Recent Reads

Tangled Up In You by Rachel Gibson

Why This One: Rachel Gibson – ah Rachel Gibson. She’s probably my most up and down author. When I love her book, I really, really love it. But when I don’t, it’s such a disappointment. But I get all her books hoping for that thrill I get when I read one of her really really good ones.

Steam Level: Would make a drink nice and hot

Chapters Blurb: Maddie is determined to uncover the untold story about the town’s sordid past—her past. As a child, Maddie lost everything, and now she’s back at the scene of the scandal—a local establishment that’s always belonged to the Hennessys—determined to uncover the truth, and nothing is going to stand in her way. Especially not a black-haired, blue-eyed Hennessy.

Everyone in Truly knows that the Hennessy men are irresistible, and the current owner, Mick, is no exception. His late father was a skirt-chasing heartbreaker who ended up causing disaster for two families. So far, Mick’s managed to keep the ladies in line, but when he claps eyes on Maddie, with her luscious curves and tempting lips, he can’t resist getting tangled up with her.

But Maddie is keeping secrets, not the least of which is her true reason for being in town. And when Mick discovers what‘s really going on, there is going to be a whole lot of trouble in Truly.

My Thoughts. While it’s not quite up there with my favourite Gibson book, See Jane Score, it’s pretty damn close and I did really, really enjoy this one.

It reminded me a bit of After The Night – my favourite Linda Howard, in that both books had the heroine returning to the scene of the crime many years later to try and puzzle out what happened. Both books also featured a somewhat off-kilter sister of the hero. And both featured the heroine’s mother having a thing with the hero’s father. But other than those similarities, the books weren’t the same feel at all.

Mick is adorable. He’s pretty scarred from what happened to his family in his youth but lives in a state of denial. He loves his sister and his nephew and moves back to a place he hated in his youth to take care of them.

And I really liked Maddie. I thought she was a great heroine. She was strong and overcame a terrible childhood. She writes true crime books and while she has been affected by her subject matter, still she has maintained her sense of right and wrong. She knows it’s wrong that she kept something major from Mick, but I could really buy her reasons. The banter between them is very well-written and this is Rachel Gibson at the top of her game.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5


A Reason To Believe by Maureen McKade

Why this one: It’s a Western, I loved the first one and I’ve read a few by the author that I’ve really enjoyed.

Steam Level: Warm but it’s not going to burn your tongue.

Chapters blurb: Lonely and filled with regrets, Dulcie McDaniels struggles to provide a decent life for her daughter. Usually shunned by proper folks, she's suspicious of Rye Forrester, a drifter offering to work for his keep. But after he helps harvest the crop, her feelings toward the handsome stranger turn into a consuming passion. But Rye has his own secrets. When their tragic pasts catch up with them, these two wounded souls must fight for the love that will keep them together for a lifetime.

My thoughts: I loved this one. Sybil told us that Ms. McKade told her it wasn’t A Reason to Live and I agree, it didn’t have the same kind of punch to it that ARTL did, but I enjoyed it quite a bit for it’s own sake.

Dulcie is a very prickly heroine and at times almost a little too prickly. She took a long time to trust Rye, but eventually she let her guard down. She also had certain issues that I’d never really read about before and I thought they were very believable and very well handled by the author.

Rye is one of those ‘oh so wonderful’ tortured heroes. He feels responsible for the dire straights that Dulcie finds herself in and works hard to help her out. What I appreciated is while he didn’t approve of the ‘issue’ that Dulcie had, he never judges or condemns her for it.

I’ve been reading another book, The Stranger, by Elizabeth Lane. It has a very similar storyline but while it’s taking me quite a while to get through – not that it’s bad, I’ve had times where I haven’t been reading or reading something else, I zipped through Reason to Believe in a day and a half.

If I could change anything, it might be to make Dulcie just a tad less prickly and turn up the steam level just a bit. But other than that, this was a fine book and a great addition for Western fans. It's also a good one for those thinking of trying a Wester.

(well all except Cindy because there is a little girl who plays a role and Cindy's not to keen on children in her romance *g*)

Grade: 4.5 out of 5

'til later

Music - having the power to move you - This gives me chills

Do you ever hear music and think 'I like that song' but then it kind of goes out of your head until the next time you hear it?
Then they have another hit song and the same thing happens.
Then they have another song and something about it really catches your attention

This is what happened with this group. I've heard them, liked them but it didn't really register until I heard this song for the first time on the radio just the other day. I don't watch music videos so I hadn't seen it until just now. I was watching the video and listening to the music and I felt chills.



Working Class Hero by Green Day

And the winner is.............

OK - I don't have video like Cindy did.

I don't have pics like Rosie did

It's only one book unlike the goils at Book Binge.

But honest - I did it fair. I wrote the names down, folded them, put them in a big brown envelope, shook it, shook it some more, turned my head, closed my eyes...............

And I still haven't looked to see whose name I drew yet. I'm doing it riiiiiigggghhhhhtttt now

And it's...........


Alyssa!!!!! You are the winner of your very own copy of Gabriel's Ghost - A MOST excellent book.

(I met her in person you know)

Yea!!! Congrats!! I have your email addy so I'll email you either today or tomorrow.


Next - since I don't know much about this game stuff, I'm asking for advice. Do you think I should go with the first person to guess correctly (and possibly not have fun thinking up clues if they're good and guess early and trying to figure what rhymes with six) or not give the answer and draw names from everyone who guesses?
For everyone who chimes in, your name will be entered for a 4 book selection of brand new various Harlequin books. I'll take opinions until Saturday.

(I'm on these really high potent vitamins that I bought at the Health food store and by jove I think they are working! I'm much peppier today than I have been recently)

'til later


D'oh - I was just about to shut down for the night when I realized I didn't name the book! Smack me on the head and call me stupid!!

Absolute Trouble by Michelle Jerott (aka Michele Albert)

I read this one years ago and loved it! Here's a brief blurb:

Julien Langlois is a man hiding secrets--and the only obstacle between him and his plans is Dulcinea Quinn, the stubborn redhead holding him in protective custody on her houseboat. One sultry night, Julien tries to gain his freedom with some seductive persuasion--but her passionate response to his sensual assault unexpectedly ensnares him. How can she prove to Julien that the best choice in life is love?

I'm my own monster

You remember on a previous post I said I had 2,289 books?
Weeeeelllll
I stopped at the bookstore on the way home and picked up a few books. When I got home there were two boxes waiting for me. One was an order from Chapters. The other was an order from Harlequin

*sigh*

This is my latest haul

These are the store bought books

Silver Master by Jayne Castle - I've always enjoyed her books











If His Kiss is Wicked by Jo Goodman - She's been an autobuy author for years











Fearless by Andrea Wilder - A new author - always willing to give them a try












Coming Undone by Susan Andersen I think she's one of the very few authors that I've enjoyed every one of her books













A Reckless Beauty by Kasey Michaels - I enjoyed the first group of books in this series. This is the second one in the second group












These I got from Chapters on-line

Rising Wind by Cindy Holby - Colonial is a genre I love that there are far too few of.













Next To Die by Marliss Melton - I quite enjoyed her first book

In the Dark by Marliss Melton - This is the second one.

I also picked up the third one in Dallas

The Cowboy Who Came Calling by Linda Broday - I noticed her on the new group blog Petticoats and Pistols. I didn't think I had any of her books and then while doing some book organizing on the weekend - low and behold I do have another one!









And these are the Harlequins

Raintree Sanctuary by Beverly Barton

and

Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones

I already have the first one by Linda Howard so I just had to get these ones. Right? I know Tara loved them

How to Lose and Extraterrestrial in 10 Days by Susan Grant - Really dumb title but it got a pretty good review at AAR and the story line sounded good. And I've really enjoyed her in the past. Now all I have to do is read the first two in the series









Captured by Helen Kirkman I don't know why I got this one. I have a couple of her other books but I've yet to read them









She's No Angel by Leslie Kelly -
Jane of Dear Author liked this one

Hard and Fast by Lisa Renee Jones - Another rec by Jane. And this is a baseball book. I love Sports Romance - well most of 'em anyway. And she did say if you like See Jane Score.......

(OK - it wasn't at Dear Author where I saw She's No Angel - I could have sworn it was! But someone, somewhere liked it. I know they did.)

Klondike Wedding by Kate Bridges I've read a few of hers and liked all of them

And finally ????????

Whirlwind Baby by Debra Cowan I must admit I have no idea why I got this one. NO IDEA AT ALL!! True, I've read a few by this author, but there is no way I would buy a book called Whirlwind Baby. What kind of stupid title is that? And I know I'd never buy one with such a dufus cover. I know I wouldn't. She reminds me of Meredith from Grey's Anatomy - and I don't even like that show. I think this one is the cuckoo book in the book nest. Watch - I'll read it and just love it. It is a Western....

And Kaitlin - I haven't forgotten that meme. I'll do that very soon - promise!

'til later

Here's one more to the mix - Clue # 6

The correct book has been guessed.

But since this is for anyone - it's just a draw, you still have time.

Yep - I'm still alive - here's Clue # 5

She had her back broken by the same villain that he is after. That's why she's no longer on the force.

He is very uncooperative.

She had a sexy ex-partner who gets a story of his own a few years later.

Getting around

Back to the convention in Dallas for a moment. One of the Really Nice People I met and had a chance to talk to was a soon-to-be- published author - LaDonna Paulette. She was in the midst of getting her own web-site up and running and was telling me about it. She was also telling me about a group blog she was involved with. We exchanged stories and cards.
Not long after I got home, she contacted me and asked if I would be interested in being a guest blogger on their site - Magical Musings and talk about Romantic Advances. I gladly accepted and my guest post is up today.

til later

I haven't done one of these for a while

Leya of Wandeca Reads tagged me for the latest meme. So here goes

1. Total number of books I own
2,289 – Wowzers!! I hadn't really counted them for years. That's quite a few isn't it?

2. Last Book I bought
Um, ah, would that be the last book I bought in a store or the last books I ordered but haven’t arrived yet?I’ll go with book I bought in a store. That would be Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd

3. Last Book I read
That would be Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie. I just finished it.

4. Five books that mean a lot to me
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. That was the book that made me realize Ron was the guy for me
Lord of the Rings by JR Tolkien Ron and I both loved these books
Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas. Reading and encouraging everyone to read it too helped get me through the worst imaginable time of my life. And the lunch that Jane, Sybil and I went to with Lisa Kleypas will always be a very special memory.
After the Night by Linda Howard I think this is my most oft’ read book
Windflower by Laura London. I waited years to find this one and when I finally did get it, it was so worth the wait

5. Tag 5 people
Ames
Cindy
Devon
Rosie
Renee

'til later

A Book I Adore - it's Clue Number 4

He is posing as a male stripper to try and find the killer.

A Hearty Squee – It’s Clue #3

I'm really starting to get into this *g*

She lives on a houseboat in New Orleans.

Clue Number Two

He has revenge on his mind for the death of his younger brother

Nalini Singh (a real sweetheart of a person) is doing something neat on her blog to promote Caressed By Ice.
She has a nifty quizz. Here's my results.

And since I have no idea how to do a sticky post - make sure to check the post below this too:)

Which Psy-Changeling Hero Is For You?

Your Psy/Changeling Hero: Hawke

An alpha wolf, Hawke is wildness contained, his strength as compelling as his beauty. Used to total control, he'll attempt to dominate any woman he claims, even as he loves her with an intensity born from the darkly sensual nature of his wolf. Dancing with this wolf is going to an exhilirating ride. Are you ready?Find out more about Hawke and the series at www.nalinisingh.com
Take this quiz!








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A Clue A Day

As you may remember, I picked up Quite A Number of books recently. One of the things I thought would be neat would be to share some of them with others. So in light of this I thought I’d have a few book give-aways. I’ve been trying to think of different things to do to make it interesting and this is my first idea.

This is my first idea.

I’ll give clues to a book – one I’ve mentioned around cyberspace or on my own blog. Then anyone interested can try and guess what the book is. One clue a day until Monday.

I’ll put all the right answers in a hat and draw the winner

The first book up for grabs is a copy of Gabriel’s Ghost. I have my own copy and picked up an extra one in Dallas. Now this is one I’ve read – that won’t always be the case – and it’s one I really enjoyed.

And if someone guesses the book real early – late guessers have as good a chance.

So – here’s today’s clue – it could be from any genre in romance, any book

Clue #1

The heroine is an ex-copy and makes dolls

A Most Intriguing TV Show

I was never a big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I watched a number of episodes of course. I think just about everyone did. But I just never got the appeal of a high school vampire slayer. I guess I'm too old or something. But I was watching TV tonight and ended up a new-to-Canada television show I can really sink my teeth into *groan - bad pun I know but I couldn't resist)

The show in question? Blood Ties

Now I don't think this is new to those south of the border. In a most peculiar way, I think it's been showing on the Life Time channel for a while. But what is odd I find, is the show is filmed in Canada and has a mostly Canadian cast and I think it's only now showing up on Canadian TV.
For all those vampire lovers out there (and again oddly enough I'm not one of them) this is a show about a female detective. She's a former cop who left the force due to diminishing eye sight and started her own PI business. In the premier episode, she meets Henry Fitzroy a very hawt 450 year old vampire who helps her. She also has a thing going with her former partner.

I remember hearing about this show a while ago, but I never saw it advertised here. For those interested, the premier was on tonight and I think it will be again Thursday and again Sunday on CITY TV. I'm not sure when it's final resting night (another groaner) will be, but whenever it is - I'm going to be watching.

The show is based on a series of books written by author Tanya Huff. I've never tried her before but I think I just might now.

And in other television news - I FINALLY got to see one of the Nora Roberts movies. I caught the tail end of Montana Sky last night. I hope I haven't missed the other ones!

'til later

I'm gonna be late for work

yea - you read that right. My turn to work weekends and I should have left already

But

I just had to share something Really Nifty Keen!!

Anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis has seen me recommending Ride The Fire by Pamela Clare. I even have it on the sidebar as one of my all time favourite books.
I was fortunate enough to meet two of my favourite authors in Dalls. And I don't just mean favourite in that I love their books - though I do. Both of them are very special not just as authors but as people too. I not only met Bonnie Vanak and Pamela Clare, but we had a chance to just sit and shoot the breeze. They are both envious that I'm going to see Loreena McKennit in person (heh heh)
Anyway - through a series of events you can read on Ames blog, Pamela sent a copy of the Last of the Mohicans to Amy (read about it here)
I spent most of last night off the computer. I read and actually did housework. So when I woke up and powered up the computer this morning, I happened to come across a post at Pamela's blog with a shout out to Ames and me. Keeewwwwwlllllll! She also included quite a nice excerpt from Ride the Fire. It's been a few months now since the last time I read it but I feel a reread coming on.

Now I really have to dash. I'm already late and I have to stop at the drive through coffee shop too before work. But I was just so excited when I saw this!!!

'til later

What were they thinking????

I happened to be on E Harlequin today (orderingafewbooksbecauseyougetonefreeonFridays) when I happened across this horror.
There are others, many, many others who can do cover snark so much better than I, but I thought I just have to give this a shot.

Can you think of a better way to sell a romance book that this? Everything just screams passion doesn't it? Two weird babies who look like their older cousin got funky with the blush while they were sleeping, put down for a nap in their clothes - that's gotta be comfortable. And the title just screams BUY ME!
Stork Alert???? I mean Stork Alert???? Good grief. I didn't even think the stork story was used anymore. Must have been some innocent virgin type who's great grandmammy told her where babies really come from.




And speaking of really bad covers with really bad titles - I've accepted that the Harlequin Presents line has ridiculous titles and that for some reason I can't fathom, has a LOT of readers, but I used to read the Harlequin Desire line on occasion. I haven't for a while - haven't even really looked at them since they went to a much smaller word count. But when did they become a carbon copy of the HP line
Six Month Mistress
Scorned by the Boss
The Tycoon's Blackmailed Mistress
Seduced by Wealthy Playboy

Good grief these are horrid!!! And the cover models are all sleazy, slimy looking dudes -not even attractive. And if someone ever tried to tip my chin the way the guy in the first one is doing, first I throw my drink in his face, then step on his toes - hard, then lift my knee and put it someplace that would really hurt!













It's not like I'm opposed to Harlequin (IjustboughtsomebookseventhoughIdon'tneedthem) I like their historical line a lot and I buy a lot of HQN books. And although I haven't read many, their Nocturne line looks intriguing. But I think I'll stay far, far away from the Desire line!

'til later

Odds & Ends

I don't have a whole lot to write about, but there are a couple of things.
I think I may have found a fellow romance lover at work. We've been talking about books a few times and I kept promising I would bring in a few. She is a HUGE fan of Diana Gabaldon so I brought her in Paullina Simons The Bronze Horseman to read since they are both epic type books. To counter balance the emotional draining that reading The Bronze Horseman can cause, I also brought in One for the Money to introduce her the wacky world of Stephanie Plum. And I also brought her High Noon since she is also a huge Nora Roberts fan.

Speaking of Diana Gabaldon, I was in the mall near me the other day and noticed that she was going to be doing a book signing in September in the Coles. I must say I was rather astonished that such a big name author was coming to such a little book store. Now Chapters I could almost see - except I was surprised that she even coming to the city, but the store in the mall is quite small and not that great a romance section anymore. Anyway - I think we might be checking her out together although my fellow bookie has already met her - lucky gal - and then I invited her back to see the 'library'.

And speaking of Stephanie Plum, I just finished reading Twelve Sharp. I borrowed it from Lisa. I'm not going to do a regular type review because let's face it - you've read one Stephanie book, you get the picture. But I'm going to say a bit about it.
I know some readers - probably a lot of readers - are getting tired of this series; that there is no character growth in Stephanie and that the Ranger/Joe triangle has gone on long enough. I can see their point - I really can.
But when I pick up a Stephanie Plum novel, the only thing I really want from it is laughs. And this one gave me enough to make me happy. This was a read at work book so it took longer than usual to finish it. I'd go outside and read it on breaks and at lunch. Often other people would come up and sit down to talk and I almost resentfully put the book down to chat I was enjoying it so much. At other times people would sit at another table so I didn't feel rude reading it. I did feel odd though at the strange noises that would be coming out of me as I was reading about the musical number that Lula and Sally put on with the red died feathers flying. Or when they decided that Grandma Mazur should be in the group.
This one wasn't as funny as some of her other books, but it made me laugh and smile and that's what I like about these ones.

Grade: 4 out of 5

And lastly - if you haven't heard about it from Sybil or Wendy, there's a new blog in town. Petticoats & Pistols is a blog with a number of excellent writers - and it's all about the Western. Now not one to spread rumors or anything, but tomorrow Lorraine Heath is blogging there - and I quote:

It’s been so wonderfully exciting to see the lovely reception that our new site has received. As word has spread, I’ve seen speculation regarding the reason that I’ve teamed up with this group of wonderful ladies. Get the scoop tomorrow when it’s my turn to blog.

Dare we hope??????

'til later

Recent Reads

Dangerous Lover by Lisa Marie Rice

Why this one: I read the Midnight series and liked them so I was willing to splurge for this one

Steam Level: This will burn your lips, your throat, and your tongue; just about everything if you’re not very careful

Amazon Blurb: "I don’t want to be alone tonight."
Caroline Lake can hardly believe she would ever say these words to someone she'd never met before. When a tall, dark stranger arrives wanting to rent a room in her beautiful empty shell of a mansion, she hesitates. Though she is in dire financial straits, the man looks dangerous—dangerously sexy. She's overwhelmed by the desire he sparks in her—hotter than anything she's ever felt before, making her ache to experience his sensuous touch. But who is this armed and mysterious man with danger following in his wake? He's not who she thinks he is . . .

Jack Prescott has wanted Caroline forever. He has spent the past twelve years dreaming of her, desiring her, while fighting in some of the worst hellholes on earth. Now he's back, with twenty million dollars in blood diamonds and a relentless enemy stalking him. But this time Jack's determined that nothing will stop him from finally making Caroline his.

My thoughts: I am so glad I’ve found this author. She has a way of writing very vulnerable yet very alpha heroes. Her heroines tend to be a bit on the weak side, but as long as I don’t read a steady dose of that type, it doesn’t bother me when the heroines aren’t all that kick ass and a bit on the shy, quiet type. This is exactly the case in this book.

I loved Jack right from the beginning. There is a prologue where he is a young homeless guy and Caroline was his light in the darkness. He carried that torch for her for 12 years until finally he was in the position to see what had happened to her in the intervening years. He was very alpha but at the same time he came across as appealingly naïve when it came to the heroine even though he spent years in the military. I wouldn’t call him needy, but he does need the heroine. This made for a very appealing hero!

And I quite liked Caroline too. To say she was down on her luck is an understatement! She’s had everything go wrong in her life and if Ms Rice wasn’t such a good writer, it might have been a bit too much. But while skirting the edge, the writer doesn’t go over.

I only have a few quibbles that keep this from being a 5 out of 5. The ending is a bit abrupt. I would have liked to have seen a summing up conversation between Jack and Caroline. There was a lot revealed at the end of the book and just one more conversation would have satisfied me.

There was also a wee bit of time spent on the villain. I loved the scenes between Jack and Caroline and as it was, when it switched to the bad guy, I wanted to go back to them and just skimmed the villain.

As I said, I’m just delighted to have found this author. I have some of her backlist, but I want ALL her books. Now!

Grade: 4.5 out of 5

High Noon by Nora Roberts

Why this one: I don’t read her trilogies anymore but I’m still as mad for the JD Robb books as ever and I still enjoy her single titles. When I found this one at half price – it was a done deal

Steam Level: Certainly more than tepid but not quite as hot as some of her books

Amazon blurb: At the start of this scintillating slice of romantic suspense from prolific bestseller Roberts (Sweet Revenge), Lt. Phoebe MacNamara, the chief hostage negotiator for the Savannah, Ga., PD, meets Duncan Swift, a sports bar owner, as they both try to prevent a suicidal bartender Duncan fired from jumping off a roof on St. Patrick's Day. In the aftermath, a romance develops between Phoebe and Duncan, though in typical Roberts style the enigmatic Phoebe's devotion to career and family, who include a young daughter and an agoraphobic mother, creates tension in their relationship. After Phoebe survives a vicious attack within her own precinct house by an unknown assailant, it becomes clear that someone is intent on harming Phoebe and those close to her.

My thoughts: Not to gush or anything, but I am in awe of how she comes up with book after book after book and they are always so good.
First off – even though they are both lieutenants, Phoebe is nothing like Eve Dallas of the In Death books. Phoebe is a much gentler person than Eve – so no comparisons to be made.
But Phoebe was an equally compelling heroine. Ms. Roberts has a way with a heroine that’s for sure.
Duncan was a little more of a beta type than many of her heroes. I like her alpha heroes and I like her beta heroes. Duncan was just kind of there for Phoebe whenever she needed him. He didn’t push his way into her life. I liked that.
Also the secondary cast of characters were also as vividly drawn as the hero and heroine. Although this one didn’t speak to me quite the same way it did to Rosie, nevertheless, it was another top notch book by a Very Talented Author.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5


OH! And as promised - I wasn't sure I should put these up or not but then it occurred to me that both boys (and I do feel odd calling them that) have My Space and Face Book sites that they plaster with Very Weird pictures of themselves, so why not?
It seems the two of them got together and had professional pictures done for me. Now I didn't have recent pictures of them. The last ones I had were when they were in high school. And the last time I tried to have pictures taken of them was when they were very small - like about 6 and 8. They were both MONSTERS and the photographer couldn't get any picture of them at all they were crying and screaming and not smiling. I never tried again after that episode. They still don't like posing for pictures but they did it for their mama.
So here I am - a proud mama bear showing off her cubs.
Brent - the one in white, is the oldest and just turned 29 and Ryan, the one in black will be turning 27 at the beginning of September.
Aren't they just so handsome?
These are just the proofs. The real pictures won't be ready for a couple of weeks yet.























'til later


ETA

Here are three more that I picked too. They aren't as clear but I like them too.

Better day - sort of

I'm doing better today. It's early yet though *g*. I want to 'show' what my sons got me but the sort of part is I have to work today. Yes, I know it's a Sunday and not my scheduled to work Sunday, but the one who is scheduled to work is on vacation so coworker Alison, the one who got me flowers, worked yesterday and I'm doing duty today and it will take longer than I have this morning to upload what I sort of got from the 'boys'.
Mysterious aren't I?
But I'll be back later once I get home and be a very boastful proud mama. So I really mean

'til later

It's my birthday today. I don't say this for birthday wishes but more to say it's another tough day, one of those hurdles to get through.
I had coffee with a friend this morning and the boys and Lisa and I are going out for dinner - and I picked an expensive one - they have Most Excellent prime rib, my favourite meal being the carnivore I am. So the day won't be completely sad, but still there is the most important person missing. When I drove to Starbucks where we were meeting for coffee, I drove past the ball diamond I drive by every day and it was full of kids playing ball and I couldn't help but think it wasn't fair that Ron wasn't here coaching.
My birthday often fell in the midst of playoffs and many a year we had to go out for dinner on a different night because there was a game he was coaching but I never minded. And I always told him he was lucky to have me for a wife because it wasn't every woman that didn't mind playing second fiddle to a ball game on her birthday. I was never sure if he saw that or not *g*.

The department I work in surprised me yesterday though. They had found out it was my birthday and had a cake for me. I was touched quite a bit by that. And one of the other women I work with bought me flowers too.

So there are still good things happening. It's hard though, not to have Ron here too.

The brain isn't completely back yet

And I'm still not in the mood to do reviews. So instead I'll just boast about my recent book purchases that arrived in the mail today.


Dangerous Lover by Lisa Marie Rice

I bought this one because I loved the Midnight series and the storyline of this one sounded very intriguing. And since I bought it online, the savings were much better than in the store.









Rachel Gibson - Tangled Up in You

When Rachel Gibson is good - she is very, very good. I've heard that this is one of her better ones lately and since I haven't not purchased one of her books hoping for the very, very good ones, I had to keep the record going









Bewitching the Highlander

I purchased this one because Jane recommended it. I've never tried Lois Greiman before so I was anxious to giver her a try. I lurve finding new to me authors and there are other books by her in the store.










In Her Bed by Deborah MacGillvary

I needed just a little bit more to qualify for free shipping so this one fit the bill. Good price and interesting cover. I have another one of hers but haven't read it yet.










Reason to Believe by Maureen McKade

I love a good western! I read the first book in the series and adored it. So there was no question I would be getting this one. And Sybil just happens to be having an author day with Maureen McKade so it arrived very timely!









Now I just have to not tell sister Lisa about my newest purchases. She just doesn't get this NEED to be constantly getting new books. She thinks I'm off my rocker and already have way too many books. I shall have to tell her to think of it as a postcard or stamp collection or something. Except that the bonus is some books have some really great stuff on the inside. Thank goodness there are others who are just like me!

And in other book news I have a bit of a back and forth going on in my head. I'm reading a book now that is so far out of my comfort zone. My sisters call me the prude of the family but it really isn't true. I'm more along the lines of naive, not prudish.
But this book - woah mama, is it explicit!!. It's making me blush - and I'm all alone in the house!
That's not the dilemma though. The trouble is I just don't find the writing that good. The heroine just isn't that consistent and I find her annoying. The hero(s) (yep - it's a menage book) aren't bad, but the heroine is the written equivalent of nails on a chalkboard.
So - do I keep reading it - knowing I'm just reading it for titillation? Not that there's anything wrong with a good titill - goodness knows I'm not opposed to that. But it's the writing.
So what do you do when you're just not enjoying an erotic romance? Do you keep reading it anyways for the thrill or do you give up and move on? I have to decide soon because this one is borrowed and I need to return it.

'til later

Recent Reads - Not

Well - I meant to get back yesterday but I was overtaken by a wild urge to clean and I've learned through the years not to ignore those urges because I very seldom have them. So I had to go with the flow. Then I got caught up watching a CSI: Crime Scene Investigation marathon and well - before you know it, I'd wasted most of the night.

So today was going to be my Recent Read post. But then I wasn't in the mood and once again I got caught up in the television. *sigh* Tonight it was America's Got Talent.

And I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes I'll pick up a book to read and get to a certain part, put the book down and it just seems to disappear on me. I've had that happen so often - very annoying. I'd been reading The Stranger by Elizabeth Lane and was part-way through when once more I lost it. One of my many book piles fell over this morning and low and behold - there it was. So now that AGT is over, I think I'll just read for a while.

Recent Reads coming up tomorrow

'til later

Starting to get back to the old me

I'm starting to feel better now and getting past the bad stage and coming out on the other side. It's a holiday here so I'll probably post again today - once I do that nasty housework I haven't been doing.
In the meantime, it was my turn to post at Access Reader but I wasn't up to it so the lovely JMC switched turns with me. She is up this week at Reader's Gab.

And thank you so much to each and everyone for the messages left and the thoughtful emails. It helped more than you can imagine reading through them and seeing what a wonderful group of people I've come to know.

'til later