Merry Christmas!!

I have a house full today. My father and stepmother are staying with us for the rest of the week. My mother and stepfather, sister and brother-n-law, nephews, and daughter's boyfriend are all here to spend a few hours with us on this blessed Christmas Eve. I wanted to take a quick break from the Holiday madness to wish those of you who celebrate it a Very Merry Christmas! I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday with friends and family and Celebrate life to it's fullest.

We are going to take a ride out to Petit Creek Farms to view the holiday lights from the car and probably hit a few neighborhoods as well. This is one of my favorite times of year. The only thing missing is the snow. Yes I said snow. I hate the cold, and the snow even more, but this is the only time of year that I really wish I had a blanket of it in my front yard. I love all of the beautiful lights that sparkle throughout the night, the Christmas Carols, and just spending time with my family. This is the first year in several years that I have had all of them in one spot, and better yet in the same house (even if I need a bottle of wine to calm my nerves...lol). I am truly blessed this Christmas and can only hope and pray that all of you are as blessed as I am.

Warmest Wishes to you and yours!

Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

Available now from Ballantine

“The sweetest, sexiest romance you’ll read all year.”
~Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author

“A romantic delight, sure to satisfy every reader.”
~Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author

Ever the bold adventuress, Lucy Waltham has decided to go hunting for a husband. But first she needs some target practice. So she turns to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, to hone her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion—one that could send all her plans up in smoke.

Jeremy has an influential title, a vast fortune, and a painful past, full of long-buried secrets. He keeps a safe distance from his own emotions, but to distract Lucy from her reckless scheming, he must give his passions free rein. Their sensual battle of wills is as maddening as it is delicious, but the longer he succeeds in managing the headstrong temptress, the closer Jeremy comes to losing control. When scandal breaks, can he bring himself to abandon Lucy to her ruin? Or will he risk his heart, and claim her for his own?

My Thoughts:

Goddess of the Hunt has got to be one of the best historical romances that I have read all year!! Lucy is determined to not only hunt herself down a husband, but she has one particular man in mind. She has fancied herself in love with Toby since childhood and now he has gone and brought another woman to their annual Autumn vacation. She has her work cut out for her if she is going to sabotage any chances of him proposing to this blond beauty who is the epitomy of everything lady-like.

Lucy did not, however consider that the one man who has vexed her for the last eight years would have anything at all to say about her determination. Jeremy is tired of watching Lucy get herself into all sorts of trouble and he will not stand idly by and watch Lucy have her heart broken because she doesn't have the sense to realize that Toby is not in love with her and she is most certainly not in love with him. A plan is developed to keep Lucy out of Toby's hair and to make Toby jealous. Neither the men at this Autumn getaway or Lucy ever expected to have the plan backfire.

Loved Goddess of the Hunt! I am looking forward to reading Surrender of the Siren, which is Sophia's (Toby's intended) story. I was not overly fond of Sophia, preferring Lucy's character any day, but I am definitely interested in finding out what kind of trouble she is going to find herself in.

Rating: 5 stars

Sweet Restraint by Beth Kery

SWEET RESTRAINT
Publisher: Berkley Heat
ISBN-10: 0425227693
ISBN-13: 978-0425227695
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Format: Trade Paperback

From Beth Kery's Website

This time, he’ll never let her go…

Chicago Special Agent Shane Dominic was in love with Laura Vasquez until the day she left him and married another man. Thirteen years may have passed, but Laura’s never disappeared from his fantasies, or destroyed his desire to learn the truth about why she left him. When her husband, the criminal mastermind behind an international ring of thieves, is murdered, Shane knows this is his one last, desperate chance to learn Laura’s secrets. And he’s not above using their scorching hot passion for one another and a little domination to do it.

One look at Shane, and Laura’s own memories come back to haunt her. Her feelings run deep, but she’d never divulge her secrets—a desperate vow that’s compromised when Shane stuns her by taking her as his captive to a secluded cabin. Here, she will finally belong to him, be subjected to his every torturously erotic whim, and be forced to trust him with a shocking truth she’s hidden for so long—one that will expose them to a danger closing in on the both of them.

My Thoughts:

Shane has never gotten over Laura. Their six month relationship ended abruptly when Laura eloped with Huey Mays. Shane has done his best to move on, he has a great career in the FBI and is engaged to a beautiful woman. His position in the FBI has put him right in the middle of the investigation of corrupt cops and Huey Mays is at the top of the list. He hopes that his past relationship with Laura remains hidden so he can finally end the investigation and get the top man in charge. When Huey is found dead, Shane has reason to worry for Laura's safety.

He takes matters into his own hands and risks everything to try to find the truth behind Laura's involvement in this corrupt ring of cops before it is too late. He takes her to a cabin to slowly break down the barriers between them. He executes his plans with white hot passion. Apparently Laura is not so good at hiding the fact that she still burns for her former lover.

Laura has her secrets, ones she must keep hidden or risk the lives of everyone she loves. She learned years ago that she cannot go against what has bound her and determined the path that she has taken. Her husband's death has changed nothing, except maybe putting her in more danger than she has ever been before. Now she has to contend with Shane's domineering need to have her submit and trust him to carry her burdens. This is the last thing she needs, or so she thinks.

Sweet Restraint was smokin' HOT! There is just no other way of putting it. Beth Kery wowed me with Wicked Burn, gained a loyal follower with Daring Time, and Sweet Restraint has me shouting from the roof tops. This author does amazing things!!! Her stories while wickedly hot and push you to the very edge with the sexual tensions and play have a great story with well developed characters that you can fall in love with and a story that will surely pull you in making you turn those pages nonstop and having you begging for more. Not to mention that she always has amazing covers, the Cover Gods must love her! I mean look at this cover... don't you love that those ties are in reach to where she can untie herself if she wants.

Rating: 5 stars

Knight of Pleasure Contest

I recently read Knight of Desire by Margaret Mallory and loved it! I have been anticipating the release of Knight of Pleasure and alas it has snuck up on me. The second book in Margaret Mallory's All the Kings Men series is up for grabs in a giveaway at Seductive Musings blog. If you love Midieval Romances you are going to love this series. So head on over to Seductive Musing and drop your name in the hat.

Kimberly Killion's Contest

Ho, ho, ho...'Tis the season for gift giving and Kimberly Killion must be feeling verra generous this year. She's giving away a sled-full of books...


Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion
Her One Desire by Kimberly Killion
An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James
Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell
Untouched by Anna Campbell
Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell
Before the Scandal by Suzanne Enoch
Death Angel by Linda Howard
Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins
Wild Sight by Loucinda McGary
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spears
Everything Forbidden by Jenna Petersen

You have to do two simple things to enter:
1) Go to Kimberly's website and fill out the form on her contest page
2) Follow Kimberly's blog, Wowf about Writing!

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Contest Rules: One entry per person per contest period. Contest winner will be announced on Kimberly Killion's website and blog Dec. 26th, 2009. All entrants must be 18 years of age or older

Kindle II Giveaway

Bibliofreakblog is giving away 15 Kindle IIs. I don't know how she managed to get her hands on that many but how can you pass up on the chance to win one. Yes I know I already have one!! I do love it. What better way to share the love than to give one to some one else. If I am one of the few lucky winners that is just what I will be doing... giving it away to someone else.

So hurry on over and enter the contest, it will be ending Dec. 18

More time for reading and blogging!!

I am finally going to have more time to read and blog. My son's football season is over. His team lost Game 2 in the playoffs Saturday ending the season. Unfortunately my son won't be starting his Wrestling season as planned either. Great for my reading and blogging but horrible for him and my husband. Cody broke a growth plate in his arm the night before our last game. So not only did he not get to play in the game but the Doctor just put the cast on his arm yesterday. He will be in it for three weeks, was only suppose to be two weeks but the office closed for Thanksgiving. He was really upset about missing the game and only mildly bummed about missing a month of wrestling. The good news for him in all of this is that he will now actually be able to go to a Boy Scout meeting. Me I get less running around and more time on the computer and with my lovely books. I have already read three books this month and just started my fourth... well I tried to start earlier this week but couldn't find the time to sit and read enough to catch my interest. Just as I was starting this morning my sister called and asked me to come get her and take her to Rome. Her husband was apparently scheduled for vascular surgery, he had to leave while she was at the doctor's office with her son, who was just diagnosed with pneumonia. I tell you when it rains it pours, well at least for my sister!! That took half my day. I did finally get to sit down and read a little and my interest has finally been piqued!!

I hope everyone is doing well and finding plenty of time to read!!

Laird of Desire by Paula Quinn

Paula Quinn
Book 1
August 2005

He Is Every Woman's Fantasy...
Darkly handsome and sensual, Lord Brand Risande--known as "The Passionate"--is temptation incarnate. But his prowess on the battlefield and in the bedchamber hides a bitter secret: the betrayal that has sealed his heart. Now as this most feared warrior rides out to possess the lands he has won in war, he engages his most formidable enemy ever.

And One Woman's Destiny.
Lady Brynnafar Dumont is prepared to do anything to protect her people--even seduce the savage Norman knight who defeated her father. Prepared to face down a cold-blooded beast, she instead confronts a wickedly attractive scoundrel who wants nothing to do with her. It's enough to sting a lady's pride...and strengthen her resolve. Innocent as she is, now she must use all her charms to defeat Lord Brand in the only battle worth fighting--the one for his love.

My Thoughts:

I read Laird of the Mist last year. After reading that one book, I fell in love with Paula Quinn's works. She definitely did not disappoint me with her earlier work, book 1 in her Laird trilogy, Laird of Desire.

Brynna is feisty little women. She inherited her mother's passion and her father's will to fight. When the livelihood of her home is threatened by Lord Brande she vows that she will do what ever it takes to stay in her childhood home and allow no harm to come to her people. Little did she know that the man that was riding in to take her home was the same that she had been dreaming about for almost two years. This Lord Brande however was completely different, he lost his passion for life and instead of warmth he brings the cold.

Vowing to never love another woman again, Lord Brande would rather face another battle than to marry Lady Brynna. In order to keep the land that he rightfully won by defeating Lord Richard those are his only options. In taking the daughter as a wife he will avoid a war and make William of Normandy happy. But at what cost?

Brynna is just the woman to put the life back into Brande. I so enjoyed reading about these two. I could not put this one down and I look forward to reading books 2 and 3

Randi's Having Her First Author Interview and Giveaway!!!

Hey Guys, Randi is having her first ever Author Interview and Giveaway on her Blog today. The lovely Carolyn Brown is sharing a little about herself and how she got started writing Western Romance. Let's show some love to both Randi and Mrs. Brown and head on over to Randi's Blog. Anyone who knows a little bit about Country music might just get a kick out of the titles for CB's up coming books!!!

Knight of Desire by Margaret Mallory

KNIGHT OF DESIRE
1st Book in All the King’s Men Series
by Margaret Mallory

ISBN-10: 0446553395
ISBN-13: 978-0446553391
Publisher: Grand Central
Release date: July 2009

FEARLESS IN BATTLE

His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.

TENDER IN BED

Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she’s keeping secrets and dares not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives.

My Thoughts:

Knight of Desire is the first book in a while that I literally could not put down. I sat here yesterday reading all day. I got through about 75% of the book before my son got home and I HAD to put it down. I was drawn into the story immediately. Catherine's first meeting with William was sweet and heartbreaking. You get a glimpse into Catherine's courage and William's desire to protect and do his duty from the very beginning.

Learning to trust is a whole other ball game. Neither of these two know how to do it. Catherine has already proven that she would betray her husband, so how is William to trust that she would be loyal and honest with him after being forced to marry him on the very day her first husband was murdered. Catherine having already experienced one brutal marriage is now suppose to believe that her knew husband will be any better than the tyrant she had before. Watching these two brought joy to my heart while setting flames to my temper. How could they not see each other for who they really were. How could William allow his friend to keep putting the bug in his ear that his wife was unfaithful. Lady Catherine experienced a lot of hardships due to her first husband and must live down the choices she made, the very ones that saved her life.

Rating 5 stars

Untouched by Anna Campbell

“I am many things,” Lord Sheene said. “Kind is not one of them.”

Beautiful Grace Paget has no reason to doubt these words. After all, she was kidnapped, spirited away to a remote country manor, and told she is to grant this man his every desire… or lose her life. But Grace is no common trollop. So she risks everything to save her virtue by planning a daring escape, even though she finds herself tempted by this dangerously handsome man. There is something in his eyes that makes her wonder if he is not as cruel as he would have her believe…

Sheene knew nothing of the plan to bring him this woman. Locked up as a prisoner, called “mad” by all of society, he will do anything to reclaim his life, and Grace’s sensuous beauty has distracted him from his goals. And although he finds her irresistible, he is horrified to hold her against her will. Now, together, they must both revolt against the strange set of circumstances that have forced them together - for only then will Grace truly surrender to him… forever.

**from the author's website

My Thoughts:
I purchased Untouched two plus years ago. I was browsing through the DoubleDay book club magazine when I ran across the beautiful cover. Yes, I ordered this book strictly for the cover. I had absolutely no idea what it was about. The couple embraced on the front cover in front of all that green just pulled me. However the cover could not make me read it. I loved looking at it but for some reason did not want to crack the book. I needed a Beta Hero to read for the Fall Challenge and someone else posted this book. I said to myself, this is the perfect time to read Untouched. I had yet to read anything Anna Campbell and I have heard such good things about her books. I have seen so many readers eagerly anticipating the release of Captive of Sin that I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about. I had just been reading paranormal romance and knew I needed a change before I fell into another reading slump. So as you can tell I had several reasons to finally pick this particular book out of my TBR pile clogging my closet up. I am now ready to slap myself. Why did I let this book sit there collecting dust just to stare at the cover for so long?!!

Lord Sheene, Matthew, has experienced a pretty secluded life by no choice of his own. At a very young age he suffered a fever that made him "mad". His uncle who had been granted guardianship over him after the deaths of his parents thought it best to have him shipped off to a secluded cottage and held under lock and key. Matthew tried to escape several times only to be thwarted by his uncle and his minions. With every escape he was returned to a tortured hell. He was severely beaten and had to live with the knowledge that his actions had also impacted innocent people.

His Uncle's greed knew no limits. Wanting to keep Matthew in line and to prevent any further attempts at escape he had his minions kidnap a woman and bring her back to the cottage. The woman however was to be a prostitute, one no one would miss. They had not counted on the widow.

Eloping at the age of 16 to be with a man much older and well below her station in life cost Grace her family. She vowed she would never become the trollop her father predicted her to be with the path she had chosen. Now she must go against her vows to save her own life. She never thought that she would fall in love with her fellow captive.

I was mesmerized from the start with Matthew and Grace. The will to survive the hopeless predicament that they had been thrust into and the tremulous beginnings made for a very sweet and romantic coming together. After bungling his first attempt at making love to Grace, Matthew redeems himself and shows so much passion and love that it is breathtaking.

Rating 5 stars

Midnight Rising by Lara Adrian

MIDNIGHT RISING

Midnight Breed Series
BOOK 4

Dell Books ~ 400 pages
ISBN: 978-0-440-24444-8
First Printing: April 2008

Available formats:
Mass Market Paperback
Bookclub Edition Hardcover
E-book

.

From the back cover:

IN A WORLD OF SHADOWS AND DARK, CONSUMING HUNGERS, DESIRE IS THE DEADLIEST WEAPON. . . .

Fueled by pain and rage over a shattering betrayal, the warrior Rio has pledged his life to the war against the Rogues. He will let nothing stand in his way--least of all a mortal woman with the power to expose the entire vampire race. But now an ancient evil has been awakened, and a stunning darkness is on the rise.

For journalist Dylan Alexander, it began with the discovery of a hidden tomb. Suddenly she is at the center of a gathering storm of violence and secrets. But nothing is as dangerous as the scarred, lethally seductive man who rises from the shadows to plunge her into his world of dark desire and endless night. Here she is powerless to resist Rio's touch, even as she uncovers a shocking link to her own past. Now Dylan must choose: Leave Rio's midnight realm, or risk it all for the man who has shown her true passion and the infinite pleasures of the heart . . . .

My Thoughts:

Rio has suffered a tremendous loss and betrayal at the hands of his very own breedmate. In loving Rio and wanting to keep him to herself she betrayed the Breed to Marick, the Breed enemy. When her plans fail to kill the leader of the Breed Warriors and severely injure Rio she takes her own life. All of this happens in book one. Rio is scarred over half his body and has some major head trauma going on. He suffers black outs and fits of rages. He fears that he is no longer useful to the Breed Warriors and is more of a threat to everyone around him. The pain he has suffered has drained his will to live.

He screws up his last mission and now must rectify his actions. He has allowed a reporter to see the crypt that he was to destroy. Dylan is not only a reporter, but a breedmate. The Warriors have to retrieve the pictures she took and lose her story before it goes to press. They have given her the choice of entering into the Breed life through one of the Dark Havens or returning to her life without any of the knowledge she has come to over the last few days. Her connection to Rio is not as strong as the connections between the previous couples. She has an outside life that she is not ready to leave.

The connections between Rio and Dylan are slow to form. I was eagerly anticipating the reading of Midnight Rising. I don't know if my anticipation got the better of me, but Midnight Rising moved way too slow in the first half of the book. I was sorely tempted to put it down several times, but my desire to see Rio get his happy ending won out every time. I wanted to see how Adrian was going to spin the story for the next books in the series. What trouble is going to befall the Breed now that Marrek is out of the way, but this too moved extremely slow. The last half of the book did move at a better pace and eventually kept me wanting to finish this series. I decided however to wait a little while before venturing into the next book Veil of Midnight.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Winners of Angelica and Zi's guest post

Angelica Hart and Zi were sweet enough to contact me with the winners of their three blog contests. Congratulations to all three of you!!!

WINNERS!!!

Commenting on Blogs Contest

We held our drawing last evening for all who

commented on our various blogs over the past week

The following are our winners and have received a free e-book

ANNA

Heather's Reading Romance

ALAINE

J. Kaye's Book Blog won

LISA

Romance Junkies

READ ON!

Angelica Hart and Zi

KILLER DOLLS ~ September 2009

SNAKE DANCE ~ February 2010

CHASING GRAVITAS ~ July 2010

angelicahartandzi.com

KILLER DOLLS can be purchased at

Champagne Books

http://www..champagnebooks.com

Confucius Says...

My husband sent this to me. He knows me so well and this is right up all of our alleys!!!

Confucius say....

If you can't find the book

you want,

You're probably shopping

at the...

This made me laugh a little but now I am going to go put my head back on the pillow.

Angelica Hart and Zi-- Guest Post

Thank you for coming back and guest hosting my blog Angelica and Zi. I can't wait to see what you have in store for me and my friends.






IS IT REAL OR IS IT MEMORY

Angelica Hart and Zi are writers published by Champagne Books.

Storing away memories and odd events to add to a story gives that story realism. Anne Rice once said, "No matter how long we exist, we have our memories. Points in time which time itself cannot erase." And most of our memories are indeed gifts that we open again and again.

I was at an Evelyn Woods Speed Reading Class and the instructor said, "We are the sum of all our experiences." There it was a truth that stood above simple truths. As I began to write I recognized that I had very limited experiences upon which to pull. My early work was unquestionable shallow. So I began a quest to discover, in the name of wanting to be a better writer? No! I realized I was shallow.

Every submission sent to publishers was returned or ignored. I recall critique suggesting I needed more depth in both the way I dealt with the subject and the technical writing style. As time ate at my life I waited as I worked. Wrote daily. How much life is lost to wait? That is an apt question, but my wait was filled with discovery. I became a student of people. Discovery. Examined other styles and broke them down mechanically and technically. Discovery. Tried to create more complexity. Discovery. Expanded my vocabulary. Discovery. Read... read... read. Discovery. Wrote... re-wrote... re-re-wrote.

That wait was not shallow but an aggressive tutorial for my growth. I continued to submit work. And slowly pieces were accepted.

So the question is who am I? Angelica or Zi. Ironically, we took the same path and had the same challenges and failures. We met as more mature adults prepared to be writers and we have written daily as writing partners. We found a synergy in our styles and complexity in what we wanted to create. Are we good? We don't know. Have we found that depth needed to portray characters as real people? Hope we have. Have we found enough intrigue in our plot and our words to keep readers interested? You tell us. As Jacob Bronowski, a mathematician, well-spoken and a celebrity of the BBC show The Ascent of Man and was the inspiration of Carl Sagan to make the Cosmos wrote, "The world is full of people who never quite get into the first team and who just miss the prizes at the flower show." If runners up is what we are, we're proud for our journey has been wonderful.

Zi believes, "Be the best you can be by growing every day."

Having said that, goodness, that was something (our hard work) we doubt we'd forget.

(Wow what an insightful post. Memories are very important in our lives and they are definitely something that cannot be taken away from you)



Our release KILLER DOLLS is a wonderful romantic thriller based in bio-terrorism. SNAKE DANCE which is about to be released is a fantasy adventure romance placed in a unique culture. CHASING GRAVITAS is a gentle paranormal romance which provides an unfolding mystery.





EXCERPT SIX
"Why are you asking me so much about Rud?" Her query accompanied innocuous though concerned peering.

"Just curious. I'm a bit of a techie myself." He thought he had vamped to cover himself.

"I see,” she said, not quite stirring her tea, more toying with the spoon in imitation of stirring. "So, you're into computers? I mean, just what do you do, other than make
me hot and feed me?” Laughing at her own humor.

He grinned at that and blurted his cover story about being an IT contractor, working for various companies as a troubleshooter.

For the first time since they met, Letti felt uneasy. His words sounded rehearsed. Did he hate his job? Was he really a male stripper, could have been, and didn't want to tell her?
What? She found herself asking a little too often. Then he reached out and touched her hand, and for the moment she didn't care.

His next question was interrupted by the ring tone of the song Rubber Duckie.


ABOUT AUTHORS

Their combined accomplishments include book publications in print and/or electronic versions of twenty-four titles, fifteen romance specific, ten manuscripts pending, EPPIE finalist for three books, Cecil Whig award, Hob-Nob Reader's Choice Award, written over 500 shorts with numerous published in both nationwide and small press magazines, articles published in various local, city and statewide newspapers, including four as a Guest Columnist in addition to trade articles. Both are members of various writing groups.

KILLER DOLLS IS AVAILABLE: Unaware that bio-terrorists are using her handcrafted dolls to attack the innocent, Letti Noel finds herself falling for Taut Johnson, an undercover FBI agent. Even as deceit is a growing barrier to their love, it's the stalking terrorists that are a threat to their lives.

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.


Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ September 2009
SNAKE DANCE ~ February 2010
CHASING GRAVITAS ~ July 2010

angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com
angelicahartandzi.com




KILLER DOLLS can be purchased at
Champagne Books
http://www.champagnebooks.com/


Thank You again for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and such a wonderful excerpt!

Off a Hectic week and into Playoffs!!

I really need to get myself a new camera!!! I want more pictures of my son in action, but for now this one game will have to suffice. I am so excited. Our little bobbleheads are headed to the play-offs. This week of practice is very important... if you don't go you don't play!! The first game is Saturday at noon. We don't know which team we are playing but we have beaten both teams twice now. Most of us are praying for the guys that we played Saturday, just so our kids have a little bit easier time.

My son finally got his touchdown. I should say he has two touchdowns and an extra point or two under his belt now! Who would have thought my lineman was going to get to run the ball!!

As much as I love the time that we have had with this season I will be happy when it is over. I have had little time to read between getting ready for three games, homecoming court, and a birthday. I have one review that I have to write still. I finally finished Rio's story and have barely started Untouched by Anna Campbell. I am looking forward to more time at home so that I can cook a decent meal for my family and we can just chill in front of the TV or curled up on the couch with a good book!!

I was happy to hear my door bell ring today! I have been expecting a book and it finally arrived!!!



I purchased a couple of books for my Kindle but I can't remember which ones. I am going to have to sift through the books and figure it out when I get more time.

I have they dynamic writing team Angelica Hart and Zi stopping in to guest host my blog again on Wed! I can't wait to hear what they have in store for us this time! So make sure to stop back by on Wed and welcome these two characters.

Midnight Awakening by Lara Adrian

MIDNIGHT AWAKENING

Midnight Breed Series
BOOK 3

Dell Books ~ 416 pages
ISBN: 978-0-553-58939-9
First Printing: December 2007

Available formats:
Mass Market Paperback
Bookclub Edition Hardcover
E-book

From the back cover:

HE HAS RESISTED TEMPTATION FOR CENTURIES, A STONE-COLD WARRIOR WHOSE FROZEN HEART REFUSES TO THAW--UNTIL HER . . . .

With a dagger in her hand and vengeance on her mind, Darkhaven beauty Elise Chase prowls Boston's streets in search of retribution against the Rogue vampires who took from her everything she cherished. Using an extraordinary psychic gift, she tracks her prey, well aware that the power she possesses is destroying her. She must learn to harness this gift, and for that she can turn to only one man--the deadliest of the Breed warriors, Tegan.

No stranger to loss, Tegan knows Elise's pain. He knows fury, but when he slays his enemies it is with ice in his veins. He is perfect in his self-control, until Elise seeks his aid in her personal war. An unholy alliance is forged--a bond that will link them by blood and vow--and plunge them into a tempest of danger, desire, and the darkest passions of the heart . . .

My Thoughts:

I have to agree with Lea, this is most definitely my favorite of the series thus far. After reading the first two books of the series, Kiss of Midnight and Kiss of Crimson, I was really anticipating Tegan's story. Tegan is exactly what the description from the back cover says... A stone-cold warrior. He is the most feared, the most aloof, and to this point the most damaged (if you would call it that).

Tegan suffered the loss of his Breedmate five centuries ago. The loss so consumed him that he almost went Rogue. ***this is not a spoiler for this book, you find out about this in the first book*** Lucan saved him through a long struggle, but Tegan would not allow himself to feel or get close to anyone ever again. He blamed himself for Sorcha's death, as it was his responsibility to keep her safe from all dangers. Reading about Tegan in the previous books you get the sense that there is no emotion what so ever in Tegan. He is a warrior first and foremost. He is a loner.

So when his path crosses Elise's in Kiss of Crimson, he is shocked that he feels anything at all for this lovely Breedmate who has experienced so much. It is four months after Kiss Of Crimson that their paths intercept again. This time Elise is dealing out her own kind of vengeance, which is liable to get her killed. Tegan wants nothing to do with her, but yet for some reason he feels responsible for her wellfare. After a hellacious night he returns to Elise's apartment to check on her only to find that she is suffering from a severe migraine.

He soon finds out that he is not the only one interested in Elise's daily activities. He is now dragging Elise back to the Compound to keep her safe and to share some much needed information she has retrieved.

The emotional rollercoaster that Elise had been on drove her to some really dangerous actions. Her psychic abilities were no less of a danger for her. Knowing Tegan had similar capabilities, Elise basically throws herself on the little bit of mercy one might think to find in Tegan. When this didn't work she finagled her way to Berlin with him.

In Midnight Awakening you see that Tegan is not so emotionally detached as he would like to be especially when it comes to Elise. He tries hard to treat her callously to push her away, and at every turn she is still right there pulling him in deeper. I loved their story!!!

Now in my last little review of the Midnight Breed I mentioned how I was jonesing for Rio's story as well. He surprises us and makes a come back in Midnight Awakening. He is still very volatile but there is nothing that is going to keep him from fighting this war on the Rogues. So up next is Rio's story!

Rating: 5 stars

Football--Proud Mommy Moment

I am having a "Proud Mommy" moment and just have to share!! My six year old son plays football. This is his first year and he is doing AWESOME, if I do say so myself. I don't normally put pictures of my kids out here, but I just can't contain my excitement over how well my son played this past Saturday. The season is coming to an end, but we still have two and a half games left before the playoffs...all being played next week. I have to say I was a little concerned at the beginning of the season after getting beating 30+ to 6 (can't remember the exact score, but needless to say we got our butts handed to us). Since that first game however we have been on a roll, winning the following three games. My son probably had his best game ever Saturday. My husband volunteered me to film all of the games so I don't get the chance to take pictures and have to rely on the generosity of other moms. Thankfully another mother was able to get a lot of really good pictures during the game.

This is where I spend 3 nights a week and my Saturdays... watching my son and his football team!! Who would have guessed that I would enjoy the game this much. Keep your eyes pealed for number 63!

In this picture Cody has at least two guys holding him back. This is a normal thing. Most of the teams like to line them up on him. He actually heard one coach tell his players to get him (number 63)!


This is the start of another play. We are playing Defense in this picture. You see two kids stacked in front Cody, however there are two more that didn't get into the picture. My husband tells me this play is called "the Slam". The pulled it several times on Cody, and this proud Momma has to say he got by them on more than one occasion to make the tackle behind their line!!


Look closely... you can just barely make out that 63 on the shoulder. Yep you got it, my son made this tackle!!


This was the first time the coaches let Cody run the ball. I don't know the names of all the positions, so I can't tell you what position he was in. If you know anything about football you can look at the second picture and that is basically where he is on the offensive line as well. He didn't make it ten yards on this play, but it made me proud! He followed this run up later on with a touchdown run of 30 (I think) yards. The touchdown didn't count. We got a penalty on the play... one of our little guys tackled someone from behind. It didn't get Cody down though. He came out of it and on the way home told me..."My touchdown may not have counted, but I gained my team a lot of yards!" How sweet is that!!

He played the entire game only coming out in the last 2 minutes, because he got hurt. I saw his Dad send him off the field and heard him crying. It was killing me not to be able to run down to the side lines and check on him. Thankfully for my sanity my sister was there and was able to go check on him. She said that he either pulled something in his leg or was stepped on/kicked during the tackle. He walked it off and by the end of the 2 min period he was fine. When we got home we found out what happened. He was stepped on, leaving bruises in the shape of cleats on his inner thigh. After seeing his bruises the first thing that popped into mind was Keanu Reeves in the Replacements in this scene...



Shane Falco "Pain heals"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6E4Oy6pFKQ

Thanks for sharing my Proud Mommy moment with me!!

Breed series by Lara Adrian---Kiss of Midnight and Kiss of Crimson

Prepare for seduction as Lara Adrian unleashes a dark new breed of vampire . . .

Part human, part otherworldly, the Breed has lived among humankind for thousands of years, maintaining a tentative peace built on secrecy, power, and the dark justice carried out by the formidable warriors of the Order.

But now, a blood war within the race is set to ignite. Vampires are going Rogue in startling numbers, feeding without discretion, killing humans in the streets. It is up to the Order to stop the spreading threat of Rogue domination--and in so doing, each of the warriors will be forced to confront private demons, darkest secrets, deepest fears. Some will know triumph, some will know loss, but each warrior can count on one thing: Love, when it finds him, will often come at the worst possible moment, with the least likely woman . . . and it will bring each of these powerful males to his knees.

I have been reading this series by Lara Adrian lately. I read Kiss of Midnight several months ago and apparently forgot to do a "My Thoughts" on it. Having finished Kiss of Crimson last week and starting Midnight Awakening this week I thought that I would do a mini review on the first two books in one post followed individual reviews on the rest of the series.

Midnight Breed Series
BOOK 1

Dell Books ~ 432 pages
ISBN: 978-0-553-58937-5
First printing: May 2007

Available formats:
Mass Market Paperback
Bookclub Edition Hardcover
E-book

From the back cover:

INSATIABLE DESIRE. ENDLESS SEDUCTION. ONE TOUCH IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.

Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.

Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all . . . .

My Thoughts:

Gabrielle is a photographer trying to break into the Art world. She has a few very close friends and no family. One night after the opening of her Art Showing her friends drag her out to a club. Leaving early, she witnesses a brutal attack on a man in an alley and starts snapping pictures with her cell phone. The police thinks she is crazy, so she is a little surprised when Lucan shows up at her door questioning what she saw that night dreadful night and requesting to take her phone down to the station.

There is an intense pull between these two. And Lucan has given himself the task of making sure no harm comes to this startling beauty, especially once he finds out that she has been stalking several Breed and Rogue locations. Gabrielle also has the mark of a Breedmate. Very few women carry this mark, but those that do are made especially for the Breed.

Kiss of Midnight really sets up the story line for the rest of the series. You are introduced to the major players of the Order and the Rogue leader. I guess this could be the reason it moved slowly for me or it could be that I was also reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. There were a lot of things happening in Kiss of Midnight... betrayal, forgiveness, and the uncovering of a long held secret.

Rating: 4 stars

KISS OF CRIMSON
Midnight Breed Series
BOOK 2

Dell Books ~ 416 pages
ISBN: 978-0-553-58938-2
First Printing: June 2007

Available formats:
Mass Market Paperback
Bookclub Edition Hardcover
E-book

From the back cover:

BONDED BY BLOOD AND DARK SECRETS, THEY ENTER A PLACE OF DANGER AND INFINITE PLEASURE . . . .

He comes to her more dead than alive, a towering black-clad stranger riddled with bullets and rapidly losing blood. As she struggles to save him, veterinarian Tess Culver is unaware that the man calling himself Dante is no man at all, but one of the Breed, vampire warriors engaged in a desperate battle. In a single erotically charged moment Tess is plunged into his world--a shifting, shadowed place where bands of Rogue vampires stalk the night, cutting a swath of terror.

Haunted by visions of a dark future, Dante lives and fights like there is no tomorrow. Tess is a complication he does not need--but now, with his brethren under attack, he must shield Tess from a growing threat that includes Dante himself. For with one reckless, irresistible kiss, she has become an inextricable part of his underworld realm . . . and his touch awakens her to hidden gifts, desires, and hungers she never knew she possessed. Bonded by blood, Dante and Tess must work together to thwart deadly enemies, even as they discover a passion that transcends the boundaries of life itself . . . .

My Thoughts:
Kiss of Crimson started out with a bang, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next.

Dante seeks a safe haven in the clinic that Tess runs after being attacked down by the river. Tess falls asleep at her desk and is awakened to Dante's not to subtle attempts at finding anything to help him. She walks in on him and knows that she should be calling the police but that part of her that wants to help heal can not turn away from him.

Dante realizes too late that Tess has the mark of a Breedmate. Now he has irrevocably bound them together, forcing her into a position that she may not want.

Dante is on the trail of a drug dealer and it leads right back to Tess. The drug Crimson is proving to be lethal to the Breed and someone is distributing it at the Raves that these young Breed frequent. The Order must get the drug producer and dealer before Boston is infested with more Rogues than they can handle.

In Kiss of Crimson we are showed a little more of the warriors Tegan and Rio. Tegan is the warrior that everyone makes a B-line to avoid. Rio experienced some very tragic stuff in Kiss of Midnight. I can't wait to really delve into these two warriors and find out how they will be healed of their demons.

Rating: 5 stars
(Fall 09 Challenge)

Underwear is not Sexy!

OK so I have been sitting here reading and trying to be really lazy today. I have actually been trying to take a nap all day, I haven't had much success with it. In trying to make sure my husband did not over sleep this morning and was able to leave the house at 3:15 am I was up all night. Even when I could lay down and sleep for a solid 2 hours, I couldn't do it. So I got like 1 1/2 hours of sleep before having to get up with the kids. No big deal because I have all day right... well at least that is my husband's way of thinking. I have literally tried all day to sleep, I am bone tired and it keeps eluding me. Now kids are home and the time has passed, there will be no closing these eyes until at least 10 pm.


Anyhoo, there is a purpose for this post besides sharing the boring self pity of no sleep. Part of the reason I could not force myself to sleep is that I am reading. Yes I know I should have put the book down, but it was getting really good from the romance stand point. The couple was coming together and starting to share their dark secrets, well at least she was sharing. And here I go again on another side road.

While reading today I had a scene pop in my head and I can't get rid of it, nor do I know where it came from. It is most definitely not from the book I am reading now. So I am going to put the scene to you and see if anyone can figure it out.

Panties! I hate "underwear", it not sexy. I love the way "panties" sounds, its so much more sexier than "underwear".


I believe the woman said this to another woman, but am not 100% sure of it. She was sitting at a table, I believe. And while those may not have been her exact words, I can't get them out of my head. I think she even made a comment about how sexy it is to hear a man say "panties". Can you figure it out. I have one book in mind, but I have not finished reading it yet. And then it could have came from a T.V Show or movie...which one I couldn't tell ya because I don't get to watch anything that would have a conversation remotely similar. It has been giving me a chuckle and I am sure if I were out in public today I would probably have embarrassed myself by now by laughing or actually repeating it out loud.

Has anyone else had this happen? It is almost like having the lyrics to a song playing over and over and over in your head. I am starting to think that this could be an interesting concept for a contest. And now that I have my computer back online I might just have to run one.

FTC: WTF!!!

OK I saw this yesterday, but really wasn't going to post or say anything about it until reading more about it, which I still haven't done. But seeing as a few others have ran across this as well I figured I would post as well and vent!!


FTC: Bloggers must disclose freebies or payments; testimonials to reflect typical results DEBORAH YAO, EMILY FREDRIX AP Business Writers10:39 PM EDT, October 5, 2009

"Starting December 1, the FTC will require disclosure from all bloggers whom they deem as being compensated for their reviews on any products. Meaning, if you review something for free and retain the product, you must disclose it or risk a mighty fine. Upward of $11,000. But you could always return it . . . That means book bloggers, people. Keeping a review copy is considered compensation and must be disclosed. Fun stuff, right?

This article goes into more detail thanks to an interview with a member of the Bureau of Consumer Protection.Don't say I didn't warn you! While they say the FTC will target the companies as opposed to the bloggers for fines (considering the sheer number of us), it still means we have to amend how we run things with our blogs. And our taxes. Remember, if review copies are considered compensation, they have a monetary value and need to be reported on taxes. OMG, fun!Aside from the ultimate level of suck this is at, I wouldn't get too worked up for it but at the same time I wouldn't brush it off, either. It's best to keep up to speed on things like this because the last thing you want is the FTC and the IRS on your ass. "
copied from Book Junkie's blog.

Below is a snippet from the article mentioned above:

"In the case of books, Cleland saw no problem with a blogger receiving a book, provided there wasn’t a linked advertisement to buy the book and that the blogger did not keep the book after he had finished reviewing it. Keeping the book would, from Cleland’s standpoint, count as “compensation” and require a disclosure. "

As a book blogger I am really having a WTF moment. OK first off I have only been approached once by an author to review a book, said book was sent to me in PDF. So now I am suppose to figure out what the PDF version of the book is worth and have my husband claim that on my taxes, ummm I don't think so. Every other review I have done have been on books that I have either purchased, borrowed from friend or library, or won from contests. So am I now suppose to make sure that I am noting on every review that I write how I came across these books and am I suppose to also claim the books that I have won from contests on my taxes if I write a review for them? I have been pretty fortunate in the past months with my winnings and could not tell you every single title that I have won. And because of my recent computer problems don't have most of my ebooks--- if they weren't transferred to my Kindle, I have most likely lost them.

I am really starting to hate all this bureaucratic BS!! Seriously how much money do you think these authors and publishers are receiving from our little reviews... isn't it just word of mouth. I know I managed to sell at least 20 books for JR Ward just by spreading the news on her BDB series to my family. Is gov't going to fine me for being a walking advertisement for the books that I love. I don't think that it is compensation that the authors are offering us but a big Thanks for being loyal fans and continuing to spread the word and keep the love of reading alive!!! I seriously think that there are bigger fish in the pond that the FTC needs to be worried about.

AN ITALIAN BOY'S CONFESSION

I just received this in an email and thought it was too cute not to share!!!

'Bless me Father, for I have sinned.
I have been with a loose girl'.

The priest asks, 'Is that you, little Joey Pagano ?'

'Yes, Father, it is.'

'And who was the girl you were with?'

'I can't tell you, Father. I don't want to ruin her reputation'.

"Well, Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later
so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Minetti?'

'I cannot say.'

'Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?'

'I'll never tell.'

'Was it Nina Capelli?'

'I'm sorry, but I cannot name her.'

'Was it Cathy Piriano?'

'My lips are sealed.'

'Was it Rosa DiAngelo, then?'

'Please, Father, I cannot tell you.'

The priest sighs in frustration.
'You're very tight lipped, and I admire that.
But you've sinned and have to atone.
You cannot be an altar boy now for 4 months.
Now you go and behave yourself.'

Joey walks back to his pew,
and his friend Franco slides over and whispers,
'What'd you get?'

'Four months vacation and five good leads.'

ABC Meme

I got tagged by Lea.

Here are the rules:


1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Share your ABC’s.

3. Tag three people at the end by linking to their blogs.

4. Let the three tagged people know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

5. Do not tag the same person repeatedly but try to tag different people, so there is a big network of bloggers doing this tag.


Available or single? NO, married

Best Friend? Terrie, my sister. thought about putting my husband, but hey he is my husband.

Cake or Pie? Cream Cheese Pie

Drink of choice? coffee, sweet tea, or water

Essential item for every day use? Um, deodrant - really cannot do without that... (have to agree with Lea here)

Favorite color? Purple

Google? internet's best friend

Hometown? hmm... Savannah is where I grew up but not where I live now.

Indulgences? Books!!!

January or February? do I have to choose... February

Kids? 14, 7 (well soon to be) and 20 (gained through marriage...Im not old enough to have one this age and he darn sure better not make me a grandmother anytime soon!!)

Life is incomplete without? Love, coffee and a good book!!

Marriage date? March 15

Number of siblings? Geez, if you count all the step siblings and my deceased brother I have 8 brothers and sisters. Natural siblings 1 sister and 1 deceased brother.

Oranges or apples? Oranges, but I love the apple too.
Phobias and fears? Snakes.

Quote for the day? "Wake up each morning as if it were on purpose." John Corbett in Raising Helen.

Reason to smile? My kids.

Season? I love summer if I am near a beach (which Im not), Spring and Fall are really cool too!

Tag 3 people? Cindy W, Beth (Carpool Queen), and Heather.

Unknown fact about me? I am actually pretty shy.

Vegetable you hate? It would be easier to list the ones I like!

Worst habit? Being Lazy.

Your favorite food? Bread, and boy does it show!

Zodiac sign? Leo

Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton

STOLEN FURY
Elisabeth Naughton
Book One
Release Date: December 30, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-505-52793-6


Blurb: To unearth a centuries-old secret, an archaeologist must team up with the rakish thief who's stolen both an ancient relic and her heart...

Oh, is he handsome. And charming. And sexy as all get out. Dr. Lisa Maxwell isn’t the type to go home with a guy she barely knows. But, hey, this is Italy and the red-blooded Rafe Sullivan seems much more enticing than cataloging a bunch of dusty artifacts.

After being fully seduced, Lisa wakes to an empty bed and, worse yet, an empty safe. She’s staked her career as an archaeologist on collecting the three Furies, a priceless set of ancient Greek reliefs. Now the one she had is gone. But Lisa won’t just get mad. She’ll get even.

She tracks Rafe to Florida, and finds the sparks between them blaze hotter than the Miami sun. He may still have her relic, but he’ll never find all three without her. And they’re not the only ones on the hunt. To beat the other treasure seekers, they’ll have to partner up—because suddenly Lisa and Rafe are in a race just to stay alive.

My Thoughts:
Dr. Lisa Maxwelll has been hunting for the Furies for fifteen years when she finally stumbles across the second one in a cave in Jamaica. The night before she is to fly to Greece to have Alecto authenticated it is stolen right out from under her nose.

Having a detective for a brother can come in handy in times like these. She is quickly able to track her sexy Latin thief, Rafe, down in Florida.

Rafe needs Lisa's help to find the third Fury so he can fulfill promises made. He completely expected her to track him down, just not so quickly. He convinces Lisa to work with him, while still holding on to her relic.

Neither Lisa nor Rafe were anticipating the sparks that would fly . There seemed to be a magnetic current that pulled at these two and denying each othe soon became a foolish thought. Together they must run for their lives and find Tisiphone before it is too late.

Stolen Fury wasn't extremely fast paced but it sure did move at a speed that kept you turning the pages and kept you on your toes. The steamy romance between these two was nothing less than electric! A totally awesome story that I highly recommend to anyone that loves a great adventure and romantic suspense. I can't wait to delve into Elisabeth Naughton's newly released sequel, Stolen Heat!

Rating: 5 stars

Today I finally took the time to sit down and write a few quick reviews of some books that I have read over the last couple of weeks. I have been having computer issues and don't feel that I really should use my husbands laptop for my blogging, but I just couldn't wait any longer to post these reviews. I hate waiting, I always feel that I am forgetting something and that I don't do the book justice. Hopefully I will get my computer up and running soon! In the mean time I hope you guys have been having a wonderful weekend!

Highland Obsession by Dawn Halliday

In the Scottish Highlands, two warriors are about to clash over a woman of passion...

They were the unlikeliest of friends debauching their way through London: The Earl of Camdonn, a nobleman of vast wealth and power, and Scottish laird Alan MacDonald, a respected Jacobite with ambitions of his own.

But their friendship is destroyed when Alan marries the beautiful Sorcha Stewart—only to witness Cam kidnap her from their bedroom. Then Alan learns the truth: his bride was not an innocent. She took a lover before him—his friend—who taught her the ways of pleasure.

Now, Alan will do anything to get his wife back. Cam fights to redeem his honor, even as he refuses to give up his desire. Torn between love and duty, Sorcha must watch as the two men she desires go to war over her. And when the battle lines are drawn, all three lovers are lured into a triangle of forbidden passions...

My Thoughts:
First off--- this cover is gorgeous!! I could just eat it up!!!!

Alan has spent most of his life in England but the time has come for him to journey back to his homelands in Scotland and take his rightful position as Laird. His best friend, Cam, has already made his journey back to Scotland to secure his lands. Now the two men live as neighbors in Scotland on different sides of the political drama that is taking place.

Alan feels that the time is right to find a wife and settle down, seeing Sorcha only confirms his thoughts. Alan is completely mesmerized by Sorcha's beauty and asks for her hand in marriage. Alan is so gentle with his new wife on their wedding night. He would never have suspected by her performance that she was any less than what she says she is. The realization of her lies comes crashing down around Alan's head after Sorcha is abducted by none other than his best friend Cam.

Alan must learn to trust his wife, redeem his honor, and find a way to forgive his best friend or he will lose the two most important people in his life. This love triangle is definitely intersting. I had a little bit of a hang up with the story but don't want to give anything away. All in all this was a delightful story that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend reading it!

Rating: 4.5

With Seduction in Mind by Laura Lee Guhrke

Her proposition . . .

London Society is harsh for a young woman with no family connections who has to work for a living. But when Daisy Merrick is sacked from yet another job, the feisty and outspoken miss comes up with a plan that could give her a future beyond her wildest dreams. There's only one problem. Her success depends on a man, the most infuriating, impossible, immovable man she's ever met.

His resolution . . .

Sebastian Grant, Earl of Avermore, is England's most infamous author. Known for his notorious reputation, he is more interested in play than work, and has no intention of cooperating when Daisy shows up on his doorstep with a mad plan. The provoking, fire-haired beauty stirs his senses beyond belief, and Sebastian knows he has only one way to stop her. Seduction.

My Thoughts: When the owner of the publishing house that Sebastion writes for decides to take matters into his own hands Sebastian won't know what hit him. Sending the fiesty Daisy out to partner with Sebastian was jus the ticket to getting the creative juices flowing for both of these to writers.

Everyone know that rewards are the best way to get something done. It gives just the right amount of a kick to get you going and gives you something to look forward to at the end of the job. This is the tactic that Daisy implements on Sebastian. Now Sebastian must write a hundred pages before he is able to experience the taste of Daisy's kiss again. This will surely drive both to distraction!

This was a fun and enjoyable story.

Causing Havoc by Lori Foster

Description:Sexy, sculpted extreme fighter Dean "Havoc" Connor has knee-melting good looks-and thick skin. But not from his brutal sport's enclosed rings. Orphaned and torn from his sisters as a boy, he has no family. That is, until he gets a letter revealing how much the once-little girls want him back in Harmony, Kentucky.
To stop his sister from marrying a man as sleazy as he is wealthy, Dean finds himself teaming up with her pretty-but-smart-mouthed friend Eve — who's heard of "Havoc's" reputation and doesn't need some hunk trampling on her heart. Now all Dean has to do is protect his sisters, win Eve over, and expose a devious criminal.
And he thought winning the heavyweight cage fighting belt was hard.

My Thoughts: Cindy has done it again! She sent me a book to read saying that I would love it... and Yes I absolutely loved Causing Havoc. I don't know how she does it, always finding really great books and authors and sending them my way at just the right moment.

Dean heads to his childhood home after receiving a letter from his long lost sister. In the letter his sister seems desperate and full of hope, hope that catches Dean and sends him to find out what she needs. Arriving in Harmony, Dean finds anything but harmony. He has just walked into a mountain load of family problems and can't seem to shake the desire to help out the sister that he thought lost to him forever. It helps that Eve, sister's best friend, is one hot little ticket that he can't keep his hands off.

I really loved how the family dynamics just kicked into gear full force. The interaction between the three siblings reminded so much of my own life with my siblings. You have to have at least one smart ass and a mother hen... which definitely describes me and my sister. I would like to think that my brother would have continued to be a smart ass and the big over protective brother that Dean wound up being.

Then we have the hot and heavy romance between Eve and Dean. These two were perfect for each other. There time together was definitely electrifying!!

I can't wait to get to the rest of this series!

Rating: 5