AAR Top 100

I am going to try and read as many of these as possible... I think that this is another challenge, at least it will be a personal challenge. Pink= read, blue= own/TBR, Purple= on order from PBS! I have a long ways to go, but hopefully I will be able to complete the list within a year.

1. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

2. Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

5. Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale

6. Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh

7. Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

8. Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise

9. Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Cruise

10. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

11. Lover Awakened by JR Ward

12. Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

13. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

14. It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

15. Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase

16. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

17. The Bride by Julie Garwood

18. Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard

9. Naked in Death by JD Robb

20. A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh

21. Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

22. Dream Man by Linda Howard

23. The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

24. Paradise by Judith McNaught

25. As You Desire by Connie Brockway

26. MacKenzie’s Mountain by Linda Howard

27. Dark Lover by JR Ward

28. The Secret by Julie Garwood

29. Son of the Morning by Linda Howard

30. Lover Eternal by JR Ward

31. Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens

32. A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux

33. Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

34. To Have and to Hold by Patricia Gaffney

35. Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught

36. Match Me if You Can by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

37. The Shadow of the Star by Laura Kinsale

38. Cry no More by Linda Howard

39. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught

40. Over the Edge by Susanne Brockmann

41. Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

42. Ravished by Amanda Quick

43. Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas

44. To Die For by Linda Howard

45. Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

46. This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

47. The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

48. Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas

49. The Proposition by Judith Ivory

50. Honor’s Splendor by Julie Garwood

51. Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

52. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

53. When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

54. Persuasion by Jane Austen

55. All Through the Night by Connie Brockway

56. It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

57. Born In Fire by Nora Roberts

58. Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Putney

59. Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

60. Out of Control by Suzanne Brockmann

61. After the Night by Linda Howard

62. Lady Sophia’s Lover by Lisa Kleypas

63. The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh

64. Once and Always by Judith McNaught

65. More Than a Mistress by Mary Balogh

66. Untie My Heart by Judith Ivory

67. See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson

68. The Rake by Mary Jo Putney

69. Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

70. Perfect by Judith McNaught

71. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

72. The Duke by Gaelen Foley

73. One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney

74. Shattered Rainbow by Mary Jo Putney

75. The Windflower by Laura London

76. Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

77. Frederica by Georgette Heyer

78. Passion by Lisa Valdez

79. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

80. The Lady’s Tutor by Robin Schone

81. Morning Glory by Lavryl Spencer

82. Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas

83. Winter Garden by Adele Ashworth

84. My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway

85. Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas

86. Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer

87. Gone too Far by Suzanne Brockman

88. Anyone But You by Jennifer Cruise

89. For My Lady’s Heart by Laura Kinsale

90. Rising Tides by Nora Roberts

91. Lover Revealed by JR Ward

92. Open Season by Linda Howard

93. Born in Ice by Nora Roberts

94. Ransom by Julie Garwood

95. Venetia by Georgette Heyer

96. Miss Wonderful by Loretta Chase

97. Ain’t She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

98. The Notorious Rake by Mary Balogh

99. The Prize by Julie Garwood

100. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Names

I was just browsing another readers blog and came across a post where she has renamed her two daughters (to protect the innocent) some really countrified names! It got me thinking about my own children's names. I was born and raised here in the South and would never dream of naming my children anything along the lines of BillyBob or Mary Mae. I am a firm believer in thinking to the future and what your child will have to endure in school from the other children. My name being Heather experienced lots of funny little names that were not so funny to me then. I actually hated my name and would rather have been called by middle name "Brooke". My last name didn't help. When I got married I was happy to finally be rid of my maiden name that I took something that could be deemed much worse... my husband actually thinks it is and I am sure my son will too.
Anyway this online buddy said that her kids were drilling her about what she would have named them if... after a while she got tired of answering the questions and threw out these off the wall answers and a few of them stuck. My kids have not drilled me about what I would have named them, but my daughter (13) just started discussing names of her future children... which I hope are a long ways away. She actually told me that when she has a daughter she wants to name her "Poppie". I have begged her not to do this to her future daughter and to please think about what she will be putting this little girl through. Of course she turned it around on me!
Now when I named my daughter I went through a lot of pain to try and find something that she would not get picked on for. Who would have thought that the kids would have fault with my naming! My daughter's name is McKayla, but I spell it Michaela. What fault can you find with this name... what can the kids think of to pick on her about you might ask. Well I would never have thought of it, but kids can be pretty darn clever! The boys are constantly calling her Michael and saying that she is a boy. She hates her name now and is always asking me if she can please go by her middle name.
As for my son, I absolutely refuse to take any credit for naming him. Cody was not my choice and Mark would have only been a choice for me if I also named him after my Dad. My husband hated most of my choices for one reason or another so when I went into a false labor a week before he was born and we still had not picked out a name I threw my hands in the air. I gave my husband and my daughther each a piece of paper. I told them to write 5 names down. Both of them had Cody on thier list, mine did not. That is how he ended up with Cody. My husband's dad's name is Mark (also appeared on my daughter's list). So the night that Cody was born I did not have a middle name picked out, my husband told the nurse to use Mark. At least he won't be picked on for his first name... He will have enough problems with his last name!

The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

This was the first time that I have read an Elizabeth Hoyt book. It was a great little story and it will be going to the keeper shelf. I can't wait to purchase the other two in the Series.
Anna Wren smooth talks her way into a secretary position for Lord Swartingham (Edward). She has the position for a week before Edward realizes that he has a female working for him. Anna probably has more backbone than the previous secrataries. His temper does not scare her and she actually stands up to him. The banter between these two is great. A fun story that I could not put down!

The True Friendship Promise

None of that 'Sis'-sy Stuff

Are you tired ofthose
sissy 'friendship' poems
that always sound good,
but neveractually come close
to reality?
Well, here is aseries of promises that actually speak of
True Friendship.
You WON'Tsee
cutesy little smileyfaces
on this card-
Just the stone cold truth
of our great friendship.

1. When you aresad,
I will jump onthe person
who made you sad
like a spidermonkey
jacked up onMountain Dew!!!

2. When you are blue,
I will try to dislodge
whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile,
I will know you are
plotting something
that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared,
we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried,
I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse
it could be until you
quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused,
I will use little words.

7. When you are sick,
Stay away from me
until you are well again.
I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall,
I'll pick you up
and dust you off--
After I laugh my butt off!!

9. This is my oath...
Ipledge it to the end.
'Why?' you may ask;
--because you are my FRIEND!

***********************

Friendship is like peeing your pants,
everyone can see it,
but only YOU
can feel the
true warmth.

**********************

A Highlander Never Surrenders by Paula Quinn

This is the sequel to Laird of the Mist. Graham Grant, the Commander of the MacGregor Clan, has vowed to live his life as a single man taking pleasure where and when he finds it... which is often and everywhere. There is not a woman around that would not drop to her knees for this man. Nothing is more important to him than his honor and the battlefield. Imagine his surprise when he loses his heart to one sword wielding female wearing pants! Claire is determined to save her sister and seek out revenge on the person who betrayed her brother. Nothing and no one will stand in her way.These two fight each other and their selves every step of the way. Graham cannot get Claire out of his head yet he won't stake claim to her, for doing so would betray one of his closest friends. The passion between them is ignitable.An added bonus, the author takes you back to Skye where you get to visit with the main characters from Laird of the Mist.Another great story by Puala Quinn. 5 Stars!!!”

Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn

I read Laird of the Mist for the ROR Fall reading challenge. It had been highly recommended by a friend from Shelfari/ROR. I now understand her excitement about this book.

Laird of the Mist has got to be the ultimate wounded hero novel. Callum MacGregor was captured by his enemy as a child and held in the dungeon with his young sister. They both survived this tortured life for nine years, bearing physical and emotional scars. Callum has vowed to avenge all of the MacGregor clan, claim his name, and seek revenge against all Campbells.

Kate Campbell has been taught to fear and hate the MacGregors, especially the one they call The Devil. To her surprise The Devil is the very man he comes to her rescue when she is attacked by another raiding clan.

The desire erupts between these two with a vengeance. Kate is determined to make Callum like her and look past her name. Callum is determined to hate Kate for her last name. She is simply a means to an end.

Laird of the Mist comes full of passion, perils, and deceit. This is a definite 5 star read!!!

Recipe Swap

Cream Cheese Pie

• 8 oz. package of cream cheese
• 1/3 c lemon juice
• can of sweetened condensed milk
• vanilla extract (can't remember the exact amount so I just use a cap full)
• graham cracker pie crust (deep)
• optional: your favorite pie filling, fresh fruit, whip cream

1. combine all ingredients in large bowl. stir/blend
2. pour into pie crust and cover
3. refrigerate over night or unti set (not runny)
4. top with your favorite fruit topping or pie filling

I used this recipe for a Fourth of July picnic and decorated it with blue berries, strawberries (cut in 1/4), and whip cream to make the flag. The recipe is one my Dad made every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I believe he got it from a Philidelphia Cream Cheese box.

Read Around the Genres

What a great challenge Cindy!

Click on Cindy to find out more about this challenge!!!
My book titles are on the way... need to figure out which ones I will be reading in addition to the Fall Reading Challenge.

Here’s the list

1. Pirate or Viking: A Pirate Of Her Own by Kinley Macgregor

2. Vampire: Realm of Shadows by Shannon Drake

3. Contemporary: Tall Tales and Wedding Veils by J. Graves

4. Chick Lit: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

5. Medieval: Ransom or Honor's Splendor by Julie Garwood

6. Time Travel: A Knight in Shinning Armor by Jude Deveraux

7. Romantic Suspense: Tribute by Nora Roberts

8. Inspirational: The Peacemaker by Lori Copeland

9. Historical: The Brat by Lynsay Sands

10. Paranormal: Mystic Rider by Patricia Rice

The Dream Thief by Shana Abe

Challenge: #12. a series book

Rating: 5 *

Description: Buried deep within the Carpathian Mountains lies the legendary dreaming diamond known as Draumr, the only gem with the power to enslave the drakon. Since childhood, Lady Amalia Langford, daughter of the clan's Alpha, has heard its haunting ballad but kept it secret, along with another rare Gift: Lia can hear the future. In it, she realizes that the diamond- along with the fate of the drakon- rests in the hands of Zane, a human... and her future lover. A master thief, Zane is the only man trusted by the drakon to bring them the stone. But Lia knows he straddles tow worlds and will become either her ally- or her overlord. Now, driven by the urgent song- and by her visions of Zane- Lia breaks every rule to join him. For to protect her tribe she must tie her destiny to that of the man capable of stealing her future... and destroying her heart.
Review: I read the first in this series, The Smoke Thief, during the summer challenge which is why I chose to read The Dream Thief for the series selection. I enjoyed TST, but was not sure that I enjoyed it enough to continue with this series. I am extremely happy that I continued with this series. The Dream Thief started off much better than the first, gripping me from the very beginning. Lia's turmoil starts at a very young age. She is experiencing things in her dreams, she can not see only hear and feel, that leave her mystified. Unable to tell her family she keeps her secrets and separates herself from them, leaving her lonely. She is much like Rue was as a child, not beautiful like her siblings, but awkward. She is unable to turn so she also feels like an outsider looking in. She runs to Zane at 12 years old to warn that she will protect her family at costs. Years later she has planned and placed herself in Zane's path, refusing to be sent home. The truths and lies between these two kept the tension up. There was enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. I could not put this book down and am looking forward to reading the next... The Queen of Dragons.

Highland Warrior by Connie Mason

Fall Challenge '08: #15. title with two words

Rating 4.5

To end generations of feuding Ross MacKenna must wed Gillian McKay, a fiery lass wielding a sword. Treachery is afoot; Angus Sinclair has need of the feud and has several plans to ensure that the McKay and the MacKenna clans continue with their feud.

Connie Mason has never failed to write a gripping story full of action, passion and love. This was a great story! It’s been a while since I picked up a Connie Mason book, I forgot how HOT they can be, or how frequently they get HOT. I was not disappointed with Highland Warrior. Ross was of course a hunky Highlander who is possessive over what is his. He did not for one second believe that he could not “tame” his wild wife. Gillian was a strong woman who wanted to keep the feud going… the MacKenna did slay two of her brothers. This was definitely an amazing story of treachery, love, and swordplay. I am putting this one on my wish list.