Wow! 2010 was an amazing year for me in the book blogging community!  I made new friends, found new authors, and read some wonderful books!  It was also my first FULL year of blogging.  For 2009, I only blogged for a few months, so 2010 I actually had 12 full months to share with you my book addiction!

Many people are doing posts about their Top Ten books of the year and such. Well, to be honest, I can't do that.  I read so many books this year that I just can't do it.  I tried to narrow it down, but the number just wouldn't budge below 50.

First I want to mention some wonderful blogging friends!

I  had the great pleasure of having Fiction Vixen on my blog and let me tell you, she better plan on coming back this year!! She had me laughing so much with her guest post that my sides STILL hurt! She is so fun to read that you need to read her blog!

I also reconnected with a great fellow book blogger.  She was the first person I turned to when I started my blog in 2009.  She helped me when I had endless questions on the "how-to" of book reviews and blogging.  She never fails to help my TBR pile grow and my wallet to cry! Thank you Anna for everything this year and I look forward to sharing more pictures of the endless force of Mother Nature!

Then of course there is Kris 'N' Good Books who has expanded my reading experience to not only include M/M books, but now she has got me hooked on DeRo! *fist bump*

Finally there is Princess Bookie!  She introduced me to book tours and PBS games.  Oh man, how my wallet has cried with PBS games!  Each month we swap with other book readers to get our hands on new copies of great released books that have been on our wish list.  The tours have kept me busy with ARC reading and have fueled my obsession with new debut authors.  Who else puts up with me emailing them 30 times a day with "Have you seen this book?" or "OMG! You have to read this book!" ??

Now for the stats for 2010!

PROM & PREJUDICE
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge
in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Point (January 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545240778
ISBN-13: 978-0545240772

SUMMARY:


After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making?

MY THOUGHTS:

How can you describe a book that you loved from beginning to end? How can I find the right words to even describe how much in love I am with this book?  Yes, this book has found a happy home on my favorites shelf and I have already recommended it to a few of my friends and family. 

I absolutely loved the characters in this book!  Darcy came off a little snobby at first, but once you read more about him you fall head over heels in love with him!  Lizzie was a great character as well that made you empathize with her and cheering for her throughout the entire story!  Jane was a great best friend that stood by Lizzie when she needed it and Lizzie made sure to be there for her as well.  Charles was the perfect compliment to Jane and I was also cheering for that couple as well.

The ending was great and was perfect for Lizzie.  This is what I wanted to happen at the end so she could shove it down the throats of all those snobby and wealthy brats she went to school with! I loved, loved, loved this book! Did I mention that I love this book?

If you are looking for a cute, yet predictable at times, teen love story with a spin on the classic story, then this is the book you need to pick up!  Don't pass it by in the stores!  As soon as your eyes make contact with this gorgeous cover, pick it up and head for the register! Then be prepared to be swept away in a fun and great story that will keep you hooked until the end!

MY RATING:

Labels: 5 flames

SCARY BEAUTIFUL
Author: Niki Burnham

Reading level: Young Adult
Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse (December 27, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 068987619X
ISBN-13: 978-0689876196

SUMMARY:


Chloe Rand's life is great. She has a serious boyfriend, she's about to start her junior year of high school, and she has a tight group of girlfriends. But when her boyfriend moves cross country, he dumps her cold right in the airport terminal. Chloe's devastated, and soon learns that when you're the prettiest girl in school and totally unattached, everyone starts treating you differently. Girls don't trust you, guys don't know what to make of you, and everyone assumes you're spoiled, dumb, or both.

Chloe realizes she's been living the last few years in a bubble and decides to do something about it. But when she falls for Billy, a total geek, will it make her situation better...or worse? 

MY THOUGHTS:

How cute is that cover? It is so playful and perfect for a young adult read!  I was looking for a quick read when I came across this book on my bookshelf.  These Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy line of books remind me of a Harlequin nook geared for teens.  They are predictable, a fun romance and characters that are fun. 


While I have read many books where the teen is the ugly duckling of the school, this is a first for me where we get to read from the beautiful and popular girls perspective.  Chloe is that girl that we all love to hate in high school.  She is scary beautiful, can have any guy she wants, and she is popular to boot.  What makes this different and the character likable, is the fact that she hates being the pretty girl in school.  She has just been dumped by her boyfriend of two years, realizing she has spent those two years closed off from her friends, and trying to rediscover who she is.  


Billy is the geek she would never have noticed before.  He is kind, cute, but part of the nerd crowd.  He is very smart, yet also fun to be around.  Chloe starts to fall for Billy and wants to hang around him more.  The only thing is her best friend Rachel has had her eye on him as well.  Now Chloe has to decide if friendship is more important than the boy. 


While I thought the book was predictable, I actually enjoyed this book.  It was fun and quick, but told a story as well with a great pace.  I liked how down to Earth Chloe was and Billy was such a sweetheart.  I love how the author put a new spin on the cliche of outer beauty vs. inner beauty.  A great read to add to your list of books!


MY RATING:

Labels: 4 flames

Labels: WOW

ENTICE
Need Series Book #3
Author: Carrie Jones
Source: Bloomsbury
*I received this book free of 
charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (December 14, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599905531
ISBN-13: 978-1599905532

SUMMARY:

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not quite how things have worked out. For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla? And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't turned into just any pixie. . . She's Astley's queen.

MY THOUGHTS:

Wow. Oh,my! You don't know how hard it is for me to put into words my thoughts on this book!  I admit that I am not a big fan of the whole pixies and fairy theme in books.  I was hesitant on even signing up for this tour for that fact alone.  Yet, the summary intrigued me.  I just had to read this book because I have heard so many positive things about this series and author.  Granted, I should have started this series from book one, but instead I jumped in and started with book three. I regret not reading the first two now, because I am addicted to this series now. I have already ordered my copies of the first two books just so I can have my Need fix!

Without going into too many spoilers, this book had suspense, intrigue, romance, paranormal, myth and conflict all rolled into a nicely bound book! Now, I need to find the time to start this series from the beginning so I can truly enjoy this book again for a second time! If you are fan of the series, you will be captivated by this installment of the story!

MY RATING:

Labels: 5 flames

DAKOTA CHILD
Author: Linda Ford
Source: Harlequin Ambassadors
*I received this book free of charge
in exchange for an honest review*

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Steeple Hill (September 8, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373828209
ISBN-13: 978-0373828203

SUMMARY:

Trapped in a North Dakota blizzard, single mother Vivian Halliday's prayer for herself and her child is answered. Rescue comes in the seemingly terrifying form of Billy Black, the hulk of a man feared by all the townsfolk. Yet in the home he shares with his ailing mother, the handsome, gentle giant warms her baby's bottles and sings sweet lullabies that lull even Vivian to peaceful sleep. When the storm abates, will she still seek the life that led her back to the village?

MY THOUGHTS:

This was my first read in the Love Inspired Historical line by Harlequin.  While the book featured great writing skills by the author, Linda Ford,  I will say that I don't think I will be reading anymore from this line.

The author has a wonderful gift for writing.  The book flowed great and the story was heartfelt.  I really loved the character of Billy Black.  He was so sweet and patient with the baby that it melted my heart! Here was this large man with a heart of gold, sitting in a rocker and humming the baby to sleep.  Vivian was an okay character for me.  She just wasn't outstanding in my mind.  She was ordinary and the same type of character found in most books. While I enjoyed her being paired with Billy Black, she just didn't have the wow factor that I like.  The one thing that I did not enjoy about this book was the constant reference to religion.  While I understand that this book is in the Christian Romance line, I have read other Christian Romance books that didn't have this much preaching.  I think the author could have written the book with the same impact if she would have cut out a lot of the bible quoting.

While this book was just okay at most for me, I think it is because this type of book is not my style.  I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy a book that had to force bible scriptures to me in every chapter.  If you like these types of books, then I do urge you to read it.  :Like I said, the author does of wonderful job with the writing skills.  But, if you are not a fan of this sort of genre, or if you don't like to be preached to within each chapter, then I suggest holding off on reading this book right away.

MY RATING:

Labels: 2 flames

Labels: IMM, In My Mailbox

SINFUL
Author(s): Sara Dailey and Staci Weber
Source: Author Submission
*I received this book free of charge 
in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: Mundania Press LLC (November 16, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1594262535
ISBN-13: 978-1594262531

SUMMARY:

After the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Carrington is starting over. In a new city, at a new school, and with a dad she hardly knows, it isn't going to be easy. Trying desperately to find her way and cope with her unceasing grief, she finds herself surrounded by a force so compelling, so comforting, so captivating that she can't deny its presence and soon fears that if it were to leave her, she might lose her very self. But is it all really happening or has her wavering sanity finally found its breaking point? Michael's role in this world has been the same for centuries, but now something is different. He is inexplicably drawn to an intriguing stranger so alluring that he can't force himself to resist her. Is he willing to risk everything to be with her, even falling? A dark force, hell bent on destroying any chance of happiness for his arch nemesis Michael, is lurking in League City, TX, and there is no limit to his need for vengeance. How far will he go to seek revenge for his sworn enemy's betrayal? Caught in a clash of good versus evil, Elizabeth soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a battle that has been brewing since long before she was even born. 

MY THOUGHTS:

When Elizabeth's Mother passes away after a battle with cancer, Elizabeth feels a calm and reassuring presence around her.  At first she thinks it may be her Mother's spirit trying to comfort her after the loss.  When Elizabeth moves to Texas to live with her Father, she starts to think it might be an angel who is keeping her company instead.

I found the writing to be refreshing in this book.  For once, the characters that are teens, actually talk and act like teenagers!  They actually had the attitude of a teen with all of the school drama that actually is real! While I enjoyed the characters and the story plot, there were a few problems that I had with the book.

First of all the romance between Michael and Elizabeth was so rushed that it almost was instantaneous.  After Michael reveals himself to her, they are madly in love and know that they are going to be together forever.  Some parts of the book were also choppy in story with the time line jumping ahead too quickly.

What I did love about this book though was the constant suspense and high points of the plot.  Just when one climax of the story hit, and you thought that would be the end, it would build to another one before you even knew it.  I was constantly surprised at the different roads the author(s) would take us down.

The side characters were also a delight.  While we don't get to meet Zander, the head angel, until near the end of the book, he was still memorable and made the chapters great.  Lauren and Amy were fun friends to Elizabeth that you would see at any high school.

While there was good and bad of this book,  I still felt this an enjoyable and entertaining read. I liked the good versus' evil Angels and the romance that was intertwined in it.  Daniel himself, played an evil angel that you love to hate, but find yourself hoping for the best in him.  I can't wait to see what the authors will bring to us next!

MY RATING:

Labels: 3 flames

BEG ME
Author: Shiloh Walker
Source: Personal Purchase

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 182 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Shiloh Walker, Inc; 1 edition (November 19, 2010)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004D4YL3Q

SUMMARY:

Warning: This book involves light bondage play, rape fantasy & role-playing. The acts between the hero & heroine are consensual, but they may not be ideal for all readers.

Beg me…there had been a time when those words made her burn with desire. But now, there was only fear.

Once, Tania Sinclair’s life was almost perfect…oh, it had its ups and downs but she was happily married to a guy that adored her, one who had no problem indulging every kinky fantasy she ever had. But a couple of tragedies later, she’s barely holding it together. A car accident took away her husband, and an attack from somebody she should have been able to trust has shaken not only her confidence, but it’s also stripped away her fantasies and even made it painful to look back on her memories of her husband without fear.

Two years after her attack, Tania is determined to take her life back and the first step is taking back herself…her fantasies, her dreams, her memories. There’s only one person she can trust to do it, too. One person she wants enough…Drake Bennett, her husband’s best friend.

Falling for your best friend’s wife—never smart. Drake’s watched Tania quietly for years, watched her…wanted her, knowing he’d never have her. First, she was taken. And then, that night two years ago—a night that still scars her, a night that’s left bruises on her that still haven’t healed. He does what he can, though, because he loves her too much not to. He’s her friend, there when she needs him.

And now she needs him. She’s asked him for a favor…one that just about blows his mind… 

MY THOUGHTS:

When I first read a review about this book over at Smexy Books, I was intrigued on how an author was going to write about such a touchy subject.  Most authors won't even cross into the "rape" fantasies because they are considered taboo.  Luckily, one of my favorite authors was willing to not only write about it, but blow my expectations out of the water!

Almost every erotic book I have read includes some sort of fantasy or role play during the sex act.  What I found interesting in this book is the fantasy of being raped but in a consenting and pleasurable role play.  Most people would shy away from this, myself included.  The way the author portrays it in the book though, it is focused more on the aftermath than the actual rape itself.  Yes, Tania loved playing out these fantasies with her loving and devoted husband, but that changed once someone takes the control away and forces himself on her after her husband dies in an accident.  When Tania decides to take back her life though, she turns to the one person she trusts the most.  She asks her husbands best friend Drake to help her work through it.  

Ah, Drake.  He has got to be one of my favorite Hero's in a story.  He has the sex appeal, the caring and understanding mind, the ability to express his thoughts instead of holding them, and a Superman tattoo to seal the deal!  Drake has always had a thing for Tania.  He is willing to help her take back her life, but in the process he falls even deeper in love with her.  A true Hero that not only saves the girl, but captures her heart at the same time. *sigh*


While I agree that this book is not for everyone, if you do decide to venture out and expand your reading base of erotic romance, then this one will be the one.  I am glad I gave it a chance and I fell in love with Drake and Tania.  The story was hot, steamy and sexy with just the right amount of suspense, heartbreak and angst that kept it balanced.  Plus, Drake can be my Superman anytime!


MY RATING:

Labels: 5 flames

After many inquiries through email from other bloggers and readers, I decided to start a discussion post about a book or series of books that influenced your reading obsession.  For me, it is very easy to narrow this down. Let me give you a little background history first.

After high school, I was done with anything that involved opening a book.  Like any teen who leaves the world of school behind, I was happy to never have to read a "required reading" anytime soon.  You see, I didn't go to college after high school -- at least not right away.  I wanted to focus on family and love first.  I had children at a young age and married young as well.  The only thing I read was books to my children and magazines that I had picked up at the store.  I was determined not to step foot in a library as well.

As my children grew, and my oldest daughter became a teen, I noticed that she loved to read.  I never discouraged reading to my children.  If they wanted a book to read, I bought it for them.  Just because I had lost interest in reading didn't mean I was going to keep it from children.  When my oldest daughter came to me asking for the Twilight series, I purchased it for her.  She was constantly telling me that I just had to read them! I was getting recaps of this story each night from her.  I kept putting her off and didn't read them as they came out.  Finally I caved and read them but not until Breaking Dawn was already on the shelves at stores.


I started Twilight after the kids went to school one morning, and needless to say I forgot to pick my children up from school that day.  I was in awe of the story and couldn't put it down.  I couldn't believe reading a book could be so enjoyable!  I quickly finished the whole series within a matter of 2 days.  Afterward, I needed more books to devour.  The Twilight Series corrupted me.

I now own more than 2000 books with an entire room in my house filled with 8 bookcases! Each one has rows of books stacked twice on it and I still need more! When I am asked what  I want for a gift, I always say either books or gift cards to buy more books!

"Hello, my name is Amy.  I am addicted to books.  No I do not plan to get help."

My questions for you is this--- What book or series of books started your obsession of reading? Have you always enjoyed reading or did it take a certain authors work to spark it again?

BANISHED
Author: Sophie Littlefield
Source: Personal Purchase

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (October 12, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385738528
ISBN-13: 978-0385738521

SUMMARY:

There isn’t much worth living for in Gypsum, Missouri—or Trashtown, as the rich kids call the run-down neighborhood where sixteen-year-old Hailey Tarbell lives. Hailey figures she’ll never belong—not with the popular kids at school, not with the rejects, not even with her cruel, sickly grandmother, who deals drugs out of their basement. Hailey never knew her dead mother, and she has no idea who her father was, but at least she has her four-year-old foster brother, Chub. Once she turns eighteen, Hailey plans to take Chub far from Gypsum and start a new life where no one can find them.

But when a classmate is injured in gym class, Hailey discovers a gift for healing that she never knew she possessed—and that she cannot ignore. Not only can she heal, she can bring the dying back to life. Confused by her powers, Hailey searches for answers but finds only more questions, until a mysterious visitor shows up at Gram’s house, claiming to be Hailey’s aunt Prairie.

There are people who will stop at nothing to keep Hailey in Trashtown, living out a legacy of despair and suffering. But when Prairie saves both Hailey and Chub from armed attackers who invade Gram’s house in the middle of the night, Hailey must decide where to place her trust. Will Prairie’s past, and the long-buried secret that caused her to leave Gypsum years earlier, ruin them all? Because as Hailey will soon find out, their power to heal is just the beginning.

MY THOUGHTS:

Banished, to me, left me scratching my head at the end.  I was confused and I felt my reading appetite had been unsatisfied. While I like the idea of The Banished, I still haven't quite got the understanding of the history.  I had to reread a bunch of parts in this book because it tended to go off onto another subject before explaining the first thing that was introduced.

The author has a wonderful idea for the book.  I loved the characters in the story, but I couldn't get invested in them as much as I like to because there were so many questions left unanswered.  I loved how the women have the ability to heal and the men have the visions.  I thought this makes for a perfect love connection some how between The Banished. 

I really wish the author would keep in mind though that when you are writing a book that is part of a series, spread out the history.  I was bored halfway through the book because it was so slow in taking off.  Then it peaked midway and fizzled towards the end.  The pacing needs to be fine tuned for the follow up books.

I might read the next book in the series, but it isn't one that I will be rushing out to buy on release day.

MY RATING:

Labels: 2 flames

FALLEN ANGEL
Author: Heather Terrell
Source: Gifted

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (December 28, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061965707
ISBN-13: 978-0061965708

SUMMARY:
(from Amazon)

Heaven-sent? 

Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.

Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They’ve both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.

Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

MY THOUGHTS:

To be honest, the cover to this book is what captured my interest.  I love the side view of the girl and the font of the title was great.  Then I read the back of the book and I knew I had to read this book!

Ellie has always been one of the odd girls out in school.  She has never been part of the popular crowd which suits her just fine.  Ellie seems like a normal high school girl, except with a brief touch she can receive visions from the person she brushes up against.  She tries to avoid any contact because she doesn't always like what she sees in these visions.

When Michael starts to attend her school, they are both drawn to each other.  Michael is obviously one of the popular kids in school and doesn't understand his attraction and fascination with her.  It is revealed that they both knew each other from a previous trip that both of their families had been on.  While Ellie can't seem to remember him, Michael definitely is remembering Ellie.

Together, they try to figure out the attraction between each other and why their parents are hiding so many secrets from them.

While I think the romance between Ellie and Michael could have been sweet, it seemed to be a little off with me.  In some instances I felt that Michael even came off as a bit of a stalker at times.  Yet as the story progressed and we neared the end of the novel, I found myself warming up to the blossoming romance between the two.  Of course, with the plot twists and suspense that follows before we near the end of the book, we start to understand why their romance was hard to understand and enjoy. 

The book flowed at a fairly nice pace, even if some parts felt a little boring.  In certain points of the book, I was ready for the author to move on and get to another point in the plot.  I enjoyed the characters of Ellie and Michael, but I didn't fall in love with them like I should have.  Like I said, I didn't really warm up to them until the end of the book which made it hard to invest in their story. 

While I liked the book, I didn't love the book.  There were good points and there were bad points to it.  I will give the next book in the series a go though because now that this book is over, I finally have an interest in the couple and what the author will bring to them next.

MY RATING:

Labels: 3 flames

Labels: IMM, In My Mailbox

FAMILY AFFAIR
Author: Debbie Macomber
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge
in exchange for an honest review*

Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (January 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061997129
ISBN-13: 978-0061997129

SUMMARY:


Rediscover the joy of #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber's delightful tale of unexpected love, second chances, and a cat named Dog.

Lacey Lancaster has always longed to be a wife and mother. However, after a painful divorce, she decides it's time to lay low for a while in her charming San Francisco apartment with her beautiful Abyssinian cat, Cleo.

Everything would be wonderful, except for her utterly impossible neighbor Jack Walker. When he's not arguing day and night with his girlfriend, begging her to move in with him, he's chasing down his cat named Dog, who seems determined to get Cleo to succumb to his feline advances.

Then Lacey discovers the awful truth - Cleo is in the family way and Dog's to blame. She's furious that neither Jack nor his amorous animal seem too upset about the situation.

But Lacey learns that things are not quite as they seem. Jack's "girlfriend" is really his sister - and his intentions toward Lacey are very honorable. And though she's not quite sure about Dog, Lacey begins to discover the tender joy of falling in love all over again. 

MY THOUGHTS:

This was my first book by this author even though I had heard wonderful things about her books.  While I enjoyed the characters of Lacey and Jack, I felt the story had some problems along the way.

Let me first start off by saying that this is a fairly short and quick read at only 99 pages.  I was able to read and finish this book within an hour.  Seeing how it is a short read, maybe the author intended it to be rushed and fast paced.  I just couldn't see Lacey, who has just recently divorced, rush into the relationship with JAck as fast as she did. Jack was very patient with Lacey and had been trying to pursue her for a year, yet within a matter of weeks of their cats doing the deed, they fall in love with each other.  I would have liked to have seen the romance build a little more instead of within a few chapters. 

As for side characters, we don't get much interaction with them. A phone call here and there and a few meetings between Lacey and Sarah, who happens to be Jack's sister. The saving grace of this book, in my opinion, was the author's humor that she portrayed in the characters.  I loved how Jack wanted a dog but ended up with a cat that he names Dog!

Even though this isn't a great book in my opinion, I would still read more by this author just by the fact that everyone raves about her writing.  Maybe a longer novel by her is what I need to get hooked on her books.  If you are a fan of hers though, I say give it a go.  If you are like me and reading her for the first time, I would go for one of her longer novels before deciding on this one.

MY RATING:

Labels: 2 flames

SWEET SUCCESS
Author: Susan Mallery
Source: Personal Purchase

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Pocket; Reprint edition (May 1, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0743405951
ISBN-13: 978-0743405959

SUMMARY:

The free-spirited owner of a booming chocolate emporium in Santa Magdelana, California, Allison Thomas is out to save the world -- one truffle at a time. Everyone adores Ali -- who wouldn't love a lady who sneaks midnight chocolate deliveries to the local health spa? And even if a string of crumbled relationships have put romance on hold, Ali's perfectly content with her life and her high-flying career. That is, until the mysterious Matt Baker stirs up her world....New to town, Matt quickly gets under her skin and leads her into temptation. But neither love nor chocolate seems to melt Matt's icy heart. Now, in a unique setting where luscious desserts, sweet wine, and fresh ocean breezes intoxicate the soul, it may prove impossible for either of them to resist this seductive recipe for a wondrously indulgent passion!

MY THOUGHTS:

Whenever I need a feel good romance book, I always find myself turning to the books by Susan Mallery.  The author never lets me down when I need a heart fluttering love story that ends with a happily ever after that we all love in a romance story.

Allison Thomas is the daughter of a famous movie star with a chocolate shop nestled in Saint Magdelana, California.  She loves sharing her sweet creations with the town, and in the process helping those in need of a second chance in life.  She has a big heart that has always been her downfall in relationships.  She always seems to find men who need something instead of a relationship.  When Matt Baker arrives at her store to do some construction, she finds herself trying to fix him as well.  She can tell that something is haunting him from his past, but Matt is not the type to share it.

As the two work together on fixing her store room and other items on her to do list, we see each of them slowly do the dance of falling for each other and opening up about their pasts.  Is the story predictable? Yes. Do we know that they are going to be a couple that has a happily ever after? Yes.  What makes it enjoyable though is the story in between.  Each of the characters have flaws that they need to work through before we get to that point, but in the end making it worth it for both of them.  With a "small" surprise that enters the picture later in the book, it made it even more enjoyable.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters, and found myself wanting to learn more about them than the main characters at times.  Rick, Ali's brother, was witty and full of laughter. I loved how he was always there to cheer Ali up when she needed it.  Charlotte Elizabeth--Ali's mother--was an enigma of her own with a pudgy pig as a pet that she treated like a child. Every time she showed up with Miss Sylvie in tow, I laughed with the mental image the author created!

While this isn't one of my favorite books by this author, it is a book I would reread again for that feel good moment we enjoy in reading romance books.  Another great read by a fabulous author who never lets me down!

MY RATING:

Labels: 4 flames, Susan Mallery

HALO
Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge
in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (August 31, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312656262
ISBN-13: 978-0312656263

SUMMARY:

Three angels are sent down to bring good to the world: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. But she is the most human, and when she is romantically drawn to a mortal boy, the angels fear she will not be strong enough to save anyone—especially herself—from the Dark Forces. 

Is love a great enough power against evil?

MY THOUGHTS:

Where do I begin with this review? There were some things that I enjoyed about this book, yet there were also so many things that were not so good.

Let's start with the cover.  Beautiful!  I loved the silhouette photo used for the front.  With the sun shining through it made it heavenly! It truly is a remarkable cover that captures the innocence of love.  I also enjoyed the summary that was included on the book.  It captured my interest since I have been reading more about angels instead of vampires lately.  I am a fan of the angel books that feature forbidden love weaved throughout the plot. 

What bothered me the most, and what I have noticed from other readers as well, is the naive personality of Bethany. She is suppose to be a greater being since she is an angel, but at times she was silly and making decisions that even a regular human teen would be wise to.  When she should have been strong and wise, I felt she was weak and lost. 

The story also moved along rather slowly.  I kept wanting it to pick up the pace, especially since the reader has over 480 pages to go through.  It felt stalled in many chapters with no steam left to push it along.  There were parts of the story that captivated me though.  I did love the basic plot of how angels are amongst us and protecting us from unsuspecting evil.  I also liked the fact that even though this book is about angels, the author made sure not to come across preachy. 

While this wasn't one of my favorite books of the year, I do see the story having potential for something more in future books.  Will I read the next installment in this series? Yes, but only if the author can fine tune the details of story progression and maturing of Bethany.

MY RATING:

Labels: 3 flames

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Labels: 100 Reading Challenge