Sizzling

by Susan Mallery

#5 Hot Word

Rated 4.5 Stars

Back Cover:

Reid Buchanan was always a fan favorite on the baseball diamond. But between the sheets?

A spiteful article about the former pitcher and current playboy questions his talent in the bedroom. And the newspaper's just the first bad news. Reid's grandmother Gloria's broken hip means she needs constant care but Reid hired Nurses 1 and 2 for their bedside manner with him. So for Number 3 he chooses Lori Johnson, the first candidate who seems immune to his brand of charm.

Lori's never wasted her time with amoebas like Reid Buchanan. So why are her well-fortified defenses starting to crumble under the force of his sexy smile and the kindness he shows her at every turn? There's only one explanation for the feelings flaring between them--chemistry. Chemistry so hot, it's sizzling!

My Thoughts:

For some reason this book spoke to me more than the last two. Now, I really liked Delicious, and Irrisistible. I felt Reid's humiliation and Lori's yearning.

Sizzling starts with a newspaper article stating that Reid Buchanan is not so great between the sheets and that disappoints children (esp ones that write him because he is a celebrity). As it turns out he has a less than talented publicist/manager. Reid is also in charge of interviewing nurses for his Grandmonster who will need months of home health care and therapy after falling and breaking her hip during a heart attack. Lucky Him!!

Lori has always considered herself the ugly duckling. Her older sister was born beautiful and never experienced that all famous Awkward Phase. As it happens, right now Lori's sister is suffering from a serious case of HepC due to a tainted blood transfusion. She is hired to work with Grandmonster. Her opinion of Reid, is that he is really pretty but infinitely useless. He's all look and no substance.

I love the interplay between these two people. She's hard as nails and honestly he needs someone to give him a menal smack upside the head. He's the epitome of everyman she feels is out of reach for her. That brings out all her insecurities. They both must grow! I have to say, I couldn't put this one down. I felt her pain, and his as well. I liked that they both "stepped up to the Plate" as it were. Even Grandmonster shows some growth. Who Knew? We also keep up with Dani's Dating Dilemma!

I honestly think she bailed on Gary, and that was kinda shallow. But, obviously there is more to her story than meets the eye. I'd kinda like to see more of good ole Gary. He was such a great guy! Sure there was no chemistry, but now I want to know how his story turns out. I wanted to give him a hug, when Dani walked out on him in the restaurant.

Time Travel Tuesday

Yep! It's tuesday, and finally I get to post Time Travel Tuesday on tuesday. Heeeey! So I was goofing around on YouTube the other day and thought to myself...."Self! There are no real variety shows on like when I was a kid.". So, I thought, I'd look for some to show the kids. What a hoot!! I could have gone the Merve Griffith kinda route, but that was never what I was interested in. So, in the spirit of purple socks everywhere, I bring to you The Donny and Marie Show. Oh Yea!!! I loved that show. I had the Donny and Marie barbies complete with purple socks. I still know some of the words to their iconic songs.

"I'm a little bit country/I'm a little bit rock and roll/ I'm a little bit of Memphis and Nashvile/I'm a little bit of Motown in my soul....."

C'mon, you know you want to sing along. I didn't remember however that there was a lot of ice skating going on....hmmm!

It was hard to find just the right clips, but I found some that were good. So, feather your hair and dig out the purple polyester. I bring you Donny and Marie Osmond.

Irresistible

by Susan Mallery

Back Cover:
When ex-Marine Walker Buchanan stops to help Elissa Towers change a tire, he tells himself it's just the neighborly thing to do.

And when Elissa finds herself baking him a thank-you pie, she's just returning the favor... right?

Both of them have sworn off dating -- Elissa's determined to protect her little girl, and that means ditching her taste for dangerous men... especially former Marines with dark secrets. Walker knows that he's not cut out for hearth and home; his own crazy family made sure of that. But the sparks won't stop flying between them.

My Thoughts:

This was the story of Walker Buchanan the younger brother of Cal Buchanan from "Delicious". Walker is the loner of the Buchanan family. Immediately after graduating high school he joined the Marines. It is understood by all that he did so, to aggravate his evil Grandmonster Gloria. Upon retiring from the Corps, he is on a mission to find the loved one of a fallen brother. He rents an apartment in the same building as Mrs. Ford, the 90-something spitfire and Elissa Towers and her daughter Zoe.

Elissa is an independant single mom trying to do the best she can. She has sworn off men, so she can focus on raising her daughter. Besides, if her track record shows anything, it's a lack of good choices in the Dude Dept! However, her new neighbor sure is a sight to behold.

A flat tire starts a chain of events that neither of them knew would change their lives forever.

I have to say, that for some reason I love old folks as secondary characters. I especially like when they are spunky. My grandma was kinda spunky, so I think that's what I find so endearing. I also like when big burly Mancakes are forced to interact with little kids especially little girlie girls. There is just something about the finding of your inner opposite that apeals to me. So imaging my glee when Ex-marine bad Dewd, Walker gets more than his fair share of 90+ Mrs. Ford and 5 year old Zoe. Love it!!! He even babysat, and it would have been great for him to be caught, having a tea party or humming the Dora song or something. Like when my DH let my 11 year old paint his toenails the other day. Lime green toes with glitter. (he can pull that off.)

I did find their "secrets" a little annoying. They were too witholding for too long. I felt like, most people would have opened up a little sooner, or the whole relationship would have come around more slowly. I mean, she's ok with letting a single man, babysit her daughter but would tell him that the Daddy isn't in fact dead, just a money grubbing deadbeat. Call me crazy, but I would have told the built in security (as a marine isn't he a lean mean fighting machine?) about the possible threat, but not left my kid alone with a man. However, that kinda reality doesn't progress the plot very well, does it. That's why I'm a reader, not a writer.

Ms. Mallery has an endearing cast of characters. We see Dani's next step in her personal progression toward true love. She meets Ryan and starts a fun fling with him, only to find out ::::::spoiler alert------he's married. The jerk::::::::: We see Reid, meet and hire the Grandmonster's new nurse. She doesn't know who he is, and isn't all that impressed, if you must know. So, I'm guessing I know where this is going. Cal and Penny's baby is born. Won't spoil that for you.

All in all, I thought this was a good book. I am invested in the characters and their interrelationships. I give it a solid 4 stars.

10 Ways to get out of Jury Duty!

I got a jury summons the other day. I've only been summoned one other time ever, and that was just a few weeks after my youngest daughter was born. So, I've been working on a list of ways to get out of jury duty. Here are some of my ideas. Please feel free to give me your best ideas too.

1. The Bailiffs handcuffs are turning me on!

2. Is it me, or does the defendant bear a striking resemblance to (fill in the blank with any famous serial killer, my choice is Charles Manson)

3. I smell Bacon!!!!

4. I can tell if someone is guilty just by looking.

5. The voices in my head are telling me, that the defendant is kinda cute.

6. Do you think the arresting officer could do anything about my 245 unpaid parking tickets? Yes?!

7. Badges! We don't need no stinkin' badges!

8. Is that a gavel in your pocket or are you happy to see me?? Rowr!

9. Will you take notes for me? I have Narcolepzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

10. You Want the Truth? You Can't Handle the Truth!!!

Smooth Talking Stranger

by Lisa Kleypas

Read for Readers of Romance Summer reading challenge #13 title read and reviewed in Sppring challenge.

Rated 4.5 stars

Back Cover:
Jack Travis leads the uncomplicated life of a millionaire Texas playboy. He makes no commitments, he loves many women, he lives for pleasure. But no one has ever truly touched his heart or soul. Until one day, a woman appears on his doorstep with fury on her face and a baby in her arms. It seems Jack is the father and this woman is the baby’s aunt. The real mother has abandoned the child to her more responsible sister. And now, Jack is being called upon to take responsibility for the first time in his life.

My thoughts:
So, I have a minor issue with the story. (it's very minor) When ella first meets Jack Travis he gives her the time of day. Any Houston CEO would never have seen her, much less let her make accusations in his office, in front of his secretary.
Other than that, I loved it. Jack was so smooth and cool. He was super hot, and I loved that he was into Luke!! Ella was cool. She was pretty self assured and I hated Dane! What a wuss! I love these Travises.

I figured out the twist but who cares. It's not about the twist, it's about the folks. It's about the journey. I gotta say, Ms. Kleypas writes great emotional journey stories. Can't wait for Joe's story.

Cute Wedding Entrance

A friend found this on YouTube. This would be so fun, as long as your wedding party has rhythm. I hope you all enjoy this.

Makes me wonder what were memorable wedding entrances you've all seen? Please comment. That'd be great.

Flavorful

I guess so!!

You Are Salty

There's something about you that makes the world a better place. You make life more colorful, more flavorful, and more vibrant. You get along well with others. You always have something to add. Without realizing it, people can become very addicted to you.

What Taste Are You?

What Happens in London

by Julia Quinn

Back Cover:

When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits... and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something.

Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than a nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself...

My Thoughts:

Ms. Quinn is brilliant at writing flawed/scarred characters. They are sympathetic without being pathetic. Sir Harry is he son of an alcoholic father, and a dead in the eyes mother. His overbearing grandmother takes over his upbringing and education. His older sister rebels and his younger brother is left to fend for himself when Harry leaves home. His cousin Sebastian is in many ways his polar opposite, but also his best friend.

Miss, Olivia Bevelstoke is Harry's new next door neighbor. She is spunky, and fun, and prone to making mental lists. Especially when she's bored with a conversation. She has a married brother and a sister-in-law who is her best friend. Her twin brother Winston is a hoot. (Can't wait to read his story)

Enter a Russian prince, intrigue, a silly hat, facing windows and a Lurid, Gothic Novel, and you've got great fun. I recommend this book for sure. It gets a 4.5 stars for sure.

Delicious

by Susan Mallery (1st Buchanon Series)

Read for Readers of Romance Summer Challenge

Rated 4 stars

Synopsis:

Cal Buchanan needs a top-flight chef to take over his failing Seattle restaurant, The Waterfront. He can afford to hire the best in town--the only problem is that the best happens to be his ex-wife, Penny Jackson.

Penny really needs this opportunity, but she doesn't need the distraction of working with her ex. She's sworn off romance--she's even having a baby on her own. But before she knows it, the heat is on...and the attraction between her and Cal moves from a low simmer to a full boil!

The rest should be easy as pie, but a secret from Cal's past could spoil everything. Maybe it's true that too many cooks spoil the broth--or maybe two is enough to make it irresistible.

My Thoughts:

Susan Mallery has been hit and miss with me so far. I first read Accidentally Yours and loved it. (Ate it up!) Then I read the Keyes Sister Trilogy. It was alright. I'd heard some good things about those Buchanons, so I was very hopeful! This is Cal and Penny's story. He is the oldest Buchanon and Penny is his ex-wife. I felt like Ms. Mallery wrote well the interplay between 2 exes. I liked that Penny wanted to make Cal "eat crow" a little bit, and that he knew it. I liked that there was plenty of banter between them, but also with her friend Naomi, Eduardo, and the rest of the Buchanons. I love the friendships that she wrote so well.

I will definately be reading more of those Buchanons. Very soon!!

Lover Avenged

by J R Ward. It is book 7 of the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series.

I read this for the Readers of Romance Summer Reading Challenge.

I give it 4.5 stars. J R Ward is Back!!!

Back Cover:

Caldwell, NY, has long been the battleground for the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It’s also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and notorious nightclub that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he’s approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King, and leader of the Brotherhood. Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood, even though his sister is married to a member. Because he’s a sympath, his identity is a deadly secret- the revelation of which will result in his banishment to a colony for sociopaths. And as plots within and outside the Brotherhood take their toll against Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in a darkening world- Elhena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him- and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

My Thoughts:

I liked Lover Enshrined ok. It got some really horrid reviews, so I had some very low expectations. I'd heard that J R Ward, was going more sci-fi/fantasy with the series and leaning away from the romance. (hence the hardcover etc.) So, I was a little wary. (the lack of real romance was my critique with Lover Enshrined) I was excited to read Lover Avenged, but cautiosly optomistic. I really wanted a book, in the vein (pun intended) of her earlier BDB books. I cracked the book, and started reading. Then what felt like minutes later, my family is making noise because dinner is hours late, and they are looking at me. I was obviously hooked. Rhev was such a great tortured hero. He was that scarred guy who felt for obvious reasons like he was unworthy. Ehlena was a great as the contientious heroine. She's the "giver". You know the type...nurse and caregiver. She always makes the right choices.

I loved how Rhev and Ehlena's story unfolds. I also love when Ehlena goes to Rhev's house the first time and ends up at the wrong door. She's at V's penthouse...You know the one! Uh, yea! Awkward!!! I thought that was great, so when she's with Rhev, he seems really normal after what she almost witnessed.

I was really upset with Wrath for lying to Beth. I mean, she's his shellan for crying out loud. He does come clean, and they start working it out. I love Wrath and Beth. I love that he keeps his hair long for her, and she gives him crap.

John Matthew and Xhex set up their relationship for their story. I didn't like JM's reaction and behaviour when he felt rejected by her. I know, Quinn is supposed to stay with JM, but really? It seems really unlikely that he'd go there. (that's all I'll say about that.)

I do, think I have a new love! There is a new fella at the mansion that I hope to see more of him. He's a blond, strawberry blond actually. He's the strong and silent type, with a heart of gold. It's.......George! He and Wrath will be working together.

When is the next book coming out? Time for new countdown clock....

Library Books

I've been on the waiting list at my library for weeks. (WEEKS!!!) Waiting for Lover Avenged by J R Ward, and Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. They finally came in at the same time. I'm sooo excited and showing excessive self control to even take the time to blog about it. I want to be holed up in my comfy chair, reading and ignoring all else.

So, I say to all my Blog friends...farewell. Until I finish my books. Woo Hoo!!! So I shall see you soon.

Harry Potter Promotion

I totally love, Harry Potter. I've read all the books and scene all the movies. I used to really like little Daniel, but he's not growing on me. I've always felt that Rupert was underappreciated. Ron is a much more full character in the books, but the movies have him acting like a real ninny. All the Weasley's are so cool. I love, LOVE Fred and George!!! Ginny, is way cool in the books too.

Now, as it comes to the actors, I kinda am over Daniel Radcliffe, and love Rupert. We don't see him very often in interviews and we never see the other characters. But, Emma does interview way, Waaaay better than Daniel. I find her to be so poised, and witty. I really hope that she goes the way of the Jodie Fosters who don't get all trippy! (Yes, Trippy. that's the technical term for drug addicted or end up in Porn or something.)

Here is an interview she did this week with David Letterman. She's soooooooo cute.

More 50th pictures

My Brother and his family sharing some heartfelt thoughts about our parents. They all wore the uniform. I didn't get the memo that we were supposed to dress alike. They all wore black pants and white shirts. It was kinda funny watching them all walk in and walk up to the microphone like some sort of team.

Me, Dave and the kids. I was saying something incredibly witty. I'm sure of it. At least, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Me, my niece Mary Beth and her son Alec. His Mimi was doing the decorations for the party, and he reminded her that a party NEEDS party hats. So, he "helped" decorate hats. Yea! We know how to do it up right.

Family Portrait. That's a pretty good looking bunch.

Time Travel Tuesday

Yep, it's Time Travel Tuesday. Cindy is the master at it. She finds some of the coolest stuff and really takes you back. But today, I had well, lost something. Yep, I hate it when I do that. I'd lost....That Lovin' Feeling. Ha Ha, one of my favorite scenes from the movie. To be followed by another of my favorite scenes. The volleyball scene made me want to move to a beach...ah! Good Times!!
So enjoy this little trip back to yesteryear. If you need a wing man(woman)then today Carpoolqueen is it.

Mom and Dad's 50th.

June 26th was my parent's 50th wedding anniversay.





We (my brothers and Sisters-in-law and my husband and I) threw them a party. Mostly it was family and some of their friends from church. But it was fun.



















My Brother (with microphone) and sister, with their daughters and son-in-law and 3 grandbabies. He was a great Master of Ceremonies. My sister-in-law (kinda weird to write the "in-law" part) works at a florists, woo hoo. She was so great about getting invites and mailing them out. She worked so hard to decorate and it was so great.











My brother Dave and his family worked on music. This is my brother and his wife and his son's girlfriend. They are listening to my nephews play the piano and guitar. He came up with a great playlist of music through the ages, and his sons played some music even some songs they wrote. :::Ahh!:::


I baked cakes. My husband made a great slideshow of photos from the past 50 years. It was so superbitude!!













The White cake was Carrot cake on the top layer and French Vanilla on the bottom layer. The chocolate was milk chocolate. Yum!!


My daughter and I are getting our "Party On" in this picture.
















This is my nephew playing piano, and my nieces daughter is "helping" him play. She's a "Helper".


This is Alandra again. She's

getting her "Party On" too.

Yep! We had fun!

Line of Scrimmage

by Marie Force

#1 Sports Theme

Rated 4.5 Stars

Back Cover:

She's given up on him and moved on...
Susannah finally has a peaceful, calm life and a no-surprises man. Marriage to football superstar Ryan Sanderson was a whirlwind of passion, heat, energy, and excitement, but Susannah got sick of playing second fiddle to his team, watching women throwing themselves at him, and living in terror of the hard hits he took on the field. With their divorce just days from being final, she's already planning a wedding with her new fiance...
He's finally figured out what's really important to him. If only it's not too late...
Ryan has just ten days to convince his soon-to-be ex-wife to give him a second chance. He has just brought home his third championship and his career is at its pinnacle, but during the year of their separation, Ryan's come to realize it doesn't mean anything at all without Susannah...

My Thoughts:

I love a comeback story. I love a football story and a strong female lead. I did feel like some of the plot devises were a stretch, but it's a book, and we are supposed to suspend reality. With that being said, I loved Ryan. He was a totally "stand-up" guy. He had honor and integrity in abundance to go along with a great set of abs. :::check out the cover::: I liked that Susannah was a strong woman. I felt their pain, and growth. I would've liked the ending to be a little less abrupt. It wasn't the story, but the method. It just didn't feel totally resolved. I love an epilogue, but don't want it to replace a good ending.