Tag Archives: Winter 08 Reading Challenge

Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey

Posted on January 19, 2009 by TBRG| 1 Comment
Haardrad Family Saga bk 2

Beautiful and defiant, Kristen Haardrad meets the hot, longing gaze of Royce, Thane of Wyndhurst, with icy fury – vowing never to be enslaved by the powerful Saxon lord who holds her captive.

She is his enemy and his prize – a wild and lusty hellion to be tamed by her dashing conqueror’s kiss. But though maddened with desire for the golden–haired Viking temptress, noble Royce, in conscience, cannot force his exquisite prisoner to submit. For only Kristen’s willing surrender can quench the blistering fires that sear his tormented soul – and heal a heart consumed by passion with a soothing balm of rapturous, unconditional love.

REVIEW: I have loved this book from the very first time I read it years ago. I think that I read it for the first time back in high school, which was a looooong time ago.

I love how Kristen is the kind of woman that knows herself very well. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.

I enjoyed watching Royce and his struggle to come to terms with the fact that he wants a Viking, an enemy of his. Royce doesn’t just hate the Vikings, he loathes them, they had taken his family from him.

This has got to be one of my all time favorite books. For anyone that likes Viking books this is one book that you have to read.

This was read as part of the Winter 08 Reading Challenge: Read a book about a Viking or a Pirate

I give this a 4.5 out 5.

Tagged ,

Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks

Posted on January 19, 2009 by TBRG| Leave a comment

Under Faith Malone’s deceptively soft exterior lies a woman who knows exactly what she wants. A strong man who’ll take without asking—because she’s willing to give him everything…

Dallas cop Gray Montgomery is on a mission: find the guy who killed his partner—and bring him to justice. So far, he’s found a link between the killer and Faith—and if Gray has to get close to her to catch the killer, so be it.

Faith is sweet and feminine, everything Gray wants and desires in a woman, but he suspects she’s playing games. No way she would allow a man to call the shots in their relationship. Or would she?

Faith sees in Gray the strong, dominant man she needs, but he seems determined to keep her at a distance. So she takes matters into her own hands to prove to him it’s no game she’s playing. She’s willing to surrender to the right man. Gray would like to be that man. But catching his partner’s killer has to be his first priority. Until Faith is threatened and Gray realizes he will do anything to protect her.

REVIEW: I had a really hard time reading this book, I ended up just skimming it because I just couldn’t get into the story. I have read other books along this theme, and I have to say that I liked them more. As a fan of Maya Banks, I love her Silhouette books, so I was expecting to love this story and I didn’t like it.

There wasn’t any one thing that I didn’t like, I think it was the story as a whole that I didn’t like. I will say that the sex was OMG hot, but that was about all.

This was read as part of the WInter 08 Challenge: Story that has a military or civil servant.

I give this book a 3 out of 5.

Tagged ,

SEALed with a Kiss by Mary Margaret Daughtridge

Posted on January 19, 2009 by TBRG| Leave a comment

He can handle just about anything, except this…
Jax Graham is a member of an elite military team, but when it comes to taking care of his four-year-old son after his ex-wife dies, he’s completely clueless.

One person can help him, if he’ll let her…
Family therapist Pickett Sessoms knows just how to help a rough, tough Navy SEAL deal with a scared and lonely little boy, but not if he insists on going it alone.

When Jax and his young son Tyler get trapped by a hurricane, Pickett takes them in against her better judgment. Jax figures Pickett’s high maintenance, just like all the women he knows, and she figures he’s not commitment material. But when an outing turns deadly, Pickett discovers what it means to be a SEAL, and Jax discovers that even a hero needs help sometimes…

REVIEW: I think that I have been on a role lately in picking up books. This is another one that just touches your heart. SEAL’s are the ultimate male, and the only thing that love and protect above all others is their family, at least those that I have known.

I have to say that I fell just a little bit in love with Jax, this man that has a lot of love in him, and he has no clue how to express it. A man that loves his son, and wants the little boy that he remembers back, only he is at a complete loss on how to accomplish that. One of my favorite parts of this book is when he asks Pickett for help and she gives him a huge 500 page book on child development, that he reads, and then re-reads.

Pickett is that has no clue how to deal with real emotions, and once you meet her family you understand her completely. The one thing that she does know is that she has to help Jax and his little boy Tyler. The thing that she hadn’t counted on was the feeling of completeness that she has when she is with them.

I have to include Tyler because he is an intregal part of the story. The first time that you meet him, you just want to wrap your arms around him, and assure him that everything is going to be all right. He is completely at the whim of the adults around him, and has no say until begins to let his dad Jax back in.

I loved how Mary brought this heartwarming story to be. She brought real emotions and feelings, along with real life into the story. You felt Jax’s anxiety about what the right thing to do for Tyler was, considering his career. Pickett a woman afraid to let anyone in because of her fears, fears that she has had her entire life because of the actions of others around her.

This is one that as soon as I read it, I wanted to re-read again. In fact I think I might.

This was read as part of the Winter 08 Reading Challenge: Read an author that has 3 names.

I give this one a 5 out of 5.

Tagged ,

The Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly

Posted on January 7, 2009 by TBRG| Leave a comment

AN ANCIENT SECRET . . . A TEAM OF HEROES . . . THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

A legend of the ancient world decrees that every 4,500 years, a terrible solar event will wreak worldwide destruction . . . but whoever sets the Golden Capstone atop the Great Pyramid at Giza will avert disaster and gain the ultimate prize: a millennium of world dominance.

Now the Sun is turning once again and nation will battle nation to retrieve the missing Capstone . . . but a group of small nations, led by super-soldier Jack West Jr., bands together to prevent any one country from attaining this frightening power. Thus the greatest treasure hunt of all time begins — an adrenaline fueled race on a global battlefield.

From the Colossus of Rhodes to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the Great Egyptian Pyramid itself, unlock the thrills of
SEVEN DEADLY WONDERS

REVIEW: Mike has been after me to read this book because he knows that I like things dealing with the Ancient World. So I finally gave in and read it as part of the Winter 08 Challenge. I know that it isn’t a romance book, however every once in a while we need a break from them, at least I think so.

I have to say that I couldn’t out it down. I read it in one day. It was hard at times to read because the bad guys is America, well not just America but all the major world powers.

I loved Jack and how he was able to think outside the box, but also how he really cared about Lily. One of the best parts of this book though was how the author was able to recreate the Seven Wonders of the World in a way that you could close your eyes and visual them.

If you are looking for a fast paced action book, that takes you all over the world, then this is one that you should definitely check out.

Winter 08 Reading Challenge: A book that has been in my TBR pile for a long time.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5.

Tagged ,

It’s in HIs Kiss by Julia Quinn

Posted on January 2, 2009 by TBRG| Leave a comment
The Bridgerton’s bk 7

Meet Our 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 future. 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 Mr. Mozart…

Or don’t. But rest assured, he’s spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual–an 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.

REVIEW: I got this book for Christmas, and as I was half way through it I realized that I had read it years ago when it first came out. I didn’t realize that it was part of a series at the time, only that it was a cute story.

As I have been reading the Bridgerton’s as a series, I appreciate the story much more. I could see the actions of Hyacinth so much clearer. If you like fun complex families than you have to read this book.

This was read as part of the Winter 08 Reading Challenge: For Valentines Day read a book that kiss, heart in the title.

I give this book 4 out 5.

Tagged ,

Married for a Month by Susan Mallery

Posted on January 2, 2009 by TBRG| Leave a comment

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO EVERLASTING LOVE?

Taylor McGuire, a hardworking single mom with a Ph.D. in psychology, believes that compatibility is the key to a successful marriage. Bestselling relationship guru Jonathan Kirby believes it’s sexual chemistry. So when these two former lovers meet up on national TV, it’s more than just a difference of expert opinion that sets the sparks flying between them. And when Taylor puts forth her theory on love, Jonathan can’t help but challenge: “Want to bet?” So begins an unconventional contest — forty couples involved in a monthlong mock marriage for a chance to win one million dollars — which puts Taylor’s and Jonathan’s professional reputations on the line. As the competition heats up, so does the attraction. And as they fall for each other, the two experts realize that love is not a science…sometimes it’s just magic.

REVIEW: I have been on a Susan Mallery kick lately and I have been reading anything of hers that I can find. This is one of her earlier works, and I have to say that I am glad that she has gotten better with each book. This book isn’t one of her best works.

I never really felt the chemistry between any of the characters, especially Jonathan and Taylor. It was a very blah book for me.

I read this as part of the Winter Reading Challenge: Read a book that has 4 words in the title

I give this book a 3 out of 5

Tagged , ,

Ruthlessly bedded by the Italian Billionaire by Emma Darcy

Posted on January 2, 2009 by TBRG| Leave a comment


Hiding from her past, Jenny Kent has been using the name Bella Rossini. This is the chance tycoon Dante Rossini has been waiting for…. Holding her innocent deception against her, Dante forces Jenny to return with him to Capri. If she’s pretending to be a Rossini, she’ll have a public role to play….
And then there’s the private arrangement Dante is ruthlessly demanding….

REVIEW: I love the Harlequin Presents books, and Emma Darcy is one of my favorite authors. I think one of the reasons I like these book so much is because most of my authors got their start at Harlequin in one of their series. I consider these books bathtub reads, and have a stack of them by my bathtub.

This was a quick and easy read. Dante was of course a force of nature as only a billionaire let a lone an Italian Billionaire can be. He sweeps in and takes over Jenny’s life.

This was read as part of the Winter 08 Reading Challenge: Read a Series (Harlequin, Shilouette)

I give this a 3.5 out of 5

Tagged ,

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

Posted on January 1, 2009 by TBRG| Leave a comment
The Wallflowers bk 5

The Wallflowers are four young ladies in London who banded together in their wild and wickedly wonderful searches for true love. Now happily married, they join together once again to help one of the world’s most notorious rogues realize that happiness might be right under the mistletoe…

It’s Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady in waiting and, if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.

REVIEW: Lisa is a hit and miss author for me, I have really enjoyed some of her books and others I could have done without. I only enjoyed one of the books in this series, and that is Evie and Sebastien’s story. So I had absolutely no expectations with this book.

I found it a quick and easy read, (I read it in the bookstore while the boys were checking out books for themselves). I didn’t find anything terrible exciting about Rafe and Hannah, I did enjoy however the glimpses into the other Wallflowers lives.

I do have to say that if it hadn’t been for the Winter 08 Challenge I would probably never have read the book, however since I needed to read it for that challenge I did. We had to read a book by Lisa Kleypas.

Over all I give this book a 4 out 5.

Tagged , ,

The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts

Posted on January 1, 2009 by TBRG| Leave a comment
The Sign of the Seven bk 3

Years ago, after their blood brother ritual, Gage, Fox, and Caleb emerged from the woods, each with a piece of bloodstone. Now, it will become their weapon in the final fight against the demon they awakened. Winner take all…

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

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

REVIEW : I have loved this series from the first book, Blood Brothers. There is just something about having the same best friends your entire life. Knowing that no matter what they are there for you, that you can communicate with them with just a look. That is something that I have looked for my entire life, don’t get me wrong I have friends and even had the same two best friends from the time we were 4 till we were 23. Unfortunately for us life happened and we have lost touch.

I have looked forward to this book for months for a number of reasons, 1) being that I wanted to see what was going to happen to Gage and Cybil, 2) because I wanted to see more of the interaction between the 6 of them, 3) I wanted to see if Gage would ever talk to his dad and 4) to see how it would all end. My sister-in-law Melanie felt let down with book, I however really enjoyed it. Because it was the third book, and she had written a lot about the 3 men a lot in all the books, there really wasn’t about Gage that we didn’t already know, and we already started to see the beginnings of the relationship between Gage and Cybil in the second book, The Hollow. So I wasn’t expecting much more than what was there.

If I had one complaint about this book, it was the epilogue. I would have preferred it if the epilogue had taken 7 years later, when the town saw that it was safe, and also to see what had happened to the 3 couples.

I read this as part of the Winter 08 Reading Challenge: Readers Choice.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5

Tagged , ,

Show no Mercy by Cindy Gerard

Posted on December 28, 2008 by TBRG| Leave a comment
BLACK OP’S bk 1

THE SULTRY HEAT…

Only two things can compel journalist Jenna McMillan back to Buenos Aires after terrorists held her captive there just months before: a rare interview with a shadowy billionaire and the memory of the dark and dangerous man who saved her…

HIDES THE DEADLIEST THREATS…

Bad guys, bombs, and bullets are Gabriel Jones’s way of life. But he’ll never forget the brash redhead he rescued not so long ago…or the passionate kiss they shared before he sent her packing.

…AND EXPOSES THE DEEPEST DESIRES.

Now, forced together by a bombing at the National Congress, Jenna and Gabe confront the urgent longings that simmer between them. But this surprise meeting is no coincidence. A ruthless enemy stalks them with deadly precision. The question is…if they make it out alive. will Gabe turn his back on Jenna…again?

REVIEW: I have been a fan of Cindy’s since I read her Bodyguard Series, so when she started this new series which is a spinoff from that series I was very excited. I promptly put it on my Christmas List and lo and behold I got it (course that could be because I personally picked out and bought most of my gifts this year).

I love ALPHA males especially those that are warriors, and Gabe is certainly a warrior. There wasn’t much about this book that I didn’t like, it was a very fast moving and page turning story. I loved how Gabe tried over and over again to let Jenna go, because he felt like he wasn’t good enough for her, and how she refused to let him getaway with it.

This was read as part of the Winter 08 Reading Challenge: Read a book that was first published in 2008.

I give this one a 4.5 out of 5

Tagged ,