Rock Me by Cherrie Lynn

Oh. My. God. Given the chance, I'd gladly throw myself at Ms. Lynn's feet and pledge my undying loyalty and devotion. She has managed to take my favorite attributes and turn them into one to-die-for character. Oh, Brian... how I wish you were real. And, you know, looking for an almost-divorced almost-30-year-old.

Brian is the perfect bad boy. All tattooed and pierced up. (Have you ever heard of an "apadravya" piercing? If not, go Google it immediately. I dare you.) He's a total don't-give-a-damn alpha male. Strong, confident, sexy. I was first "introduced" to him in Unleashed, his brother Evan's book. (Which was also good however seriously lacking in body art.) As soon as I realized Brian's story was available, I bought it. And I loved it. The end.

Candace has been in love with Brian for two years. She is the quintessential good girl. She's been sheltered by overprotective and overbearing parents her entire life. Parents who would absolutely disapprove (and loudly) of a relationship between her and Brian. Because Brian is a hot, mostly former hell raiser who grew up the underachiever in a family full of overachievers. And not many people can see past his past to the successful man he's become. Of course, Candace can. She knows he's a man worthy of love. And, also, she really wants to get in his pants but CAN YOU BLAME HER?

Rock Me was so good. It was sweet and fun and did I mention Brian is just so freaking hot I can't stand it? There were so many moments and scenes in the book that I had to reread. One in particular I had to reread more than once. (The concert. Buy this book for the concert scene alone. You'll thank me.)

I felt certain for most of the book that I'd rate it five stars. Which surprised even me 'cause I don't dole out five stars all willy-nilly to just any ole book. I mean, out of the last 183 books I've read, I've only given 14 of them the highest rating. (Yes, I counted.) So, why did Rock Me only end up with four stars? What went wrong, you might ask.

Candace is young; 23 to be exact. And despite my initial what the hell does a 23-year-old know about love reaction, I tried to look beyond that. (Hey, some of my favorite heroines have been 19, 20, 21-years-old. No big deal.) But. Candace appeared to come across as a typical wishy-washy 23-year-old. Yes, she was sweet, smart, lovely... but she was afraid to stand up to her parents and let that cause her to run from her relationship with Brian. Over and over and over again. Or so it seemed. (Maybe she only really ran from him, like, twice. But the back and forth stuff? Gets old quickly.)

However, I will say this: Ms. Lynn manages to inject some humor over Candace's behavior at the end of the book, during the happily-ever-after. I really, really appreciated that. It was refreshing. And I love that all of us (me, the author, the characters) could have a laugh about it.

God. Did I mention I really loved this book? Maybe I should go back and change it from 4 to 5 stars...

Trespass by Meg Maguire

I've tried to tell people that I have a problem reading too much and I get the same response every time. "Seems like a good problem to have." No. No, it isn't. I mean, sure, I love to read and I suppose if I'm going to do too much of anything then reading ain't so bad a vice, however now there's this here blog and you'd think I'd have plenty of material to write about except that I can't seem to quit reading long enough to do so. Vicious cycle, that.

Anyway, in case you're wondering, there is a point to this story. You see, I finished Meg Maguire's Trespass a couple days ago and I loved it. I told myself to write about it while it was still fresh in my memory, but did I listen? Of course not. I've read two other books since then and the details are starting to fade. I hate that.

Many would envy veterinarian Russ Gray’s life in rural Montana’s wide-open spaces. Russ calls it lonely. In a country with more cattle than eligible females, he doesn’t envision his seven years as a widower ending anytime soon. Until a mysterious woman lands at his door in the dead of night, riddled with buckshot. Sarah Novak hates lying to such a kind, handsome man, but if an upstanding citizen like Russ finds out why she’s been three weeks on the run, he’d surely turn her in. Yet she can’t refuse his offer to let her stay until she heals, no questions asked. From the start they fall into an easy companionship, then teasing flirtation flares into an unexpected intimate connection. But no matter how right it feels in his arms, guilt tugs at Sarah’s heart. Russ doesn’t deserve what she must do next. When Russ wakes up with an empty bed—and an empty wallet—his first instinct isn’t to call the cops…it’s to catch her and find out why his urge to protect her overshadows all reason. Because he’s had a taste of real passion, and he’s not letting it slip away without a fight.

For me, there has never been so fine a line between loving and hating a book until now. It could have very easily gone in the latter direction had I not tumbled head first into love with Russ and Sarah and all their sweetness and imperfection. The circumstances leading them to each other were, I hate to say, utterly ridiculous. But I could have spent hundreds of more pages reading about them, their lives, their new love and unfolding relationship. There were moments both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. It was lovely.

If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern

A few weeks ago, Stephanie and I went to Starbucks and while we were talking I accidentally called someone (I think my boyfriend) Ivan. I loved the story so much and if I was to create a list of qualities a man must have, I would base them on Ivan. I am not saying he is perfect, but the tenderness of his being and selflessness are definitely worth noting. I mean haven’t we all imagined what it would be like to be with someone who was perfect to us? I know I have. What if you were the only one who could the one you love?

The interesting thing about the story is that Ahern created a different type of heroine. By different I mean there were times when I wanted to slap her, but as the story develops it’s easy to understand her situation and the reason she acted the way she did. One of the best qualities about Elizabeth was her sense of loyalty. No matter what, no matter how she felt, and no matter what happened she fought. Her mother abandoned her family when she was younger. Her father barely speaks to her; her sister is a disaster and irresponsible mother. Elizabeth had to take care of her six-year-old nephew Luke, because her sister wouldn’t do it. Luke (even if you don’t like kids) is a really sweet child who needs to be loved and cared for. Elizabeth loves and takes care of him, but she doesn’t know how to show affection. At times she can be too harsh for a child his age, but he is surprisingly mature.

The beginning of the story is a little slow and I have to say that I really had to push myself to continue reading, but once Ivan was introduced I was in love. Ivan has the innocence and fun of a child, but he is also very knowledgeable and caring. The purity of his love and his intentions are so sweet! But Ivan has never met anyone who made him feel the way Elizabeth did, and it was a new phase in his life and he was forced to make a decision that would be best for everyone. Ivan thought Elizabeth that it was okay to let go, to have fun and to share her feelings with people around her. Ivan proved that there is always a second chance at love, and sometimes all we need is to let go for one day. To me, Ivan was that hope that Elizabeth had deep down, to find someone to love, and to finally let herself be happy.

Before I read this story, I would have never read a story with an ending that wasn’t what I expected. I mean, we all want to have a happy ending but sometimes a happy ending doesn’t deliver the message of a story, and I think I just wanted some change. Now, don’t get me wrong I am not saying there is no happy ending, but perhaps it’s not an ending that we are all used to. I am currently reading another book by Ahern, I really like her style and her books are sweet and sentimental (not sappy).

Take Me by Bella Andre

I've read a few Bella Andre books prior to this one. They're fun, easy reads; something you can curl up with and get lost in for a few entertaining hours. It was exactly what I was looking for when I picked up Take Me. (And by "picked up" I mean downloaded to my phone.)

Lily Ellis has curves -- soft, beautiful curves. The kind of voluptuous body she fears Travis Carson, the man she's always loved from afar, would never crave. But Lily is about to be proven wrong. Her adventure begins when the demure San Francisco interior decorator agrees to model a plus-size dress for her fashion designer sister. Watching this sensual beauty move down the runway, Travis can't believe it's the same Lily he's always known -- and always rejected. In a whirlwind of electric attraction, Lily is soon moaning Travis's name in his bed, not just in her wild fantasies. But Lily is all too aware that she's nothing like his past lovers. Determined to beat Travis at his own game by guarding her true feelings, Lily partners with him on a business deal that takes them all the way to Italy. In the seductive warmth of the Tuscan sun, Lily plays a game of desire with the hot-blooded Travis. Will she be burned by an all-consuming ecstasy or will Travis open his heart to the sexy, exciting, and lasting love she has to offer?

Books like this one are what keep me up until all hours of the morning. While I anticipated a fun, easy read, I got so much more than that. There was so much emotion and a depth to the characters I wasn't expecting. My hands and feet were twitching all over the place.

(I should explain that, shouldn't I? But how when I don't even understand it myself? When I get really sucked into the emotion of a book, I get these not-quite-painful twinges in my hands and feet. I know. It's weird. Whatev.)

We've touched on plus-sized heroines briefly in the past and while I was a little apprehensive when I realized Lily was just that, Ms. Andre pulled it off. It was lovely to watch Lily come out of her shell, stop dressing down, and finally take pride in her appearance. I know from first hand experience how easy it is to cover up when you're feeling less than attractive. But there are pretty, flattering clothes for all body types and it's amazing how wearing something pretty can make you feel pretty. And when you realize how much you like to feel pretty, you'll want to keep feeling pretty. And, oh, it's the start of all these wonderful habits! (Obviously, this is a topic more near and dear to my heart than I realized.)

And then there was Travis. That asshole. Well, only at first. Some of the best heartwrenching and emotional moments came while Travis was coming to terms with the loss of his parents, how it had made him lash out at Lily and keep everyone at arms length. (Men. They can be such dummies.) I admit, Travis caused me more than one wistful sigh while reading.

(Oh, and by the way, yes it is weird to read an erotic romance with a character that shares the same name as your kid brother. Shudder.)

While I did feel that the book was a teeny, tiny bit rushed at times, I was glad to not be left with any loose threads. It was a good book; fun, entertaining, totally sweet, and hot. And isn't it the best when you read a book that, while maybe not totally perfect, is exactly what you wanted at the time? I just love that.

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).

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.