Jacob

Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank is the first book in her The Nightwalkers series. From the back cover~

Since time began, there have been Nightwalkers-the races of the night who live in the shadows of the moonlight. Love with humans is absolutely forbidden, and one make makes certain to uphold this ancient law:Jacob, the Enforcer...

For 700 years he as resisted temptation. But not tonight...

Jacob knows the excuses his people give when the madness overtakes them an they fall prey to their lust for humans. He's heard every one and still brought the trespassers to justice. Immune to forbidden desires, uncontrollable hungers, or the curse of the moon, his control is total...until the moment he sees Isabella on a shadowy New York City street. Saving her life wasn't in his plans. Nor were the overwhelming feelings she arouses in him. But the moment he holds her in his arms and feels the soft explosion of her body against his, everything changes. Their attraction is undeniable, volatile, and completely against the law. Suddenly everything Jacob has ever believed is inflamed by the heat of desire.

I really enjoyed the first Nightwalker story, which focuses on the Demons. There was much of the Demon history that was given in the first book, plus we met many of the most important characters for the series(many already have their own books). Jacob and Isabella have a very symbiotic relationship that explodes off the pages. Isabella was a librarian before meeting Jacob, so she is the perfect person to help look into the history of the Demons. Isabella finds something that totally changes the world of all Demons in the future. Isabella and Jacob find a love and passion with each other that goes beyond any laws.

I'm late to this series and can only thank my cousin for telling be about the books. She told me the series was wonderful and I can only agree. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing if each of the Nightwalkers can find their own true loves like Jacob and Isabella.

Reaction Time

Reaction Time is the first book by debut author Alannah Lynne. Reaction Time is in ebook format and can be purchased directly from the publisher Samhain Publishing(www.samhainpublishing.com).

Nikki Kincaid is a race car driver in a job that is mostly dominated my men. Adam "Tight Ass" Guthrie, is an off-duty detective and friend of her brother, Nate. Adam is with Nikki at her latest race due to multiply threatening letters suggesting she would be better off if she no longer raced. Nikki and Adam have been attracted to each other from the time they first met, but Nikki doesn't want anyone to control her and she can tell that Adam would need to have control. Her theory is confirmed when Adam admits he is a sexual Dominant. Adam must convince Nikki the only place he wants control is in the bedroom, all while protecting her from whoever wishes her harm. Nikki and Adam's chemistry leaps off the screen(ebook format only for now) and the passion between them explodes. This was my first book with BDSM, and I was glad that Adam explained to Nikki how their relationship would work in detail.

I really enjoyed Reaction Time and look forward to many more books my Alannah Lynne in the future.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone! Hope you have a safe and happy time with friends and family. Treasure each minute you have with your family and friends. I've had many friends lose family members in the past week and it only makes me more thankful for the time I will be able to spend with my family and friends over the next several days.

One Foot in the Grave

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost is the second book in her Night Huntress series. From the back cover~



Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She's still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.



Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head-wanted:dead or half-alive_means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she'll find that desire last forever...and that Bones won't let her get away again.



Frost gives the reader a fabulous read with One Foot in the Grave. Cat is a very strong woman in her own right, and Bones and Cat have some of the best chemistry ever to light up the pages. I can't wait for the next book in the Night Huntress series! I love the ways that Bones will prove his love for Cat and the ways she steps out of the box to prove her love for Bones. Cat learns more about her family in One Foot in the Grave, but also realizes that Bones and her team will always be there for her.

Primal Male

Primal Male by Sasha White is the December book club read from Jennifer's Random Musings. From the back cover~

An empath with the ability to sense others' emotions, Drake Wheeler has survived by keeping his own feelings shut off from the whole world. But nothing has prepared him for the sudden smoldering need that overtakes him in the presence of pureblood shape shifter Melissa Montrose. Even more surprising-he can't sense anything around the sultry bookstore owner...except for his fierce urge to take her here, now, over and over again...

Melissa has lived her life in a small town, hiding her family's mysterious birthright. A fling with the sexy tourist who wanders into her bookstore seems like a delicious, temporary diversion, until Drake touches her in exactly the way she craves, teasing and tempting every inch of her body into explosive ecstasy. Drake's obviously a man with secrets, but Melissa's go a few of her own, and she's going to show him just how wild and raw pure, primitive desire can be...

Sasha White is an new to me author. I'm glad Jennifer picked this book as I might a missed a really great read just browsing the bookstore. I really enjoyed the story and will look for the past books in the series. This book can stand alone, but I always want to know about the background of the other characters.

Melissa and Drake were both very strong characters and I loved the chemistry between them. They literally burned up the pages through much of the book. I also really love the mystery and the paranormal elements that were thrown into the story. Ms. White gives the reader a little bit of everything in a very strong story.

Phantom's Touch

Phantom's Touch by Julie Leto is the second in her Phantom's series. From the back cover~

One more movie and Lauren Cole will be free of her role as an action heroine-and of her producer ex-husband...except that he still has her beloved antique sword. Nothing a little breaking and entering can't fix, but nabbing the weapon unleashes a magic that reignites her love life and puts her in grave danger.

In 1747, Aiden Forsyth stormed a Gypsy camp to save his sister, only to fall victim to a powerful spell that has held him captive for more than two centuries. Finally liberated by a sword-wielding beauty, Aiden learns that in the future all the world's a stage-and he cannot tell if this maiden's affections are genuine or naught but an act. But she holds the key to his freedom, so he pledges to do whatever she asks.

Lauren has never needed a protector-until she's forced to rely on the sexy warrior who has mysteriously appeared in her life. After all, it may be his age-old enemy who is trying to kill her...

Phantom's Touch is a hot book full of action and romance. Lauren Cole is a very strong woman who finds Aiden Forsyth in her beloved antique sword. Aiden finds himself thrust into a world where he has little understanding. Aiden and Lauren also have an instant attraction with a passion that burns up the pages. Aiden wants to be free of the sword so he can find his family, who are already looking for him. Aiden is bound to both the sword and Lauren, who brought him to life again.

Leto gives the reader a little bit of everything with Phantom's Touch. I can't wait for Kiss of the Phantom, which is the next in the Phantom's series, to come out next year.

Tennessee Titans AFC South Champs

I have to brag on my Titans again today. The Tennessee Titans, who are never given any props from any of the NFL commentators, won the AFC South yesterday. My Titans are now 12-1 and going for home-field advantage in the playoffs. With only 3 more regular season games, the Titans are looking very strong right now.



WTG Titans!!!

Yule Be Mine

I just finished reading Yule Be Mine by Jennifer LaBrecque, which is a holiday book in the Blaze line. From the back cover~

This is going to be a Christmas to remember for journalist Giselle Randolph! Especially when she meets her new photographer. Because she'll be working-in very close quarters-with the man she's lusted after for years. Sexy Sam McKendrick...her former brother-in-law!

Sam's been in love with Giselle from the first moment he met her. Too bad he was married to her sister at the time. But he's not married now...and he's going to make sure Giselle knows how he feels. With a little help from a native shaman, he tunes in to her her fantasies...and makes it a point to fulfill every one!

But perfectly taboo sex always has a price. And fantasies can take a guy only so far...

Yule Be Mine was a very sexy read! I loved the chemistry between Giselle and Sam. You could feel it leap off the pages from the first time they met. Giselle wants to fight her attraction to Sam, since he was once married to her younger sister. Sam wants to convince Giselle that no matter who he was married to before, he only has eyes for her now. Sam is able to "view" Giselle's fantasies thanks to an amulet given to him by a shaman. Sam "viewing" Giselle's fantasies and then recreating them were some of the sexiest scenes I've ever read.

Giselle becomes a much stronger person thanks to Sam and Sam finally gets the family he has always dreamed about thanks to Giselle.

LaBrecque gives the reader lots of passion, romance and fun with Yule Be Mine.

For Jo Leigh

I've posted the link to the auction site for Jo Leigh. The writing community started an auction on November 29 to help Jo out with the medical expenses she incurred from her husband's courageous battle with cancer. Jo lost her husband to cancer on June 13 and being self-employed didn't have insurance to cover all of the cost. The auction includes critiques of work, ARCs of new books and many other items. If you get a chance, please go to the auction and bid to help out a wonderful writer and friend to so many other writers.

A Christmas Wedding

A Christmas Wedding by Tracy Wolff is the story of Desiree Hawthorne-Rainwater and Jesse Rainwater. From the back cover ~ Desiree is determined to hold on to her husband. She's loved Jesse Rainwater since the day the legendary horse trainer came to work at her father's ranch. Now, on the eve of their daughter's wedding, Jesse hits her with a bombshell that forces Desiree to reexamine their life together.

And she isn't going down without a fight. She hasn't struggled all these years to lose the thing that's most precious to her. Desiree knows they share something true and strong, even if they lost sight of it somewhere along the way. Now her toughest battle lies ahead:to prove to Jesse that theirs is a love worth fighting for.

A Christmas Wedding is a love story that spans over 30 years. Desiree falls in love with Jesse when she sees him for the first time when she is 16 and he is 31. She comes from a wealthy horse racing family and Jesse is one of the best, if not the best, horse trainers in the business. They marry when Desiree is 23 and then start their lives together. A Christmas Wedding is filled with flashbacks to how Jesse and Desiree have spent their married life, showing the reader how they have reached this point in their lives.

Tracy Wolff writes a wonderful story filled with love and passion. A Christmas Wedding is a great story and I look forward to many more stories from Tracy Wolff.

Starting to feel like a human again

I'm feeling almost back to normal, so I finally grabbed a book from my tbr pile for my Thanksgiving trip. I started A Christmas Wedding by Tracy Wolff this morning. I didn't realize how much I've missed reading until I read my first few pages. I know I won't get to read much while I visit with my family, but I do plan to at least read a few chapters a day. Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Reading Slug

I've had the mother of all sinus infections, so I've been a total reading slug for the majority of this week. I never go this many days without reading something, but I just haven't had the energy to read after work. Plus, for the first time ever, I didn't pack one book to read over the next 2 days. I always have at least one book if not 2 or 3 with me. I might have one on my ipod to listen to, but nothing to read. I really hope the headache leaves soon so I can get back to my normal reading schedule.

Heating up the Holidays

Heating up the Holidays is a hunky holiday collection put out by Blaze.

First up is All He Wants for Christmas by Jill Shalvis. EMT Dustin Mauer wants only one wish for Christmas, firefighter Cristina Lewis to realize she has real feeling for him. Although, Dustin has sworn to stay out of bed with Cristina, he is willing to do anything to convince her of his love and make her realize she loves him too.

Next is My Grown-Up Christmas List by Jacquie D'Alessandro. Toni Rizzo is done with all firefighters. However, Brad Griffin could change her mind with his steamy kisses. Brad has been attracted to Toni from the first moment he saw her. Toni has been fighting her attraction to Brad from that first meeting as well.

Finally is Up on the Housetop by Jamie Sobrato. Dr. Lorelei Gibson gets stuck on her roof half-naked and is rescued by hunky firefighter Ryan Quinn, who happens to be her old high school crush.

All three stories are sexy fun reads. I've always enjoyed each of these authors and loved each of their firefighter stories.

TN Titans 10-0

I'm so proud of my Tennessee Titans!!! Best record in franchise history with 10-0. It was a very tough win against the Jacksonville Jags, but we came back in the second half to pull out and 24-14 victory! With the 10-0 start, the Titans should make the playoffs this year, now we just have to work towards home field advantage. WTG to all the Titans!!!

Even Now

Even Now by Karen Kingsbury is a wonderful book filled with bittersweet memories and hope for the future. Lauren Anderson and Shane Galanter find out at 17 they will be parents. They decide that they want to get married and keep the baby. Their parents have other plans for the young couple. Shane's parents plan to move him to California to get him away from Lauren, and Lauren's parents help them by not giving any forwarding information about Shane to Lauren. Shane's parents also think Lauren should give the baby up for adoption, since the kids are so young to become parents.

Much misunderstanding takes place after baby Emily is born. Lauren believes that her baby daughter dies and Shane has no way to locate any of the Anderson family to find out about his child. Only when Emily, who has been raised by her grandparents after Lauren left, goes through a box of her mom's old stuff are there any clues to the location of her parents.

Lauren and Shane's story is full of romance, turmoil, love, and misunderstanding. Kingsbury gives the reader a wonderful story that is to be continued in the next book in the series Ever After.

Every Now & Then

Every Now & Then is the third book in the 9/11 series by Karen Kingsbury. From the inside cover~ A wall went up around Alex Brady's heart when is father, a New York firefighter, died in the Twin Towers. Turning his back on the only woman he ever loved, Alex shut out all the people who cared about him to concentrate on fighting crimes. He and his trusty K9 partner, Bo, are determined to eliminate evil in the world and prevent tragedies like 9/11.

Then the worst fire season in California's history erupts, and Alex faces the ultimate challenge to protect the community he serves. An environmental terrorist group is targeting the plush Oak Canyon Estates. At the risk of losing his job, and his soul, Alex is determined to infiltrate the group and put an end to their corruption. Only the friendship of Clay and Jamie Michaels-and the love of a dedicated young woman-can help Alex drop the walls around his heart and move forward into the future God has for him.

Every Now & Then is a wonderful story that picks up several years after 9/11 with some of the characters from earlier books in the series. It was wonderful that Alex befriended, as much as he allowed, so many characters from the earlier books without knowing any of their history on 9/11. Alex must learn to trust as he did before 9/11 to move forward with his life. With the help of memories of his father, his new friends, and an old love, Alex has the chance to be the man that God wants him to become.

Kingsbury writes an amazing story that grabs the reader by the heart. Kingsbury is a Christian fiction author that lets her faith shine through every book she writes. I've read many books by Kingsbury and look forward to reading more of her stories.

Salvation in Death

Salvation in Death by JD Robb is the latest in the exciting In Death series. Eve Dallas and Peabody are given the case of a priest who dies while taking communion at a funeral. Since the wine is poisoned with cyanide, Eve knows it is murder. Once the priest is in autopsy, it is revealed that he might not have been who everyone believed. Eve discovers that the person was someone who had lived in the neighborhood years ago and had come back with a different face and name. Eve knows there is more to the story and with the help of her husband Roarke, she digs into the past to find to truth of the murder.

Robb also gives the reader their romantic fix of Eve and Roarke. They have such an amazing love for one another that jumps off the page. Even when they argue or push at one another, you can feel the love in the pushing. Robb also gives the reader a bit of romance with Peabody and McNabb. They are still in the early stages of their relationship(although they have been together over many books) and are still trying to learn how to accept each other's differences.

Salvation in Death gives the reader mystery, suspense, and lots of romance to keep the reader coming back for more.

TN Titans 9-0 baby!!!

I'm so proud of my Tennessee Titans who after Sunday's win are now 9-0!!! We have been a team that can only win with the run and managed to have the run shut down and still pulled out a win. WTG Kerry Collins for having an amazing air game! I'm so proud of my guys this week! Our big challenge comes when we head to Jacksonville this week to play a division rival. I'll be proud win or lose, but would really love to put another check in the W column.

Hot As Hell

Hot As Hell by HelenKay Dimon is a fast-paced fun read filled with romance, passion, and mystery. From the back cover - Lexy Stuart is nobody's fool...not since she wised up to the fact that her fiance, Noah Paxton, wasn't just sporting the hardest bod this side of the Ironman competition. No, he was also harboring enough secrets to make a CIA operative blush. Little things he never thought worth mentioning like, oh, a previous marriage. So Lexy gave back the ring-with extreme prejudice-and made sandy tracks straight to a remote desert spa. Problem is, with a man like Noah, a girl can run, but she can't hide. Nor does she particularly want to...

Alexa Annabeth Stuart. The stuffy name couldn't be less suitable for a woman as fiery and free as Noah's Lexy. And Lexy is his-always will be-the tricky part will be getting her to realize it. Of course, Noah's always up for a challenge. Which is a good thing since between the crazy heat at this god-forsaken "retreat" and the looks Lexy's shooting him (not the mention the shock waves he's getting form her hot-pink bikini), winning his ex back could be one dangerous mission. But if Noah doesn't survive it, well, he intends to die a very satisfied man...

Lexy and Noah have amazing chemistry that leaps off the pages. Noah is willing to do anything to get Lexy back, even reveal details from his past he doesn't like to talk about. As Noah is working on winning Lexy back, when a murder occurs on the retreat property in Lexy's hotel room. Lexy and Noah must then team up to figure out why someone was murdered and more importantly, why that person was killed in Lexy's room.

Dimon writes a winner with Hot As Hell. The connection between Lexy and Noah is so real, whether they are fighting, making love, or working to solve a murder. Both are strong characters and keep the reader wanting more.

Tennessee Titans 8-0

I usually only blog about books I've read, am reading, or plan to read. However, not only did my mother pass on her love of books to me, she gave me my love of sports too...especially football. I've always loved professional football, and as soon as the Houston Oilers were given to the state of Tennessee I became an immediate fan. We went from being the Houston Oilers to the Tennessee Oilers to finally the Tennessee Titans.

As Titans we have had Super Bowl years and 3-13 years, but I've always been a fan. This year our Titans are the number one team in the AFC and remain the only undefeated time in the entire NFL. We had a very close game that came down to an over-time field goal, but I'm so proud and excited for my Titans!!!

Lucky Charm

Lucky Charm is the first in the Corwin Men series by Carly Phillips. From the back cover - Long ago, as revenge on a Corwin who stole her son's fiancee, a witch proclaimed an eternal curse that every Corwin male who married for love would be destined to lose his woman and his fortune...

Derek thought he could outsmart the long-standing Corwin curse by breaking up with Gabrielle, his first love, and marrying someone else. Now, divorced, and broke, all he has left is his teenage daughter and a healthy respect for ancient sorcery. But then Gabrielle returns, determined to defeat the curse and rekindle their passion. But will her stubborn streak and her unwavering love be the lucky charm Derek so desperately needs?

Gabrielle has come home to write a book that would prove the Corwin curse is a hoax. Derek, who has his daughter Holly for the summer, plans to avoid Gabrielle on her trip home. When Gabrielle and Derek see each other for the first time, the passion they share is still evident. Derek still thinks he can keep his distance from Gabrielle, until he finds out she is in danger. His feelings, even those he won't admit, make him want to protect Gabrielle from any danger.

Phillips writes another winner with Lucky Charm. The romance and passion between Derek and Gabrielle jumps off the page. Phillips adds a bit mystery and comedy to write a wonderful book that makes the reader want the next book in the series immediately.

Unleashed

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

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

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

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

Into the Flame

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

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

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

Into the Shadow

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

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

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

Touch of Darkness

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

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

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

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

Tribute

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

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

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

The Undead Next Door

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

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

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

To All A Good Night

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

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

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

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

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

The Black Dagger Brotherhood

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

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

Untamed

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


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

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

Wuthering High

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

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

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

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

I've been tagged by Alyssa

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

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

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

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

Stay the Night

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

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

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

Twilight Fall

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

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

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

I Read Banned Books!

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

Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
Forever by Judy Blume
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Giver by Lois Lowry
It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine (at least one in the series)
A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Sex by Madonna
Earth’s Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
The Witches by Roald Dahl
The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
The Goats by Brock Cole
Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
Blubber by Judy Blume
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
Final Exit by Derek Humphry
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (My favorite book ever!)
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
Deenie by Judy Blume
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
Cujo by Stephen King
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
Ordinary People by Judith Guest
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
Fade by Robert Cormier
Guess What? by Mem Fox
The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Lord of the Flies by William Golding (read part, but never finished)
Native Son by Richard Wright
Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies by Nancy Friday
Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
Jack by A.M. Homes
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
Carrie by Stephen King
Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
Family Secrets by Norma Klein
Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
Private Parts by Howard Stern
Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
Sex Education by Jenny Davis
The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

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

Evermore

Evermore by Lynn Viehl is another book in her Darkyn series. Evermore is the story of Jayr who serves Byrne, who is her Darkyn master. Jayr has been in love with Byrne for years, but the only time they are close is at full moon when they renew their oath of loyalty by sharing each other's blood. Unknown to Jary, Byrne has decided to leave the Kyn and retreat to a life of isolation. The purpose of the tournament he is hosting is to find a new master for Jayr. Byrne has been hiding his feelings for Jayr for years and can no longer control what he feels is the monster inside him. Jayr is the only person on earth who can call Byrne back when he feels that he is losing control.

Viehl gives the readers another winner with Evermore. With much mystery, romance, and more on-going stories about Michael and Alexandra, Evermore keeps the reader wanting more stories of the Darkyn.

Night Lost

Night Lost by Lynn Viehl is a Darkyn novel. Gabriel Seran has fallen into the hands of the Brethren, who continue to torture him to try and find out more information about his fellow Kyn. The members of the Darkyn have been given proof that Gabriel has been killed, when he actually has been blinded, nailed to a cross, and sealed in a chapel cellar.

Nicola "Nick" Jefferson has been traveling across Europe, looting churches of their precious artwork and fencing the items to make her living. At each location, she liberates the captive vampires, hoping someone can lead her to the Golden Madonna. The Golden Madonna was stolen from her family over 10 years ago, and it's recovery seems to be her current purpose in life.

Gabriel and Nick have met before in each other's dreams. Nick finds Gabriel in the sealed chapel cellar and frees him and then proceeds to keep them both alive. Gabriel knows that they must get to the High Lord to be safe. Nick and Gabriel have been attracted to one another since they met in their dreams. Once they are together in real life, neither can fight their attraction.

The battle continues once they arrive at the compound of the High Lord. Gabriel and Nick arrive just as Michael Cyprien comes to the compound to free Alexandra. Alexandra has found a way to heal the High Lord, especially once she figures out who has been trying to make sure he dies.

Viehl writes another winner with Night Lost. There are only a few Darkyn novels left, and I can't wait to read each.

Now You Die

Now You Die is the final book in Roxanne St. Claire's first Bullet Catcher trilogy. Lucy Sharpe runs the Bullet Catcher organization. Jack Culver is the former Bullet Catcher who brought a case to Bullet Catcher that involves the false conviction of Eileen Stafford on a murder she never committed. Jack has figured out who was involved with the conviction, but needs the help of the Bullet Catcher resources to take down such a high powered person.

Of course, the history between Lucy and Jack is not only a business relationship, but as former lovers, they have a much more personal history. The attraction between Lucy and Jack has never gone away. Jack has always had feelings for Lucy, but Lucy has never wanted to let her attraction to Jack develop into anything more. Jack and Lucy must work together to find out the truth about Eileen's life and keep everyone attached to the past safe. All the while, Lucy and Jack move closer and closer to their true feelings for one another.

Now You Die has all the action, adventure, and romance I've come to expect from St. Claire, as well as the added surprise to keep the reader begging for more.

Then You Hide

Then You Hide by Roxanne St. Claire is the second in the Bullet Catcher trilogy. Wade Cordell is assigned to locate Vanessa Porter and bring her back to South Carolina to meet the woman who possibly gave her up in a black market adoption ring thirty years ago. Vanessa has known she was adopted for years and has no desire to go meet her birth mother. She does however need Wade's help to locate one of her friends in the Caribbean.

Wade makes the deal that he will help locate her friend and Vanessa agrees to go to South Carolina to meet her mother and see if she is a bone marrow match, since her birth mother has leukemia. Wade soon learns that they are up against people who are trying to keep them from finding Vanessa's friend Clive. As it becomes clear that more is in the works than just locating her friend and leaving town, Wade must work overtime to keep Vanessa and himself safe from those around them.

Wade and Vanessa also find that they can't fight the attraction they feel for one another. Vanessa really has never committed to anyone at all and really doesn't like that Wade carries a gun. Wade is trying to figure out if he wants to take a full time job with Bullet Catchers, and wants to know how Vanessa really feels.

St. Claire again throws some surprises in the mix, but overall writes another action packed romance with a bit of mystery for good measure. I look forward to reading the final book in the trilogy, Now You Die.

Lipstick Jungle

I finally got a chance to watch Lipstick Jungle, which is NBC's big hit from last spring. I really never planned to pick this show up, but my friend Molly told me I had to give it a shot. I loved it and can't wait for the start of season 2 on Wednesday night(9/24). The characters Nico, Wendy, and Victory each show that women can not only be successful, but strong women too. They have pretty much the same struggles as most people: professional struggles, problems with husbands, boyfriends, and children. NBC has really written a hit with Lipstick Jungle, which is based on the Candace Bushnell, the writer of Sex and the City.

First You Run

First You Run is the first in a trilogy by Roxanne St. Claire in the Bullet Catchers novels. Adrien Fletcher, or Fletch as everyone calls him, goes to Lucy to get permission to track down a baby that was given up in a black market adoption thirty years ago, while on his own time. He must seek permission, as he plans to work with Jack Culver, a former Bullet Catcher that Lucy no longer wants to be involved with the Bullet Catchers.

Fletch tracks down Miranda Lang, who has no idea that she was possibly adopted, and is currently starting a book tour that someone is trying to end by any means. Fletch and Miranda are attracted to each other from the minute they see each other. Fletch takes it upon himself to protect Miranda from whoever is out to stop her book tour and anyone who is trying to harm her due to the research of the adoption. Miranda's possible biological mother is serving life in prison for a murder she never committed. Someone is trying to cover up the adoption of Eileen Stafford's child and will go to any means to do so.

Fletch has his work cut out for him while he keeps Miranda safe and researches her possible adoption. With much romance, adventure, and a few twist thrown in to keep the reader excited, St. Claire writes another winner with First You Run!

Take Me Tonight

Take Me Tonight by Roxanne St. Claire is another in her Bullet Catcher series. Lucy's niece Sage Valentine comes to her aunt for the first time in her life for help. Lucy lets Sage know that there is nothing she can do to really help her out, but unknown to Sage, Lucy sends in Johnny Christiano to keep Sage safe. Johnny has his work cut out for him, as Sage is every bit as dedicated to her mission as Lucy would be. Johnny also is really fighting his attraction to Sage, although, Lucy left out the most important information about Sage being her niece.

The chemistry between Sage and Johnny leaps off the pages. St. Claire gives the reader another winner with Take Me Tonight. There is lots of mystery and romance, with a bit of action thrown in for good measure. I look forward to reading more of the Bullet Catcher novels.

Thrill Me To Death

Thrill Me To Death by Roxanne St. Claire is another book in the Bullet Catcher series. Bullet Catcher Max Roper has never let emotions get in the way of his job, except with one person, who is now his principle, Cori Cooper Peyton. Cori's husband died of a heart attack and she doesn't believe it was natural. Max is sent in to protect Cori and investigate if she had anything to do with her husband's death.

Max and Cori have chemistry that leaps off the pages! Neither want to believe that their past relationship will effect their current situation, but it is soon clear that their attraction to one another has not lessened over the years.

While Max and Cori investigate her husband's, William, mysterious death, someone has decided that Cori should die as well. Someone tries to hit her with a car, shoot at her through a window, and even burn down a trailer when she is in it. As Cori and Max get closer to the truth, they also get closer to one another.

St. Claire writes another winner with Thrill Me To Death. There is much action, mystery, romance, and even a few surprises to keep the reader entertained. I look forward to reading many more St. Claire books in the future.

Dark Need

Dark Need by Lynn Viehl is the next in the Darkyn novels. Dark Need centers on Lucan, who has always been in direct competition with Michael Cyprien. Lucan's world begins to change the first time police detective Samantha Brown walks into his bar. Lucan has been connected to 2 homicides that Samantha and her partner Harry are investigating. Each of the victims had been in Lucan's bar the day they were killed. Samantha is drawn to Lucan for reasons she can't understand. When Samantha's partner Harry is murdered, it is Lucan who comes and takes care of her the first night.

Samantha sees more to Lucan that what he portrays to the Kyn. Samantha knows that her love for Lucan can help them stay together. Lucan decides the best way to protect Samantha is to lock her up and tell her he doesn't love her. Lucan and Samantha go through so much to find happiness together. Viehl writes another winner with Dark Need. The Darkyn novels have a little bit of everything to keep the readers coming back for more.

Private Demon

Private Demon by Lynn Viehl is the second in the Darkyn novels. Jema Shaw is and antiquities expert who moonlights as a police forensic consultant to escape her over-protective mother and her own mysterious illness. Thierry Durand who is still recovering from the torment to his body by the Darkyn enemy and his wife's betrayal finds himself drawn to Jema from the first moment he sees her. Thierry slips into Jema's dreams each night to fulfill all of her deepest, darkest desires. Jema begins to enjoy her time in her dreams more than reality.

Michael Cyprien and his mate Alexandra have come to Chicago looking for Thierry. Alexandra is still trying to figure out a cure for the Darkyn. From all the blood test she has run, it seems that the Darkyn have become vampires due to an infection in their blood. Unknown to Thierry, his visits to Jema have put her in the sites of both the Darkyn and their enemies the Brethren. Jema and Thierry's future comes to a head when they attend a party at Jema's neighbor's home, who just happens to be a member of the Darkyn. Jema's mysterious illness is discovered as well as the reason her mother was so over-protective her entire life. As the Brethren attack the Darkyn, Jema finds out where her future lies.

Private Demon has romance, adventure, and lots of action to keep the reader rushing to see what happens next. I enjoyed Private Demon, and look forward to reading more Darkyn novels.

Kill Me Twice

Kill Me Twice by Roxanne St. Claire is the first in the Bullet Catcher series. This was my first book by Roxanne St. Claire, and I loved it!

Alex Romero is the hottest "Bullet Catcher" in the business. Lucy Sharpe, the owner of Bullet Catchers, sends Alex to Miami to be a bodyguard to Jessica Adams, who is one of the news industry's rising stars. Unknown to Alex, Jessica and her twin sister Jasmine have already arranged for Jazz to "fill in" as Jessica for a week while Jessica finishes up some work on a huge story she is researching.

Alex and Jazz are instantly attracted to each other, but neither will initially give into those desires. They also must work together to find out where Jessica has gone, as the pieces start to fall into place that she actually might be in big trouble.

Lucy finally reveals to Alex who really hired them for the bodyguard job, just in time for two other Bullet Catchers to arrive to help Alex and Jazz find Jessica. Kill Me Twice has mystery, romance, and adventure, and I look forward to reading each of the other Bullet Catcher stories by St. Claire!

Chosen

Chosen by PC Cast & Kristin Cast is the third in A House of Night series. In Chosen, Zoey faces even more challenges than she did in the first two books, which say a lot as she has already faced more than any other fledgling. Zoey is juggling three boyfriends and keeping her friends in the dark about what is really going on with Stevie Rae. Zoey has also formed a bit of a friendship with Aphrodite, which none of her good friends understand.

Zoey makes many a mistake in Chosen, but they all seem to be because she is concerned for her friends or upset about something happening to a friend. Chosen leaves the readers wanting more and luckily, Untamed comes out later this month, so we don't have long to wait.

Betrayed

Betrayed by PC Cast and Kristin Cast is the second in a House of Night series. Betrayed picks up right where Marked left off. Zoey Redbird is now the leader of the Dark Daughters society and must find a way to make sure the society becomes more. Zoey is also drawn not only to Erik and her ex-boyfriend Heath, but also to Loren who is a teacher at House of Night.

In Betrayed someone starts kidnapping and killing humans, which Zoey knows from her old life. Zoey even makes an unlikely friend of sorts with Aphrodite. Aphrodite is still having visions, but no one believes her because they were told by Neferet, the High Priestess, that Aphrodite no longer was seeing accurately. Zoey seems to be the only person at the school that believes anything that Aphrodite says.

There is mystery, romance, and even the death of a good friend that only makes the reader want to know what happens next in the series that much more. Chosen is the third in a House of Night series and I can't wait to start reading it!

Marked

Marked by PC Cast and Kristin Cast is the first in A House of Night novels. This book is classified as YA, and I loved it. Zoey Redbird is marked as a fledgling vampyre at age 16 and joins the House of Night, as school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. She has been given special powers by the Goddess Nyx and soon discovers that she isn't the only fledgling with special powers. Zoey is even invited to join the exclusive Dark Daughters and Sons society.

Zoey soon realizes that the current leader of the Dark Daughters, Aphrodite, is using her power to bully others around and not revealing all of the visions that she sees. Zoey also is having problems with her ex-boyfriend showing up at her new school. Zoey must look into herself for the strength to battle Aphrodite and she finds it with the help of her new friends.

PC Cast and Kristin Cast write a fabulous book that I couldn't put down. I have the next two in the series in my TBR pile and plan to start Betrayed, which is the next in the series, right away.

The Darkest Pleasure

The Darkest Pleasure is the third in the Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter. With each book, the series just gets better, as you learn more about the Lords, humans, and immortals. The Darkest Pleasure focuses on Reyes, who is the Lord or pain, and Danika Ford, who is on the run from the Lords as Aeron is trying to kill her. Reyes and Danika have been drawn to each other from their first meeting, but both have fought their feelings. Reyes because he doesn't feel that he deserves anyone good to be with him and Danika because she doesn't understand why she has such strong feelings for Reyes.

Reyes and the other Lords are in the process of finding the remaining 3 artifacts that will help them locate Pandora's box. Unknown to anyone, Danika is the key to locating one of the artifacts. She had been kidnapped by some of the Hunters searching for the Lords and even thought for a time to work with the Hunters to bring the Lords down. However, Danika's feelings for Reyes mean more to her, especially as she watches her continue to protect her over and over, even when I suspects she is talking to a Hunter.

Showalter delivers another winner and I can't wait for the next books in the Lords of the Underworld series.

Feast of Fools

Feast of Fools is the 4th in the Morganville vampire series by Rachel Caine. Vampires and humans have lived pretty peacefully in Morganville with Amelie in charge of the town. There is always a bit of a power struggle between Amelie and Oliver, but nothing of the likes to what the city sees when Bishop, Amelie's father, shows up in town.

Claire and her friends Eve, Michael, and Shane are immediately put on notice when Bishop shows up at Glass House. Bishop wants to take over Morganville and end the co-existence of the vampires and the humans. Amelie must host a formal ball to welcome Bishop to the city, and it is only at the ball where Claire realizes that Bishop will end the relatively safe living conditions in Morganville.

Caine leaves the reader wanting more and perfectly sets up the next book in the series.

One Night in Memphis

One Night in Memphis by Allie Boniface is a fast paced romance that takes place over the course of one day. Dakota James seems to attract men that are attached to other women. When her latest boyfriend, Sean McCabe doesn't finalize his divorce, she is finished with him for good. On the spur of the moment, she decides to leave her little New Hampshire town to visit her best friend Sarah in Memphis. Before she leaves, she finds a flash drive in her laptop and throws it in her purse on the way out the door. Unknown to Dakota, the flash drive contains a video of incriminating information on her ex-boyfriend Sean. When he discovers the flash drive is no longer in Dakota's apartment, he follows her to Memphis sure he can get the flash drive back with no problems.

Dakota and Sarah go with her friend Gunnar to the park to watch Gunnar play basketball and Dakota meets Ethan Meriweather briefly, but figures a chance encounter will never turn into anything. Sean even shows up at Sarah's apartment later to convince Dakota to return the flash drive. At that time, Dakota sees Sean for the person he really is and decides to never see him again. As luck would have it, Dakota and Ethan run into one another again that night in a local bar and the attraction between them builds the longer they are together.

With lots of suspense and several run-ins with Sean, Boniface gives the reader a great read with both action and adventure and romance. This was my first book by Boniface, but will continue to look for her books in the future.

Dance of Seduction

Dance of Seduction by Elle Kennedy is a wonderful quick read out in ebook format. Luke Russell is sent to find his best friend Josh's sister Ellie, who left home 6 months ago after her engagement was called off. Luke finds Ellie dancing in a jazz club run by Vivian Kendrick, who is the mother of Ellie's college roommate. Luke is immediately attracted to Ellie, but fights his attraction as he feels guilty for wanting his best friend's little sister.

Ellie decides the best way to get Luke to leave is to seduce him. Of course, she is playing with fire as she has had feelings for Luke since she was a teenager. Josh decides to come down to see what is taking so long, and runs into Vivian, who he has had feelings for since their first meeting. Vivian, who is over 15 years older than Josh is convinced that he could never be attracted to her.

Kennedy writes a wonderful love story that gives you two great romance stories in one. It was so fun to see each romance grow as the stories progressed. Another winner from Elle Kennedy!

The Darkest Kiss

The Darkest Kiss is the second in the Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter. Lucian, or Death, and Anya, goddess of anarchy are the focus of The Darkest Kiss. Showalter writes another winner with The Darkest Kiss. Lucian and Anya each are battling their feelings for one another. Lucian has never felt the attraction to another woman he feels for Anya, and Anya has never wanted to be near another man the way she must be around Lucian. Lucian is told he must kill Anya by the Titan God Cronus, but Lucian delays doing his job to the point that he is severely weakened. Anya and Lucian are also looking for artifacts that will lead them to Pandora's box. It was really fun to read how Lucian and Anya fought their attraction, and yet the reader could almost feel their true feelings coming off the pages.

Showalter keeps the reader ready for the next Lord's story. The next in the Lords of the Underworld series is The Darkest Pleasure, which is the story of Reyes, Keeper of Pain.

Whispers in the Dark

Whispers in the Dark is the first book released by Kira Sinclair. I loved it and hope the there are many more books to come from Sinclair.

Karyn Mitchell once thought she would never let another man touch her, until she listens to Dr. Desire every night on the radio. Christopher Faulkner, Dr. Desire, has built an on-air career in carnal counseling. Karyn calls in because she is still trying to get past a date rape that happened 5 years ago. She knows that having sex with Dr. Desire will make it so she can lead a normal life.

Karyn and Chris both grow over the course of the book. They both learn to first stand on their own and then to trust another person. Sinclair writes a wonderful fun and sexy book.

Acheron

Acheron is the latest and most anticipated book in the Dark-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. As Ash has always been on of my favorite characters in the books, I couldn't wait for his book. In Acheron you learn the entire history of Acheron, from his birth to his death, and finally his re-birth. Kenyon had always let the reader know that Acheron's history was ugly, but the exact details were brutal. Ash is the son of two God's who is sent to be born as a human to save his life. Unfortunately, the humans treat him worse than any creature should ever be treated, with the exception of his sister Ryssa. Ash learns early to trust no one and they carries over into his life after his re-birth.

Once the history of Acheron is told, Kenyon brings the reader to the present, where Ash is attending a lecture at the Parthenon in Nashville to hear a lecture by Dr. Soteria Kafieri, or Tory, about the search for Atlantis. Tory has grown up with her family searching for the lost land of Atlantis. Ash comes to the lecture to discredit Tory, since he knows if the ruins of Atlantis are ever found, the world would come to an end. Tory, unlike every man and woman to come into Ash's presence, isn't immediately attracted to Ash. She actually throws a hammer at Ash upon their next meeting. Tory and her crew have found journals written by Ash's sister Ryssa that will tell not only about Ash's history, but how to kill both Apollo and Artemis. Ash doesn't want anyone to every see the journals, since it would reveal everything that ever happened to him as a human. However, he had promised Tory that he would teach her how to read the language of the journals. Ash knows, from past experience, that as soon as Tory learns anything about his past life, that she will turn away from him in disgust. Ash has never really trusted anyone in his entire life. Ash, the Weres, and the Dark-Hunters must fight to save Tory when her life is put in danger.

There is as much action and romance in Acheron as in every Dark-Hunter story by Kenyon. Once I made it through his history, which just about had me in tears, I loved watching him choose how his life would move forward. He is a very strong man who could only ever learn to trust due to the love of a very strong woman. The romance between Ash and Tory is one of the sweetest I've ever read. Ash and Tory both move slowly toward their choice of each other, but have a love that seems like it will last forever. I look forward to the next book in the Dark-Hunter series, which is Stryker's book called One Silent Night and comes out in November.

Breaking Dawn

Breaking Dawn is the final book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Breaking Dawn opens the night before Bella and Edward's wedding from Bella's point of view. Meyer actually breaks the book up into 3 sections, with sections 1 and 3 from Bella's point of view and 2 being from Jacob's point of view. I struggle to say more than I absolutely loved Breaking Dawn, as I don't want to give anything away about the book. Meyer had me laughing out loud many times and a couple of the twist and turns even caught me by surprise. You do get to see more about the characters of Jacob, Edward, and Bella and I really think it only made the book better.

I highly recommend Breaking Dawn to anyone who loves the Twilight series. Although the Twilight series is classified as a YA book, anyone who enjoys reading a great story will love this series.

The Darkest Night

The Darkest Night is the first book in the Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter. Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past her entire life. She is in Budapest for work and hears of some men who are rumored to have supernatural abilities, who she believes can help her with the voices she hears. The first of these men she meets in Maddox, their most dangerous member, who has the demon Violence trapped within him. As soon as Ashlyn is around Maddox all the voices from the past stop immediately. Maddox and the other Lords believe that Ashlyn is Bait for the Hunters that have been searching for the Lords for centuries. However, Maddox is so completely drawn to Ashlyn, and promises anyone who touches her death. Ashlyn, who has never had a family, is strangely Maddox and feels like she is home for the first time in her life surrounded by the Lords.

Showalter writes a winning story with lots of passionate romance and a bit of mystery to keep the reader turning the pages. Right now only the first 3 in the series are published, but I hope that each of the Lord of the Underworld will get their own story as Maddox and Ashlyn's story made me a Showalter reader for life.

Midnight Encounters

Midnight Encounters by Elle Kennedy is the very hot story of Maggie Reilly and actor Ben Barrett. Maggie is a hard working woman working her way through college as a waitress. She has met up with the same guy, Tony, 2-3 times a year for one hot night of wild sex. Maggie has gotten the call that Tony is in town and goes to meet him when she gets off work. She mistakenly shows up in Ben Barrett's room and things only heat up from that point.

Ben is fascinated by Maggie, because she has no idea that he is a famous actor. Maggie is just frustrated that once Ben is around, he won't leave. He distracts her from her school work, her volunteer work, and her actual job. Ben is hiding out from the press because he is the focus of a scandal.

Ben and Maggie both struggle with the attraction and the feelings they have for each other. Maggie has never been in a relationship in her entire life. She was abandoned as a child by her mother and doesn't really trust easily. Ben doesn't want the press to learn the real reason behind the scandal because he is trying to protect his mother.

Kennedy writes and amazing story that keeps the reader glued to the computer, as Midnight Encounters is currently only available in e-format. This is my first every book by Elle Kennedy, but definitely won't be my last!

The Hell-Raiser

The Hell-Raiser by Rhonda Nelson is the next in her sexy series Men Out of Uniform. Sarah Jane Walker was ready to kiss her inheritance goodbye once her greedy stepmother, Chastity, hired security expert Mick Chivers, aka the Hell-Raiser. Mick is sexy and posing as a photographer for an architecture magazine. Sarah Jane knows that Chastity has destroyed the copy of her father's will that was at the house, but still continues to try and get the attorney to turn over his copy. Sarah Jane soon discovers that the attorney is sleeping with Chastity, so she has to figure out another way to get a copy of the will. Mick's firm was hired by Chastity to catch Sarah Jane in the act of breaking into the house and look for the will.

Sarah Jane is instantly attracted to Mick when he shows up on her job site to photograph her for the magazine. Mick has to fight his attraction for Sarah Jane, since he is the person he is investigating. Sarah Jane finally finds out that Mick is working for the enemy and takes measures to get back at him. Once he explains that he doesn't believe anything Chastity has said, Sarah Jane and Mick finally give in to their attraction and passion for each other. Mick, who left the Rangers after a big mistake, still doesn't feel as if he is ready to move on with his life. He pushes Sarah Jane away just when he should be admitting how he feels about her.

Nelson writes another hot, sexy, romantic read with The Hell-Raiser. I hope we have another Men out of Uniform book soon.

Flashback

Flashback by Jill Shalvis is the second in series American Heroes: The Firefighters. Aidan Donnelly has always battled the flames with trademark icy calm. Until the fire he is battling involves his old flame Mackenzie Stafford. Aidan broke Kenzie's heart all those years ago and Kenzie decides to get Aidan back this time.

The chemistry between Aidan and Kenzie burns up the pages. They are also continuing the search for the arsonist that Aidan's partner Zach was searching for in Flashpoint. Everyone believed that Kenzie's brother Blake was the arsonist, but Kenzie doesn't believe that Blake had anything to do with the fires. Kenzie and Aidan find evidence that someone other than Blake was behind the fires, but only after several more fires occur that have the same markings of the arsonist. Since Blake was believed to be killed in the fire at Zach's house, as more fires occur, it shows that someone else could be the arsonist.

With much intrigue, Shalvis writes another page turner full of passion and action. I can't wait to read the next in the series coming out in December.

Sundays at Tiffany's

Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet is a wonderful read. Patterson and Charbonnet weave a magical story that focuses on Jane Margaux and her imaginary friend from childhood Michael.

Michael was Jane's best friend in the world until she turned 9 years old and he had to leave her forever. He promised her that she would never remember him, as no other child had ever remembered him. Neither Jane nor Michael were ever able to forget the other and finally meet again by accident when Jane is an adult. Michael initially tries to stay away from Jane, but it seems that they are drawn to the same locations they visited when Jane was a child and they eventually run into one another.

Jane and Michael's love story is set up much like a beloved fairy tale. What if your imaginary friend from childhood was your one true love? Would you be willing to wait and believe it that love? Jane and Michael finally find happiness because fate has found a way for them to be together. Patterson and Charbonnet even throw in a few twist in the road to make the ending even sweeter.

Mercy Street

Mercy Street is the first book in a new series by Mariah Stewart. I had never read anything by Stewart before, but will always look for her books in the future. Mercy Street begins with Mallory Russo being offered a PI job to find two missing teenagers following the murder of two of their friends in the park. Mallory is hired by Robert Magellan, a man whose own wife and baby son disappeared without a trace over a year ago. Magellan offers to cover to expenses to help out his cousin Father Kevin Burch, who's parish secretary is the grandmother of one of the missing teens. Mallory ends up working with the new detective of the Conroy police force, Charlie Wanamaker. Mallory was one of the best detectives on the force until she was forced to quit the force due to lack of backup.

Mallory and Charlie soon piece together evidence that the murders of the teens in the park are directly related to a murder that happened over 18 months ago at a local store. Stewart keeps the reader caught up with quick action and even a bit of romance thrown into the mix between Mallory and Charlie. I did figure out the results of the mysteries in the book before the end, but the book was still very good. Stewart even gives the reader a glimpse of the future books in the series with many of the secondary characters. I really hope the next book in the series will focus on Robert Magellan. His character just cries out for some closure and he seems very intriguing to me.

Flashpoint

Flashpoint by Jill Shalvis is a page turner from the start. Zach Thomas risk his life battling fires every day. Brooke O'Brian is an EMT to temporarily joins the close-nit crew. Zack and Brooke are immediately attracted to each other, but Brooke will be leaving soon, so she doesn't want to be attracted to Zach. Brooke finally approaches Zach to have one night together to get their attraction out of their system.

As Brooke and Zach finally give into their attraction, the fires around town continue to heat up. Each of the fires seems to be suspicious to Zach and he continues to claim arson in the cause of the fires. The main fire investigator, Tommy, tells Zach to stay out of it, but Zach continues to investigate on his own and angers the arsonist.

Brooke and Zach continue to heat up the pages even as the fires heat up the town. Brooke must decide if she wants to stay in town and fight for Zach, and Zach must decide if he wants to finally admit that he needs someone. Shalvis writes another winner with Flashpoint.

Eclipse

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer is the third book in the Twilight series. I loved Eclipse every bit as much as I love Twilight and New Moon. Bella, Edward, and Jacob keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen next. Meyer writes an amazing tale that has me chomping at the bit for the final book in the series. Bella as always is in danger and Edward must keep her safe. Jacob, who has always been in love with Bella loves to stir things up and keep Edward on edge.

Bella keeps trying to get Edward to turn her into a vampire, but he will only do so after they are married. Of course, during all their conversations, they know that someone is in the area looking for Bella, so Edward decides it is time to team up with Jacob and his pack to keep Bella safe. The Cullens, Jacob and his pack form a plan to take out whoever is out there after Bella. The battle is brutal and there are injuries among the good guys. Bella also finally chooses between her love for Edward and her newly discovered love for Jacob. I've always been in the Edward camp, so I love that she has decided to marry Edward with all the bells and whistles that Alice can create.

I was finally able to get back to reading yesterday. My nieces had been in for a visit for 9 days and I only was able to read about 30 pages. I read almost non-stop(I did have to work today) and now am counting the days until Breaking Dawn hits the bookstores.

Heated Rush

Heated Rush by Leslie Kelly is the second in The Wrong Bed: Again and Again series. Annie Davis goes to a bachelor auction to buy a blue-collar guy to take home for her parents anniversary party. She is tired of everyone always trying to set her up with men when she goes home for a visit. She also is trying to convince her family that she is fine living in Chicago.

Annie bids on and wins Sean Murphy, who is anything but a blue-collar guy. He actually is from Europe and started his business as a male escort. He now is a legitimate businessman, but still runs into women he has "worked with" in the past.

Annie and Sean are immediately attracted to each other, but each tries to fight their attraction for a bit, since Sean will only be in town through the weekend. The passion between them burns up the pages and I couldn't put Heated Rush down waiting for Annie and Sean's happily ever after. Kelly writes another winner and I can't wait for her next book to come out!

Lifelines

Lifelines by CJ Lyons is the first in a series that takes place at Pittsburgh's Angels of Mercy Medical Center. Lydia is the new ER attending physician, Amanda is a med student, Gina is a resident, and Nora is a no-nonsense charge nurse. Lifelines is really Lydia's story more than the other women's, but you do get to see glimpses of each woman life so you learn a little bit about each.

Lifelines opens up with a patient dying in the ER and Lydia being put on probation. There is no apparent reason for the death and it becomes even more troubling after several more unrelated deaths occur on Lydia's watch. With both mystery and romance, Lyons keeps the reader glued to the book until the very end. I had never read anything by CJ Lyons before, but will make sure to find her books in the future.

If Angels Burn

If Angels Burn by Lynn Viehl is the first novel of the Darkyn. Dr. Alexander Keller is Chicago's most brilliant and fastest reconstructive surgeon. Michael Cyprien is New Orlean's most reclusive millionaire and in desperate need of Dr. Keller's skill. Michael is one of the Darkyn, or a vampire to humans. Alex is the fastest surgeon around and Michael needs her to preform his surgery as he heals as soon as he is cut, unless it is copper. Alex repeatedly turns down money to come to New Orleans to perform the surgery, so Cyprien has her kidnapped and brought to him to perform the surgery. Once the surgery is complete, Michael "feeds" from Alex and ends up taking too much blood and Alex starts to turn to Darkyn as well.

Alex is returned to Chicago with really no memory of her time in New Orleans. Michael eventually must go to Chicago to check on Alex and finds her only to learn that she has found a way to slow down the process of turning to full Darkyn. He makes a deal with Alex to return to New Orleans to help other members of the Darkyn with her surgery skills.

The Darkyn have enemies called the Brethren, who are priest that are trying to end the Darkyn race. Alex's brother John is a priest who the Brethren induct as one of their own. John of course has no idea that by killing members of the Darkyn, he will eventually have to kill his sister. In a battle against the Brethren, Alex must finally make the decision to either stay half human or full Darkyn. She must also decided whether or not to continue to fight her feelings for Michael.

I really enjoyed If Angels Burn and can't wait to read the next books in the Darkyn series. I found this series after many books were released, so I have many great books to look forward to reading.

New Moon

New Moon is the second book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Bella and Edward are back and go in directions I never saw coming. Edward tries to distance himself from Bella once she is injured around his "family". After months of Edward being gone, Bella finally tries to bring herself out of her funk by doing things that are so extreme, she can "hear" Edward yelling at her to stop. Bella keeps trying more and more extreme actions so she keep hearing from Edward.

Bella also rekindles her friendship with Jacob Black, when she gets him to help her with some used motorcycles. Bella even blows much of her college fund to pay for the work on the motorcycles.

Alice, who everyone knows as Edward's sister, comes for a visit to check on Bella. At this point Alice and Bella must go save Edward from himself. Bella and Edward must once again fight to be together. New Moon leaves the reader ready to read Eclipse, which is the next in the Twilight series.

The 5th Horseman

The 5th Horseman is the fifth in the Women's Murder Club books by James Patterson with Maxine Paetro. Lindsey and crew must figure out not only a series of murders known as "the car murders", they must also find a way to solve a series of murders that are occurring in one of the local hospitals. Yuki, the newest member of the Women's Murder Club, joins Lindsey, Cindy, and Claire, after Yuki's mother dies in the hospital hours before she was to be moved to a regular room. Each person who has died in the hospital was only hours away from either being moved from ICU to a regular room, or being released out right.

The 5th Horseman is another hit for Patterson and Paetro and I look forward to then next book in the series.

Rites of Spring (Break)

Rites of Spring (Break) by Diana Peterfreund is the third in An Ivy League Series. The story centers around Amy Haskel and her friends that are in the Rose & Grave secret society. The first two books in the series mainly take place at Eli University. ROSB starts at Eli University and then takes the Diggers to Cavador Key, which is the Rose & Grave's private island off of Florida. Amy and her friends grow up so much over the course of ROSB. They must watch out for one another like never before and still keep all the secrets for Rose & Grave.

I loved Rites of Spring (Break) and can't really tell much about the book without giving away great information. I was so excited with who Amy finally ends up with in this book and hope they survive the 4th and final book in the series that comes out next summer.

Hot Property

Hot Property by Carly Phillips is the fourth and final book in the Hot Zone series. Hot Property is John Roper's and Amy Stone's story. Amy has just moved to New York to work for the Hot Zone-Athletes Only public relations firm. Her first client is John Roper and from their first meeting at her cousin's wedding, Amy feels she must fight her attraction to John. John has no such need and pursues Amy from their very first meeting.

Amy must find a way for John to rehab from an injury while keeping his family occupied so they don't interfere with his health. The only way to keep John from his family is to take him away and not let anyone know where he will be. Only when they are out of the public eye does Amy finally give into her feelings for John.

Both John and Amy must find ways to change their personal lives to make things work for them together. Only with courage and strength do they each grow and become strong enough to be together. Carly Phillips writes another winner with Hot Property and we will all miss the Hot Zone characters in the future.

Mr. Shaggins

My brother is an actor currently doing Into the Woods in Roanoke, VA at Mill Mountain Theatre. Learning lines, songs, dances, and dialogue isn't enough for him. He has been writing a puppet show about Mr. Shaggins, the randy terrier. The first 7 episodes are currently available on You Tube by searching for Mr. Shaggins. They are quite funny, and would be perfect for SNL or Adult Swim.

Mr. Shaggins is a very witty show that Andy and several of his theatre friends are filming during intermissions. Andy has written all the dialogue as well as the theme song and is the voice behind several of the characters. A must watch!

The Sugar Queen

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen is a wonderful Southern story set in North Carolina. Josey Cirrini has tried to make up for being an unruly child since she was 9 years-old. She has pretty much dedicated her life to taking care of her mother and doing nothing for herself, she even has to hide food, books, and magazines in her closet to enjoy them. It looks like nothing will ever change, until Josey finds Della Lee in her closet and she blackmails Josey to let her stay. Della Lee makes Josey go buy her a tomato sandwich from Chloe Finley's shop and they quickly become friends. Both Josey and Chloe are trying to stretch their wings a bit, Josey from her mother and Chloe from her cheating boyfriend. Josey must decide if she is willing to take a chance on love and Chloe must take a chance on forgiveness and change.

With some romance, a little bit of mystery, and a wonderful story, Allen writes another winner with The Sugar Queen.

Wild & Hexy

Wild & Hexy by Vicki Lewis Thompson is the second in the Big Knob series. Wild & Hexy is the story of Jeremy Dunstan and Annie Winston. Jeremy has lived in Big Knob, Indiana almost his whole life and has secretly lusted after Annie since they were teenagers. Annie is back in Big Knob for her younger sister's wedding and is the former Dairy Queen of Big Knob, but no longer feels like one since she is 20 pounds heavier than in high school. Jeremy needs some help to get Annie to look at him, so Dorcas and Ambrose Lowell, the local matchmaking witches, decide to make it their mission to get Jeremy and Annie together.

On Jeremy & Annie's first date, the lake monster, Dee-Dee appears on Dorcas's command to give Annie, who is a reporter, something to write about. Jeremy doesn't believe there is anything in the lake, but is willing to look into anything to spend time with Annie. The chemistry between Annie and Jeremy is fabulous. Both have very real feelings for the other that come out even more when they are together. Of course, Annie has no plans to ever stay in Big Knob and Jeremy would be totally miserable anywhere else. Both must decide if their feelings for each other are more important than where each wants to live. Vicki Lewis Thompson writes another winner with Wild & Hexy and keeps the reader wanting more. Casual Hex is the next in the Big Knob series and we only have to wait until February 2009.

Wild For Him

Wild for Him by Janelle Denison is the first book in a new "Wild series", that focuses on Joel Wilde's Marine friends. First up is Ben Cabrera, who is hired to keep Christine "Christy" Delacroix safe during her father's run for mayor of Chicago, as threatening letters have been delivered to her father. Ben and Christy are from two different worlds, but they have been attracted to each other from the moment they set eyes on each other. Ben is willing to keep the business only relationship, but Christy is determined to take their relationship to the next level.

The chemistry between Ben and Christy burns up the pages and keep the reader begging for more. With a bit of a mystery, as to who is trying to hurt Christy, Denison writes another winner with Wild for Him. I'm not sure when the next "Wild" book comes out, but I can promise I'll be at the bookstore that day.

Lover Enshrined

Lover Enshrined is the 6th in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward. Phury becomes the Primale of the Chosen, which means he is responsible for fathering the future of the Brotherhood line. Phury picks Chosen Cormia as his First Mate, and they each feel instant attraction to the other. Phury fights his attraction to Cormia because he doesn't believe he is worthy of anyone. He is addicted to drugs and blames himself for everything that ever when wrong with his family, especially Zsadist's becoming a blood slave. Phury must fight his demons to find true love and a way for the Brotherhood's bloodline to continue. Phury hits rock bottom and fights back as you would expect one of the Brotherhood to fight. Phury and Zsadist also finally have it out with all the unnecessary guilt that Phury has always lived with over the years.

There are other sub-plots with Lover Enshrined dealing with the Omega and the slaughter of many of the glymera families. The slaughter causes even more unrest with the vampires and a way for the Brotherhood to protect everyone.

The Warden delivers another winner with Lover Enshrined, which shows many new sides to the Brotherhood, the Omega, and the Scribe Virgin. the Warden leaves the reader wanting more and now we must wait until May 2009 for the next story from the Brotherhood.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me NOT

He Loves Me, He Loves Me NOT is the true life story of Trish Ryan and her search for God and a husband. Trish starts her search as most women do, but dating each man that ask her out and following all the normal dating rituals. She even marries one of "the wrong men" that she has dated. As she is going through her divorce from her abusive husband, she hides out with the help of her friends and family.

Trish finally gives God a try and although she doesn't understand much of what she is hearing, she immediately can feel that there is something to God. At the urging of her pastor, Trish, as well as the rest of her church, goes through a "40 Days of Faith" during Lent. Each member would pray their greatest heart's desire for 40 days, give up something for 40 days, and fast every week from Thursday evening to Friday evening. Trish prayed for a husband and met someone very soon after thinking he was who God had sent her. When again things didn't work out, Trish finally forgave all of her past relationships, got rid of all her former spiritual books, and became a co-leader of a "small group" with the church. At this time, God finally sent Trish who she been waiting on her entire life(no spoilers here, it is stated in the back of the book). Trish and Steve take things slow and base their relationship on the teaching in the Bible. Trish and Steve face all of the normal challenges that face any new couple, with a couple of major exceptions. Trish and Steve have decided to forgo premarital sex and must pray about her former marriage to know if they can move forward. Because Trish's ex-husband cheated on her and was married 2 times before her, her divorce and her accepting Jesus as her savior, wiped out her former life. Steve proposed to Trish in the most romantic way and God made sure that they were married on the day He had chosen for them.

Trish gives all of the single women out there more hope that God has a husband all picked out waiting for the two of you to be ready for each other. I enjoyed He Loves Me, He Loves Me NOT very much and can't wait to see what Trish's next book has for all of her readers.

Halfway to the Grave

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost is the first in A Night Huntress Novel series. Catherine Crawfield is half-human, half-vampire and her current job is to kill vampires. Cat has no problems with killing vampires until she meets Bones. Bones is a vampire that has been around for over 100 years. He is also a bounty hunter who kills other vampires with a price on their head. Cat thinks she is such a great vampire killer until Bones shows her that she needs lots more training.

Cat, who has always hated all vampires because of what her mother has said her entire life, finds herself fighting her attraction for Bones. Bones, who has been attracted to Cat from the first, finally gets Cat to admit to the attraction they feel for each other. Bones and Cat must also continue to fight the "bad vampires" while they are falling for each other. Frost writes an amazing story with lots of twist and turns that keep the reader wanting more.

The Appeal

The Appeal is the latest courtroom drama by John Grisham. I thoroughly enjoyed The Appeal and am glad that Grisham went back to the old school courtroom dramas that his readers love. As with any Grisham novel, there is secondary story in the background. It all starts with a lawsuit where $41 million in damages is awarded to the plaintiff. The attorneys for the plaintiff are Wes and Mary Grace Payton, who have risked bankruptcy to keep the fight going against Krane Chemicals Corporation. Krane Chemicals, owned by Carl Trudeau immediately sets out the appeal the judgement. With the help of a consultant firm, Trudeau can see that the Mississippi Supreme Court will rule in favor of the verdict, unless a change is made to at least one of the justices.

My hiring the consultant firm, Mr. Trudeau is almost guaranteed that there will be a new justice before the case makes it to the Supreme Court. All for the right to keep his money, not caring how many people he has hurt or might have died from his greed, Trudeau sets in motion a plan to change the Supreme Court of the state of Mississippi. A young lawyer, Ron Fisk, is convinced that he is the man for the job and he will be able to change the legal system.

Although much of the legal stuff happens outside the courtroom, Grisham give the reader that enjoys legal drama a great read.