A Highlander in her Dreams

by Allie Mackay (Sue Ellen Welfonder)

#8 Title written by an AKA

rated 4 stars

Back Cover:

Paranormal investigative journalist Kira Bedwell is on a tour of allegedly haunted Castle Wrath when she meets Aidan MacDonald, who claims he is a medieval era laird. She initially assumes the hunk is joking, but after that first encounter, she only sees him in her wet dreams; he shares those sexual nocturnal encounters when he sleeps.

Kira is investigating a paranormal incident in Scotland when the reporter becomes the story. Somehow she is sent back to Aidan's time. His clan is frightened by Kira's arrival as they assume she is a witch. Meanwhile as he tries to convince his people she is his soul mate, he also battles his evil cousin who has plans to abuse the clan for personal gain after killing Aidan. Kira knows who won that confrontation of blood so must change the near future even if it means giving up her beloved Highlander.

My Thoughts:

I thought this was better than the first in the series and kinda hope the third is even better still. I liked Kira and Aiden. I liked that of all the things from the future that Kira ended up bringing with her it was a button and a zipper that wigged him out the most. Then in order to save Kira and himself they travel to the future. He doesn't do well. As you would assume. They find a way back to the past and solve the mystery of the cousins death and save the day.

For me, Time Travel stories are stressful. Usually the method used to travel back and forth in time is unreliable. So one never knows when one is going to be transported back and forth. This one was less stressful than others, but still. Also, if I'm a modern day woman and I go back to 12-something. The dress and environment would be an adjustment, but let us not ignore the most obvious to me....the smells. They didn't exactly have Right Guard back in the day and didn't exactly bath frequently. Toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products, cleaning products, the whole shebang! So I would imagine that the initial smells would cross your eyes. Then to get "up close and personal" would really frizz your hair. Am I right?! Who's with me?!

So I wonder how long would it take a modern person to acclimate to the sights and smells.

Mackenzie's Pleasure

by Linda Howard

#7 Book with less than 300 pgs

Rated 3.5

Back Cover:

Barrie needed a saviour. The terrorists holding her hostage surely wouldn''t tolerate her silence much longer. Instead they would silence her. Then out of the darkness he arrived. Rugged and dangerous, he led her straight into his sheltering arms.

My Thoughts:

I am willing to suspend reality to a very large degree, however....Barrie Lovejoy is kidnapped, stripped naked, and bound. She is rescued by Zane MacKenzie Navy Seal. Within hours, he rescues her, and they hide out in a falling down shack in libya. After a short time, she decided to lose her virginity to navy seal stranger. It was awesome.....like your first time after a trauma in a dirty hovel would be. (did you catch the sarcasm? I knew you did!)

After this, they escape with the help of his Navy Seal team, at which time Zane is shot. Barrie, wants desperately to see to Zane and his injuries! She is not allowed to and the mystery begins. Why was Barrie kidnapped? Was her father part of some criminal plot? After a few months, Zane is healed from his wounds and Barrie is confirmed pregnant. Her father and his friends try to keep Zane and Barrie apart. He finally comes for her, sweeps her off her feet and they run away to Las Vegas to get married. He gets his brother Chance to help, and they set a trap for the bad guys.

It was pretty good overall, but the beginning was so unrealistic for me. I just couldn't buy it.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie

by Jennifer Ashley
rated 4.5
#10 Reader's Choice

Back Cover:
The year is 1881. Meet the Mackenzie family--rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn't be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them -- of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set England and Scotland abuzz. The youngest brother, Ian, known as the Mad Mackenzie, spent most of his young life in an asylum, and everyone agrees he is decidedly odd. He's also hard and handsome and has a penchant for Ming pottery and beautiful women.

Beth Ackerley, widow, has recently come into a fortune. She has decided that she wants no more drama in her life. She was raised in drama -- an alcoholic father who drove them into the workhouse, a frail mother she had to nurse until her death, a fussy old lady she became constant companion to. No, she wants to take her money and find peace, to travel, to learn art, to sit back and fondly remember her brief but happy marriage to her late husband.

And then Ian Mackenzie decides he wants her.

My Thoughts:
Ian MacKenzie has what would today be known as Asperger's Syndrome. Beth Ackerley is engaged to a real doo-doo head. (And I'm sure that's a real literary term!) Upon meeting Lord Ian, she is entranced and intrigued. They start a whirlwind romance that takes them to the decadent streets of Paris and the Misty moors of Scotland. There is a murder to solve and most people think Ian is to blame, but....as with all the MacKenzies things are not always as they appear.

Reckless Love

by Elizabeth Lowell

#3 Read and Reviewed for Summer Challenge

Rated 5 stars

Back Cover:

Janna Wayland has survived in treacherous Utah Territory by using her wits, her grit and her knife. She is as bold and free as Lucifer, the wild stallion she vows to protect from men who would stop at nothing to possess him. Men like Ty McKenzie, whose will to survive is as strong as her own.

Nursing Ty back from death's grasp, she realizes that neither Lucifer nor her heart are safe from this man's fierce determination. Now Janna must follow Ty on a perilous trek through the badlands, battling renegade warriors, the elements and her own reckless heart with a fury that can be tamed only by love itself.

My Thoughts:

As I write this review, I find that I'm nervous that I will not do justice to this book. Ok, my only criticism. I'll get that out of the way. Ms. Lowell describes in absolute detail the geography. Every butte/ravine/creek/canyon etc. I'm not that familiar with the desert so it meant very little to me, BUT if I were familiar with that landscape and loved it like she obviously does, it probably would have enhanced the story for me. Ok, #2. Everyone knows that I don't need or particularly want graphic descriptions regarding the steamier more personal aspects of the romance story. There were times (not every/all times)when I felt the language was a little more than necessary. I also know that that is a matter of opinion for me, and therefore does not disqualify this book as a 5 star for me. The raw emotion and the story were so compelling for me that it overshadowed any criticism I may have.

Janna Wayland is an orphaned woman alone in a hazardous land filled with renegades and Mustangers who are intent to capture a wild mustang that she has vowed to protect. So not only is the lanscape harsh and difficult but the inhabitants of that landscape are dangerous as well. When Janna first sees Ty he is being beaten by a group of renegade indians and will more than likely be let to run so that he can be hunted, tortured and killed. He shows true grit in the chase and true courage. Janna finds him and rescues him before the indians can finish their dastardly plan. She nursed him back to health while hiding the fact that she is a woman by dressing like a man and hiding her hair.

Ty has plans and dreams. He wants Lucifer the mustang Janna has vowed to protect so that he can start a herd of horses on his Montana ranch and he wants to make his fortune so that he can find and court a "Silken Lady". A woman who is pure femininity and absolute beauty, and perfect creamy grace. As he is sharing his dream with the "boy" who rescued him, little does he know that he is breaking her heart with every word.

So you see the romantic drama. Eventually Ty finds out that the "boy" is indeed a woman and a passionate, loving, brave, capable women. Due to some rather amazing circumstances Janna and Ty catch Lucifer and as Ty begins to win his trust and loyalty, he doesn't realize that Janna is taming Ty as well. Each little step of the way, he fights and it hurts her desperately to be reminded that she's no "Silken Lady" but slowly and methodically she earns his love, and loyalty.

I was drawn in almost immediately and every time I had to put the book down, (I mean who needs to eat or sleep or take kids to school or work?) I couldn't wait until I could pick it back up again. I wanted to know, how/when they were going to come together. I wanted to know when Ty was going to truly see Janna for the perfect fit for him that she was. I needed to know what was going to happen next.

If you like westerns at all, you should read this book. If you don't like westerns typically, you should try this book.

Diamond in the Rough

by Diana Palmer

#13 One Last Try

Rated 3 stars

Back Cover:

Sassy Peale is desperate to help her family, but her meager salary doesn't stretch far. Then she meets John Callister, and she thinks her new friend is an honest-to-God cowboy—rugged and trustworthy.

But John isn't a ranch hand, he's a millionaire from one of Montana's most powerful families! And when Sassy finds out who he really is, she's certain the arrogant millionaire is just playing with her. John has to convince Sassy that he's the man she first thought he was—a diamond in the rough.

My Thoughts:

So, certain truths are universally accepted. Diana Palmer is going to write her Heroes as Older/wealthy/alpha-to the point of absolute jerk/women haters. She is also going to write her heroines as young/poor/virginal-to the point of creepy/traumatized. The typical story will have he hero wanting the much younger etc heroine but refusing to act on it. In his refusal he will be mean and hateful to heroine. She will love him anyway and want only to wed him and raise his children. He will be her first, unless she's been molested by someone before. He will work hard to make her feel young and inadequate.

However, this time she varied her plot device sort of. He wants her, but doesn't abuse her in order to try to deny himself. She is young and poor but working and hasn't loved him from afar for years. Yes, he rescues her, and yes she is the young virginal heroine. But it wasn't that bad. I mean, we all love a story like that every once in a while but not e-v-e-r-y book. It's like she got in a rut.

So I was pleasantly surprised that the hero here isn't a total jerk!!

Just the Sexiest Man Alive

by Julie James

Debut Author

Rated 4.5 stars (maybe 5)

Back Cover:

COOL. CALM. COLLECTED.
Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her–not even her cheating ex-fiancé. So when she’s assigned to coach People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob’s charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.
CONFIDENT. FAMOUS. IRRESISTIBLE.
Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he’s thrown for a loop. She’s unlike any other woman he’s ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She’s the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize that she may just be his perfect match. . .

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I seldom try new authors who haven't been recommended to me by someone I trust. I went out on a limb to find someone (debut author) for the Readers of Romance Fall Reading Challenge. I found Julie James on FantasticFiction. I'm sooo glad I did.

Taylor Donovan was the right mix of confidence and vulnerability. She was forced to mentor Jason Andrews, Hollywood's IT Man for a role in an upcoming movie where he plays a "tough as nails" attorney. Upon first meeting Jason, I don't like him. I mean could he be more of a spoiled brat!!! Luckily, Taylor puts him in his place! Yeeeeaaa! He is at first offended then intrigued, but he pulls the Hollywood card, and gets his way. (Kinda makes me wanna put him in time-out!) It took me a while to warm up to him, because he kept pulling these stunts and getting Taylor in trouble to get his way. I was beginning to wonder if he was redeemable. However, not far into the plot, his Hollywood facade cracks a bit. We meet his best friend Jeremy.

Throughout this book the interplay between Taylor and Jason is witty and sharp. I love how they are sarcastic with each other. We also meet Jason's competition. Scott is a newer actor who feel jealous of Jason and wants to be the new Jason. He figures out who Jason Andrews mystery woman is and starts flirting and trying to "steal" her away. Very Pride and Prejudice. Jason appears to be spoiled and cocky, and ends up being warm and nurturing. Scott appears to be safe and kind and ends up being a real uh...um...jerk! (that's the edited version!!)

There were no sex scenes in this book, and though who doesn't love a good scene, I found that the romance took center stage without the physical stuff. I didn't miss it at all. We know that Jason and Taylor did the deed, but the description wasn't necessary.

I will say that I loved the part where Taylor has the concussion. She's so loopy, and he's being so noble. She imagines making a call to room service. Hysterical!!!!

I know that others have reviewed this more eloquently, but I loved this book. I will definately be trying other books by Julie James.

The Secret Life of Bryan

by Lori Foster

rated 4 stars

Back Cover:

When bounty hunter Bryan Kelly meets gorgeous philanthropist Shay Sommers he mistakes her for a prostitute. Despite Shay's denials, Bryan remains convinced that she's a hooker. Frustrated, Shay decides to conceal her wealthy lifestyle and moves into the Preacher's safe house to get to know some real "working women". Meanwhile, Bryan has an identity problem of his own, for he's masquerading as his twin brother, Preacher Bruce, in order to discover the identity of the person who assaulted Bruce and continues to threaten the women in his shelter. Bryan will do whatever it takes to find his brother's attacker and ensure the women's safety--especially Shay's. Both Shay and Bryan are keeping secrets that can destroy their growing relationship and neither of them are accustomed to trusting others. If Bryan can keep Shay alive, will he be able to convince her to trust him with her heart?

My Thoughts:

I liked Bryan, who kept slipping up as a "preacher". I mean, I've never met a preacher who cussed like that. However, Ms. Foster's initial description of Shay, left an image in my mind, that didn't connect with the lust that Bryan felt. I saw her as tall, Nordic, but more Helga maybe than Shay. Kinda robust, and solid. I think, I was supposed to see her as tall and slender almost willow-ey, but I just didn't. So, it was just not a picture I could see them together as a couple.

Also, something I don't get. She was nearly 6 ft. tall, and at one point she sits on his lap and is crying and he tucks her head under his chin......I don't see how that is physically possible. I mean, I'm almost 6 inches shorter than my husband, and if I were to sit on his lap, it would take an act of contortion for my head to fit under his chin.....Ouch!!!

Aaaanyway, I think the women at the shelter could have been better developed (literarilly speaking since they were well developed physically...ha ha ha ). I figured out, the mole right away. And for me, the sex scenes were too...not steamy, cuz I love the steamy scenes in BDB, but were so um, course? I don't know, it felt only physical not emotional. Almost clinical. I know, these are nitpicky things, but...

I think honestly with a few minor tweeks, this book for me would have been Great!!! As it stands, I found it good.

I will try, Say No To Joe, which was the 1st in the series. Am wondering if I'd read that one first, I'd have been more invested. And the minor tweeks wouldn't be necessary.

Hard and Fast

by Erin McCarthy

#5 Borrowed from a Friend or Library

Rated 3 Stars

Back Cover:

An experiment in romance...

New to Charlotte, North Carolina, stock car racing country, graduate student Imogen Wilson meets Ty McCordle, a driver who inexplicably has her pulse racing. After an encounter at the track with a woman whose main goal in life is to marry a driver, Imogen realizes she's hit on the perfect topic for her sociology thesis. If she follows the rules on how to get a man, can she steer her way into the hearts of the drivers and establish their dating--and mating--patterns?

...That's testing the limits of passion.

Although sexy reckless Ty is the ideal test subject, Imogen knows she can't pursue him for the sake of science. Yet he's the one who's chasing after her, and Imogen realizes that she actually wants to be caught. A Southern gentleman like Ty won't disappoint-he will satisfy her curiosity and make all the risks worthwhile.

My Thoughts:

I remember Ty McCordle and Imogen Wilson slightly from Flat Out Sexy. I really liked them both and was really looking forward to reading their story. I LOVE a good mismatched couple story. It's actually one of my favorite plot devices.

For some reason, I just didn't connect with this story, or these characters. We barely get reacquanted with them and by around pg 20 they are aleady fully aroused and speaking in sexual innuendo that is heavy on the sex and light on the innuendo. Then the next day, they are having crazy hot monkey sex (CHMS). Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it felt so quick and so unrealistic. To top it off, the language during CHMS was so graphic to me. I know what oral sex is, and don't want to know every slurp and grunt and how wet/salty/earthy.......everyone is. ya know?! I know that others really dig that, and that's all fine and good, but I found the descriptions of all the CHMS to be too much.

As the plot continues, I found it all to be too fast and too.....I don't know. I just couldn't get invested. Even with the secret Ty was keeping and stuff like that usually endears me to a character. I just couldn't feel invested. None of it felt even remotely realistic to me. Unfortunately for me, as much as I wanted to Love Ty and Imogen, I just didn't.

It was ok for me, but not a keeper. Luckily it was a very quick read. And Thank you Randi, for loaning it to me. That was awfully sweet.

An Offer From a Gentleman

by Julia Quinn

#4 Book with a F Word

Rated 4.5 Stars

Back Cover:

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball -- or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other -- except, perhaps, this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers her his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

My Thoughts:

This is a fresh modern version of the traditional Cinderella fairy tale. Complete with wicked stepmother and stepsisters, a Ball, secret identity, and the stroke of midnight. It definitely gives Cinderella a run for her money. Instead of mice and household animals as companions, Sophie Becket is loved and nurtured by the household staff. It is this loving, albeit limited family who come up with the idea for Sophie to "crash" the masquerade ball given by The Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton. There our Sophie meets her Prince Charming, in the very debonair Benedict Bridgerton. Benedict is immediately drawn to his mystery muse.

After the ball, Sophie returns to her life in servitude to her Step-monster-ish, and her two daughters. After a turn of events, Sophie find herself on her own and finds work with a family elsewhere, and the son of that family attempts to mistreats her in a most personal way. Enter Prince Charming again, who happens to be a guest at a party given by same Son, Son of a B#%&H more like. He rescues our Sophie and their unlikely relationship begins.

She from the working class and he from the ton. It could never work in the traditional marriage sense so......Benedict makes her an offer. Be his mistress. Now, this reader doesn't usually like it when Heroes make such an offer. This reader tends to begin to really dislike said, Hero. But this time, and in this situation it was done with such warmth, that This Reader loved the Hero in spite. It really was a "No Win" for this unlikely couple and he knew he couldn't live without her so........

She categorically refuses his offer. Twists and turns later, I was pleasantly surprised at how Ms. Quinn worked the situation out for Our Sophie and Benedict "Charming". I knew she would. :::nods head for effect:::

I will not go into more details, so as not to spoil it for you, but This Reader loved this Cinderella story very much. I'm now referring to the entire Bridgerton series as my Vitamin B-ridgerton, cuz it's soooooo good. (and good for you!!!)

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.

by Julia Quinn

Rated 5 Stars

#1 Beta Hero

Back Cover:

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for...well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty headed charmer, tired of the neverending sameness of his life, and, most of all, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same---especially Penelope Featherington! The girl who was always simply...there is suddenly the girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat---or his promis of a happy ending?

My Thoughts:

I loved Colin. I loved that he is discontent but knows he has nothing to complain about. I love when he starts getting angry at things, and show his temper that noone really thought he had. I love that he falls in love with the "on the shelf" maid/used to be wallflower/almost kid sister. I love how, she is suddenly cute to him and he finds that quizzical. "When did she become cute?"

I love that, Penelope isn't what she seems. I love that underneath the sorta shy girl is a rapier wit and a true backbone. I love that she falls in love so young, and even though she could have been bitter about her spinsterhood, she isn't. I love that she has the last laugh.

The scene on the front steps, the flashback where she walks out and Colin and his brothers are there and Colin is complaining and Says. "I'm never going to marry Penelope Featherington!" And there stands Penelope. Cringe Worthy!!!! You just feel her heart shatter, and you also just feel how Colin wants to die. He'd rather do anything than hurt Penelope, she's a friend after all, but he's just really stepped in it this time.

The Viscount Who Loved Me

by Julia Quinn
#15 Author Backlist

Rated 4.5 Stars

Back Cover:
1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...
--Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes to not make the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

My thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect mix of fun, witty banter, and poignant moments. Each lead character (Anthony and Kate) had their own fears and obstacles to overcome. I really love Lady Whistledown too. I know this review is short and probably not very impressive and also not very inspiring, but Hey, it's one of those days.

If you haven't read the Bridgerton's, you simply must try them. This author highly recommends them......:)

Dreaming of You

by Lisa Kleypas
#14 Dream title
Rated 5 stars

Back Cover:
She stood at peril's threshold --
then love beckoned her in…...
A prim, well-bred gentlewoman, Sara Fielding is a writer who puts pen to paper to create dreams. But now curiosity is luring her from the shelter of her country cottage into the dangerous world of Derek Craven -- handsome, tough, and tenacious -- and the most exciting man Sara has ever met.
Derek rose from poverty to become the wealthy lord of London's most exclusive gambling house. And now duty demands that he allow Sara Fielding to enter his perilous realm of ever-shifting fortunes -- with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But there is a hidden strength and sensuality to the lady that captivates him beyond his better judgment. And in this world, where danger lurks behind every shadow, even a proper "mouse" can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress -- and a cynical gambler can be shaken to his core by the power of passion and the promise of love.

My Thoughts:
We meet Ms. Fielding in the beginning of this story, as she rescues our Derek from a couple of thugs intent on scarring him and beating him to a pulp. So, our spinster, country mouse has a little spunk. She is then allowed entrance into Craven's to do "Research" for her newest novel. Many things are done in the name of research but we begin to see that although Sara is innocent she has a courage and sense of adventure. She is the person who doesn't want life to be lived around her but wants to embrace life. She is drawn to our Derek, can you tell I love him? Our Derek is drawn to her even though he tries valiantly not to be. He knows he can never be good enough for her. Oh, Pish! Our Derek is Wooooonderful. He is a supreme tortured hero, and we Love him. He tries again and again to push her away, and somehow keeps coming back. Luckily for us he does. Sara and he finally come together, and even though Our Derek has never known happiness or contentment of even complete Love, he Loves her. He is unable to say, it until circumstances put him face to face with seeing that Love disappear.

I like Sara's sense of adventure and her soft heart. I love the Mathilda storyline too. We meet up again with Alex and Lily Raiford from Then Came You. And Stalwart Mr. Worthy. And of course, Our Derek. (did I mention that I love him?)
This book is a keeper for sure!!!

Readers of Romance Fall 09 Reading Challenge

THE CHALLENGE:

1. Read a Beta Hero http://www.likesbooks.com/spechero.html

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn~~Done~~5 Stars

2. Read a debut author OR an author that has LESS than 4 books published

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James~~Done~~4.5 Stars

3. Read a book that was read in the Summer Challenge

Reckless Love by Elizabeth Lowell~~~Done~~~5 stars

4. Read a book with an “F” word for Fall

An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn~~Done ~~4.5 Stars

5. Read a book you’ve borrowed from a friend or the library

Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy~~Done ~~3 Stars

6. Read a book by Lori Foster

The Secret Life of Bryan~~Done~~4 Stars

7. Read a book that less than 300 pages

A Game of Chance by Linda Howard

8. Read an author that has a pseudonym (Sherrilyn Kenyon/Kinley MacGregor)

A Highlander in Her Dreams by Allie MacKay (aka Sue Ellen Welfonder)

9. Read a book to catch up on a series you are reading

The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands~~Done ~~4 Stars

10. Reader’s Choice

The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley~~Done~~4.5 Stars

11. Read a book set in Ireland

The Princess by Claire Delacroix~~~DNF~~~

12. Read a Romantic Suspense

To Die For by Linda Howard

13. read a book by an author you've "given up" on (call it one more try)

Diamond in the Rough by Diana Palmer~~~Done ~~3 stars

14. Read a book with "Dream" in the title

Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas~~Done~~5 Stars

15. Read a book from the backlist of an author you enjoy!

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn~~Done ~~4.5 Stars