December 29, 2011
Doing Tequila Book Shots!
Mood:
lazy
Now Playing: 2012 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge: Readingwithtequila
Topic: Book Reviews
Because I will not get out of my Romance Novel groove unless forced to, I decided to sign up for the 2012 Book Blogger Recommendtion Challenge being hosted at ReadingwithTequila.com. The best part of this challenge is that most of the titles on the list are ones I wanted to read anyway!
I decided to do Level 1 of the challenge, which is to read at least 5 books from the recommended book list
- Delirium by Lauren Oliver
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (more like re-read, because I read this in high school and loved it!)
- An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
- First Love Cookie Club by Lori Wilde (because I already own it!)
- Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr
While reviewing the list, I realized that I had read a few of the titles on them. Here they are, please let me know which ones you've read or plan to read.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (got a third of way through and I just didn't like it)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (I read the whole series)
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (My favorite book and heroine!)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K Rowling
- The World According To Garp by John Irving (I listened to this on audiobook ten years ago and it was just awesome.)
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (Read this twice!)
- Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (I tried but it was too wacky. Heathcliff was nuts.)
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
- You Against Me by Jenny Downham (Started but I have to finish.)
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Started and I have to finish. I love Jo.)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
- Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (*Sigh* Hated it.)
- A B C's by Dr. Seuss
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marques
- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
- The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz (I got halfway through it but hated it.)
- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (Badly written but enjoyable on a certain level. Couldn't be bothered with the sequels.)
December 21, 2011
What The Librarian Is Reading
Mood:
caffeinated
Topic: Book Reviews
What are you currently reading?
An Imprudent Lady by Elaine Golden. It is an entertaining ebook historical novella about reunited lovers after a 20-year separation.
What did you recently finish reading?
Sugar in My Bowl: Real Women Write about Real Sex by Erica Jong. It was non-fiction book that was terribly boring with very little insight. I was hoping for something more. 
What do you think you’ll read next?
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles 
November 26, 2011
Eating Up Books and Turkey
Mood:
a-ok
Now Playing: Harlequin's Kimani Romance and American Romance
Topic: Book Reviews
At First Kiss by
Gwyneth Bolton My rating:
4 of 5 stars Perfect, sexy, sassy, and heartwarming romance novel with just enough drama that doesn't rake you over the coals before the happily ever after. This is a romance novel I could see myself rereading.
My Favorite Cowboy by
Shelley Galloway My rating:
4 of 5 stars Serena is a small town Texas librarian who is falling behind on her bills because the recession has caused the town to the library's budget and hence Serena's salary. Jarred Riddell is Serena Higgens' long time friend and crush. When Jarred offers Serena money to teach him charms lessons in order to attract the town's society girl, Serena can hardly refuse the offer. In a sweet and predictable manner, Jarred soon starts to realize that Serena is the woman he needs and wants in his life not VIctoria Snow. Serena definitely wants him, but how long will it take for Jarred to come around and confess his feelings before Serena writes him is the true conflict of the story.
My Favorite Cowboy had all my favorite elements for a paperback romance novel:
* a cowboy who works on a ranch
* a librarian as a heroine
* friends-to-lovers scenario
* a hero or heroine whose family has a strong presence and also acts as the Greek Chorus, humor, or the voice of reason
and
* a hero and a heroine who banter
I loved this book. I'm glad I bought it, and that I'm recent road trip allowed me to have a good 8 hours alone with it. It is a sweet and tender story without being sappy or devoid of sexuality. Definitely a romance novel I wouldn't mind my daughter finding when she is 12 years old and curious
View all my reviews
November 3, 2011
The Book Review Revue
Mood:
on fire
Topic: Book Reviews
Wickham's Diary by
Amanda Grange My rating:
2 of 5 stars I put aside my negativity about Jane Austen and all the hoopla surrounding her works (including Pride and Prejudice) to check out Wickham's Diary, which seemed like it might be a delightful piece of fluff that would include ingredients from Gossip Girl, Edith Wharton, and American Psycho. I was sadly disappointed that it turned out to be a bit of a flat read that didn't allow me to connect with Wickham. All the elements were there (i.e. envy, scheming, overbearing mum) but they didn't gel.
Bound by Honor: An Erotic Novel of Maid Marian by
Colette Gale My rating:
2 of 5 stars Imagine if Maid Marian was locked in a love triangle with Robin Hood of Locksley and Will--the cold Sheriff of Nottingham? Throw in a dash of courtly intrigue and steamy encounters and you have this novel. It's entertaining to see the old folktale imagined this way, but it isn't the most stunning tale.
Blue Sea by
Robert Kalan My rating:
5 of 5 stars This spare book is bright, colorful, and fun. It is perfect for read-alouds for children 2 and up, who can get the humor of it. My daughters love it and I love looking at because the colors are so hypnotic.
Dinosaur vs. the Library by
Bob Shea My rating:
3 of 5 stars I love the Dinosaur vs. series and I find them funny to read aloud. I also like reading them to myself. However this current Dinosaur incarnation doesn't seem as good as the others. The Dinosaur is bringing animals to the library for all of them to make noise at the library. I thought perhaps the plot would be Dinosaur "attacking" different parts of the library until he is tamed by story time.
View all my reviews 
Wow! Said the Owl by
Tim Hopgood My rating:
4 of 5 stars Sweet, adorable, colorful. Perfect for read-a-louds and for one-on-ones. The art work is beautiful, and its multi-textured. I wish the book said what type of materials the author used.
View all my reviews
October 4, 2011
Tuesday Teaser
Mood:
not sure
Now Playing: You Against Me by Jenny Downham
Topic: Book Reviews
Dad slammed his for down. 'That's enough!' A spatter of gravy flew across the table and landed on the clother. 'If you can't be civil, then you go to your room. What the hell's got into you, Eleanor?' --page 257, You Against Me by Jenny Downham
September 28, 2011
What The Librarian Is Reading
Mood:
flirty
Topic: Book Reviews
What Am I Reading?
Your Man is Wonderful: How to Appreciate Your Partner, Romance Your Differences, and Love the One You've Got by Noelle C. Nelson
Practical Widow to Passionate Mistress by Louise Allen
Love in the Mountains by Janet Burnham Haywood
The Hot Spot by Niobia Bryant: An extra steamy novel about a 42-year-old divorcee's romance with a super-sexy 20-something diary farmer who wants to start a family. The problem? Her kids are grown and she doesn't want to be anybody's wife anymore. Or will her new boyfriend change her mind?
What Will I Read?
Secret Weapon by Opal Carew
Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry, #1) by Simone Elkeles
Ask the Dust by John Fante
What Did I Just Read or Started-but-Stopped Reading?
Penguin by Polly Dunbar
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
The World of King Arthur and His Court by Kevin Crossley-Holland: Great non fiction book about the mythical king and his court. It blends truth, folklore, and poetry to teach King Arthur fans about the time in which he lived. I only wished there was more about Arthur's background, heritage and rise to power.
August 24, 2011
Huh, WHUT???
Mood:
happy
Now Playing: What I'm Reading; What I Finished Reading; What I Will Read
Topic: Book Reviews
What I'm Currently Reading
Texas! Lucky by Sandra Brown
The Master's Mistress by Carol Mortimer
At First Kiss by Gwyneth Bolton
A Whole Lot of Love by Justine Davis (ebook version)
What I Finished Reading
Mice, Morals, & Monkey Business: Lively Lessons from Aesop's Fables by Christopher Wormell
A Stranger's Kiss by Liz Fielding
Robin Hood & The Golden Arrow by Robert D. San Souci
What I'm Going to Read
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz
Dangerous Curve by Chérie De Sues
A Taste of Texas by Liz Talley
August 10, 2011
What I'm Reading Wednesday
Mood:
energetic
Topic: Book Reviews
August 9, 2011
Teader Tuesday
Topic: Book Reviews
(Photo of album by the group Tease)
Teaser Tuesday
Detecting nothing, she relaxed slightly and slowly crept around the perimeter of the cell. It was empty.
page 67, A Heart Divided by Karen Abbott
July 21, 2011
Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.
Mood:
happy
Now Playing: Harlequin's A Cowboy for Every Mood
Topic: Book Reviews
I think it is no big secret that I have a huge celebrity crush on Hugh Jackman going back about ten years. Every now and then another Brit or Australian or Scot or Irishman (and the rare American) catches my attention, but I always go back to Hugh. So, it is with no surprise that I admit it is because of him that I have a huge preference for the cowboy romance. 
It all started when I went to see that gosh awful movie Australia. It wasn't the acting that was bad, btw. It was the direction of the movie. It tried to be all things but it ended up being a mess. One of the things Australia tried to be was a cowboy romance, and Hugh Jackman makes for one fine looking cowboy. His character was rugged, just, rough around the edges, a savior, a protector, and a lover who could clean up very well. What more could a woman ask for in romantic partner? So, with every cowboy romance novel I pick up, I will always think of Hugh from Australia.
Harlequin Books is making it very easy for me to get my fix this month. They will be placing a special Stetson logo on all their releases in July to make it easier for me (*ahem* I mean "we") to find western and cowboy themed romances. Just look for the below logo:
Here's a sampling of cowboy/western themed romance novels I've enjoyed:
Cowboy, Take Me Away by Kathleen Eagle
Taming Blackhawk by Barbara McCauley
Wanted! by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Rogue Stallion by Diana Palmer
McKettricks of Texas: Austin by Linda Lael Miller
The Call of the Canyon by Zane Grey
The Mighty Quinns: Brody by Kate Hoffman
Disclaimer: I am a Harlequin ambassador and they encouraged me to blog, Facebook or Tweet about their "A Cowboy for Every Mood" promotion. I was not paid or reimbursed in any form or fashion. Although most of the books I listed were published by Harlequin, I acquired with my own funds or library card. :-)
July 13, 2011
What I Am; What I Was; What I Will
Mood:
lazy
Topic: Book Reviews
July 12, 2011
Tease Me, Tempt Me, Read Me...
Mood:
hug me
Topic: Book Reviews
I must say, I am fraught with eagerness as I anticipate her expression when she receives my gifts. She is aglow with animation, whereas my princess was the picture of reserve. I long for Anne Plantagenet every day, but more and more I find myself subject to a strange sort of excitement when in the presence of my new wife.
—p. 126, Rivals in the Tudor Court by D.L. Bogdan
July 8, 2011
Oh Holy Hell
Mood:
not sure
Now Playing: Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
Topic: Book Reviews
Personal Demons by
Lisa Desrochers My rating:
4 of 5 stars Although I love science fiction and fantasy movies, I have never been a fan of the books. Besides the plot and the characters, I also have to make myself familiar with a whole new world, society, creatures, mores, etc. so it was with great surprise when I had the strong desire to read
Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers. It had been on my to-read list since September, but it moved to the top of my list when I met the author at Book Expo America 2011. She autographed a free copy of the novel to me, and explained that she wrote the book for her daughter, who was really into the Twilight series. To be fair to Lisa, Personal Demons is a much better book.
Frannie has a special power that could be a benefit to Heaven and Hell, so each dominion has sent their best to tag her soul. From Hell, is Luc a.k.a. Lucifer. He is seven millennia old demon whose mere presence makes Frannie want to give in to her baser instincts. Gabriel is one of the best angels from Heaven, who makes Frannie feel safe and secure. She is in constant battle with herself on who she is going to choose.
Frannie is one of the most realistic teenage girls I’ve read in a long time in a Young Adult novel. She’s smart, reckless, impulsive, and angst-ridden. She’s also very good at judo. She’s like a more realistic Buffy the Vampire Slayer! She is definitely one of my favorite girl characters. Empowered!
Personal Demons is a sexy, witty, taut, and highly readable YA novel that constantly leaves me breathless. In the words of Luc, Unholy Satan because plot twists come fast at a fast rate. Plus there’s an intense love triangle. There's also a certain amount of camp involved. The book runs about 30 pages too long. Once all the major plot points are revealed, the story sort of sputters to an end. However, it is still a great book and I can’t wait to dive into the sequel out in August.
View all my reviews
June 30, 2011
I've Been Romanced
Mood:
crushed out
Now Playing: RWA 2011
Topic: Book Reviews
Around the age of 10 years-old, my aunt got a subscription to the Harlequin’s romance book club. When she moved out two years later, she left a few copies that I devoured under the covers with a flashlight. (I moved into her bedroom.) I mostly flipped through them to find the “good parts” but slowly got into the stories. I also read excerpts of stories by Barbara Taylor Bradford and Danielle Steele in my grandma’s Ladies’ Home Journal magazines. By the time I was a senior in high school, I was reading romance novels and Tennessee Williams plays at a pretty steady clip since there were only a handful of young adult novels to speak of. (True story, my high school librarian didn’t mind me checking out romance but when I wanted a book on puberty/sexuality, she said I needed a permission slip from my parents.)By the time I went off to college and started working in the magazine biz, I shook off my juvenile reading habits for feminist lit, African-American memoirs, and literary fiction. But there’s only so much proper literature one can read before they get burnt out on it and now I find myself back in the loving embrace romance (and its naughtier sister erotica). The last 8-months of rediscovering it has been a wonderful journey, where I have found fun new blogs, my preference for cowboys, and lots of free books & e-books. This past Tuesday, I reached the pinnacle of my journey by attending the Romance Writers’ Association Librarians Day--a day of networking, professional development, and getting free stuff! My favorite items? The romance trading cards and bookmarks. I know have a photo album bursting with these collectibles (http://romancetradingcards.com/).
Last month, I also got to let my librarain-geek flag fly at BookExpo 2011 at New York City's Jacob Javitis' Convention Center. Not only did I attend several professional development seminair like the pulishers preview of middle-grade fall 2011 fiction, but I also got to walk up and down the aisles of the expo and examine several publishing houses' booths. One of my favorites was the erotica publishers Ellora's Cave (which is celebrating its tenth anniversary and from whom I got an autographed beefcake calendar and a deck of playing cards featuring their male cover models).
At the Harlequin booth, I got to meet African-American romance novelist Gwyneth Bolton. Her book, Sizzling Seduction, was the first Kimani romance
I ever read and dispeled any misgiving I may have had about Black-themed romance novels. (Number 1 being that it would be more about race than about romance.) While I was getting my autographed, I babbled on about how great I thought Sizzling Seduction was by uttering over and over "Fireman, sexy, great, intense, fireman!" The only sad part about that moment were how non-exsistent the autograph lines were for the Kimani novelists. The lines were so short that I thought I had shown up while they were still setting up.
June 7, 2011
Tasty Teaser Tuesday
Mood:
accident prone
Now Playing: Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott
Topic: Book Reviews
Even Jack saying my name never made me feel so--
Stop it.
I promised myself all that was gone, forgotten, and it's going to stay that way. I made myself strong, I taught myself to know who--and what--I am.
pg. 35, Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott
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