May 31, 2010

It's Monday! What are you reading? #19

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is being hosted by Sheila at One Persons Journey through a World of Books. 

This is a great weekly event where everyone can keep track of the books finished last week & the books planning to read this week!
 
This week I've finished the following books:
  • Kisses To Go by Irene Peterson - I really enjoyed it! It was really fun!
  • Too Good To Be True by Kristan Higgins - I enjoyed it! It was fun, too!
  • The Maze Runner by James Dashner - I liked it, but I'm  little disappointed. I  guess expected more from it!
  • The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry - I really enjoyed this one! It was really sweet & cute & fun!
  • On the Steamy Side by Louisa Edwards - I really loved this one! It's the sequel of Can't Stand the Heat & now I'm looking forward to Just One Taste!
 
I've just started Nightmare Academy by Dean Lorey, so far it's fun, so I'll probably read that one & I'll also continue reading some of the other books I've started!

So, what are you reading this week?
Tell us now here!

May 30, 2010

#47 - "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman


Summary:
In the tranquil fields and meadows of long-ago England, there is a small hamlet that has stood on a jut of granite for 600 years. Just to the east stands a high stone wall, for which the village is named. Here, in the hamlet of Wall, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Forester. And here, one crisp October eve, Tristran makes his love a promise -- an impetuous vow that will send him through the only breach in the wall, across the pasture... and into the most exhilarating adventure of his life. 

My thoughts on the book:
I love this book! It was a re-read & it's one of my favorite fairy tales!  If you still haven't read it, you should! Neil Gaiman is also one of my favorite authors!

My rating: 5/5

Finished: 13 April 2010

Challenges:

#46 - "When Lightning Strikes" by Jenny Carroll a.k.a. Meg Cabot


Summary:
When lightning strikes there can only be trouble - as Jessica Mastriani finds out when she and best friend Ruth get caught in a thunderstorm. Not that Jess has ever really avoided trouble before. Instead of cheerleading there are fistfights with the football team and month-long stints in detention - not that detention doesn't have its good points - like sitting next to Rob - the cutest senior around! But this is trouble with a capital T - this trouble is serious. Because somehow, on that long walk home in the thunderstorm, Jess acquired a newfound talent. An amazing power that can be used for good...or for evil. 

My thoughts on the book:
I liked it! It was interesting YA & I enjoyed it, but  I wasn't too gripped with it & I don't know if  I'll read the rest of the books in the series! I probably won't...

My rating: 3/5

Finished: 11 April 2010

Challenges:

#45 - "Courting Miss Lancaster" by Sarah M. Eden


Summary:
Harry Windover adores blonde, green-eyed Athena Lancaster, but alas, a penniless man like himself has no hope of winning a young noblewoman's hand. To add insult to injury, Athena's brother-in-law and guardian, the Duke of Kielder, has asked Harry to assist Athena in finding the gentleman of her dreams. But the lovesick Harry is cunning as well: as the weeks pass, he introduces Athena to suitors who are horrifically boring, alarmingly attached to their mothers, downright rude, astoundingly self-absorbed, and utterly ridiculous.
Athena can't comprehend why she is having so little success meeting eligible and acceptable gentlemen. Indeed, her circle of admirers couldn't be less admirable--nothing like the loyal, gentle friend she's found in Harry. But how long can Harry's scheme be hidden before it is discovered? And what will Athena do when she uncovers Harry's deception?
Escape into a charming regency world in this delightfully romantic comedy of manners that will entertain you to the very last word.

My thoughts on the book:
I loved it! It was really sweet & fun & cute, with some hilarious situations! I loved the main characters & the supporting characters also! I definitely recommend it to everyone! It's now one of my favorites! This was the first book I've read by Sarah M. Eden & I'll read some of her other books, too!It was just like reading Jane Austen :)

I won this book on a contest, 
so I'd like to thank Joyce DiPastena & Sarah M. Eden for it!
Thank you so much!!!

My rating: 5/5

Finished: 10 April 2010

Challenges:

#44 - "Desires of a Perfect Lady" by Victoria Alexander


Summary:
A Secret list of the Desires of Lady Olivia Rathbourne
1) Disregard convention
2) Follow my heart
3) Bed the Earl of Wyldewood

A decade ago, Olivia had expected to marry the Earl of Wyldewood, only to have happiness stolen from her before his ring could be placed upon her finger. Now, he stands before her, as proud and arrogant and handsome as ever, vowing to rescue her. Well, he’s got some nerve turning up after all these years. Where was he when she needed him?

As for the Earl, scandal has never touched him nor has impropriety ever besmirched his name. But his penchant for doing the expected does have his family calling him, well, dull. Isn’t it time to flaunt society’s conventions and do what he’s always wanted? And first on his list: Olivia in his bed—with or without a wedding.

My thoughts on the book:
I really enjoyed it! This is the sequel of The Virgin's Secret, which I loved it. The main characters in the series are the Harrington brothers - the descendants of the characters in The Perfect Wife, which is one of my favorite Victoria Alexander book! It was really fun & I loved the characters, although maybe the search of the objects was to easy, I enjoyed it & I'll be waiting for the last book, although I guess it'll be a while! If you like historical romances with a dash of adventure, I recommend this one!

My rating: 4/5

Finished: 9 April 2010

Challenges:

#43 - " All Over You" by Sarah Mayberry


Summary:
Millions of women drool over soap star Mac Harrison. And scriptwriter Grace Wellington is no different - the hottie headlines all her wildest fantasies. She keeps him firmly in his place there, however, because her days have no room for such ego-driven men.
But when she and Mac are thrown together on a project, fantasy becomes blissful reality! All of her secret, naughty desires come to life under his sizzling ministrations. This is one affair to remember-and to let go of when it's over.
Too bad Mac doesn't agree. He wants to move things from just sex to true commitment. Worse, he has all the right moves to convince her real life is much better...

Finished: 8 April 2010

My rating: 4.5/5

Challenges:

#42 - "Burning Up" by Sarah Mayberry


Summary:

Somebody get some ice… it's steamy in here!
 

Spending a month as personal chef for an overindulged--and mouthwatering--man? Sophie Gallagher is so up for the challenge. She's immune to charm…or so she thinks. Because when big-screen star Lucas Grant turns up the temptation, she discovers--up close and personal--he's earned the name hottest man alive.
Sophie is fun, vivacious and couldn't be further from Lucas's bimbo bombshell type. Much to his surprise, she's captivated him. But as sizzling as they are between the sheets, once his hiatus is over, the credits will roll on this fling. Saying goodbye, however, isn't as easy as he'd thought. Will this production be The End of the Affair… or Love Actually?

Finished: 8 April 2010

My rating: 4/5

Challeges:

#41 - "Lois Lane Tells All" by Karen Hawkins


Summary:

She thinks she’s Lois Lane. . .

Susan Collins wants to be a hard-hitting reporter, but there’s never been much call for her talents in sleepy Glory, North Carolina. But when the Murder Mystery Club—a trio of bored but enterprising octogenarians—decide to open their own CSI lab at the assisted living center, and strange ‘accidents’ begin to happen around town, Susan senses she might have discovered the news story of her dreams.

He doesn’t want to be her Superman. . .

Mark Tremayne has agreed to come back to Glory and to take over as CFO of The Glory Examiner. His job is to keep the newspaper profitable, which means covering the annual Baptist Bake-Off and selling ads for the county fair, not allowing his main and too-sexy-for-her(and his)-own-good reporter to hare off after a wild story that seems to have brought out the worst in one of Glory’s many colorful residents.

But together . . . they’re Kryptonite.

Mark’s and Susan’s viewpoints on how to run a paper are from different planets, but their mutual attraction is in total alignment. Despite their arguments, the indomitable redhead and the hot accountant are a sexual explosion waiting to happen.
And when it does, Glory had better watch out! 

My thoughts on the book:
I liked it! It was enjoyable read, but it wasn't as good as the first one, although that wasn't awesome also! I have to admit I was a little disappointed, 'cause I've read most of Karen Hawkins' books & I loved them, so maybe I was expecting something more, but overall it's one fun light read! Also, I think there was lack of chemistry between Mark & Susan, it wasn't too well presented...

Finished: 7 April 2010

My rating: 3.5/5

Challenges:

May 29, 2010

#40 - "Risque Business" by Tawny Weber


Summary:
When professor/literary reviewer Delaney Conner wins a makeover, she's suddenly getting lots of attention! Too bad it's from bad boy - and very sexy - author Nick Angel, whose latest book Delaney shredded. Her main complaint? All of Nick's sex scenes lack emotion. Where's the passion? The feelings? But when she and Nick find themselves between the sheets, Delaney ends up feeling far more than she ever expected..
Nick finds Delaney frustrating and very, very attractive. But experience tells him it's just skin-deep. So he challenges the seductive Delaney - either prove that love makes good sex great (her theory), or else admit that the world's greatest sex is purely physical (his theory). No matter who wins, they're going to have a deliciously decadent time proving each other wrong...

Finished: 6 April 2010

My rating: 4/5

Challenges:

#39 - "All or Nothing" by Debbi Rawlins

 
Summary:
It's impossible to miss Dana McGuire, with her long blond hair and legs up to there. Everyone thought she would be a superstar - including, until recently, Dana herself. But working as a personal trainer at a posh Manhattan hotel has its own rewards. Not least of which is some of the hot clientele she gets to, uh, work up a sweat with.
Such as Chase Culver, the sexy, rough-around-the-edges movie producer who thinks she's got what it takes to sizzle on stage.just like they sizzle in bed. Problem is, he's not only under the covers, he's undercover. So if she's leery about giving showbiz another try - wait until she finds out who Chase really is!


Finished: 6 April 2010

My rating: 3/5

Challenges: 

May 28, 2010

Book Beginnings on Friday #5


 
Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence. 

Join this meme HERE!

This week I'll share the first sentence from A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin, which I'm finishing now & the first sentence from the last book I've started & that's A Darkness Forged in Fire by Chris Evans!



"The Island of Gont, a single mountain that lifts its peak a mile above the storm-racked Northeast Sea, is a land famous for wizards."

A Wizard of Earthsea
 
"Mountains shouldn't scream, but this one did."
 

A Darkness Forged in Fire

Friday Finds #13

 
What great books did you hear about / discover this past week?
 
Share with us your Friday Finds!
 
 
 
Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran
 
She's been burned not once but twice by London's so-called gentlemen . . .

Gwen Maudsley is pretty enough to be popular, and plenty wealthy, too. But what she's best known and loved for is being so very, very nice. When a cad jilts her at the altar - again - the scandal has her outraged friends calling for blood. Only Gwen has a different plan. If
nice no longer works for her, then it's time to learn to be naughty. Happily, she knows the perfect tutor - Alexander Ramsey, her late brother's best friend and a notorious rogue. 
 
So why won't a confirmed scoundrel let her be as bad as she wants to be? 
 
Unbeknownst to Gwen, Alex's aloof demeanor veils his deepest unspoken desire. He has no wish to see her change, nor to tempt himself with her presence when his own secrets make any future between them impossible. But on a wild romp from Paris to the Riviera, their friendship gives way to something hotter, darker, and altogether more dangerous. With Alex's past and Gwen's newly unleashed wildness on a collision course, Gwen must convince Alex that his wickedest intentions are exactly what she needs. 
 
  
From London with Love by Jenna Petersen
 
Three of London's most admired and desired ladies -- these women share more in common than grace, beauty and charm. Each with their own special talent, together they are three of England's greatest spies.

From the Desk of Lady M:
Meredith Sinclair is one of my best agents. She is stunning, witty and resourceful. She sparkles at every gala and can conquer any man with a whisper and a smile.

Her target: Tristan Archer, Marquis of Carmichael. Known as a proud and powerful member of society, he also once saved Meredith's life. She should trade on her seductive wiles and their prior relationship, if necessary.

Her mission: To uncover a treacherous plot and bring a potential traitor to justice.

Potential weaknesses: The dashing marquis's bold, intimate caress. His devilish good looks. And his devastating kiss that could bring even the best spy to her knees... 
 
 
Die for Me by Karen Rose 
 
COME TO ME.

SCREAM FOR ME.

DIE FOR ME. 

The first victim is found in a snow-covered Philadelphia field. Detective Vito Ciccotelli enlists the aid of archaeologist Sophie Johannsen to determine exactly what lies beneath the frozen ground. Despite years of unearthing things long buried, nothing can prepare Sophie for the matrix of graves dug with chilling precision. The victims buried there haunt her. But the empty graves terrify her--the killer isn't done yet. 

He is cold and calculating, the master of a twisted game. Even with Vito and Sophie hot on his trail, he will not stop. One more empty grave must be filled, and one last scream must be heard--the scream of an archaeologist who is too close for comfort and too near to resist....


Wraith by Phaedra Weldon

Zoe Martinique has turned her unusual ability into a career. When she's traveling, she can't be seen which makes her an ideal professional snoop. Industrial espionage, surveillance, whatever. But one night things get out of hand while she's outof- body. She witnesses a murder and a soul stealing, and discovers she has unwelcome company: Trench- Coat, a ghostly killer who can see and hurt her. 

Teaming up with a blue-eyed police detective, she tries to solve the case and improve her love life. She also enlists the support of her psychic mother and the ghostly couple who haunt her house. And with murderers, kidnappers, and a desperate ex-porn star involved, Zoe needs all the help she can get.
 
 
Blood Song by Cat Adams
 
Bodyguard Celia Graves has definitely accepted her share of weird assignments, both human and supernatural. But her newest job takes the cake. Guarding a Prince from terrorists and religious fundamentalists is hard enough, but it seems like the entire supernatural world is after this guy too. When she is betrayed by those she is employed to help, and everything goes horribly wrong, Celia wakes to find herself transformed.

Neither human nor vampire, Celia has become an Abomination - something that should not exist - and now both human and supernatural alike want her dead. With the help of a few loyal friends - a sexy mage, a powerful werewolf, and a psychic cop - Celia does her best to stay alive. On the run from her enemies, Celia must try to discover who is behind her transformation.before it's too late.


Magic's Design by Cat Adams

They were destined to save the world from an ancient evil.
Talos is a magic wielder, born into the mage guild of firecrafters. As an agent of the Overworld Police, he has come from a secret land to protect Earth from magicians intent on enslaving humanity.

Mila has always had the gift of healing. But this very modern woman never realized that her skill was born of an ancient magic that only firecraft can fully unlock.

Together, Tal and Mila discover that the source of their powers is in unity. Love's shining light might burn them alive protecting the magic of the world, but if the Tree of Life dies, and all the magic in the world is extinguished ... will it matter?


The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller

Enter the kingdom of Lur, where magic is wielded by few and others are imprisoned if they dare try.

The Doranen have ruled Lur with magic since they arrived centuries ago after fleeing Morg, the mage who started a war in their homeland. To keep their lands safe the Olken - Lur's original inhabitants - are forbidden to use magic. Any Olken who breaks the law will be executed.

Asher has come to Lur's capital city to make his fortune. He finds himself working in the royal stables and in time becomes a mediator between the Olken and the Doranen. Soon, he will have enough money to return home and set up his own fishing fleet.

But there is unrest among the Olken. It has been prophesied that the Innocent Mage will be born, and the Circle is dedicated to preserving the magic of the Olken until the saviour arrives. The Circle have been watching Gar, and as the city streets are filled with Olken rioters, his life takes a new turn...


The Myth Hunters by Christopher Golden

In this enthralling new tale from bestselling author Christopher Golden, one man is drawn into a realm just across the veil from our own, where every captivating myth and fairy tale is true, the vanished exist-and every fear is founded…

Yielding to his father's wishes, Oliver Bascombe abandoned his dream of being an actor and joined the family law firm. Now he will marry a lovely young woman bearing the Bascombe stamp of approval. But on the eve of his wedding, a blizzard sweeps in-bringing with it an icy legend who calls into question everything Oliver believes about the world and his place in it….

Pursued by a murderous creature who heeds no boundaries, Jack Frost needs Oliver's help to save both himself and his world-an alternate reality slowly being displaced by our own. To help him, Oliver Bascombe, attorney-at-law, will have to become Oliver Bascombe, adventurer, hero-and hunted. So begins a magnificent journey where he straddles two realities…and where, even amid danger, Oliver finds freedom for the very first time.
 
 
The Reincarnationist by M. J. Rose
 
A bomb in Rome, a flash of bluish-white light, and photojournalist Josh Ryder's world exploded. From that instant nothing would ever be the same.

As Josh recovers, his mind is increasingly invaded with thoughts that have the emotion, the intensity, the intimacy of memories. But they are not his memories. They are ancient--and violent. A battery of medical and psychological tests can't explain Josh's baffling symptoms. And the memories have an urgency he can't ignore--pulling him to save a woman named Sabina--and the treasures she is protecting.

But who is Sabina?

Desperate for answers, Josh turns to the world-renowned Phoenix Foundation--a research facility that scientifically documents cases of past life experiences. His findings there lead him to an archaeological dig and to Professor Gabriella Chase, who has discovered an ancient tomb--a tomb with a powerful secret that threatens to merge the past with the present. Here, the dead call out to the living, and murders of the past become murders of the present.
 
 
The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross
 
In this delectable novel - complete with recipes - Jennifer Ross frosts a sweet story of a young woman fulfilling her dreams, one delicious cupcake at a time.

In Ansley Waller's world of Southern belles and gentlemen, getting a diamond ring isn't just important - it's the ultimate goal. So when her fiancé, Parish, unceremoniously kicks her to the curb and cancels their upcoming wedding, Ansley is so ashamed that she decides to leave Dallas and make a fresh start. In a surprise move, she heads to New York City to live with her recently widowed grandmother, Vivian, whom she's never met. In turn, Vivian gives Ansley a no-nonsense ultimatum: Rather than wallow in misery, either get a job or go home.


The Waller women have a tradition of baking their way out of sorrow. So Ansley mixes batch after batch of creative cupcakes - Black Bottom Heartache, Moving Blues Banana Caramel, Tres Leches Made Small. Before long, she's opening up her own cupcake shop and even trying her hand at dating. But the ways of Manhattan's eligible bachelors are altogether different from their Southern counterparts, and Ansley's nearly fail-safe tactics fall flat. And worse, someone's got a half-baked scheme to sabotage Ansley's new life. It'll take a cup of courage and a dash of Southern charm, plus a few secret ingredients, if Ansley hopes to pull off her recipe for success.
 
 
Chocolate Wishes by Trisha Ashley
 
Life is sweet for chocolate maker Chloe Lyon! Business is booming at her artisan chocolate-makers 'Chocolate Wishes' in the picture-perfect Lancashire village of Sticklepond - not least because all of Chloe's sweet treats contain an inspirational prediction for each customer. 
If only her own life was as easy to read in the cards, perhaps Chloe could have foreseen being jilted at the altar! But Chloe has long put thoughts of love behind her - after all, life is busy enough, especially as she tries to sort out her friends' tangled love lives and the village welcomes its new vicar, Raffy Sinclair. 
However, the village rumour mill goes into overdrive when it is revealed that Raffy is the distinctly unorthodox ex-front man of rock band 'Dark Angels' - and also happens to be Chloe's first love, who left her broken-hearted! Whilst Chloe tries to ignore this blast from her past, will she discover that wishes can come true when you least expect it!? 
 
A charming novel for chocoholics everywhere, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews.
 
Chasing Daisy by Paige Toon
 
Daisy is recovering from a broken heart: where best to cutall ties and find a new direction to her life than on the other side ofthe world? She finds a menial job in the most glamorous of places - onthe Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. Daisy grabs the chance to see the world, determined to work hard for a year, to disengage her emotions and fly solo. 
But even her closest friend and confidante on the circuit, Holly, can not stop her falling in love too quickly, with a man who isprepared to risk his life - and his heart - for the sake of his career.


Katy Carter Wants a Hero by Ruth Saberton

Katy Carter knows she's no domestic goddess: she's scatterbrained, she needs a fire extinguisher at the ready when she's cooking, and she daily falls off the diet wagon. But that doesn't stop her fantasising about a hero to call her own. And Katy thinks she's found him in fiance James, a charming, high-flying city banker. 
So why, then, does Katy find herself scribbling steamy historical romances every spare moment she gets, and daydreaming about becoming a published author when she ought to be paying attention in staff meetings? As her wedding day looms, Katy determines to become a wife James can be proud of, and employs the help of her best friend Oliver to impress his colleagues and his family. 
But despite best laid plans, the pair set off a hilarious train of events that leads Katy on a crazy journey through celebrity, chaos, makeovers and, finally, into the arms of her hero...
 
 
The Pack by LM Preston
 
Shamira is considered an outcast by most, but little do they know that she is on a mission. Kids on Mars are disappearing, but Shamira decides to use the criminals most unlikely weapons against them the very kids of which they have captured. In order to succeed, she is forced to trust another, something she is afraid to do. However, Valens, her connection to the underworld of her enemy, proves to be a useful ally. Time is slipping, and so is her control on the power that resides within her. But in order to save her brother's life, she is willing to risk it all.