Lionhearted by Diana Palmer

# 14 title with an animal

rated 3

pgs 187

His Winter Bride . . .? As the holiday season approached, the residents of Jacobsville were whispering about Janie Brewster's hopeless crush on Leo Hart. Up till now, all her efforts to lasso the dynamic cattleman had crumbled quicker than those mouthwatering biscuits that Hart men coveted. However, this time the starry-eyed debutante had come up with the perfect self-improvement campaign to dazzle Leo -- she'd become a courageous cowgirl! Still, her sudden transformation seemed to rouse Leo's formidable temper more than ever. But wait... was it hot-blooded hunger -- not dark disdain -- that gleamed in his eyes when they melted into those smoldering kisses beneath the mistletoe? Could the last Hart bachelor be on the verge of taking Janie as his bride?

Pet Peeve Alert

this teaser doesn't tell you anything about this story. It leads you down a wrong direction.

The holiday season has nothing to do with nothing. The residents of Jacobsville weren't whispering about anything except Leo getting drunk and jealous of Janie, not the other way around. Leo, isn't mad about Janie becoming a courageous cowgirl, but that he was told by her best friend Marilee (and with friends like who need enemies!) that Janie was spreading rumors etc. They didn't kiss beneath any mistletoe, and were married by christmas. Ugh! I hate it when the teaser lies!

**soapbox put away! For Now***

Why do I read Diana Palmer? It's like looking at a car wreck on the highway. I don't want to look, and yet somehow, I can't help myself. Her books are always the same. Hero-Older more experienced wealthy rancher (or merc! ) who vows never to marry for some dumb-butt reason! (pardon my francais!) Also, only likes women who have no (I mean NO) ambition professionally. Heroine- Young (sometimes barely 20) poor, virginal, hopelessly in love with hero, woman, who has "old fashioned" values meaning that all she aspires to is to cook and clean and raise children. (which is great sometimes to have a maternal character, but seriously everywoman in town, has no professional aspirations? Seriously?) There will come some point in the story where Hero will verbally abuse the the heroine, for being plain/poor/innocent/....Ack! It's always for her own good, mind you! Or, or, or, or, He will tell some 3rd party how awful said heroine is , while she walks into the room to overhear him. Akward!

***soapbox returns***

These women are soooooo innocent that he kisses them, and they are stunned! What?! Who Knew! He "makes a strong pass" and she's scarred for life! She has to(leave town, quit her job, quit school, Hide out ) to avoid the memory of his kisses and groping! He molds his body to her, so that his "physical response" is obvious and she's never seen or felt or heard of anything. "Does it hurt?" She asks. As if the school system in Texas does not teach a health class in High School that covers basic reproduction. (I know they do, cuz I'm a product of that school system. and they taught health class even in the 80's)

While I'm on the topic, did you know that most men, "MUST" rest immediately after "relations"? Yup! Seems most men, need a sandwich and a nap, just to survive! However, these Jacobsville men, are that small percentage who are capable of multiple-O's. And several of them are soooooo well endowed that "most" women can't take all of them. SERIOUSLY! Also, an epidemic in Jacobsville, is that several women need to have a minor medical procedure to ready them for their Wedding Night! yep!

I originally gave this a 3.5 cuz I knew exactly what I was going to get, when I picked it up. But now that I've vented, I can't really give it a 3.5. It's got to me more of a 3 maybe even 2.5. I'll say 3 cuz, If I didn't want this sort of book, I shouldn't have picked it.

Ms. Palmer is a decent writer, but Criminy, get a new formula. These women need a pair, (if ya know what I mean!) I come from a town very much like this one in her stories, and I gotta say, the women I knew, and saw everyday wouldn't put up with the crap these guys dish out. they'd have tarred and feathered their butts, and told them "what for". Then sat down with a girlfriend and "God Blessed" their pitiful souls to death. Cuz, you know when a southern woman is talking about someone and says "God Bless 'em" it is not cuz they sneezed. (for instance. "Uncle Cletus, God Bless 'em, is a sorry fiddle player" it softens the blow! )

If you like, weak women and super alpha males. you'll like Diana Palmers Long Tall Texan series.
***soapbox is now smoking and deserves a rest! ***

Dancing with the Stars

Dancing with the Stars

I love Dancing with the Stars! Looooove it! I love this season! I love the dancing, the costumes, the music, the back stories, I love it all!

However, It seems to me that the judges are being really hard on people really early! Cripes! Give 'em a break. They weren't this tough last year! (or is it just me!) For some reason, I love Rocco DiSpirito! He's cute, and gawky! (and he can cook!!) (my new celebrity crush!) I think he must be a nice guy too, cuz Karina Smirnoff, is usually pretty iritated by a dance partner who can't dance. She seems to be all grins and happiness! Maybe, that's cuz she's finally over Mario, (ptooey ptooey!) or because she sees a nice guy doing his best.

I also loved when Derik Hough kept telling Brooke to keep her "boobies" off him. (during the quickstep) She laughed and said, that's was the first time she'd heard that! Ha ha ha ! Btw, I think I decided to not like her a lot. I mean really, it's wrong to have 4 children, (one very new!) and look that good. **nods head** yep, and she's likely to lose weight...and get a harder body! **sighs with disgust**

Let me say, Cloris Leachman may be a comic genius! She is definately a legend in show business. However, I'm over her in this show. I can't tell if she's trying to be silly, or she's got a little dementia kicking in? I don't know, maybe she needs some ritalin, but it's getting old. I'm feeling kinda sorry for good ole Corky Ballas, cuz he can't seem to reign her in. I definately appreciate the kind of shape she must be in to do what she's doing. I can certainly appreciate her wanting to boost her career, and all that, but it really is time she gets voted off. (In my humble opinion) (and since this is my blog, it's my opinion that counts! Heeeeey!)

Toni Braxton, is doing really well. I'm a little nervous about her heart condition and the strain is might cause. She's killing me! Everytime she gets really out of breath, I start breathing for the both of us. (sympathy breathing?) and start to feel lightheaded. On a side note, I think Alex Mazo and Edyta Sl*^&%$#%A (I couldn't possibly spell that name!) are either married or a couple. Finally, someone who karaoke's worse than me!

Kim Kardashian! Why is she a Star? Poor Mark is dancing his little shoes off trying to make her look good! Where's Sabrina when you need her! (are they still together?)

Love Lance Bass! His dance partner, Lacey Schwimmer (sp?) was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance! Wha!? Love that! I also loved that they danced to "I Kissed a Girl" and at the end he kissed Lacey and then put on Cherry Chapstick. Ha ha ha ! I figure Len, will be in trouble with GLAAD cuz he said something like, "I know your gay," then something to Lacey and didn't like the song and dance. So I'm expecting rainbow flags in the audience next week.

I'm loving Misty May-Trainor, Warren Sapp, Cody Lindley. I'm not so into Susan Lucci. I want to be, but just am not. Maurice Green isn't doing it for me, and to me it looks like Cheryl (who I normally love) is either not into Maurice or is kinda checked out this season.

Stay tuned for more details

Highlander in Her Bed by Allie MacKay

Tour guide Mara MacDougall stops at a London antique shop-and spots perhaps the handsomest bed ever. Then she bumps into the handsomest man ever. Soon Mara can't forget the irresistible-if haughty-Highlander. Not even when she learns that she's inherited a Scottish castle.

Spectral Sir Alexander Douglas has hated the Clan MacDougall since he was a medieval knight and they tricked him into a curse-the curse of forever haunting the bed (the very one that Mara now owns) that was once intended for his would-be bride. But Mara makes him feel what no other MacDougall has-a passion that he never knew he'd missed.

I'm a little conflicted about this book. Ms MacKay (Welfonder) does a decent job of telling a fun little story. It was a quick read, and had some fun moments. However, there were definately parts that I felt were lacking. The secondary characters could have been sooo much fun, and a really colorful backdrop, but they were pale. She mentions a 1 armed gardener, then nothing. The ghost hunting cook, could have really been superb, but stayed just ok. Even Hardwick, the ghost friend of Alex, could have been so much more fully developed (pun intended, you'll have to read to find the pun). The plot progression didn't make sense to me.

Mara, finds a bed in an antique shop, (along with the ghost who haunts it.) She also inherits the castle (said ghost) was to inherit upon wedding the then maid. Yadda yadda yadda! He starts to haunt her, to quickly fall in love with her. She finds him rude and scary and then...is in love.

I also have to say, that I found the chemistry between these two, too unrealistic to even make allowances for. I understand that many (ok maybe most) romance novels there is the suspension of reality for the sake of brevity. But this was.....too much. He sees her and is instantly "standing at attention". Really! He talks to her in his burr, (usually mean words) and his accent alone, has her...umm...almost finishing! (**wink wink**) REALLY! I mean, if that accent is ALL THAT, I need to get to scotland stat!! Crud, for a heroine, who's not sure she has had a "real" -O-, the wind on her breasts, (through her shirt) is almost enough to finish the job. Scotland, here I come! (get it? Here I ...aaaany way!)

Besides that, the story was ok. If you want quivering, standing at attention fun little reads, this is the book for you.

I rated it 3.5 stars.

It meets needs for my Read Around the Genres and Fall 08 Reading Challenges.

Fall Into Reading Challenge

Hello, everyone! I love a good challenge! I also love an easy one! (heh heh) This one looks like fun. It's hosted by Callapidder Days! Click here to check it out. I'm posting a list of books, I'm planning to read this fall. Many (ok, maybe all are books for other challenges as well.! ) (so?! You got a problem with that? ) (Geez, I'm channelling my inner Goodfella! Zoinks!!)

AAAAanyway, here they are in no particular order!

*Lionhearted by Diana Palmer *** 3stars ***

* Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning****4 stars****

*Castles by Julie Garwood***4 stars****

*Heaven, Tx by Susan Elizabeth Phillips*****5 stars*****

*Tall, Dark, and Hungry by Lynsay Sands****4 stars****

*AHighlander in Her Bed by Allie MacKay ***3.5 stars***

*The Clayborne Brides by Julie Garwood****4 stars****

*Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas*****5 stars*****

*The Cajun Cowboy by Sandra Hill ****4 stars****

*Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey

*Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ***rate 4.5 stars****

*Accidentally Yours by Susan Mallery *****Rated 5 Stars*****

*Love and Mayhem by Nicole Cody ***rated 3 stars***
*Circle of Gold by Diana Palmer ***3.5 stars***

I have more planned, but that will do for now. I'll be adding to as I go, and marking these read and rating them on a scale of 1-5 . I'll be writing reviews as I go. So feel free to check those out too. Yay!

A Tale of Two Vikings by Sandra Hill

Two Vikings, Toste and Vagn Ivarsson, twins so identical that only a tiny birthmark differentiates them, find themselves in a battle to the death on their way to pillage a convent. Each brother believes the other to be dead, but each has been saved by a very different angel of mercy. Toste is under the care of Esme, a novice who doesn't trust men. After all, her own father and brothers keep trying to kill her for her inheritance. Vagn finds himself at the mercy of "Helga the Homely," who suffered years of teasing because of the nickname Toste gave her, and she's not real fond of Vagn, either.

I liked this book pretty well. I didn't Loooooove it! I did love how, Vagn and Toste could still hear each other in their heads. I felt more, the connection with Helga and Vagn. They seemed to have a more natural progression. I felt like Esme and Toste's story was a little reaching with the Kidnappings. It was a stretch and I didn't feel warm and Toasty. I felt like he used and manipulated, and not is a great way. If I were Esme, after the tasting in the barn, and the woodsman's hut, I would have felt used and cheap. But maybe that's just me.

I will probably revisit this story at another time. Maybe reread in a couple of months. ( I think I'm in a funk!) Several authors who I have Looooooved in the past, have been so-so lately. So for now, I'll give this a 3.5. It wasn't great, but an enjoyable little read. Who knows, next time, I may give it a 5! You be the judge!

Paella

After watching the Food Network, and Throwdown with Bobby Flay, I fell in love! With Paella! I found this great recipe, even though I've already made some changes to it. It's really a great 1 dish recipe and I use my cast iron skillet, since I don't have a Paella Pan! I live too far inland to get good fresh seafood, so I use shrimp and Pilgrim's Pride boneless/skinless dark meat chicken. (it just tastes better!) I cook the chicken first, and leave it in the skillet and add the chorizo and stuff. I also add any fresh veggies that I can get my hands on. I particularly like asparagus, but use frozen mixed in a pinch. (it's about the only way, I can get the natives to eat veg!)

Yum! It's my new obsession. We have it at least once a week! My family will be glad when I become obsessed with something else. They vote I watch more Ace of Cakes, or Duncan Hines challenges. Hmm... I wonder why?

For the recipe click on the word Paella!

Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands

SWM -- Successful biographer of family; books recently categorized as "paranormal romances." Doesn't like sunbathing, garlicky dinners or religious symbols. Likes old-fashioned values; spicy Mexican dishes; warm, nice-smelling necks and plump red lips. Currently unaware he's seeking a woman to share eternity.

SWF -- Newest editor of Romance at Roundhouse Publishing. Has recently discovered a legacy author dying to be broken out. (The tall, dark, handsome writer just needs go to romance conventions and be introduced to his fans.) Dislikes "difficult, rude, obnoxious pig-headed writers." Currently unaware she's met the man of her wildest dreams.

For some reason Lucerne slipped my interest in the first 2 installments. I don't remember him at all in "A Quick Bite" and he played a somewhat brief, supporting role in "Love Bites". (sounds like an athletic supporter. hmm) Anyway, this is his story. He is the oldest son of Marguerite, and the older brother to Bastien, Etienne, and Lissiana. He is 600 + years old, and hasn't found a mate yet. Can you guess why?! Yep, he's surly, and reclusive, but with a heart of gold. His new career is as a writer. He's written accounts of his parents love, his sisters, and Etienne's. They've been marketed as paranormal romance and his new editor (enter beautiful Kate) wants him to promote. He gets tricked by Momma to go to a Romantic Times convention, where the sparks fly between him and Kate. Thus the hilarity ensues. Kate, finds out he's really a vampire, and masterminds the robbery of a nearby blood bank. She also lets him feed off her, but that can only happen when they are ...hmm mmm...being intimate. So, into the men's room they go! (right, like you've never done it in the men's room of a hotel, during a convention! Puhleeeze!) During the costume ball, he gets his codpiece stuck on the linens and she has to climb under the table to "unstick" him. They finally..uh, get together! To remember that noone has condoms. Zoinks! That's pretty funny too! So they finally fall in love and she has to decide in the end, whether her one true love, is worth the sacrifice of seeing her family again. (Cue suspensful music!....) I liked this book alot. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good laugh as they watch 2 people fall in love. I give it a 4 stars for sure.

Na nana nana nah nah They say it's my Birthday

It's my birthday! .......then I draw a blank. why? Cuz I'm not sure how I feel about this birthday. Today...I turn...40! For some reason that's supposed to be a big deal! It doesn't really feel like a big deal! (I mean don't get me wrong, I'm currently looking down my nose at the computer screen so I can see it better through my reading glasses.) I'm going to move sorta slowly when getting up from the desk, cuz this chair makes my back ache. (Zoinks! I'm starting to sound old already!) I refuse to expound on the benefits of prune juice. So have no fear about reading on!

Many (ok most!) of my friends have started asking me how it feels to turn 40. Today it feels cool and breezy and mostly sunny! Do I like the idea of being 40? 40 sounds older than I feel. (outside of the aches etc.) There is a part of me, that feels 25. That part would be the same part that is avoiding the laundry and the vacuuming! That's also the part of me that still wonders what I'll be when I grow up. Or maybe that's the part of me, who's embracing my eccentric old lady-ness! Where I say whatever I feel like saying, regardless of the fact that noone asked or really wants to know. Where, when asked "How are you today?" I tell you about my ingrown toenail, and arthritis pain. OOOOH! Where I get to dye my hair unnatural colors and wear waaaay too much make-up and everyone smiles and tells me how great I look. (Miss Clairol here I come! )

Or maybe turning 40 means that I just get to me be, without making apologies or excuses. Where I don't have to explain why, I like what I like. Where I get to pull the weeds of others negative energy from my life, cuz there is already enough negative energy in the world. Where I surround myself with people to are going to dig me for me, and not for what I can do for them. Maybe this is the time in my life where I don't care who sees me in my overweight glory. Where I don't have anything to prove to anyone! If the size of my thighs turns you off, then turn around and mosey on down the road. (Can I Get an AMEN!) Maybe turning 40 for me, means being entitled to seek out what makes me happy! And being content with those things that don't but that I can't change. (yes, I'm referring to my thighs again!) I may never look like a movie star, but hey, If I go to the grocery store without my makeup or with a stain on my high tops it doesn't end up on the cover of a magazine either!

Turning 40, sounds pretty darn good to me. If 40 is over the hill, then I'll remeber that rolling down hill is more fun than climbing it anyway! So there! Uh!

Go Cowboys!!

I Love the Cowboys! I just gotta say it! They rock, and I rock when I watch them. I don't care if Tony Romo is dating Jessica Simpson or her dad! I don't care! I love'em! I especially love me some Tony Romo! I love his enthusiasm! I love that grin he gets, and the way he jumps sometimes. (Kinda like he's 7 and it's pee wee instead of the pros!) LOOOOOOVE It!

I love yelling at the tv. I know they don't actually run, until I chant "run, run, run, Run, Run, RUN, RUN, RUN,!" They don't tackle the other team, until I start yelling "Get 'Im! Get 'Im! Get 'Im!" If I didn't yell that, they wouldn't actually "Get Im!" I'm just doing my part!
I love it when We win by a large margin. I love it when we win in the last second, and by 1 point. I just love it!

I love that feeling I get in my stomach, when things start to get exciting! You know what I'm talking about! My stomach feels tight, and clenchy (that's a new word btw) and I have to move. I get up, or sit down, or pace or something. Just gotta move. It's been a long tradition in my family to scare small children or house pets because of our enthusiasm. I keep waking the dogs when I cheer!

I also love that it's something that Dave and I like together. It get's late and he falls asleep, but I'm up and there to make sure The Boys, run, run, run, and get'em, get'em, get'em! Tonight, they listened to me! tonight we won! WOO HOO! Dallas 41 Philadelphia 37! Philadelphia...ptooey! What's good that ever came out of Philadelphia....besides all that historically significant stuff... and the Liberty Bell... and Cheesesteak! Besides that!

Move over Michael Phelps, my athlete crush on you is over! What have you done for me lately!? Enter Tony Romo! *pumps fist in the air!* Right On!

Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake

As a Nanny, Millicent Fairweather poured her energy and talnets into the two young charges under her care---only to have them suddenly and without explanation sent to boarding school. Bereft and unsure of where life will lead her, she agrees to accompnay her sister and brother-in-law to America. They board the Opportunity, confident a better life awaits.

Widower Daniel Clark determines to begin life anew in Gooding, Texas, operating a mercantile. But when his nanny leaves him stranded aboard the ship with his young son, he finds himself in dire need of assistance. Obtaining temporary help from steerage, Daniel is initially taken aback by the pretty bundle of energy who takes over his suite. Yet Miss Fairweather's unique child-rearing techniques and tireless devotion to his son win him over.

When tragedy ensues and a whirlwind decision is made, Daniel and Millicent's lives irrevocably intertwine. Will love soon follow?

I liked this book quite a bit. It wasn't as fun as others she's written, but I did love being able to catch up with other characters. I wait for any others she may write in good ole Gooding Texas. Maybe Isabel is next.

It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

The Windy City isn't quite ready for Phoebe Somerville -- the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not prepared for the Stars' head coach Dan Celebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Celebow is everything Phoebe abhors. And the sexy new boss is everything Dan despises -- a meddling bimbo who doesn't know a pigskin from a pitcher's mound.

So why is he drawn to the shameless sexpot like a heat-seeking missile? And why does the coach's good ol' boy charm leave cosmopolitan Phoebe feeling awkward, tongue-tied....and ready to fight? The sexy, heartwarming, and hilarious "prequel" to Susan Elizabeth Phillip's This Heart of Mine -- her sensational bestsellng blockbuster -- It Had To Be You is an enchanting story of two stubborn people who believe in playing for keeps.

I rather liked this book. I can't say I Loooooved it. I have incredibly high expectations for Ms. Phillips books and this one fell slightly flat for me. I liked the main characters. I liked alot the secondary characters. (Noone does a cast of warm and fun characters like her.) I expected to laugh out loud several times, but didn't. That's one of the things I love most about her books, but didn't this time. I chuckled here and there, and smiled alot, but no real belly laughs. That being said, I still really liked this story. I still think that I like "Lady Be Good" and "Breathing Room" better. I read this in one day, so obviously it wasn't a chore. It was a warm, fun, emotional read, filled with people I'd love to share a pizza with. (I also happen to love football)

I'm excited about Heaven, Tx. It shows great promise including two of my favorite things, football and small town Texas. I'm hoping for some cowgirl names. (Emma lu's or Bobbie Jo's)

I rate this book a 4. Seems like I never give 5's, but 4 seems right. I liked it alot and would definately recommend it.

Deep Thoughts by Beth (Not Jack Handy)

So, Yesterday, I went to a funeral. It was incredible to see soooo many people there. People came from all over, to honor Him and show support and love for his family. The auditorium was very nearly full. It was amazing to see people come who vowed they'd never cross the threshold of Church again. It really shows what an impact He made.

Which makes me wonder. If it were me..(not in an "it's all about me" sort of way,) would the room be full? I ponder what sort of impact I've made in the lives of others. Would there be dozens of people who'd want to speak? What would they have to say? Would people be saying "I didn't know her very well but..."? What would they have to say about me? What am I known for? Better yet, who knows me? Who's life have I touched? Have I touched it, in a way that made it better? Who's better for having known me?

I say, we make sure we let people know what they mean to us. If someone has meant something to you, past-present-future, then let them know. ACTS 13:15 says " After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them saying, "Brothers if you have a messge of encouragement for the people, please speak."" So, speak. Don't assume they know how you feel. Don't assume, they know how much you care. Speak!

Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter

After a string of disastrous dates, Emily Albright decides she's had it with modern-day love and would much rather curl up with Pride and Prejudice and spend her time with Mr. Darcy, the dashing, honorable, and passionate hero of Jane Austen's classic. So when her best friend suggests a wild week of margaritas and men in Mexico with the girls, Emily abruptly flees to England on a guided tour of Jane Austen country instead. Far from inspiring romance, the company aboard the bus consists of a gaggle of little old ladies and one single man, Spike Hargreaves, a foul-tempered journalist writing an article on why the fictional Mr. Darcy has earned the title of Man Most Women Would Love to Date.

The last thing Emily expects to find on her excursion is a broodingly handsome man striding across a field, his damp shirt clinging to his chest. But that's exactly what happens when she comes face-to-face with none other than Mr. Darcy himself. Suddenly, every woman's fantasy becomes one woman's reality....

Well, noone will be surprised when I say..."I think I've read this book before!" It was called_____________(fill in the blank with your choice: Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones' Diary, any other adaption you like.) This one has a New York bookstore manager taking a trip with goofy grannies on a tour of Jane Austen's haunts. She meets Spike, who is a London reporter doing a story on Why is Mr. Darcy "All that and a bag of chips" (I paraphrase). She dislikes him, and he doesn't help himself by referring to her as sorta dull, and plain. (You know the scene where Mr. D and Mr. B are at the Ball and Lizzy overhears them talking about her? Yea, I knew you did.) AAAnyway, we've seen it done more times than we can count. Ms. Potter does it ok. She's not the best, and I'm sure there are worse. There is a paranormal visitation by the "real" Mr. Darcy, and he is kinda annoying. The secondary characters are charming, and Mr. Wikham turns out to be an elderly bus driver. I'm not mad that I spent time reading this, but I'm also not in a hurry to go out and get Ms. Potters other titles. I read many scathing reviews about this book, before reading it myself, so my expectations were low. Fortunately, I liked it a little better than they did, but that is probably because I expected to loathe it. I was pleasantly suprised. This book fulfills my Chick Lit requirement for the Read Around the Genres challenge.

AAAAHHHH!

I woke up this morning, to start a new day, full of hopes and promise! The weather is going to be cool (highs around 85, aahh!) As I round the bed on my way to the....hmm mmm, I see before me on the floor a pink-ish square. Hmm, what did the puppy drag in now? *chuckle chuckle*

Uh oh! Do you know what "that dog" did, while I was sleeping? Do You Know What She Did?! I'll tell you what she did...She climbed on top of her kennel, (silly girl) then climbed on top of Zeus' big boy kennel. Then.. She climbed on top of my ...dresser! Where I keep my To Be Read books....Like the ones I just got yesterday from Paperbackswap...Then she got (OFF MY DRESSER) my new copy of ...*sniff* *sniff* "Sugar Daddy" by Lisa Kleypas!

We are about to have us a (what we like to call in the South here) a real Come To Jesus Meeting! Me and "that dog" are going "round and round". While I'm on the subject, She also chewed the power chord for the laptop. WHA! It may very well be time to call the demons out of this dog. (Cuz, we all know only a demon of the worst sort, messes with a woman's books and her laptop! ) OOOOOOH!

Help me LORD!

Alert the Media

Sunday afternoon, I was able to get my whole family to clean our upstairs Loft. I'm feeling verklemped. ***waives hand in front of eyes to dry tears*** Ok, I'm back!! We sorted, and purged, and organized. My kids kept disappearing to take things "downstairs" and it seems to take them like 10 minutes to climb those stairs again. Hmmm! Now, today I have a pile of stuff to go to the local resale shop. Woo Hoo!

So now, that the toy/computer/craft/tv room is more organized....It's time to paint! Yay! I love to paint. It's the one thing I do around the house that stays done. I'm feelinging very bright and colorful right now. Don't be surprised if this area turns bright blue, oo-oo or green. I'm feeling kinda green. Yea!! *nods head*

Are their any other closet/wanna be decorators out there? Or maybe even not soooo closet/wanna be! I'm equal opportunity!

Dangerous by Nora Roberts

Risky Business

She was a maddening combination of mystery and innocence. But Liz wa the key to finding his brother's killer, so cynical Jonas Sharpe had to stick close...too close for comfort.

Ok. Let the record show, that I am willing to admit that my review of this story is probably not entirely fair. If you read my previous post, I'm still in a bit of a funk. :{

That being said, I didn't love this. Dangerous is a collection of 3 previously released books, Risky Business, Storm Warning, and The Welcoming. I only read Risky Business. It is my suspense/romance for Read Around the Genres. I didn't read the others, because I knew I wouldn't love them now. So, I'll only review Risky Business. It was ok. I didn't love it, but I'm not mad I wasted time reading it either. She gave me the HEA, that I love and redeemed the characters that needed redeeming. All the strings were tied up, and I loved the emotion. She's great at that. Other authors, may be "hotter" but I feel the emotion, and even the conflict of that emotion more with her, than with some others. Even though I'm giving this a 3 stars, I have to defend Nora Roberts. I've read 70 some-odd books, many of which contain two or more previously released titles. So in the 100 + titles I've read by Nora, (I call her that cuz whe're like this**{crosses fingers}**)I've only rated 1 (this one) a 3 and only disliked 1 title ever.

Sad, Sad News

It is not typical of me, to post sad stuff, but today I am. We spend a lot of time in fantasy, ya know?! We read these wonderful stories of love, and romance! There is some conflict, but always a Happily Ever After. Today, I found out that a young man (mid twenties) from church, was killed in a terrible auto accident early this morning! He was coming home from his second job. His pretty wife and two baby girls are left behind. He was a teen ager when I met him. A star on his baseball team. After going away to college, he came home and met the sweetest little lady, and fell hard. They got married, when I was still a busy wedding planner. I "did" their wedding! Fairly soon, sweet baby 1 came along, soon to be followed by sweet baby 2. Now, momma and baby girls, are left without Big Daddy! It makes me sad. He was soooo young. And the hard part for me, is that I want to be mad at someone. But there is no one to blame. No drunk driver, no speeding or reckless teen, no obnoxious trucker, or anything. Just a terrible, terrible accident. It's the kind of thing that could happen to anyone. So, in the coming weeks, as I make food, for this grieving family, I hope I remember to cherish every moment I have with my family! I hope, I can be a little more patient. A little more loving and forgiving. I hope to remember what is truly important. It's not the dirty dishes or the lost shoes, but people God has put in my life, and heart. The people, he lets me live with, and love. I hope, that I can cherish them and that they'll feel loved by me. Cuz, isn't that what it's all about anyway?

Remember to take a minute, to remember that these crazy people that are part of your life. Are a gift. Let us cherish these moments we've been given in this wacky life, to be with those we love.

Love Bites

Etienne Argeneau's three hundred years of bachelorhood are at an end. He can only "turn" one human in his lifetime, and most of his kind reserved that power for creating a life mate. He has to save Rachel Garrett. He doesn't know her very well, but the beautiful coroner had saved his life. To save hers he would make her immortal. Rachel Garrett awakes surprised. All she'd wanted was to get off the night shift at the morgue; now here she is staggering to her feet naked and in a strange place. Then she sees the man of her dreams emerging from his...coffin? She just hopes he tastes as good as he looks.

I really enjoyed this book. I still looooove Thomas and can't wait to read his story! I enjoyed the touchs of vulnerability in both characters. Vulnerability but not big-time insecurities. They seemed real, but not whipped. I loved the humor! This is the second Argeneau book I've read and it won't be the last! "Just try and stop me!"

Read Around the Genres

You get to read a boatload of cool books and even win a prize! Who doesn't love that!!

For more information about this challenge please click on the image above! Happy Reading!

Here’s the list

1. Pirate or Viking---"A Tale of Two Vikings" by Sandra Hill (Jenny Jo insisted!)~~~3.5 stars~~~pg 357

2. Vampire---"Love Bite" by Lynsay Sands~~~4 stars~~~pg 373

3. Contemporary---"It Had to Be You" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ~~~4 stars~~~pg 376

4. Chick Lit---"Me and Mr. Darcy" by Alexandra Potter~~~3.5 stars~~~pg 368

5. Medieval---"Castles" by Julie Garwood (for now)Except it wasn't medieval! Oops! 4 stars pgs 354

6. Time Travel---"Beyond the Highland Mist" by Karen Marie Moning~~~4 stars~~~pg 375

7. Romantic Suspense---"Dangerous" by Nora Roberts (ok, I read 1 of 3 Risky Business) ~~~3 stars pg 265

8. Inspirational---"Whirlwind" by Cathey Marie Hake~~~rate 4~~~pg 358

9. Historical---"the Clayborne Brides" by Julie Garwood~~~rate 4~~~pgs456

10. Paranormal---"A Highlander in her Bed" by Allie MacKay (Me thinks, he's a ghost! )~~~3.5 stars~~~pg 340

total pages 3622
Average rating 3.75 (couple of stinkies blew the curve! :{ )

Ok, so you're saying to yourself "Self, her Read Around the Genre's List, looks purty darn similar to her Fall '08 Reading Challenge List! Hmmm, Self, what do I think about that?"

And I say, "Quit talking to your self, it's just weird!" ***"But seriously folks, I know my lists are almost identical. And maybe that's cheating...maybe! I am hoping to find new books mixed in to substitute for these. But for now, I wanted to get some ideas brewing. Fell free to comment on suggestions for substitutions or to fill in the blanks. When suggesting, please keep in mind, I prefer warm/pg-pg13 to the "singe your fingers while holding the book" books that others might love. It's a personal choice like, to dye or not to dye, fake tanning, and plain vs peanut. To each his own. I'd love your input!!

Fall Reading Challenge

Here is my Fall '08 Reading Challenge List

I'm hoping to not make too many changes to this list. We'll have to see.

Wow! I have lots of series books! Hope I like them all! ^o^

I'll be changing this post as I read each title. Look for my reviews here and on the Readers of Romance Blog.

1. Fairytale title--"Castles" by Julie Garwood rated 4 stars

2. Cover Art title--"Sugar Daddy" by Lisa Kleypas rated 5 stars (chosen cuz the background colors look like a Texas Sunset!)

3. SRC title--"Love and Mayhem" by Nicole Cody 3 stars

4. New genre title--"Single White Vampire" by Lynsay Sands (series #3) Rated 4 stars

5. "N" title --"Nobody's Baby but Mine" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (series#3) rated 4.5 stars

6. "S" Author--"It Had to be You" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (series #1) Rated 4 stars

7. Johanna Lindsey title--"Love Only Once" (Mallory series #1) Rated 3.5 stars

8. Spooky title--"Tall, Dark, and Hungry" by Lynsay Sands (series #4) rate 4 stars

9. Address title--"Heaven, Tx." by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (series #2) rated 5

10. Name title--"The Clayborne Brides" by Julie Garwood (Clayborne series 2) rated 4

11. Series book--"Highlander in her Bed" by Allie MacKay (series #1) rate 3.5 stars

12. Series book--"Beyond the Highland Mist" by Karen Marie Moning rate4 stars

13. New Author title--"Accidentally Yours" by Susan Mallery rated 5 stars

14. Animal Title--"Lionhearted" by Diana Palmer (Hart Bros. #4) rate 3 stars

15. 2 words title--"Love Bites" by Lynsay Sands (series #2) Rate 4 stars

A Man of Means

THE WAY TO A CATTLEMAN'S HEART ...From the moment powerfully seductive Rey Hart first set eyes on Meredith Johns, he became mesmerized by the lovely young woman. For not only did Meredith stir his jaded soul with her tempting innocence, he discovered she was a top-notch biscuit maker! However, installing the beleaguered Meredith on the Hart ranch as his coveted cook was a cinch compared to breaking the enchanting spell she had cost over this Long, Tall Texan's heart. Now, the hot-tempered cattleman's plan to preserve his bachelorhood was on the verge of backfiring--big time--because one intoxicating kiss would never be enough to satisfy Rey's intense craving for his mysterious housemate. Against all odds, could their tenuous union survive his stubborn pride--and her perilous past?

The above publisher's teaser, did nothing to give me a glimpse of the story within. (honestly didn't intrigue me very much either!) I read it anyway, because I have a sick addiction to Diana Palmer's Long Tall Texans. I like this book, better than the last couple. the heroine was out of her teens, (almost 24) had a career (certified nurse practitioner) and was not crippled with insecurity because of ______(fill in the blank!) Her vulnerability came from a recent tragedy, that could really happen, not some monster mother/father/uncle/again fill in the blank , who raises her without love.....

The hero is of course older and more experienced. (this is Diana Palmer after all..)He sees the Heroine in a prostitute type costume, and "believes the worst" and of course treating her accordingly. (Really?! Do all men, feel entitled to be abrasive with "working girls"?! Seriously?! ) Aaaaaany way! Yadda yadda yadda, she goes to live on his expansive Jacobsville ranch where the chemistry "sizzles" and she hides her true profession from him.. and her recent tragedy...

It doesn't look like I liked this much, but I did. The Heroine, doesn't hide her stuff out of shame, she is letting the Hero "dig his own grave" so to speak, and waiting to drop the bomb that he grossly misjudged her, and acted like a macho moron to boot. (get it? boot, cuz he's texan...? )

The hero, rather than punish her and try to make her insecure,(for her own good. as if?!) just sucks it up, and admits he was an idiot. (Yay! Everyone give it up for DP for finally writing some real-ish characters.) (Whoop Whoop!!)

So, I give this one a 3.75.