Kiss of Crimson

I just finished reading the second book of the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian, Kiss of Crimson.

Here’s the blurb:

BONDED BY BLOOD AND DARK SECRETS, THEY ENTER A PLACE OF DANGER AND INFINITE PLEASURE . . . .

He comes to her more dead than alive, a towering black-clad stranger riddled with bullets and rapidly losing blood. As she struggles to save him, veterinarian Tess Culver is unaware that the man calling himself Dante is no man at all, but one of the Breed, vampire warriors engaged in a desperate battle. In a single erotically charged moment Tess is plunged into his world--a shifting, shadowed place where bands of Rogue vampires stalk the night, cutting a swath of terror.

Haunted by visions of a dark future, Dante lives and fights like there is no tomorrow. Tess is a complication he does not need--but now, with his brethren under attack, he must shield Tess from a growing threat that includes Dante himself. For with one reckless, irresistible kiss, she has become an inextricable part of his underworld realm . . . and his touch awakens her to hidden gifts, desires, and hungers she never knew she possessed. Bonded by blood, Dante and Tess must work together to thwart deadly enemies, even as they discover a passion that transcends the boundaries of life itself . . . .

I was expecting to devour this book, like the first book, Kiss of Midnight. But it took at least six chapters to really get into the story.

I liked the characters, I thought Dante and Tess’s chemistry sizzling, the author was able to relay (IMO) their need to be together. Tess couldn’t quite understand the need to be with Dante, she couldn’t fight it. She tried. But the attraction was too strong. I found Ben a tad disturbing, even before the whole Crimson connection came up, he had the stalker vibe all over him. It was fun to visit with the characters of the previous book, even if it was just a little smidgen.

But the scene stealer was Chase. I couldn’t get enough of him, I love the way he loved Elise for “a far”, knowing that it was frown upon with the Darkhaven. Also the risk that he took by lying to members of the Order. The guilt that he felt by betraying Elise, but knowing that he had to do it. I hope that author has book planned for Chase.

Can’t wait to get my hands on the next book of the series.

Kiss of Crimson by Lara Adrian (4/5) Romance; Paranormal: Vampires; Published: Bantam Dell (6/2007); Series: # 2, Midnight Breed; 100 + Reading Challenge (37); July Book Blowout (13); Library book;

The Year of Living Biblically

As a personal challenge in the past few years I’ve wanted to read more non-fiction books. So far, I haven't been doing all that great, so when I saw that my local library purchased The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible byA. J. Jacobs . I placed a hold on it, in January. I finally picked it up last week.

Here’s the blurb:

Raised in a secular family but increasingly interested in the relevance of faith in our modern world, A.J. Jacobs decides to dive in headfirst and attempt to obey the Bible as literally as possible for one full year. He vows to follow the Ten Commandments. To be fruitful and multiply. To love his neighbor. But also to obey the hundreds of less publicized rules: to avoid wearing clothes made of mixed fibers; to play a ten-string harp; to stone adulterers.

The resulting spiritual journey is at once funny and profound, reverent and irreverent, personal and universal and will make you see history's most influential book with new eyes.

Jacobs's quest transforms his life even more radically than the year spent reading the entire Encyclopedia Britannica for The Know-It-All. His beard grows so unruly that he is regularly mistaken for a member of ZZ Top. He immerses himself in prayer, tends sheep in the Israeli desert, battles idolatry, and tells the absolute truth in all situations - much to his wife's chagrin.

Throughout the book, Jacobs also embeds himself in a cross-section of communities that take the Bible literally. He tours a Kentucky-based creationist museum and sings hymns with Pennsylvania Amish. He dances with Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn and does Scripture study with Jehovah's Witnesses. He discovers ancient biblical wisdom of startling relevance. And he wrestles with seemingly archaic rules that baffle the twenty-first-century brain.Jacobs's extraordinary undertaking yields unexpected epiphanies and challenges. A book that will charm readers both secular and religious, The Year of Living Biblically is part Cliff Notes to the Bible, part memoir, and part look into worlds unimaginable. Thou shalt not be able to put it down.

One of the reasons this book appealed to me was that he was rediscovering his religious roots. Like him, I'm slowly rediscovering mine. But unlike him, I'm Catholic and had an early education in it, but in my teenage years I left it behind. I'm not sure what the cause was, but it just wasn't what I wanted. Now, as I parent, I want my children to have the experience, the faith and wonder of religion. I want them to learn, I want to love it as I love it as a child. But I also want them to make their own decisions. I just want to give them the choice. I'm back in the church, I'm enjoying, it's bringing back memories, good and bad. But I feel more welcome this time around. I feel that my questions can be answered and not be considered an annoyance, and for that I'm grateful for the priests that our congregation has.

Going back to the book. I enjoyed reading it, I found things that I didn't know, and others that I was completely baffled with, but I what I enjoyed the most was the way the author took his responsibility in experiencing the life of the Bible. And of course the humor in it. My only complaint, and it's a minor one was that I would have like to hear more of his New Testament experiences.

I'm definitely going to buy a copy of this book to keep.

The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible byA. J. Jacobs (4.5/5) Non-Fiction; Memoir; Published: Simon & Schuster (10/2007); 100 + Reading Challenge (36); July Book Blowout (12); Library book; Added to shopping list;

Friday Fill-Ins # 81

Here are this week's Friday Fill-Ins questions:

1. If I could be a fly on the wall I would hope that I would stay safe.

2. Jealousy is scary.

3. When I see a shooting star my wish would be that my family will stay happy, safe and healty.

4. I'd rather be thnakful for my haves than complain about my have nots any day!

5. Certain songs when I hear them make me wanna dance.

6. If time were in a bottle I would invest in a very good bottle opener.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to quiet evening at home, tomorrow my plans include swimming lessons for the kids and shopping and Sunday, I want to !

BTT - Vacation Spots

This week's Booking Through Thursday question is:

Another question inspired by the Bunch of Grapes on Martha’s Vineyard having burned down on the Fourth of July.

Do you buy books while on vacation/holiday?
Do you have favorite bookstores that you only get to visit while away on a trip?
What/Where are they?

Actually I buy books before going on holiday. That way I have enough time to pack (hide) them before hubby sees them.

Nightshade & The Hero

I just love summer! Not only it’s beautiful and hot, but I really catch up with my reading. Even with the kids at home, they let me read. They’re too busy playing, making crafts, watching movies and reading. I've been reading up a storm...I can get used to this.

Here’s the blurb for Nightshade by Susan Wittig Albert:

China's herb shop and catering business may be thriving, but she's still reeling from her father's death, and not even remotely interested in her half-brother Miles's investigation into that event. China's husband, on the other hand, has no such qualms. And when fate forces her to get involved as well, China realizes it's time to bring the past to light—or else it will haunt her the rest of her life.

But China and McQuaid discover that Miles may have been keeping as many secrets as he seemed determined to uncover. How deep do the layers of secrecy go? And who has a stake in concealing the truth after sixteen years?

Of all the China Bayles’ books that I’ve read, this one is my least favorite. That being said, it wasn’t a bad book, I just didn’t enjoyed as much as the previous ones. It was great to see the usual characters, and some new ones as well, but overall I thought that it was just too much going on. With all the goings on, what I was looking forward was her interaction with her niece. I saw China’s tough exterior (in relation to her brother) melt away with each interaction with the little girl.

Nightshade by Susan Wittig Albert (3/5) Mystery; Published: Berkley (3/2008); Series: # 17, China Bayles; 100 + Reading Challenge (34); July Book Blowout (10); Library book;

Here’s the blurb for When A Hero Comes Along by Teresa Southwick:

When Joe Morgan showed up again on Kate Carpenter's doorstep, the E.R. nurse didn't know what to think. After Kate had discovered she was pregnant, she'd waited to hear from the helicopter pilot and on-duty marine. Nothing. So why would the man who had left without a second glance suddenly return to her life?

Joe wanted to be a father to J.T., and Kate wouldn't stand in his way. She couldn't know that during Joe's harrowing tour of duty, thinking of his son—and of her—had kept him alive. But would the demons of the past prevent Joe from repairing the damage to Kate's heart—and embracing his family for keeps?

Both Joe and Kate have issues. And they both involve trust. They have to come to terms with these issues before they can give their relationship a try. Being a parent, I can certainly understand both Joe and Kate's feelings for their child, and their difficulty to let go certain responsibility to the other parent. I especially found this believable.

It's a easy and enjoyable read, I was drawn in quickly and I'm looking forward on reading more of the author's work.

When A Hero Comes Along by Teresa Southwick (3/5) Romance; Published: Silhouette Books (6/2008); Silhouette Special Edition # 1904; New Author; 100 + Reading Challenge (35); July Book Blowout (11);

Her Secret Fantasy

I’m trying my best to catch up with the Spice series by Gaelen Foley. I enjoyed the first book, Her Only Desire, and I was looking forward to reading, Her Secret Fantasy. Who can resist the Knight men?

Here’s the blurb:

Some say the aristocratic Balfour clan is cursed, a once-great family now in slow decline. Graceful Lily Balfour is her family’s last hope, and she has come to London with one goal—to marry a rich man. Her well-laid plans are balked, however, by the irresistible Major Derek Knight, a handsome highborn soldier and adventurer newly returned from India.Hardened by battles on India’s lawless frontiers, Derek is not just a fighter but a skilled and insatiable lover—a master of the Eastern arts of pleasure. Though Derek finds no shortage of willing women in London, it is the aloof, untouchable Lily who haunts him. After one stolen moment, he hungers for nights of sensual abandon to fulfill her fantasies and free her from her self-imposed prison. But he has come to England on a vital secret mission, and when Lily is betrothed to a wealthy man suspected of corruption, Derek must thwart the treachery that ensnares them both—for only then will ecstasy and the sweet promise of her heart be his to claim.

Dashing and sexy officer meets beautiful and secretive lady. They fall in love/lust at first kiss. Said officer finds out that beautiful lady is to be married to man he dislikes and which he is investigating for fraud. The lady has to marry the rich man to save ancestral home and family. But they cannot keep away from each other…Great formula!

I enjoyed every little morsel of it! Gaelen Foley has the ability to suck me right in and forget about what is happening around me. I lost track of time. I’m not complaining, it was great way to spend an afternoon.

The characters were amazing; you knew from the start that their feelings were deeper than either one of them imagined. Their willingness to help each other, and not fearing for their safety touched me. It was also nice to see familiar faces. And the new faces were quite an experience, there’s a mother from hell, a chaperone with a heart of gold, another mother that only wants the best for child, a young woman who has no problem in hurting people around her to get what/who she wants. Is there any wonder I lost myself in this book?

Her Secret Fantasy by Gaelen Foley (4.5/5) Historical Romance: Regency England; Published: Ballantine Books (2007); Series: # 2, Spice Trilogy; 100 + Reading Challenge (33); July Book Blowout (9); Library book;

Darcy's Confession

I’m a huge fan of Pride & Prejudice, and I’m addicted to reading any sequels or different versions written…I’ve read a few, and I’ve enjoyed them all. I was very happy to find The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy: A Novel by Mary Street waiting for me at the hold shelf at the library.

Here’s the blurb:

In Fiztwilliam Darcy, Jane Austen created perhaps the ultimate romantic hero. Yet Pride and Prejudice reveals little of Darcy’s innermost thoughts. In The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy, the true motives and mysteries of Elizabeth Bennet’s enigmatic lover are explored in a beguiling retelling of Jane Austen’s comic masterpiece of divine romance.

Through Darcy's eyes we discover the reality of his relationships with his sister Georgiana, his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, the dastardly Wickham, his friend Bingley, and his formidable aunt, Lady Catherine. And of course, all his memorable encounters with Elizabeth, from that first view of her fine eyes to his disastrous proposal, and then to a pride and arrogance tempered by an unquenchable love.

Imagine this setting: Sitting on the deck enjoying the sun, a light summer breeze, listening to light jazz and reading a good book. That’s how I spent my afternoon.
This one was another one of those one sitting books. I was hooked right from the beginning. I couldn’t and wouldn’t put it down, until it was all read. It was a nice change, from the hectic week.

The book was wonderful! I loved reading Darcy’s perspective on the goings on of P&P. I loved his interaction with the Bingley’s, and his sister Georgiana. The book really gives a glimpse to Darcy, the way I imagined him… lol But what got to me was the struggle that he had with the growing feelings for Elizabeth. Wanting to take the so called advice that he “gave” Bingley, but not being able to so. Or the way he did all he could to fix the problems that he caused, just to make Elizabeth happy.

The Confession of Fiztwilliam Darcy: A Novel by Mary Street (4/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Robert Hale (1999) & Berkley (3/2008); 100 + Reading Challenge (32); July Book Blowout (8); Library book;

July Book Blowout - Where's Your Book Set Meme

Another mini challenge was posted on Sunday for July Book Blowout, I'm a little late...

Here’s the questions:

1. Title and author of the book I'm currently reading The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A.J. Jacobs

2. What year is the book set in? It's non-fiction book, but he started this quest in 2005.

3. What happened on this day in that year? Go to google and type in the date ie 13 July 1952 and see if you can find a news item for that day Here are some of the headlines for July 15th 2005:

- 7 Palestinians were killed by Israeli Air Force in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

- Chemist Maghdi al-Nashar was arrested by the British police with connection to the July 7th bombings.

- 5.0 Richter scale earthquake hits central Phillipines, no casulaties were reported.

- U.S. opens borders to Canadian live cattle.

4. Where is your book set? Mainly in New York City, the author mentions traveling within the States, so far he's been in Amish country, but he also mentioned a to trip to Israel.

5. Have you visited that place before? If yes tell us something about your trip. If no, look the location up on google and tell us an interesting fact about the city/country. I've always wanted to visit New York City, it's sounds like so much fun, with so much to do. Amish country would be nice too, considering I live within five minutes of Mennonite Country, it doesn't appeal to me as much. Click here if you want info about St. Jacobs.

Trusting Ryan

Tara Taylor Quinn is a hit or miss author for me. I’ve read some that were amazing and others that were so-so, and a few that I thought that the books were written by a different author. So, I took reading Trusting Ryan with trepidation.

Here’s the blurb:

A dedicated cop in the Special Victims Bureau, Ryan Mercedes has a trusted friend in lawyer-advocate Audrey Lincoln. Her compassion is the perfect counterpoint to his hard-driving fight for justice. And this good relationship only gets better the night they cross the line from friends to lovers.

But they're up against seemingly insurmountable obstacles that could divide them for good. Worse— now she and Ryan are on opposite sides of a controversial case. Can they trust enough to resolve their differences and find their way back to each other?

Let me make myself clear on something: I have no problem with age differences between women and men. In this case the heroine was older then the hero. My problem was the “maturity” of the hero. Mind you, he is very mature for his age, but it’s not believable. And that’s one of my complaints about the story, and the other is the heroine’s mother…what a manipulating witch, she needed to be kicked to the curb, but that’s just my opinion.

Otherwise it was an enjoyable read. I spent an afternoon with the book, and didn’t want to throw it against the wall…well, that’s something.

Trusting Ryan by Tara Taylor Quinn (2.5/5) Romance; Published: Harlequin (7/2008); Harlequin Super Romance # 1500; 100 + Reading Challenge (31); July Book Blowout (7);

Notorious Gentlemen - Part 1

With what happened to me with the previous book, I was a little doubtful with After The Kiss by Suzanne Enoch. You see, she’s a must buy author.

Also, the cover helped. I usually don’t go crazy about covers, but I love this one. It’s so sensual, that it gave me shivers. Loved it!

Here’s the blurb:

A Notorious Gentleman . . .

Sullivan Waring wants only two things: his rightful inheritance, and revenge against the man who stole it from him. By day, Sullivan is the most respected horse breeder in England; by night, he plunders the ton's most opulent homes to reclaim his late mother's beautiful paintings. His quest is going swimmingly . . . until the night he's discovered by Lady Isabel Chalsey. Clad only in a revealing nightdress, she's an entrancingly different kind of plunder, and how can a thief resist stealing a kiss?

A Curious Lady . . .

Surprised by a masked man in her own home, Isabel should be quaking with fear. Instead the sight of the sinfully handsome Sullivan makes her tremble with excitement. Who is this man, and why is he so set on this reckless pursuit? Lady Isabel loves a challenge, and she'll dare anything to uncover Sullivan's secret—but she may instead convince him that she is the greatest prize of all.

After The Kiss is the first book of the author’s new trilogy, The Notorious Gentlemen.

This is Sullivan’s story, he’s a sought after horse breeder, but he’s also the bastard son of a respectable Duke. Let’s say that Sullivan doesn’t get along with Dad and the rest of the family and wants revenge. In comes Isabel, she discovers his secret and wants to keep him close by, so she can keep an eye on him. Obviously they’re attracted to each other, but he feels that he’s beneath her station, and she doesn’t care…she wants him. But will that be enough for Sullivan?

I loved the book! Yeah, doing the Wandeca happy dance!

I didn’t want to put the book down, I carried it along with me where ever I went…good I have a huge tote purse. Loved the setting, Regency England. Loved the characters, both Sullivan and Isabel are wonderful, but also the others were great, I cannot wait to read Bram’s story. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was sizzling. It was HOT! I had to fan myself a couple of times.

Can’t until the next book comes out! Good thing I won’t have to wait too long…Before the Scandal comes out next month.

After The Kiss by Suzanne Enoch (5/5) Historical Romance; Regency England; Published: Avon (7/2008); Series: # 1, The Notorious Gentlemen; 100 + Reading Challenge (30); July Book Blowout (6); Favorite Reads 2008; Keeper Shelf;

Ten years...

I Do...Paul Brandt

Friday's Feast # 196

This week's Friday's Feast questions are:

Appetizer
When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?

A few months ago...which reminds me that I need to do it again.

Soup
Name one thing you miss about being a child.

Carefree, without a worry.

Salad
Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil.

I use them all. Butter, mostly for baking. Margarine, for toast and occasionally I use when cooking. But I mainly use olive oil, I love the taste of it.

Main Course
If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why?

Hmm, Italian. I would love to visit Italy, and be able to communicate without making an ass of myself.

Dessert
Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be…

Happy and healthy.