Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
Why I read this: It's Sookie, baby!

Except for Sookie Stackhouse, folks in Bon Temps, Louisiana, know little about vamps -- and nothing about weres.
Until now. The weres and shifters have finally decided to reveal their existence to the ordinary world. At first all goes well. Then the mutilated body of a were-panther is found near the bar where Sookie works -- and she feels compelled to discover who, human or otherwise, did it.
But there's a far greater danger threatening Bon Temps. A race of unhuman beings -- older, more powerful, and more secretive than vampires or werewolves -- is preparing for war. And Sookie finds herself an all-too human pawn in their battle.

I'll start by linking you to the review of the last Sookie Book I wrote. Just like it was for me then, it will be hard for me now to write a review without giving away spoilers. I'll black any out so that it isn't ruined for those who want to find out key things on their own.

Just like other Sookie fans, I started to watch True Blood last year. I liked the first few episodes, but it soon got on my nerves. Tara and Sookie were both so wrong that I couldn't get past it. The plot changes were so off course that I didn't even feel like I was watching something that was created in the authors mind. The only reason I continues on with the series is because my friend's husband had a recurring role on True Blood, and I always like to watch any show that he is on.

A big fear I had was that the True Blood would ruin the books for me. I was convinced that I would be picturing Anna Paquin (ugh!) while I was reading. That would have been bad. No way would I have been able to read even one page.

Ah, but Charlaine Harris is a fantastical author who truly knows her stuff. The sheer wrongness of True Blood wasn't a blimp on my radar screen while reading the book. Yay!

As always, Sookie was a strong heroine who didn't allow herself to be pushed around, but at the same time knew when to back down from any type of situation where she could get herself hurt.

The dynamics between Eric and Sookie are sheer fireworks. I enjoy Eric and I am pleased with any scene that he is a part of. My only complaint is that Sookie's relationship with Eric is starting to feel too much like the one between Anita Blake and Jean-Claude. (Laurel K Hamilton) Sookie isn't sure if what she feels is real or if it has to do with the blood exchanges, so she is reserved with her feelings for him. That is near to how things were with Anita and Jean-Claude, except Anita didn't know if it was real or because she was his servant.
It's subtle, but still made me aware enough to think of the other series (which I stopped reading, by the way)

All the usual characters play a role in one form or another, and poor Sookie is betrayed by someone she has known for a very long time. Readers wont be as surprised as Sookie was, though.

Dead and Gone was awesome. It was perfect except for the LKH reminder. For that, I'm going with an A- rather than the A+ I wanted to give it. Still pretty damn good, though, if you ask me :)

And because I have to tell someone, I'm going to post some major spoilers that I can't wait to start chatting about. *Highlight with your mouse to read spoilers)


Eric and Sookie are MARRIED!! Okay, not married the way you or I are married, but in Vampire society she is married to Eric and belongs to him and only him. Oh yeah!

Bill express his love for Sookie and nearly dies trying to protect her. There were a few pages where I thought he really had died. That was sad for me because I had started to forgive him for the shitty thing he did to Sookie. I'm relived he is not dead. Well, not dead dead. LOL.

Two deaths. One was Crystal. Meh. I hated her anyway. The other... Claudine! And she was pregnant. I was not expecting that at all.

One last thing is that I think we have seen the last of Sookie's great grandfather. Pity. I liked him. He didn't leave without telling her that he (he, as in Bill or Eric) really does love her. She didn't know which man Niall was talking about. I hope Sookie figures it out in the next book. I hope it's Eric.

That's it. That's all I wanted to spill.

For Nath's re-read challenge this month I decided to re read two of my favourite BDSM books.
Secret Submission and its sequel Submission Revealed by Diana Hunter.

The reason I decided on these two was because there are many books of this genre, but very few of them delve into the real emotions and physical happening of this topic. Anytime I read a Diana Hunter book I always feel like I am reading the real thing. It doesn't matter to me whether or not an author has personal experiences with it, but when I read these types of books, I expect it to sound valid and real. With this author it does. Every time.

When Phillip asks Sarah if she is a compliant sort of woman who will do anything he asks of her, she plays along, wanting a bedroom romp that will quiet the urges within her.

But Phillip has much more than a "bedroom romp" in mind. As he introduces Sarah to the world of bondage and submission, she discovers a need to be dominated. Phillip invites her to explore her sexuality each weekend at his cottage - as his slave.

The question is: how willing is she to give up her hard-earned independence? Even to a man so meltingly handsome as Phillip Townsend...

Secret Submission brings us through the courtship of Phillip and Sarah. Phillip is a Dom who has been searching for the perfect woman who will be his submissive partner both in and out of the bedroom. As it states in the blurb, Sarah first thinks that Phillip is only interested in playing the Dom/sub games and goes along with it for fun.

Phillips made mistakes in the past with women, so he made sure that Sarah knew what he was looking for. It's a bit of a shocking and arousing wake up call when she finds out that he wants the games to go beyond the bedroom. With his help she is eager to learn more about herself and her sexuality.

This is a good book for anyone who isn't too sure about the genre or lifestyle and want to learn about it. It's more than an erotica book with good sex. It's an accurate portrayal of how many true life BDSM relationships start and evolve.

Sarah and Phillip are planning their marriage and exploring the boundaries of an extreme Dominant-slave relationship. As Phillip opens the doors to Sarah's submission, she discovers places she had buried deep within herself. Under his guidance, she will become the woman she has always yearned to be.

But chaos ensues when Sarah's secret submissiveness is revealed to the world, and Phillip's dominance is considered abuse when the law gets involved with their sex lives. Their happiness is threatened, their lives put on hold as they are forced to defend their most private actions and the sex games they play.

Secret Revealed should be an award winning book, IMO. It's a continuation from Secret Submission, and the blurb is correct. Phillip and Sarah are planning their wedding. Sarah has some questions and concerns about their roles as Dom/sub, which are questions that anyone would have for any real life 24/7 Dom/sub couple that they know.

Sarah ends up getting into a car accident and gets pretty banged up. On her body, her buttocks and breasts to be exact, the doctors notice some marks that could not have occurred in the accident. It's soon revealed that Phillip caused the marks, and he is arrested for domestic abuse. The couple is first forced apart by the law, and then they have to defend their actions against friends and society.

I had picked Submission Revealed as one of my best books of the year when I first read it, plus I previously reviewed it on my blog here.
I'm going to copy/past a little bit of what I said in my original review, because I still feel the same way, it sums up my feelings perfectly...

Submission Revealed is an emotional read and had me getting angry, not at the book, but at how the couple was treated, because authorities refused to believe/accept that what was going on in their bedroom was consensual.

They couldn't understand how a woman would not only ask to be spanked with a cane, but also crave it and orgasm from it. Sarah got up on a witness stand and told this to a judge and jury. I can't imagine having to do that.

Just because you do not understand something, it does not mean that it's wrong. Sure, the majority of the world is into monogamous, vanilla, straight sex, so I understand the hesitation when it come to a couple who call each other Master and slave. Still, though, a lot more acceptance would do a world of good.

This was a really enjoyable read. I didn't want to put it down. Even if there are no more books based solely on them, I hope to get a glimpse of Phillip and Sarah in future books.

So those are my re-read books for the month of April. Both get an A. I'm positive that I will read them again and again.

Dream a Little Dream and Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Why I read these: Dream a little Dream because I liked the blurb. Kiss an Angel because I liked Dream a Little Dream so much.

SEP is a new to me author. Having only read three of her novels I feel like I have been missing on on something really big and great.

Dream a Little Dream was about a widow and her young son coming back to a town that once loved, but now hated her. Her husband was a Televangelist preacher who scammed people out of their money. He confessed his sins on live TV, putting all the blame on her.
When she returns, she begs for a job from Gabe, a man who is the towns most loved son. Gabe is also a widow. He lost his wife and son is a car accident and as much as he falls for (name) he can't bring himself to like her son.
Rachel will do anything and everything for the welfare of her child, even if it means giving up on the man she loves so much.

My feelings are summed up in this series of emails with Holly.

Re: Dream a Little Dream
Holly: I just saw on your sidebar that you read this book. What did you think? It's one of my favorites by her, but it's not for everyone.

Me: Oh, I loved it! I finished it in less than a day.
It reminded me a little bit of Ain't she Sweet? in the sense that she was coming back to a town that hated her.

Even better than the love story I liked how the relationship with her son and Gabe evolved. Some of those parts, as a mother, were hard to read, but I liked how it ended.

Holly: I completely agree about Gabe and her son (remind me what his name is...I'm drawing a blank). That was painful to read at times, but completely understandable from Gabe's perspective. I wanted to be angry with him or hate him for the way he acted, but I couldn't because my heart was breaking for him.

It really grabs you right from the beginning, doesn't it? I loved that Rachel was willing to do whatever it took to support her son, though. Even if it meant being humiliated. I need to re-read. lol

Me: Edward is his name (or Chip, lol)

Have you read Cal and Janet's story? I wonder if it's any good.

There were many emotional parts to DALD. After that teen stole the car with the kids in it, and then got into the accident. eek. Poor Gabe. I mean, poor Rachel for having to go through that fear, but more so for Gabe who had already gone through it once before :(

Holly: That's right! Duh. lol

Yes, I've read all of SEP's books. I didn't care for Cal's story (Nobody's Baby But Mine). I think it's mostly because the storyline isn't one that works for me. That one and Heaven, Texas are my least favorite by her.

There were a lot of emotional parts. The whole book is just an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. My heart broke for Rachel when she'd go hungry so Chip could eat. :(

Holly is exactly right. Dream a Little Dream was indeed an emotional roller coaster. I can see myself picking it up for re-reads many times in the future.

After reading Dream a Little Dream I wanted to dive right in to another SEP book, and Kiss an Angel was recommended by both Ames and Holly.
Gosh, I don't know which book I liked better. Both touched me in different ways, they were so good.

In Kiss an Angel, Daisy is forced to go to jail or marry Alex, a man who runs a Circus. She chooses to marry Alex, and they agree that the marriage will last only six months. Alex is a hard hearted man who wont love Daisy, and he refuses to let her believe that they will last longer than the 6 months, no matter how good they are together in bed. Daisy, or Feather head as he calls her, (because of the way her hair is feathered) chips away at the ice covering his heart, and by the end of the book it is he who is begging her for a chance to make things work.
Truly a Happily Ever After.

One of my favourite things about Kiss an Angel is how Daisy grows. She starts off being deathly afraid of animals, but by the end of the book she has a pet tiger and a pet elephant.

I loved both these books. Can't wait to delve into my next SEP!

Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson
Why I read this: Ames read it for the re-read challenge last month, it sounded very good.

Annie Trimble lives in a solitary world that on one enters or understands. As delicate and beautiful as the tender blossoms of the Oregon spring, she is shunned by a town that misinterprets her affliction. But cruelty cannot destroy the love Annie holds in her heart.

Alex Montgomery is horrified to learn his wild younger brother forced himself on a helpless "idiot girl." Tormented by guilt, Alex agrees to marry her and raise the babe she carries as his own. But he never dreams he will grow to cherish his lovely, mute, misjudged Annie—her childlike innocence, her womanly charms and the wondrous way she views her world. And he becomes determined to break through the wall of silence surrounding her—to heal—and to be healed by Annie's sweet song of love.

Annie's Song was a good romance that left a warm, fluffy feeling in my heart. I just love feeling good at the end of a romance and thinking, "That's how all love should be."

Poor Annie didn't have it easy in life. Everyone thought her to be dimwitted, and she was treated as such. Her parents loved her, but didn't show it to her in the right way. They kept her hidden most of the time thinking that it was best for her, but really, it just made things worse.

After Annie is attacked and becomes pregnant, Alex, the attackers brother, steps up and marries Annie.

At first Alex thinks just what everyone else thinks... that Annie is just some dumb girl who doesn't know anything. After getting a wake up call from his housekeeper, he soon finds out that there is nothing mentally wrong with Annie, she simply can't hear.

Together, they find ways to communicate, and as Alex helps Annie, he falls head over heels in love with her.

Reading Annie's Song felt like magic. It was like a different version of an old fashioned Cinderella story.

Great book, great story. A.

Red Ribbons and Blue Balls by Tia Fanning
Why I read this: Between the cover, the summery and the fact that I have read and loved the authors others books, I couldn't not read it.

After Winter's dominant husband, Nicolas, punishes her for being naughty, the-usually-nice-but-now-sexually-frustrated Winter arrives at their secluded mountain cabin bearing gifts-special gifts that will ensure his submission and her revenge.

With only seven days left until Christmas, Nicolas expects to spend the night decorating the house for the approaching holiday, but Winter has other plans.

Christmas might be coming, but if Winter gets her way, Nicolas won't be.

Red Ribbons and Blue Balls is an adorably sexy read. It's a short story about a submissive wife, Winter, who is fed up with the type of punishments her husband inflicts on her. He gets her to the point of teetering on the edge of an orgasmic cliff but denies her the final push. She decides to give her husband a taste of his own medicine, but unfortunately, things don't go as planned.

This is a good book for anyone who likes it hot and to the point. The hero and heroine are already married so you get to skip right to the good stuff.

Even though it's a short story we still get a glimpse into the workings of their relationship outside of the bedroom. Even though Winter is a sub to her Dom husband, she still needs to occasionally rebel and prove to herself that she has some control.

I give Red Ribbons and Blue Balls an A. The light BDSM of this D/s couple is good enough to whet the appetite of someone who loves a good BDSM read (like me). But is still gentle enough for those who are not overly fond of the life style, but still appreciate to read about it every now and then.

Moon Called, Blood Bound and Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Why I read these: Great reviews around blog land.

In Mercedes Thompson's world there are Vampires, Fae, and Were Wolves. Both the Fae and Weres have come out to the public. The Vamps are still secret, and they want to keep it that way.

Mercy is a mechanic who was raised by the Marrok of Were Wolves. Even though she is not a wolf, she can shift into Coyote form anytime the mood strikes. She shares a property line with the Alpha Wolf, Adam. She is also roommates with her former flame, Samuel. Sam is the Marroks son as well as a Dr.

In this trio of books Mercy is both a hero and a victim. She is a strong willed, smart, independent woman. She is not some alpha wannabe who pretends to be the toughest bad ass around. She knows her limits as to what she can and can't do, and even though she is able to accomplish many things on her own, she knows when to ask for help, and she is not too proud to do so.
That is why I love Mercy so much.

Like most series books of this nature, there is a bit of a love triangle happening. It's subtle enough to keep us interested, but not so in the plot that we are angry that she has yet to choose who she wants to be with. By the third book, Iron Kissed, Mercy does have to make a choice, and IMO, she made the right one. Not only because she picked the guy I liked the best, but it was a smart move for her and the people around her.

In the first book, Moon Called, Mercy helps rescue the Alpha's daughter who has been kidnapped.

In the second book, Blood Bound, Mercy helps to find a monster who has been killing humans. She works both with and against the vampires in this one.

In Iron Kissed, the third book, Mercy comes to the aid of Zee, a Fae who is in all three books. He has been accused of murder, but she and everyone around her knows that Zee is innocent.
Iron Kissed was an emotional read. Ames had once mentioned that she cried when she read this one, and I must say that I don't blame her. I was not at all expecting to see the book take a turn as it did. The author took a very important issue and handled it perfectly. She wrote it in a way that was sensitive to readers, without portraying it in a too graphic way. One of the Weres, Ben, who I wasn't too sure of through out this series surprised me. I have a new respect and understanding of him. I hope to see more of him in future books.

The next book, Bone Crossed, is out in Feb! You can read the first chapter on the authors website. I ate it up, because the way Iron Kissed ended was a bit of a cliff hanger. I just HAD to know what happens next.

A+ for Mercedes Thompson!

A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr
Why I read this: Virgin River is one of my favourite books
.

Last Christmas, Marcie Sullivan said a final goodbye to her husband Bobby. This Christmas she's come to Virgin River to find the man who saved his life and gave her three more years to love him.

Fellow marine Ian Buchanan dragged Bobby's shattered body onto a medical transport in Fallujah four years ago then disappeared as soon as their unit arrived Stateside. Since then, Marcie's letters to Ian have gone unanswered.

Marcie tracks Ian to the tiny mountain town of Virgin River and finds a man as wounded emotionally as Bobby was physically. But she is not easily scared off. As Marcie pushes her way into his rugged and reclusive life, she discovers a sweet but damaged soul beneath a rough exterior.

Ian doesn't know what to make of the determined young widow who forces him to look into the painful past and, what's worse, the uncertain future. But it is, after all, a season of miracles and maybe, just maybe, it's time to banish the ghosts and open his heart.

Something I noticed when I turned the last page on this book is that I had a big smile on my face. There are a few words to describe A Virgin River Christmas... pure, refreshing, happy, nice, pleasant.
It was a contemporary that was without suspense, there was no killer, no kidnapper, no too stupid to live heroine who you wanted to see shot in the head or eaten by a bear.

It was simply about a man and a woman who fell in love. A Virgin River Christmas is a true test to the talent that Robyn Carr has. The fact that she can write such an entertaining, moving, romantic love story that is not full of fillers and nonsenses stuff puts me a great mood.

I give a Virgin River Christmas an A+, because there was nothing that made me roll my eyes, scoff at, complain about or say WTF?!

Ian was a great hero. He was tortured soul, but it was just enough that all he needed was a little love from the perfect woman. Marcie was sweet, but smart. she knew what she wanted, and didn't let anyone bully her or get in her way.

Being able to see Jack and Mel from Virgin River was a treat.

Passion by Lisa Valdez
Why I read this: It was in a box of books that I got a yard sale for $2.00. It's been sitting in my TBR pile since the summer, but I hate the cover so thats why it took so long for me to read. When I wasn't sure which book to read next, I told my dog to pick one. I brought her to my TBR shelf, and picked the first one she licked. LOL

A woman called Passion. A man who would make her true to her name.

In her second year of mourning, lovely young widow Passion Elizabeth Dare never dreamed she would be with a man again--and certainly not a complete stranger. But amidst the crowds of London's Crystal Palace, Passion finds herself discreetly, yet insistently, pursued by a sensual gentleman who awakens her long-supressed desires. After a loveless marriage of restrained propriety, Passion abandons herself to true bliss for the first time.

Intoxicated by his encounter with the beautiful stranger, Mark Randolph Hawkmore, Earl of Langley, cannot wait to see her again. As a series of rapturous rendezvous follows, he and his mystery lover find something rare and wonderful blossoming between them. But a blackmail scheme against the Earl threatens to destroy everything. As a scandal brews, each will have to choose between duty and desire...their love for their families--and their love for each other.

Oh, wow. I was not expecting such a sexy read. Truly, I was shocked! What a pleasant surprise :)

I understand why readers are so up in arms about the release of the second book. I'm dying to read it, too. Can Lisa Valdez pull off another Passion? Some say no, and that's why Patience is so far behind in its release. I have no idea what the the truth is behind Patience is, but what I do know is that I enjoyed Passion, a lot.

Our Heroine, Passion, meets the hero, Mark, while she out in public. The attraction is instant, and that very same day they have sex, hidden behind a big Chinese screen, while people mill about.

Passion is a widow, and even though her name is Passion, she lacked that type of intimacy in her marriage. Her husband was more of a wham bam thank you mam, type of guy. In their years of marriage, Passion was never even naked in front of him.

Passion and mark meet daily behind the screen to make love. Mark want to know about her, but Passion would rather they keep their identities secret. She wants to enjoy her time with him, and then go back home.

Mark isn't having any of that, though, he wants more from her. More than just wild sex, he wants her heart.

Things take a turn for the lovebirds when Mark is blackmailed into becoming engaged to Passion's cousin. Passion is heart broken, Mark is angry, and since Passion doesn't want to be Mistress, nor betray her cousin, she breaks things off with Mark.

It is a romance, so the two do end up together, but it takes a time for them to get there. I was in tears reading some the scenes in this book. I wanted them to be together so bad, I didn't want them to have to wait, or sneak around, or have any troubles at all. It's always nice to like both the hero and heroine in a book.

Passion is an A read for sure. I will now sit back and see how patient I can be for Patience to come out.

How to Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins
Why I read this: The back cover blurb looked good.

Shy, quiet Regency miss, Fiona MacLean, must save her brothers from becoming embroiled in a centuries old feud that could mean the death of them all. All she has to do is commit one, teeny, tiny, barely noticeable . . . crime.

Sinfully handsome Black Jack Kincaid has spent his entire life philandering with other men's willing wives, trying to forget beautiful, wilful Fiona MacLean, so he's shocked when he awakens one day and discovers himself married to that very lass! Will he help her save her brothers and end a centuries old family feud? Can he accept being married to the woman who broke his heart so many years ago? And now that he has her, can he afford to let her go?

On the cover of this book is a quote from Victoria Alexander. It says "Fun, sexy, and delightful"
Normally I do not pay attention got cover quotes, especially since I have seen one or two books have quote from Harriette Klausner on them. All informed readers know that she is a joke, so why publisher would put her name on a book is silly at best.

This time, though, this quote is exactly what it says. This book was Fun, it was sexy, and it was delightful.

Fiona knocks out and kidnaps Jack. She tells the priest that she is with child so that he must marry them.
Fiona got it into her head that the only way to stop the fighting and death between their two families is to combine blood... with a child.

At first, Jack resists the marriage. He didn't want o get married, and he wont let the fact that he is now a husband stop him from doing what he used to do. Like going to gaming hells all hours of the night, and drinking.

Fiona, as feisty as she is, decides to play Jack at his own game, so she also goes to gaming hells and drinks, too.

It was fun to watch these two butt head and compete, while at the same time, fall in love.

How to Abduct a Highland Lord was a cute, fun, fresh read. I give it an A.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn
Why I read this: It's Julia Quinn! There is never a reason not to read her books.

Jack Audley has been a highwayman. A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine... until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have...

Let me say it right now I LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved Jack, I loved Grace. I even loved the grumpy Dowager Duchess.

Julia Quinn did a fantastic job of writing characters that were easy to fall in love with. Jack was simply amazing. His sense of humour, his loyalty, everything about him had me wishing that he was mine. Jack is definitely at the top of my list for a favourite hero.

I felt so positive reading this book. It was touching on so many levels. And boy, did it make me giggle time and time again. The dialogue between Jack and Grace, and then Jack and his grandmother is some of the best I have ever read.

She was for sure a miserable old thing, the Dowager, and Jack told her so, right to her face. I loved it.

All through out the book it shows that Jack does not want to be Duke. At first, I didn't understand his reasons, they seemed rather meek to me, then at end, it all came out, and a light bulb went off.
Spoiler...







Jack was afraid that he would ruin the estate becuase of the fact that he cannot read. He was so worried about it, that he tried to deny he was Duke, even after it was proven that he is the rightful heir. That was an emotional scene for. Very well written.

After they are married, Grace tries to help him with his reading but nothing she tried worked. Nowadays, Jack would be diagnoses with dyslexia. Back then, there was no such term, so there was no way for Grace to know the proper way to help him.
End spoiler..







I'm happy I read this. It put a huge smile on my face. I'm eager for the next in the series.

Julia Quinn has put out another A book. The Lost Duke is a page eater for sure :)

Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
Published by Simon & Schuster
Why I read this: I heard it was good.

Jaine Bright and three close friends share dinner one night and during casual conversation, create a list of qualifications for the perfect man--some logical, some hilariously funny, some racy. Within days, their tongue-in-cheek wish list of attributes for Mr. Perfect has been leaked to the press and the resultant publicity is overwhelming. Coworkers, TV crews, and reporters barrage the quartet with comments and criticism.

As if Jaine doesn't have enough to cope with, she has a new neighbor who she suspects is a criminal. She's relieved to learn that her neighbor is really an undercover cop, but she's still wary--because smart, sexy Sam Donovan handles her sharp witticisms with easy humor, and Jaine suspects that he may threaten her heart. What Jaine doesn't know is that she's about to need Sam desperately for something other than romance because her circle of friends is in big trouble. Unfortunately, that list of qualifications for Mr. Perfect has touched off a madman's rage. All of their lives are threatened and some of them are going to die, maybe all of them, if Sam can't stop the unknown killer.

Two words. KEEPER SHELF.

Jaine and her 3 best friends put together a list of what the perfect man to them is. It gets out of control when the list is made public and there is a huge uproar. Like the women in the novel, I can't figure out what the big deal was about the list, but hey, it still made for a great story.

One of the women is killed by someone who has a big problem with the list. I figured out the bad guy very early on, and I felt kinda proud of that, because I usually always have the villian wrong.

Sam, who is a police officer and Jaine's next door neighbour helps to protect Jaine and catch the killer. I absolutleye loved the back and forth banter Jaine and Sam had. They are indeed the perfect match.

Mr. Perfect had me sucked in right from the get go. This novel is romantic suspense, but there is just the right amount of both to even it out. Something that surprised me was how many times I laughed out loud. What a pleasant surpise it was to find so many laughs when I least expected it. Every comical moment fit in perfectly with the story line and each scene. Nothing was forced or out of place.

That brings me to another thing about it. The romance. In true suspsens fashion, the H/H fell in love fast, but the flow of it, while reading, felt natural. The love scenes were not just thown in there at odd moments.

Everything from the story, the H/H, the writing style was great. No doubt in my mind that Mr. Perfect is an A book.

Are all novels by this author so good? If so, I have some major back list buying to get to.

Bet me by Jennifer Crusie
Published by St. Marin's Press
Why I read this: I'm going to blame Holly. She is the cause of many of my reads, and I don't think she even realizes it. She and Wena reviewed it here.

Min Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man like Cal Morrisey, who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Cal Morrisey knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.

But Fate has other plans, and it’s not long before Min and Cal are dealing with meddling friends, wedding cake, a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kremes, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a frantic bride, Chicken Marsala, a mutant cat, snow globes, two Mothers-from-Hell, great shoes, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of including the biggest gamble of all--unconditional love.

Oh, yes, I liked this book. A contemporary, featuring Min Dobb's, a level headed nice gal, and Cal, a heartbreaking sexy beast.

On a bet (that Min knows about right from the start), Cal asks her out. She says yes hoping to turn the tables on him. From there she falls in love with him, but the whole time trying very hard NOT to fall in love with him.

I think I liked this book so much because the author took the classic 'big misunderstanding' storyline, which I hate, and turned it into something fresh and believable.

By having Min know about the bet from the moment it was spoken, the ball was put in her court to do with it as she pleased. Se figured she could play him for a while, have a date to her sisters' wedding, and then dump him. After all, he did ask her out on a date based on a bet. He didn't even liker her or find her very attractive at first.

There are a number of secondary characters in Bet me, and I liked them all. Even the villains. Without the loser ex boyfriend, obsessed ex girlfriend, crazy friends, and annoying mothers, Bet me just would not have been the same.

An A book. It feels very nice to find out that this book is as awesome as my friends said it was. I have stopped getting my hopes up when a lot of people rave about a book-I tend to not like them and am left scratching my head wondering what dugs all ya'll were on.
That wasn't the case here. :)

I'm even told that there are books by this author that are even better than this one. I can't wait to read them!

(and look, I went the whole post without mentioning that there are super cute shoes on the cover of the book. Oh oh, I guess I just mentioned it ;)

ETA: Check Jennifer Crusie's Bet me page. It has tons of interesting information about this book. Very cool stuff.

The Bartered Bride by Mary Jo Putney
Published by Ballatine Books
Why I read this: It was one of the 'just in' audio titles at my local library. The cover was pretty :)

Sweeping from the exotic temptations of the Orient to the ruthless grandeur of 19th century London, The Bartered Bride is a compelling romantic adventure that begins with a daring act of courage. After building a fortune amid the splendor and dangers of the China seas, American adventurer and merchant prince Gavin Elliott is sailing for London, where he intends to establish himself in the society that forced his family to leave in disgrace when Gavin was only a child. But fate intervenes on an infamous island in the East Indies when he tries to save a European woman being sold at a slave auction.

Alexandra Warren ventures to Australia as a young bride eager for adventure. A dozen years later she is returning home as widow and mother when a pirate attack separates her from her beloved daughter and condemns Alex to a life of servitude. Then a miracle arrives in the form of a steely-eyed Yankee captain willing to risk everything to set her free.

A shocking turn of events brings an unexpected alliance with her rescuer, and Gavin and Alex arrive in London as intimate strangers joined by too many painful secrets. Yet attraction and affection soon overcome the trial of their first meeting. Until the past reaches out to change Gavin's life—and threatens the passionate love he has found with his irresistible bartered bride.

This is a book that that I hope all my blogging buddies will read. Then I want us all to lobby for it to be made into a movie. It was that good.

Alexandra and her are daughter are kidnapped by pirates, seperated from one another, then sold into slavery. For 6 months Alex lives as a slave with no rights or opinion, and bounces from one owner to another. She has no idea where her daughter is, or if the girl is alive.

Gavin in a merchant ship captain. He arrives in the Indies and comes across a woman in a slave market. Gavin tries to buy her freedom, but it's forbidden by the Sultan.
Instead, Gavin embarks on a 'game' with the Sultan. If he should win, he gets to leave with Alex. If he does not win, then Alex is still a slave, and Gavin must dedicate 10 years of service to the Sultan.

The game that he plays is just the first exciting part of this book. It was very interesting, and I'm sure, a game that was played in truth during that time in history.

It involved tossing special dice, and completing a task according to the image that lands up. They were not easy feats that Gavin had to accomplish, but he did them nonetheless, and is able to leave with Alex.

In order to save her reputation, because Alex had become pregnant by one of her slavers, Gavin weds her. It was something that both of them did not want to do at first, but Gavin, who has a deep respect for women did not want Alex being shamed for returning home pregnant and unwed, so he insisted on the marriage.

Something I liked so much about this book is that nothing was rushed. Alex clearly had fears and reservations about entering into a sexual relationship with her husband, yet Gavin was so very patient. An ideal Hero in every sense of the word.

Several weeks after returning home, Alex is kidnapped and Gavin is sentenced to hang for her murder. It's an exciting, yet heartbreaking time. The suspense was killing me! I knew that Alex would get free in time to stop the execution, but as the story went along I was on the edge of my seat, I had doubts.

There is nothing bad I have to say about The Bartered Bride. Its an A+, and nothing less.
Both Alex and Gavin were amazing characters who I easily became attached to. There was not a single slow moment or plot problem that had me annoyed or scratching my head. The story was fast paced, but still slow enough to get all the right emotions across.

My goal is to seek out the authors entire back list and get busy reading. I hope they are all this good!

Mine and Ames' review of The Prize by Julie Garwood is live at Breezing Through.
Ames thinks that I am weird because it was my first Garwood book.
Head on over and help me decide on the next Garwood book to read.

From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
Published by Ace Books
Why I read this: It's the current book in a series that I enjoy.

After the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina and the manmade explosion at the vampire summit, everyone—human and otherwise—is stressed, including Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse, who is trying to cope with the fact that her boyfriend Quinn has gone missing.

It's clear that things are changing—whether the weres and vamps of her corner of Louisiana like it or not. And Sookie—Friend to the Pack and blood-bonded to Eric Northman, leader of the local vampire community—is caught up in the changes.

In the ensuing battles, Sookie faces danger, death, and once more, betrayal by someone she loves. And when the fur has finished flying and the cold blood finished flowing, her world will be forever altered.

I started reading this series last year after my buddy Ames posted a round up review of all the released books. I was so eager to start on them that I didn't even wait for the first book to be back in at the library. I believe I started on the 3'rd book. Then I read the first, then the 4'th, then the 2'nd..um, it was all mixed up. Those of you who know me will think that reading out of order was very strange indeed. It was. My rule is to always read in order. Sigh.

From Dead to Worse is the 8'th Sookie book. It's difficult to do a review on a series book. There is always so much going on, and since all the books connect so well with other I'd have to go into what was happening in the other books.

What I like best about this book, about the whole series, is Sookie herself. The star of the story can make or break a book. Sookie makes it.
She is kind, without being a push over and thats important to me. She isn't afraid to stand up for herself, and even when she loves the person, she does not let them take advantage of her.
At the same time she is interesting. It's not just her telepathy either. Sure, being able to read minds is cool, or a pain, as it tend to be sometimes for Sookie, but she is super cool. Someone I'd love to be friends with... after I learn how to put up a mental block on my brain, that is.

In From Dead to Worse Sookie got into a few close calls. The Ware community and her brother made things difficult for her. A problem with some Vamps who want to take over caused problems. Her boyfriend, Quinn... well, lets just say that after this book, I don't like Quinn as much as I used to.

Sookie book eight gets an A from me. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Not a single lagging moment or any plot problems. Go Sookie! You rock, girl!

Tempted by Megan hart

Published by Harlequin Spice

Why I read this: Last year I read Broken by the same author. It was a very emotional read, I wanted to see if that would happen again.

I had everything a woman could want. My husband James. The house on the lake. My life. Our perfect life. And then Alex came to visit. The first time I saw my husband's best friend, I didn't like him. Didn't like how James changed when he was around, didn't like how his penetrating eyes followed me everywhere. But that didn't stop me from wanting him. And surprisingly, James didn't seem to mind. It was meant to be fun. Something the three of us shared for those hot summer weeks Alex stayed with us. Nobody was supposed to fall in or out of love. I didn't need another man, not even one who oozed sex like honey and knew all the secrets I didn't know, the secrets my husband hadn't shared. After all, we had a perfect life. I loved my husband. But I wasn't the only one.

Wow. So many words describe Tempted. Yes, it was emotional. Raw, real, powerful, intense. It was a roller coaster of a book.

James and Anne have a good marriage, a great sex life. They each have things that they have not shared with each other. Rather important things.

Alex is James' best friend. The men have not seen each other in years. They had a huge fight one night and for years had no contact with each other. They re connected through email, and eventually, Alex planned a visit.

James had thought that a m/f/m menage was a fantasy for his wife, so with Alex, he made it happen. Things were fine until emotions came into play. Anne started to look at her husband differently, she grew suspicious of why James wanted this to happen. She developed feelings for Alex that she didn't think he returned in the way she wanted them to. It was all a big mess.

I wont called Tempted a romance, but I will call it a love story. The book ends with Anne staying in a monogamous relationship with one of the men. I believe it was the right choice for her.

There is nothing bad I have to say about this book. Sure, there are things that some of the characters did that I didn't like. I found Anne rather selfish to tell you the truth, but I think all the things that happened worked very well for the story. I may not have liked every ones actions or their reasons doing whatever it was that they did, but it worked. It made a very entertaining story that kept me flipping the pages as fast as I could. An A. No question about it, this is a book I will re read often.

The menage aspect wasn't the only thing happening. Anne was having problems with her mother in law and that all came to blows at one point. She was also struggling with her parents and sisters due to things that happened in her childhood. Each of her 3 sisters had something going on that required Anne's attention.

There was not a moment of boredom for me while reading Tempted. Even though there were a number of characters making appearances, the author made sure to keep Anne, James and Alex the focus of the story.

Definitely a keeper.

Virgin River by Robyn Carr (book one in the Virgin River series)

Published by Mira

Why I read this: Well, I had seen several people rave about the series, but I wasn't completely sold on them until Book Binge featured the author. A few days after I bought 2/3 of the series, I won autographed copies. Iwas meant to be for me to start this series.

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to re energize the midwife career that she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving: the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she's made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning. But a tiny baby, abandoned on a front porch, changes her plans...and a former marine cements them into place. Melinda Monroe may have come to Virgin River looking for escape, but instead she finds her home.

I am kicking myself for not reading this book sooner. It opens with Melinda driving to what is supposed to her her new home for the time. A cozy little cabin in a cozy little town. It's not at all what is expected and she decides to leave the next morning. The next morning while she is in her car on her way out of town she is flagged down by bar owner Jack. He has found a baby on the porch of the town doctors office/house. Mel decides to stay in town for a while so that she can take care of the baby.

Mel keeps putting off her leaving for various reasons. First, to look after the baby, then to make sure she is around for this pregnancy, or that that birth. She develops a deep friendship with Jack, and the longer she sticks around, the harder Jack falls in love with her.

I loved this book. Love love loved it! Mel is strong willed, smart and brave. Jack is such a nice guy. He is kind, thoughtful, caring, protective. He is amazing.

A+++++++++

You need to run as fast as you can, go out and buy this book. The description of Virgin River's scenery alone is worth it. There wasn't a single slow moment anywhere, the dialogue was catchy, and the sexual tension was hot hot hot.

Virgin River was perfect!

Some of the things that Mel and Jack said to each other had me giggling, and a scene where Mel meets Jacks family had me LOL'ing.

Virgin River's secondary characters were as intriguing as the Hero and Heroine. I adored Doc, Preacher, all the pregnant ladies, friends that Mel made in the next town.

This book brought up situations about normal births, complicated births, drug addiction, teen sex, birth control, violence and infertility. It did it a way that was entertaining. I didn't once feel like I was reading a public service announcement.

I can't say enough good things about this book. You have to read it. Really, you do!

Confessions of a Werewolf Supermodel by Ronda Thompson

Published by St. Martins

Why I read this: I bought it because it sounded cute and quirky. I wasn't going to read it right away, but on the way home from the store I saw that we had a full moon, so it was only fitting to start reading a werewolf story on the full moon.

It’s hard to be humble when you’re one of New York’s top fashion models. Sprouting fangs and fur during modeling shoots helps, but supermodel Lou Kinipski deals with more than the occasional “wolfy” outbreak during PMS. Now a good-looking detective is asking questions about a series of murders with which he believes Lou may be connected. A rock star PI is digging up bones from her past that Lou wishes would stay buried, and a killer on the prowl wants Lou dead. Thank God for Manolo Blahnik pumps, Court TV and her lesbian sidekick, Cindy, otherwise Lou might trade her fake fur coat for the real deal and become part of a strange underworld of fanged beings roaming the streets of New York after dark.

This book is not a romance. It's a comedy with romantic elements. It's not a laugh out loud type of funny book, but it did make me smile a number of times.

Lou is a semi famous supermodel who has a little problem. You see, during PMS, or when she is angry/scared she starts to grow claws, fangs and gets all hairy. This is annoying to her because since she is model she is constantly having to wax off the werewolf fur when she has an out break, as she likes to call it.

While she sleeps, Lou has dreams where she sees another werewolf killing women. Most of the women look just like her, so when uber sexy homicide detective, Terry, starts asking questions she blurts out things about the case that the public does not know. She covers for herself by telling Terry that she is psychic.

In order to find out more about her werewolf condition, Lou hires a PI to track down her birth parents. Then she asks him to find her adoptive parents, who disappeared 2 years ago..the same time her birth mother seemed to fall off the face of the earth.

We find out that Lou is not a natural werewolf. She was made into one while her mother was pregnant with her during a prenatal experiment. Now, everyone involved has disappeared. However, Lou's adoptive parents left her a series of clues. Confessions of a werewolf supermodel ends with Lou setting off to Nevada after the first clue tells her to search there for answers.

I enjoyed all the characters in the book. Lou's best friend, Cindy, who knows all of Lou's secrets. Stefan, the photographer who is in love with Lou. There is a Vampire, Rick, who files down his fangs so that he can't bite people anymore. Morgan the PI who has a thing for Lou, and of course, Terry the cop. Did I mention that Lou does have sex with Terry? She ends up breaking his ribs during it, too. A few more models round up the cast of characters.

This book is not perfect, but it is very entertaining in a positive way. I'm going to go ahead an say it's an A. My only complaint is that I don't want to wait for the next book to come out. I want it now!

Visions of heat by Nalini Singh
Published by Berkley

Why I read this: It's the second part of the Psy/changelings books, and I adored the first in the series.

Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous-aching need...exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her. Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take either man or jaguar form, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced-and keep her from Vaughn...

Faith Nightstar is a Psy who predicts the future. She is kept secluded because anything can trigger a prediction and keeping her in a controlled environment seems to be the best way to handle things. So she as been told.

Faith starts to have visions of pleasure, and she thinks that she is going crazy, as nearly all Psy with her powers end up nuts. Also, Psy don't feel. Ever. So, her predictions must be wrong.

Vaughn is a sentinel for Alpha Lucas, who we met in Slave to sensation. He is rather guarded and hard. Something, or someone, as it turns out, is making him feel like he needs to keep an eye on the Psy compound. HE has no idea why until one night when he catches Faith sneaking out and he follows her into Lucas' Changeling territory. Even though he does not trust her right off the bat, he feel protective of her. Faith asks for help from the Pack Alpha and once that help is granted, Vaughn takes on the task of keeping her safe, and he soon recognizes Faith as his mate.

Faith fights her attraction for Vaughn but once it becomes clear that it is only he who can bring her back from her darkest predictions, she learns to lean on him for support.

I went into this book with very high expectations, and they have been filled. I'm giving Visions of heat an A-. This book felt good to read. It had action with Vaughn fighting and going all alpha male to protect his mate. It has mystery in trying to find a killer that Faith was having visions of, but most of all, it had true romance.
I also liked seeing all the players from the first Psy/Changeling book.

It's best to read this series in order as there many come-back characters.
Slave to sensation

Annabelle's Courtship by Lucy Monroe
Published by Samhain

Ian MacKay, Laird of Graenfrae, has no use for love or marriage. However, his stepfather's will mandates that marriage is what he must have...to an Englishwoman.
A sensible man, Ian develops a list of requirements in a wife: Plain, moderately dowered, older and practical. He thinks he has found the
perfect candidate in Lady Annabelle. Labeled The Ordinary her first season, Annabelle longs for a man who will see her as beautiful and love her as her father loved her mother. When she meets Ian, she thinks she has at last found that man. Until his proposal, in which he has the audacity to list his "requirements."
She refuses his proposal. He informs her that she will marry him at the end of the season. The battle of wills is on.

Ian is a Scottish Laird who is in great need of funds. His tenants homes are falling apart and several farming items need to be purchased/repaired in order to keep everyone happy and healthy. His step fathers will states that the only way Ian can get his inheritance is if he marries an English woman. Ian was once betrayed by a beautiful rich woman and it turned him off the idea of marriage. Once he understands that he has no other choice, he puts together a list of requirements. His new wife must be Plaine, Modestly dowered, Older and Practical.

Ian arrives in England for the start if the Season and after asking around he decides that Annabelle is the perfect woman to marry. Belle is attracted to Ian, and she is flattered that he is paying attention to her. Unfortunately, Ian believes is honestly, so he tells Belle flat out that he wants to marry her, and he tells her why.

"Your looks are not too grand and you are well past the age for marrying. You do not wear expensive jewels or gowns, which bodes well for future demands on my purse."

Even though she likes him, Belle does not take his proposal well. She tells him off.

"I am not interested in marriage. If I were, it would not be to an arrogant Scotsman who believes my lack of face and fortune make me willing to marry on such short acquaintance.'

Ian is arrogant, and doesn't understand why Belle doesn't fall at his feet. He keeps on trying to get her to marry him, and the more she flings the proposal back into his face, the more he wants her.

I like Ian, I really do. He starts off like such a typical conceited man who is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it. He is all about honesty, but he doesn't seem to realise that his words are hurtful. Even though Ian comes off as an ass some of the time you wind up laughing, because Belle does not let him get away with it.

"Do you really think I wish to dance with you after your insult?"
"'Twas not an insult, lass. 'Twas a proposal."
"My name is not 'lass'. Is it Lady Annabelle, as Ceddy told you on these
many days past. Are you hard of hearing? Perhaps you need an ear trumpet."

See? It's hard to stay mad at Ian, when it's clear that Annabelle can take such good care of herself.

Laird Ian does figure out that his words are hurting Belle, and he tries to make it up to her. He agrees to court her and he is very sweet. He is protective and amazingly romantic.

Right after Belle finally agrees to marry him they get all touchy feely. Ian stops before it goes to far and Belle asks if they could keep on going. She wants to know why they must wait before they make love. She also reminds him that they have done other things, so is it not the same thing? Instead of giving the stock answer of 'I must know my heir is really mine."

He says,

"What we did was share pleasure, but when we make love we will join our bodies, We will become one. It is not the same. It is more and it is for marriage."

How romantic.

Yes, Ian started off insensitive to Belle's feelings, but he quickly changed his tune.

There is a villain in Annabelle's Courtship. A man who needs money, wants to marry Belle and then do away with her after he gets an heir from her. Belle is put in danger a few times, and Ian never fails to rescue her. I love a Hero who beats up on the person who threatens his love, and Ian didn't disappoint me.

We have a Heroine who wont let a man talk down to her and is far from being a wimpy simpering Miss. A Hero who did well in redeeming his early behaviour. Several moments where I giggled at what Belle said or thought, and of course, a romantic love story. This is what all historicals should be like. An A from me.