Monroe With A Twist: July 2009

Anyone But You - Jennifer Crusie, Instant Attraction - Jill Shalvis, Crazy For You - Jennifer Crusie

*Ok guys! I'm a bit behind and I'm totally sorry so I'm going to do three short reviews to catch myself up! Sorry for being so slack! So heres you a 3-in-1 review! :o)

Description~

For Nina Askew, turning forty means freedom -- from the ex-husband, freedom from their stuffy suburban home, freedom to focus on what she wants for a change. And what she wants is something her ex always vetoed -- a puppy. A bouncy, adorable puppy. Instead she gets . . . Fred. Overweight, middle-aged, a bit smelly and obviously depressed, Fred is light-years from perky. But he does manage to put Nina in the path of Alex Moore, her gorgeous, younger-by-a-decade neighbor. Alex seems perfect -- he's a sexy, seemingly sane, surprisingly single E.R. doctor -- but the age gap convinces Nina that anyone but Alex would be better relationship material. But with every silver-haired stiff she dates, the more she suspects it's the young, dog-loving doc she wants to sit and stay.

Jennifer Crusie can do NO WRONG in my book...well ok except for Faking It...which I don't like to talk about. JC is like one of my all time fav authors b/c you always know your gonna have a blast! Shes like a comfort food for me! ;o)

Now about this book...WOW! LOVED IT! She rocked my socks off in this little book. You meet Nina who lived this 'Stepford Wife' kinda life with her high and mighty lawyer husband. One day she figures out she just can't do it anymore and divorces him. She plans to buy herself a puppy for her 40th birthday but ends up with Fred...an old depressed dog who in fact ends up capturing her heart. Soon Nina meets her neighbor Alex. Alex is a 30 year old ER doctor that has a problem with commitment. When he meets Nina he falls hard but no one can seem to convince her that age is only a number.

A few things I liked about this book were that Alex and Nina were two laid back characters that ended up with a sweet relationship! It was sweet to watch them watch movies together, drink coffee, joke...etc. And talking about Alex- poor guy. His family is crazy! He has a mother, step mother and 3 siblings by 3 different mothers! WOW! His family is on him b/c they think he is being a child by not picking a specialty and staying in the ER. Which later comes about b/c when hes trying to prove to Nina hes mature he chooses cardiology and becomes a work-a-holic like his father which of course causes major issues b/c Nina had been there and done that before! I feel this book is so special b/c not only will you laugh at every turn but b/c it shows what real relationships are about. Not an age or profession or the type house you live in but the deep love you have in one another! And I really related with how Nina had to overcome alot...age, her body, her being newly single, Alex...she had to learn to love herself before she could love Alex! It was such a coming of age book (even though she was 40)underneath the fluff...and goes to prove you can learn about life and new things at any age! GO GET IT!

I give this book a total of...

Description~

Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair's last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father's clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book. When Stones tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma's sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here - in this town, in his life. It is convincing that this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist.

LOOOOVE Jill Shalvis and in her second Wilder book she did NOT disappoint! Stone is the middle brother- always keeps the family together, runs Wilder Adventures...the responsible one. Except when it comes to his women! Stone, like the other Wilder brothers is a ladies man all until he meets Emma. Emma has come to help her hardly-ever-there father run his business after a mild heart attack. Little does Emma know that not only does her father want her to stay in Wishful and not go back to New York but so does Stone!

The best thing about this book is that its so cat and mouse! lol LOVE IT! Stone wants Emma so bad he can't seem to get her out of his mind but she refuses to go out with him. Emma can't stand being out in the wilderness! She is a city girl even though shes actually from Wishful. And when Stone tries to make her see the kind of relaxing life she could have...she finds it hard to resist. She ends up falling in love with Wishful...and Stone but doesn't think she can man up and leave everything in New York. Another great side to this story was her relationship with her father. She never had a dad in her life and she resents him for not being there. But when the truth starts to unravel your heart breaks for a father that had no daughter and a daughter who didn't have love.

I had no real issues with this book in fact I really loved it. I did however have to compare it to Instant Attraction and felt that I just liked IA a bit better. BUT not by much! I think im bias b/c CAM IS OMG HAWT AND DRIPS SEX...oopps sorry got carried away there! lol This is an awesome book and I can't WAIT for the third brother TJ's story!

I give this book a total of...

Description~

High school art teacher Quinn McKenzie's life is perfectly normal--and it's making her insane. She's living with Bill, the nicest guy in Tibbett, Ohio, and he's crazy about her. Really crazy. Quinn is already having serious doubts about the future of their relationship when Fate intervenes, in the form of the scrawniest, squirmiest scrap of a dog you'd ever want to lay eyes on. She figures if the dog has the good sense to detest Bill on first sight, she ought to pay attention. And besides, there's Nick Ziegler, local mechanic and totally unsuitable love interest. Of course, that only makes Nick all the more appealing, not to mention his phenomenal aptitude between the sheets, and against the wall, and in the car, and... But getting rid of Bill is harder than Quinn ever expected. In fact, Bill was the last person she would have thought would try to hurt her. Thank God Nick is as capable with a two-by-four as he is with an automobile engine!

Yet another fun time with JC!!! In this book you meet Quinn, Bill and Nick (and of course a ton of other sides characters that are always a riot in JC's books). Quinn and Bill are dating each other and have a normal all American life together. But when Quinns tender heart makes her take a stray dog home Bill says 'NO' and takes the dog to the pound while shes at work. Thats the last straw with Quinn and she decides she wants to shake up her normal life. And what a better way to do it then to go after her sisters bad boy exhusband Nick Ziegler. Nick has a 'one year mark' with his ladies and has always had a secret eye out for Quinn. Nick feels he could never have someone like Quinn in his life so he tries to keep her away until one day Fleewood Mac starts playing on the stero and its all down hill from there. Then things get interesting when Bill Quinns ex starts stalking her and breaking into her house!

Nick is one of my fav kinda guys...tough guy, bad attitude, skirt chaser...with a soft heart that he doesn't let many see. Quinn is such a sweetheart...shes your typical teacher- kindhearted, soft spoken, levelheaded...only shes tired of that and shes trying to get Nick into bed with her! I LOVE IT! lol I love how its a battle between them. Nick doesn't want to loose his best friend yet shes what hes always wanted. And in the end they both find out they have always loved eachother! :*) This book was great and towards the end, man did it get exciting! Bill was a quack! And I love how Quinn took control in the end...no damsel in distress for this lady! NO SIR!

I didn't have any real hangups about this book either! It was a quick, fast and fun read!

I give this book a total of...

Ok onto JR Ward's Lover Eternal!

<3monroe

Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunter, Book 4) - Sherrilyn Kenyon

Description~

Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude.
Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don't suffer from my insanity-I enjoy every minute of it.
Trust: I can't trust anyone...not even myself. The only thing I trust in is my ability to do the wrong thing in any situation and to hurt anyone who gets in my way.
Truth: I endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter. Now I'm tired of enduring. I want the truth about what happened the night I was exiled-I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Astrid (Greek, meaning star): An exceptional woman who can see straight to the truth. Brave and strong, she is a point of light in the darkness. She touches me and I tremble. She smiles and my cold heart shatters.
Zarek: They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. I never believed that until the night Astrid opened her door to me and made this feral beast want to be human again. Made me want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?

Wow! I enjoyed this book SO MUCH! And after the last Dark Hunter book falling a bit flat I was extremely cautious to continue. BUT everyone told me how Zareks story was SO GOOD that I just couldn't leave my Dark Hunters.

In this DH book you meet Zarek. In Z's human life he was a slave/whipping boy for his very own family. Z's life was a loveless one and I found it extremely hard to read about. At one point in the book he talks about the day he died. He refered to it as the day he died down on his hands and knees like a dog! :*( Later Z became a Dark Hunter and got sent to a village to protect his humans. Z's life soon turned upside down when he was accused of killing everyone is his village and bruning it down. The worst part of the matter was that Z couldn't recall any events that took place pushing him to believe that he must have been guilty. z got banished to Alaska where he lived a life of solitude.

Jumping ahead we meet the emotinally detatched nymph Astrid. Being a judge has worn on Astrids poor soul and left her believeing she in incapable of feeling. Astrid is approached by Artemis and Ash to judge Zarek. If he is found unstable he will be put to death. Otherwise he will be free to remain living his life out as a Dark Hunter.

One thing I really liked about this story was that it involved a nymph falling for a Dark Hunter. It really puts a spin on the norm when BOTH are immortals with powers! Of course Z has no idea at first that Astrid is an immortal. I loved the fact that during the judgement Astrid was blind. It was so sweet seeing Z help her out when she was knocking into stuff and when she broke the glass and he picked her up and carried her into the next room I just gushed! Z was very hard for Astrid to get into b/c of his past but, wow she is one persistant gal! Z never felt worthy of her but she taught him that everyone is worthy of love. And in the mean while she even found herself being able to feel soemthing that she thought was locked away forever!

Another thing I loved (which happens in all of SK's DH books) was that you always get these amazing side characters with wonderful stories! First theres Thanatos; Artemis sent him to kill Z. You find out there is a lot more to his story! Thanatos's wife was killed long ago and he has had vengence in his heart ever since. You also get to meet the Dark Hunter Sundown; he is Z's best/only friend. He helps Z try to get Astrid out of trouble a few times and persoanlly I can't wait to read his story...hes a cowboy! YEE HAW! lol And who can forget Sasha; Astrids werewolf posing as her pet that helps her see. And above all you meet Simi. Simi is a demon who lives on Ash's body as a tattoo. Simi is a crack up! She is basically a 6 year old in a powerful demon body! Ash treats Simi as a daughter and their relationship is just too cute!

Ok so there is TONS of action, romance and HAWT SEX! Basically the three comon factors in all the Dark Hunter books that leave you breathless!

Snib Bit~

Here in her arms, for the first time, he felt peace. There was a part of him so calm now, so tranquil, and another part of him that was on fire, dying to touch her. Zarek lowered himself down on top of her so that he could nibble the tender flesh of her neck. He felt the chills run down her body. He scraped her skin with his fangs, tempted to sink them in. What would she taste like? What more emotions would she make him feel?

"Are you going to bite me, Zarek?" she asked, making her throat vibrate under his lips. He ran his tounge over the vein that throbbed on her neck.

"Do you want me to?"

*OH YES PLEASE PLEASE!!! lol Ok so go get this book if you haven't already.

I give this book a total of...

<3monroe

Succubus on Top (Georgina Kincaid, Book 2) - Richelle Mead

Description~

Love hurts, and no one knows it better than Georgina Kincaid. If she so much as kisses Seth Mortensen, the shy, sexy, incredibly gifted Seattle writer she's been dating, she'll drain his life force. Georgina is a succubus - a demon who draws her power from other men's pleasure. Admittedly, the shapeshifting and immortality perks are terrific, and yes, Georgina did choose to join the ranks of hell centuries ago. But it seems completely unfair that a she-demon whose purpose is seduction can't get hot and heavy with the one mortal who knows and accepts her for who she is...It's not just her personal life that's in chaos. Doug, Georgina's co-worker at a local bookstore, has been exhibiting bizarre behavior, and Georgina suspects that something far more demonic than double espressos is at work. She could use help finding out, but Bastien, an irresistibly charming incubus and her best immortal friend, is preoccupied with corrupting an ultra-conservative talk radio star - and giving Georgina some highly distracting come-hither vibes. Georgina is going to have to work solo on this one - and fast because soon, Doug's life won't be the only one on the line...

Ok here's out second installment of the Georgina Kincaid series and while I will stay true to Richelle Mead and say this series is wonderful, I will have to say this second book wasn't AS GOOD as the first. Don't get me wrong...this was a great read and a lot of drama took place BUT I can't help but compare it to the first and doing that I have to say that it runs a TAD bit short.

Drugs...sex...and rock-n-roll are the three themes that go with this book.

Drugs: Georgies close friend Doug that works with her at the book store has started acting a bit odd. Going off on Georgie and customers is one thing but when he starts to have symptoms of depression and withdrawal everyone is quick to assume Doug is into something a lot more deep than his norm of pot and booze.

Sex:
Seth? Oh don't be so quick to think the sex would be with this guy! Georgies long time bff Bastien comes to town and when things get tough with Seth Georgie is forced to make a decision that can change her ans Seth's relationship forever! Will Bastien stay a friend? And why is he so dead set on bringing right-winged radio host Dana Dailey down? Will Seth and Georgie finally fall into bed?

Rock-N-Roll: Dougs band is reaching high ground and fast! Everything gets a bit suspicious when Georgie notices everyone is so transfixed while they play. And who is the guy in the corner giving off immortal vibes? Should she be worried?

***WARNING THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM HERE ON***

Wow there's a lot going on in this book so I'll choose the two main things going on that interested me the most.

First off I never expected Georgie to have sex with Bastien...ok well I kind thought MAYBE they would kiss or something. I mean hello they are pretty touchy but sex?!?! IDK I felt for G though. I mean the one man that has made her feel after all these years she can't have! And then theres Bastien whom has now shaped into Seth and urging her on. :*( So it was kinda sad in a way that you felt she was cheating on Seth but you still felt for her situation and didn't really mind it. And how forgiving is Seth in this one? WOW! And I truly loved the ending where they ended up pleasing themselves in front of eachother b/c they can't do the real thing. Talk about erotic! *breathing heavy! ;op

My second thing I just HAD to talk about is what just made me crack up...and btw I SO saw this coming! What is up with some lesbian lovin'? LMAO! I KNEW Dana wanted Georgie and that was why she shrugged off Bastien! And seriously Georgie ROCKS! Ok don't get me wrong I ONLY swing one way but dang...Georgie went in for the kill and it totally didn't seem to phase her! lol What I didn't see coming was finding out Jody the neighbor had also had Dana!!! LMAO! DRAMA ANYONE???

This next Snib Bit isn't a long one but it had to be said...SHE LOVES HIM YAY! I love Seth...I truly do!!! Hes so poetic and quiet and smart *sigh.

Snib Bit~

I wanted things to work out with Seth so badly. I wanted us to be together and be happy for as long as we could manage it. But if we couldn't, I didn't want him to waste his life on me.

"I love you," I murmured into Seth's shoulder, astonished when the words just slipped out. And I realized then just how much I meant them. He inhaled deeply and held me even tighter, and I felt the love pouring off of him, even with no spoken declaration.

"I'm pretty sure I don't deserve you."

"Oh, my Thetis, you deserve a lot of things."

Ok so I'm not sure what made me take a mark away...at some points I was easily distracted and when I read that normally just doesn't happen. BUT this is a good read and I think if you haven't picked up these books your missing out!

I give this book a total of...

<3monroe

Guest Review - Led Astray By A Rake - Sara Bennett - Book Binge

Description~

The hunt is on for the perfect husband . . .
Beneath Livy Monteith's icy blonde exterior beats a passionate heart, a heart that will not abide by society's rules. No, Livy will simply not marry the proper young man her parents have chosen for her husband. She'd rather die! But even her friends at Miss Debenham's Finishing School are shocked by the man she desires. Lord Dominic Lacey, the man they call Wicked Nic, is quite handsome, even more notorious, and every bit a scoundrel.
Nic thinks he knows all about Livy. She's a proper young lady from an upstanding family, the kind of woman any respectable man would be thrilled to take as his bride—but Nic is not a respectable man. For Livy, even being seen with him would lead to certain scandal. So why is the ravishing innocent doing everything in her power to seduce him? Bedding her would be a delight. But a sinful night with a man like Nic would lead a girl very far astray indeed . . .

I was lucky enough to get asked by Wena over at Book Binge (one of my FAV blogs btw) to do a guest review! So go on over there ladies and let them know what you think.

I want to thank Wena and all the girls at Book Binge for letting me in on all the fun! Anytime yall want a review I'm your gal! ;o)

<3monroe

North & South - Staring: Daniela Denby-Ashe & Richard Armitage

Description~

North & South is a splendid, four-hour adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's 19th century novel about an unlikely, and somewhat star-crossed, love between a middle-class young woman from England's cultivated south and an intemperate if misunderstood industrialist in a hardscrabble, northern city. Daniela Denby-Ashe plays Margaret Hale, forthright and strong-willed daughter of a former vicar (Tim Pigott-Smith) who relocates his family from a pastoral village outside London to unforgiving, largely illiterate Milton, a factory town where John Thornton (Richard Armitage) and his mother (Sinead Cusack), survivors of poverty, rule their cotton mill with an iron hand. Thornton befriends Margaret's father but incurs her wrath for his severity with his workers. What she doesn't notice is Thornton's core sense of responsibility for his employees' welfare. On the other hand, he misinterprets some of Margaret's own actions and intentions. Equally stubborn, the two drag out their obvious attraction over many painful months and events.

So I never really knew about this movie until I gushed about Dreaming of You by by fav Lisa Kleypas! What would I do without you guys?!? Yall enlighten me to SO MANY THINGS! Kristie (J) with Ramblings on Romance Etcetera, Etcetera was the first chick to tell me about North and South then Cindy with Cindy Reads Romance was TOTALLY kind enough to send it my way so I could experience this wonderful piece of work! (BTW both of these ladies blogs are AWESOME so go check them out sistas!) lol

John Thornton and Margaret Hale are total opposites! John is totally transfixed with Margaret from the first time he sees her but she is turned off by his harsh actions. John is afraid to show his heart while Margaret is confused by her love/hate feelings for him. This situation sends both into a whirl wind chase...cat and mouse...LOVE IT!

One thing I loved about this movie is that Margaret is SO loving with everyone in her path. She opens her heart to the lower class even though everyone looks down upon them, she trys to be a mediator in the middle of a strike that's affecting their entire town, and above all she still knows John is good at heart even though he doesn't show it. Margaret has a heart of gold.

And John...man is he tough. The first time you meet I'm he beats the crap out of this guy for smoking in the plant! BUT it was b/c not too long ago he saw one burn to the ground...see most of his actions actually have reason behind it! lol Margaret just doesn't always see them. ;o)

Their love together isn't until the end...and I did wish you got to see more but when they did get together OH MAN...:*) It was the sweetest thing. I don't want to give the ending away because I really believe that it's something you need to watch yourself but I will tell you that it's such a wonderful love filled story that you will enjoy from beginning to end!

Thanks girls for letting me know about this movie and I do have to agree that John and Margaret would make a great Derek and Sara...absolutely the best!

I give this movie a total of...

Instant Attraction - Jill Shalvis

Description~

After Katie Kramer survives a devastating accident, she resolves to live life balls out and leaves L.A. for a job with Wilder Adventures in the Sierra Madre mountains. Hunky Cameron Wilder, a champion snowboarder whose career ended with his own devastating accident, appears, and the attraction is instant for both of them. But neither wants a relationship so it's up to the Wilder clan to make them realize that they were meant to be together.

Meet Katie Kramer~
Katie lives in LA as an Accountant. She does the same routine day to day, living out her boring life.

Meet Cameron Wilder~
Cam lives 'Balls to the Wall' as a snowboarder! Living an exciting life of fame and fortune!

Meet the end of the road~
Both Katie and Cam face different tragedies in their lives that have them dodging near death experiences. The realization of whats happened leads them both to Wilder Adventures in the Sierra Madre mountains. To Cam its home. But can he face reality of going back? To Katie its just the start of her new adventurous life. To both parties its the start of something scary yet excitingly new to their hearts!

Ok this is the first Jill Shalvis book I have EVER read and let me go ahead and thank Wena b/c I LOVED THIS BOOK! I know I've been saying this often but I simply can't help it and refuse to make excuses for my high grades! lol

First thing I liked about this book is that you jump right into the story. No lagging around in this book. Katie went to run away from her problems and ended up at Wilder Adventures in Cam's bed! Cam had been gone for a year and came back to his room being occupied by Katie who he adorably calls Goldilocks. ;o) From then on all the way to the end its high impact romance. The chase...oh how I love the chase between Cam and Katie. This relationship goes from love/hate to hot and heavy in the matter of days!

Another thing I loved about this story was the side characters. I simply loved them all! Even the evil ex Serena! Serena had been left alone a lot during her relationship with Cam forcing her into another mans arms! (Btw I heard that in Instant Gratification she finds love ;o) but who knows...Oh and I loved how you got into the Wilder family. There is Stone, Cam, TJ and their aunt Annie! And I really enjoyed Annie's side story with her husband Nick. Her and Nick were gong through a dry spell in their marriage and were trying to save what little they had left. It was actually very touching.

One thing you simply can't ignore while reviewing this book is the tenderness between the two as they try to help each other overcome their hardships. Between Katies bad dreams (and Cam being there to hold her when she wakes) and Cam's uncertain path in life (and Katie trying to show him the way) it was just so touching to experience. They bonded perfectly! :*)

Snib Bit~

"Just keep looking at the moon. Look for falling stars."
She tipped her head up and gasped when she actually saw one. "There!"
"Make a wish."
She closed her eyes and did just that, and when she opened them again he was looking at her.
"What did you wish for?" he asked.
"You believe in wishing on falling stars," she marveled. "The stoic, pragmatic Cameron Wilder, a dreamer after all."
He let out a laugh. "On my way back to Wishful, the night I met you, I wished on one. And if you tell anyone that, I'll deny it."
"What did you wish for?"
He met her gaze. "To feel something."
She held her breath, caught, lost in his eyes. "Is it working?"
"I think it just might be."
She felt her heart click and lock into place. For him. "I wished for great sex. Tonight."

****GRRRRIIIIINNNN*** :*)

I give this book a total of...

Ok on to reading Succubus On Top - the second book in the Georgina Kincaid Series!

Ive been informed, yet again, of people having problems posing to this ...If you're having trouble with the word verification when trying to post a comment use the tab key to move the box down.

<3monroe

Oh And By The Way...

You know guys I always enjoy doing my BTW posts b/c I feel it gives yall in site to my life! A HUGE part of my life is my heart Michael! We have been married for 3 years this coming November and he's awesome! The funny thing is is that we are really opposite but it works for us!

Michael is seriously obsessed with Star Wars! He actually has a huge collection of stuff and I wanted to give yall a show! ;o) DONT THINK I'm hating on my husband on his SW collection b/c I'm not. This is all in innocent fun! lol I tease him b/c he has all this stuff like a kid but in all actuality I wouldn't have him ANY other way! BTW- Click on the pixs and they will blow up for you to get a better look!

Here are a few of his TV Guides. They have all different characters on them from the older movies and the newer ones. I like the movies just fine but I'll say the new ones are WAY better. Mike wouldn't agree with me! lol

Here we have one of Mikes DOLLS. Now I'm not saying this to hate on my hubby I'm saying this because its true. And its actually a debate between him and I. He says action figure, I say doll. And THIS next picture is why I say doll.

Ok proof! RIGHT HERE! There is a little girl playing with her on the back of the box! Its cool to have this in the collection and like I said I'm not hating on it. Its just that i know when I'm right! lol Point to Monroe! ;op

Alrighty guys heres the mother-load! lol Its filled with bazillion action figures (see the difference from the dolls?) the VHS tapes of the movies, the sound tracks to the movies, ships you can piece together, a pez set with different characters, a Christmas ornament...etc.

Closer up!

So ya we have a lot of Star Wars stuff going on here! Oh and actually I didn't realize that we had more. I thought forget it and I'd just show yall the few boxes I missed b/c i was sweating getting this stuff out1 lol

Here we have ANOTHER box of action figures...theres probably...idk...another 30 in that box. They fit pretty tight in there so you can fit a bunch! Theres a Monopoly Set and more larger action figures and that MIGHT be another movie set. Oh also we even have the Star Wars / Family Guy Special Edition set! lol Idk where it is though.

So clearly you see Mike LOVES his Star Wars! Many people would complain about this in a man...I think its cute! He keeps them locked away in boxes (I actually snuck these all out without him knowing but he caught me!) and they are never in the way and they are worth money! :o) So ya I love my nerdy husband to pieces! Is there anything your hubbies do or collect that you think is totally funny?

PS-
How could I forget our dog Lando who was named after a Star Wars character Lando Calrissian!

On to reading Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis!

<3monroe

Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid, Book 1) - Richelle Mead

Description~

The ability to look like whoever you please. The power to bring men to their knees. Sure, it sounds like heaven to be a succubus, but even after centuries, Georgina Kincaid is still haunted by her past and her loneliness, and her real job in the Emerald City involves assisting men who have made deals with the devil fulfill their pacts. Actual loving relationships with men are off-limits. So, naturally, she has men vying for a place in her life, especially linguist Roman and her favorite author, Seth. While Georgina tries to hold off the threat to her peace they're causing, another, more dangerous menace emerges: something or someone is stalking immortals, and she may be next on its list.

Ok yall are probably are tired of me throwing around great grades for my books but what can I do when I find little gems out there that seem to be flawless?!? Let me tell you Richelle Mead started this series out with a BANG!

First off we meet Georgina Kincaid. By day Georgie works as a manager at a high scale books store, by night shes an immortal succubus who sucks the souls out of men by having sex. Georgie needs these men to survive in her life. Being in the situation shes in Georgie stays away from relationships. But when she meets two men who peek her interest its just to hard to resist. Things soon get a bit rocky when immortals are coming up dead and it gets a bit personal when her friends start getting attacked. Will Georgie be able to handle two very persistent men AND a killer? And what happens when the killer turns up to be someone VERY close to her?

Wow I really liked this book. I had a friend recommend this book to me and I have to admit reading about a woman who sucks out the souls of men to live didn't sound TOO appealing. BUT lately Ive had a lucky streak with books so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

Some things I liked about this story were that it was so versatile! You got action, romance, mystery and a lot of surprises!

Georgie has a past that's very intriguing. You get to really learn what her life was like a long time ago as a human, and I think that its pretty relateable. Being married, she had a husband who did love her but was so consumed in his work that he rarely paid attention to his home life. All Georgie needed was attention. Without giving anything away I'll say you get to learn how and why she became a succubus. Its actually a very sad story.

Another thing I really liked was the fact that you didn't feel like you had to have background knowledge of the paranormal to understand the story. I can't tell you how many people I have had tell me that they didn't want to get into a series b/c they felt they wouldn't understand the paranormal state of it. This books makes you feel very comfortable and you learn so much without even realizing it.

Lastly I want to mention the romance. I have to admit...two men going after one woman is always my favorite thing to read about. We have Seth, who is very timid and shy. A very sweet guy who always seems to come to the rescue. And then you have Roman...oh Roman how you woo me! *sigh...Roman seems to be a total witty flirt! The kinda guy who reels you in with good conversation and of course his natural charm. Georgie trys to stay away from both men b/c her lifestyle really doesn't permit dating but she soon finds it hard to resist their pull.

Snib bit~

"That looks terrible, you know."
"What does?"
He pointed to my ice cream cone. "That combination."
"Hey, don't knock it until you try it. They actually go pretty well together." He looked doubtful. I slid my chair over by him and offered him a bite. "Make sure you get both flavors." He leaned in for the bite. Unfortunately, a piece of fell off onto his chin in the process. I instinctively reached out to stop it, sliding it back to his mouth. He just as automatically nabbed the wayward piece with his tongue, licking it off my fingers. A blast of eroticism coursed through me, and looking into his eyes, I knew he'd shared it too. "Here," I said hastily, reaching for a napkin, ignoring the desire to return my fingers to his mouth. Seth stayed where he was, leaning close to me. "You smell amazing. I've never smelled anything like it." He leaned closer. I knew he would not try to kiss me as Roman had. Seth was content simply to look at me, to make love to me with his eyes.

Who knew eating ice cream could be so erotic?!?!

This book has everything! Its a light and fluffy read yet totally left me wanting more! Like I said I hate to throw around high ratings but when you read a book that you feel is totally perfect how it is there's nothing acceptable then a perfect 5!

I give this book a total of...

On to read my next book for a guest review...Led Astray By A Rake by Sara Bennett

<3monroe

PS- Ive been informed of people having problems posing to this ...If you're having trouble with the word verification when trying to post a comment use the tab key to move the box down.

Buddy Review - Smooth Talking Stranger - Lisa Kleypas - Breezing Through

Description~

Ella Varner grew up with a troublesome mother and an insecure sister, but she has managed to come out of it reasonably sane, with a good (if vegan) boyfriend, Dane, and a job as an advice columnist. All of this gets turned upside down when her sister disappears and sticks Ella with her newborn, Luke. Determined to find Luke's father, Ella tracks down a likely suspect—millionaire playboy Jack Travis. The encounter results in Travis and Ella unexpectedly engaged in an irrepressible attraction. Meanwhile, Ella grows fond of baby Luke and fears what will happen when Tara returns. As Ella grapples with conflicting desires, she learns some important lessons about love and trust.

Ames over at Breezing Through invited me to do my very first buddy review! :o) Thanks you Ames and everyone over at Breezing Through for letting me in on all the fun! I really enjoyed it girls!

Make sure you head over to speak your mind! To check out our review click HERE.

<3monroe

Honor's Splendour - Julie Garwood

Description~

In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother, Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton—the Wolf—unleashed his warriors against Louddon's main. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he captured...but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast...as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for...Honor's Splendour.

We start off our story meeting Madelyne. Madelyne has a very cruel brother named Louddon who has raped the sister of Baron Duncan of Wexton. Wanting full revenge Duncan decides to capture Louddons own sister! Little does Duncan know that Madelyne isn't all what she seems. Madelyne is a lady but lets her true colors fly when she is face to face with the hard Baron of Wexton. What is Duncans plan for Madelyne? Surely it wasn't to fall in love...

I throughly enjoyed this story! I cant believe the luck I'm having lately with all my reads!

First off who cant love Duncan and Madelynes relationship. From the start there is an attraction even though Madelyne is SUPPOSED to be his captive. They seem to fit each other like gloves! Duncan is SO uptight and Madelyn is so free spirited that they equal each other out. I love how gentle Duncan is to her knowing how innocent she is. :o) I loved the first night they spent together after she was held captive...how she was worried he might take advantage of her b/c she slept hard! lol The banter in this book is never ending!

I also loved the relationships that Madelyne formed with Duncans family. Madeleyne didn't have parents and besides her horrible brother she had only been raised by her elderly uncle. So when she stepped foot into Duncans home and began to bond with his siblings it was very touching. i love how Edmond wasn't sure of her but later had a brotherly love for her, how Gilard hated her in the beginning...yelling at her and all other sorts and later on thought to be in love with her! And how she formed a tight bond with their sister over time and helping her overcome her tragedy.

Snib Bit

"We have bee bound to each other since the moment we met, Madelyne. God knew it, I knew it, and if you'll only reflect upon the truth you'll admit it too. We've pledged ourselves to each other, and though Laurance was not a priest and couldn't give us his true blessing, we are still wed."

"From the moment I warmed your feet," Madelyne whispered, repeating his past explanation.

"Aye, from that moment."

Who could forget in the beginning when he was freed and she warmed his feet for him! :o) She has such a gentle soul!

Overall I loved this book. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. If I had to say there were any faults to it it would be that I felt I was in the heads of the characters more than into the story at times. I wanted more face time in-between the characters and not so much thinking!

This is my first JG book I've ever read and I must say if you haven't tried her out you really should! I know I'll be returning to her work VERY soon!

I give this book a total of...

Off to read Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

<3monroe