep you captive. I started reading this book around 10:30pm, and I couldn’t put it down until 3:00am, and even then my husband “forced” me to it. And the first thing I did after I got the kids busy doing there thing, was finish it.

I loved the story. It’s a story of love, jealousy, madness, hope and joy. It’s the story of how the smallest things can cause great loss and pain.

The twins have a good life, they have a special relationship. They love their mother and are concerned about her. They meet their cousin Sophie for the first time, they are in awe of her. Then something happens to Ammu, which causes her pain, they ask her if they can help, she lashes out at them, accusing them of ruining her life. And thats when everything starts to unravel. One simple act leads to tragedy.

The characters were wonderful. I loved Ammu, she wants to be loved and wanted. She loves her children, but somehow that doesn’t seem enough. Then there’s Baby Kochamma, who once was in love with a priest, and followed him, became a nun, and now is a bitter, unfeeling woman. And the twins, as children they feel each other emotions, and as adults they are so apart that they commit such a taboo act for that closeness.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (4/5) General Fiction; Published: Random House (1997); Man Booker Prize Winner (1997); 100 + Reading Challenge (53); Orbis Terrarum Challenge (4); Book Awards II Challenge (2); Keeper shelf;