Dream a Little Dream

Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

#13 Read an Author with 3 names

Pages 390

Rated 4-ish stars

Back Cover:

Rachel Stone's bad luck has taken a turn for the worse. With an empty wallet, a car's that's spilling smoke, and a five-year-old son to support, she's come home to a town that hates her. But this determined young widow with a scandalous past has learned how to be a fighter. And she'll do anything to keep her child safe -- even take on. . .

Gabe Bonner wants to be left alone, especially by the beautiful outcast who's invaded his property. She has a ton of attitude, a talent for trouble, and a child who brings back bad memories. Yet Rachel's feisty spirit might just be heaven-sent to save a tough, stubborn man.

Welcome to Salvation, North Carolina -- where a man who's forgotten what tenderness means meets a woman with nothing to lose. here two endearing lovers will set off on a funny, touching journey of the heart. . .to a place where dreams just might come true.

My thoughts:

I like SEP's stories. This one is not one of my favorites, but I liked it. The thing is, there wasn't anything I didn't like about it, but it was all pretty good. I liked Rachel. I loved Gabe. He was such a good tortured hero. I liked Ethan too, and his Clint Eastwood, and Oprah Gods talking to him. I couldn't help but feel like I've read this before. None of it, seemed new, and fresh. Maybe I read something else that was very similar, but I knew who the antagonist was, and where the hidden treasure would be. So for that I can't give it a really high score. It'll get a soft 4 stars.

Pink JInx

Pink Jinx by Sandra Hill

#1 Readers Choice

Rated 3.5 stars

pages 356

Back Cover:

Straitlaced Boston lawyer Veronica "Ronnie" Jinkowsky knows something is fishy when her estranged grandfather lures her to his New Jersey treasure-hunting business with woeful tales of old age and bankruptcy. But she never expected the salty old dog to shanghai her into a hunt for pink diamonds with her poker-playing, four-time ex-husband Jake Jensen in tow.

Betting her heart on Jake was always a losing proposition, yet just the sight of his come-hither eyes is still enough to melt her steely resolve. Now Ronnie's on a high seas adventure that throws together lost gems, a lost ship, and lost love--not to mention a Mafia widow, her two goons, and an elderly Cajun matchmaker.

Trapped with the man she could never learn to live with -- and was never happy without -- is Ronnie fated to be forever jinxed in matters of the heart?

My thoughts:

It was a decent Sandra Hill story. It had the requisite fun secondary characters and some Marx Brothers-esq situations. I got tickled a couple of times, but to me this story was not as well developed as Pearl Jinx. (which is Caleb Peachy's story) I thought Pearl Jinx was a much better story, with much better character development. I even felt like Caleb in this story was more developed than Jake (the hero). I had the hots for Caleb not, Jake and you should always have the hots for the hero. (It's gotta be a rule somewhere!) It was just ok! I'm hoping Wild Jinx will be better than this one.

Blue Eyed Devil

Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

#6 book by Lisa Kleypas

Rate 4.5 stars

pages 333

Back Cover:

Meet the Blue-Eyed Devil-His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies on the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.

Meet the Heiress-She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to ser out on the path thy've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or serring her soul on fire.

My Thoughts:

This story is gritty, and real. It has high emotional drama and with the subject matter covered in Haven's marriage needs to be told in the first person. It really lets you feel her emotions. I enjoyed the play between Haven and Todd. I like the way, Miss Kleypas doesn't do that thing where one says or does something that the other misunderstands. She gives you the tension and drama in a more realistic way. It's not as formulaic. I also liked that this story keeps moving. It could have gotten bogged down when Haven comes back home, and starts therapy, but doesn't. I was wary of Hardy. (because of the whole Sugar Daddy thing) I was as wary as a Travis would have been, so that helped me also to feel the progression of their relationship. Ikept waiting for him to do something underhanded, in much the same way Gage, Jack and Joe were. But alas, Hardy has grown. I dug him. Being from Texas, I totally got the references and understood in a very real way, the male attitude. I loved when he patted her tush in front of Nick. (and she got miffed) That is such a guy thing, especially an alpha guy, marking his territory. When I wasn't reading this book, (because my family wants to eat meals and stuff!!! ) I was wondering what would happen next. Wondering how this relationship was going to progress, and how were they going to resolve their issues. To me that is the mark of great storytelling, when I think about it, until I can read more. I give it a 4.5 for sure.

This Heart of Mine

This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Rate 4

pages 399

Title with love/heart for Valentines

Back Cover:

Molly Somerville loves her career as the creator of the Daphne the Bunny children's book series, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. She has a reputation for trouble that started even before she gave away her fifteen-million-dollar inheritance. Then there's her long-term crush on the quarterback for the Chicago Stars football team her sister owns -- that awful, gorgeous Kevin Tucker, a man who can't even remember Molly's name!

One night Kevin barges into Molly's not-quite-perfect life and turns it upside down. Unfortunately, the Ferrari-driving riving, poodle-hating jock isn't as shallow as she wishes he were, and she soon finds herself at a place called Wind Lake. Surrounded by paintbox cottages, including a charming old bed-and-breakfast, Molly and Kevin battle their attraction and each other as they face one of life's most important lessons. Sometimes love hurts, sometimes it makes you mad as hell, and sometimes -- if you're lucky -- it can heal in a most unexpected way.

My Thoughts:

So, I love just about everything Susan Elizabeth Phillips writes. This is no different. I fell for Kevin in "Nobody's Baby But Mine" and continue to like him here. It took me a while to get into Molly. I mean, I liked her, but I didn't connect with her the same way, I have with her other heroines. I didn't understand her need to "act out" until Kevin spelled it out near the end of the book. I also have a desire to buy some panties with bunnies on them. (You'll have to read the book!) I love how SEP gives you a secondary romance in just every story. I enjoyed Lily's progression. My favorite scene was the softball game. I loved how the "underdogs" got one up on the "superjocks". Being the last one picked for any/all sports in school, I was not so secretly rooting for the "underdogs". I enjoyed the way they won, and all the fun. I give this book a 4 stars. Maybe even a 4.5.

Read Around the Genre Challenge

So, I finished the Read Around the Genre Challenge! (I came in 2nd!) :( But that's ok, cuz I won for most number of pages read. Whoop whoop! I'd like to thank all those who made this possible. My Darling husband, for putting up with the endless number of books piled in my house. My kids, for letting me read, when I should have been on their case about chores or homework. (oh, well, those chores will get done someday.) I'd like to thank Cindy for hosting this challenge, and my eye doctor for suggesting reading glasses, so my eyes don't get as tired. Do you hear the music playing to tell me that my time is up?! Me either. (heh heh)

I won this cool award!

I should post my list huh? Naw! You can see it on my sidebar.

Come the Spring

Come the Spring by Julie Garwood

Book with Military/Civil Servant

Rate 4 stars

Pages 367

Back Cover:

Cole Clayborne had always walked a dark path and flirted with a life of crime. While his three brothers chose to settle into married life, Cole rebelliously refused to be tied down. Now, an elusive stranger draws him into a shadowy chase that will bring unexpected turns to his uncertain future -- and may determine which side of the law the restless Cole favors. A tragic, heartbreaking loss drives U.S. Marshal Daniel Ryan on a quest for vengeance -- and leads him to a beautiful young woman, the sole witness to a terrible crime. But the lawman finds that love is the greatest trial of all as he unwittingly draws her into the line of fire. The power and drama of their blossoming passion, entwined with the surprising destiny of the wayward Cole, make Come the Spring a superbly entertaining adventure inside the heart of "a family whose love and loyalty will truly inspire"

My Thoughts:

I liked the first in the series ok, "For the Roses" and the collection of 3 "One Pink/White/Red Rose" was good too. I didn't love them to be honest. I liked them alright, but didn't love them. I will say, that "Come the Spring" is my favorite of the series. I found myself liking Cole best after Adam. I liked that Cole got his own, story with Daniel Ryan. I liked that He fell for Jessica, the single mom. I liked the humor between Cole and Daniel with the 3 ladies. I would have liked more...sexual tension. It felt one-sided. I really felt like this book was written very much from the male point of view. I felt a connection with them, more than I did with the women. (which is kinda unusual for a "romance" novel.) I gave this a 4. I would have given it a 4.5 if I hadn't guessed the "bad guy" so early in the story. I knew it about the time of the fire, for sure but had inklings before. I was expecting that Daniel was going to turn out to be Cole's brother. (biological from New York) but that would have been too expected, so even though I love Daniel and Cole and in my heart want them to be brothers, I'm glad that Julie Garwood didn't go to that too expected place.

The Big 100

I've never kept track of the books I've read. I just read em' and move on. I keep most of them, but donated many, and then found Paperbackswap. Yay!! So this summer, I decided to list the books I've read in 2008. I this the first half of the year from memory. Then I started listing them after every book. I joined the 50 in a year challenge on Shelfari, then the 100 in a year on Shelfari too. Then last night, I was making my list and checking it twice! Ho Ho Ho! and found a title I'd missed. What!? So, as of last night, I reached my 100 goal. So, I'm going to list them here! Whoop Whoop!

1. Taming Natasha & Luring a Lady by Nora Roberts
2. Falling for Rachel & Convincing Alex by Nora Roberts
3. Waiting for Nick by Nora Roberts
4. Considering Kate by Nora Roberts
5. Jewel of the Sun by NR
6. Tears of the Moon by NR
7. Heart of the Sea by NR
8. Sea Swept by NR
9. Rising Tides by NR
10. Inner Harbor by NR
11. Chesapeake Blue by NR
12. Love Worth Finding by Cathey Marie Hake
13. Oklahoma Weddings by Cathey Marie Hake
14. Nebraska Legacy by Diann Mills
15. Leather and Lace by Diann Mills
16. Lanterns and Lace by Diann Mills
17. Louisiana Brides by Kathleen Ybarbo
18. Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy
19. Defiant Heart by Tracey Bateman
20. Distant Heart by Tracey Bateman
21. Wife for Hire by Janet Evanovich
22. Twisted Creek by Jodi Thomas
23. Wedding Bell Blues by Heather Graham
24. Bossman by Diana Palmer
25. Love with a Long Tall Texas by DP
26. Long Tall Texans:Emmett and Reagan by DP
27. Long Tall Texans: Burke and Coltrain by DP
28. Winter Roses by DP
29. Man of the Hour by DP
30. Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
31. Last Chance Cafe by Linda Lael Miller
32. Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
33 Matt Caldwell:Texas Tycoon by Diana Palmer
34. Forevermore by Cathey Marie Hake
35. Shadow Dance by Julie Garwood
36. Carrera's Bride by Diana Palmer
37. Lady be Good by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (SRC)
38. The Bride by Julie Garwood (SRC)
39. The Nosy Neighbor by Fern Michaels
40. Summer Lovin' by Carly Phillips (SRC)
41. The Key, by Lynsay Sands (SRC)
42. Heartbreaker by Diana Palmer
43. Hot Shot by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. (I liked it, but not nearly as much as her other works.)I'd give this a 2 1/2, where I'd give Lady be good a 5.
44. Lawman by Diana Palmer (SRC)
45. Silver Angel by Johanna Lindsay (SRC)
46. There and Now by Linda Lael Miller (SRC)
47. Mr Perfect by Linda Howard
48. Here and Then by Linda Lael Miller (SRC)
49. Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
50. Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich (SRC)
51. A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands (SRC)
52. A Wicked Gentleman by Jane Feather (SRC)
53. Pearl Jinx by Sandra Hill (SRC)
54. To Wed a Wicked Prince by Jane Feather (SRC)
55. Men in Kilts by Katie MacAlister
56. Springwater Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
57. Ain't Myth Behaving by Katie MacAlister
58. The Girl Next Door by Trisha Alexander (SRC)
59. Bitsy's Bait and BBQ by Pamela Morsi (SRC)
60. The Hart Brothers: Simon and Callaghan by Diana Palmer
61. Devil in a Kilt by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
62. The Love Potion by Sandra Hill
63. Starlight by Debbie Macomber
64. The Brat by Lynsay Sands
65. Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
66. A Bride for a Bit by Cathy Marie Hake et al.
67. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
68. Red, Hot, and Cajun by Sandra Hill
69. Tall, Dark, and Cajun by Sandra Hill
70. For the Roses by Julie Garwood (SRC)
71. Bride of the Beast by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
72. A Man of Means by Diana Palmer
73. Love Bites by Lynsay Sands (FRC) (RAG)
74. Risky Business (1/3 of Dangerous) by Nora Roberts (RAG)
75. Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter (RAG)
76. It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (FRC) (RAG)
77. Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake (RAG)
78. Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands (FRC)
79. A Tale of Two Vikings by Sandra Hill (RAG)
80. Highlander in Her Bed by Allie MacKay (RAG) (aka Sue Ellen Welfonder)
81. Lionhearted by Diana Palmer (FRC) (FN2R)
82. Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas (FRC) (Fn2RC)
83. Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (FRC)
84. The Clayborne Brides by Julie Garwood (FRC) (Fn2RC) (RAG)
85. The Cajun Cowboy by Sandra Hill
86. Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey (FRC)
87. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning (RAG)
88 Castles by Julie Garwood (FRC) (RAG) (FN2R)
89. Noboby's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (FRC) (FN2R)
90. Accidentally Yours by Susan Mallery
91. Love and Mayhem by Nicole Cody (FRC)
92. Tall, Dark & Hungry by Lynsay Sands
93. Circle of Gold by Diana Palmer
94. Hot Ice by Nora Roberts
95. Seaside Cinderella by Anna Schmidt
96. The Corset Diaries by Katie MacAlister
97. Duncan's Bride by Linda Howard (WRC)
98. How to Knit a Wild Bikini by Christie Ridgway (WRC)
99. A Stone Creek Christmas by Linda Lael Miller (WRC)
100. The Wedding by Julie Garwood

101. Come the Spring by Julie Garwood (WRC)

102. This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (WRC)

103. Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas (WRC)

104. Pink Jinx by Sandra Hill (WRC)

105. Dream a Little Dream by SEP (WRC)

106. The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Victoria Bylin

A Stone Creek Christmas

A Stone Creek Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Christmas Book:

pages 211

Back Cover:

A horse in need...is a matchmaker indeed!

Stone Creek veterinarian Olivia O'Ballivan communicates easily with animals, but men are another story. Especially rugged architect-turned-rancher Tanner Quinn. Olivia's uncanny bond with his daughter Sophie's pony, Butterpie, has him questioning her sanity, while she wonders if he's nto just a drugstore cowboy. Then twelve-year-old Sophie conspires with Olivia to get Tanner into the spirit of Christmas with all the trimmings, including a treelighting ceremony and a man named Kris Kringle in a sleigh driven by seven reindeer...and a donkey. But will a holiday miracle transform the globe-trotting Tanner into a rancher-and family man-for all seasons?

My Thoughts:

Hmm...I liked it. It was not the best book, you'll ever read. It's not even the best book I've read recently. It was however, a fun little Christmas read. It was quick and light, and left the door open for more stories about this family. I'd give it a 3.5 stars.

How to Knit a Wild Bikini

How to Knit a Wild Bikini by Christie Ridgway

Book published in 08

pages 277

rated ???3-4 stars

Back Cover:


The beachside knitting shop Malibu & Ewe is the perfect place for L.A.'s hip young crowd to enjoy colorful yarn and intimate conversation. For personal chef Nikki Carmichael, it could be the softest place to land if her new job falls through. Working for magazine writer Jay Buchanan has come with some strange conditions--like pretending to be his girlfriend. As for Jay, he finds himself drawn to the kitchen, where he’s intrigued by his sexy cook's ability to withstand the heat between them. And now he thinks it’s time to turn up the flames.





My Thoughts:


Well, I'm not sure what to say. I liked the book. I found some of the subject matter difficult. Personal stuff with me, so ...Was it well written? I guess. I found myself skimming. That's probably not a great sign. I felt like Shanna and Jorge's story was...hmm.. underdeveloped. I would have loved to see more of them. Maybe give them their own, story or something. It felt a little odd, to me. Why are they there? It didn't seem to relate at all to Jay and Nikki's story, but was some aside! I liked the way Gabe and Cassandra were written here. They were introduced, but not wrapped up with a bow. Also, there was enough of a teaser, that makes me want to get to know him better. Why is he so tortured? How is he going to heal, and how is she going to get him to let her in? I'll probably look for Gabe and Cassandra's story, but will probably have to read the other one of the three to get the between story. I'll probably give it a 3. It was alright.





I did get a kick out of all the lesbian innuendo! That cracked me up.

New Author Challenge 2009

I know! How many challenges do I think I can do? I don't know! But they are sooo much fun. This one is hosted by LiteraryEscapeism. It's pretty easy.

The idea is to read 50 (or as many as you want) new authors (to you) throughout 2009. Here are the guidelines:
The challenge will run from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.
Since this is an author challenge, there is no restriction on choosing your novels. They can definitely be from other challenges. However, the authors must be new to you and, preferably from novels, but anthologies are also a great way to try someone new.
I want this to be an easy challenge, so you state how many new authors you want to try this year and then that’s your challenge.

For more information click on the icon above!

I'm going to try for 20 new authors for me! I already have several in my TBR pile! **rubs hands together in anticipation*

I'll be posting the list of new authors here as well as tagging the reviews as (NAC09).

1. Lynn Kurland "When I Fall in Love" rated5

2. Elizabeth Hoyt "The Raven Prince" rated 4.5 stars

3. Christie Ridgeway "How to Knit a Wild Bikini" rated 3 stars

4.Jane Graves "Tall Tales and Wedding Veils" rated 5 stars

5. Unwed and Undead by Mary Janice Davidson rated 2.5-3 stars (see review)

6. Sisters Found by Joan Johnston rated 3.5 stars

7. Sun Kissed by Catherine Anderson rated 4 stars

8. Dark Lover by JR Ward rated 4 stars

9. She's Got it Bad by Sarah Mayberry 4 stars

10. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn 4.5 stars

11. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer 4 stars

12. The Nerd Who Loved Me by Vicki Lewis Thompson 4 stars

13.Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force 4.5 stars

14.The Secret Life of Bryan by Lori Foster 3.5 stars

15. Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julia James 4 stars

16.Reckless Love by Elizabeth Lowell 5 stars

17.The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley 4.5 stars

18. For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper 4 stars

19.It Happened One Night by Lisa Dale 4 stars

20.The Frasers-Clay by Ana Leigh 4.5 stars

21.Talk of the Town by Karen Hawkins 4 stars

22.

23.

24.

25.

Romance Reading Challenge 2009

Ooh, I think I'm in! This ought to be pretty easy, since Romance is all I read. Hehe! Click on the Icon above to link to the challenge host and rules. It ought to be pretty fun.

Read on for the rules:

1. Now, "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.

2. Choose at least 5 novels read them between Jan 1st though Dec 31st 2009. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.

I'll add to my list as I go!

1. The Gift by Julie Garwood

2. When I Fall in Love by Lynn Kurland

3. The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

4. To Tame a Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning

5. Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

Duncan's Bride

Duncan's Bride by Linda Howard

Series romance Book

pages 252

Rate 4 stars

Back Cover:

Wife Wanted...Reese Duncan lost half his ranch and all his dreams to his ex-wife, so when it came time for a family he did the logical thing: he advertised for a bride. She had to be willing to work, to bear his children and to settle for lovemaking in place of love. It sounded perfect--until Madelyn Patterson arrived.

One look and he had to have her. Never mind that she was New York and nightlife to his own plainspoken Montana ways. She was willing to herd cattle, wax floors and bake biscuits by the dozen. She was even willing to bear his children--but at a price he couldn't pay. Madelyn wanted love--and he was a man who had no love to give.

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the fact that even though Reese was a strong "alpha male" the heroine, Madelyn, was no shrinking violet. She was not a b%#&h, or a shrew. She was not afraid to argue, and speak her mind. She also, was secure enough to not settle for some semblance of happiness, or love. She wanted and deserved a real marriage. I like that even though she was taking a stand, she was not unsympathetic. She understood that Reese's behavior was a response to his ex-wife, but she also knew that she deserved more. Ms. Howard writes a story of 2 people who find each other under unusual circumstances, but who over the course of time grew together. That's a story I can invest in...

The Corset Diaries

The Corset Diaries by Katie MacAlister

Title with a "D"--

pages 336

Rate 4.5 Stars

Back Cover:

No woman in her right mind would consent to wearing a corset for a month. Especially a "skinny-challenged" woman like Tessa. But dreams of being debt-free dance in her head at the offer of appearing in a reality TV show. "A Month in the Life of a Victorian Duke" is about real people pretending to live on an English estate, circa 1879. And Tessa's leading man-a real-life Duke-is so handsome she can barely breathe, with or without the corset...

My thoughts:

This book Cracked Me Up! And I love that! You can call me fluffy, but you can't call me stuffy! I laughed until I cried/snorted/almost peed my pants. Was it slapstick? Yup! There were moments of hilarity, and it was in many ways sophomoric. But sometimes, ya just need a good snort, and this kind won't get you 5-10 in jail! (Ha!) Sure some of the plot lines were farfetched, but so are some of the plots of some of my favorite romantic comedies. If you're in the mood for a light, fun read, try Katie MacAlister. If you're in the mood for heavy, angst-ridden drama...um this might not be for you. It was exactly what I wanted and needed. Yay! Me!

Bookworm award

Heather (from Heathersreadingromance) awarded me with the Bookworm Award!! Isn't it lovely. Thanks Heather! Whoop Whoop!
I can appearantly share this with others, this is how it works:
Open the book closest to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following there. The closest book to me is The Corset Diaries by Katie MacAlister.

It was also a kiss that scorched my stockings off, and left me speechless with amazement, but you don't need to know that. "Welcome to Worston Hall," Max said in a loud, clear tone, then tucked my hand into his elbow and announced that he was ready for breakfast. The servants scattered at that, the film crew dividing into two halves, one group hurrying after the servants, the other following as Max led us down a passage to a small, sunny room.

"Your mouth is hanging open again," he whispered as he pulled out a chair for me at one end of a table. I snapped my teeth together, then muttered "It's your fault. There ought to be some sort of warning sign taped above your lips. They're too potent for their own good."

He chuckled a sexy chuckle that made my toes curl, them moved off to sit at the other end of the table.

Now I have to tag 5 of my fellow bloggers! hmm, whom shall I pick?

1. Aunt Rowena Sez:

2. Nightengale's Reading Blog

3. Grain de Beaute

4. Emerald Fire

5. Bella Foxx