Monroe With A Twist: June 2009

Dreaming of You - Lisa Kleypas

Description~

She stood at peril's threshold --
then love beckoned her in…

A prim, well-bred gentlewoman, Sara Fielding is a writer who puts pen to paper to create dreams. But now curiosity is luring her from the shelter of her country cottage into the dangerous world of Derek Craven -- handsome, tough, and tenacious -- and the most exciting man Sara has ever met.

Derek rose from poverty to become the wealthy lord of London's most exclusive gambling house. And now duty demands that he allow Sara Fielding to enter his perilous realm of ever-shifting fortunes -- with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But there is a hidden strength and sensuality to the lady that captivates him beyond his better judgment. And in this world, where danger lurks behind every shadow, even a proper “mouse” can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress -- and a cynical gambler can be shaken to his core by the power of passion and the promise of love.

Let me get this out real quick...I LOVE THIS BOOOOOOKKKKKK!!!! Wow ok I feel better...man this book is simply breathtaking! I can honestly say it has fallen under the "My All Time Fav's" category. Epp! ;o)

Ok, so you meet Sarah. She is the prim and proper virgin author who is researching her newest book about prostitution and gambling. And what better way to do it than go straight to the source...?!?! Sara decides to go to a very popular gambling club ran by the devil himself...Derek Craven. Mr. Craven lived a life of prostitution, thievery and lying as a young boy and had climbed his way to the top only to still fall short by his peers. When the two meet its obvious there is something there but 1) Sara is ALMOST engaged to a gentlemen back home and 2) Derek wants nothing to do with love. Will these two get over their hurtles to be together or will their differences rip them apart?

HOLY SMOKES I LOVED THIS BOOK<3<3<3 LK is the bestest writer out there. lol I mean everything of hers I've been picking up is GOLD!

Derek...oh Derek and that wounded little heart of yours. Derek has such a big heart, yet hes one of those guys who totally put of that front! I really loved how he was a total man whore but loved Sara and her innocence SO MUCH that he refused to ruin her. I hate to claim Derek as a boyfriend of mine (sorry Iz) but I gotta! The man is WONDERFUL...once he let down his shield he was the perfect man! I kept thinking "Ok I'm sure he's going to mess up and then Sara will have to forgive him"...but OMG he was perfect!

Oh and how I loved Sara. What an innocent little mouse! lol I loved how she was so sheltered yet she wasn't judgmental of the differences of others. Even when it was a totally questionable person. And I loved the part in the story where she asked for a kiss from Derek for "research purposes" lol!!! Ya right sweetie!

One really great thing about this story is that no stone was left unturned. Every little issue that came up was solved. Perry, her returning home to her family, Joyce...even the characters from the first book, Lily and Alex. You didn't feel like you were left in the dark or that the author quickly wrote a resolution to any part of the story. Everything was well written and thought out.

GOOOD Snib bit...

"Promise me you won't cut your hair"

Sara couldn't believe he was being so ridiculous. "If I did, it would grow back."

"Promise." he insisted.

"Does my appearance mean so much to you?"

"It's not that. It's...I like to watch you braid it...and the way you let a few curls fall on your neck after you've pinned it up...and when you brush it out at night I know I'm the only man who sees it loose and long over your back. It's a part of you that only I can have."

...REALLY..OMG...*sigh...ok go get the dang book already...what are you waiting for?!?

I give this book a total of...

Ok guys off to read Smooth Talking Stranger...I'm sure another great by LK! :o)

<3monroe

Oh And By The Way...

Hey guys look what I won from Stacy's blog! Me being an animal lover I think this is just great! Plus I never win anything so that's even better! ;o) So thanks Stacy. Ill make sure to let you know what I think!

Ten all-new stories that celebrate our animal friends, by bestselling and award-winning authors. All Author and Agent proceeds from sales of the book will benefit the AAF - Animal Adoption Foundation - a no-kill animal shelter in Hamilton, Ohio.

From Seeing Eye dogs to the cat who cuddles in your lap, animals are there for us in more ways than we can count. Helping us get through the day with a wag of the tail and a tilt of the head, they let us know that someone is on our side—no matter what. They also have an amazing ability to break down barriers between people; bringing families and loved ones closer, and giving strangers an excuse to strike up a conversation. In Tails of Love, each writer draws from her own unique perspective on our loyal friends—exploring the many mysterious ways they bring love into our lives.

In the spirit of animals I wanted to show you me and Lando on our lazy Sunday...I guess I'm more comfy than the couch! lol

BTW if you haven't yet you should really check out ~ Stacy's Place on Earth ~.

Its a place where you can talk about great books, movies, friends, and hotties...you know, all the essentials in life! ;o)

<3monroe

Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, Book 3) - Sherrilyn Kenyon

Description~

Life is great for me. I have my chicory coffee, my warm beignets and my best friend on the cell phone. Once the sun goes down, I am the baddest thing prowling the night: I command the elements, and I know no fear. For centuries, I’ve protected the innocent and watched over mankind, making sure they are safe in a world where nothing is ever certain. All I want in return is a hot babe in a red dress, who wants nothing more from me than one night.Instead, I get a runaway Mardi Gras float that tries to turn me into roadkill and a beautiful woman who saves my life, but can't remember where she put my pants. Flamboyant and extravagant, Sunshine Runningwolf should be the perfect women for me. She wants nothing past tonight, no ties, no long-term commitments.But every time I look at her, I start yearning for dreams that I buried centuries ago. With her unconventional ways and ability to baffle me, Sunshine is the one person I find myself needing. But for me to love her would mean her death. I am cursed never to know peace or happiness-- not so long as my enemy waits in the night to destroy us both. ~Talon of the Morrigantes

Here we meet Talon. He has a horrible past like all the Dark Hunters. Being cursed by a powerful God, Talon has lost every love in his life. Seeking vengeance for his losses, he agrees to become a Dark Hunter. Centuries later Talon meets eccentric painter Sunshine. Sunshine is captivated by Talon, but after one day of sexual pleasure she is ready to part ways. Talon is unsure of why he just cant seem to shake Sunshine from his mind. Later finding out Sunshine holds something very dear to him he makes a promise not to relive the past. And when a certain God shows his ugly face again Talon finds everything he fear most slipping away. He must save Sunshine...unlike last time.

Ok...I DID like this book...please don't get me wrong.

I loved how Talon was basically this man whore running around sleeping with anything that walked and then he meets his match. Sunshine! She was totally an independent girl that didn't take crap from noone. She was fine with the "hit it and quit it" rule. This made Talon twitch in the story and I LOVED THAT! lol He had never experienced that with any other woman. So that alone made the story interesting.

I thought his past was totally heart wrenching! Like most the Dark Hunter stories when sucked into the past you felt for all people involved. He lost SO MUCH love in this story and it really shaped him as a character. It made you understand more of why he didn't mind being with women so freely.

WHAT BOTHERED ME WAS...

Nothing BIG I guess but one thing was how you're starting to see the similarities in the stories. A pattern...now this wouldn't stop me from reading the books...at all. One example of what I mean is how you learn of their pasts. Its ALWAYS in a dream and the other person always has the dream with them. I wish SK could figure out a way to change that part up...and maybe she has, maybe I haven't gotten to those books yet. IDK

And my main issue (and why the book got some marks) was the ending kinda fell flat for me. Without giving anything away Ill say this...there were at least....what 5-7 Gods there, it was totally chaotic and there really wasn't "fighting" going on. It was a bunch of bickering between siblings basically. It just didn't live up to the ending I know it could have had.

Otherwise I did enjoy this book. Talon was HAWT and Sunshine was a strong gal. Would I recommend this book, yes...would I re-read it...ehhh...maybe...maybe not.

I give this book a total of...

*Off to read Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

<3monroe

Blue-Eyed Devil - Lisa Kleypas

Description~

A Wellesley grad and daughter of a Houston energy baron, Haven Travis is an unlikely romantic heroine until her brief but ardent encounter with a man who turns out to be Hardy Cates, the East Texas roughneck from Sugar Daddy who worked his way up from poverty and then outmaneuvered the Travis clan in a business deal. Haven's engaged to Nick Tanner—a man her dad thinks is unfit for her—and though she and Hardy have a charged interaction, she elopes with Nick, and her father cuts her off. Nick turns out to be a bad guy, and a beaten and bruised Haven returns to Houston, where Hardy's still at odds with her family. Their passion proves as fervent as ever, but demons from Haven's recent past—as well as strife with her family and troubles at work and in bed—stand in the way.

Did she really do it again...did she REALLY put out ANOTHER...BETTER book! HECK YES SHE DID!

You met Hardy the roughneck boy from Texas in Sugar Daddy. Hes a self made millionaire who has a past not only with Southern Belle Liberty but with the Travis's. This "past" puts Haven Travis totally out of reach for Hardy. But when Haven gets out of an abusive marriage with her college love Nick somehow she ends up into the arms of the man her family hates the most...HARDY CATES! Can Hardy help Haven heal from her wounded past? Will Haven be able to totally let go of her ex-husband Nick...will Nick let her let go? And will Haven ever be able to trust the man her family despises?

Wow...WOW! Luvs it! This book was awesome. You know I really love Sugar Daddy and in my head I was thinking "I don't know if Lk will be able to top this one" but wow was I ever wrong!

First off you got to meet Haven Travis. I loved how Haven wasn't really moved by her fathers money. She was her own person and didn't care if she was rich or poor. She went to college and didn't really expect any handouts. And OH I hated her husband Nick. He was such an abusive (excuse my lang) bastard! OMG he was making her go by her middle name and that totally pissed me off. I think Liberty had it right when she said that he was basically trying to erase her.

Hardy...OH HARDY!!! You know one of the best things in Sugar Daddy is how LK came about outing Hardy and what he did. (Don't want to put any spoilers out there) You really were disappointed but you didn't hate him. It was what it was. So for him to totally redeem himself in this second book was great! Hardy was also AWESOME with trying to heal Haven. His tenderness was breathtaking. He really was the man I knew he could be! :*)

Another thing I also loved was how you got to see how Liberty and Gage's relationship was. Which is great b/c I totally crushed on Gage in the first book! I loved how Gage came to the rescue being the big brother and you totally fell for him all over again!

Oh and I cant tell you how excited I am about Jacks story in Smooth Talking Stranger (which I will be reading within the next week I assure you).

Snib bit-
"I guess it's over now," I said bravely. "Right?"
"Is that what you want?"
My throat clenched. I shook my head.
"What do you want, Haven?"
"I want you," I bust out, and the tears spilled over again. "But I can't have you."
Hardy moved closer, gripping my hands, forcing me to look at him. "Haven, sweetheart...you've already got me. I'm not going anywhere. Will you let me hold you now?"

Mmmm...Okay...so overall if I had to choose three words to describe this book they would be...
1) Heartwrenching
2) Tender
3) Exciting

I give this book a total of...

<3monroe

PS - It SO only took me 1 stinking day to read this book and you're crazy if you don't go get it ;op~

Lord of Scoundrels - Loretta Chase

Description~

Tough minded Jessica Trent's sole intention is to free her nitwit brother from the destructive influence of Sebastian ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain. She never expects to desire the arrogant, amoral cad. And when Daines reciprocal passion places them in a scandalously compromising, and public, position, Jessica is left with no choice but to seek satisfaction...Dawn the minx for tempting him, kissing him...and then for forcing him to salvage reputation! Lord Dain can't wait to put the infuriating bluestocking in her place -- and in some amorous position. And if this means marriage, so be it -- though Sebastian is less than certain he can continue to remain aloof...and steal his heart to the sensuous, head strong lady's considerable charms.

Alright I know everyone has been waiting to hear what I have to say about this book because obviously everyone is in LOVE with it...well...SO AM I!!!! L-O-V-E-D I-T! How could you not?!? It was like head to head full on combat with such a great love story between the two to make your toes curl!

Ok the gist of the story here is you meet Dain, he had a horribly rough childhood that left him heartless...well to everyone on the outside that is. Then you meet Jess...smart, funny and VERY ballsy! Jess goes to stay with her half witted brother Bertie so she can stop the bad and influential Lord Dain from running poor Bertie into the poor house. As Jess is introduced to Dain attraction is lit from both sides BUT neither can get past the bullheadedness of the other. After being in each others company for a while the two start to give into each others hidden desires.When they do they get caught in a VERY compromising position. The only way to set things right is for the two to wed. Can this marriage work? Can Dain find it in his heart to open up to Jess and let her love him?

Ok I really liked this book.

One of the first things that got me was Dains childhood...seriously it broke my heart! The poor kid! I don't think that anyone didn't want to give that boy a hug after his momma left him! :*(

I also loved how from the very start Dain was so drawn to Jess. No woman had really done that to him and here she comes strolling into his life and he can't seem to understand his fixation on her! Normally Dain was used to nothing that would make him feel. He had his fair share of prostitutes (which I didn't enjoy) but honestly it fit the story well. It made total scene for a man who hid his feelings to rely on the type of "love" that could just be thrown away when finished.

I think my favorite part (and I'm sure all would agree) was when the two would fight! lol They seem to always be head to head in some sort of battle! *SPOILER HIGHLIGHT* ***When Jess came into that bar or whatever it was and freaking SHOT Dain I almost keeled over! OMG I think I emailed at least 2 people RIGHT then and was like OMG that HAS to be Dain dreaming right?!?! And alls they did was laugh! lol I thought FOR SURE he would wake up...but NOPE lol ***

Heres a snib bit for ya...and if you haven't read the book maybe this won't seem like a good snib bit for you BUT if you have your heart melted into hearing Dain say this! PS this kinda is a spoiler so if you haven't read it you might not want to. (Although from what I hear there aren't many who haven't ;o)

"So much for hoping I could surprise you," she said. He laughed "You have been surprising me, Jess, since the day I met you. Every time I turn around, something goes off in my face. If it isn't an obscene watch or a rare icon, it's a pistol-or my tragically misunderstood mother-or my hellion son. There have been times I've been convinced I didn't marry a female, but a incendiary device. This at least makes sense."

Awww...I really loved that part, it's like he just opened right up for her! :o) Ok if you haven't read this what...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING AROUND FOR? GO GET IT!

Oh PS *HIGHLIGHT FOR THIS PART*** I did wish however that his son was in it a bit longer...idk I just do! lol***

Ok and off to read Night Embrace (3rd Dark Hunter book)...I KNOW I KNOW...Im a bit obsessed right now! lol

I give this book a total of...

<3monroe

Oh And By The Way...

Hey Guys! I got this off of Barbara's site and she got this off of Jen B's site! (lol) and since I seem to be taking FOREVER to read my book I decided to do this for my BTW posts! Enjoy!

A Little About Me

1. What thing is nearest to you? A cup of coffee, my cat Sam, my ebook, and my cell phone! Ahhhh...life is good! (Oh and obviously my computer! lol)

2. What is your ringtone? Ok just because Im 24 doesn't mean I'm up with the times, my ring tone sounds like a normal phone lol I dont know how to change it!

3. What was the last message in your inbox? From Ames, poor girl just got her wisdom teeth pulled! I was SO hoping shed be doped up and send some wierd email...:o( I just got a normal one.

4. Who is your best friend? Some redheaded man that sleeps with me ;o) my hubby! Hes great!

5. What is the brand of your TV? Toshiba Regza HD LCD (had to ask the hubby lol)

6. What schools did you attend? Elementary, Junior High, High School & some college.

7. Do you own a MP4? Ok Im right there with Barbara...whats an MP4 player? Sheesh I just learned how to use my MP3!!!

8. What song are you listening to now? Some old school Madonna...Crazy for You...Touch me once and youll know its true, I never wanted anyone like this...lol sorry! Im totally swaying back and forth!

9. Did you kiss anybody in the past 2 days? Yep, my hubby...and my animals! Gotta show some mommy love to the fury kids!

10. Have you ever kissed someone you met in the blogosphere? Being they all live HUNDREDS of miles away from me no...:o(

11. What would you want to call yourself if you didn't have your current name? Hmmm...Isabella aka Bella (Ya Twilight junkie here lol)

12. Would you be happy if you had everything? IDK that's an odd question...whats the definition of EVERYTHING and do we ever really ever have it ALL????

13. Are you always thinking of someone special? Actually I was thinking of Ames (lol) and her aunt so yes! Everyone lift up a prayer for her! ;o)

14. Tell us of your most desperate dream? To go home...to Florida! I miss my family and friends SO MUCH it pains me! :*( It sucks being away from the family! IDK you know how when you go on vacation and its fun and all but your just ready to go home...thats how I have been for the last...ohhh...2-3 YEARS!

15. When did you last laugh till you cried? IDK but Im sure it would've been with my bff back home Sheena! We have the GREATEST times together...all jokes!

16. If you had a crush, would you tell them you love him/her now? lol Well I tell my hubby I love him all the time and I guess that qualifies as a crush!

17. If you could be anywhere in the world now, where would you want to be? In Florida asleep on the beach!

18. When was your heart last broken? When I seen my 2 month old nephew in casts from toes to hips. He has club feet poor little guy.

19. Whose birthday(s) is/are coming up? My MIL's is next week! :o)

20. How many email accounts do you have? Like 4! An old one that dates back to like middle school (yahoo), 1 personal email (google), 1 blog email for you guys! (google) and my work email!

Alrighty guys yall have a great weekend and Ill be reviewing Lord of Scoundrels soon...its great so far!

<3monroe

Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter, Book 2) - Sherrilyn Kenyon

Description~

Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking the evil that preys on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power? That is my existence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but am known to none. And I love every minute of it.

Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: a conservative woman in a button-down shirt. Or in Amanda's case, buttoned all the way up to her chin. She's smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal-in other words, me.

My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Now I find myself wanting to try again. Wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exist.

Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there's any way a woman can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he's not sure it will ever beat again. ~Kyrian of Thrace

HOT DOG this book was good!

You open up the story meeting Amanda who is the only normal person in her family which is full of paranormal powers. One night while Amanda goes to let her sisters dog out, someone mistakes her for her twin sister and knocks her out! When Amanda comes to she finds herself handcuffed to a gorgeous, yet very passed out man in some sort of warehouse. Once she gets the man to wake up they find themselves faced with a problem...there is a very bad force coming after them. Kyrian is a Dark Hunter so its his duty is to protect Amanda. This poses a problem when Kyrian and Amanda start to fall under a deep trance for each other. Can Kyrian learn to love again after having his heart ripped out two thousand years ago? And what about the Dark Hunter code to never have a steady relationship with a human? And with Amanda dealing with Kyrians Dark Hunter "flaws" and her own hidden powers will she be able to give into her heart and love?

This book was great...SK did it again! This book was hot, exciting, had great side characters and of course kept you on the tip of your seat even at the end!

Kyrian and Amanda's love was so easy to fall into. Both had been hurt so it was natural for them to pick each others pieces up. There was so much sexual tension in this book it will have you gripping the pages begging for more more more! lol

AND WITHOUT FURTHER ADO...Your snib bit!

Without being told, she knew what he wanted. Arching her hips, she led him inside her, slowly, inch by long, full inch until he filled her deeply. She moaned at the sensation on his power inside her. At the hungry, needful look in his eye. As she started to pull her hand away, he covered it with his and held it against him. The hunger in his eyes intensified. "I want you to feel us joined," he said raggedly. Amanda swallowed as he slid himself between her fingers and went even deeper inside her. They moaned simultaneously.

I love the that from Fantasy Lover to Night Pleasures you got the same strong characters and SK even added more to the load. You got to meet Amandas family which includes Selena from Fantasy Lover...***NOTE*** HELLO where did Selena come from and can I please get a friend like her...shes like the ultimate match maker! lol first Julian and now Kyrian! I NEED TO BE FRIENDS WITH THIS CHICK!*** You also got to meet Nick which is Kyrians right hand man and helps him in his everyday life and protects him while he sleeps. I really liked Nick so I hope we see him later!

Ok so ya GO GET THIS STINKING BOOK!!! You won't be sorry!

I give this book a total of...

Off to read Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
<3monroe

Oh And By The Way...

Alright guys it's been a while so I'm gonna try to fit in a lot of snib bits that I've been thinking lately...it's long but worth it!

First off I got my hair cut...I cut it a while back and now I'm growing it out...its in the in-between stages so us girls know what it's like...YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITH IT! I had to cut it to get it all one length :o( But here it is...I kinda feel boyish!

I love my peace sign shirt! lol

DANG I have a pointy nose! lol

Ok another thing on my mind is that I LOVE MY EBOOK!!!! OMG OMG OMG!!! I'm totally obsessed.

I love: its totally saves your page even if you shut it off really quick, its easy to hold, thin and sleek, easy to download books, you can download music, you can easily book mark, not that expensive, and overall AWESOME!

I rate this ebook...

BTW this ebook is a Sony Reader Digital Book PRS-505 (Silver)

TELL ME you've read the Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. She is wonderful and actually I think this is the only novel she has written. I think she is an artist. Well anyways this book is coming out into a movie and I personally can't wait. THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAV BOOK! It got me reading romance! Here is what the book is about...

Henry De Tamble is a Chicago librarian with "Chrono Displacement" disorder; at random times, he suddenly disappears without warning and finds himself in the past or future, usually at a time or place of importance in his life. This leads to some wonderful paradoxes. From his point of view, he first met his wife, Clare, when he was 28 and she was 20. She ran up to him exclaiming that she'd known him all her life. He, however, had never seen her before. But when he reaches his 40s, already married to Clare, he suddenly finds himself time travelling to Clare's childhood and meeting her as a 6-year-old. The book alternates between Henry and Clare's points of view, and so does the narration. Niffenegger expresses the longing of the one always left behind, the frustrations of their unusual lifestyle, and above all, her overriding love for Henry. Likewise, Niffenegger evokes the fear of a man who never knows where or when he'll turn up, and his gratitude at having Clare, whose love is his anchor.

Here is the preview!

ALSO Im totally pumped to watch True Blood Season 2!!! YAY!!! I have to downlaod them b/c I don't have HBO...BUT STILL I CAN'T WAIT!

And lastly I just wanted to share my two animals with everyone! This is Sam (aka Sammy my Tabby cat -name is from Lord of the Rings and Lando my Australian Shepherd -name from Star Wars lol)

<3monroe

Slightly Married - Mary Balogh

Description~

Having promised a dying officer that he'll protect the man's sister "no matter what," Col. Aidan Bedwyn calls on Eve Morris to offer his condolences and aid. Still in mourning over the death of her coal miner father a year earlier, Eve now stands to be turned out onto the street due to a peculiar condition of her father's will. Only by marrying can she save her home, which she shares with several orphans, an impoverished aunt and a staff composed mainly of outcasts. Ever one to honor his promises, Aidan proposes, and Eve accepts. The two plan to separate after saying their vows, but Aidan's eldest brother, the Duke of Bewcastle, insists that Eve be presented to the queen. To Aidan's amazement, Eve proves she has the mettle to stand up to his haughty family.

Ok i wanna make this quick because I was really excited about this book and it kinda let me down...

We open up the story meeting Col. Adian Bedwyn. Walking around the battlefield after war has died down he comes upon a man named Percy Morris that saved his very life years ago. Percy's dieing wish is that Adian go to his only sibling and deliver the bad news of his death and protect her from whats to come. Bedwyn agrees and soon sets off to find Eve Morris, Percys sister. Eve doesn't take the news well and refuses Adains help. She finds out though that she will loose her land that houses not only her but her two adopted children and servants that are her only familyleft, if she doesn't marry. Adian, never being one to shy away from duty offers his hand to Eve and she reluctantly accepts it. They planned on parting forever but when Adains brother steps in everything goes out the back door. Adains brother wants Eve to be presented to the Queen and accept her cuties and Adians wife. Can Eve take on the ton...let alone the Queen?!?! And what about Adians family, the Bedwyns? Will Adian fall for the one woman he never thought would awaken his heart?

Ok this is a REALLY good story line but it pretty much fell flat. I REALLY considered NOT finishing this book. I hate that i feel this way because i really enjoyed her other book I read which was 'First Comes Marriage'. to me there just wasn't enough content to the storyline. MB spent too much time describing the surroundings or what the character was feeling to really pay attention to the story. Now some might say..."Those two things are very important in a good book" and i agree with you BUT if you do it so much that it almost feels like you pull out of the story that's just not good.

I enjoyed the relationship with Eve and Adian and the ending was sweet, but I really felt like they couldve done without a lot that was in the story and put more interaction between the two. I really enjoyed seeing Adian with Eve's kids. Theres just something about a man with children that's just warming but I mean honestly you can probably tell I'm really trying to pick out so good points to a not-so-good book.

I WILL read the second book because I believe she is worth it and sometimes in a series the first book is the weak length but after that no more second chances on the series.

Overall this book wasn't something I would recommend and I hope she redeems herself in Slightly Wicked...has anyone out there read these books??? Can I get some in-sight?

PS- Off to read the 2nd Dark Hunter book Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon...hope it lifts my down in the dumps spirits :o/

I give this book a total of...

Mr. Perfect - Linda Howard

Description~

Jaine Bright and three close friends share dinner one night and during casual conversation, create a list of qualifications for the perfect man--some logical, some hilariously funny, some racy. Within days, their tongue-in-cheek wish list of attributes for Mr. Perfect has been leaked to the press and the resultant publicity is overwhelming. Coworkers, TV crews, and reporters barrage the quartet with comments and criticism.

As if Jaine doesn't have enough to cope with, she has a new neighbor who she suspects is a criminal. She's relieved to learn that her neighbor is really an undercover cop, but she's still wary--because smart, sexy Sam Donovan handles her sharp witticisms with easy humor, and Jaine suspects that he may threaten her heart. What Jaine doesn't know is that she's about to need Sam desperately for something other than romance because her circle of friends is in big trouble. Unfortunately, that list of qualifications for Mr. Perfect has touched off a madman's rage. All of their lives are threatened and some of them are going to die, maybe all of them, if Sam can't stop the unknown killer.

We open up the story with Jaine Bright buying her first home...all would be perfect if she didn't have to deal with her loud and obnoxious neighbor Sam. Sam Donovan is a detective who works odd hours and isn't very happy when his new neighbor backs over his garbage cans and wakes him. From the first confrontation the two are nose to nose with blood pressures on high! This unlikely pair soon finds their passion for each other too much to handle and gives into the temptation. In the midst of a love affair Jaine and her friends make a 'Mr. Perfect' lists that lists all the qualities (honest and a bit outrageous) that they would want in their perfect man. Soon the media gets a hold of this list and not everyone is happy. One in particular person is ready for murder..When bodies start turning up Sam finds himself trying to fight to keep Jaine alive. Will Sam be able to keep Jaine alive long enough to get her down the aisle? And when the time comes will Jaine be able to run for her life?

I gotta say this is an exciting little book! At first I felt like I was waiting around for the "list" to be made but then again I must say that I am an extremely impatient little gal so its probably just me! lol But once it got made the ball started rolling! I totally loved the friendship between all 4 girls and even wished I had some friends to go out to eat and bitch with! lol the list is hilarious! Two words...10 inches!!! OMG! I'd run for the hills! lol So that right there proves the list is just great!...very humorous!

One thing that i love in romances is when a bit of mystery is tied in! It always makes the story exciting, edgy and suspenseful! And I have to admit I love cops! lol Sam being a cop and coming to "save the day' is just great. Sam is the type of guy that knows what he wants and will tell you outright! Hes very in-your-face and damn hot! ;o) I really enjoyed the part where Jaine wakes up and its a normal morning, she fixes her coffee and looks out the kitchen window and...BAM! Sam is SO in the buff walking around his house with the blinds open like its no ones business! lol When Janie calls his house to inform him of his very apparent manhood hes flaunting he looks out the window and just smiles! LMAO!!! OMG!

Alright since I'm so sex craved (at least according to SOME GIRLS I KNOW...oh you know who you are! ;op) here is a change I'll give you an emotional snib bit...because actually this book did have its sad parts...

Her eyes were anxious as she studied his expression. He knew he was wearing his cop face, as emotionless as a mask, but she went white.

He put his hands around her slender waist and lifted her into the truck, then walked back around to get behind the wheel.

A tear slid down Jaine's cheek. "Tell me," she said, her voice choked.

He sighed, then reached out and drew her into his arms. "I'm so sorry," he said against her hair.

She clutched his shirt. He could feel her shaking, and held her even tighter.

"Shes dead, isn't she," she said in a trembling whisper, and it wasn't a question.

She knew.

Now don't get fooled by the rating...its a great book you should go get it! Its just I would've rated it higher if the ending was different. Here is what I didn't like...highlight! But don't if you don't want a spoiler.

*I didn't like that when they finally got to the airport to meet her parents you were like so anticipating what all was gonna go on, would you get to see the wedding or would it flash forward to after they got married and maybe joke that she was prego (b/c you know how they joked about his sperm getting to her eggs) but no...once her family got there it ended with her dad saying a joke about his Parkinson disease. So it was like a TOTAL drop off for me.*

I give this book a total of...

Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter, Book 1) - Sherrilyn Kenyon

Description~

Being trapped in a bedroom with a woman is a grand thing. Being trapped in hundreds of bedrooms over two thousand years isn't. And being cursed into a book as a love-slave for eternity can ruin even a Spartan warrior's day.

As a love-slave, Julian knows everything about women. How to touch them, how to savor them, and most of all, how to pleasure them. But when he was summoned to fulfill Grace Alexander's sexual fantasies, he found the first woman in history who saw him as a man with a tormented past. She alone bothered to take him out of the bedroom and into the world. She taught Julian to love again.

But Julian was not born to know love. He was cursed to walk eternity alone. As a general, he had long ago accepted his sentence. Yet now Julian has found Grace-- the one thing his wounded heart could not survive without. Sure, love can heal all wounds, but can it break a two-thousand-year-old curse?

Hmmm...HOT!!! This book was great! Wena told me about the Dark Hunter Series and I was TOTALLY up for it from the start! I L-O-V-E reading different kinds of books and paranormal is a great break in between contep romances.

The story starts with you meeting Grace Alexander, sex therapist with a hurtful past. Graces best friend Selena summons the Sex Slave, Julian of Macedon for her birthday. Julian, half mortal, half God has been condemned to a life of sexual servitude. He stays within the pages of an ancient book to await a woman to call upon his name three times, then he is to "serve" her until the next full moon. When Julian arrives in Graces world he is ready to serve her every pleasure. Little does he know she has other plans for him. Grace sees the wounded soul he truly is a sets out to free him from his prison. Along the way a friendship and love is made, but will it be enough to save him from another two thousand years of hell? And can Julian help Grace overcome her own insecurities and fears of love?

I absolutely loved this book...what a gem! At first I read what the book was about and to be honest I thought it was a bit far fetched. Come on...and man trapped inside a book...a flippin sex slave...seriously?!?! But yet AGAIN what a wonderful read! I feel like lately I keep stumbling on the best little books. Am I being too lenient or am I just REALLY lucky to find what I love all the time? lol

Kenyon really knows how I to keep you into a story. Not only was this story filled with so much mythological background but it was laced with even more sensual experiences. Here is a small snib bit for you to savor!

"Did I hurt you?" she asked, pulling her hand away. He shook his head, then placed his hands on each side of her neck and kissed her deeply. Suddenly, his kiss intensified as if he were trying to prove something to both of them. He slid his hand down her arm to capture her hand in his. He laced his fingers through hers, then moved his hand to cup her between her legs.

Grace moaned as he stroked her with their hands entwined. It was the most erotic thing she had ever experienced. She shook all over as he quickened the rhythm of their joined fingers against her. And when he plunged their fingers inside her, she cried out in pleasure.

...ok let me give you a second to fan yourself...hot right?!?! JEEZ!

So not only did Grace and Julian have hot interactions but they had a great relationship. Grace showed Julian all about her world. In fact that was one of my favorite things about this book. Everything was new to Julian so it was amazing seeing the world through his eyes. It even went as far as Grace trying to teach Julian to drive!

Overall this book was great and if you haven't checked it out yet...DO IT! Sheesh I'll buy you the dang book! Its not worth passing up! :o)

I give this book a total of...

Sugar Daddy - Lisa Kleypas

Description~

Liberty Jones grew up in trailer-park poverty in rural Texas, the child of a widowed mother with a mysterious past and a current string of no-good boyfriends. But young Liberty is smart, determined and willing to work hard to make her dreams come true. She’s inexplicably drawn to Hardy Cates, the boy down the street who forever claimed her heart at age 13. But he too has ambitions, and they take him out of town and away from Liberty. Soon alone and with a young sister to raise, Liberty finds herself in the big city, slowly growing up and piecing her life together. In her 20s, she comes into contact with an extremely wealthy businessman, Gage Travis, who some call her sugar daddy. Their relationship is more intense than many believe, however, and it comes with emotionally dangerous complications. When Hardy, now a rich and powerful man in his own right, re-enters the picture as an enemy of the Travis family, Liberty is forced to consider both her past and her future before making the most difficult choice of her life.

One word...AMAZING!

We start out our story meeting young Liberty Jones. Liberty, her mother, and her mothers boyfriend live in a small trailer park in Texas. Liberty soon falls for Hardy, the seventeen year old bad boy who is so driven to leave his poverty stricken life that he can't return his true feelings. Years later Hardy has left the trailer park and Liberty finds herself raising her younger sister with no means to do so. Finally getting her life together she gets a great job in the city as a beautician. There is where she meets her "Sugar Daddy" Churchill Travis. Moving into his house to be an assistant Liberty falls in love...but with a different Travis. Right when things are going right an old friend comes to town. Hardy is back...its a classic story of "The one who got away" vs. "The Now". Who will Liberty choose???

Lots of people in the blogging community have recommended Lisa Kleypas. Being new to reading I am ALWAYS up try try out new authors. BOY AM I GLAD I DID! I had a conversation with a girl from work who just started this book and already she has it right on the nose..."This woman writes, and you feel like your right then and there". LK is ridiculously descriptive and spot on in her writing. This may sound funny to you and maybe you don't agree (which is totally ok) but I compare her writing to Stephanie Meyer. These women have a natural gift of painting a picture so that you feel as if your watching the scene right in front of you. Here's an example.

I only have a hand full of memories of my father, more like impressions. He must have carried me on his shoulders a time or two-I remember the hard plane of his chest beneath my calves, the sensation of swaying high in the air, anchored by the strong pressure of his fingers around my ankles. And the coarse drifts of his hair in my hands, shiny black hair cut in layers. I can almost hear his voice singing "Arriba del Cielo," a Mexican lullaby that always gave me sweet dreams.

This story brought you through Liberty's trails and tribulations of raising a child, trying to live off of a very small income and managing a love life. Liberty tries to uncover her mothers secret past and finds out there has been more than meets the eye. This book was truly amazing and I can't to read the rest of the series! So for all of you lovely ladies who recommended LK's Sugar Daddy...YOUR MY FAVS!!!! ;o)

I give this book a total of...

PS. Yes I got my eBook reader and am loving it so far. Ill write about it soon in my weekly 'Oh And By The Way' post. OH!!! And I have a New Kids On The Block concert tomorrow night!!!!! WOOHOO! (Yep they are great and REALLY HOTT!) LMAO 8th ROW BABY!

***Off to read Fantasy Lover By Sherrilyn Kenyon...wish me luck!

<3monroe

Oh And By The way...

I'll make this short but sweet! I just had to post something about this...OH MY GOSH...could this book get any better?!?! I'm only like 150pgs into it and Ive already cried once! Her words totally grab you by the collar! Its been a while since I've read a author who's descriptive word usage pulls me into the book. It's like your really there! WOW is Lisa Klepas going to be one of my new fav's??? Shessh...! People have been also telling me about her historicals...so their good too? What are some of her best books?

Heres just a few snib bits of tasteful writing...

Some days I stood at the end of the driveway to watch every car that passed. No matter how often Mama told me to quit looking for him, I couldn't give up. I guess I thought the strength of my wanting would be enough to make him appear.

We were walking along the main drive of the trailer park, out sneakers kicking up pebbles and dust clouds. The sunlight bore down on our uncovered heads and burned the thin lines of our parted hair.

If he was trying to make me smile, the effort flopped. It was pretty obvious this was the last time I'd be seeing Hardy Cates. There was no use in asking if he'd ever come back for me. I had to let go of him. But I knew as long as I lived, I would feel the phantom-pain of his absence.

Man idk about you but those words just grab me!

Here is where I am in the book...highlight this if you wanna see BUT if you haven't read this book DON'T RUIN IT FOR YOURSELF! :o)

*Right now I'm at the part where Liberty's momma just dies and she is at the funeral home with the neighbor Miss Marva.

Oh it was so sad when the mom died. I know there wasn't TOO much said about her mom...but really it was sad. :*(*

Thanks for everyone telling me I should dig into this one! I CANT WAIT to review this book for yall! :o)

<3monroe