Match Me if You Can

by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

rated 5 stars

pages

Back Cover:

Annabelle is tired of being the lone failure in a family of overachievers. She's endured dead-end jobs and a broken engagement. Even her hair's a mess! But that's going to change now that she's taken over her late grandmother's matchmaking business. All Annabelle has to do is land the Windy City's hottest bachelor as her client, and she'll be the most sought-after matchmaker in town. Nothing is going to stand in her way -- not the drunk lying comatose under her car, not her family's disapproval, and certainly not the lingering effects of a broken heart. With his money green eyes and calculated charm, Heath Champion is the best sports agent in the country. He's wealthy, driven, and gorgeous, so why does he need a matchmaker, especially a red-haired screw-up like Annabelle Granger? True, she's entertaining, and she does have a certain quirky appeal. But Heath is searching for the ultimate symbol of his success -- the perfect wife. And to make an extraordinary match, he needs an extraordinary matchmaker, right? Thin, rich, utterly fabulous Portia Powers has spent her career making matches for everyone but herself. Her take-no-prisoners attitude has built Power Matches into the top matchmaking agency in Chicago. So what if she has more enemies than friends and she's one breath away from a nervous breakdown? Neither an upstart like Annabelle Granger nor Heath Champion's menacing, but oddly intriguing, bodyguard, will keep her from getting what she wants -- a Power Match for Heath ... the city's very own Jerry Maguire. Soon everyone in Chicago has a stake in the outcome, right down to Annabelle's overprotective book club. When the matchmaker promises she'll do anything to keep her star client happy ... does she mean anything? If Annabelle isn't careful, she just might find herself going heart-to-heart with the toughest negotiator in town -- a man who's beginning to ask himself: Exactly how perfect does perfect have to be?

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. I laughed out loud several times. I love that SEP's heroines however flawed and insecure they might be, also have a sharp wit and a smart mouth. Love That!! My favorite scene was the one where she had a house full of rival football players. Heath "comes to her rescue" and while she is fuming at him and giving him a piece of her mind, the fellas are trying to explain why they keep hanging at her place. They are talking over her and she is smacking them on the backs of their heads. They love it, cuz she doesn't take their crap and acts like their mother.

For some reason I didn't get into the back story romance. Portia and Bodie, for some reason just didn't do it for me!! It felt icky, and too.....domineering! I didn't like that their first time together he took her from behind and on the balcony, and never spoke a word to her or kissed. He walks in and leans her over the rail, then leaves without a word. Too something for me.

I liked that Heath "got" Annabelle's family but I wished that she'd finally seen them the way he did. She felt attacked by them emotionally, and he saw them as almost competing for her attention. She doesn't feel loved and respected by them.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips rocks!!

Always Dakota

by Debbie Macomber

rated 3.5 stars

pages 377

Back Cover:

Local rancher Margaret Clemens is taking a chance on happiness, and going after what she wants for a change. And what she wants is marriage to cowboy, Matt Eilers. Regardless of what her friends and family say, and despite all the rumors, Margaret wants Matt anyway. Oh... and she plans on having his baby, too. Please join me for my third -- and final -- visit to Buffalo Valley, North Dakota. This town exists only in my imagination, but its spirit and sense of community are definitely real. Buffalo Valley resembles many places in my family's history, and perhaps in yours. If you've been to Buffalo Valley before, I invite you to come and visit the friends you've met there; if not, prepare to make some new ones. Buffalo Valley, North Dakota, has become a good place to live -- the way it used to be, thirty or forty years ago. People here are feeling confident about the future again. Stalled lives are moving forward. People are taking risks -- on new ventures and on lifelong dreams. On Happiness. And one of those people is local rancher Margaret Clemens, who's finally getting what she wants most. Marriage to cowboy Matt Eilers. Her friends don't think Matt's such a bargain; neither did her father. But Margaret's aware of Matt's reputation and his flaws. She wants him anyway. And she wants his baby....

My Thoughts:

I liked this one better than Dakota Home! I like Margaret. She's unconventional and I dig that in a heroine! Matt, is the misunderstood hero, and I'm not sure how Margaret sees him as who he is, since they've only met once or twice supposedly and he didn't know she was a woman the first time or two he saw her....This book, closes all the open doors left by Dakota Home. Bob and Merrily lose baby Axel, but find themselves drawing closer to each other and growing in ways they never would have thought possible. Dennis and Sarah Urlacher are pregnant, well Sarah is, and is put on strict bedrest. This pregnancy and subsequent emergency delivery along with the intervention of a few of the towns pillar members help Calla to get a grip and decide to quit being the big baby she's been so far and be a better daughter to Sarah and cut Dennis some slack! I mean really!! She was Too Whiny For Words!! I wanted to SMACK Sheryl! 'Nuff Said.

Overall, I got emotionally invested in the characters, but honestly Debbie Macomber writes kinda gritty realistic relationships. They are not necessarily spicy, even though this book had I think 1 or 2 love scenes they were tame by romance standards. You do get a good idea of the emotional wasteland that can be relationships. So, when reading Ms. Macomber I feel torn. I like her stuff overall, but she is not the escape that I'm really looking for. Some people really love that. They want to get drawn into the angst, but that's not me. I don't like suspense movies either, cuz I get drawn in and it stresses me out! I chew my nails and spend 2 hours anxious, when I'd rather spend my 2 hours and 10 bucks laughing or something. So, that's me! If you like, the drama without the "heat" then Debbie Macomber is a good choice for you. She starts off kinda slow, but ends strong usually.

Dakota Home

by Debbie Macomber

rated 3 stars

pages 368

Back Cover:

Buffalo Valley, North Dakota, has found new life. People have started moving here people like Lindsay Snyder, who came for one year to work as a teacher and stayed, marrying local farmer Gage Sinclair. And now Lindsay's closest friend, Maddy Washburn, has decided to pull up stakes and join her in Buffalo Valley, hoping for the same kind of contentment. And the same kind of love . . .

Jeb McKenna is a rancher, a man who's learned to endure, as the Dakota earth endures. He's raising bison and, by choice, lives a solitary life. Maddy unafraid and openhearted is drawn to Jeb, but he rejects her overtures. Until one of North Dakota's deadly storms throws them together.

These few days and nights bring unexpected consequences for Maddy and Jeb. Consequences that, in one way or another, will affect everyone in Buffalo Valley.

My thoughts:

So, I liked Maddy and Jeb quit a bit. I felt like they didn't drag out the "conflict" too long. That is a personal pet peeve! I did feel like the first 1/3 of the book was slow and really a downer! I actually put it down for a while. Then picked it back up. Brandon and Joanie...it was like they were going to be the tortured couple then suddenly zoinks! They're back together and we don't here from them anymore! Then there's the whole Bob and Merrily thing. We see them get married after Merrily shows up with a baby, Axel. Then Sarah finally admits to Dennis that she's still married. She gets the divorce and they announce their engagement, then her daughter Calla runs away to go live with her father in Minnesota. Even though it started off slow, it ended well. a solid 3.

Wild Jinx

by Sandra Hill

rated 4 stars

pages 362

Back Cover:

Hot... When reporter Celine Arseneux entered The Playpen, a Baton Rouge club for men and women. She never expected John LeDeux to swagger up to her. Sure, the bayou's notorious bad boy is pure sex on the hoof, but even with her expose on the line, Celine refuses to be a conquest left cryin' in her crayfish--at least not again. Not for a man who doesn't remember her!

Bothered... Detective LeDeux has always been too hot to handle, but now he's on fire as the cop who posed as a gigolo to bust the Dixie Mafia. Joining Tante Lulu's treasure hunt seems a fine way to avoid the media ruckus--until Celine pursues her story deep into the bayou, stoking John's hazy memories of a sizzling night five years ago.

And ready to take it all off! Lovers and pirates and gangsters--oh my! It's another wild ride with Jinx Inc., where trouble is no match for a cagey Cajun matchmaker...and love conquers all.

My Thoughts:

There is a soft spot in my heart for Tee-John. We first met him in Love Potion, when all 3 of his adult brothers wonder think they are his daddy! He's about 10 years old and full of mischief. This story finds John an adult now and a police detective. He is faced with a woman who'd been a "one night stand" some 5-6 years ago. And of course sparks fly. Celine Arseneaux is a reporter who get caught up while trying to write a story, and ends up in John's back pocket. Of course, he doesn't know that she has a son, and that he is the father of that son. Secrets are revealed and all heck breaks lose. Add in our favorite ex-amish navy seal, cuban heart throb, matchmaking aunt, an ex-hells angel and an ex nun and you have Wild Jinx. It is a fun read, but not my favorite of the series. At the end they all discover that there are 2 more LeDoux boys. Hmm! I sense some more Jinx coming on?!

A McKettrick Christmas

A McKettrick Christmas was written by Linda Lael Miller and is the story of Lizzie McKettrick the daughter of Holt McKettrick and step-mom Lorelei. As Lizzie travels home from finishing school in San Francisco with Whitley Carson, whom she hopes will propose at Christmas, an avalanche strikes the train in which they are traveling. Trapped in a train car with a handful of strangers including a very handsome Dr. Morgan Shane! It is said that in the worst of circumstances a persons true character is revealed. This happens during the avalanche. Add in a silly talking bird, a couple of straight talking kids, and possibly an angel in disguise and you have A McKettrick Christmas!

rated 4 stars by this reviewer! I love me some McKettricks!!

The Texas Ranger

by Diana Palmer

pages 380-ish

rate 2

Back Cover

He is a true Texas Ranger.
A man of integrity with a soul of steel -- pursuing honor and justice is as natural as breathing in Marc Brannon's line of work.
Called to the scene of a high-profile murder, Brannon finds himself pitted against the vibrant -- and vulnerable -- junior investigator from his past. Years ago his heart had been intertwined with Josette Langley's . . . until she'd made an explosive accusation that had sent shock waves through political circles -- and shattered his faith in her.
Now they are back together again . . .
And there is more at stake than just their stubborn pride. For this homicide investigation is becoming more complex and dangerous with each passing day -- and time is not on their side. Can these disillusioned lovers close in on the truth before the culprit claims another victim?
Or will they both be caught in the cross fire . . . ?

My Thoughts:

Yea, I just didn't really like this one. Unfortunately!! He ruined her life...she ruined his...He said things that were beyond harsh. She is the dowdy, pure, type! He thinks she's sexually experienced, and "comes on strong" on a date, to find that when he tries to "get the job done" he can't. Her "maidenhead" is impervious. She'll have to have a "minor surgery" before she's capable of having intimate relations with a man. Let the record show, that this "minor surgery" was mentioned a dozen times! NO KIDDING!! I was so over it. Geez! We get it, she's a virgin!! He's the experienced man. She doesn't believe in premarital sex and only wants to settle down and have kids and make bisquits or whatever. He is a ruthless uber-manly man and gets away with being a jerk because she "loves him". Ack!!

The Rustler

by Linda Lael Miller

3rd in the Stone Creek Series

pages 374

rated 4 stars

Back Cover:

Where does an outlaw go when he's ready to turn straight? For Wyatt Yarbro, reformed rustler and train robber. Stone Creek is his place of redemption. And lovely Sarah Tamlin is the perfect angel to help him clean up his act...

But Sarah keeps a dark secret behind her prim and proper facade, even as her heart is lost to charming, sexy Wyatt. When a vengeful enemy prepares to unleash havoc on the peaceful town. Wyatt and Sarah will discover that they can't hide from the past. To win the fight, they must believe in something they never trusted before---the hope of tomorrow.

My Thoughts:

I enjoy Ms. Miller's Stone Creek novels. I liked Wyatt, and his redemption. I liked Lonesome. Who wouldn't!? I also liked Sarah, and felt like her "secrets" were overplayed. I did like that one of her secrets was that she was a part of a secret "Women's Poker Society". Fun!! The story was all good, however I did feel like the end was tidied up a little to suddenly. It was a fast and good read. It was not my favorite of the "Stone Creeks" but it was a good solid read.

A Bite to Remember

Author Lynsay Sands

Pages 362

rated 4 stars

Back Cover:

Rule #1: Never get involved with someone who won't be there for you when the sun comes up.

Once bitten, twice shy, and sexy PI Jackie Morrisey wasn't going there again. Vincent Argeneau may be the hottest guy she's ever met, living or dead, but she's here to stop a killer from turning this vampire into dust, not to jump into bed with him.

Rule #2: Never kiss a vampire...it can be a pain in the neck.Okay, so Vincent's had four hundred years to perfect his kissing skills, and he does look rather tempting when he runs around the house shirtless. He's also charming, protective...did we mention he can kiss? Jackie needs to be on her guard, or else she'll have to come up with a new rule:

If you're going to fall in love with a vampire, make sure it's a bite to remember.

My Thoughts:

I just enjoy these Argeneau's. I think they are fun and light, and sexy. I felt heartbroken for Jackie upon learning of her past with the "immortals" of this world. Being controlled and manipulated to do things that are against your morals, in order to humiliate yourself and your family. Then to come to the aid of an "immortal" and find yourself attracted, is a stretch. However, Ms. Sands accomplishes this with grace and a sense of humor. Jackie is won over by the true character of Vincent and he is won over as well. Add in a giant of a mortal named Tiny who can cook like a God, and a half dozen fabulous Italian immortal hotties, and what's not to love? I can't wait to read more and especially add in the Notte family. Hubba Hubba!!

Tall Tales and Wedding Veils

Tall Tales and Wedding Veils by Jane Graves

Rated 5 stars

Pages 378

Back Cover:

Marry in Haste...Accountant Heather Montgomery is a planner. So never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd run into sexy charmer Tony McCaffrey in Vegas, play lady luck, and celebrate his jackpot with a champagne-soaked night. And she certainly never expected to wake up the next morning married! How could this good girl pick a man whose fridge is empty and whose apartment is a disaster zone, yet still drives her crazy with lust she can't see straight?

Lust at Leisure! Quickly hitched and happily ditched, Tony can't wait to get back to his playboy ways. But when Heather's family is thrilled that their no-nonsense daughter is finally in love, he proposes a plan: stay married for a month to repay his good luck charm, even though she sterilizes his toothbrush and forbids anything between the sheets. But Heather is more than he bargained for---a sharp-witted, passionate woman who just might turn his near miss into wedded bliss!

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this story. I've been giving out a number of 5's lately, but I did really like it. Heather is not a perfect size 2, who's soooo beautiful that she makes men lose their minds at the site of her. Tony, is a good looking guy who hides a good heart. They both have their insecurities and family issues. Even though the premise is a little weak, I don't care. I like that they come to a friendly place and work together. I like that the sex is fun, not just steamy. I mean don't get me wrong, they have plenty of steamy, but most real people are ticklish too. They spend much of their first time together giggling, and that is good to me. Healthy, normal! I mean really, sometimes when your fella lightly caresses your (fill in the blank) is kinda tickles. It does! Especially if your nervous, or something, so I like that these characters had some real responses. Not to mention purple fuzzy handcuffs!

It also helps that I live minutes from Plano, Tx. and it's so cool to read a book set in (almost) my backyard! I knew the highways, roads and malls that she mentions. So groovy! There's even a little sports bar about a mile from my house! They have kids karaoke on tuesday nights.

The Pagan Stone

The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts

Rated 5 stars

Pages 305

Back Cover:

Shared nightmares, visions of blood and fire, and random violence plague the longtime friends and Quinn, Layla, and Cybil, the women bound to them by Fate. None of them can ignore the fact that, this year, the demon has grown stronger ---feeding off the terror it creates. But now the three pieces of the bloodstone have been fused back together. If only they could figure out how to use it.

A gambling man like Gage has no trouble betting on his crew to find a way. And though he and Cybil share the gift of seeing the future, that's all they have in common. Were they to take their flirtation to the next level, it would be on their own terms, not because Fate decreed it. But Gage knows that a woman like Cybil---with her brains and strength and devastating beauty---can only bring him luck. Whether it's good or bad has yet to be determined---and could mean the difference between absolute destruction or an end to the nightmare for Hawkins Hollow.

My Thoughts:

Ok! You all know that I love Nora Roberts and that I love her heroes. Gage, was that tortured alpha male! He made me cry in the first couple of chapters. His mother died when he was very young, and left him with an alcoholic abusive father. Cal's and Fox's moms became surrogates. Gage, not being the type of guy who is comfortable withe the ooey gooey emotional stuff, buys them flowers and tells them how much he loves them. He struggles to express that love and devotion to them, and I cried. Cybil, is the perfect match for him. She's not too needy, and she's strong and sassy! She gives as good as she gets. Tit for Tat!! I love a couple who are like that.

This is the final book in the trilogy and the climax between good and evil. Blood and fire and sacrifice. Someone has to willingly make the ultimate sacrifice and I could feel the raw emotion as the 6 stood together until the very end. That they understood that only through great loss could the ultimate destruction of great evil occur. I felt the resolve as they each came to terms with their grief and pain to ensure the greater good. I cried again. There are twists and turns and I loved how she writes the love and affection that all 6 have for each other.

My 2009 Reading List

This list should include any/all books read for any and all challenges I'm participating in. It will also contain any other books I read. I'll just be keeping a running total. I'm hoping to read 75 this year. I read over 100 last year, but wasn't working either. So, since I have less free time, it'll be 75 and hopefully more. I'll probably put into parenthesis the challenges I read this book for (WRC)= Winter Reading Challenge (SRC)= Serial Readers Challenge (SPRC)= Spring Reading Challenge (NAC)= New Authors Challenge etc.

1. Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood (WRC) (SRC)

2. The Gift by Julie Garwood (WRC)(SRC)

3. When I Fall in Love by Lynn Kurland (WRC)(NAC)

4. Only for a Knight by Sue Ellen Welfonder (WRC)(SRC)

5. The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (WRC)(SRC)(NAC)

6. Dakota Born by Debbie Macomber (WRC)(SRC)

7. Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts (SRC)

8. The Hollos by Nora Roberts (SRC)

9. The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts (SRC)

10. Tall Tales and Wedding Veils by Jane Graves (NAC)

11. A Bite to Remember by Lynsay Sands (SRC)

12. The Rustler by Linda Lael Miller

13. The Texas Ranger by Diana Palmer

14. A McKettrick Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

15. Wild Jinx by Sandra Hill

16. Dakota Home by Debbie Macomber (SRC)

17. Always Dakota by Debbie Macomber (SRC)

18. Match Me if You Can by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (SRC)

19. Undead and Unwed by Mary Janice Davidson (NAC)

20. DarkFever by KM Moning (SRC)(SPRC)

21. To Tame a Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning (SRC)(SPRC)

22. Sisters Found by Joan Johnston (NAC)(SPRC)(SRC)

23. The Secret by Julie Garwood(SPRC)

24. Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas (SPRC)(SRC)

25. The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (SPRC)(SRC)

26. Sun Kissed by Catherine Anderson (SPRC)(NAC)

27. Dark Lover by JR Ward (SRC)(RORSRC)(NAC)

28. Lover Eternal by JR WArd (SRC)(RORSRC)

29. Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands (RORSRC)

30. Lover Awakened by JR Ward (SRC)(RORSRC)

31. Lover Revealed by JR Ward (SRC)(RORSRC)

32. Lover Unbound by JR Ward (SRC)

33. Lover Enshrined by JR Ward (SRC)

34. Untamed by Pamela Clare (RORSRC)(SRC)

35 Flat Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy (RORSRC)(SRC)

36. Sea Swept by Nora Roberts (rorsrc)

37. Sweet Talk by Susan Mallery (SRC)(rorsrc)

38. Sweet Spot by Susan Mallery (SRC)(RORSRC)

39. She's Got it Bad by Sarah Maybery (NAC)

40. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (NAC)(SRC)

41. Sweet Trouble by Susan Mallery (SRC)

42. Montana Creeds: Logan by Linda Lael Miller (SRC)

43. Montana Creeds: Dylan by Linda Lael Miller (SRC)

44. Montana Creeds: Tyler by Linda Lael Miller (SRC)

45. MacKensie's Mountain by Linda Howard (RORSRC)(SRC)

46. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn (RORSRC)(NAC)(SRC)

47. MacKenzie's Mission by Linda Howard (RORSRC)(SRC)

48. The Nerd Who Loved Me by Vicki Lewis Thompson (NAC)(RORSRC)

49 Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands (SRC)(RORSRC)

50. The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (SRC)

51. Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force (NAC)(RORSRC)

52. Delicious by Susan Mallery (RORSRC)(SRC)

53. What Happens in London by Julia Quinn (SRC)

54. Lover Avenged by J R Ward (SRC)(RORSRC)

55. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (RORSRC)(SRC)

56. Irristible by Susan Mallery (SRC)

57. Sizzling by Susan Mallery (SRC) (RORSRC)

58. Rising Tides by Nora Roberts (SRC)(RORSRC)

59. Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy (SRC)(RORSRC)

60. Twin Victories by Cathy Marie Hake (RORSRC)

61. So Into You by Sandra Hill (RORSRC)(SRC)

62. Bite Me if You Can by Lynsay Sands (SRC)

63. Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas (SRC)

64. Tempting by Susan Mallery (SRC)

65. Vampires are Forever by Lynsay Sands (SRC)

66.The Bridegroom by Linda Lael Miller (SRC)

67.The Lyon's Lady by Julie Garwood (SRC)

68. Dreaming Of You by Lisa Kleypas (FRC)

69. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn (FRC)(SRC)

70. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (FRC)(SRC)

71. An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn (FRC)(SRC)

72. Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy (FRC)(SRC)

73. The Secret Life of Bryan by Lori Foster (FRC)(NAC)

74. Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James (FRC)(NAC)

75. The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands (FRC)(SRC)

76. Diamon in the Rough by Diana Palmer (FRC)

77. Winfall by Nora Roberts

78. Reckless Love by Elizabeth Lowell (FRC)(NAC)

79. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzieby Jennifer Ashley (FRC)(NAC)

80. Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy(FRC)(SRC)

81. MacKenzie's Pleasureby Linda Howard (FRC)(SRC)

82. A Highlander in her Dreams by Allie Mackay(FRC)(SRC)

83. To Sir Phillip with Love by Julia Quinn (SRC)

84. When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn(SRC)

85. To Die for by Linda Howard (FRC)

86. Noble Destiny by Katie MacAlister (SRC)

87. Morning Light by Catherine Anderson

88. Say No To Joe? by Lori Foster (SRC)

89. MacKensie's Magic by Linda Howard (SRC)

90. A Game of Chance by Linda Howard (SRC)

91. For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper (NAC)

92. Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts (SRC)

93 A Husband's Wicked Ways by Jane Feather (SRC)

94. Noble Intentions by Katie MacAlister (SRC)

95. The Trouble with Harry by Katie MacAlister (SRC)

96. It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn (WRC)(SRC)

97. On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn(WRC)(SRC)

98. At Home in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller (WRC)

99. Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts (SRC)(WRC)

100. Gentle Warrior by Julie Garwood (WRC)

101. Christmas Wishes by Debbie Macomber

102. A Creed Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

103. Stuck with You by Vicki Lewis Thompson (WRC)

104. It Happened One Night by Lisa Dale (WRC)(NAC)

105. The Frasers-Clay by Ana Leigh (WRC)(NAC)

Spring Reading Challenge!!

For more information about the Readers of Romance Spring Reading Challenge click Here!!

Here is my list as it stands now!! We'll see if there are tons of changes!!

1. Read a Western: The Rustler by Linda Lael Miller or Sisters Found by Joan Johnston

2. Set in Scotland: To Tame a Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning

3. Sun/Moon/Stars title: Dreams of Stardust by Lynn Kurland

4. Angel/Devil Title: Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands

5. First Romance Author: Probably a Chesapeake Bay re-read! **sighs**

6. "Spring" Title or Cover: Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

7. Reader's Choice: Flat Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy

8. Favorite/ 5 star from Friends Shelf: MacKenzie's Mountain by Linda Howard

9. AAR Top 100: The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

10. Secret/Lie Title: The Secret by Julie Garwood

11. Winter Reading Challenge Title: Dark Lover by JR Ward

12. Romeo/Juliet Theme Book: Untamed by Pamela Clare

13. Trilogy Pt. 1: Sweet Spot by Susan Mallery

14. Trilogy Pt. 2: Sweet Talk by Susan Mallery

15. Trilogy Pt. 3: Sweet Trouble by Susan Mallery

The Hollow

The Hollow by Nora Roberts

Rated 5 stars

Pages 318

Back Cover:

As the madness, which happens for seven days every seven years, prepares to descend upon the town of Hawkins Hollow, three men bound by blood and three woman bound by ancestry to a demon join forces to stop the terror from beginning again.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the Sign of Seven Trilogy. It is Fox and Layla's story. Cal and Quinn from Blood Brothers both shared a "gift". They were able to "see" some of the past. Fox and Layla also share a gift, the ability to "see" into the now. You might say Psychic, but it's not exactly that. To some degree they are able to understand others emotions, as well as their thoughts. Fox was born and raised in Hawkins Hollow and has dealt with "The Seven" since he was 10 years old. Layla managed a boutique in New York until she felt...compelled to come to a place she'd never heard of, for no reason. It was there that she met Quinn and then Cal, Fox and Gage. In this book, she comes to terms with her gift, and her part in defeating the demon that intends to destroy the Hollow and all those in it. It is also for Fox to come to terms with falling in love and having that love make him vulnerable to the evil force he's been fighting since he was a child.

I love that Fox comes from a hippie tree huggin family. I love that even though he loves that part of him, he's also a Coke and Little Debbie's man. **I think Nora Roberts has been watching my spending habits** I love that he has an F-word jar. That he puts a dollar in it even when there is noone to catch him saying it. I also like the inner struggle Layla has as she comes to terms with all the changes in her life.

Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts

Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts

Rated 5 stars ( I just love her!)

Pages 314

Back Cover:

In the small village of Hawkins Hollow, three best friends who share the same birthday sneak off into the woods for a sleepover the evening before turning 10. But a night of pre-pubescent celebration turns into a night of horror as their blood brother oath unleashes a three-hundred year curse. Twenty-one years later, Cal Hawkins and his friends have seen their town plagued by a week of unexplainable evil events two more times - every seven years. With the clock winding down on the third set of seven years, someone else has taken an interest in the town's folklore. Quinn is a well known scholar of local legends, and despite Cal's protests, insists on delving in the mystery. But when the first signs of evil appear months early, it's not only the town Cal tries to protect, but also his heart.

My Thoughts:

Ok, so I just love Nora Roberts. I did Cal and love the opening when they are 10 year old kids. I have a daughter who just turned 11, and would never let them go camping like that. I'm an over protective mother...sue me!! I do think that Cal and Quinn fall pretty darn quick, and that there is a lot of "set up" in this book. I expected that, cuz it's a trilogy, with the final climax in the final book. I can dig that. I also like that it's the sensible one who falls first and fast. It would've been too easy for the hippie lawyer to have done that. Ya know? I give it 5 stars cuz I love it. This trilogy has gotten mostly lukewarm reviews from non-Nora junkies. That's ok. Reading Nora's trilogies is like..."coming home" to me. It's like mac and cheese the perfect comfort food. It makes me feel warm, fuzzy, and ooey gooey on the inside. I can't wait to snuggle down with The Hollow.