So!

What does one do when one has had a rough week? If one is a out of control romance reader, and I know many who visit here are - just like me - then one goes to a book store and buys.... books.

I kind of broke my own rule by buying more than I've read - but - hey - we are also great at justifying. So I now have a few more books in the TBR pile than I planned. They include:


Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney
It's been quite some time since I've read one of her books and I figure I'm due to read another one. She's written some wicked good books in her time.










Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee

This one wasn't even on my radar but it got quite a good review at AAR so I thought I'd give it a try.









The Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins

Much to my surprise since they are first person, I've really enjoyed some of her books. There was one I thought dreadful, Fools Rush In, but other than that one, I loved the other books that I read by this author








Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis

I wasn't that enamoured by the last book in this series, Double Play. In fact I haven't finished it yet. But Slow Heat is getting some good buzz so I thought I would give it a try as for the most part, I love Sports Romance.








The Golden Season by Connie Brockway

I've loved many a Connie Brockway book too and while I still haven't read her previous one yet, So Enchanting, I had to get this one anyway.

It's all that Cindy's fault

Yep - Cindy just had to go and mention that Chapters had all books on for 20% off this weekend. I wasn't even dressed yet when I read that - but didn't take me long to get dressed. And I just have to live less than 3 minutes away from Chapters!

So this self-proclaimed book addict is now the proud owner of yet more books.

First off - Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson. Now I don't like all her books - but the ones I do like, I really like. I'm hoping that's the case with this one










Next we have Moonstruck by Susan Grant. I own all her books so far and while I'm a little bit behind on her last two - I have to keep the streak going - don't I?











Then we have The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn. I know, I know I said I would never buy another book with the word Duke in the title. But I used to love Julia Quinn and now that she is finished the way-to-long Bridgerton series, I wanted to try her again and this one is getting good reviews








And next, Dark and Dangerous by Jeanne Adams, because I like trying new authors and the price was right, I picked this one up











And then Dark Obsession by Allison Chase made it's way into my hands mostly because of the same reasons as above and it sounds like a Gothic and it's been a while since I've read one of them.










I had to get The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter since I bought the first one in the new series,











Again the price was too hard to resist so I picked up Lord Scandal by Kalen Hughes. And someone somewhere read it and blogged about it.











I got The Healer by Sharon Sala because I've really enjoyed her books in the past. And she did refuse to wear the horse/unicorn costume. One has to admire her for that.










Now what I didn't mention earlier was that yesterday I bought one book. So I have to include it since it's still the weekend.
An Impetuous Abduction by Patricia Rowell is now in The Pile.









Now what makes this whole thing really insane and clearly I can't even find the justification for today's madness except I'm a total addict is I got some books from Katie this past week, including:


Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake

Night Keepers by Jessica Andersen

So - there you have it. A glimpse into the week of a book addict~

**********ETA**********

I did not notice this when I bought the books - 20% off was all I heard, but when I was just cataloging them just now I noticed something I hadn't seen before.

REJOICE FELLOW CANADIANS!!!!!!! REJOICE!!!!!!!!!

PRICES ARE COMING DOWN.

So - what does one do when they have trouble deciding which book to read?

If they are a bookaholic like me, they might make the problem a whole lot more difficult by going on a book buying binge.
Yes the beginning of each new month can be an expensive time of the month. It certainly was for me this month. I didn't plan on doing this - it just seemed to happen. As if figuring out what book I felt like reading wasn't bad enough, I had to make it even more difficult! Below is the example of my insanity

Bewitched by Sandra Schwab.
I met her - what a nice person!



Dark Needs at Night's Edge
The insanity continues with this author. I have all her books, but I've only read one so far.

Dark Seduction by Kathleen Korbel
I've read a couple of books by her and really like them

Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart
This one was a given though I've still yet to finish Ice Storm

Nameless by Debra Webb
I read good things about this one at AAR. Interestingly enough I found it in the Suspense section

Last Wolf Standing by Ryannon Byrd
This one was a spec buy. And I like werewolves

Scions Insurrection by Patrice Michelle
I saw a review on this one and decided to give it a try - I think - I can't remember really why I got this one.



Solar Heat by Susan Kearney
I read one of hers I really liked and I tried reading another one and it was a DNF. The one I enjoyed was a SciFi Romance...and every author needs another chance.

Take Me If You Can by Karen Kendall
I've read a book or two by her before and quite enjoyed them. And I love RS these days.



Taken By The Viking by Michelle Styles
See - I said dumb titles wouldn't keep me from reading books I really want to. I may not like 'em - but I'll read 'em. And there just isn't enough Viking books.

Isn't she done yet????? you are all thinking. Nope - I tell you insanity rules!

Taming the Texan by Charlene Sands
Let's hear it for the Western!


Maverick Wild by Stacey Kayne
You know - I have this funny feeling I already have this one. Oops

The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
Her Author Talk videos with Jill Monroe are priceless. And I loved Savor Me S.L.O.O.O.W.L.Y.



Traceless by Debra Webb
When I picked up Nameless, I saw this one beside it picked it up to read the storyline. Town bad boy jailed for crime he didn't commit. Was there any question this one wouldn't go in the pile???








And be sure to come back later. Katie and I have something up our collective sleeves!!

~~~~~ETA~~~~~

Aaaccckkk!!!
I forgot one!! See - I have PILES of books all around the room and I'm cleaning/catalogueing and this one came to light.

Demon Night by Meljean Brook
I got this one 'cause - well - it's Meljean!!

The year in reading

Everyone else is doing there 2007 reading roundup so I thought I’d add mine to the bunch. While my reading of books was down this year – I blame it on blogging *g*, my buying of books this year, my buying of books was up. Somehow we are going to have to reverse that trend – either buy less books (probably not) or read more (that’s what I’m aiming for)
First of all the statistics. I’m not much of a statistical kind of person so these are just bare bones.
Books published in 2007 that I bought – 185
Books published before 2007 that I bought – I have no way to track this
Books published in 2007 that I read – 41
Books read in previous years that I read – 28
Books that were DNF’s -3
Books that were rereads – 9 (hmm – considering my library that number should be up)

Now for the more interesting facts –

My ratings!

5 out of 5 books
Ward, J.R. - Lover Eternal
McKade, Maureen - Reason To Live
Robb, JD - Innocent in Death
Stillings, Marianne - Arousing Suspicions
McCall, Mary Reed - The Templar's Seduction
Goodman, Jo - If His Kiss Is Wicked
Hoyt, Elizabeth - The Serpent Prince

4.5 out of 5 books
St. John, Cheryl - The Doctor's Wife
Thompson, Ronda - The Untamed One
Groe, Diana - Erinsong
Crusie, Jennifer - Anyone But You
Thompson, Ronda - Isn't It Romantic?
Sinclair, Linnea - Games Of Command
Hoyt, Elizabeth - The Leopard Prince
Sinclair, Linnea - Gabriel's Ghost
Cullars, Sharon - The Object Of Love
Shalvis, Jill - Shadow Hawk
St. John, Cheryl - The Preachers Daughter
Rice, Lisa Marie - Midnight Run
Graves, Jane - Hot Wheels And High Heels
Roberts, Nora -High Noon
Rice, Lisa Marie - Dangerous Lover
Gibson, Rachel - Tangled Up In You
McKade, Maureen - A Reason To Believe
Stillings, Marianne - Satisfaction

4 out of 5 books
Gerard, Cindy - Under The Wire
Mallery, Susan - Sizzling
St. John, Cheryl - The Lawman's Bride
Joyce, Lydia - Voices Of The Night
McCray, Cheyenne - Chosen Prey
Leone, Laura - Guilty Secrets
Rice, Lisa Marie - Midnight Man
Morgan, Alexis - In Darkness Reborn
Carr, Robyn - Virgin River
Kleypas, Lisa - Mine Till Midnight
Melton, Marliss - Forget Me Not
Graves, Samantha - Sight Unseen
Evanovitch, Janet - Twelve Sharp
Singh, Nalini - Caressed By Ice
Melton, Marliss - Into The Dark
Brown, Laurie - Hundreds of Years To Reform a Rake
Robb, JD - Creation In Death
Campbell, Anna - Untouched

3.5 out of 5 books
Tarr, Hope - Vanquished
Singh, Nalini - Visions Of Heat
Leone, Laura - One Sultry Summer
Carr, Robyn - Shelter Mountain
Holby, Cindy - Rising Wind
Broday, Linda - Knight On The Texas Plain
Sinclair, Linnea - The Down Home Zombie Blues
Vanak, Bonnie - The Empath
Morgan, Alexis - Redeemed In Darkness

3 out of 5 books
Leigh, Lora - Megan's Mark
Kenny, Janette - One Real Cowboy
Howard, Linda - Cover Of Night

2 out of 5 books
Carr, Robyn - Whispering Rock
Leigh, Lora - Forbidden Pleasure

DNF’s
Palmer, Pamela - The Dark Gate
Dimon, Helenkay - Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy
Denison, Janelle - Born To Be Wilde

New or new to me authors to watch from 2007
Nalini Singh
Linnea Sinclair
Lisa Marie Rice
Laurie Brown
Diana Groe
Anna Campbell
Marlis Melton
Cheyenne McCray


***NOTE***

I seem to have 'broken' something on the right side in my zeal to add stuff. Any help in trying to fix it would be appreciated ever so much. Neither Katie or I have a clue what to do - being HMTL rookies.
'til later

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

Recent Read and other stuff

To the Brink by Cindy Gerard

I’ve enjoyed all the other books in this series to varying degrees so I was quite happy to get this one in the series. It sat along with I don’t know how many others in the TBR pile for a while before it was this books turn. I started it but couldn’t seem to get into it so rather than waste time, I put it aside and moved on to another. A recent review of this one at AAR prompted me to give it another try since the reviewer seemed to the same issues at the beginning as I did, but once she got past a certain stage, she really started to enjoy it.
Fortunately I found the same thing. Once I got further into the book I really started to enjoy it.
It starts out 17 years in the past. Manny Ortega is a young Nicaraguan rebel soldier who has infiltrated the ruling Sandinista government. At the start of the book he is found out and taken prisoner. He believes that he was betrayed by Lily Campora, a nurse who was there helping with Doctors without Borders, with whom he was having a passionate affair.
Then the book takes up 16 years later when Lily comes to Manny in need of his help. At first he is very angry with her, still having believed all these years that she was responsible for his capture. But as they work together, along with other member of the EDEN investigating company, he slowly comes to see he very possibly could have been wrong.
I can’t put my finger exactly on why I didn’t like the first part of the book. I don’t know if it was because he didn’t come across as a person with much depth, he was quite young, or whether it was his overwhelming anger or what exactly, but after I picked the book up again, I still skimmed real fast through the first part. But once it got to the present day, it took a real turn for the better. I liked the older more mature Manny. And I really liked Lily. She was older than him by about 10 years, but neither one of them made a big issue of the age difference. I liked that she didn’t agonize over it. I’ve read other books where it seems to be a big deal to the older woman and I loose sympathy with them when they carry it on too far. She was a strong capable heroine and a very enjoyable character.
This book gets odd marks, a 2 ½ for the first few chapters and a 4 for the rest. I think overall I’d give it a 3 ½ but since the good part was later in the book, it’s a good 3 ½.

And in other news, after finding out that you can order books early at E Harlequin, I ordered some there. I really like this ordering books on-line deal. Its fun coming home to packages. I ordered:

Warrior or Wife by Lyn Randal because this one is about a female gladiator. Kewl!

The Unknown Wife by Mary Brendan – not sure why. I think because I need a certain amount in order to get free shipping and this one was it.

The Lawmans Bride by Cheryl St. John. I love her books and Wendy gave it a good review.

Dangerous Temptation by Kathleen Korbel. This is a Nocturne but not a vampire, a line I haven’t tried yet and I’ve read a few other books by her and enjoyed them.

Beyond Breathless by Kathleen O’Reily (recommended by Dear Author).

Hitting the Mark by Jill Monroe because she commented on my blog once *g* and I haven't tried a Blaze for a while.

What I liked about ordering books from E Harlequin - besides the nice discount, is that they convert what it costs into Canadian $'s. They don't do that at Amazon and then you are hit with the added price in exchange rates that you don't already know what that amount will be. But when I ordered these I knew right away what the difference was.

Anyway that's the recent happenings in my neck of the woods.

'til later