Bookabulary

And On To Book Reviews...

2008-07-29T21:15:00.002+08:00

Now that the OC in me has finally found the blog layout that works, I guess it's freakin' high time for me to start book-reviewing soon. Hmm. I think I just can't do it now--weekdays are the pits! But I promise that come the weekend, I'm gonna post something even if it's going to be just a single book review. We're gonna have to start somewhere.

Sigh. Feels wonderful to be home. :)

The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

2007-10-17T12:57:00.000+08:00

After thirty years, Wilson Lewis is forced to face a painful truth. His wife, Jane, has fallen out of love with him, and it is entirely his fault.

Despite the shining example of his in-laws, Noah and Allie Calhoun (originally recounted in The Notebook), and their fifty-year love affair, Wilson is unable to express his true feelings. He has spent too little time at home and too much at the office. Now his daughter is about to marry, and his wife is thinking about leaving him. But if Wilson is sure of anything, it's this: His love for Jane has grown over the years, and he will do anything he can to save their marriage. With the memories of Noah and Allie's inspiring life together as his guide, he vows to find a way to make his wife fall in love with him...all over again.

I wasn't even done with the prologue of this book yet but the waterworks was well underway. Don't blame it on my overactive tear glands. (Well, maybe.) It has everything to do with this being written by the Nicholas Sparks.

I know that NS novels are topnotch and you won't regret ever reading a single one of them. I've read A Walk to Remember and The Notebook well before both were made into and movies; and, I fell in love with the stories and the characters in each. NS is prolly one of the rare authors out there who can leave you the feeling of being immersed in love even without a happy ending (e.g. A Walk...). And we're not just talking about romantic love. It's all about the kind of love that feeds the soul.

That's probably why I've avoided his books no matter how much I want to read them. For me, reading has always been a form of escape away from the harsh realities of life. But when you read an NS, you read nothing but the truths in life. His stories aren't written with the thought of having what the hero and the heroine can do to a plot but instead, it's the other way around. His stories make his characters.

I have always been curious about this book when I learned that it was a sequel to The Notebook. When given the chance to read it, I took it. Although whether it was because of curiosity, I wouldn't know. Maybe I just needed an NS fix.

So far, in all the three NS novels that I've read, I think this book examined the heart and went deeper into the soul more than the others--although that doesn't make the other books any less poignant. I've read book after book about second chances and this is the best yet. In other books, fate always brought the two lovers back together again. Here, Wilson not only wanted to have the a second chance with his wife but he worked hard and gladly to have it. It had nothing to do with fate. Wilson made his second chance happen. I don't think a lot of people could go deep into their selves to manage doing the turnaround that he Wilson did. I hope the time will come that I will be able to if need be.

As for Noah, I liked the ending in the movie better to be honest--of him and Allie dying together. But whoever has read their book know otherwise. One of the best parts in this book was when he said that it wasn't his children believing he had gone delusional that saddened him. It was because he was acting like himself and they couldn't even see it--that he was still the same Noah. It was painful to imagine Noah alone in the end. He had always had Allie even when she was sick. And right before I closed this book, I somehow believed that maybe, he was never alone. Skeptics might say it's foolish but I believe what he believed in.

And that's why I avoid NS novels. By the time I finish one, it leaves me with more feelings of the lack in myself and in my life. And that's why I love finishing reading NS novels. Because every time I do, it leaves me with more hope for myself and what I can still do with my life. And it's a great feeling.

Final verdict: 9/10. Great read, must have.

Gentle Warrior by Julie Garwood

2007-10-17T11:47:00.000+08:00

In feudal England, Elizabeth Montwright barely escaped the massacre that destroyed her family and exiled her from her ancestral castle. Bent on revenge, disguised as a peasant, she rode again through the fortress gates...to seek aid from Geoffrey Berkley, the powerful baron who had routed the murderers.

He heard her pleas, resisted her demands, and vowed to seduce his beautiful subject. Yet as Elizabeth fought the warrior's caresses, love flamed for this gallant man who must soon champion her cause...and capture her spirited heart!

I have read all of JG's historical romances, most of them I did ten years ago--including this one. But that doesn't mean I have all her titles. Most of her stuff I borrowed from friends or from book clubs that I used to be a member of. So when I came across this book, memories of romance-reading-filled high school all came rushing back. Hmm, those were good times.

I know I've read this book before but it never quite left its mark unlike some of JG's other earlier stuff. So rereading this actually felt like reading it anew and I liked it enough--not overly much but it did warrant an instant reread once I was through with it.

I have a divided opinion about the hero though. I think it was really kinda cool that he married the heroine of his own free will--because he really wanted to. (Not that our heroine knew that.) But so many of our medieval heroes always get told or commanded to marry the heroine that this book gave a different take. But then...I didn't like the fact that Geoffrey actually thought of it as training a wife--always telling Elizabeth what she could and couldn't do. It got pretty tiresome but I had to consider that he was from the Dark Ages. Huh! What did they know.

And I liked Elizabeth Montwright a great deal. I think she was a really, really strong character. To have one's family die is bad enough but she actually saw how her family was murdered and butchered like animals. Surviving the aftermath of such a nightmare even demanded for more strength and courage for one to want to continue living--and she delivered.

One thing that really disappointed me though was that one of the villains in the story, Elizabeth's uncle Belwain, never really got punished. And I just have a feeling that he could cause trouble for the family after this story was concluded.

But never let it be said that I did not enjoy this. Granted, it's nowhere near my most fave JG historical but it still smacked of the trademark JG style that keeps you turning the pages like the Energizer bunny. Not to mention that the chemistry between Geoffrey and Elizabeth was spectacular. Hmm, come to think of it--I wanna reread the book again after I'm done with blogging for today.

Final verdict: 7.5/10. Good read.

The Wedding Night Of An English Rogue by Jillian Hunter

2007-10-06T11:43:00.000+08:00

Lord Heath Boscastle’s attraction for Julia Hepworth begins with a bang. She shoots him at a hunting party–accidentally, of course. Though the shot grazes his shoulder, her beauty pierces his heart. Sparks fly soon after when they find themselves dangerously close to a compromising position. Too inexperienced to understand such overwhelming emotions, Heath and Julia part ways.

Now, years later, Heath is a high-ranking intelligence officer, asked to protect his commander’s fiancée, Julia, while he chases down an elusive spy. Heath quickly regrets his promise when he meets Julia again–and their mutual desire still burns hotter than ever. Of course he will protect her. There is danger in the air. And Heath would never think of betraying his friend, until he learns that Julia herself has been betrayed. Suddenly seduction Boscastle style is the name of the game. Yet Julia has a trick or two up her own sleeve–and is determined to be a player, and not a mere pawn, in his wicked game.

Pressure is finally getting to me if it took me nearly a week to finish this book plus a few more days to post a review of it. Was that it? Or didn't the story impress me much for me not to at least try to lose some sleep just to finish the entire thing? I had extremely enjoyed the only other JH book that I've read that I might have been too excited to read this--and then there were actually some points when I was reading this book that I though maybe, just maybe, JH was a fluke.

But then I did get to the very last page and after breathing a sigh of relief, I realized that this book was actually a good one. Prolly not as good as the other book, which was the first book of this trilogy. But I found that I quite enjoyed our hero Heath Boscastle.

He was quite the mysterious brother when he appeared in his older brother Grayson's book. And now I know why. I loved it that he worked around the miscommunication that lost him Julia and that when he finally had a chance to see her again, he risked everything including honor and friendship just to have her again. Julia Hepworth was one of those heroines that we could never call "a sweet little thing." She was more aptly described at one point in the book as an Amazon and I had to smile about that. Yes, our Julia had spirit.

Fate has a funny way of intervening in our lives. It was Fate that brought our hero and heroine back together just when they thought that they would never have the chance to finish what had started between them when they were younger. Julia was already engaged to a good friend of Heath's at this time. I guess it was too convenient that Russell turned out to be an a-hole though. It would have been a nicer touch to really "wrong" him and that would have made a more complicated plot. I love it that way. But at least Heath didn't use that to his advantage to win Julia over again. Now that was a truly gentlemanly move.

This book did have the JH trademark of witty banter that made me like her other book so much. The caricature of a naked Heath making the rounds of London was a high point. And the fact that it was Julia herself who drew it did not help any. LOL! That was a good one. And although this was a light romance novel, the fact that there was a murderer in the lose that was bent on having his revenge on Russell and Heath added some color to the story, enough to give me a chill thinking how many times the monster got close to Julia. That was one sicko.

I might not have enjoyed this book as much as I wanted to--too high of an expectation?--but I still remain a fan of JH and look forward to finding the second book in this trilogy. Or any of her other books.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

The Boscastle Trilogy
The Seduction of an English Rogue
The Affair of an English Lord
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue

Yours Until Dawn by Teresa Medeiros

2007-09-29T17:26:00.000+08:00

Gabriel Fairchild's valor during battle earns him the reputation of hero, but costs him both his sight and his hope for the future. Abandoned by the fiancee he adored, the man who once walked like a prince among London's elite secludes himself in his family's mansion, cursing his way through dark days and darker nights.

Prim nurse Samantha Wickersham arrives at Fairchild Park to find her new charge behaving more like a beast than a man. Determined to do her duty, she engages the arrogant earl in a battle of both wit and wills. Although he claims she doesn't possess an ounce of womanly softness, she can feel his heart racing st her slightest touch. As Samantha begins to let the light back into Gabriel's life and his heart, they both discover that some secrets--and some pleasures--are best explored in the dark...

Hadn't I said that September is book heaven with all the nice books I've found and read this month? And who would have thought that my much postponed trip to the UBS for me to unload some of my 'junk' proved to be fruitful in more ways than one--that I just might have found my author find of the year?

I've already seen Teresa Medeiros' books at the bookstore for quite sometime now. But since I haven't read a single one of her work, I balked at the thought of paying for them at the full brand-new prices. That turned out to be sound judgment (but would also have turned out to be worthy investments) since I found this book at the UBS for a great bargain.

And it was well worth it and more!

TM wove magic into this book that I finished it in one sitting. I went to work the following day in semi-stupor: from too much romance and much too less sleep. I'm not in the habit of giving out spoilers and I'm not going to start now but I could say that although it might have seemed like a predictable story, the way the plot was made kept me turning the pages until early dawn (pun slightly intended).

Let's start with our Samantha Wickersham. She possessed wit and charm and the strength of a woman just coming around to finding herself from girlhood. Others might give up or veer off to the wrong path when confronted with the harsh reality. But Sam plowed head on with no agenda other than to better herself. It turned out that she helped others around her better themselves, too. And when I think about it more and more, her character is fast becoming one of my all-time fave fave heroines.

I was already half in love with hero Gabriel Fairchild when he was described as scarred. I dunno why but I do have a tender spot for imperfect heroes--e.g. JL's Once A Princess' Stefan and JG's Castles' Colin. It symbolizes living and our heroes could only get sexier with it. After the anger, his capitulation to accept his blind existence was more heroic than his decision to go off to war.

Together they--plus the antics of Sam the dog--were beautiful and meshed well together. I couldn't help but laugh at some (many of them) points--especially when Sam (our heroine, not the dog) tricked Gabriel's butler to describe her physically. The only picture that came to my mind after the 'description' was Nanny McPhee. I have to say that our hero was a lucky devil--to find true love twice in his lifetime is a real blessing. and our heroine was an angel who deserved a second chance at finding true love. And they both proved that what the eye couldn't see, if it's real and pure, the heart and soul will see and recognize it for what it really is.

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Great read, sure keeper.

Bel Air by Katherine Stone

2007-09-24T11:10:00.000+08:00

Bel Air--where even the rich and famous are impressed by the wealth that surrounds them. Set in the hills above Hollywood, this is the world of Allison, Winter and Emily. Three beautiful, talented women who couldn't be more different. Three women who find they want more than appearances and glitter. Three women searching for the courage to trust, to love...and to dream.

Allison--A terrible accident taught her that life is too precious to waste. So when she meets renowned movie director Peter Dalton, she surrenders wholeheartedly to passion, ignoring the secrets and warnings that shine in his eyes.

Winter--When Dr Mark Stephens came her way, the brilliant young actress knew she could finally stop pretending to be happy. But their careers are in a collision course, and soon they are forced to make the terrible choice between ambition and devotion.

Emily--To the bewilderment of her friends, she is drawn to men who offer nothing but pain and heartache. Only her photography gives her a sense of self-worth...until she learns to accept the love that will finally free her from the past.

So many hopes, so many betrayals, so many broken hearts. As Allison, Winter and Emily fight for their dreams in glamorous, treacherous Bel Air.

This book came highly recommended by my sister and so when we last went home and saw each other, we swapped books and swore by them that they were not going to be a waste of each of our time.

Not that I needed to unclog my tear glands (they're always unclogged!) but it felt wonderful to have a good cry while reading this book. It has been a long time since I've read a great contemporary romance without all the thriller/mystery factoring into it. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I did. But this book proved to be a fantastic read that showcased the miracle of trust.

The story of Allison Fitzgerald, an aspiring interior designer, was a lot about finding herself after what she thought was going to be her life got snatched away. It was amazing reading about her survival and making a new life that just might be what she really was meant to have. She was the perfect antidote for the aching soul of Peter Dalton, celebrated playwright. Peter was living in the dark after he lost his one true love but he never expected to fulfill a promise he made to her--to someday find a new love. All they both needed to do was to learn to trust each other, and realize that each of them was shaped--and bettered--by their respective pasts.

Winter Carlyle, a daughter of Hollywood (and my favorite character), lived in the pages in this book in search of courage. She needed courage to finally admit that she, daughter to a renowned actress and an English director, was meant to grace the silver screen. She needed courage to hold on to Mark Stephens and know that not everyone she loved leaves. While Mark, a doctor in the making, needed courage to see that Winter was made of sterner stuff to survive his busy months of medical residency. He needed to risk his heart knowing what the pressure of medicine could do to a family--he himself lived and survived it. Once again, trust was necessary for the one half to know that the other wouldn't leave and for the other half to realize that the other would stay.

Emily Rosseau, a budding big-time photographer, was a dimmed light in a life of darkness. She might have escaped a life of abuse but she continued to live it in its shadows, refusing to forgive herself and accept that she was a total victim to it all. Until magazine editor Rob Adamson showed her not just the light but also that she could be the light. But Rob was also living in the shadows of hatred for someone who he thought was responsible for his tragic past. But when they came together, Emily trusted Rob enough to make her see that she deserved to have something beautiful after everything that was ugly. And Rob trusted her back to show him that life of hatred wasn't a life at all but that a life of forgiveness is.

It's ironic that this book was titled so. I never even paid that much attention to the setting and just continued to plow on with the story. But that was prolly because Ms Stone created so much depth to her characters making them so real you could touch them.

Three different women with the same fortitude. Six lives intertwined forever in the bonds of love, friendship and family (sometimes, the lack of it). Reading about them was an adventure to the strengths of the human spirit and how it survives life everyday. And Ms Stone proved to be a worthy tour guide.

Final verdict: 8/10. Great read.

It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

2007-09-19T14:01:00.000+08:00

MEET OUT HERO...
Gareth St Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past...and the key to his feature. The problem is--it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

MEET OUR HEROINE...
All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her--something charming and vexing--that grabs him and won't quite let go...

MEET POOR MOZART...
Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual--and annually discordant--Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other... and that there is nothing as simple--or as complicated--as a single, perfect kiss.

If the past two months had been abysmal when it comes to my historical finds, September is already heaven even with still close to two weeks left to it. I've been lucky enough to find books that are part of a series that I'm already in to. And after reading this JQ, I'm only three books short of finishing her Bridgerton series. Shame, but what can I do? The day I find Benedict, Colin and Gregory's stories (at a discounted price, to boot) will be the luckiest day, indeed.

Although I say right now that it just felt queer to read about a character (Hyacinth) who had just been a mere child in the previous books. (Wasn't she launching green pea missiles to her younger brother Gregory in The Duke and I?) And Anthony Bridgerton had gray hair. Two words: Clooney and hot!

This book was one of the simplest JQ books I've read. It was because of the lesser complex plot that made this a great afternoon read. Of course, we had another tormented hero as per the usual JQ serving plus a heroine who helped the hero face and vanquish the ghosts of his past. Gareth St Clair's strength in living with his father's hatred and his overall "quiet" character actually balanced out the exuberant nature of Hyacinth Bridgerton. And by that I don't mean that he was quiet quiet to her noise. But you get the picture, right? Gareth seemed to always hold back something when out in company. All the while, Hyacinth was always too comfy with herself in public to hold back anything about her nature. But when this two were together, everything balanced out and sometimes even put the other in a novel position--Gareth could actually stymie Hyacinth's words.

And I love treasure hunts. That and the fact that the heroine was a reader were two of the major factors why I liked this book. Or maybe I have just become too comfortable with JQ's writing style to not like it. And I loved the fact that as the love affair between hero and heroine deepens, Hyacinth got closer and closer to finding Gareth's grandmother Isabella's hidden treasure while Gareth got closer to discovering who he really was. It just disappointed me that Hyacinth wasn't able to find her treasure herself in this book. Oh, I know JQ wrote what really happened to it afterwards. Whether it was in one of her e-book second epilogues or in an anthology, I can't remember exactly where. One thing's for sure, I haven't read nor do I know what happened to the jewels and for once I'd be glad for some spoilers.

To be honest, I didn't enjoy this quite as much as I did the others in the series. But being the JQ that it was, it was a lot better than most out there. (I'm really waiting to stumble on Colin's book since I heard that it's the best in the series. Hmm, let's see how it'll fair with WHWW.)

Final verdict: 7.5/10. Good read.

The Bridgerton Series
The Duke and I
The Viscount Who Loved Me
An Offer From a Gentleman
Romancing Mister Bridgerton
To Sir Phillip, With Love
When He Was Wicked
It's In His Kiss
On the Way to the Wedding

By Arrangement by Madeline Hunter

2007-09-16T19:59:00.000+08:00

Lady Christiana Fitzwaryn was not opposed to marriage. But she demanded to be married on her own terms, not as punishment for a a romantic indiscretion, and especially not to a common merchant. Yet she was in for a shock when she met David de Abyndon. For she was confronted by no ordinary merchant but a man of extraordinary poise and virility. He was unaffected by their difference in social status. And even less affected by her well-thought-out arguments against their upcoming betrothal. Instead, it was Christiana who felt uneasy in the presence of this naturally lordly man behind whose cool blue eyes she sensed the most uncompromising of passions.

David de Abyndon understood Christiana's dilemma, for he too harbored a secret pain. How could he tell her that there was more to this arrangement than met the eye? How could he tell her about his deal with the king--a deal that meant he had all but bought Christiana sight unseen? What's more, now that he had seen this beautiful, spirited woman, how could he convince her that the love she sought was not in the callow knight she has romanticized but in the flesh-and-blood arms of the man who may have bought her body--but in the bargain lost both his heart and soul?

This book reminded me of just how much I enjoy MH's medieval romances. I never cared for her Regency romances after just reading one sample--The Seducer. But after reading this book, it left me wanting to read her other earlier books set in medieval England.

The story of David and Christiana had always intrigued me for quite some time as I've read them in The Protector and Lord of a Thousand Nights. Even appearing in select scenes in those books, I had the feeling that theirs would be a fascinating story to read. And MH didn't disappoint with this effort. Nor did David de Abyndon and Christiana Fitzwaryn. I might not have finished this one in one sitting but that wasn't for the lack of trying. Sleep deprivation and too much stress won over the interest to finish this book (plus maybe another) in one go.

But no matter.

The chemistry between hero and heroine was sizzling at the very least, The circumstances that brought them together wasn't the greatest, not even a good one, as it was surrounded with mystery to begin with. And I love the fact that David was a commoner merchant and it proved that they can be great heroes as much as noblemen and knights and such can be. Reading from the other books, I knew that Christiana had some spirit but reading about her here tells more of her character as she never allowed herself to be bullied and stood her ground. We had here two proud characters who managed to meet halfway during their conflicts.

Okay, so David turned out not to be so common after all (he was a nobleman's illegitimate son). But he refused what was his by right to remain loyal to friends and country. (Although he did turn out to have inherited the title two books later.) But he did turn out to be more noble than most when at the end, he insisted to pay the bride price for Christiana that he had let her believe he paid for her at the beginning. That way she would never find out that the money that changed hands at the start was really a rich merchant's part in the King's campaign against the French--and David got the King's ward for a bride to cover up the exchange.

As much as I love this book because of the two main characters, one of the factors that really won me over was Christiana's relationship with her brother Morvan. I already loved him from his own book but I'm loving him more because of his part in giving this tale a happy ending--even if he disapproved of David at the onset. It's one of those times that makes me wish I had a brother of my own.

Another keeper from MH, no doubt about it.

Final verdict: 8/10. Good read, must-have.

Out Of The Blue by JoAnn Ross

2007-09-10T12:09:00.000+08:00

Lark Stewart is on the run from a singing career that skyrocketed out of control...and from someone who's bent on murder. When one of her band members is killed in New Orleans, Lucas McCloud--her first love and a former FBI agent--takes Lark home. But the remote Stewart family resort offers no protection from the madman who's working his way across the mountains.

A Desert Storm hero and FBI sniper, Lucas is haunted by a tragic mission in his past. But with the mysterious killer talking Lark, Lucas is forced back into the life he left behind. For Lark is the only woman he's ever loved, and the only person who can save his soul...provided he saves her first.

Here's my attempt at trying out previously unread authors on my part. My streak wasn't looking too good with my historicals that I found at the UBS. So why not try some contemp? I braved this one out even if it has become exceedingly difficult to look for contemps with heroes other than cops, FBI agents or former something-along-that-line.

The love story between Lark Stewart and Lucas McCloud was all about second chances and forgiveness--something I could really learn from. Years after Lucas left his childhood sweetheart, he came back to her rescue as a terror from her past haunted her once again. They found out that time had changed them both--Lark because of a bad marriage and Lucas because of a tragic point in his life as a sniper. But in spite of everything they had both gone through away from each other, they struggled to put things right in a present cast in the shadows of the past.

The main character, even the secondary ones, were well written. (I'm forever intrigued by Lark's Aunt Melanie.) The chemistry between the hero and the heroine was intense and at the same time, fun to read. But this was one of the books that was never obvious (in my view, at least) because the twist was really a twist and not something I'd guessed from the fourth chapter.

Although to each her own since I wasn't quite blown away by Miss Ross' style. But I liked it enough to be disappointed that this is part of a series (second in the Stewart Sisters trilogy) because now it made me wanna look for the other books--just so I'd know what the stories of Lark's sisters are. I guess it's the OC in me.

Final verdict: 6.5/10. Give this book a try and you just might like it.

Kill And Tell by Linda Howard

2007-08-31T11:29:00.000+08:00

Still reeling from her mother's death, Karen Whitlaw is stunned when she receives a package containing a mysterious notebook from the father she has barely seen since his return from the Vietnam War over twenty years ago. Unwilling to deal with her overwhelming emotions, Karen packs the notebook away, putting it--and her father--out of her mind, until she receives a shocking phone call. Her father has been murdered on the gritty streets of New Orleans.

Homicide detective Marc Chastain considers the murder nothing more than street violence against a homeless man, and Karen accepts his judgment--at first. But she changes her mind when her home was burglarized and "accidents" begin to happen. All at once, she faces a chilling realization: whoever killed her father is now after her. Desperate for answers, Karen receives the only thing that links her to her father--the notebook he had sent months before. Inside its worn pages, she makes an unsettling discovery: her father had been a sniper in Vietnam and the notebook contains a detailed account of each one of his kills.

Now running for her life, Karen entrusts the book and its secrets to Marc Chastain. Together they unravel a disturbing story of politics, power, and murder--and face a killer who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the kill book.

LH is one of the rare authors out there who always manages to put in the right ingredients to cook up the perfect hero. And that's why this book is one of my favorite reread--much of my fave rereads are by LH, if you ask me. It's all because of those all too sexy heroes of hers. Marc Chastain is certainly among them--Marc with a C is already as sexy as hell and the rest of the character followed, thank goodness.

This book is actually one of LH's fast-paced and darker works, and I had no choice but to love it to bits. Marc Chastain and Karen Whitlaw had an amazing chemistry. The first time I really dug Marc was when he realized that Karen wasn't really the bitch he first thought she was. I love it when men get proven wrong. And Karen was one kick-ass heroine as well. She survived the many attempts on her life--including that one attack in her apartment wherein only a can of deo saved her. I'd be in a total freak-out mode had I been in her place. She's some lady that's why I forgive her for nabbing Marc in the end.

Now, if LH can make the most memorable heroes, she can also create the worst of villains. Here's another one for the books: Senator Lake might not be the most evil in the lot but the ones who commit familial crimes are, for me, the most twisted of all.

I'd probably read this book again before I put it back with the rest of my LH stash. If you're looking for a good read on the lust-at-first-sight, love-on-the-second plot (so it wasn't really during their second meeting that Marc fell for her but ya know what I mean), you must give this book a try.

Final verdict: 8/10. Great read, must-have.

Secret Fire by Johanna Lindsey

2007-08-18T18:29:00.000+08:00

He'd caught only a glimpse of her from the window of his carriage, but the young prince knew he had to have her. Within minutes, Lady Katherine St. John was dragged from the London street and carried off to a sumptuous town house -- for the pleasure of her royal admirer...

From the tempestuous passion of their first encounter, across stormy seas, to the golden splendor of palaces in Moscow, she was his prisoner -- obsessed with rage toward her captor even as an all-consuming need made her his slave. Yet theirs was a fervor beyond her understanding, carrying them irrevocably toward final surrender to the power of undeniable love.

I know a lot of people prolly don't like this book. After all, it's easily one of the books with one of the most chauvinistic heroes in the fictional world. Honest to goodness I wanna kick his ass for all his faults. But there's just something about this story that pulls at me. It's difficult to explain since I myself can't paint it exactly.Although I think the hero and the heroine clashed nicely.

Kate St John was following her sister in the streets of London when Prince Dimitri Alexandrov saw her and had her picked up, thinking that she was nothing more than a peasant girl. Because she refused to bend down to their will, his servants had no choice but to drug her--with an aphrodisiac, no less, so that she would be more "amenable" to her purpose. It was in that state that Dimitri saw her again and willingly "helped" her to appease her condition all through the night. And when morning came, he had no choice but to bring her back to Russia when she threatened to make known of his abduction of her. He had planned to just pay her off but with the imminent visit of the Russian czar to England, he was left with no choice.

But he unexpectedly began to like her as a person on their long journey north. He could only make her his mistress since his refusal that she was high-born prevented her from being wife material. So he installed her in his home and went searching for the Russian princess he had been planning to propose to as siring as heir had become the main object of his position as head of the family after his older half-brother had been declared dead. So he went away while Kate was left to suffer in his aunt's accusation's that she was a thief and her caned. She was beaten so badly that she was nearly crippled and after her attempted escape, she was banished to the kitchens.

Dimitri returned only to find that Kate wasn't in the room he installed her in and thinking it was another of her tricks in refusing his generosity, never bothered to sought her out--until one of the servants confessed to him what really happened. Hence my favorite scene: Dimitri humbling himself in front of his household to fetch Kate from the kitchens--begged her to believe that he never knew anything about her beating. I think that was really something of a big step for a proud person in his position to do.

So Dimitri proposed to her--for Kate to become his mistress. Despite her refusal, insisting that whatever children she would one day have would have a father (Kate had already found out she was pregnant), Dimitri proclaimed that she was not marrying, ever. And especially not to somebody else. And then decided not marry after all if he couldn't marry Kate--family heir be damned, he could always adopt any children he and Kate would have. This was Russia, not bloody England.

But then he found out that Kate was really the high-born lady she had been claiming from the start and consumed with guilt, he proposed marriage to her. She refused seeing as how knowing who she really was made any difference--after all, she had heard talks that very same evening that he was just using her to make the princess he had intended to be his bride (who had already chosen somebody else over him) jealous. Then it got even worse when he got trapped in a snowstorm, got sick for weeks, and lost track of Katherine. Until he traced her back to England, more demanding than ever even without the knowledge of his son.

Nevertheless, charm and honesty about telling her that he really loved her got him what he wanted in the end. It would have been a lot nicer if the ending didn't seem too rushed. It did tell of how many times she refused his gifts or how many times he was tunred away when he asked for an audience; and these things was causing a stir in the ton.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

The Hazards Of Hunting A Duke by Julia London

2007-08-06T16:21:00.000+08:00

When the young ladies of the Fairchild family learn that their stepfather has absconded with their late mother's fortune, Ava, the eldest, hunts down the notorious wealthy rakehell Jared Broderick, the Marquis of Middleton and heir to a dukedom. Much to her shock and delight, the marquis sweeps her into a whirlwind romance and proposes marriage. But after their passionate wedding night, Ava discovers Jared has an ulterior motives of his own. Not only does he expect her to deliver as heir while he continues to enjoy a rogue's life, but Ava also suspects she is a pawn in her husband's quest for revenge. Marriages of convenience work for some, but for Ava a loveless bond won't do. So she devises a bold plan to confront her husband's demons so that he might be free to choose to give her his heart for the right reason: because she is the only woman he will ever truly desire.

This book started okay with. I practically went through the first pages because I really thought that the characters were quite impressive. I actually thought that Jared Broderick was quite a hero. And that Ava Fairchild was one spunky heroine. I loved reading the parts when the word marriage hadn't come up in conversation yet because they seemed like two people really into each other.

But then Jared started having second thoughts about his hasty proposal. And then I had doubts about Ava's hasty acceptance. In fairness to Jared, he did make it clear that it was going to be a marriage of convenience--his father wanted to see him married to secure an heir for the dukedom; and Jared wanted his wife to be, at least, of his own choosing. But the novelty of it all soon faded because he wasn't ready for anything resembling to marriage.

The heroine knew it was going to be a marriage of convenience but she had high hopes that everything would change for the better after the wedding. There was nothing wrong with that except that she managed to turn into a shrew for all of it. And that didn't make a pretty picture when she knew that her acceptance of the wedding proposal was born out of need after what her stepfather did with their late mother's money.

Nevertheless, they were attracted to and respected each other. And the book did have its moments e.g. when Jared apologized in bed after Ava suffered the company of his former mistress. That was one of my favorite scenes. But then there were massive lows as well, e.g. when he repeatedly told her that it was just a convenient marriage, that they married for specific reasons, and that love was never part of the bargain. Rub that in, why don't you?

I guess it was an okay read but I quite didn't get into the writing style. I may not be reading a Julia London any time soon but I'm not saying never either.

Final verdict: 6.5/10. Good read.

Your Wicked Ways by Eloisa James

2007-07-29T20:44:00.000+08:00

Helene, the Countess Godwin, knows there is nothing more unbearably tedious than a virtuous woman. After all, she's been one for ten long years while her scoundrel of a husband lives with strumpets and causes scandal after scandal. So she decides it's time for a change--she styles her hair in the newest, daring mode, puts on a shockingly transparent gown, and goes to a ball like Cinderella, hoping to find a prince charming to sweep her off her feet...and into his bed.

But instead of a prince, she finds only her own volatile, infuriatingly handsome...husband, Rees, the Earl Godwin. They'd eloped to Gretna Green in a fiery passion, but passion can sometimes burn too hot to last.

But now, Rees makes her a brazen offer, and Helene decides to become his wife again...but not in name only. No, this time she decides to be very, very wicked indeed.

I cannot believe that I actually finished this book. Prolly because I was desperate to like Eloisa James' works. Remember that July was becoming a very bad reading month save for a few old fave rereads and, of course, THE book of the century (check previous post for details). Nevertheless, I plowed on page after page because I was hoping there might be a surprise somewhere that would save my opinion of the book. Unfortunately for me, there wasn't any.

Infidelity will always leave a sour taste in my mouth so I dunno how I lasted through this book. I can't stomach the thought of a husband throwing out his wife from their home and have the gall to put his mistress in her room. It was made clear that he was only after her for her voice so that she could help him with the operas he was making--but it was a pointless argument since they did sleep together. And worst of all, he didn't want to give his wife the divorce she had repeatedly asked for because it would be too costly--even if he could bloody well afford it. Deffo not a hero material.

And the heroine wasn't much of anything either. She wanted to have a child and since her husband wouldn't divorce her, she sought to make this happen with another man. Ugh! (As my friends would say: Cannot be, borrow one!) And even if her husband already treated her shabbily, she just went along with his plan to live with him again so long as he was willing to father her child. And let's not forget: the mistress was still in the house, too.

I dunno. The story only got from bad to worse. I know it worked for other readers because how else was I to know about EJ and be desperate enough to read her stuff. I don't think I'll be getting some of hers soon though.

Final verdict: 5/10. Meh.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

2007-07-24T14:29:00.000+08:00

Wow! Absolutely fantastic!

I know those words are not enough to describe the last book in the Harry Potter series. In fact, I don't think mere words can do justice for what J.K. Rowling had written.

I was ready for anything before I started reading the book. I accepted the fact that Harry or anyone of the beloved characters could die. After all, freedom and peace always come with a price. I hid it well but I had tissues in pocket as well--that was how prepared I was. Which turned out to be a very good thing because, believe it or not, the waterworks started on the dedication page.

"...and to you, if you have stuck with Harry until the very end."

Stuck, studied, gone on adventure after adventure, suffered, triumphed, LIVED with Harry Potter for the past six years since I read the very first book in 2001--right after I saw the first movie.

It saddens me to think that this is the very last book in the series. But I think Harry had been through enough in his seventeen years that he deserves to have a relatively peaceful life. (Relative being the operative word, literally, once you read the epilogue.) I'm not giving out spoilers here although if you haven't read the book yet, I really dunno what you're waiting for. It's more than satisfying to have all the pieces of the puzzle fit together and have the entire picture out in front of you.

Since The Sorcerer's Stone, we have come to know and love characters book after book--and lost some along the say (I miss Sirius). The Deathly Hallows is no different. It makes victory all the sweeter. This book tells of stories testing the bonds of family and friendship; of loyalty and love; of the inherent goodness in people; and of the triumph of the good versus evil. I have never and would never have presumed how J.K. would cook up this seventh book but I had my own hunches. Suffice to say that I was right about Professor Snape (and gloating about it); and wrong about (my hopes for) Professor Dumbledore's character. After you've read the first six books you'd think that you have a general idea of what's in store for you here. Think again. There are still a lot of secrets to be uncovered and secrets in store for you.

And my props go to J.K. Rowling for not succumbing to the pressure brought about by the fame of the series. The style of this book is as pure as the first, only with grown and more mature cast. For all the talk about how the story had become darker and might not be for children anymore, somehow it manages to be what it's meant to be--a children's book meant as well for the adventurous young-at-heart. And I have to say, I was proud of myself--I was itching to do it but I never once peeked to the very last pages of the book.

As for how they'll make a movie version of this, I don't think it could ever surpass the beauty of the book. No HP movie had ever been better than its book version. But that's also to say that there are no (and, I think, ever will be) bad HP movies--only good and better ones. And I'm counting on this one to be the best. (Warner Brothers had better be looking for the best man to do the directorial honors right about now. Chris Columbus, anyone?)

Wotcher. All is well.

Final verdict: 10/10 (although it deserves 12.5). Fantabulous read and a MUST HAVE!

The Beginning Of The End

2007-07-14T22:02:00.000+08:00

It's a week from that day and there had nothing been a more exciting and disappointing event to look forward to in my life. Never.

July 21st is just around the corner and there's no stopping it. The adventure is coming to an end that very day and it scares the heck out of me. What do I look forward to every couple years or so? Oh, there are the movies --and I'm positively happy hearing that the trio had signed up for movies until the last book.--but the books have started all the magic and therefore have a special place in my heart.

Be that as it may, the legend of Harry Potter will surely live on forever.

While I wonder if I'll live to survive the next seven days as I wait for The Deathly Hallows to hit the stores. But as you can see from the template change, I am pretty psyched about it all.

Harvard's Education by Suzanne Brockmann

2007-07-14T21:09:00.000+08:00

THE MAN AND HIS MISSION

As a navy SEAL, Harvard had seen his share of trainees before, but PJ Richards managed to pack more fire in her five-foot-two-inch body more than all the men he'd ever worked with. And he couldn't help hoping for some more personal contact.

One thing, always-in-control PJ Richards couldn't afford to do was let herself get sidetracked. Not now, when her goal was finally within reach. Unfortunately, so was Harvard--every hard-muscled, pure-male, irresistible inch of him...

There's nothing like an old SB reread to save my week. It started with me having two books to read. These were the ones I picked up last weekend and was quite excited about them. (I never keep a TBR pile because if I see all these yet to be read books, I'm 99 per cent sure to stay home to read each one of them rather than go to work. Believe me, it already happened.) One was a paranormal romance I thought would help get me out of historicals mania; the other was a historical to continue said mania. I did find out two things for sure: I'm not one for paranormal reads--all that biting/immortality/time travel just don't do it for me. And that I'm not not totally immersed in my historicals mania not to recognize an unejoyable Regency/medieval read. I guess it's safe to say that I won't be making reviews for those two books--total waste of time.

I think senior chiefs are absolutely lovable characters--and their own love stories always pack quite a punch. They play the always-there, go-to persons for all the big, bad SEALs and that puts them in a deeply reverent position.

And don't you just love it when they are brought down from their lofty positions in the alpha male ladder by a woman's love? Then you realize that they're only humans, too. Not machines, like I'm sure they bust their asses off to project.

Just as Daryl "Harvrd" Becker was determined to keep PJ Richards under his wing to prove that women don't belong in the front lines of war. PJ, however, is set to prove him wrong. But as their training turns into a real mission, H was forced to accept that PJ could be an asset as they go into enemy territory. And not only to complete one dangerous mission but most importantly, to save a friend and a comrade.

But not before they admitted to themselves that they were meant for each other. And the scene of their "marriage," handfast-style, is one of the most romantic scenes I've ever read. There's nothing quite like two people pledging their love for each other in the presence of God and nature.

And do you think it was coincidence that the H got a PJ for a heroine? LOL!

Final verdict: 7.5/10. Great read.

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

2007-07-08T19:26:00.001+08:00

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has no indication that he plans to marry.

And in 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 is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best of husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is 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...

After reading Anthony's story I have become more in love with the Bridgertons And I loved his story so much that I had second thoughts about doing a review--I don't think I can do it justice. But I'll try.

This might be the second book in the series but it's my fourth Bridgerton book to read. So I have already come across Anthony Bridgerton, head of this illustrious family, a number of times. He came across as someone who was a tad overprotective of his family but also someone who deeply cared about them and seriously took his position as the head of the Bridgertons to heart.

And now I know why. And I like him even more.

And the fact that he remained strong when he had to face the demons in his life everyday made him all the sexier. And yet it was quite understandable that he would aspire to be as great as his father was and to live for as long as Edmund Bridgerton had. Facing one's mortality doesn't make for good company. It did dictate much of his decisions in life and took root deep in his soul to actually help mould his character--especially towards the subject of love.

But he didn't expect the effect Kate Sheffield would have on him. No, he didn't expect Kate Sheffield, period.

Mortality had dictated that it was high time for him to take a wife and he decided Edwina Sheffield would do nicely. But like him, Edwina had strong familial bonds and had announced that she would only consider someone to be a husband-to-be with the approval of her sister, Kate.

Kate didn't think Anthony was good enough for her sister and she didn't mince words to let Anthony of that. But as the days pass, she realized that he was a better person that he let on. And when she was ready to accept that he could make sister happy, that could only be met with remorse. For she had fallen in love with him and wanted him for herself. She, whose beauty didn't even come second to her sister's.

Anthony might have had the approval from Kate that he wanted but when Fate intervened, he gladly and willingly escaped to Kate's arms. It was always her in his mind and who stirred his blood from the start. And when the rules of society forced them to marry, he agreed.

But therein lies the problem because unlike Edwina, Kate was some he could love. And as someone who was aware of one's mortality, that didn't sit well with him. He couldn't bear the thought of just having her for less than a decade, if he was lucky. He wanted to be with her for much longer than that.

But Kate, who had demons of her own and which Anthony helped exorcise, helped him realize that even if he couldn't get over his fears, he could at least not let it be the center of his life. And that he had to live everyday to the fullest as if it was his last. Having a half-lived life is the biggest regret a person can have.

So that's the reason why Anthony and Kate are easily two of my most fave characters. They both were too human and too real not to fall in love with.

Final verdict: 9/10. Fantabulous read, must have.

Soldiers Of Fortune by Diana Palmer

2007-06-28T15:15:00.000+08:00

An innocent beauty is courted by her mysterious boss to play his lover during a dangerous mission. Dare she resist her SOLDIER OF FORTUNE?

A cornered beast. There's no other way to describe J.D. Brettman. And no one fought against love among all three heroes in this collection harder than he did. Knowing how Gabby Darwin felt for him, he set out to prove to her that he was not the man for her. I just didn't particularly like his methods for doing so--by almost raping her. Although he didn't intend to, J.D. lost control and undoubtedly managed to do more than what he set out to do, which was to turn Gabby against him. But then he panicked when he found out that she was really loving him. He was never comfortable with their thirteen-year age difference but he was willing to forget all that as long as Gabby could learn to care for him again. What made up for the almost-rape scene? When J.D. stopped their lovemaking even when he learned that Gabby was finally ready to give herself to him, so that they could wait until after their wedding. Sweet.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

*******

A moment of reckless abandon leads to a whirlwind wedding for a virtuous bride and her secret agent groom, a.k.a. THE TENDER STRANGER.

I dunno why but this story is quite special for me. Eric van Meer was a special character. Probably because from the reference of him from the first story, he was introduced as a man who hated women, and marriage even more. But one look at bespectacled Danielle St Clair did him in to the point of offering marriage if that was the only way to have her. But then Dani found out what he did for a living and refused to live that kind of life, especially when he was leaving for a mission after their short idyll. And when he came to find her a few months later with the hope of saving their marriage, he found her pregnant with his child--and memories of the past came rushing back to him. What he had become was shaped by a woman who had left him for a richer man and that was after she aborted his child. And only when he learned that Dani almost had a miscarriage did he realize that her life was the most important thing for him--not the baby and not even his job. The reaction of his fellow ex-mercs to the news of this (supposed) womanhater's marriage and impending fatherhood made for a fun read.

Final verdict: 8/10. Great read.

*******

One night of passion propels a sheltered virgin into a tempestuous marriage with a mysterious freedom fighter. Can she protect her heart from becoming ENAMORED?

I have mixed feelings for this book. The thought of a man hating a woman after being forced into marriage with scares the hell outta me. It wasn't as if she was to blame for everything when he obviously let his little head did the thinking for the circumstances that forced them into marriage in the first place. It served Diego Laremos right to find his wife Melissa Sterling Laremos gone from the hospital she was confined in after a bad fall--and after telling him that she lost their child. But fate brought them back together and Diego found out that Melissa had had a child. He was as jealous of the child as of the man who fathered Matthew. Melissa refused to tell him who the father of the child was and so he thought of obtaining the child's birth certificate and learned the truth that way. It would have been better if he was able to better accept Matt before obtaining the documents. And so he began to treat the child with more warmth but still waited for his wife to trust him enough to tell him the truth. While Melissa was waiting for the right time to tell him because of the same fear that drove her to keep the child from his father five years ago--that Diego would take the child away from her. One consolation from his story: that Diego was true to his vows for the five years they were separated. And the possibility that he might actually have come around even if he learned hat Matt was indeed another man's son. Nevertheless, they made a beautiful family.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Once and Always by Judith McNaught

2007-06-21T17:12:00.000+08:00

Suddenly orphaned and alone, Victoria Seaton sails the vast ocean, eager to claim her heritage at Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of her distant cousin...the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Bewildered by his arrogance yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she senses the painful memories that smolder in his eyes when he gathers her at last into his arms, arousing a sweet, insistent hunger, they wed and are embraced by fierce, consuming joy--free from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of anguish, Victoria discovers the treachery at the heart of their love...a love she had dreamed would triumph not just once, but always.

The problem with going through old books to weed out the ones bound for the UBS is that you just can't go through them in one go because old favorites tend to catch your attention and the next thing you know you're well into another good reread session.

And probably the best reason why I love JM so much is that no matter how many times I reread her stuff to the point of memorizing the lines, she penned them in a way that it still feels like a brand-new read. Every time.

I chose OAA from the rest because if I started a Westmoreland book, I wouldn't be able to stop with just one. LOL! And so, let's get this fact out of the way first--this book isn't my most fave among JM's historicals but it still rates high enough to be a personal favorite. I love the entire thing except for one thing--that it contained not one but two scenes of our hero Jason Fielding and his mistress. And both times when he was already engaged to out heroine Victoria Seaton. Okay, the engagement wasn't his idea but still...But the rest of the story pretty well made up for it and so I lumped these scenes in into the complexity of Jason's character.

With that said, I can now declare that I positively love the story. First off, Victoria was a very strong character which was exactly the kind needed to break down the walls around Jason's heart. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind in his presence even knowing that he was practically one of the very few she had left in the world. And I think that the scene with the piglet was rather cute. I love piglets--those pink round bodies are hard to resist. (Sadly enough, that doesn't stop me from eating bacon.)

As for Jason, I think he was one of the few JM heroes without a strong familial bond when growing up. That's why I'm willing to forgive him for those mistress scenes. His displays of jealousy was quite enjoyable to read. Although I wanted to hit him in the head sometimes so that he'd wake up.

But boy, oh boy, did he wake up when he thought that Victoria died. My heart just broke for him. He didn't cry when he lost his beloved son from his first marriage. But the thought of losing his Tory broke him to the point of losing his mind.

Innocence can indeed help heal souls. If Victoria hadn't come to his life, no matter how he reluctant he was of the idea, Jason wouldn't have been able to mend his ways. And that's a sad thought.

Final verdict: 8/10. Great read, must-have.

Dan Brown's "Unputdownables"

2007-06-17T16:42:00.000+08:00

After all these years I still find the books to be so damned good! I finally got a copy of Angels & Demons--thank God for mall-wide sales--and I don't need to borrow a friend's copy if I wanna reread it again (and again and again...).

"Unputdownable." That was how one of the critics described one of Dan Brown's bestsellers. I really can't remember which one it was--Angels & Demons or The Da Vinci Code. It's not even a word but somehow it's more than apropos to describe both of those books. Both are sleep-be-damned kinda books, you know. And Dan Brown knows the perfect formula of what to put in a perfect thriller. It wouldn't have mattered whether those copyright theft charges against him were dropped or not by the judge. And that somehow made him more popular and his books more in demand than ever.

Angels & Demons. This was where we first met the incomparable character, Robert Langdon. He needed to decipher the clues before a centuries-old society acts on its vendetta against the Catholic Church. It was a race against time as the Church's leaders go into conclave--while sitting on a timebomb that could erase Vatican from the map in a matter of seconds.

The Da Vinci Code. Another fast-paced conspiracy, but an equally suspenseful chapter, in the life of symbologist Robert Langdon. This time it was a quest for the Holy Grail and what it really is. And so he worked on the clues found in Da Vinci's masterpieces before the cover-up was exposed and the answers fell into the wrong hands.

Dan Brown is a master storyteller. He may have penned other works but nothings beats these two, especially the latter. Although when you seriously think about it, the first book is actually a lot better when it comes to the suspense and drama in it; only that the latter has a(n even) more controversial topic and therefore captured more attention. It makes you wonder. It makes you think. It opens your mind to possibilities other than what you've been taught your whole life. Whether you believe it or not, that's up to you. But whether it's pure fiction or not, we would probably never find out. At least, not in this lifetime.

Midnight Warrior by Iris Johansen

2007-06-07T13:44:00.000+08:00

SHE WAS A PRISONER BOUND BY DUTY AND DESIRE

Taken as a slave, fiery, tempestuous Brynn of Falkhaar was awed by the magnificent warrior who stood before her. Known for her skills as a healer, she had been brought to his battlefield tent to save his dying friend. Yet in the days and nights ahead, the sensual conqueror made it clear she might be more than nursemaid to his soldiers. She could be the intimate plaything of his seductive desires.

HE WAS A CONQUEROR FOR WHOM NOTHING WAS FORBIDDEN

Dark, brooding, and passionate, Lord Gage Dumont was a man used to conquest. And yet with one look at the medieval slave he'd been given as his spoils, he realized she held him prisoner. As she fought to save his friend with her healing powers, Dumont felt her fiery touch deep in his scarred soul. Though he may have already owned her body, what he wanted was her heart--and for that he would risk everything.

IJ had put enough intrigue into her old medieval books that I can't help but reread them for the nth time. Here is another example. Although unlike her other stuff, she saved the twist in the plot right at the end of this story surprising the heck out of me the first time I read it for finding out I have just read a King Arthur tale. Really, really cool.

One thing that annoyed me in this story is the fact that Brynn was married to another man, idiot though he might be, when her relationship with Gage started. I was surprised as Gage was when he found out--undoubtedly a HUH?! moment. Since she never gave ascent to the union, they might not have been legally wed but we all know anything goes at that time so they were nevertheless married in the eyes of man. Hence the minus factor from the plot. Other than that, I'm all okay with the rest. Obviously, I've reread it from time to time.

The main point is that I love the hero, Gage Dumont--very bullheaded and someone who busted his ass off to get what he wanted (which happened to be Brynn). I can't explain it but his character turned out to be charming without being charming on effort. Just when I thought his attraction to Brynn was all about lust, he proved it otherwise. Because when she offered herself after admitting that she loved him, he refused--unless she would commit to marrying him. That was really something considering that he had been after her like crazy.

One thing that also clicked for me in this book was Gage's friend Malik. What a flirt! But a sweet one for that matter. Imagine someone willing to scar his face so that you will like him some more because what might be holding you back is his infamous comeliness and the thought that he might be too handsome to be serious. Or to freeze himself in frigid weather (not my thing that's for sure) to prove that he will do anything for you. Sweet, sweet man. In fact, it's probable that he was one of the reasons that I was able to finish this book despite my misgivings about the heroine.

This was another good reread session--which I had to do. I have been slowly going through some of my old books because it's high time to do some weeding out and for another trip to the UBS. It goes without saying that this book safe from the boot. For now.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Our Secret Love by Miranda Harry

2007-06-02T15:48:00.000+08:00

Dana Lipton has totally fallen for Chris Geller. Who wouldn't? He's sexy, funny, and smart--and he's just as crazy about Dana as she is about him. But there's one problem: Chris is her older brother Brian's best friend, and he's supposed to be off-limits.

Dana and Chris can't hide their feelings for each other any longer. One innocent date ends with an unforgettable kiss, and from then on it's the real thing. And when Brian finds out about their secret romance, he completely flips out, and forbids them to see each other. Will Brian scare Chris off...or is Chris and Dana's relationship strong enough to last?

Anyone complaining about any reading slumps? Hmm, I know exactly how that felt. I've started to read a few books--historicals and contemps alike--and I just couldn't seem to get past the second or the third chapter on any of them.

The solution? Young adult fiction. I know. It's undeniably a hoot. But what can I say except for the fact that I did manage to finish this old fave of mine. Well, a housemate borrowed this book and I couldn't help but read it when she returned it. I haven't read this--or any young adult fiction--in a number of years and I actually surprised myself when after rereading, I still found myself liking it.

It's stories like this that make me wish for and at the same time, not wish for a brother. I just think that it would actually be kinda cool if someone would be as overprotective of me as Dana's brother was of her in this book. But at the same time, it would definitely get stifling and restrictive, and life would be more difficult.

I just think that this story is really cute. Just imagine knowing someone practically your whole life and then realize one day that he could be the one. But it doesn't get any easier since your brother had declared his friends off-limits. That's Dana's case. But I understand her brother Brian's reasons for being overprotective--after all, he had watched his little sister go through cancer and survive.

But then one day Dana realized that Brian's best friend Chris wasn't just a friend to her anymore. What's more, Chris also realized that Dana was no longer just his best friend's kid sister. And I think that it's human nature to do what's forbidden. Hence, Dana and Chris got together. But it was never their intention to lie to Brian--only that circumstances forced them into that kind of situation and they were just waiting for the right time to tell him. But then big brother found out and all hell broke lose.

Chris later apologized to Brian and then told Dana he had decided that no girl was ever gonna come between his and Brian's friendship. It sounded lame to me--until I learned later in the book that he did it because so that he didn't want come between Dana and Brian's special bond forged during her recovery from leukemia.

Dana saw everything was going to be okay with her brother and Chris; and between her and Brian when he bought tickets for a concert. Only to find out that Brian bought tickets for her and Chris--Brian finally realized that the couple was miserable without each other.

It's a simple story and can be downright juvenile at some points. But the point that won me over was when Chris donated blood to see if some kid somewhere was a bone marrow match. After all, that was how Dana survived leukemia--some person was found and was a lucky match for her. Now that wasn't juvenile in the least.

Final verdict: 8/10. Good read.

Man Of My Dreams by Johanna Lindsey

2007-05-16T19:54:00.000+08:00

MAN OF HER DREAMS
The most desirable beauty in the land, wildly unpredictable Megan Penworhty has set her amorous sights on Ambrose St James, Duke of Wrothston--a man she has never net but has every intention of marrying. No other suitor will satisfy her--especially not the common, if uncommonly handsome, horse breeder Devlin Jefferys.

WOMAN OF HIS DESIRES
Posing as lowborn Jefferys to escape a potentially fatal confrontation, Ambrose is enthralled and infuriated by the brazen, duke-hunting redhead. Without revealing his true identity, the notorious rogue vows to foil Megan's plans to wed the man of her dreams--never imagining the enchanting schemer would turn out to be the only woman he would ever dream of marrying.

I can't believe I still have the energy to sit in front of the computer and write in a book review after staying up until 130AM to edit the template of my home blog. (Check out the new look here.) But I finished rereading this JL book just earlier today and since I didn't have to go in to work, I'm making good use of what's left of my free time.

I first read this book close to ten years ago and after the nth reread, it still manages to make me laugh. JL books were among my very first historicals and although I may now think some of her stuff could be juvenile-ly simple, this book remains to be one of my personal faves.

I enjoyed reading about the sparring of words between Megan and Devlin. Megan was always unconsciously picking fights to stem off her attraction with the horse breeder--she was hellbent on marrying the Duke of Wrothston. And Devlin acted always out of turn as if he didn't know what hit him. In fact, he didn't. He went so far as to prove the Duke (him!) was a cad by proposing incognito that she become his mistress. All he thought was that she was a gold-digger, unaware that she really wanted to fall in love with the Duke--and him her--before marrying him.

But Devlin had gotten her pregnant and she didn't have a choice but to wed the horse breeder. Imagine her surprise when she found out she was actually married to the man of her dreams--and she was now Duchess of Wrothston. She might have wanted that but she never expected it would happen the way it did--and she believed she was duped into marrying him. Add the fact that she overheard Devlin telling his bestfriend that he had been miserable since he got married. Since he met her, more likely.

But what Devlin really meant (and what Megan didn't hear) was that loving his wife and not have her love him in return was making him miserable. So she cooked up a plan to set him free and told him that she had lost the baby. But before she could make her point, Devlin had already "comforted" in the oldest way possible. By the time the word annulment came up it was already too late since she could very well be pregnant again.

But what Devlin didn't tell her was that he wasn't about to hand her an annulment, baby or no baby.

My most favorite scene was when Devlin got wind of Megan's plans to dye what he called, when he was masquerading as a horse breeder, "the most unfashionable hair in creation."

"You may not dye your hair."
"But you don't like it."
"It's grown on me."
"But it's not fashionable."
"The Duchess of Wrothston makes her own fashion. She doesn't have to emulate it...If you dye one lock on that beautiful head of yours, I'll put you over my knee again, and you know bloody well that's not an idle threat!"

They might have managed to reach a truce but Megan saw the wisdom of confessing her love for him just might make him un-miserable. But first she had to tell him that she was pregnant. And then he walked out on her when he found out that it was the same child and that she had asked for an annulment while still carrying the same baby.

Unaware that he had drunk himself to sleep that night, Megan decided to complete her mission and told him she loved him--with him half asleep and fully drunk. Silence was all she got and that was when she made her statement the following day.

"I'm moving into the stable."
"You're what?"
"I'm going to stay here until I have my horse breeder back."
"Thought you couldn't stand him."
"You thought wrong."
"He doesn't exist."
"He does. You're just keeping him buried beneath all that ducal haughtiness."

See? I love the book so much I can't even do a simple review on it. I just have to go on and on and on...Devlin and Megan made such a cute couple and their story is such a smile-inducing read that there is no helping loving it.

I want me some Dev!

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Great read, must have.

Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke

2007-05-11T18:02:00.000+08:00

For prim and shy Daphne Wade, the sweetest guilty pleasure of all is secretly watching her employer, the Duke of Tremore, as he works the excavation site on his English estate. Anthony hired Daphne to restore the priceless treasures he has been digging up, but it's hard for a woman to keep her mind on her work when her devastating handsome employer keeps taking his shirt off. He doesn't know she's alive, but who could blame her for falling hopelessly in love with him anyway?

Anthony thinks that his capable employee knows all there is to know about antiquities, but when his sister decides to turn the plain young woman in gold-rimmed glasses into an enticing beauty, he declares the task to be impossible. Daphne is devastated when she overhears...and determined to prove him wrong. Now a vibrant and delectable Daphne has emerged from her shell, and the tables are turned. Will Anthony see that the woman of his dreams has been right there all along?

Unconsciously, I might be on a quest to have as many first-time reads from as many authors as I can . And consciously, I just might be ready to 'let go' of the same authors I've been reading all through the years. And by let go I mean let my mind know that there are other great authors out there who are worth my time.

And here I found another one.

I admit, it started quite slowly for me. I didn't catch on to LLG's style right from the top. But I think I did right on cue because there was a point (I don't remember exactly where) when I just zipped right through the pages.

Anthony, the Duke of Tremore, was an okay hero. Great, even. I really couldn't blame her for not noticing Daphne from the get go. If a woman acted like she did in his presence, I guess that's just the way he'd react, thinking she's a machine in this case. Although it did irked me to read him offering marriage for duty and honor. I don't know why he kept on harping on that when he knew that Daphne had already got under his skin and doing what they did didn't have to do about duty and honor.

As for Daphne, I like her. What she went through was harsh but she came out the winner anyway. Fortunately, it didn't happen to me but if it hurts to have the person you love not love you right back, to hear him say that you are anything but a woman in his eyes has gotta be heartbreaking. But the first time she really made her mark in this story was when she gave her notice of resignation and just about lashed out on Anthony when he refused to accept it.

To say the least, I love Anthony's journey in 'discovering' Daphne like the way she was rediscovering him. And the game about the language of flowers was really something. (I know I always like learning about the symbolism of flowers when I play Hangaroo. Hehehe!) I can't single out a favorite scene but I was really impressed by the big picture. So it goes without saying that I'm looking forward to my next LLG.

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Great read.

The Chronicles Of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

2007-05-02T16:51:00.000+08:00

After my Literature instructress mentioned that my old university had wanted to put The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on stage but was only foiled by budget woes, it got me pretty curious about the story. The first time I saw a copy of the book, I winced at the price. A senior college student couldn't spare that amount of money. (In my case, that is.) Discounting the Harry Potter books, I have never been a big fan of children's literature. Years later, I found out that The Lion... is part of a seven-book series. So when I found one whole volume of the seven stories, I couldn't resist; hence the beginning of my journey to Narnia.

A friend wanted to borrow my copy for the summer so I had to do a quick read-through.

The Magician's Nephew. I'm glad that the series was completed decades before because I was able to read the books in chronological order. This story was written years after the series was officially started. It tells the story of how Narnia began. What would you have done if you were in the shoes of Diggory and/or Polly and were/was whisked off to other worlds so unlike our own? Who is Aslan? How did Narnia come about? Questions, questions. The first book of the Chronicles will provide the answers and tease you to go on reading--because you can never tell when the next adventure will be starting.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This is the book that started it all for Mr Lewis' Chronicles. Diggory is now an old professor who is hosting distant relations for the Holidays. The Pevensie children--Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy--embark on an adventure beyond the back of a wardrobe. Unfortunately, the perfect Narnia that was created in the first book is now frozen for a hundred years. Of course, if you hadn't read these books you can always check out the movie version (especially of this one just a few years back). Suffice it to say that no matter what, the good always prevails--the White Witch is no match for the Lion.

The Horse and Its Boy. This is the adventure of Shasta during the reign of the High King Peter and his siblings. (Yes, the Pevensies ruled the land of Narnia after the death of Jadis, the Witch.) Narnia is the land of Talking Beasts so in this story we get to know a Talking Horse named Bree. Aside from learning about the wisdom of Aslan, we will also be reading about the stories of friendship, loyalty and fortitude. It's also noted here that the children cannot come back to Narnia again using the wardrobe. Only the Magic of Narnia can call back its friends.

Prince Caspian. I would say that the most pertinent thing shown in this Narnian adventure is the massive difference in how out time passes compared to Narnian time. It has only been a year (in our time) since the Pevensie children were in the world of Narnia. But because of utmost need for the Kings and Queens of old, they are called back to Narnia. That is, to a Narnia hundreds of years after they were last there--and this time ruled by the foreign Telmarines. As I've said, the good always prevails. Although a Telmarine himself, Prince Caspian triumphs to rule for he appreciates and accepts the real Narnia for what it is. Unfortunately though, it's here in this book where I learned that there is an age limit when coming to Narnia. Sad, really.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. (King) Caspian, (King) Edmund, and (Queen) Lucy appears in this adventure. But we are also introduced to a new, uhm, charming character in the person of Eustace Scrubb--a cousin to the Pevensies. I would say that this is my most favorite book in the Chronicles. Although we found out in The Horse and Its Boy that there are places outside of Narnia, this book becomes more of an adventure because it's our characters that are making the discoveries of different places. In the long run, we encounter enchantment after enchantment, and the voyage becomes a quest for Aslan country. Of course, with the addition of Reepicheep the Talking Mouse, the story becomes definitely...cuter, to say the least (sorry, Reep).

The Silver Chair. Because of that age limit, we only meet Eustace in this story. And his friend from school, Jill. But in most parts of the book, we know them as Scrubb and Pole, respectively. Lost royalty is always a fun read. This is no different. The adventure is to find Prince Rilian, King Caspian's son. One of the most appealing factors of this adventure is the journey to the land north of Narnia--Giant country--making it a darker story. And I love the company of Puddleglum--even if he is so ever...glum. (I wonder if they'll ever make a movie for this one.)

The Last Battle. The title alone, after the six previous books, makes you wanna give out a huge sigh of relief. As I read on about greed, courage, etc. it just sunk in that this will be the last time we will be gallivanting on adventures with the Pevensies, Scrubb, Pole and the other (and rather) surprising creatures in the land of Narnia and its surrounding land--e.g. warring with the Calormenes of the south. And the ending does not give any closure at all. It makes me wanna ask for seven more books (although I doubt if Mr Lewis can write any more. LOL!). Nevertheless, I learned here that all things come to an end--even Narnia. I'm just glad to have known Aslan and his wonderful world of Narnia. When you read these books, don't overlook the symbolisms that might swamp you--take them as they are. We ignore symbolisms in real life as it is.

As a contemporary and a close friend of J.R.R. Tolkien, I wonder what he and C.S. Lewis talked about over afternoon tea. Did they talk about Narnia and the Middle Earth? Of Aslan and the One Ring? Of the Pevensies and the Fellowship? Or, they might have not talked about their works at all. I'm ever grateful to have read the stories they spun and the worlds they created. My kudos and props for those brilliant minds.

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

2007-04-29T19:04:00.000+08:00

IT HAPPENED AT THE BALL...
Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.

IT HAPPENED IN THE GARDEN...
When Marcus shockingly--and dangerously--swept her into his arms, Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed...Thank goodness they weren't caught very nearly in the act!

IT HAPPENED ONE AUTUMN...
Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable...as his bride?

I was finally able to get lucky enough and stumble on my first LK book. I have been trying to check out some other authors since I have been too stuck on the usual JG, LH, JM stuff to name some. So it's all thanks to Bloglandia that I'm now willing to try out the works by other bestselling authors that were unfamiliar to me in the past.

And this one I love. And that is to say that I love LK's style of writing, too. I found out that she had been writing for years and it really bums me out to just finally have read her. And after finishing this book, I'm just dying to get my hands on her other releases as soon as I can find them.

As for this title, I can't help but like Marcus. What's not to like? A man who seriously fights against falling in love is always a joy to read. After all, the harder they fight, the harder they fall, right? I think this might have been the first book I've read wherein the hero actually vocalized to somebody else the illogical reasons of falling in love with the heroine. As for Lillian, she doesn't rate very high on my fave heroines list and yet somehow my curiosity had been piqued by the antics of the Wallflowers. So much so that I want to be able to find the rest of the series ASAP.

I loved it when Marcus made it plain to his (villainous old bitch of a) mother his intentions of marrying Lillian and fought for his decision.

"Do not doubt me when I say that Lillian Bowman is the only woman on this earth whom I would consider marrying."

Awww. And yet, he was labeled insufferable? I guess that's just how it goes for tough-as-nails guys when they get hit by that bolt of lightning--turn a completely new leaf. Suffice it to say that this insufferable character melted my heart with his romantic declarations--which, by the way, are too many to highlight.

Love him. And love this book.

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Must read, must have.

The Duke And I by Julia Quinn

2007-04-15T16:07:00.000+08:00

Has the devastating Duke finally found a bride?

All the society papers say so. But only the Duke of Hastings and his "intended" bride know the truth. For the irresistible Simon Basset has hatched a plan to keep himself free from all those marriage-minded society mothers by pretending an attachment to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry--though there is something about the alluring miss that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster, And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable...

But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, she soon forgets that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it's the mesmerizing look in his intense blue eyes, or the way she feels in his strong arms, but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke...for real! And now she has to do the impossible and keep herself from losing her heart and soul completely to the handsome hellraiser who has sworn off marriage forever!

Another personal winner from JQ. And I'm not just saying that because I've been in a historicals drought. That's why I decided to delay the review for a few days and then reread the whole thing to see if I'd still love it the second time around. Predictably enough, I still did.

Because Simon Basset is a hot, hot duke! I really couldn't blame him for not wanting children. His plight of having to endure his father's rejection when he was a kid was a good enough reason. But even if he had made it into a personal quest that he also wasn't going to get married, I love it that he just couldn't say no to Daphne. Yeah, well, maybe at the very beginning--maybe even die in stead of that ever happening. But when his defenses just melted at the onslaught of Daphne's persuasive charms, that scene has gotta be one of my most fave in the entire book.

As for our heroine Daphne Bridgerton, there couldn't have been a better character for Simon than her. (I guess that's why JQ created her. Duh!) She managed to say the right things all at the right time but the best thing about her was knowing what she wanted and fighting for it--him. Atta girl. Gotta love her for not shying away from doing things that would help him come out from his past, even if those things would incur his anger.

But the best thing about the story was that even if Simon hadn't accepted the thought of having children, he still cared enough and went back to Daphne at the possibility of one--even after he thought that she could make him into a stammering young boy again. So it goes without saying that Simon is hot one and absurdly the perfect one for moi--I don't have plans of ever having children of my own either. Although having this kind of a guy for a husband just might change my mind.

Final verdict: 8.5/10. An awesome read and a must-have.

Read. Will Read. Not Reading.

2007-04-12T16:52:00.000+08:00

I'm too bushed from work to do any book reviews so I'm gonna do this instead. I promise to post some reviews over the weekend though. I stole this from Dee, who got it from Holly.

Look at the list of books below: *Bold the ones you’ve read* Italicize the ones you want to read* Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in. If you are reading this (and haven't participated yet), tag, you’re it!

1. The DaVinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) (Has seen the movie version--and looove it!)
3. To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18 The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck) (I've been looking for this book for a loooong time but so far, no luck!)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44.The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. The Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas) (Has seen the movie version--but I guess that doesn't count, huh?)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt) (The movie versionwill do.)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens) (Movie version, yes.)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58.The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice) (I'll content myself with watching it on screen.)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares) (I loved the film version and I want to compare it to the book.)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett) (Movie version: check!)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According to Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte's Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96.The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

Obviously, I'm not a big fan of the big ones. I want romance, romance, romance! LOL!

Happy Easter, Reading World!

2007-04-08T20:39:00.000+08:00

And I don't mean to just greet y'all and your respective families a Happy Easter. Although I sincerely hope you have a good one this year and always.

I also mean I'm having a happier-than-usual Easter this year--I succeeded at sacrificing something for the Lenten season. So now Lent is over and I'm back to reading my historicals. I actually managed to hold out until 1AM this morning. I mean, I held out for forty days so I guessed one more hour couldn't hurt.

I'm extremely proud of myself. I ACTUALLY DID IT! I knew I wavered a number of times but I managed to remind myself that I wouldn't, couldn't die if I waited just another day. Yep, had to do it on a day to day basis. Movie marathons and office work kept me sane or I wouldn't have survived this long. As it turned out, I came out only a little crazy--albeit not totally unscathed.

But it feels really good. Not only because I can finally go back to reading what I feel like reading. There's an immense satisfaction at knowing I succeeded at something I knew I was going to fail at but did it anyway.

So, yeah, today is a happy, happy, day. Happy Easter to y'all--and to me, too.

Dying To Please by Linda Howard

2007-04-01T18:09:00.000+08:00

Loyal. Beautiful. Professional. Impeccably organized. Potentially lethal. Sarah Stevens is a woman with many distinctive qualities. First and foremost a butler par excellence, skilled at running large households smoothly and efficiently. She is also trained bodyguard and expert marksman--indispensable to her elderly employer whom Sarah has come to respect and love. Then one night she thwarts an attempted burglary, a courageous act that awards Sarah her "fifteen minutes of fame" with the local press. But the exposure is enough to catch the attention of a tortured soul, who unbeknownst to Sarah, will stop at nothing to have her for himself...

It really is hard to find LH books that are not keepers. I thought that this was one the first time I saw it. I doubted for one moment if whether I'd get it or not because there was no mention of a hero in the synopsis. But I just had to get it because it was one of the very few LH titles (keepers or not) that I don't have yet.

And oh boy, did I make the right choice or what.

I don't think but declare Thompson Cahill as one of LH's sexiest heroes ever. Hot diggity damn! I'm nearly speechless about this guy only that he's so freakin' hot and absolutely sexy. And I love the way LH makes her heroines extra special. And Sarah Stevens is no different--love her to bits. Cahill plus Sarah equals one explosive chemistry that never waned through the entire story.

Needless to say, this was another one-sitter. Also because the story was fast-paced and there were no gaps in between so turning the pages was not an effort.

Some might hate Cahill for suspecting Sarah of murder, even for a millisecond. But he was a cop and he only did the right thing by getting himself out of the investigation and let the others do the work. On the other hand, I might have hated him if he let Sarah off the hook just because he was sleeping with her even if some evidence pointed at her. He would've come out a horny loser who didn't know how to do his job right. But the best thing about him was that he knew he was wrong to even suspect her of murder. Insensitive clods wouldn't have and wouldn't have cared that they'd hurt someone. And despite that, he was already thinking of ways to apologize--go down on his knees and grovel for her to take him back.

I'll stop salivating now. Lemme just say that if you want chemistry leaping right out of the pages, this is your book.

And who'd have thought strip wrestling can be sooo much fun?

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Awesome read and a must-have.

Afterglow by Catherine Coulter

2007-04-01T16:41:00.000+08:00

Matchmakers' victims...

What were their friends thinking of? Chelsea Lattimer and David Winter couldn't have been more different. Chelsea was a writer. She lost herself in the past to make up for the inadequacies of the present.

David was a doctor, a man of the here and now, with no time for the flights of fantasy he was sure writers indulged in.

But the passion they shared was no fantasy - it was so real, even Chelsea couldn't deny it. Could the matchmakers have been right after all?

I have to unearth some of my older books in my quest to read only contemps until Easter (you know the story to that). I was quite excited when I found this book 'cause I liked reading this CC novel the first time time I did.

But I was extremely disappointed after this reread. Meh was all the reaction I could come up with. I distinctly remember liking Aftershocks, the story of Dr Elliot and Georgina Mallory, the matchmakers referred to in the synopsis as well as the bestfriends of the hero and heroine respectively. I probably just let my curiosity get the better of me when I got this book because I so loved Aftershocks (which I don't have a copy of) and I was too prolly too carried away at the thought of a sequel.

I did like Chelsea being a writer of romantic fiction. She said that she wanted to write the kind of stuff that she wanted to read. She was proud of what she did and defended the whole process of escapist lit, both in the writing and the reading sense. It reinforced my belief that I shouldn't be embarrassed by what I like reading--romance, romance, romance 95% of the time. But I just detest it when people hide a smirk when they find out that I read those stuff. I'm sure I've learned more from reading these stuff than them trying to judge a person from what she's reading.

All in all, there just wasn't enough chemistry between Chelsea and David in the book. I'm into too much McDreamy and McSteamy that any fictional doctors will always surely come up short in comparison. Maybe it was just the appearance of Elliot and George every so often that made me enjoy the book the first time around. I just might give this to an office mate who has been wanting to borrow a book from me for sometime now...and then just conveniently forget about it.

Final verdict: 5/10. So-so.

Someone To Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught

2007-03-25T21:50:00.000+08:00

Leigh Kendall reveled in her stellar Broadway acting career and in her marriage to Logan Manning, scion of an old New York family. When her husband finds the prefect mountain property for their dream house, he decides to surprise Leigh with her first view of the site. Driving upstate on a winter's night, Leigh is run off the road in the midst of a blinding blizzard. When she awakens in the local hospital, seriously injured, the police inform her that her husband has mysteriously disappeared, and Leigh, although obviously distraught, becomes the focus of their suspicions. The more she discovers about her husband and his business affairs, the less she realizes she knew about Logan Manning. Now Leigh is heading deeper and deeper into unknown territory...where friends and enemies are impossible to distinguish, and where the truth becomes the most terrifying weapon of all.

This books isn't Perfect but neither is it Tender Triumph. But while I was reading it,I couldn't help but feel that there was something missing. Maybe JM was trying to make a transition when she made this story. Because if I remember correctly, this was supposed to be a time-travel gig. Water's Edge, anyone? But then this thriller was what we got. Maybe JM herself was confused as well on what to come up with.

Nevertheless, JM's mediocre efforts are better than most and it showed here. Because even if it didn't have the usual cry-a-river plot line that her books usually have, I still managed to read it in one sitting. Admittedly, it took me a while to start reading it when I first got it. It started weakly but gathered enough momentum for me to finish the book in one go.

And JM still managed to create some very memorable characters,especially hero Michael Valente. Correct me if I'm wrong but unselfish men is such a turn-on. I weally, weally wike him, to say the least. Well, Leigh Kendall was kind a so-so heroine but she was such a victim that I have the automatic response of liking her. And her story, fictional as it was, was exactly the kind that turned me off from marriage. I have very serious trust issues and the thought of giving all my trust to someone and have that someone betray and blinside me does not present a pretty picture.

And I loved the sidestory (standard for her contemps?), too--Mitchell McCord and Sam Littleton made a cute couple. I think the "I made up my mind" scene was a great one. And it was nice to see O'Hara and Courtney Maitland again. (Do you think we'll have Courtney's story some time in the future?)

I advice though that STWOM not be the first JM book that anyone read. It might have fallen short of my expectations but it was still okay--once you get through the rough start.

Final verdict: 6.5/10. For passing the time.

The Burning Point by Mary Jo Putney

2007-03-14T20:35:00.000+08:00

Kate Corsi always dreamed of working for her family's world-famous explosive demolition business--a wish her old-fashioned father denied her until the day he died. According to his will, Kate will receive a fortune, while her ex-husband, Donovan, will inherit the family business--but only if they agree to live under the same roof for one year.

Forced into a tentative alliance, Kate and Donovan must discover the truth about her father's death--and confront the past that almost destroyed them both. And as they face all their shattered dreams, their wrenching secrets and bitter resentments, they find themselves sliding perilously toward the burning point where passion catches fire once more...

I've read some reviews about how good MJP's books were. Her historicals, I mean. But y'all know why I'm staying far, far away from those. So when I found this book, I didn't hesitate about buying it. And especially because it said that this was her first contemp--that added more to my curiosity.

Unfortunately, it was a bad choice. Oh, I'm sure a lot of people really liked it. But MJP's writing style dust didn't do it for me. The story seemed to drag on and I had to really work it to get through the first few chapters. I couldn't even believe that I've read everything until somewhere in the middle, before I began skimming through the pages. Then...I just skipped right over to the ending.

But I have to say that what MJP did by headlining domestic violence was a really brave thing to do in the romance genre. Between one of the lead characters and an antagonist, maybe. But between the two leading characters, daring. Maybe I plowed on through the story because my curiosity got the better of me and I really wanted to know how they were going to work things out.

But personally, I don't think I could ever work things out in that situation.

It is fair to say that the plot did not turn me off from the book. Although now, I can't see even see myself picking up another MJP in the near future. Not even her historicals.

Final verdict: 5/10. So-so but won points for originality.

Beaten At My Own Game

2007-02-27T20:59:00.000+08:00

And here I thought I was sacrificing nothing. I mean, compared to my first plan of entirely giving up reading for Lent, giving up historicals was nothing. What is forty days in the scheme of things, right? Well, at least, that was what I first thought last week.

And now I'm going out of my mind. It has only been a week, with a full month left, and I'm about to climb the walls already. Not to mention that I was at the UBS yesterday in search of some good contemps to break the tedium. But what did I find? A JQ and a LK. Sheesh! I had to no choice but to buy them but as soon as I got home, hid them at the book of my closet hoping I'll forget about them until it's safe to let them out. But I know they're there so it really is no wonder that I'm going out of my mind now.

I am so. NOT. Doing. This. Again! But I've always been a creature of habit so whatever I'll be giving up next year, I know I'll be in agony of missing it. Oh, but let's not talk about next year when I'm not so sure I'll survive this.

Cry No More by Linda Howard

2007-02-27T20:15:00.000+08:00

Fueled by an obsession to fill the void in other people's lives, Milla Edge finds lost children--all the while trying to outrun the brutal emotions stemming from a tragedy in her past. Traveling to a small village in Mexico in a reliable trip, Milla begins to uncover the dire fate of countless children who have disappeared in the labyrinth of a sinister baby-smuggling ring. The key to nailing down the organization may rest with an elusive one-eyed man. As Milla's search for him intensifies, the mission becomes more treacherous. For the ring is the part of something far larger and more dangerous, reaching the highest echelons of power. Racing into peril, Milla suddenly finds herself the hunted--in the crosshairs of an invisible, lethal assassin who aims to silence her permanently.

This is my most fave of all post-Mr Perfect LH books yet. I think the plot was a powerful one and when written in LH's style of dark intrigue, it never ends to amaze me every single time I read it. I dunno how many times I've reread it (and I will also definitely read it again in the future) but I'm pretty sure I have always spent tears on it (and definitely cry some again the next time I decide to reread it). And not just at the end part. Daym!

It's just that I can't get over the fact that after having lost her son Justin to a baby-smuggling ring years ago, Milla Edge spent her life looking for the lost little ones. I can't imagine the pain of going through my own nightmare when I face a case of a lost child. And I'm sure I'd feel guilty, too--because I would start questioning why others are so lucky to have found their children again while I continue the crusade of finding mine. But I love Milla's tenacity and that made her one of my all-time fave LH heroines.

And of course LH rewarded her with one heck of a hero. James Diaz was a dark character at first glance (read). At one point, I even thought Milla was too good for him. But I was wrong. I loved it when he took care of her after she let go of her son--after finding him in conclusion to her years of search--realizing that his adoptive parents (unaware that they got a baby illegally in their adoption process) were his parents now and that knowing his biological parents was his own choice.

I'm an epilogue monster--I love HEAs so much that I want to have a peek into them every once in a while. Or all the time. And the epilogue to this book was a monster winner for me. I never expected Justin to literally come knocking on her door years later. That was beautiful to picture.

When I look back at it I think this was the first LH book that really had the wring-my-emotions touch to it. I've gone through her mushy stuff and her psychic stage releases but I think CNM is some sort of a first. Love it.

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Must read, must have.

Everyday, Average Jones by Suzanne Brockmann

2007-02-22T17:12:00.000+08:00

The girl next door?

When Melody Evans needed someone to rescue her, she knew that Navy SEAL Harlan "Cowboy" Jones was just the man for the job. But afteward, when things got more intimate, she had to write it off to an adrenaline rush. After all, she was looking for an ordinary guy--and Cowboy was anything but. Too bad their encounter left Melody with more than just memories...

Then Cowboy paid Melody a surprise visit and saw her burgeoning belly. That did it--he had to convince her that they were meant to be together! That he could be as ordinary as the next guy. And he’d do it, too--even if it meant twenty-four-hour-a-day, hands-on contact...

This was my first ever SB. And it came to me as a birthday gift back in...1999. From my best pal, Olive. Lucky me!

I think Cowboy is a cutie patootie. Really. I mean, I love Cat but I can't say that about him because, well, that's Cat we're talking about. The big boss. Or maybe I'm just biased because as I've said, Cowboy's book was my first dose of SB. Ironic 'cause now I have some serious jones for SB's SEALs--both in the TDD series and the TS series.

So, aight. I have admitted my jones for Jones but I'm not the biggest fan of his book. It was okay but then when I got to read the other books in the TDD series, Jones' just didn't have enough SEAL action. Yeah, there was the rescue mission right at the start but maybe because it was right there at the top of the story that the rest of the plot just kinda dragged for me. And Melody was a so-so kind of a heroine. First, she didn't tell Jones that she became pregnant; then when Jones found out and wanted to marry her, she refused. So what if Jones might just be doing it because it was the right thing. He didn't exactly have the time to get used to it because she ended their few-day affair as if it was nothing. Stubborn woman. I wanted to give her a dose of Mary Lou Morrison.

In the end, it was Jones that came through and saved the story--by leaving Mel and giving her what she wanted as long as she agreed to place his name on the kid's birth certificate and for him to be there at its birth. That was a great idea from him. It had all the shades of "you don't know what your missing until you lose it." And it worked so kudos to Cowboy.

But someone who didn't get a kudos in this book was Lucky. What was the assholeishness all about?

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

P.S. This book review is a first in a list of future reviews on contemps. I couldn't give up on reading so instead I decided to give up historicals for Lent. I couldn't quite get enough of them lately so its sacrifice enough. I think. So How about you? What have you given up for Lent?

The Magificent Rogue by Iris Johansen

2007-02-22T16:35:00.000+08:00

She was a beautiful pawn in a game of love and death

When Princess Kathryn Kentyre is snatched from a life of captivity by the mysterious Black Robert of Craighdhu, she is torn between absolute terror and soaring hope. He had been chosen to protect her from the dangers surrounding her, yet the moment he swept her away she knew this rogue of a Scottish laird would prove a greater threat than she faced from her enemies.

He was a warrior-chief torn between duty and desire

Sensuous as sin itself and wild as his native Scottish Highlands, Robert McDarren had no intention of settling down with one woman. Yet the agreement he'd struck to keep the peace required he marry the orphaned beauty and bring her back to his castle at Craighdhu for safekeeping. It was to be a marriage in name only--and only for a year. He never suspected that the meek hostage he had been promised would prove to be this firebrand of a woman, arouse his passion and lay siege to his heart.

This book was my first IJ read. And of the few that I've read of hers so far, this is my most favorite. Why wouldn't it be when it oozes intrigue and oh, boy, do I love intrigues. Not to mention that the insert art is one heck of a picture. Mmm-hmm-hmm.

Kathryn Kentyre was believed by some to be the daughter of Mary, Queen of Scots; said to have been born while Mary was imprisoned in one of Queen Elizabeth's trusted earl's estate. Although it was never public knowledge, Kate, nevertheless, grew up knowing that as fact. She also knew that she was hidden from the public and from her brother James by Queen Elizabeth. And so it was the Queen who found Robert McDarren to safely take Kate away from England and Scotland to prevent her being used as pawn in laying claim on the throne of Scotland. Black Robert was chosen by Her Majesty not only because she believed that he had the strength and character to keep her safe, but also because of his isolated home of Craighdhu. Robert only fought under its banner and no one else's. Craighdhu, an island fortress with no weakness in sight.

But Robert only agreed to the Queen's edict at the threat on the life of a kinsman. He was marrying the girl and taking her to Craighdhu. But he didn't tell the Queen that he was only keeping his 'wife' for a year because all he would allow was marriage by handfast.

Robert, however, was unprepared for the feelings he would have for Kate. He told himself that sleeping with her was just something he was taking for being forced into marriage with her by Elizabeth. But his innocent bride slipped through his defenses. And for the first time in his life, he was protecting something other than Craighdhu or his people.

Kate had found her home in Craighdhu. She might have already accepted that her marriage to Robert was a temporary one but she'd be damned if she left this one place where she was never felt like an outsider. But just when heaven was within reach, everything changed. She was being used to claim an even bigger prize--the throne of England. She turned out to be the daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Her Majesty's close friend Robert Dudley. And when opportunity came for her to claim the throne, she refused.

Kate realized she had everything she could ever want in a kingdom in Craighdhu and she was willing to give up England for that. Just like Robert's willingness to give up his precious Craighdhu to spare it from bloodshed and trouble if Kate remained there and the truth about her birth became known. But they both managed to remain safe in their island home with Elizabeth's protection. Because she left it in her official will that she left the throne to Kate and that if ever James attacked Craighdhu to remove any threat of claimants to the throne of England, she, Kate, could use the will to stop James. Or to claim what was her in the first place.

The possibility of Elizabeth I having a daughter sent my brain into overdrive. What if, what if. LOL! What did historians say on the matter when this book first came out?! (I have to research on that. Really.) It certainly has a The Da Vinci code feel to it. Not to mention that I loved both the hero and the heroine. Black Robert might have been dubbed such but he was fair and loved his people. And Kate might have been innocent but she was fierce and never backed down from anything.

So, yeah, saying that I love this book is an understatement. Obviously it warranted a reread and I still have the book after all these years. And that insert art helped a bit, too.

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Must read, must have.

Lord Of A Thousand Nights by Madeline Hunter

2007-02-14T21:19:00.000+08:00

Called the Lord of a Thousand Nights, Ian of Guilford was famed as much for his feats in the bedroom as on the battlefield. But Lady Reyna Graham had no idea of this when, disguised as a courtesan, she passed behind enemy lines with a desperate plan to save her people. Now, sitting in the tent of the dizzyingly handsome warrior who commanded the army outside her gates, the beautiful widow suddenly realized that she had underestimated her foe. For she found herself in the company of a man whose charms were said to be impossible to resist...and who would show no mercy in laying siege to her heart — and body — with every sensual weapon in his arsenal. For the sake of her people, she must not give in ... and she must somehow turn this legendary lover who never lost his heart into a man who would exchange all his thousand nights for one with her....

I was pretty discouraged when Kristie(j) said that this was her least favorite of MH's medievals. But since I had been wanting to read this book for a long time, I didn't pass up the chance when I saw it in the UBS shelf. I was glad that I got it 'cause it wasn't that bad. Okay. It wasn't as good as The Protector, where I first read about Ian of Guilford but I didn't fall aslep while reading it either. Not to mention that I had enjoyed reading about Morvan and Anna again.

I liked the way MH put enough complexities into the story to keep me turning the pages but not too much as to keep me from reading on while I get stuck pondering on what part of the puzzle was I already.

Ian of Guilford might have been dubbed the Lord of a Thousand Nights in court but all that was lost when he knew the passion of Reyna, lady of Black Lynne Keep. And the question of why, after twelve years of marriage--Reyna was married at the twelve to set neutral territory between two feuding clans--she was still untouched kept me wondering till it was answered. And the secrets Ian harboured from Reyna knowing that it was causing a rift between them made for another wonderful twist in the story. But the way Reyna received his explanations for his past really impressed me--I don't think I have read a character any less judgmental than her.

And I didn't mind the touch about surviving Templars and Hospitallers trying to get their riches. In fact, I think it was a beautiful addition to the story--it goes without saying that I'm a big fan of The Da Vinci Code.

So there goes another good find from the UBS that I'm keeping for now. Forget about her Regency romances, I'm sticking to MH's medievals. (Although I've read greats reviews for her latest Regency offering.)

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught

2007-01-31T13:57:00.000+08:00

They met in paradise: Kate Donovan, the beautiful, self-made Chicago restaurateur, and Mitchell Wyatt, ruthless businessman, scion of the fabulously wealthy Wyatt family--and, as Kate soon learns, a man who won't take no for an answer. During their idyll on the tropical island of Anguilla, Kate and Mitchell lower their defenses and surrender all inhibitions--slowly at first, and then in a rush of emotion unlike anyhting they've ever known.

But their heaven crumbles when Mitchell is summoned home for questioning in the disappearance of his half brother. Amid a media firestorm, he retreats into his world of privilege and power, leaving Kate to question everything she knows about her darkly mysterious lover: Is he in fact the culprit in this high-profile case? What secrets lay buried in his past? What does his future hold--and what are his plans for her?

As Kate struggles to trust the fascinating man who may also be her most formidable foe, the web of intrigue grows ever more complicated--and the result is Judith McNaught's most spellbinding novel yet.

I beg to differ because for me, Perfect is still JM's most spellbinding novel to date. Nevertheless, Every Breath You Take does have JM's classic trademarks of deep characters, unexpected plot lines and unforgettable exchanges.

Mitchell Wyatt discovered that what he had been told about his life had been all a lie when his brother found him. Or rather, the secret that was Mitchell. And the next thing Mitchell knew he had been enfolded into the Wyatt family of Chicago, complete with a grandfather, a great-aunt, a brother, a sister-in-law, and a nephew. This after having been alone all his life and had to answer to questions of whether he was of the Chicago Wyatts. His life changed so much after only a matter of months, and especially because the brother he had just come to know had vanished, that he had to getaway for a while.To Anguilla, where he was building a house.

Where he met Kate Donovan. She was in Anguilla to rest after the death of her father and before she took over the running of his restaurant. At her bestfriend's suggestion, she decided to throw caution to the wind and have a fling in the islands. After all, she had already decided to end her relationship with the man she had been with for four years. She would always come in second to his work since he couldn't even join her in this vacation he payed for because of a high-profile case, a vacation that was even his idea in the first place.

But when her boyfriend found out who she was throwing him over for, Evan Bartlett then told her that Mitchell Wyatt was just using her for his revenge against the Bartletts for their role in what happened to him as a baby. When Kate wanted to talk to Mitchell about all these, she found out that he had already gone. She had no choice but to believe what Evan had told her. It was hard not to when faced with the facts that Mitchell could have very well been lying to her the entire time they had been together.

Mitchell had checked out of their hotel in St Maarten when news of his brother's body being found got to him. But he had waited for Kate to return to him after trusting her to go back to Anguilla to break things up with her lawyer boyfriend--who finally showed up. But she didn't come back and left him waiting in the wharf. The next time they saw each other, only a few days later, she was already engaged to Evan Bartlett. And after that unpleasant encounter, both thought that everything they had in the islands had ended for good.

But they were brought together two and a half years later as Danny, the son Mitchell knew nothing about, was kidnapped. Even though she had made a success out of running her father's restaurant, she still couldn't afford to pay the ransom money being asked for Danny's return. She had no choice but to ask help from Danny's father and risk letting him know about the boy's existence. What she didn't count on was Mitchell wanting to be a father, wanting to be a family, and wanting that family with her.

But I bet you can count on JM to give one heck of a emotional roller-coaster. Again. I read the book in one go so it was clear to see that I enjoyed it. Well, as much as I could enjoy it after I melted into a useless puddle when I read Mitchell say:

"Put your arms around me and wrap us up in magic. I can't do it without you."

I need a man fast and have some hot magic with him. No, give me Mitchell Wyatt any day and I'll have magic. The kidnapping part was reminiscent of one of my most fave and most reread quickie books, Gold Ring of Betrayal. But I love that after that sad episode, Kate and Wyatt were obviously getting back together with a minimum of fuss. After the explanations were said and done, it was evident that they could finally trust each other. It was like a long epilogue--love it!

And it's so nice "visiting" with friends again: the Farrells and the Benedicts were in the book, of course.

This books is, of course, a testament to what Ames said the reason why she doesn't like JM's books: the heroes don't use contraceptives. But thank God for that or we wouldn't have "Daddy Hot!" LOL!

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Must-read, must-have. Picture someone with two thumbs up and silly grin on the face. That's me after reading this book.

To Sir Phillip, With Love

2007-01-26T13:44:00.000+08:00

Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except . . . she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her . . . and more.

Did he think she was mad? Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking . . . and wondering . . . and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except . . . he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled . . . and when he kissed her . . . the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn't help but wonder . . . could this imperfect man be perfect for her?

Another great read from JQ. In all honesty, it didn't impress me as much as WHWW did but for a book set in rural Regency England, JQ did very well in keeping me turning the pages without a single ball in them. Suffice it to say that I love reading about parties, especially in this setting.

I know y'all have the read the book so I'll come straight to the point: my most favorite part. That would be when the Bridgerton brothers descended on Romney Hall. I really had a good laugh reading that part. I, for one, don't have any brothers and I'd always wanted one. And I've always wondered up to what extent could brothers get overprotected and I fell like I've missed something terribly important when I was growing up. But this doesn't mean that I'm not grateful for my sisters. Although I'm sure those peeps who do have brothers feel differently.

Eloise Bridgerton is a character I could relate to because I myself am on the fast track to spinsterhood. (Don't ask.) And taking her own fate into her own hands was a really brave thing to do. But I'm sure that even with her apprehension to marry Phillip (after her brother Anthony's 'edict'), she was already in love with him. Otherwise, she wouldn't be there in the first place, level-headed girl that she was. And Sir Phillip turned out to be an interesting hero to read, worldly enough to complement Eloise's innocence and vice versa.

So, yeah, I have been and will be scrounging bookshelf after bookshelf at the UBS for JQ books. Although I'm obviously not the only one looking for her novels because every time I got there they seem to have run out of the stuff. And those letter tidbits at the start of each chapter helped to do me in. Cute.

Final verdict: 8/10. Must read, must-have.

Quickie Book Reviews

2007-01-22T17:01:00.000+08:00

I am alive and kicking. And I can delay these reviews no further. When I went home over the Holidays, I found a whole boxful of my old paperbacks. A big box; and I mean old old--the quickies! So I browsed each one of them so I can weed out whatever's not worth keeping so that I'll make another trip to the UBS yet again. It wasn't a hardship since these were quickie books. So after finding those that were given to me as gifts over the years as well as some sure keepers, the UBS got a good number of books.

I also meant quickie as I'm just gonna be doing short reviews on only three books that I enjoyed rereading as much as I did the first time I read them years and years ago. Besides, these were the quickie 180-page-or-so Harlequin/Silhouette reads.

The Groom Who (Almost) Got Away by Carla Neggers

Completely got away is more like it. Max Slade just up and left Calley Hastings without a word. But now, three little Slades suddenly send for her...

What she learns:
1) Max left her to raise his orphaned brothers on their Wyoming ranch.
2) The boys figured Max would smile more if Calley came to marry him.
3) Max still isn't smiling.

Now, Calley's in love with four Slade cowboys. and the tall , good looking one in the Stetson isn't getting away again...

This was a light and a funny read from Carla Neggers. I love it when kids play nasty. And the young Slade boys did it to perfection by pretending to be a widow with three little kids and after living all 'her' life in a ranch, she really wanted to know a lot about New York City. And authentic New Yorker Calley Hastings couldn't believe she actually for the sob story as she exchanged e-mail messages with the 'widow.'

Max Slade broke his engagement with Calley four years ago and left New York--without telling her why. It was thanks to the boys for finding his unfinished letters meant for her, trying to explain why he left. But even with Calley already in his Montana ranch, he still couldn't ask her to leave New York permanently and help him take care of his three orphaned brothers. But that didn't stop Calley from realizing that she belonged with Max.

Personally, I haven't come to that point in my life wherein I have to make a choice to leave everything that's familiar and be with that special someone. But I guess home is really where the heart is--and it doesn't have to be a place.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Another Dawn by Lynn Turner

Her love could beat the odds . Photographer Jan St. Clair knew the risks involved in loving author Nick Alexander. An old injury threatened Nicks life. Surgery would give him only a fifty-fifty chance to live. But Jan was stubbornly determined that nothing would mar their newlywed bliss. Nothing.

She drew her courage from Nick's embrace, strength from the fiery warmth of his lips. And from the force of their passion, so long denied, she found the will to make each moment last a lifetime...

Let me put this question out to you: Will you do something to save the life of the person you love the most knowing that he may hate you for doing it? I think I will. At least, he'll be alive, right?

Because that's what Jan did to save the man she had loved since she was a girl of ten. They had married to keep Nick's first wife from coming back. And Jan decided that he she was going to have a real--and long--marriage.

The main reason why I loved this book was the friendship between the two main characters. It's always fascinating to read about friends before they become more than that--and have that friendship remain after two people have made that significant 'big step.'

Final verdict: 7.5/10. Great read.

Zeke by Annette Broadrick

Need Protection?

Agent: Zeke Daniels
Hometown: Harlingen, Texas
Assignment: Investigate a drug lord
Complication: The man's gorgeous niece
Declaration of Independence: From the moment I first set eyes on Angie De la Garza, I knew she was trouble. She's unaware I've been sent to bust her uncle; she thinks I've been hired to protect her! Try as I might, I can't keep my hands off her, but what do I need with an innocent like Angie? And now I'm supposed to get her on a plane and out of Mexico? What happens when we get back to the States--and she discovers the truth?

(This book cover is sincerely dedicated to fellow cover snob, Dee. No, make that all three of these book covers, girl. LOL!) I really can't explain the appeal of this book. I somehow even think that it was too hokey. Undercover stuff is in a million romances and marrying the heroine to save her from certain danger is also a common ingredient in romance plot-making.

My only guess is that Annette Broadrick wrote the book in a fast-paced tome and made it in a way that even common cliche plots can become like a new twist. I think that's what I found in this book

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

The Cutting Edge by Linda Howard

2006-12-26T16:44:00.000+08:00

Brett Rutland was Carter Engineering's top troubleshooter, so it was only logical for him to be sent to the L.A. office to crack a case of embezzlement.

Brett was a hard man--he had to be, in his life of work--so it hit him like a sledgehammer when he fell in love with Tessa Conway. Half of the men in the office had been in love with her for years, but Brett was the first she'd loved in return.

Their love was perfect, too perfect to last. One day Brett found the embezzler, and on that day their world came crashing down.

I dunno if now's the right time for me to review this book 'cause I'm still royally pissed at both main characters.

Take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale.

Aight. I hate the way Brett Rutland bulldozed his way into Tessa Conway's life as if he was the best thing since sliced bread. Territorial men can make a sexy read. But the jealousy Brett displayed in this story was just absurd. But I have to say that he made up for that when, still believing that Tessa was the guilty party, he was willing to bail her out. Which, of course, he had to since he put her there in the first place.

I perfectly understood why he had Tessa arrested. All the evidence pointed to her so you really can't blame him. The story had to go that way because if it didn't, we really wouldn't know if Tessa was guilty or not because Brett's next suspect was Sammy Wallace, who was a good friend of hers. And if he hadn't had Tessa arrested, I would ultimately decide him a weak character. I liked him for actually doing that and then working on to protect her even though he still believed her to be guilty of the charge.

As for Tessa, I liked her BUT for the fact that she was willing to let the real culprit go scat-free. I never would have done that even if that person didn't cause me a lot of heartache. What she did was amazing (-ly stupid). The guilty party, Hillary, did it for Sammy so that he could work on his new computer creation, and set Tessa up because Hillary was jealous of the friendship between the two close colleagues. And knowing how Sammy felt about Hillary, Tessa was willing to forgive Hillary. But if I were a good friend of Sammy's, I don't think I'd let Hillary near him. He deserved so much better.

But despite the negative comments, I still quite enjoyed the book. It relieved my boredom for a few hours. And on the LH-meter, it 's somewhere in the middle and leaning towards her better books.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Undercover Princess by Suzanne Brockmann

2006-12-26T16:12:00.000+08:00

"The name's Wind, Kathy Wind..."

With these words, Princess Katherine Wyndham went from sensible sister to secret agent. Her mission: to locate her brother--the long-lost crown prince. Her cover: nanny for handsome tycoon Trey Sutherland.

Caring for Trey's kids came more naturally than any royal duty. And falling for the brooding widower was effortless. But Katherine had always been the plain-Jane princess. Was it too much to hope that he could want a happily-ever-after with her...especially once he discovered who she really was?

When my sister and I moved to a new place a couple of weeks or so back, it gave me the opportunity to clean out my bookshelves and see what books were really worth keeping and what books were UBS-bound. In doing so I was able to check out the older books that I've had for years--there were even those that I'd forgotten I had (they, of course, are now at the UBS). And there were some, I think, that are worthy of a reread before I make a final decision on what to do with them.

This book tops that TBRr list. It being an SB means it's not going anywhere near the UBS though. I just felt like rereading it. This was my second SB (my first being Average, Everyday Jones) and I didn't even notice then that I had another one by her until I put it with the other books. And I didn't become a rabid fangirl of hers until after my third, The Unsung Hero. Okay, enough chit-chat and on to the review.

Obviously, it's a non-SEAL book so it's kinda special already. And it's a royalty book so that's another plus. Unfortunately, it was part of the Royally Wed series and I never found any of the other books in it. Since the others novels were not by SB, I don't particularly care except that it would have been nice to read the other stories--and if how the Wyndborough princesses found their brother.

Princess Katherine Wyndham, or Kathy, never meant to go undercover. She set up an appointment with Trey Sutherland because she suspected he might know where her missing brother was. But the housekeeper thought Kathy was there for an interview for the nanny position. Kathy bought into the charade and when the reclusive millionaire hired her, she thought it was a good cover as any while she looked for her brother.

However, she didn't count on falling in love with Trey and his kids. She didn't know that teaching the Sutherlands how to be a family again was actually setting herself up for heartbreak. And no princess training readied her to make Trey understand that he didn't fail his first wife when Helen asked him for more pain medication so she can put an end to her cancer pain. Helen, nonetheless, ended up doing it all the same.

Trey thought he had failed his children, too. And after Helen died, he found himself spending less and less time with them. But Kathy showed him that it was alright to spend time with them again. And so he was offering Kathy more than any nanny could refuse--she was good with and to the children and they could couldn't afford to have no nanny with Christmas fast approaching. And when he had made love to Kathy, he found himself offering her half of what he owned. Although his daughter Stacy had brought up the subject of marriage long before that.

But then his mother pointed out that it was resourceful of Princess Katherine of Wyndborough to snare a future husband who was someone as rich and reclusive as Trey--and Trey thought he had been played.

Then Trey's daughter, Stacy, disappeared and once again it was Kathy who made him see that Stacy was kidnapped and didn't run away just to spite him for firing Kathy. And it was then that he realized that he loved her--whether she was a nanny or a princess didn't matter. And that he wouldn't let her walk away from him and his family.

I guess I liked the story well enough. The only problem was that Trey didn't have enough time to grovel in the end. It's not the I-love-you-let's-get-married kind of ending but I somehow felt that he should have worked more to get Kathy back after he fired her while not letting her explain why she was in the position she was in in the first place.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Happy Holidays...And Freebies To Start The New Year!!!

2006-12-23T17:27:00.000+08:00

Sanctuary's Finest is having their End of the Year giveaway! They will be drawing two winners by January 1, 2007 and each winner will be getting three books from their Library Thing collection. How's that to start your new year? All you have to do post something about the contest in your blog and let the ladies of SF know about it either by emailing them or linking up to the contest post.

The Seduction Of An English Scoundrel by Jillian Hunter

2006-12-13T09:56:00.000+08:00

It would have been the wedding of the year --had the groom, Sir Nigel Boscastle, bothered to put in an appearance. To the shock of her distinguished guests, the respectable Lady Jane Welsham is left humiliated at the altar, Yet truth be told, although outwardly ruined she is elated to have escaped marriage to man she does not love.

Enter Grayson Boscastle, the irresistible Marquess of Sedgecroft (and cousin to Nigel). Grayson's duty is clear: salvage the young lady's pride and reestablish the family's good name, while repairing his own tarnished reputation as one of London's most notorious scoundrels. Their whirlwind affair is the talk of the ton. Yet nothing as at it seems between the bewitching Lady Jane, who knows that her wedding was clearly sabotaged, as they are drawn into an amusing game of seduction and secrets.

My very first Jillian Hunter novel--and what a great UBS find it was. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this story--and there weren't very many since I couldn't stop once I started.

As Grayson Boscastle put it:

"There is a time to be wise and a time to be wicked."

And Jane did both exceedingly well--and I loved her for it. She was a smart woman and I don't say that just because she sabotaged her own wedding to Nigel--a non-subtle way for her not to be pushed into an arranged marriage, then and in the future. But my admiration for her didn't end there. I loved her best when she turned the tables on Grayson after she learned that he had found out that she had engineered her own wedding fiasco. Tell you about it in a bit.

Grayson Boscastle was one of London's most notorious rakes until the sudden death of his father made him the head of the Boscastle clan. When his cousin failed to show up at his own wedding, Grayson felt that restoring the good name of his family was his first familial duty as the new Marquess of Sedgecroft. So he put it upon himself to help Jane out of the scandal by agreeing with her that they put a united front--and damn what the ton would say. Especially because the ton was soon speculating about their wedding.

Reformed scoundrels are my kind of heroes. Maybe because it's always fun to watch them fall in love and they not know about it. Although it was family honor that led him to help Jane, it was evident that they were both attracted to each other. And the next thing he knew he was falling madly in love with his cousin's bride. But then he had to find out just where Nigel went and got angry for being played the fool--his sense of honor was never needed in the beginning. He wanted to punish Jane and it was all understandable that he wanted to. But I give him one more tally in his scorecard when he made it clear to his brother that this so-called punishment was also for Jane. If she could hatch a scheme, so could he. He wanted them to be equals--because he loved her.

His punishment: Make her his mistress and let the world know about it.

His scheme: Contracted with Jane's father about their marriage without her knowing--before meting out his punishment.

But Grayson's sister told Jane everything and so came my favorite part. Although elated at the thought that they are practically betrothed, she still didn't cotton well to being his mistress. Nevertheless, she dressed the part when they attended a ball and whew! Did Grayson fell for it.

In the midst of confessions, the loving was most evident. Even when Jane refused to an "arranged" marriage with Grayson and insisted that they have a proper courtship, the Marquess did not even bat an eyelash.

Wicked. Sexy. Fun. I had the best time reading this book, even the little things were fun to read. And I need to read more JH books so that I could officially include her in my favorites list. And since she put enough depth into all the characters, I will definitely keep an eye out on all the books in this series as well as her other works.

Final verdict: 9/10. Must-read, must-have.

Beyond The Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

2006-12-13T09:46:00.000+08:00

He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart--until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length--but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side. . .

Faeries are cute and they're supposed to stay that way in my mind. Unfortunately, I met Adam Black in this book and the picture of the dainty, magical creatures in my mind will forever be tarnished. (Well, that remains to be seen until I get to read Adam's book.)

But that wasn't the main reason why I didn't like this book. The heroine just annoyed me to no end--especially when she called the Hawk Adam when he was trying to make love to her, his effing wife. Ugh! I wanted to throw her out a tenth-storey window! I just wanted to throttle her so badly that I could barely concentrate on the other nuances of the story that might be possible saving graces for all the disappointing twists. I've no problem with women trying to hold off men at bay. In fact, they're characters I'd most likely enjoy reading. But the way Adrienne kept using Adam (even if she herself didn't like him) as if he was a shield to ward off the Hawk's sensual attacks didn't sit well with me. Jeez, how much can one person beautiful men?!

The Hawk was on okay hero, I guess. Although I got tired of how his virile perfection was often mentioned from beginning to end. A girl can only stand so much without being bored.

As I've said, faeries are okay. In an LOTR kinda way. But the vengeful role they played and the way they used Adrienne in this story was not my cup of tea. Yes, the Hawk was able to find a countercurse, a way to compel Adam Black to put everything in the right. Nevertheless, the way Adam and the Fae King tried to bounce Adrienne from the present day then back to the Middle Ages as if she was a common ping-pong ball did not improve things one iota. It was just so unfair. And the way these people of the Middle Ages acted to Adrienne's popping out of nowhere baffled me. More so was her modern day housekeeper's reaction when Adrienne told her she was pregnant with a man who lived centuries ago. That left me scratching my head.

Now, enough about this whine disguised as a review. But one last thing: I did enjoy one part--I was glad that Adrienne was able to bring Moonie with her to the sixteenth century. And for that, I won't be giving up on KMM's works entirely--if only to read Adam's story. I won't be reading anything by her right away but I'll give fantasy a second chance soon enough.

Final verdict: 6/10. Try to read.

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

2006-11-30T23:16:00.000+08:00

In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer — the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.

But that was then…Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love…until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets…

My first JQ book. And what a great one it was. It might have been more expensive than the usual used book but it was well worth it. Her writing style is amazing--almost like a historical version of the tone you get when reading an SB. I read it all in one sitting and I will probably have more one-sitting reading sessions with JQ books. No doubt about that. I have become the latest Quinn convert.

I'm more than ready to sell my soul to bag myself a Michael Stirling. What a hero! (Okay, I'm grinning here like an idiot but so what?! LOL!) His whole character was abso-freakin'-lutely wonderful. He might have been a rake but he didn't shy away from the word love as if it's an infectious disease. He admitted right when he saw Francesca that he had fallen in love with her. And he really was a man of principles as he did his best to hide his feelings from Francesca, for not begrudging his cousin John the earldom and all the things that come with it, for feeling guilty when everything suddenly became his after John's untimely death. And even when he was already married to Francesca, he never forgot to remember his cousin.

I gathered from other reviews that a number of people didn't really like this book because they felt that they didn't know Francesca well enough. Seeing as this was a part of series, I see how that would matter. So I'm actually glad I got to read this first out of all the books in the series because I was able to form an unbiased opinion of her and her story. And I found myself really liking her (when I was supposed to hate her because I want Michael for myself). The best thing about her was that she didn't need to be seduced by him so she'd fall in love with him. She felt the spark before there was anything physical between them.

And Michael being Michael (did I say I WANT him, yet?), he did seduce her. But only because he couldn't make her say yes to his marriage proposal right away. A tactic I wouldn't mind being turned on me, that's for sure. Their love scenes were so sexy. Oh la la! And added with:

And he, who had slept with countless women, suddenly realized that he'd been nothing but a green boy.
Because it had never been like this.
That had been his body. This was his soul.

...made everything just about perfect.

And for Francesca and John to have had a good marriage didn't take anything from Francesca and Michael's story. If anything, it was good for their storyline. Because had she had a bad first marriage, it would be a given that whatever she'd have with Michael would be better, however mediocre it might've been. It was wonderful knowing it was a great love after another great love and that Michael wasn't second best. And the best thing about it was that he didn't have to be someone else:

"You didn't have to do anything," she whispered. "You just had to be."

Final verdict: 9/10. Must-read, must-have.

White Lies by Linda Howard

2006-11-30T23:03:00.000+08:00

Nothing could have prepared Jay Granger for the arrival of two FBI agents at her door--or for the news they brought. Her ex-husband, Steve, had been in a terrible accident that had left him gravely injured. The FBI needed Jay to confirm his identity.

The man Jay finds lying in the hospital bed is almost unrecognizable. Almost. Exhausted and afraid, Jay tentatively declares that he is Steve Crossfield. But the man who awakens from the coma is not at all as Jay remembers her husband. And he remembers nothing of their life together. Suddenly nothing is familiar. Not his appearance, not the intensity of his nature, not the desire that flashes between them. Who is this man? And will the discovery of his identity shatter the passion they share?

And here's the answer to my Guess My Book post. And I don't think Dee's gonna like this book or liked it when she read it. I distinctly remember her saying that she's not the biggest fan of plot's involving amnesia. If I remember correctly, she was dissecting JM's Only You at the time. Right, girl?

But I have to say that this was a pretty enjoyable book. When I actually read the synopsis, I really thought it was Steve Crossfield who was laid up in the hospital and that not remembering his life with Jay Granger was just the amnesia talking. But when it turned out that he was an entirely different person, that was when I got really hooked to the story.

I have to say that I really felt bad for Jay. She was just an innocent, dragged into the fray to protect one of the Agency's, well, agents. Can you just imagine having to take care of someone who doesn't remember you? Not to mention you divorced the person years ago. And then you find yourself slowly falling back in love with that person whom you thought was totally wrong for you--because this time around, he has become a different person. And the surprises just kept coming, when Jay discovered that it wasn't really her ex-husband who was in that hospital bed but a total stranger. So then she had to carry on a charade, pretending it really was Steve because if the Agency had gone to the lengths of finding her--the ex-wife of a casualty who died in the same accident the agent was injured in, that only meant she had to protect the man she had come to love.

Lucas Stone might not remember anything about Jay or of her being his wife. But then one thing was sure, it was her and her voice that helped him pull through from his coma. Yes, he couldn't remember anything about being married to her but this time around, he was pretty sure that they have it right and wanted to gave another go at being married. And for that I forgive him for lashing out at Jay later on in the story, when after he regained his memory and learned that Jay had known the truth before him. Understandable, because he had a difficulty gaining his memory back and thinking that if only Jay had said something, he wouldn't have had such a hard time with the flashbacks.

But it was all bluster. Lucas did also keep it from Jay that he had his memory back for a couple of days, not wanting what they had to end. Kinda like why Jay didn't say anything when she learned he wasn't her ex-husband--she was afraid she'd be sent away. Although good for her for running away while Lucas settled score with the man who was after him. Make the man work, now that's my kind of girl.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

What Kind of Reader Am I?

2006-11-28T02:28:00.000+08:00

Grabbed this from SF.

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Literate Good Citizen
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Fad Reader
Book Snob
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz

Once a Wife by Patricia Keelyn

2006-11-27T21:46:00.000+08:00

When Sarah Colby was seventeen, she made the biggest mistake of her life. Her marriage to Reece Colby was in trouble, they were nearly destitute and their baby was sick. When Sarah's mother-in-law offered a solution, Sarah listened. Elizabeth Colby would look after Reece and baby Drew--if Sarah left. Seeing no other alternative, Sarah walked out.

Twelve years later, Sarah's still trying to live with herself. Then she learns that Drew's in trouble and she knows it's time to return. But how can she face Reece after deserting him? And what will happen when he finds out about Lyssa, the daughter he doesn't know he has?

An absolute cryfest--and I loved it!

Here's the question: if it had been me, would I have done what she did? For me, it's one of those questions that you think you have a ready answer to (whether a simple yes or no). But when you actually take a step back and really think about it, you'd come up with no answer--because it really calls for you to experience the situation first hand to actually form an honest opinion.

So it goes without saying that I neither approve or disapprove of Sarah leaving her husband and son (to save them). But I did admire her guts for actually showing up twelve years later. That was some courage knowing that she and Reece didn't part in good terms. But she did it anyway--and had her wish to tutor Drew so he could pass summer school.

Reece Colby. What a man. What can I say? If I had been in his place and the person I loved the most up and left for an insane reason and then showed up suddenly years later, I would most likely show him the door the first chance I get. But Reece was obviously an intelligent person and would never have ranted like I imagined I would. And to honestly admit to himself that he still had feelings for Sarah even after she broke his heart twelve years past just showed that he was/had a wonderful character.

So he agreed to let Sarah tutor their son for the summer with the agreement that she not tell Drew she was his mom. Sarah agreed as long as Drew would get the chance not to be held back in sixth grade--that way someone could also supervise with his eating without him knowing. He had been neglecting his health--something that shouldn't be done especially if one had juvenile diabetes.

But twelve years apart didn't erase the fact that Reece and Sarah loved each other very much. And as it turned out, still did. But then Reece found out that Sarah's daughter, Lyssa, was also his daughter. And before he could really have ample time to let it all sink in, to hit back at Sarah for leaving knowing she was pregnant with their second child, both Drew and Lyssa found out the truth about their parents. Then all hell broke loose.

And before Sarah explained what happened twelve years ago to their children, leaving the part played by Reece's mother out knowing that the old lady did save Drew, she admitted to Reece that she had kept Lyssa's existence from him, afraid that his family would get her, too, when they already had Drew. But then Reece was also man enough to admit to Sarah and to their children that he had played a part in her leaving twelve years ago, pushing her away when she most needed him.

Sarah took the risk of letting her Lyssa spend time with her father and brother. But in doing so, Reece then realized that it wasn't enough for Lyssa to spend the odd holiday with him and Drew--he wanted both his daughter and Sarah in his life forever. Twelve years apart was nothing since these two people were just destined to be together. And it goes to show that nothing's gonna stop anyone from having the destiny one wants and deserves.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

The Protector by Madeline Hunter

2006-11-18T20:44:00.000+08:00

The first time he laid eyes on her she had come to his rescue with a sword in her hand. Still Morvan Fitzwaryn had never seen any woman who aroused his interest and his passion more than the unconventional Breton warrior beauty. Anna de Leon took him into her castle and nursed him back to health, little knowing the spark of desire she was feeding with her caring ministrations. It wasn't long before Morvan had vowed to protect and conquer this unconquerable woman with all the sensual weapons at his disposal.

For her part, Anna de Leon had no interest in men as lovers or husbands. She was used to commanding men in battle. But she suddenly had the strange feeling that her well-fortified defenses could be breached by this dark-eyed, smoldering handsome English knight.When her castle is besieged by an old enemy who claims both her and her lands, Anna finds she had no choice but to accept Morvan's aid--even if the enemy outside her walls is no match for the ally within, who with every tantalizing kiss and forbidden embrace threatens to make her a prisoner of her own fiery passion.

My sister bought this book and since her choices before were mostly the why-did-you-spend-a-dime-on-this stuff, I was prepared for anything when I started to read this.

The best thing about this book was the heroine--Anne de Leon. She didn't dress like a man just because she felt like it. She was a feisty, brave, and strong woman; and even led her men to battle during wartime Brittany. She even survived the plague. Now, that was some badass warrioress! I don't think there was ever a part in the entire story that I got irked by her. She was kinda cool for a woman of the Middle Ages. She even managed to be funny in one part--when Morvan asked her to start being the lady of her keep but started chaos instead. And for those, she became one of my most favorite heroines from historical romances.

And Morvan Fitzwaryn was an endearing hero to say the least. He grew up in court but didn't have the vanity bred there. He was a passable hero for me in the first several pages of the book until the part when he made it clear that he was prepared to let Anna go if it meant her happiness and contentment. Then he became a great hero for me. He didn't have the conceit to think that even if he could give her pleasure, it wasn't enough to completely bind her to him forever. I think it was brave of him--and humbling for a high-born knight--to offer that in the first place knowing that she was likely to take it. Theirs, after all, wasn't a love match. But he was prepared to let her be, but he just wasn't ready to witness her putting herself in danger.

But for me, the highlight in the story was when Morvan became more comfortable with Anna being the warrioress he had first come to know. He had kept her weapons in a bid to keep her safe. But he eventually let her have them back knowing that it is his protection that could keep her safe. He summed it up in one beautiful sentence:

"...it would be a sad thing if my love kept you from being the woman I fell in love with."

Final verdict: 7.5/10. Must-read, must-have.

123, 5, 4

2006-11-18T00:05:00.000+08:00

Borrowed from Dee.

1. Grab the nearest book.

2. Open to page 123.

3. Find the fifth sentence.

4. Post the text of the next four sentences on your blog along with these instructions.

5. Don't you dare dig around for that "cool" or "intellectual" book on your shelves. Just pick up whatever is closest. (I'm in the office so I really couldn't look for the cool and intellectual books if I wanted. Hahaha! Good thing I have a book with me though.)

Can you guess my book?

Aight, here goes...

He had spent too many weeks flat on his back, totally helpless and blind, unable even to feed himself. Now he had his mobility back, and in an unknown number of minutes he'd know if his sight had been restored. The doctor was certain of the surgery's success, but until the bandages were off and he could actually see, Steve wouldn't let himself believe it. It was the waiting and the lack of certainty that ate at him.

The Royal Dumonts

2006-11-05T15:11:00.000+08:00

I found these books a few weeks back when I thought I had all the time in the world to read and review them. Actually, I accidentally found them. I was at a UBS one day looking for some good historicals but i just couldn't find any...or I just didn't like of the books I found there. But I looked at the cover art of His Majesty, M.D. and I was a goner. Fortunately enough, I found a couple of other books in the series. I think there's a fourth one but I found no trace of it--I'll work on that next time I get.

The Royal Dad

When Maggie Gillian met Prince Michel Phillipe, his aura of command emanated from him like heat from the sun. His seeming perfection annoyed Maggie. Teaching His Majesty's young son was the reason she was in his kingdom, not the boy's surprisingly sexy single father. But she found herself wanting to know the man behind the prince...

Prince Michel was accustomed to women who agreed with every breath he took. But the feisty American tutor was turning out to be more than he'd bargained for. This royal dad was a man, with a man's needs...and what he needed was Maggie Gillian.

Doing the forbidden. Nothing's more fun. Right?

I don't mean that in the nasty nasty way. Only that Prince Michel knew he had no business having a relationship with someone his advisers had not chosen for him. But for the first time in his life, he just wanted to be with someone for himself. And Maggie was that someone--and she happened to be the first person who wanted to prioritize Michel's happiness. Although that may be so, she never assumed that Michel would want to have her forever in his life seeing as she was a commoner.

And reading about Michel's efforts to keep her with him just melted this royal watcher's heart. Sigh. The best one was his speech to his mother, the Queen, in a bid to let her see why Maggie was the perfect woman for Marceau's future king.

"She is argumentative but I've never met a woman deliver a more sincere apology than Maggie. She's impatient with protocol because she's impatient with anything that interferes with my happiness. She believes I deserve to be happy. She doesn't love me because I'm royalty. She loves me in spite of the fact that I'm a royalty. She loves Michel. She makes my worst day better. She takes the grind out of ruling. I'm a better person because of her."

Final verdict: 8/10. A must-read.

His Majesty, M.D.

Prince Nicholas's royal relations were forever trying to marry him off to this princess or that heiress. But their latest choice--a shy, awkward American billionaire's daughter, more interested in computers than in men--was a disaster. and made her the perfect "fiancee"...

A fake engagement to this "ugly duckling" would let him return to his first love--medicine--and would surely never go anywhere. Except...Tara York was turning into a swan--a confident, sensual, extremely desirable woman--before his very eyes. And suddenly, he was aching to truly make her his princess...

As I've said earlier, it was the cover art of this book that did me in for this continuity. Muy delicioso!

And the book didn't disappoint either. I already enjoyed Nicholas's appearances in Michel's story. He was funny man Nick in that book. But I guess it was only natural for his character to morph into a more serious version of himself in his own book. And yet, he didn't lose his sense of humor.

And Tara was some character trying to fight off the attraction to the young and book version of McDreamy--with the hair to match. And wearing ugly oversized clothes and thick eyeglasses to make herself as unattractive to him as possible was a nice move. But being the smart guy he was, Nicholas saw through all that.

Even if they both agreed to pretend that they were engaged (so he can practice his medicine and she can finish her online university course), he couldn't help being attracted--and falling--for her. And when they were forced to marry after some pictures of them taking a late night swim were taken, I couldn't help but laugh at Nicholas's reaction. Very Colin-like of JG's Castles.

And this McDreamy version also had a way with words. Check these out:

"You remind me of everything good I want to be."

"Tara, I want to make all your wishes come true."

Wipe the puddle that is me on the floor right now.

Final verdict: 8/10. Must-read and must-have.

Princess in His Bed

The minute he saw the raven-haired beauty who'd crashed into his barn, rancher Jared McNeil knew he was in for trouble. Because she didn't have insurance, Mimi Deerman would work off her debt by caring for his nieces. Jared sensed she had secrets but Mimi's luscious curves drove him crazy. Before long she was burning up his bed and tearing down his defenses.

Princess Michelina Dumont had come to Wyoming incognito in search of her brother, but instead found passion. Would she trade in her royal tiara for the love of a lifetime?

I didn't expect to like this books as much as I did. Reading Michelina from the previous books gave me the impression that she was a brattish princess. A nice girl but brattish nonetheless.

But Jared McNeil's character really helped her turn around. They complement each other very nicely. And I didn't know that Michelina actually felt very useless in her role as a princess. But he made her feel the exact opposite.

The one thing I don't like about plots about royalties going incognito is the lying part. If you know me, you'd know I detest lying. Jared turned out to be an amazing character and I didn't want to read the part where he finds out the truth on Mimi's identity because I'd really feel bad for him when he'd start on feeling being used in the situation. But when he did find out, for me, he acted like a real man. He didn't sling accusation's at Michelina for leading him on about who she really was. In fact, he even helped her to get away from the royal guards when she was almost found and provided a cover for her. I loved him for facing the situation with such aplomb even when his heart was breaking because she had to leave.

When Michelina did find her way back to him, he refused her plans that they get married in Las Vegas and forced her to go back to her family, with him, because he knew that she was important to them. His little speech when her brothers tested him (although he didn't know that and thought that they were just being their royal asses) was a nice touch. He didn't react when they started asking him what his price was so that he'd leave Michelina. But he blew his top when they started 'insulting' her.

"You can insult me all you want, but lay off your sister. I don't care if you go by Your Majesty, Your Highness, billionaire or brother, if you insult Michelina, then I will cheerfully rip your face off."

Final verdict: 7.5/10. Great read.

Say You Love Me by Johanna Lindsey

2006-10-29T19:16:00.000+08:00

Her parents' deaths left Kelsey Langton penniless - and responsible for the safety and well-being of her younger sister, Jean. Now circumstance and human frailty have conspired to leave them homeless as well, unless Kelsey can avert the disaster. But she knows only one way to rescue Jean's home, future and honor - and it means sacrificing her own. Kelsey must allow herself to be sold at auction. With fear and trepidation she enters the House of Eros - resigned to becoming the plaything of some well-heeled gentleman.

And Lord Derek Malory is the highest bidder - a dashing rakehell from a family of charming London rogues. Enchanted by the stunning, dark-haired maid with flashing bright eyes, he purchases her for his mistress - and sweeps Kelsey into a world of astonishing family secrets, perilous rivalries and unconventional loyalties. But Lord Derek is unaware of the true worth of the prize he has so frivolously acquired - never imagining that the proud, spirited miss is a highborn lady blessed with grace, wit and intelligence as well as beauty. And he certainly never expected that he would fall in love with her.

I have not read all the books in the Mallory series but I fell in love with Derek and Kelsey right away. Well, I liked Amy and Warren before this but the Derek-Kelsey tandem was unstoppable.

I think it was very nice of Derek to pay that much amount of money to save Kelsey from a sure fate with a creature that was more animal than human. And it was funny when he decided to keep her as his real mistress because after all, he had paid a tidy sum for her. But then, what do you expect from someone who came from a family of scoundrels? Well, most of them anyway. And I got so irritated when he practically left her in the country to fend for herself when he looked for somewhere to stash her. Granted, it wasn't his fault. A phone would have really come in handy in that situation. Hahaha!

Aside from that, the rest of the book was a very nice read. It was fun reading about Derek trying to keep their arrangement from his family--to avoid another scandal the Mallorys were famous for. I felt bad for Kelsey having to keep her family totally in dark as well about the whole thing. It was understandable, what with how society will surely look at--and talk about--things; but I just didn't get why she didn't tell her aunt about the whole thing from the very beginning. But then again, she wouldn't have met Derek.

The whole thing about Derek and his mother just made me cry. A lot. And it just showed how well he was raised by the woman who pretended not to be his mother for him to react the way he did when he found out about the truth--after being told that his mother was dead.

Now, Derek's father didn't want him to marry Kelsey because she was, after all, his mistress. But Derek was uncaring of that fact and was desperate to have Kelsey permanently with him--because he loved her (but he didn't tell her that). And while Kelsey loved him, too (but she didn't tell him that either), she didn't want to marry him for fear of the scandal that would be brought on his family on come such event. I dunno if I could be that magnanimous.

Nevertheless, I still love this book. Derek and Kelsey made it easy for me to do that because they were just lovely to read about. And I think that they put everything on the line (well, except for the "I love you" part) so there was no beating around the bush like so many other romances out there.

Final verdict: 8/10. Great read.

Forever Blue by Suzanne Brockmann

2006-10-23T17:10:00.000+08:00

Blue McCoy was once the hero of Lucy Tait's teenage dreams -- quiet, dart and dangerous. After high school he left Hatboro Creek, South Carolina, to join the military. Years later, now a Navy Seal, Blue was a man who embodied all of Lucy's fantasies.

Now Blue is back in town, and Lucy is not the person he remembered. She's a no-nonsense police officer -- and a woman Blue can't take his eyes off. But then Blue is accused of murder. And Lucy is assigned his case. Now their brief affair has became part of an extensive investigation, where what's at stake is critical -- Blue's future . . . and maybe Lucy's heart.

I dunno why but I just wasn't able to connect to this book like I expected to. It's a Brockmann, for chrissakes! But it just wasn't one of my favorites. Don't get me wrong though, I adore Blue. And Lucy. But there's something lacking in the book--maybe it's the lack of SEAL action. I probably just missed Alpha Squad joking around and saying some really ashole-ish jokes. Or maybe not. But there it is.

But I lack sleep and I don't wanna get cranky. And talking about the details that made me not like this book (in SB level) is bound to make me cranky so let's not. Lemme just point out some of the better points instead.

I liked the fact that Blue could really talk with Lucy. We all know how talkative he was and when he started talking to Lucy about Hell Week, it was really kinda sweet. Any situation that has a person unconsciously go out of character and become this...better, and yet the same, person is always a beautiful and sweet thing. And she did that to him.

And I loved the letter Blue wrote to Lucy when he was detained in prison and he thought was gonna die--to be done in by the same people who murdered his stepbrother and whose murder Blue was pinned for.

"I've never said these words words to anyone ever in my life, let alone written them down, but somehow over the past few days, I fell in love with you, Yankee.
I thought you should know.

Blue"

And better point number three was when Lucy wanted to wear jeans to her wedding. I might not like the book that much but I gotta say: Atta girl!

Final verdict: 6/10. Have-to read. It's part of the TDD series, isn't it?

To Mother With Love

2006-10-15T20:00:00.000+08:00

The Way Home by Linda Howard

For Anna sharp, the choice was clear. Saxon Malone might not want their baby, but she did--even if that meant giving up the man she loved. But maybe, if she could show him the value of his past, he might be willing to share the future--as a family...

I loved this story so much that's why I hated it--it was too damn short! It didn't deserve to be just a short story. But I guess it was a little bit like Sarah's Child so that was prolly why.

I'd say Saxon Malone was Rome Matthew's better twin and his story was a better version of Rome's. He made his impression on me on the very first line of the book:

"This won't work. You can be either my secretary or my mistress, but you can't be both. Choose."

Who would have thought he would turn out to be such a hero?

And no, they were not having a relationship, it was called an arrangement. Straightforward and no pretense in Saxon's part. Oh, he was in love with Anna but he just didn't really know that. He thought he never knew what love was. But Anna changed that. She wouldn't have become his mistress if she hadn't loved him from the beginning. But she gave it in the only way she knew he would take it.

And then she got pregnant. Anna was ready to let Saxon go because she knew that it wasn't part of their arrangement. But miracles do happen--and Saxon wanted them to stay together. And out of the blue, he wanted them to get married. Although she had wanted exactly that, she never expected it since he had made it clear when she became his mistress two years earlier that it wasn't going to happen.

But before she could accept his proposal, she wanted him to know what family is all about. And the only way to show that to a man who had lived in an orphanage as a young child, too sickly to be adopted, and being shuffled from one foster home to another, was to find that one family who had kept him the longest. And that was the Bradley's, with whom Saxon stayed with until he finished high school. And to his surprise, he found out that the Bradleys had loved him like a son nineteen years ago and if there's anyone who's ready for the future, that would be the one with the healed soul.

Final verdict: 9/10. Must read.

Backward Glance by Robyn Carr

News of her "ailing" mother sent Leigh Brackon and her twin toddlers rushing home. But once there, she found her spry mom sipping medicinal wine and old flame John McElroy knee-deep in landscaping the backyard! Coincidence? Leigh suspected maternal meddling--and feared the truth John might discover in her sons' eyes...

Matchmaking and interfering are two very different things. And this one here was interfering to a T. I wouldn't want anyone to interfere with my life in this way and to be made worried sick about how sick someone in my family was just to make me dance to her every tune. Not my favorite thing. And I didn't like that Leigh didn't tell John about her boys the first chance she got after she returned home.

Final verdict: 3.5/10. Skip it.

So This Is Love by Cheryl Reavis

Little Houng Brenner knew all about the customs of her adopted country. On Groundhog Day you searched for a groundhog, so on Mother's Day...But to betroth her reticent father Jacob to attractive Jessica Markham, Houng had to rally her baffled new brother, invoke her Asian ancestors--in short, manufacture magic...and mayhem.

This story was a funny one. I really had a ball going through the pages. I never thought that different cultures and traditions would be something to laugh about. But what the heck, when someone does totally unfamiliar rituals (is there any other kind?) on your porch, wouldn't you be at least a little freaked out? Especially if you didn't know who was dong it. How about honoring the Jade Emperor and Victor Hugo on the same level? And adorable Huong, or Heidi as she later wanted to be called, was so sweet. And making her reluctant half brother help her "betroth" their father to Jessica Markham was really something. The Jacob-Jessica story was so-so but Heidi and Thomas pretty much made up for everything--they were a very good team.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Passion Becomes You by Michelle Reid

2006-10-15T19:11:00.000+08:00

He wanted nothing more than her love...

From their first meeting, Jemma had known that forever wasn't in Leon Stephanades's vocabulary. She was inexperienced, but the passion between them was so powerful that she cast her doubts aside and agreed to Leon's demand of no-strings affair. Soon Jemma was head over heels in love, and couldn't imagine that she'd ever be the one to end the idyll...

Until she found that her love for Leon was to have a lasting price--and it meant having to let him go...

Another countrygirl-meets-worldly man story. But this one I actually liked. The characters really came out so realistically that I just couldn't help falling in love with them.

Jemma Davis was just living a simple life as a secretary. But that ended when she met Leon Stephanades. Or when he set his eyes on her, whichever way you prefer it. Theirs started as a no-strings affair, which was why when everything was turning "permanent," Jemma had the presence of mind to try to back away. She might have gone to their arrangement as a naive lady but she never assumed that Leon was going to offer her marriage, no matter the consequence that could lead to it.

And when she did find out that she was pregnant, she took the way out. I didn't think it was cowardly, only an honest reaction. Her relationship with him started out as a "faulty" one so I really couldn't blame her for what she did.

But I liked the way Leon took over when he found out about her situation. It might have come off as an overbearing asshole-ish maneuver the moment you get to that part; but when you get to read what he was really planning to do and why he tried to get back with her even before he learned there was a baby, it was kinda sweet. In all honesty, I didn't like Jemma keeping the truth from him at first so I guess she deserved being made to feel that she was "forced" into marriage.

And just when everything was rosy again in their relationship and when they were both adjusting to married life, Jemma had to find out that Leon was given an ultimatum by his father to get married or else he wouldn't be assured of his rightful inheritance. Unfortunately for Leon, he was enjoying his new life with Jemma too much that he kept on delaying telling her that he had decided to marry her even before he learned about her pregnancy and even tell her about his father's ultimatum. She, on the other hand, thought it was a cleverly laid out plan to present Leon's father with a fait accompli--a wife and a baby.

It casted more doubts on their already rocky marriage but Leon refused to ever let Jemma leave him the second time. He had to come clean with everything about the situation. And of course, I don't think you'll have a hard time changing your mind when you have an assurance like this:

"Leon? If I tell you I love you, will you break my heart?

"I will never break your heart. How can I, when it is so precious to me...I love you, Jemma. Please, whatever else you doubt abut me, do not doubt my love."

Final verdict: 8/10. Must read.

Frisco's Kid by Suzanne Brockmann

2006-10-01T18:34:00.000+08:00

She couldn't mend his wounded body . . . but could she heal his heart? Being a navy SEAL is more than a career to Alan "Frisco" Francisco -- it is his whole identity. But now a bullet has threatened that existence. How can he function in combat when he can barely walk? Still, despite the doctor's warnings, Frisco is determined to achieve a full recovery.

But the unexpected appearance of his abandoned niece leaves Frisco with little time for anything but dealing with the five-year-old girl. He knows even less about parenting than about how to mend his broken body. And there is no way he's going to accept offers of help from his neighbor Mia Summerton. He doesn't need anyone's help . . . not to care for his niece, not to learn to accept his limitations and certainly not to fall in love.

This was the third installment in SB's Tall, Dark & Dangerous series...I'll do this one first because I've misplaced my copy of Forever Blue. Argh!

It really surprised me how much I liked this book because I really didn't know what to expect. But Frisco and Mia turned out to be very likable characters. Add Natasha to the equation and you get yourself a good book.

I can relate to this because I do have a cousin who pretty much gave up on life after a vehicular accident. But Frisco, being the SEAL that he was, was used to being physically fit and not being hampered by a constricting condition like the one he had. And his pride made him think that he was going to be nothing if he didn't have control of his legs. It practically translated to him not having control of his life. But when his niece Natasha came into the picture, he had to turn his life around and was forced to face the fact that he could no longer do the many things he could before his injury. But at the same time, being unable to do those things did not make him any less of a man.

Mia helped him accept those things despite his stubborn refusal to do so. She was a tough cookie, that girl. I know I wouldn't last in that kind of situation because patience is not one of my strongest suits. But she was what Frisco needed in his life, someone who could override his own bullheadedness.

Now, Tasha was one cute little button! I know SB has said she was going to write Thomas King's story. I don't care if that'll happen five years from now...as long as he ends up with Tash.

One of the best things about this book was the appearance of all members of the Alpha Squad in one go--Joe, Blue, Harvard, Cowboy, Wes, Bobby, and Lucky. What a bunch!

And lastly, lemme just say that I love the cover art of the Mira reissue. Hahaha!

Final verdict: 7.5/10. Must read.

Double Standards by Judith McNaught

2006-10-01T17:59:00.000+08:00

In the exclusive, glittering world of business superstars, Nick Sinclair was a legend...

The ruggedly handsome president of Global Industries handled his business the way he handled his women-with charm, daring, and ruthless self-control. A man used to the very best, Nick hired Laura Danner, and assumed that the proud beauty would soon be another easy conquest. But Laura's flashing wit and rare spirit dazzle him-and slowly, against his will, he was intrigued, challenged-and in love.

Yet Laura was living a lie, a charade that became more dangerous with every passing moment. Trapped in a web of deceit, she fought her growing love for Nick. Her secret could destroy his fragile trust-and the promise of life with the most compelling man she had ever met!

I was finally able to find someone who has a copy of the book and borrowed it from her. This was the first reread I've had of the book since more or less ten years ago. Back then I really thought this was a very good book. I dunno about now though. I guess it was still a good read and it had the trademark JM sob factor BUT it just didn't appeal to me that much anymore.

Lauren was too naive for my taste. I've read hundreds of naive heroines but Lauren just irritated me. I wanted to shout at her to wake up...I think, I did. And I wanted to clobber Nick when he refused to let Lauren explain even after she begged him on her knees. These flaws in the characters just annoyed the heck out of me.

As a hopeless romantic, the love story was okay. It's always interesting when a worldly playboy falls in love with a small-town girl. That plot always makes for interesting dynamics in the characters. But it just failed here.

But I did like one part--when Nick told Lauren that he wanted daughters with "wobbly blue eye" like hers. I somehow think that when someone says something like that, you come clean with whatever you are hiding that could potentially hurt that person. Unfortunately, Lauren didn't do anything of the sort. I dunno what she was waiting for not to tell him that she was hired by his stepfather to spy on Nick's company. Because all crap aside, she really would have been spying for Whitworth no matter how the old coot put it.

Nonetheless, it was a mediocre reading experience this time around. That's why I've decided never to review a book after just one reading. Nuh-uh.

Final verdict: 6.5/10. A try-to-read.

The Beloved Scoundrel by Iris Johansen

2006-09-23T17:12:00.000+08:00

She was a hostage torn between passion and loyalty. Marianna Sanders realized she could not trust this dark and savagely seductive stranger who had come to spirit her away across the sea. She possessed a secret that could topple an empire, a secret that Jordan Drake, the duke of Cambaron, was determined to wrest from her. In the eyes of the world the arrogant duke was her guardian, but they both knew she was to be his prisoner in his sinister plot--and a slave to his exquisite pleasure.

For years, brilliant, deadly Jordan Drake had schemed to destroy the emperor who threatened everything he valued most in the world. Now that he held this defiant woman who was the key to his final triumph, he felt a fierce sense of satisfaction...and the first stirring of desire. She was only supposed to be a pawn in his plans, but once alone with his captive, Jordan realized she was a prize he could never surrender.

There's something missing in the book and even after a few rereads, I still can't put a finger on it. Maybe it had something to do about the fact that the hero lusted after the heroine even when she was fifteen. So he left her alone for three years to grow up, but at the same time time kept her as his prisoner. But so what?! I still was not feeling it.

The plot just didn't have enough appeal to me. Some parts dragged on and no matter how I try to read their every word, I just fail miserably. I always find myself skimming through the pages.

But there was a part that I like though. When Marianna ran away to destroy the secret every one seemed to be after, Jordan followed her in anger. But it ended up with him and his troops trailing her in as much as to know where she was headed as to let her do the journey in Russian winter completely "her own." He wanted to help her, even attempted to bring her food one night only to find her trying to catch fish--and successfully getting one, too. When his tracker reported the fish gone and suggested going ahead of her and leaving her food in her trail for her to find, Jordan refused.

"I'll be damned if I steal away the victory itself. Not one woman in a thousand could make this journey without help. She deserves to know she did it all herself."

That and the book being one of the three I got from my sisters for my 18th birthday are the only reasons why I haven't given, burned or thrown it away.

Final verdict: 5/10. For the 437-page effort.

David Beckham by Ted Beckham

2006-09-23T16:53:00.000+08:00

David Beckham is both a brilliant footballer and a global icon. The slightest story about his life generates huge media coverage. But those truly close to him have never given their side of his incredible journey until now. Ted Beckham's story is the ultimate dream of every father who has kicked a football with his son. A lifelong Manchester United supporter, Ted has seen his son David captain both his beloved Reds and England, as well as becoming an inspiration for a generation along the way. Even David Beckham was once an ordinary kid dreaming of making a living out of football, and in this celebratory book, Ted Beckham lovingly charts what happened from David's birth to his move to Real Madrid. This book is special not just because of Ted's role as the father of a hero, but because Ted has given exclusive access to all the family photo albums and the unparalleled collection of memorabilia he has amassed during David's career. The book features 300 exclusive images to complement the text, giving a side to David that has never been seen before. David Beckham: My Son will delight his fans, giving a fascinating insight into the early life of David, his ambition and determination to succeed, as well as his father's pride and joy as he watched him grow into a great footballer.

Not a romance novel. I know. But what the heck...I just had to reread it after I was done dancing after I saw David Beckham score in Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Real Sociedad last Sunday. I had a job orientation Monday but I readied the book early that morning so when I got home that evening, it would be the read of the day.

This was a fantastic read. It was written by Becks' father and it had a certain grassroots' take on it. And with that, I meant that it didn't have the commercialized take that other biographies usually have. If you're looking for the stories behind the ever-changing hairstyles or a discussion on the Beckham brand success, you wouldn't find them here. Sure they were mentioned in passing but when written by a very proud father who's passionate about his son's sport, 95% of the book was football, football, football!

That's why I love this book so much. I got to learn about how Ted Beckham taught young Becks the basics of footy, of how a middle class family made sacrifices to make a boy's dream come true, of the many hours spent practicing the now world famous Beckham free kicks. This book was full of the ups and downs of Becks' career; and that the wonders he can do on the pitch are products of years and years of practice.

And as if the insider stories of the Beckham journey (so far) were not enough, there were tons of photos in the entire book. The best ones were those you can't find anywhere on the Web, those that are part of the Beckham family albums. There were pictures of him as an infant, there were pictures of him and his sisters. There were school pictures of him when he was three, four, six (in this he had a missing front tooth--cute!), and nine that were so adorable and were early testaments of how cute this creature of God can be. There were countless shots of him in football games as a youngster...there was even a shot of his birth certificate.

Wait. So it's not a novel. But when reading 7 chapters and 239 pages of football history that only the David Beckham can have, it's nothing but romantic. Two thumbs up 'cause I'll always love me some Goldenballs!

Final verdict: 9/10. Must read, must have for all Beckhamists.

Sarah's Child by Linda Howard

2006-09-19T19:41:00.000+08:00

A tragic accident took everything that mattered to Rome Mattews -- his wife, Diana, and their two little boys. And it robbed Sarah Harper of her best friend. In the two years since the tragedy, Sarah has wanted to reach out to Rome, but she knew she needed to stay away, guarding the secret she had kept from him and Diana all those years -- that she was in love with her best friend's husband.

But now Rome needs her. And though another woman will hold his heart forever, Sarah agrees to be his wife, knowing that everything has a price, including love. Then something totally unexpected rekindles her hidden hope that a marriage of convenience will become a union of love. Now it all comes down to her husband. Will Rome keep fighting his own growing need for a woman who dares him to believe there are second chances in life . . . or will he give in to the power of love and miracles?

This is no doubt one of LH's best works. What a real tearjerker! You'd be drained by the time you're done with it. But it's a good kind of drained.

I know y'all have read this book. And I know (almost?) all of us think that Rome was cold to Sarah several times. But I could not really hate him for that. What happened to him after the death of his first wife and their two children was understandable. When we get hurt, e.g. when we lose some one special and important, it's human nature to protect ourselves from being vulnerable to that kind of hurt again.

And because Sarah was so in love with him, she was practically a martyr to the nth power when she married him knowing that he was still in love with his first wife--and her best friend. But she had to believe in the miracle that Rome would come to love her back because after all, his wanting her and wanting to marry her were already miracles themselves.

Sarah had guts, and I love her for that, when she practically handed Rome an ultimatum after she accidentally got pregnant. He didn't want to have any more kids so when it happened, he wanted her to get rid of it. But as her ultimatum went, he could stay with her--and the kid--or leave. But he wasn't stupid to just give up what he had with her--and he had fallen in love with her. He was too stubborn though when it came to the baby. I'd expected that he would give in earlier than he did. It would have been nice if he was really with her during the birth of their daughter or maybe even earlier on in the pregnancy.

Nevertheless, it was still a very good read. The end was kinda rushed. I personally would have loved if there was another chapter, or maybe even a short epilogue. That would be another crying session. But it's all good.

Final verdict: 9/10. Must read, must have.

Castles by Julie Garwood

2006-09-19T18:38:00.000+08:00

Orphaned and besieged, Princess Alesandra knew that only a hasty marriage to an Englishman could protect her from the turmoil in her own land. To the amusement of her makeshift guardian, Colin, younger brother of the Marquess of Cainewood, the bold, raven-haired beauty instantly captivated London society. But when Alesandra was nearly abducted by her unscrupulous countrymen, the fighting instincts that won Colin a knighthood for valor were rekindled.

Deceiving himself that he wanted only to protect her, Colin swept her into a union meant to be a marriage in name alone...yet Alesandra's tender first kiss and hesitant caress ignited a wildfire in his soul. As the lovely princess dashed headlong into unforeseen dangers, Colin would follow, knowing he must claim her as his own forever. Now he would risk life itself before he would lose this sweet, tempestuous angel...

This book is the reason why JG will always be one of my all-time faves. Not only because it was the first JG book I ever read, but also because the lead characters were so enjoyable to read. Not only were they romantic and had enough and the right chemistry: they broke my cute couple scale.

Princess Alesandra was born to a king who abdicated his throne to marry a commoner. Years later, the general who ruled her country was bent on marrying her to gain the support of the masses. After all, the former king and his family had always been popular even when he was no longer in power. But the princess had lost her parents several years earlier and was living in a convent until her guardian, the Duke of Williamshire, sent for her.

Sir Colin Halbrook was her guardian's second son. He had no choice but to play guardian to the princess when his father and older brother became ill to do their duty. I really would like to think that Colin fell in love with Alesandra the first time he saw her since she was a small girl. Actions speak louder than words and all that.

Her guardian had suggested Colin for her husband when they made a list of possible candidates but when Alesandra told Colin that bit, he refused. The man intended to build a shipping empire in the next five years and he couldn't afford any distractions. And Alesandra was a huge distraction.

Although hurt by Colin's refusal, Princess Alesandra had no choice but to continue on looking for a husband. After all, that's the main reason why she came to England. All this trouble was for the general to stop coming after her. One of my favorite part was after Colin refused Alesandra's offer, in his reaction to her attempt at seeing them as relatives.

"We are like family now, aren't we? Your father is my guardian, and I try to think of you as a brother..."

"The hell with that."

"You don't want me to think of you as a brother?"

"Damned right I don't."

Or how about--

"You were becoming like a cousin to me and I..."

"I'm not your cousin."

"Everyone believes we're cousins."

"I don't give a damn what everyone else thinks."

"This conversation is ridiculous. If you don't wish to be related to me, that's just fine."

"I'm not related to you."

"You don't have to shout, Colin."

"You're making me crazed, Alesandra."

Colin boy, love and attraction have no respect for plans and schedules. LOL! And then his father explained why he felt it was his duty to protect Alesandra. So Colin might have felt that he had to marry the daughter of his father's old friend. But really, that was just a little nudge into the right direction.

Of course there was no had to marry in this case! Colin might had been given a little push into proposing to his princess. But that was after he found flaws in every bachelor in her possible-husbands list. Hmm, another great part of the book. And he wasn't taking "no" for an answer in his proposal and since his father had told Alesandra could choose, Colin had to resort to a little trickery (I doubt if it was little considering his father almost went apoplectic)--he told his family that he and Alesandra had already slept together. Sleep being the operative word since she took care of him when he got sick while she stayed in his house. But the family didn't now that, did they? I laughed so hard when she tried to explain what happened.

"Nothing sinful happened. I did go into his room and I did sleep with him, but only because he was so demanding and I became so weary...I kept my clothes on. And he..."

"I wasn't wearing anything."

Does that sound like someone who didn't want to get married?

I just enjoyed the love story so much that I almost forgot there was a killer who got a taste for killing innocent women. The heroine became a target (as usual) but with a hero knighted for valor, that was nothing. In truth, the conflict just faded into the background. For me, that is. I was just soaking up the romance in this book, peeps. It was so sweet it was like a YA fiction, Regency London-style. It was so funny that had it been a movie, it would be one of those feel-good ones that always makes it to my movie marathon list. And, of course, if you're planning to get stranded in an island, don't forget this one.

Final verdict: 9.5/10. Must read, must have.

(This is for Ames who loved Colin but has forgotten the story. We can't have that, can we?)

Maggie's Dad by Diana Palmer

2006-09-06T18:46:00.000+08:00

Hot-tempered rancher Powell Long had once stolen Antonia Hayes's heart. But small-town lies tore their young love apart, forcing Antonia to flee. Years later, she returned to find Powell raising a daughter alone. Fatherhood hadn't tempered his wild side, or his desire for the one woman he'd always wanted--Antonia. Not even her pride could make her ignore the eager pull of her heartstrings. And taking a chance at a future family with Powell was simply too irresistible.

Antonia Hayes had to leave town to spare her family further heartache when her best friend started rumors about her and an old family friend. Nine years later, she decided to go home when she learned she had leukemia. She had not decided whether to get treatment or not since she practically had nothing to live for.

Powell Long had believed Sally's lies and cancelled his wedding to Antonia. Nine years later, he had a hard time disbelieving the lies because it would mean that he not only destroyed his life but also Sally and Antonia's lives. Six years after Sally died, he wanted a second chance with Antonia. But her cold demeanor towards him convinced him that she didn't feel anything for him anymore.

Maggie Long was the end result of the one and only night Powell had spent with Sally--the night he got so drunk after Antonia left town. Born premature, Antonia had always believed that Powell had been sleeping with her best friend the whole time he was engaged to Antonia. The child heard her father talking about his past with Antonia to their housekeeper so she decided to have her new teacher Miss Hayes fired--by telling lies about her threatening to hit Maggie. That did the job and Antonia was forced to leave town again for the second time. The injustices of this world!

But then Powell found out that she was sick and followed her. He refused for her to just give up because she had something to live for--they were getting married. Antonia had her doubts about his motives for marrying her--was it just pity?

"Life is too precious to throw away. Marry me, Annie. If it's only for a few weeks, we'll make enough memories to carry us both into eternity!"

I'd say yes to that, too!

But as they went for further tests so Antonia could started her treatments, they found out that there was a mix-up at the lab and that what she really had was not cancer. It had the same symptoms but what she really had was mononucleosis. Still doubting about Powell's motives?

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Undressing."

"It's...wrong."

"We're going to be married. This is my insurance...I'm going to give you a baby, Antonia."

That left Maggie to deal with. Antonia didn't know the kid other than being belligerent and uncooperative when she taught Maggie's class. But she knew that the child was feeling unloved and unwanted by the adults in her life. And by the time you read this:

"Now that she's back, you don't..hate me anymore, do you?" she asked softly. "Please don't...hate me...anymore! I love you, Daddy!"

"Oh, dear God. I don't hate you. God knows, I never hated you, Maggie!"

...you'd know everything was gonna be okay.

I love any book which can give me a cry-athon--this is a perfect example. This has been a fave reread of mine over the years.

Final verdict: 9.5/10. Must read, must have.

Silver Angel by Johanna Lindsey

2006-09-06T17:44:00.000+08:00

Abducted and sold into slavery, Chantelle Burke has been brought to the palace of the mighty Pasha. Vowing never to bow to this ruthless master's will, the young Englishwoman weakens within the silken splendor of his chambers, and after on glance into his piercing emerald eyes.

The stunningly handsome Pasha is a powerful, muscular figure yet he caresses the lovely addition to his harem with a fond tenderness that only succeeds in driving her wild. But beneath his exotic eastern garb, the cryptic Pasha shrouds his true identity -- one that he finds difficult to conceal when he wants so much to surrender his heart and soul to the irresistible Chantelle.

The more I reread this book, the more I find flaws in the hero. But it seems that in spite of that, I just couldn't bring myself to hate this story.

Chantelle Burke was an heiress but since she was underage, her fortune and future were in the hands of her guardian. Her uncle, whose family had been the "poor relations" before they got their hands on her money, then arranged for her to be married to a decidedly old but rich man. She had no choice but to run away only to be captured by pirates in her escape.

I love this heroine. I love her spirit--she actually tried to escape her captors by jumping ship. But she was never stupid. She never lost hope during her captivity and even after she was bought. And neither did she make any more escape stunts that would have had her punished, most likely raped, when she got caught.

Derek Sinclair was twin brother to the Dey of Barikah. Their mother made him leave Barikah for England when he was ten so he could continue the Sinclair line. After all, she could no longer return to her country of birth without bringing down the scandal of her enslavement on the Sinclair name. But when Jamil asked for his help, Derek had no qualms returning to the country he once called home.

One of the reasons why I like this book is probably because Derek played Jamil--so the Dey could look for the person responsible for his many assassination attempts. "Trading" places is one of my fave plots because of the thrill of not being found out. And it's always fun waiting for a slip-up. And reading about the culture of a harem is always interesting.

The whole Chantelle and Derek-as-Jamil encounters were just absolutely fun to read. Chantelle, or Shahar as all women of the harem were always renamed, did manage to hold off the advances of the Dey for the first few days even if she was attracted to him. That was a brave thing to do, especially because no woman had ever said no the Dey.

Derek was a different story. I don't get why I like this hero so much. Maybe I was impressed by the many traditions of the Dey that he broke just so he could be with Shahar. Probably too impressed as to overlook the fact that he was engaged to be married to his childhood friend before he left England for Barikah. And during this engagement to Caroline he was still dallying with the maids and had no plans whatsoever to be faithful to her during their marriage. What a cad!

So when he left Barikah, he brought Chantelle home with him so she could become his mistress. But he conveniently found out that his fiancee and his best friend were in love, making it possible now for him to marry Chantelle. And she said yes after she heard the three magic words that make fools out of people. But I would like to think that she changed him regarding fidelity. After all, he slept with her and only her the entire time he had access to a harem when he lived as the Dey.

So I love the book. I can't blame you though if you want to hit me with a pan over my head.

Final verdict: 7/10. Read at your own discretion.

Must -Die Books

2006-09-02T16:39:00.000+08:00

I'm prepared to be disappointed when I read books by authors I haven't read before. It's when I get my hands on works by my fave authors and find them so frustrating that makes me wanna jump off a building. But of course not! I am not gonna die for an assholeish hero or heroine or plot!

All That Glitters by Linda Howard
I hate this book! I hate Jessica Stanton so much I wanna torch her. Argh! And Nikolas Constantinos was a chauvinistic pig. They deserve each other. I don't get the whole point of the book and I get depressed just at the thought of it.

The Last Rogue by Deborah Simmons
I've read this book from cover to cover. Meaning, I've read the first couple of chapters and then the last. And to think that I was uber excited to find this one because its prequel, The Vicar's Daughter, was a good read. But with this, getting through the first couple of chapters was like torture. Not a good sign.

Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard
My bad, folks, when I said over in Holly's list of must-die books at SF that this is the prequel to All That Glitters. Nope. It was the prequel to Diamond Bay. But it doesn't change the fact that I don't like it. I couldn't say it didn't leave an impression because it did--stay far, far away.

Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
More like a not so tender loss. When you've read the great works of JM, this one seemed like a ginormous letdown. I don't think the characters had enough chemistry, if at all. It took me months to finish it and I only did 'cause, duh!, I spent money on it.

Embraced By Love by Suzanne Brockmann
I detest the woman in this novel--not heroine...never. She just underlined one major drawback of career women in a bad way--not being able to take care of their children. A lot of women are willing to do it; a lot struggle but does it anyway. But what's-her-name refused to even make the effort. And to think that the children involved were her own nephew and niece, not her husband's. Please, give me a gun! And I'm not convinced by the ending because I didn't think she can change and make the compromise work. Where's my goddamn gun?!

Oh, the list could go on and on but I am not in the mood right now to remember my bad reads. Maybe not ever. Just doing this for the good of the romance-reading peeps.

By the way, the list is not ranked in un-preference. Okay? You can lump them all together at numero uno and I wouldn't care. Or as a local text joke says--I couldn't care a damn!

Prince Joe by Suzanne Brockmann

2006-09-02T16:26:00.000+08:00

Veronica St. John is facing the challenge of a lifetime. The media consultant has two days to teach a rugged Navy SEAL to impersonate a European prince who has been targeted by terrorists. It's a tough assignment, but Veronica is sure she's up to the task -- until she actually meets Joe.

Despite his physical resemblance to the handsome prince, Lieutenant Joe Catalanofto is nothing like the stuffy aristocrat. Everything about the combat-hardened Navy SEAL -- from the arrogant gleam in his eyes and streetwise attitude to the New York accent -- says regular guy, not royalty. One conversation and Veronica knows nothing could turn this military man into nobility. Joe, on the other hand, is confident he's got what it takes to complete his duty.

But neither of them expects their assignment to include falling in love . . .

The first book of SB's Tall, Dark and Dangerous series--and an absolute winner. SB is, of course, known for creating wonderful characters but I dunno what she was eating when she was writing this one because the chemistry between Joe and Ronnie was wonderful. There goes that word again. It was wonderful to read, wonderful to "experience," wonderful to reflect on.

Joe Cat had a great sense of humor that the only way to go was fall in love with him. I couldn't blame him for his prejudice about social classes because, admit it, they do exist. This "inferiority" thing he had when it came to Ronnie actually made him more adorable--because we hardly ever see our (SB) SEALs this vulnerable. Just because he was CO of an elite team of SEALs, he didn't didn't automatically think he was good enough for the "likes" of Ronnie. But because he knew she loved him, too, then he was ready to be with her no matter the cost. Pride be damned!

The British accent was a nice touch--I have a weakness for the brogue myself. I admit, I was pretty disappointed when Ronnie refused Joe Cat's proposal. I mean, it was she who said that "some things were worth the risk" (check page 140!). This was definitely one of those things and yet she was afraid to do it. But in the end, I was proud of her for overcoming that fear. Unlike soldiers who go to war with their eyes wide open, husbands and wives of servicewomen and -men, respectively, don't have the option to fall out of love because their loved ones have a higher risk of dying early than the average person. And asking Blue to promise to take care of Joe when they are away kinda nice, too. Although there's comfort when you know that your loved one is doing his best to stay safe, it's always an additional assurance to know that the people he or she is with will do their best to keep their company safe as well.

And their first kiss! It's the best as far as novel first kisses go. It was not the "I want you, You want me. Let's go to bed" kind which I had expected from Joe. He was alpha male, aight? It was their chemistry at work.

And if you want to unclog your tear glands, the scene with Cindy, the girl dying from cancer, would be the way to go. And I haven't quite reconciled Joe (or any other SEAL) and hair extensions. Victoria "Queen of Hair Extensions" Beckham, yes. Joe, no. That was good one.

Final verdict: 9.5/10. Must read, must have.

Gold Ring of Betrayal by Michelle Reid

2006-08-28T19:02:00.000+08:00

They've never stopped being married...

Nicolas Santino doesn't accept Lia is his daughter. He believed Sara, his wife, cheated on him with another man, and Lia is the result of that betrayal.

So Sara and Nicolas are separated--until the silence between them is forcibly broken: Lia has been kidnapped! Nicolas knows he is the only one who can secure the little girl's safe return, but it means he must go back to Sara--and find that, even after three long years, she still wears his ring...

I've had this book for a number of years and have read it from cover to cover countless of times. And if ever there are any at all, then I'm blind to all it's flaws.

Nicolas Santino was one hot papa that I just wanted to sink my teeth into him! He'd make wonderful dessert, I'm sure. And the reason I loved him so much (and still do) was because even if he believed that Sara betrayed him three years earlier, he was still willing to have another go at their marriage when he did finally see her again. So what if it came three years later? Not a lot of people can accept the 'nasty' past and put it where it belongs--in the past; and try to have another chance at happiness. He did that--and more--because he could not let Sara go a second time around. And more because he really made an effort to accept Lia as his own. He didn't even bother with the blood tests Sara offered for the child and him to have.

"...I was afraid of the answer...I wanted her to be mine so much, it was easier to simply--tell myself she was mine and leave it at that than learn the opposite."

Sara was the guppy to Nic's shark (analogy courtesy of JM's Remeber When, of course). The guppy from the country fell in love with the worldly shark and vice versa. Unfortunately for her, Nic's father didn't think she was good enough for his son. So the older Santino set out to destroy the marriage of his son and when faced with what seemed to be incriminating evidence, Nic believed his father. But 'pride' prevented him from divorcing her even after believing she was pregnant from another man. To the rest of the world she was still his wife.

So being the saint she was and because she was still in love with Nic, she agreed to work it out with him. She did that even with the belief that Nic could possibly have a mistress--not, not true!

And that's the best thing about this book. Two very proud characters who managed to reach out and risk it all. And when the older Santino confessed all, Nic became all too human--and you'd love him more. While Sara made him understand that all of them are just victims, even his own father--for wanting the best for his only child. And you really couldn't hate Alfredo Santino forever because he brought back Nic and Sara in the end. Cunning as always.

My fave part would be:

"I promise you. I will never move from this bed if this is where you want me to stay."

"Always?" It was crazy, stupid conversation,yet so incredibly important!

"Until the day I die if that is what it will take," he vowed.

"Take for what?"

"For you to feel loved by me again."

"And do you?"

"I never stopped. How could I? You are the other part of me that is missing when I am not with you. You feel the need to hold on to me like this. But it is I who will never let you go again."

Final verdict: 9/10. Must read, must have.

Maiden Bride by Deborah Simmons

2006-08-28T18:40:00.000+08:00

Gillian Hexham soon learned her new lord was more wedded to revenge than to her. For Nicholas de Laci had sworn to exact payment for the sins of her uncle. Why, then, did his eyes belie his words, speaking naught of retribution--but promising nights of love?

Fate had sent Nicholas de Laci the perfect bride to fill the aching need in his soul. With her tainted blood, Gillian Hexham would satisfy the raw hunger that near consumed him. But only in ways he could never imagine!

I really couldn't blame Nicholas de Laci if he was consumed by revenge the way he was. He was left wounded in the Holy Land when he thought help had arrived in the form of Hexham, lord of the neighboring lands that bordered his England home. But he was sadly mistaken as he was dragged into the desert sun and was left for dead under the Syrian sun.

He came back from the dead to claim his estates and have his revenge on his neighbor only to find out that his brother-in-law, the Red Knight, had already killed Hexham when the traitorous neighbor attempted to claim Belvry, Nicholas's properties. Deprived of his revenge, Nicholas was only too willing to marry Hexham's niece as decreed by the king to settle the disputes on Hexham's lands since there were no other heirs to claim it--and make her suffer instead. Nick expected Gillian Hexham to be a docile lady that he could break with his vengeance. But, boy, was he wrong as it turned out that this novice nun was as fiery as her red hair. It was fun reading him having to work on being angry at her, at being a jerk (honestly!). It didn't work because he wanted her too much.

So came my favorite part. Not the sex part--although it was tastefully done. No, sickness came to Belvry and since Gillian was tending the sick (against Nicholas's wishes), it was expected that she would contract the ailment. And during her bout of illness, Gillian had delirium--she asked her maid Edith not to tell Nicholas that Gillian loved him. But it was Nick who was taking care of her because Edith was sick, too. That was when he decided to stop his vengeance. Don't you just love a crying man!

And that was also when he decided to keep his wife safe forever--and that included not making love to her again because it could result to pregnancy and then to possible death at childbirth. Which was doubly hard to do because he had come to love his wife and she was hellbent on having the family she always wanted.

"My lord, you must wash it in vinegar."

What?! Exactly Nick's reaction when Edith's husband tried to give advice on ways how not to impregnate the lady of Belvry.

One thing I didn't like was how Nick relented on the matter of children--Gillian's brother showed up and Nick wanted assurance that his wife's affection didn't get divided between him and the brother she could barely remember. But I had to love Nick's patience because even with Hexham's heir showing up and determined to claim the lands of his uncle that were now Nick's, he didn't let his vengeance get the worse of him to spare Gillian's feelings.

Thankfully, it was discovered that the Hawis Hexham in their midst was an impostor before he could endanger Gillian any further as he had originally planned--so that he could solely claim the Hexham properties.

This book has one of my fave epilogues. Don't you just wish epilogues are at least half as long as the entire book? I do! Check this one out when Gillian was giving birth to their first child:

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"Lean nearer and let me twist your privates into a know, so you can know how I fell."

"You are the one who wanted this baby! Do not lay at my door the blame for your discomfort."

"Discomfort? Discomfort? I shall give you discomfort, you fiend!" 'Tis all your fault! You bedded me!"

"You seduced me!"

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Must read, must have.

*I've had this book for years and years and I'm still looking for its prequel, The Devil's Lady, the story of the Red Knight and Aisley de Laci, Nick's sister.

Bodyguard by Suzanne Brockmann

2006-08-25T16:53:00.000+08:00

Threatened by underworld boss Michael Trotta, Alessandra Lamont is nearly blown to pieces in a mob hit. The last thing she wants is to put what’s left of her life into the hands of the sexy, loose-cannon federal agent who seems to look right through her yet won’t let her out of his sight.

FBI agent Harry O’Dell’s ex-wife and son were tragic casualties in his ongoing war against organized crime. He’ll do whatever it takes to bring Trotta down -- even if it means sticking like glue to this blonde bombshell who unwittingly married into the mob. She needs him if she wants to stay alive. But staying alive is nothing next to the explosive attraction that threatens to consume them both -- and puts them into the greatest danger of all...falling in love.

I've already read SB's The Unsung Hero and The Defiant Hero when I got my hands on this one. It was kinda weird to have SB's name in front of the book and not read SEAL in the entire story. As it turned out, this was a good read.

I absolutely love Alessandra Lamont's character. Probably because I really thought that she was going to be a disappointment when I first started reading the thing. You really can't blame me 'cause in the first few pages it did sound like that.

But by the time I read the last page I was hoping that, when I finally grow up, my 'character' would be half as good as hers. She was eternally optimistic about a lot of things that already seemed hopeless. She said she was stupid but I don't think so. Naive, but never stupid.

And her emotional strength was something. After having the rich life, she didn't have any complaints cleaning houses as a new job--well, she had to do it as part of her cover. She had to start her life with nothing to her name, not even family or friends. I would likely have jumped the nearest seawall if that had been me.

Clive Owen comes to mind whenever I read the name Harry O'Dell. I dunno why, it just does. Harry O'Dell gave a new meaning to the term emotional baggage. I perfectly understand the recoil that led him to (almost) sign away his kids--he felt guilty that he knowingly abandoned them in his quest for revenge and he actually believed the kids didn't need him.

That's why Allie was perfect for him. She made him see that the case was the exact opposite--that the kids needed him as much as he needed them for all of them to really move on.

And this was where I first met George Faulkner. Which was a good thing 'cause I don't think I could stand the thought of him, all FBI business in later SB books, and then just read here that he was almost caught by his ex-wife being 'serviced' by his current lover. George, of course, is the kind of sidekick that just grows on you--like Wildcard. (*sigh*)

I hope one of these days...uh, books...Harry's security consulting firm gets to work with TS. And ever the romantic, I wanna know if Shaun did hook up with Mindy. Just like I wanna have Tom Paoletti mention in passing that his niece Mallory had married David.

Oh, well. We can't have everything.

Final verdict: 7/10. Must read.

Welcome!!!

2006-08-25T16:28:00.000+08:00

Hello, people. This is my first book blog and my first attempt at seriously reviewing books since my high school book reports. I was actually planning to officially start this on September but was too exited to wait. So I'm starting this one early. Please bear with me though. I'm not any good at this so I hope I won't regret doing it.