Saturday, December 31, 2011

Review: A Very Kinky Christmas


A Very Kinky Christmas
A Very Kinky Christmas by Michelle Cummings

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Alan and Tracey really love each other but will it be enough. This is a good story to remind people that its important to communicate your bedroom desires. You never know what excitement could be waiting.



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Review: A Master For Christmas


A Master For Christmas
A Master For Christmas by Aline de Chevigny

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I'll actually give this one a 3.5.

This is a lighthearted story of Sarah and Trevino your average couple except she's a mortal and he's a genie. There's a lot to sort out when genie and master fall in love and finally act on those feelings. You follow them as they each try to think about sacrificing for the other. Read it to find out if she chooses to become immortal or if he'll choice to give up his magic and live out an ordinary mortal life.



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Review: Holiday Heat Volume 2


Holiday Heat Volume 2
Holiday Heat Volume 2 by Chula Stone

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Actually a 4.5

This is a collection of spanking tales with a holiday twist. I loved the variety of stories themes from first dates to old married couples. This is a great collection of "warm" tales with happy "endings."



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Good Bye 2011 and Hello 2012

Well this has been a year of ups and downs.  Work for my husband is still up one week and down the next but we still have a roof over our heads and food in our belly so I'm not going to complain.  And while sometimes it seemed that just getting out of bed was hard some days all in all some really life isn't that bad and some really niffty stuff happened.

I continued to be active in the James Gang Yahoo group which has really been such a blessing to me.  With some ideas from them I created a brave twin Katy Beth McKee who now has a Good Reads and Facebook account and this blog where I'm free to share all my book interests as well as journal freely without having to worry about offending anyone.  I've come to discover that those who are the most worried about "those people" (whoever those people are in any given situation) are the ones who are the most intolerant people around.  I've decided that I like being "those people" but I still have survive in my small town, church, and homeschool group thus Katy was born.

My oldest got engaged this fall and will be returning from relief work in South Sudan summer 2012 and hopes to be getting married next November.

Through book giveaways I've discovered all new genres of romance to enjoy and explore.

While my Nook Touch is my primary e-reader I'm so excited to have won a Kindle Touch to match.  There are somethings that are only available from Kindle plus it gives me an extra as backup and to let the kids use when traveling.  They know enough to stay off mom's shelf.  I also won a few free books this year which is also very cool.  This stuff came at a time when I really needed a lift to my spirit and it left me feeling very jazzed.

So with all the books I bought, won or got as freebies I have over 400 books on my Romance To Be Read shelf.  So I resolve to make no more book purchases until my TBR pile gets under 150.  Now for the exclusions and disclaimers:  The no purchase rule does not apply to books for free, books won, books by favorite authors, new books in a series already started, a book needed to complete a challenge, books on a really great sale or special, or books that just look too good to pass up.  Other than that I promise no new books.  I also resolve that if I got a book for free and it is making me nuts to read it I have permission to delete said book and I am not forced to read it just because I have it.  The world will not come to an end if I "waste" a book.

So my plans for 2012 are read a book or two every day.  Use the journal prompt cards I've had sitting on my desk for three years and try to add some ramblings every few days to my blog.  Set boundaries for myself and my kids so I can continue to enjoy them without making each other crazy.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Review: Madame Eve’s Gift


Madame Eve’s Gift
Madame Eve’s Gift by Kate Richards

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Madame Eve's is really doing it this time. She has decided to work her magic on two of her co-conspirators and decides to give them their own magic Merry Christmas. Nick and Kathryn have been watching and thinking ever since their work with Madame Eve brings them together but neither one has every voiced their interest in the other one. It's fun to see them stumbing (quite literal) over each other. But the last laugh is still on Madame Eve. If you are a fan of the 1 Night Stand series and love to read about a little Christmas and Madame Eve magic this story is for you.



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Review: Special Delivery: Man for Christmas


Special Delivery: Man for Christmas
Special Delivery: Man for Christmas by Marianne Stephens

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I'll actually give this story a 3.5. This is a sweet story of how with a bit of Christmas magic can bring two people together in unexpected ways. This is such a quick read I can't really say much without giving the whole story away but this one was a fun read.



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Review: Santa Simon


Santa Simon
Santa Simon by Joannie Kay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The sparks really fly in this story which is not so much a Christmas story as a story that takes place near Christmas. Simon and Nellie start out on a bad note and seem to be destined to but heads and give each other a hard time all over the care of their nieces. Both care for these children but Nellie is sure she knows best and doesn't want to hear what Simon has to say. She has a preconceived idea of what kind of man he is due to circumstances beyond is control. Through some clever manipulation they end up being thrust together as a couple but this also gives them time to get to know each other and appreciate the other one. This story just goes to show that even enemies can become friends.



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Review: He Came Upon a Midnight Clear


He Came Upon a Midnight Clear
He Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Desiree Holt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Another great edition the the 1 Night Stand line. Like the other books in this series it is a quick read. The love story of Cody and Libby was so sweet of finding your true match.



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Review: Harlequin Holiday Collection: Four Classic Seasonal Novellas: And a Dead Guy in a Pear Tree\Seduced by the Season\Evidence of Desire\Season of Wonder


Harlequin Holiday Collection: Four Classic Seasonal Novellas: And a Dead Guy in a Pear Tree\Seduced by the Season\Evidence of Desire\Season of Wonder
Harlequin Holiday Collection: Four Classic Seasonal Novellas: And a Dead Guy in a Pear Tree\Seduced by the Season\Evidence of Desire\Season of Wonder by Leslie Kelly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A great Christmas anthology. While the stories have your typical sweet holiday connection miracles this set of stories stand out a bit because there is a bit more to these story then just the hearts and flowers. With the bit intrigue, crimes to solve, and a lot of bitterness to overcome this set of stories make a refreshing change from the typical stories. I enjoyed this volume a lot more than I expected.



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Review: A Vision of Sugarplums


A Vision of Sugarplums
A Vision of Sugarplums by Jennifer Blake

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was a cute story and I loved both Meghan and Rick. I love a story with a good HEA and this story delivers on that wonderfully. As you read the story you can feel the magic of Christmas. The only reason I didn't give this book a five was because frankly given the circumstances I'm not sure I would have been as quick to forgive Rick as Meghan was but I guess true love does conquer all.



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Review: Stuff My Stocking: M/M Romance Stories that are Nice and… Naughty


Stuff My Stocking: M/M Romance Stories that are Nice and… Naughty
Stuff My Stocking: M/M Romance Stories that are Nice and… Naughty by M.J. O'Shea

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Like all anthologies the stories were short and got right to the action yet many of them really had a great story to them as well. While I didn't love all the stories there were so many and so much variety that it was easy to find something in this great set of stories to love. Wonderful variety and great Christmas season read.



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Monday, December 26, 2011

Review: A Christmas Medley


A Christmas Medley
A Christmas Medley by Joannie Kay

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Another quick but satisfying Christmas read. It was wonderful to see
Dal and Jenny get together in such a unexpected way and how quickly they hit it off. Having know each other for a little while at school and having so much in common seems to make the fast pace of the relationship work. It was wonderful to see a whole family come together in love and acceptance of each other.



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Review: All She Wants for Christmas is Her Dom


All She Wants for Christmas is Her Dom
All She Wants for Christmas is Her Dom by Stacey Kennedy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Taryn and Blake make a sweet Christmas story. Christmas is all about love and relationships and this story has both.



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Review: Just Gotta Say


Just Gotta Say
Just Gotta Say by Laura Kaye

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Actually more a 3.5.

Callie, Noah, Lucas, and Jack have a great time and get what they have all been dreaming about. I think the one thing that makes this story work for me is that while all four are having a good time together there are actually two separate relationships at work here.



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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Look What I Got For Christmas

After reading the Toys-R-Us Series and all those girls talking about enjoying their chocolate wine I committed to my hubby that I thought I would really like to give something like that a try.  So look what I found in my Christmas stocking. (We do Christmas at home on Christmas Eve so that Christmas Day can be spent with others.)



Now I can't wait for after church tonight to try it out.  And if I like the taste their website has a great recipe:


CHOCOVINE SUNDAE
2 oz ChocoVine
1 oz Whipped Cream Vodka
2 scoops vanilla ice-cream
1 splash of grenadine
Combine ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a sundae glass and top generously with whipped cream. Garnish with a drizzle of grenadine and a cherry, and serve with a chocolate straw.  

Looks yummy doesn't it.  

Review: Wild Irish Christmas


Wild Irish Christmas
Wild Irish Christmas by Mari Carr

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



You would think that when you already knew the outcome of the story it wouldn't be that great but the story of Patrick and Sunday and how they came to be a couple and the parents of seven such very different children is so sweet and so special. While you only got a quick peak at the seven and how they are doing now it was still fun to touch base with them again. I really loved how the children got so caught up in the story that they were worried about the outcome. The only disappoint in the whole books is not knowing the words to their very naughty 12 Days of Christmas. Knowing that bunch it had to be outrageous. I loved how Patrick worried if he should be proud that all his kids could hold their whiskey. Having read the first seven books over a week around St. Patrick's Day it was fun to have this Christmas visit with old friends. It was a wonderful ending and a great tribute to a family member who can longer be there.



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Review: Thanksgiving Tarts


Thanksgiving Tarts
Thanksgiving Tarts by Miranda George

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Wolf and Willa are a cute couple and this is a great story of lost love found. A quick and enjoyable read.



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Review: Danielle's Touch


Danielle's Touch
Danielle's Touch by Lisa Alexander-Griffin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I really loved this story and love the strength of Danielle to fight back to regain her life and the patience of Ethan to stand by her side and yet give her time and room. There were just a few times that the story seem to get bogged down a bit and that's what kept it from being a full on 5.0. The other thing that seemed a bit random was the ghost sighting in the middle of the book. Yes, it warned them to look out but they already knew that. I think that element of the story would have worked better if they had returned to inn to find the ghost at rest or something.



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Thursday, December 22, 2011

Review: Hot Head


Hot Head
Hot Head by Damon Suede

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This book really keep me on the edge of my seat through the first 2/3rds of the book. To see the struggle that Griff was going to in trying to care for his friend without letting it get out of hand. The last third of the book the feeling of the book change and I loved the outcome of the story. It was a great read and worth the effort.



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Review: Finding Home


Finding Home
Finding Home by Cameron Dane

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was a great read and the final one I needed to read for the M/M December Category challenge. After so many really hard reads this month this story was delightful and refreshing. It was wonderful to see the slow develop of friendship between Rhone and Adam finally bloom into true love.



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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Review: His Christmas Gift: Myrna's Submission


His Christmas Gift: Myrna's Submission
His Christmas Gift: Myrna's Submission by Dakota Trace

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Another great installment in the Dom's of Chicago series. This time the gang is visiting family in Ireland. What really rocks about this story is the lead characters are in their 60's. Gives hope to this almost 50 year old that's for sure. Myrna has shut herself off from her sexual nature for over 30 years after a horrible experience with her husband. Amery has been her faithful friend through all that time while secretly longing to be her master. It was only the concerns of her children coming for Christmas that gives her the courage to face herself. SPOILER** What was really satisfying was her encounter with her husband Grant and how standing up to him once and for all freed her from all the hurt and fears of the past. I wanted to stand up cheer for her. I also loved how Olivia could be the sweet and loving daughter and then her totally bossy Domme self in the next second because she knew it was best for Myrna. And finally how can you go wrong with a book that ends with the birth of Christmas twins each one looking like one of their dads. I think poor Kalinda will definitely have her hands full.

What I have loved about this whole series is how the parts are connected to the whole of the series but yet each story is wonderful and complete within itself. There have been so many different issues explored through the series including past abuse, self awareness, acceptance of being "different", learning the difference between being strong and being submissive and that the two can co-habitat in the same person, and most importantly that when all is said and done its important to follow your hear.



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Review: Handcuffs and Megabytes


Handcuffs and Megabytes
Handcuffs and Megabytes by Kim Dare

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Actually a 3.5 ---
Mike and Carl are so cute. This is story where the adage opposites attract really hold true. And although it seems the action happened kind of quickly the way the really connect at work makes it seem natural and Carl is really getting what he needs.



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Sunday, December 18, 2011

Review: Taken


Taken
Taken by J.C. Owens

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The story of Kirith and Landon is a dark journey. It took some surprising twists and turns along the way. It was wonderful to see Landon be freed from his abusive family but it seemed strange that that freedom came through another crime family. The other interesting twist was to see the predator become the prey while the healed became the healer. For such a relatively dark tale the story still seemed to have a happy ending. It's clear that everyone involved with be forever dealing with their past but you feel the light and the hope that they will all ultimately be okay because they have other.



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Review: Whiz Bang: Toys-4-Us Series


Whiz Bang: Toys-4-Us Series
Whiz Bang: Toys-4-Us Series by Regina Carlysle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This final book in the Toys-4-Us series was a wonderful fun and sweet read. It is the typical story of friends to lovers but it was still wonderful to see them get together and I loved how Sean seemed to bring out the best in Hannah.



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Saturday, December 17, 2011

Wet Ride

Wet Ride: Toys-4-Us SeriesWet Ride: Toys-4-Us Series by Samantha Cayto

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There was a great quick read. Emily and Kevin did seem to move a bit fast considering the level of trust that their type of relation requires but it was a lot of fun to see them hook up and meet each other's needs.



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Slippery When Wet

Slippery When Wet: Toys-4-Us SeriesSlippery When Wet: Toys-4-Us Series by Allie Standifer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Roman and Petra were such a fun couple. It was great to see old friends reconnect and find their happiness together.



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A Snowy Christmas in Wyoming

This is one of the great free reads I got from the Fall Romance Party.

A Snowy Christmas in WyomingA Snowy Christmas in Wyoming by E. Ayers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Caroline and Andy were such a great couple. It was a great story about being careful to not judge people on their own past or their families. Caroline is a strong woman who knows what she wants and is willing to work hard to get it. The healing of all kinds of relationships made this a very inspirational Christmas story.



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Forged

ForgedForged by Sean Michael

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This story was a combination of a sweet love story of two men realizing how much the cared for each other and how one met the needs of the other and a story with a very dramatic turn of events that meant that the relationship was challenged and the hard work that went into saving the relationship and each other.



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Hello

Decided to create  a safe place to vent, journal, and to post my Good Read reviews.  I have the Nook Simple Touch and as of yesterday now have the Kindle Touch that I won.  Very excited can't wait for it to arrive.  Here's a layout I did as a tribute to my Nook.