Reno's Chance, a Tempting SEALs novella by Lora Leigh

I firmly believe no one writes an alpha male better than Lora Leigh. And Reno Chavez? No exception.

I made the mistake of getting the Tempting SEALs series and the Elite Ops series mixed up. Technically (and I am a technical kind of girl), the Tempting SEALs came first. And while you could absolutely read each series separately and still be totally satisfied, if you're like me and plan on reading them all anyway, you may as well start appropriately with Reno's Chance, which is book one in the Tempting SEALs series.

I started with book one of the Elite Ops, then moved on to book two of Tempting SEALs, and somewhere along the way realized I was ass backwards. Now, I'm halfway through both series and hardly confused at all!

I would in no way, shape or form call myself a writer. Have I dabbled in it? Sure. (I have tons of saved incomplete rough drafts.) Have a dreamed of one day being the next Judith McNaught? Of course. And during said attempts at writing, most of what came out was inspired by my own life and fantasies. When I was 18, I wrote stories about first and everlasting love. Ten years later, when I separated from my husband, I wrote about lovers torn apart to be reunited later with a love that was stronger than ever. Who knows what crazy shenanigans I'll be writing about in the future.

So many of Leigh's leading characters meet when they're very young, usually teenagers. There's a strong awareness of each other, but, of course, nothing romantic happens until much later. I wonder if Ms. Leigh is also writing from personal experience. The idea just makes my little heart go pitter pat.

In Reno's Chance, Reno and Raven are two such characters. They practically grew up together. Raven's brother, Clint, is in the Navy with Reno. And Reno's sister, Morganna, is Raven's best friend. (Clint and Morganna do some very naughty things together in book two.) Reno has wanted Raven for years and, as the wonderfully confident and dominant alpha male that he is, has known he would one day have her.

Unfortunately, Raven is dealing with some issues from her past, especially after having spent her childhood watching her mom and dad (also a Navy SEAL) fight every time he has to leave on another mission. It's after one especially bitter goodbye, that her father is killed in battle and doesn't return home. Despite her feelings for Reno, Raven has grown up swearing to not follow in her mother's footsteps. (I think I've done the same thing myself a time or two.)

Luckily, Reno wears her down, Raven finds her strength, and after one heart-wrenching declaration, which includes a pitiful whimpering puppy, all is right with the world. The only thing that could have possibly made this book any better is if it had been full length.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Singing in the shower (and maybe dancing) is a good way to relieve stress. When I am singing in the shower, I imagine myself to be the artist. I imagine myself singing, dancing and waving to an adoring crowd. Who hasn’t had a dream about being a famous artist? Who hasn’t imagined having their amazing talents discovered? I think we all have at one point, but never does it occur to us that it could be a nightmare if that passion dies.

One thing I found interesting about Where She Went was that it was from Adam’s point of view. It was a really good read so much that I could not put the book down. If I Stay was a lovely read, and it was very emotional and compelling. I was glad to see that Forman was able to keep consistency with both stories.

Where She Went

It has been three years and Adam is now the lead singer of a very successful band. He is getting ready to go on tour, but the fame and the lack of normalcy have gotten to him. The most life changing thing for him however, has been the fact that Mia left him. After three years, she is still not a topic that he is comfortable discussing and protects Mia and himself from his chaotic life (media, his new girlfriend). I don’t know about you, but I think not having closure on an emotional subject can be a little consuming. What if you have no idea what happened? What if one day, the person you love most just stopped talking to you and you have no idea why? I mean, most of us would move on but in this case Adam has a hard time letting go.

The story develops a little slow, and we don’t learn about Mia’s reason for ending their relationship until much later. I was a little angry with her, because when they finally see each other (pure coincidence) she avoids the topic all together and embarks on this tour of New York while Adam is trying not to explode with questions. When Mia explains her reasons it makes a lot of sense, and it ties back to If I Stay. Mia didn’t want to stay. Adam has always felt guilty for making her stay, and he promised that he would let her go if she did.

Anyway, the last part of the book was pretty amazing! I am a sucker for lasting love, and these two little music birds sure did know who to show it. I strongly recommend the book. It's just that type of story, even if you haven’t read If I Stay you can still understand the entire story. I can't wait to read another book by Gayle Forman, she is a talented author.

The Dom's Dungeon by Cherise Sinclair

I absolutely love Cherise Sinclair's books. And that's saying something because, to be quite honest, I don't think the whole BDSM thing is for me.

(Oh, and FYI... BDSM is bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism. Capicé?)

I assumed, when I started with Master of the Mountain, that there was a pretty good chance I wouldn't like it. I was wrong. I totally enjoyed it. And, while even now I'm still a bit iffy on all the spankings and floggings and Yes, Sir's, I've read and loved several of her novels. (The Masters of the Shadowlands series? So very, very good.)

Maybe it's my inner control freak that finds the idea of someone taking away said control somehow intriguing. Or it could just be that I find the whole BDSM lifestyle so very fascinating. I find myself thinking does this stuff really happen? and do these people really exist? constantly. And maybe that wouldn't be enough to keep me buying her books, however Ms. Sinclair's characters are all so... well... wonderful. These men are alpha males at their finest. Strong, confident, sexy. Of course, they're also perfectly adoring. (Again: do these people really exist?)

Ex-foster care child, ex-teenaged-whore, MacKensie has turned her life around. Well, mostly. She reserves her affection for the animals she cares for as a veterinarian -- animals never judge her or look down on her like the people in her hometown in Iowa.

Ready to start a new life in Seattle where no one knows her past, she sets up a vacation exchange so she can job-hunt. The house in Seattle is lovely but one room is locked. Her years in foster care have left her with a neurosis about locked doors -- and the ability to open them. When she gets the door open, she's appalled…and intrigued. Chains and manacles, whips and paddles, odd benches with straps.

While waiting for his plane out of Seattle, Alex Fontaine intervenes in a mugging and gets knifed in the process. By the time he’s been stitched up, his plane has left, taking his luggage with it. Hoping the woman he’d swapped houses with won’t be too upset, he returns home. He finds her in his dungeon, trying on a spanking bench for size, her little round ass up in the air.

Now what’s a Dom to do?

Oh, yeah. He spanks her but good. And he spanks her butt good. So this might not be the type of book for you if you find that sort of behavior at all disagreeable. I do not. At least, not in books. If someone tries to spank me in real life, they might lose a hand. Then again, the right kinda guy might be able to pull it off. (This post is getting away from me.)

I really enjoyed the book. (Spankings and all.) Mac might just be one of my new favorite heroines. She was sweet and smart... and I like that she No, Sir'd Alex a time or two. (Does that mean I wouldn't make a good submissive? Something to ponder.)

So, how do you feel about spankings?

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

What is the one thing that always makes you happy? In my case it is music, I purchase music once a week (Yes, I purchase all my music because I can’t bring myself to download illegally). I am definitely grateful for iTunes’s $0.69 deals! I was pleasantly surprised when I found If I Stay because of the significance music has throughout the story. I have to admit that that I was scared to read these books. I read some reviews and I didn’t want to read such a depressing book. I thought I would be weeping throughout the entire story, but there were only a few scenes that made me cry like a baby. Anyway, I really enjoyed Forman’s writing, she can definitely evoke emotions.

If I Stay

Mia lives with a great family, her parents are cool and her little brother is sweet. Mia loves to play the cello and practices almost 8 hours a day, so it’s interesting to see her relationship evolve with Adam. Adam the rocker and Mia the classical musician. They have a sweet, loyal, and honest love for one another. Adam becomes the third child in Mia’s family household. He spends a lot of time with Mia at home and they enjoy every single moment they are together. One of My favorite moments in the book is of Mia and Adam alone in her room and Adam asks Mia to “play” him (You’ll have to read the book to see what I am talking about). You will enjoy it as much as I did. Trust me.

But it’s just as they say, we can’t have it all. We always have to choose, we can never have the best of both worlds. When Mia and her family are involved in a fatal car accident her life turns upside down. Mia has an out-of-body experience and sees everything that happens to her parents and her brother. She sees everything that happens to her while she is in the hospital. Mia understands that she has to make the choice to stay or leave – it’s difficult for her to decide when she sees the people that wish for her to stay. This is when my second favorite moment happens; Mia realizes what happened to her family and I was expecting a chaotic reaction, but instead it was the opposite and somehow that silence portrayed the pain. Ultimately Adam and music helped Mia to make the choice between life and death.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

I can't remember the last time I visited the circus. However, after reading Overton's review I think I might see it in a different way (if the author can hold my interest), then I am willing to look past the fact that clowns roam the circus, just like flies roam... You know what I mean. Enjoy the review.

Water for Elephants

I do not read romance novels as a general rule. I have nothing against them, but I generally prefer non-fiction or action novels. So I was pleasantly surprised when I read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. At its heart it is a love story, really a love triangle. Jacob, who has just dropped out of college, finds himself falling for Marlena, who is married to the abusive August. And that story is well drawn, and definitely holds the reader’s interest throughout the novel. Jacob is such a good man, and yet is put in such a difficult situation; it is fascinating watching him try to navigate the morality of his precarious situation.But what really makes this novel shine is the setting. I do not like circuses. I never go to circuses. I have turned down free tickets to go the circus. So I have no real love of the circus, but in Gruen’s capable hands the circus came alive in a way I could never imagine.

The novel is set in the depression, and Jacob catches up with a train circus. The lingo, the description, and the social order on the train are all just fascinating realities that make this novel so interesting, and so much more than just a romance novel. It makes you want to go to a big top somewhere and spend the day looking at the things which are described in such detail in the novel.

The other layer to the novel is that the entire story is being told by Jacob in a nursing home, as he is now 93 and remembering his life as a young man. This detail allows the novel to explore aging, death and the purpose of life. Jacob as an old man can be very cranky and forgetful, but he is still lovable. And the way the book ends in one of the best touches of the entire novel, showing that even at 93 Jacob still has some life left in him. This was really a fantastic book, and it works on so many different levels, that most people will find something to enjoy.

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning

So, earlier this year, I got sucked into the genre of erotic romance. Blame it on my friend Michelle. She said, "oh, you just have to read something by Lora Leigh" and I was all, "meh" but then decided to give it a try when I found myself intrigued by Tempting the Beast. Peeps, I've never felt my face burn so hot ever before in my life. It pretty much spiraled down hill from there. (Of course, I mean that in the best possible way.)

Now let me just say this: erotica and erotic romance? TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS. Erotica is basically like watching Cinemax. Lots of bump and grind with a really dumb plot line trying (and failing) to tie it all together.

Erotic romance has everything I love about romance novels... the emotional tumble into love, the heartbreaking conflict... plus the aforementioned bump and grind. HOW CAN YOU GO WRONG?

Since January, I've been making up for lost time. I've read all sorts of new authors in this very fun new (to me) genre and I'm having a ridiculously good time.

Backstage Pass, book one in the Sinners on Tour series by Olivia Cunning, has been one of my absolute favorites. It was so fun and sexy and the guys are all so wonderful who could resist wanting to be a groupie? (Obviously, I'm not the only one who feels this way as there's a whole site dedicated to the Sinners including their pictures and bios, tour dates, a place to chat, etc.) (Great if you're not ready to leave the hot fantasy world that Ms. Cunning has created.)

I loved the band and their relationship with each other; I loved how Myrna fit in with them (the smart, classy babe who can hold her own). Brian, while totally sweet, wasn't quite the alpha I prefer, but still. Loved. (Although I will say he should have stood up to Sed at some point.)

Even though I only read this book two months ago, I found myself reading it again last week. It's an easy read, fun, entertaining, sexy... but maybe not for the faint of heart as it does include, gasp!, a menage with borderline male on male action (which I must confess I'm not entirely a fan of, but I'll save that debate for another time).

Backstage Pass: highly recommend. (I also totally recommend Rock Hard, book two in the series. Also very, very good.)

And, in case you couldn't tell, I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of this series to be released.

Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

As we have mentioned before, we welcome guest reviews! This is our first guest review emailed to us by Overton (finally). The book seems very interesting, and has received good reviews. I was hoping to receive more collaboration from Overton... but unfortunately his Kindle was destroyed by the wrath of his wife (just kidding! relax big-O). His Kindle was mangled on a camping trip but I am sure once he gets a replacement, he will be writing a review for Water For Elephants (No pressure).

Before I Go to Sleep
It's categorized as a thriller, but unless reading about a woman with amnesia waking up every day in her own bed is thrilling to you, you may be disappointed. This does not mean the book is not good, just hard to categorize. There is an exciting (maybe even thrilling) ending when everything comes together, but the middle at times seems a little plodding.

The style of the book is what is truly interesting; the book is a journal kept by Christine, one she must keep because when she goes to sleep she forgets everything that happened to her the day before. As the book progresses we realize that the life she is living may not be as mundane as it seems in the beginning. This was a fun summer read, but not anything to think about too deeply.

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

The downside of being an empathetic person, is feeling pain as your own. Unfortunately, pain is just part of life, and we don’t need books to tell us how it feels. However, sometimes you read something and it gives you a new perspective on how to or how others deal with difficult situations. Recently, one of my closest friends gave birth to her first child and that same day, in the same hospital, my friend’s sister was struggling (and continues to) to survive. I felt overwhelmed with emotions; on one side I was happy for my friend’s baby, on the other side I felt for my friend and his family. I wanted something different to read this time, and I am glad I found this book by Lisa Schroeder.


I Heart You, You Haunt Me 

I have never read a verse novel before, and I was fairly pleased. The rhythm (in my head) was amazing, and it was beautifully written. The novel is about two young lovers – Ava and Jackson. The beginning of the story is during Jackson’s funeral. Ava’s realization that she will never see Jackson again is so intense and heartbreaking. I was captivated by the way that love, pain, anger, and hope could be summarized in a few words.

When promises are broken, we tend to feel angry at those who break it. Ava is upset because Jackson broke his promise. It doesn’t seem fitting at first, but how can the person she loves most leave her – he promised he wouldn’t. We all deal with loss and different ways, and sometimes we feel guilty for the actions of others. Jackson made a choice not only was it tragic, but it was a choice that affected everyone who loved him.

You are probably wondering about the haunting part. I was skeptical to read the book at first, because anything scares me. I thought I wouldn’t be able to sleep, but since I cried plenty I was able to fall asleep fairly quickly. Ava has a different relationship with Jackson, one that would probably freak most people out (except those who long for their loved ones). Jackson’s presence is proof of his unselfishness and his love for Ava.

If you are looking for a happy ending…well you might just have to interpret “happy ending” a different way. Learning to let go of someone is so difficult, but letting go doesn’t mean you have to stop loving them or stop thinking about them. Sometimes, you can start over again because the person you loved most gives you a second chance.

My top five Nora Roberts books... I think.

Nora Roberts can't possibly be human. It's way more likely she's a machine and the jokes on us. I mean, is there anyone else in the world that has written more books? It's just not normal! Appreciated? Yes. Normal? Absolutely not.

Anyway, these may or may not be my five favorite NR books. Who the hell knows? I've read so many in the last 15 years, it's hard to remember.

"Reece Gilmore has come a long way to see the stunning view below her. As the sole survivor of a brutal crime back East, she has been on the run, desperately fighting the nightmares and panic attacks that haunt her. Reece settles in Angel's Fist, Wyoming - temporarily, at least-and takes a job at a local diner. And now she's hiked this mountain all by herself. It was glorious, she thought, as she peered through her binoculars at the Snake River churning below. Then Reece saw the man and woman on the opposite bank. Arguing. Fighting. And suddenly, the man was on top of the woman, his hands around her throat... Enjoying a moment of solitude a bit farther down the trail is a gruff loner named Brody. But by the time Reece reaches him and brings him to the scene, the pair has vanished. When authorities comb the area where she saw the attack, they find nothing. No signs of struggle. No freshly turned earth. Not even a tire track. And no one in Angel's Fist seems to believe her. After all, she's a newcomer in town, with a reputation for being jumpy and jittery-maybe even a little fragile. Maybe it's time to run again, to move on... Reece Gilmore knows there's a killer in Angel's Fist, even if Brody, despite his seeming impatience and desire to keep her at arm's length, is the only one willing to believe her. When a series of menacing events makes it clear that someone wants her out of the way, Reece must put her trust in Brody-and herself-to find out if there is a killer in Angel's Fist before it's too late."

Okay, so the synopsis is just about as long as the book, but peeps? Reece is my most favorite tortured soul ever. And Brody? Such a jerk. But, you know, in the best he-actually-really-loves-her kinda way. I'm sure a therapist would have a lot to say about my attraction to assholes, but I'm sure it's not an opinion I'd willingly pay for. Moving on...

"The daughter of a world-renowned magician, Roxy Nouvelle has inherited her father's talents- and her penchant for jewel thievery. Into this colorful world comes Luke Callahan- an escape artist who captures her heart- and keeps secrets that could shatter all her illusions..."

I went through a phase years ago where I could not get enough of the hot, thieving con-artist type books. This was a good one. So was Sidney Sheldon's If Tomorrow Comes, which I read in a day. And so was...

In the stratosphere of A-list celebrities, Adrianne was an A-plus. Beautiful, wealthy, elegant, she lived the kind of glamorous life that most could only envy—since they didn’t know the private tragedy and the dangerous truth. For her pampered-rich-girl pose was just a carefully orchestrated façade that she was ready to drop when the moment came to right the wrongs of the past. And with The Sun and The Moon—a fabled necklace that is within her reach—the moment has come. At first it seems no more than an accident of fate that brings a man like Philip Chamberlain into her life now of all times. But men like Philip aren’t prone to accidents. Handsome, charming, enigmatic, he seems privy to secrets she’s spent a lifetime concealing. Who is Philip Chamberlain and what does he really want from her? These are questions Adrianne must answer, because to trust the wrong man now could cost too much.

Philip was sexy. Then again, so was Adrianne. Although, I'm not sure if that had anything to do with looks and personality so much as it had to do with the hot thievery thing. Did I mention I really found the jewel heisting thing, um, hot? (I'm starting to repeat myself, aren't I?)

Marine archeologist Tate Beaumont finds herself thrown together with salvager Matthew Lassiter, eight years after he brutally crushed her first stirrings of young love, as they again attempt to locate Angelique's Curse, an amulet heavy with jewels and history, tainted by blood and madness. An earlier expedition ended in betrayal and tragedy, changing both their lives forever and leaving their families inextricably entwined. Matthew has an agenda of his own: to draw out Tate's former employer, the unscrupulous and mysterious millionaire responsible for killing his father and maiming his uncle--who will stop at nothing to get his hands on Angelique's Curse. Tate and Matthew find themselves circling each other warily, each unsure of the other's motives, yet drawn together by passion and danger beneath the azure waves. The Reef is an entertaining read, delighting readers with its meticulous research and detail, but it fails to adequately develop the tension between its lead characters caused by the love neither trusts can overcome the past.

The Reef was one of the first NR books I read. I loved it. (Of course, that's why it's on the list, right?) It was so fun and exciting. And I love how she can take me back to the past without boring the hell out of me. And then there's the fact that I'm a total sucker for first loves. Sigh.

Emma McAvoy may have grown up in the limelight, but some secrets are hidden in a darkness no light can reach. Now on the verge of a successful career, and having fallen in love with the man of her dreams, Emma is looking to the future. Yet it’s the past that is about to catch her from behind. For Emma, her childhood had been almost like a rags-to-riches fairy tale—until the tragic night that changed her family forever. But what Emma thinks she knows about that terrible night and the man she’s about to marry is only half the truth. The other half is locked away in the last place she’d ever think to look: her own memories. It’s a mystery a handsome and relentlessly driven homicide detective needs to solve in a case that’s haunted him for years . . . and a secret someone will kill to keep.

Of course the first NR book I read makes the list. I mean, this is what started the love affair! This book stayed with me for a long, long while after I finished it. I was so in love with the McAvoy family... Emma, her dad, the band... The way Ms. Roberts writes about family, well, it's one her greatest strengths. I always find myself wanting to be apart of them. Not that I don't love my own family ('cause I do!), they're just not as cool.

When Jack Mercy died, he left behind a ranch worth nearly 20 million dollars. Now his three daughters-each born of a different mother, and each unknown by the others-are gathered to hear the reading of the will. But the women are shocked to learn that before any of them can inherit, they must live together on the ranch for one year. They are sisters...and strangers. Now they face a challenge: to put their bitterness aside and live like a family. To protect each other from danger-and unite against a brutal enemy who threatens to destroy them all.

In high school, I had a friend. Yep, just one. (I transferred high schools in the middle of my freshman year and Tara was the only girl I knew.) (It was seriously tragic.) Hanging out at her house one afternoon, I discovered her mom had a shelf full of Nora Roberts and she was all about letting me borrow them. Montana Sky was on the shelf, but it looked, well, boring. It wasn't until I had finished everything else that I finally gave into reading it. And it's been in my top five six ever since.

(On a side note, I should mention I did not take into consideration any of the series that Nora Roberts has written. There are so many good ones I thought they'd deserve their very own post... some day.)

Fun fact: Zuyen has never read a book by Nora Roberts. I'm determined to get her to read one. If you're an NR fan, which book would you suggest be her first?

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

When do you realize that you actually enjoy doing something? My dad says most people realize this soon enough. Apparently I am not "most" people, well that’s fine with me. One of the reasons I like to read so much is because of the language. English is my second language, and I learned to speak by reading it.

When I was in Elementary school, I remember being picked on by most of my classmates because I didn’t dominate the language. I was determined to learn English by the end of my 5th grade year, so I asked my teacher for extra reading material. Once in middle school, I looked forward to the first 30 minutes of my English class because we had to read silently. I remember thinking that I would always put myself in people’s places, to understand how they feel. So, when reading a book I always put myself in the characters place, and hence the laughing out loud in public, and the crying when "no one" is watching. Anyway, this reminded me of a book I read a while back, and it was a book that made me laugh, but most of all I could relate to the heroine.

Bet Me - Jennifer Crusie

Minerva’s English was perfectly fine, so that’s not the reason I liked her so much. Minerva is the type of character that most of us can relate to (let’s face it, not all of us are at our ideal weight). She is just like most of us think of ourselves: a little plump, plain, and tired of searching for that special someone. I mean, haven’t we all wanted to shove a swizzle stick through someone’s heart? Okay. Maybe not Stephanie, heaven forbid we waste ANY candy.

Can you imagine a really hot guy (Cal) betting that he can get you into bed in less than a month? I would react just like Minerva- go along with it and teach him in a lesson (of course it was all a misunderstanding). In Minerva’s case, wanting revenge backfired because she fell in love in the process. Haven’t most of us experienced the “I want you back because I didn’t realize what a good thing I had” with an ex? It’s always fun to see a little competition too.

Finally, don’t most of us struggle with our weight? I mean sure, when I was in high school I was 110lbs so I never worried about it (don’t you dare ask how much I weigh now). Anyway, don’t we all know someone that is calorie obsessed and makes us feel guilty? Honestly, I got to a point in which I was tired of every single heroine being so "beautiful" and "almost perfect". I mean, sure it’s nice to picture the characters good looking, but it’s always nice to relate to an amazing personality. If you haven’t read this book, I suggest that you do. AND if you haven’t read anything by Crusie, you are out of your mind! Get to it! I promise you will enjoy it because Crusie is definitely fantabulous.

P.S. The greatest English teacher I had in high school was Overton (Happy now?! Please write a review ASAP).

How it all began

It was this book by Johanna Lindsey that ruined me for all other genres. I didn't intend for it to happen. I was... I dunno... 14? and had been plenty happy reading all the Christopher Pike, Richie Tankersley Cusick, and Sweet Valley High books I could get my hands on.

It didn't occur to me until later that there was a love story in almost all of them. There was always a boy and a girl falling in love. Well, maybe "love" is a stretch (they were just teenagers, after all) but there was a serious crush, usually a first kiss, and an ending that left a possible future of Happily Ever After to the imagination.

Then I found The Magic of You in my sister's bedroom. She was 19. I thought it was all very scandalous and exciting and I immediately stole the book with the sole intention of seeking out the, ahem, "love" scenes. Hey, I was curious!

Except, while I was flipping through looking for those, er, parts, I found myself becoming more and more intrigued with the actual story. Eventually, I went back to page one and started reading.

Oh. My. God. I was in love. That was it for me. I was an instantaneous romance novel sucker for life. I never did give that book back to my sister. (And, T, if you're reading, you still can't have it.)

After that, there was no going back. God knows how many Johanna Lindsey books I went through, but let me just say this. Trying to buy them was a freaking nightmare. I was fourteen. When I needed another book, I had to beg my parents to take me to the bookstore. And at that age, having your dad take you to buy a book with this on the cover...

...pretty effing embarrassing. I'd pretend to continue browsing until he looked preoccupied enough for me to hurry and make the purchase. And, yes, I would like a bag.

It surprises me that I am so crazy about romance novels. Because, really, I'm not a touchy-feely-let's-declare-our-love-in-big-public-displays-of-affection romantic kinda girl. I don't like to dress up, flowers always die, chocolates just make me fatter, sex in real life is way different, and I'd rather talk things out than have the big misunderstanding-leading-to-heart-wrenching-reconciliation that I so love in my novels.

But, with that being said, I seriously can't get enough.

My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

Sometimes, I find an author I really like, and I try to read as many of their books as possible. I recently discovered Kristan Higgins, and I have to say that I absolutely love her books. I love the books because they make me laugh and cry at the same time. The characters of each book are people we can all relate to, and it’s so easy to feel part of the story. Even though I have read most of her books (I need one more to finish them all) I am only going to share my favorite.

"Divorce attorney Harper James can’t catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister’s destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she’s being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic."

My One and Only

I am not exaggerating when I say that you will fall in love with Harper. Harper is a beautiful, successful, funny, and caring woman (even if she is a shark). Please, don't get me wrong, just like any of us Harper has flaws and those flaws make her so endearing. However, Just when Harper thinks things are going to work out, her little sister decides to get married, and guess to who? Her ex-husbands stepbrother! Can you say drama? I love drama.

Anyway, I love the way each character was introduced throughout the story. Kristan managed to keep me on my toes, because the motive of Harper's and Nick's divorce is not discussed in the beginning of the book. The relationship between Harper and Nick is sweet and funny, the love they feel for each other is palpable. There is something for everyone in the book! Coco is the cutest pet ever (aside from my own), BeverLee is the crazy yet loving stepmother, Dennis is the hot boyfriend with the mental capacity of a five year old, and if you are catholic you will definitely love father Bruce - if you aren't catholic you will love him just the same, he is such a kind and funny man. So, if you are looking for a fun and sweet romance, I would strongly suggest you read this book. You will not regret it; you will probably want to pick up more of Kristan's books.

The Buckhorn Brothers: Sawyer & Morgan by Lori Foster

The Buckhorn Brothers series consists of five books: Sawyer, Morgan, Gabe, Jordan, and Casey. I've only finished the first two, but let me just say this: I want to be BFFs with all of them. You know, if they were real. (Minor technicality.) Their relationship and camaraderie is something I could totally get behind.

About Sawyer:

"Sawyer Hudson, the only doctor in Buckhorn County, took it upon himself to rescue the beautiful but enigmatic woman who came literally crashing into his life. Though he knew he should keep things platonic and professional, around her his body had other ideas. And his heart was no more cooperative. Honey Malone was on the run, fleeing a dangerous predator, when she lost control of her car, drove into a lake - and found herself up to her neck in breathtaking men. After the brothers nursed her through her injuries, she tried to leave, but she hadn't bargained on their stubborn protectiveness. Or the passionate bond that tied her to Sawyer."

This was a super charming, fun, quick read. Let me confess: I am a sucker for tortured souls and Honey played a great part. As it was the first Lori Foster book I've read and therefore didn't know quite what I was getting into, I was afraid that it was going to turn into another Colters' Woman. Let's just say I'm glad it did not go anywhere near that line debauchery. (And that's another review for another time.)

About Morgan:

"Morgan Hudson commanded a lot of respect as Buckhorn's biggest, baddest sheriff. How one petite city woman could turn him on his head was a mystery, not to mention being downright aggravating. But Misty Malone did just that, and Morgan couldn't wait 'til she went back where she belonged... But then he discovered why she'd come in the first place. Misty Malone had hoped to take refuge with her sister, who'd just married into a family of sinfully attractive brothers. They all treated her like gold— all but one. Morgan seemed to think she was some sort of femme fatale, out to seduce his brothers. But seduction was the last thing on her mind. Foremost was the baby she was secretly carrying. And then, how to avoid the sexual sparks flying between her and Morgan."

In addition to tortured souls, I'm a bit of a sucker for big, hulking men. The taller and wider, the better. Morgan, in that regard, was perfect. Tall and built and scowling most of the time, but, naturally, with a heart of gold. Actually, if I had one complaint, it was that the brothers are all almost too good. Men like this just don't exist! (If they do, I'd like their number. Like, yesterday.) If I had a second complaint, it'd be that I'm not a fan of "secret babies." Still, Ms. Foster manages to pull both off and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I hate to say that I felt like Morgan's story dragged just a teeny tiny bit, 'cause honestly, I don't know if it really did drag, or if it was just my perception from having my reading broken up into short little pieces here and there. However, the last half more than made up for any perceived dragging. It was super cute. And, Lori Foster? She's got the sexual tension thing down to a wonderful art form.

I suppose you could call these a perfect beach read, however I don't think I've read anything other than magazines while at the beach. Because it's too distracting. Also? I'm not a beach person. However, I will say that these are the perfect stay-up-all-night-'cause-it's-so-effing-hot-you-can't-sleep books. That I would know a little something about.

Today is the birth of Books Before Boys

Let me tell you a little bit about us and the blog. Stephanie and I met at work, and we soon discovered that we share a mutual interest- reading. We started a book club at work, but it soon fell apart. We continued to read on our own, and we continued to share our favorite books with each other. Last month we agreed that it would be nice to share and to receive suggestions for books. It took us a while to come up with a blog name, but good old clever Stephanie came up with Books Before Boys (BBB) and I love it.

You are probably thinking that the name came about because we are some crazy, bitter, and feminist women who have nothing better to do than read. You are right on one thing, we sometimes don't have time to do anything else but read!

We are hoping to post regularly and we won't only be posting book reviews. We are going to make an effort to post on different topics that relate to reading. We hope you find this blog useful, and we can't stress enough how much we welcome contributions and suggestions.

Enjoy!