Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 405 pp
Isbn: 9780671027575
Published: June 2001
Challenge This covers #12 Romantic Suspense for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge.


First Sentence or two: "This is ridiculous!" Clutching her purse so tightly her knuckles were white, the woman glared across the desk at the school principal. "He said he didn't touch the hamster, and my child doesn't lie. The very idea!"
Synopsis:
...the deliciously racy topic that Jaine Bright and her three girlfriends are pondering one night at their favorite after-hours hot spot: Mr. Perfect. Would he be tall, dark, and handsome? Caring and warmhearted -- or will just muscular do? As their conversation hears up, they concoct a tongue-in-cheek checklist that becomes an overnight sensation, spreading like wildfire at work and sizzling along e-mail lines. But what began as a joke among friends turns deadly serious when one of the four women is murdered....Turning to her neighbor, an unpredictable police detective, for help, Jaine must unmask a killer to save her friends -- and herself. Now, knowing whom to trust and whom to love is a matter of survival -- as the dream of Mr. Perfect becomes a chilling nightmare.
Random Thoughts -I personally would of been more racier with my Mr. Perfect list. LOL
*ut oh husband over shoulder* I of course married my Mr. Perfect. *giggles*
----Seriously though this book was great fun to read. The romance between the Hero and Heroine was fun and titillating to read. The only down side was I did correctly guess who the murderer was early on. Never the less this still was a page turner for me. It kept me very engrossed.
Favorite Scene - Who doesn't love to spray someone with the hose while washing their car?
That was the cutest scene when Jaine had enough of Sam frightening her and she lost it all and sprayed him on purpose. I had to giggle and it made my heart beat faster as they finally got to the kissing it lead to.

Rating - 4 Stars.

Booking Through Thursday-Sept. 3rd 2009

What’s the biggest book you’ve read recently?

(Feel free to think “big” as size, or as popularity, or in any other way you care to interpret.)

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The only book that comes to mind for me is "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon. That book is kinda hefty. I loved the book and the story OMG!! I really want to read the next one but it's as big if not bigger then the first one in the series. Yes I am totally intimidated! LOL Outlander is 850 pages. Wow!

As far as Popularity Big, I would have to say "Breaking Dawn" book in the Twilight Series. I went to the big Midnight Sales Release Party that Borders Books had in our town. The local library hosted it and they had several corners all over the store with different games or trivia to play. It was of course Teenagerville. I had fun non the less though. The kids had all made t-shirts for the best t-shirt contest. They had a preview of the "Twilight" movie trailor running in one area. In another area they had a bucket of apples and were measuring who had the biggest bite. I enjoyed that immensely because while I was there a few "tough" looking young men were there and trying to show off for the girls. One of them got his jaw locked. It was very humorous. They had a great many giveaways as well as Bingo in the Coffee lounge in the store. I have to say it was GREAT fun. I however was not as impressed with the book.

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So how bout you? If you don't participate in the Booking Thru Thursday Meme, what is your Biggest or most Popular book you have read lately? Feel free to tell me in the comments section.

Loves Me, Loves Me Knot by Heidi Betts

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 297 pp
Isbn: 9780312946722
Published: 2009
Challenge This covers #10 Reader's Choice for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge.


First Sentence or two: With a final shove, Charlotte Langan managed to heave the heavy, centuries-old spinning wheel up the last two attic steps and onto the dusty floor.
When she's hauled the thing down to her bedroom six months before, she certainly hadn't anticipated the need to carry it back up so soon--at least not by herself.
Synopsis:
THIS IS KNOT YOUR AVERAGE LOVE STORY
Jenna Langan knows what she wants, and as she tells her best friends after their weekly knitting group, she doesn’t need a man to give it to her…only a few of his best swimmers. And just because her marriage to undercover vice cop Gage Marshall ended badly doesn’t mean he can’t still give her the baby she’s always wanted. In fact, she’s willing to bet a couple of her favorite hand-knit boas that she can tie him up in knots he’ll definitely enjoy…
BUT TRUE LOVE IS MORE THAN JUST SKEIN DEEP
An unexpected seduction is one thing, but stud service? No, thank you. Gage had his reasons for pulling the plug on his happily ever after with Jenna, and nothing that’s happened since their divorce has changed his mind. That is, until Jenna got it into her head to tie him up and drag him down. Now he has no choice but to stick around until he knows for sure if his ex-wife is pregnant. But the more time he spends with Jenna, the more his resolve begins to unravel…

Random Thoughts -This book was a refreshing change of pace. The author has a very unique voice. She is very much of our day and time we live in now. This is not about a simple mix-up and fix it up. Sometimes couples have these almost insurmountable hurtles that can not be overcome. I loved Jenna and Gage! I desperately wanted them together. Gages reasons had valid points and I couldn't fault him for his reason. This made the struggle so very real and scary. I was almost thinking this would be the rare book that ended not happily ever after.
Ms. Betts makes the reading fun and fresh with her MANY pop culture references in the pages and amongst the story. Never have I read a book with more. It was fun and exciting each time I came upon another one. Gage and Jenna are HOT and their story is very endearing. I recommend this to everyone. I plan on reading the other two books in this trilogy of hers.

Favorite Scene - I do love the scene where Jenna, Grace and Ronnie are having Mexican Night and all those lovely Margaritas. I find the trio so fun and I never know what they are going to say. This is like the 2nd book in a week that had a fun drunken ladies nite in it. I think I might need one. Seems I am longing for my gal pals and nice frosty drink. Problem is, I don't really have any Gal Pals that are here in my state. Most of my pals these days are online. Sighs

Favorite Quotes- These are a few of the pop culture references I spoke of earlier.
"Hiding like a fat kid squirreling away a last slice of birthday cake"
" A 'woody', as they used to say...though the last time she'd called it that, her niece's cheeks had turned bubblegum pink and she'd been quietly informed that 'woody' was a term currently reserved for a rather private, highly aroused portion of the male anatomy."

"Put the zip in your Miracle Whip?"

"Jenna?" he prompted when she stood there like a crash test dummy.

She looked like she was about to toss out another of her trivial demands that would bounce off him like bullets off superman

Her life was like a chapter out of some Latin-American telenovela.
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There are MANY MANY more, those are just a few. Have fun trying to count all the current today pop culture references.
Rating - 4 Stars.

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 375 pp
Isbn: 9780060791896
Published: 2004
Challenge This covers #3 Read a book that was used in the Summer 2009 Reading Challenge for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge.


First Sentence or two: London, 1841
Although Annabelle Peyton had been warned all her life never to take money from strangers, she made an exception one day...and quickly discovered why she should have heeded her mother's advice.

Synopsis:
Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband.So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.
Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing—and persistent—admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistible pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition . . . but it is impossible in the face of such skillful seduction.
Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entice a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon—and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses . . . and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.

Random Thoughts -What a WONDERFUL Book! Sensational! I was glued to the story. Page turner! This book made me have the range of emotions and feel so deeply for the couple. I laughed many times. (I got a funny look and a shake of the head from my husband one time.)
I held my breath and was so excited a couple times I needed to stop and take a deep breath just to calm down. I was very worried and cried at one point even. This is one powerful author. With a flick of her pen she can pull emotions from me. BRAVO. I was so enamored of all 4 wallflowers and can't wait to read the other 3, that I ran out and bought the very next one not wanting to take a chance that it will be checked out at the library.

Favorite Scene - Without question the game of rounders the 4 girls played sans dresses so that they could run the field. Getting caught was an extreme bonus that added the most loudest fit of giggles on my part.
I have a second most favorite scene that I have to mention because it absolutely melted my heart. When Annabelle and Simon are in Paris and a pair of men are trying to decide who will drink champagne from her shoe. Simon is one cool, dashing MAN, for the way he handled that situation. Want to know more? READ THE BOOK OMG!
Favorite Quotes- Not so much a quote this first bit but an exchange of letters between 2 of the wallflowers.

Dear Evie,
Impressed, amused, and somewhat apprehensive about what scrapes these Bowmans will land us in. Where, pray tell, are we to find a place where we may play Rounders-in-knickers unobserved? Yes, I am thoroughly shocked, you shameless hussy.

Dear Annabelle,
I am coming to believe that there are two kinds of people...those who choose to be masters of their own fate and those who wait in chairs while others dance. I would rather be one of the former than the latter. As to how and when Rounders game shall take place, I am satisfied to leave such details to the Bowmans.
With all fondness,
Evie the hussy


Rating - 5 Stars with out question!

Newest Acquisitons-Sept. 04, 2009

I did it! I got bit by the buying new books bug! I went Crazy. I fooled my mind into thinking I didn't though. I went to Border's to purchase just 2 books. Only 2, shouldn't be an issue. I was so excited that when I was walking in and a mother and her teenage daughter were right behind me I said the stupidest thing. I was opening the door and held it so they could get it. The daughter had manners and said "Thank You." I said "Thank you." Then I thought oh wait I'm not supposed to say that, then said.."oh umm...WHATEVER." What a dolt! (smacks self in forehead) That was really rude of me to say but I was all flustered. Thankfully they laughed at my silliness and we all went our seperate ways. I purchased my 2 books there ...WITH a 40% discount on one ...THANK you very much! (pats self on back) Then went to the HUGE grocery like slash walmart type store here in town to pick up Grammy Gram the "Newsbuffer" with whom I had dropped off before running to Borders. While looking for her I of course wander myself right into the book section! I couldn't stand it I got 2 more books. You know I only bought 2 at a time soooo thats not so bad right? Hehehe The things we tell ourselves. I love it!
Don't look at me that way. I know you have done the same. Admit it!

Jewels Of The Sun by Nora Roberts

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 347 pp
Isbn:9780515126778
Challenge This covers #11 Read a book set in Ireland for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge.


First Sentence or two:Obviously, without question, she'd lost her mind.  Being a psychologist, she ought to know.  All the signs were there, had been there, hovering and humming  around her for months.
Synopsis:
In her new trilogy,(New in 1999)  New York Times #1 Best Selling author, Nora Roberts returns to the lush, green hills of Ireland, where love is forever touched by magic - And where the Gallagher siblings explore the depth of their fiery hearts.

Determining to reevaluate her life, Jude Murray flees America to take refugee in Faerie Hill Cottage, immersing herself in the study of Irish Folk and discovers hope for the future of the magical past.

Random Thoughts -Sorry to say this is not my favorite book of Nora's.  Quite the contrary.  This book was so HARD to get into.   She set the tone and story up of Jude in the beginning but it stayed that way for way to long into the book.  Jude is a solitary person, an introvert if you ask me. (I know you didn't but, HEY it's my blog!)  Jude spends the first part of the book locked up in her own thoughts and discoveries.  She is restless.  This made for restless reading!  I plugged on reading the book then when it hit the halfway point the book SHOT off like thoroughbred in a racetrack.  I couldn't put it down then.  It made for a nice book from that point on. Thankfully!  Aiden is just dreamy!  He says many things in this book worth quoting. Jude I could of lived without.  I think the follow up books in this trilogy will more entertaining if they have Brenna and Darcy in them.  Without a doubt I have hope for those two books.

Favorite Scene - My favorite scene and when the book finally got off the ground, is the sleepover with Brenna and Darcy.  Those two made Jude actually more interesting. 

Favorite Quotes- Aiden took her hand again in the friendliest and the most annoying of manners.  "I suppose I'm accustomed to being so. But if you want to take over and seduce me darling Jude, I can promise to be weak and willing."

Aiden-"Then drink only a little, and I'll fix you some breakfast."
Jude-"You will?"
Aiden-"A bit of this, a bit of that, and a little lie-me-down."


Brenna-"Tell me does he take his sweet time about it, or is he a member of the Irish Foreplay Club?"
Jude-"Irish Foreplay Club?"
Brenna-"Ah you've not heard of it," Brenna said soberly as Darcy snickered. "Their battle cry is 'Brace yourself, Bridget.' Then their in and out before their lager's gone warm."


Shawn(Aiden's Brother)-"Does it hurt?"
Aiden-"What?"
Shawn-"Shoehorning your foot in your mouth that way. I bet it cracks the jaw something fierce."

All in all some wonderfully funny quotes from the Irish characters in this book. 

 
Rating - I gave this book a 3 stars only because it took to long to get moving.

True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 345 pp
Isbn:9780061866968
Challenge This one covers no challenge, at this time.

First Sentence or two: The Night before Virgil Duffy's funeral, a storm pounded the Puget Sound. But by the next morning, the gray clouds were gone, leaving in their place a view of Elliott Bay and the spectacular skyline of downtown Seattle.

Synopsis:

Disaster Number One: Men

Hard knocks and hunger taught Faith Duffy not to believe in love. Still, when she married her very wealthy—and very old—husband, she became the perfect wife. And then he went to that big bank in the sky, leaving Faith with lonely nights, a pile of money, and a total mess of a pro hockey team. Heck, Faith doesn't even watch hockey!

Disaster Number Two: Passion

But most of America and half of Canada is watching Ty Savage. His lethal sex appeal and deadly right hook make him the favorite of fans. For most of Ty's life, he's dreamed of winning the Stanley Cup. The last thing he needs is a bimbo messing up his plans.

Disaster Number Three: Love

Faith loathes Ty on sight, but she can't stop thinking about him all day . . . and night. Then a moment of temptation ends with Faith in Ty's bed, and she begins to see there's more to him than sex appeal. Ty discovers there's far more to Faith than beauty and billions. But a relationship with Faith is impossible, and falling in love—that would be a disaster.

Random Thoughts - This book was so FULL of PASSION!! It kept me glued to the pages and occasionally holding my breath. I love when books can do that to you, just hold you in a spell as if your very life depended on reading it. I can easily recommend this book to others without batting an eyelash. This is the first time I have read a Rachel Gibson book I believe, and you can bet your ass I will be reading more just as soon as I can get my Hot little hands on them! This book can be compaired to SEP's football series books. I thoroughly enjoyed those and hope Ms. Gibson will be making a few more in her Hockey series.

Favorite Scene - Would have to be the one where she dons her coat and heels and nothing else and heads for the door and her man waiting by a hot car for a HOT night of passion. These two sure made the blood boil when they got together. I enjoyed how they kept saying how "inappropriate" the things they were doing to each other. Made me giggle cause it made it all that more sinful for the things they did.
Rating - I gave this book a 4 stars.