Corralled by Lorelei James

Title : Corralled
Author : Lorelei James
Genre : Contemporary Romance, Erotic
Pages : 352
Series : Book #1, Blacktop Cowboys
Publish Date : August 03, 2010
Publisher : NAL Trade
Started Reading : March 20, 2011
Completed Reading : March 21, 2011
Book Rating : 3.5/5

First in a new series about some hard-riding rodeo cowboys...and the women who can rein them in.

Sports therapist Lainie Capshaw has been rehabilitating injured cowboys long enough to know that a charming western drawl combined with a fine physical form doesn't mean you fall for the man.

So no one is more surprised than Lainie when she finds herself involved with not one, but two different men: Hank Lawson, a bullfighter, and Kyle Gilchrist, a bull rider. Lainie feels guilty about her two-timing, but it doesn't keep her from doubling her fun-that is until Hank catches her with Kyle.

She's shocked that Hank isn't mad. But she's more shocked to learn Hank and Kyle are hometown buddies. But when the men offer to share her-in every way-she knows that she's going to have to choose the one man who can give her the ride of her life...

*****

Whew! Kaya ko pala siya basahin. Hahahaha.... This has been wayyy more than I'm accustomed to reading and I guess you just have to keep an open mind. Well, I already knew who she ended up with since I've read the second book from the series first. Hahaha.. But I was really curious to know how she ended up with who she ended up with. :) I think I'm now having a thing for cowboys. HAHAHAHA... Can't wait for the story of that Cowboy who wasn't picked...

Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James

Title : Saddled and Spurred
Author : Lorelei James
Genre : Contemporary Romance, Erotic
Pages : 336
Series : Book #2, Blacktop Cowboys
Publish Date : March 01, 2011
Publisher : NAL Trade
Started Reading : March 14, 2011
Completed Reading : March 15, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5


This beauty is no greenhorn-and she's about to rope the man of her dreams.

Cattleman Bran Turner is left shorthanded during busy calving season when a bull tramples his hired hand. Rural Wyoming isn't exactly a hotbed of qualified candidates, and the only applicant for the position is the pampered town beauty, Harper Masterson. The curvy cowgirl gets under Bran's skin at every turn, but with no other options, he reluctantly hires her.

When sexual sparks ignite, down-on-her-luck Harper enjoys convincing Bran that not only is she capable of pulling calves, feeding livestock, and handling backbreaking ranch chores, but she doesn't mind getting down and dirty, either. Harper also discovers the hot-bodied cowboy isn't all work and no horseplay...and he's got more than a few tricks up his sleeve.

Bran will learn quickly that Harper is no country mouse-and that she might just have what it takes to stick around for the long haul.

*****

Wow! This was racier than I thought. LOL.. and that would be saying something since I've been reading all these romances lately. Hahaha.. Anyways, I guess it just caught me off-guard and wasn't expecting this to be that. Hindi ko na-research si writer. Nyahahah.. Anyways, overall, I did enjoy the story and I'm not even a fan of Cowboys.. I really loved Harper's character - her strength, her loyalty... her trying to push herself up as being more than a beauty queen. And of course Bran is all-male hot cowboy. hahaha... :)

Really enjoyable read.. I should go and now look for Coralled, the first in the series.

Nothing But Trouble by Rachel Gibson

Title : Nothing But Trouble
Author : Rachel Gibson
Genre : Romance
Series : Book #5, Chinooks Hockey Team

Pages : 384
Publish Date : April 27, 2010
Publisher : Avon
Started Reading : March 01, 2011
Completed Reading : March 01, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5

 

Trouble . . .

 

Chelsea Ross's acting career has been a total bust. The closest she ever came to stardom was her brilliant performance as "Pretty Dead Girl #1." But leaving Hollywood to become the personal assistant to a famous hockey player could be her stupidest career move ever.

 

More trouble . . .

 

Injured superstar Mark Bressler's glory days are over. The bad-boy ex-jock could at least be civil to the pint-sized, pink-haired bombshell who the Seattle Chinooks hired to be his P.A. If Chelsea didn't need the money, she'd be running from the world's biggest jerk as fast as her feet could carry her.

 

Big trouble!

 

Chelsea can deal with Mark's rotten attitude and dark moods. The problem is those biceps and that red-hot bod! And when the bad boy starts to put the moves on her, Chelsea knows it's time she banished him to the penalty box . . . if only she could resist the kind of trouble he has in mind!

 

*****

 

Fun fun book! :) Really witty lines and funny scenes that had me laughing. Enjoyed not just Chelsea and Mark but also the other characters. I loved the exchanges between Chelsea and Mark... and I loved the scene wherein Mark's team went to visit him and Chelsea was there. :) I love how Chelsea doesn't back down from Mark. And this makes me want to know about Ice Hockey players! hahaha

 

Let me go and find the rest of the books on her Chinooks series :)

Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl

Title : Lead Me On
Author : Victoria Dahl
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #3, Tumble Creek
Pages : 352
Publish Date : January 01, 2010
Publisher : HQN Books
Started Reading : February 26, 2011
Completed Reading : February 26, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5

Raw, animal magnetism…

…is a big red flag to prim and proper office manager Jane Morgan. After a rough childhood with a mother who liked her men in prison-jumpsuit orange, Jane changed her name, her look and her taste for bad boys. So why is she lusting for William Chase with his tattoo-covered biceps and steel-toed boots? The man blows things up for a living!

 

She gives herself one explosive, fantasy-filled night with Chase. The next day it's back to plain Jane and safe men.

 

But when her beloved brother becomes a murder suspect, it's Chase who comes to her rescue. And Jane discovers that a man who's been around the block knows a thing or two about uncovering the truth….

*****

This has got to be my favorite from the series. It was a smokin' hot novel =p. This is another "flawed" heroine and someone we don't usually see in novels. Her past was interesting and I had to admit, it made me squirm finding out about who she was and what she did. I admire how she was able to pick up the pieces and start over again. And even if she somehow lost a part of herself (or hid a part of herself) just to rid of her past, I really liked how she discovered and found herself again in the end. I also enjoyed Chase, successful yet humble.. and yes, sexy! :)

I hope I get to see more contemporary novels from Victoria Dahl. And maybe one day I'll read her historicals too (currently on a break from Historical Romances now.. haha)

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl

Title : Talk Me Down
Author : Victoria Dahl
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #1, Tumble Creek
Pages : 352
Publish Date : January 01, 2009
Publisher : HQN Books
Started Reading : February 26, 2011
Completed Reading : February 26, 2011
Book Rating : 3.5/5

Molly Jenkins has one naughty little secret: her job as a bestselling erotic fiction author. Until her inspiration runs dry - thanks to a creepy ex - and it's time to skip town and move back to tiny Tumble Creek, Colorado.

 

One look at former high school hunk chief of police Ben Lawson and Molly is back in business. The town gossip is buzzing at her door and, worse still, a stalker seems to be watching her every move. Thankfully, her very own lawman has taken to coming over, often. The only problem now is that Molly may have to let the cat out of the bag about her chosen profession, and straitlaced Ben will definitely not approve..

*****

 

Another hit from Victoria Dahl for me. I enjoyed this more than Start Me Up. :) I loved Molly's character and of course the hunk law officer Ben. I'm a sucker for those old-unrequited love or old crushes. They've known each other all their lives and somehow, they have the hots for each other back then but they're only given a chance to go at it this time around. And somehow, Quinn had a more part in this one, maybe because he's not just Ben's bestfriend but also Molly's brother. =p The ending was sexy and I loved it.. hahaha..

 

Oh, and aside from looking for the last book of the Tumble Creek series, I'm now on the hunt for The Wicked West. Victoria is writing as Holly Summers here... read Talk Me Down and you'll know why! :)

Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl

Title : Start Me Up
Author : Victoria Dahl
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #2, Tumble Creek
Pages : 384
Publish Date : July 01, 2009
Publisher : HQN Books
Started Reading : February 24, 2011
Completed Reading : February 25, 2011
Book Rating : 3/5

Lori had always planned to get out of tiny Tumble Creek, Colorado, but when her late dad left her his beloved auto body shop, she'd stayed. Now, according to her crazy best friend, Molly, what Lori needs is some excitement, in the form of hot, no-strings-attached sex.and lots of it.

Quinn Jennings has buildings on the brain - not love and romance. A serious architect, he's delighted to discover that Lori is willing to skip dating protocols and head straight for the sheets. And aided by the steamy books on Lori's bedside table, he's busy indulging both of their wildest fantasies. But when life in Tumble Creek takes a dangerous turn for Lori, Quinn's protective instincts kick in.

Suddenly he cares. More than either of them ever expected..

*****

A new author for me again. And I am not disappointed. I enjoyed reading the book. It was fun and a hot one. Hahaha... One thing that I'm a little confused though was why Ben wasn't much in Quinn's life when he's supposed to be the bestfriend. Nevertheless, this was a really good read. And I'm definitely reading the other 2 books in the series.

Houston, We Have A Problem by Erin McCarthy

Title : Houston, We Have A Problem
Author : Erin McCarthy
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #2, Florida Doctors
Pages : 304
Publish Date : May 01, 2005 (Re-Issue)
Publisher : Kensington
Started Reading : February 21, 2011
Completed Reading : February 22, 2011
Book Rating : 3.5/5

Dr. Houston Hayes has never had trouble maintaining his professional distance with both patients and co-workers…until he meets resident Josie Adkins. Every time the tiny tornado of cheery clumsiness drops a chart in his presence, he’s treated to a view that makes him extremely interested in her bones. Jumping them, that is. For a man who prides himself on control at all times, this is getting to be a problem. And problems always have solutions…

All her life, Josie has wanted to be a surgeon. But how can she do that while she’s suffering from the debilitating Dr. Hayes Induced Dropping Medical Equipment Syndrome? Honestly, with those ice blue eyes and powerful shoulders dipping down to a — whoops, there goes the blood pressure cuff — what’s a girl to do? And then Dr. Hayes shocks her by prescribing a very sexy cure: one night of sheet-burning passion to erase the sexual tension for both of them. But only one night…he won’t need more than that…

Suddenly, Josie has her mission — a chance to prove the arrogant Dr. Hayes wrong. One night with her will never be enough if she has her way. And soon, both doctors may be falling into a desire deeper than any they’ve ever known…one that makes them hungry for more…

*****

Still fresh from reading Erin McCarthy, I looked for her other books and grabbed this one. I really enjoyed this book as well. Though the Fast Track series is still a favorite. I enjoyed the book because of the easy banter and the light dialogue between the characters. And the book just didn't settle on steamy scenes (though of course there were a lot of that.. hahaha) but there had been substance in it. I'd definitely be looking for more Erin McCarthy books.. :)

Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy

Title : Flat-Out Sexy
Author : Erin McCarthy
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #1, Fast Track
Pages : 304
Publish Date : November 01, 2008
Publisher : Berkley Sensation
Started Reading : February 21, 2011
Completed Reading : February 21, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5

Independent single mother Tamara Briggs wanted to find a new, sexy, no-strings-attached man-just not one as young as NASCAR driver Elec Monroe. But he sure does get her heart racing. And after she’s tricked into a blind date with him, Tamara gives in to her passion. Things screech to a halt, though, when he asks to meet her children. Whatever happened to wham-bam-thank-you ma’am? Suddenly Tamara has to decide how much risk she’s willing to take to experience the power of true love.

*****

At home sick today... :(. Still has colds and fever.. So between, sleep and meds, I was able to squeeze in one book for today.

As to why I read this last, I don't know. Maybe saving the best for last? Because, for me, this is the best book in the series. I wonder if it had to do with the kids? and well, the family aspect? The story just got to me. Tamara being a single mom, her husband racer who died two years ago and then she falling for another race car driver. Elec being gorgeous and sexy and at the same time being sweet and loving to her kids. I really enjoyed this one. And Ryder and Suzanne were really funny and sassy in this book. And I also adore the rest of the characters, Pete (Tamara's husband who died)'s parents, Tamara's kids - Petey and Hunter and Elec's family. I love the scenes of Elec visiting Tammy when she had to take care of her sick kids and he brought food and toys for the kids, it was just sweet. And I also liked the "cat fight" between Crystal (Elec's "stalker") and Tammy, it's classic. And I was laughing out loud at Ryder's joke regarding his properties and "Tammy and Elec". Funny!

I can't wait for The Chase, the 4th book of the series coming out this April. This time, the story is about Evan Monroe, Elec's brother. 

Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy

Title : Hard and Fast
Author : Erin McCarthy
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #2, Fast Track
Pages : 304
Publish Date : May 05, 2009
Publisher : Berkley Sensation
Started Reading : February 20, 2011
Completed Reading : February 20, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5

An experiment in romance!

New to Charlotte, stock car racing country, graduate student Imogen Wilson meets Ty McCordle, a driver who inexplicably has her pulse racing.  After an encounter at the track with a woman whose main goal in life is to marry a driver, Imogen realizes she’s hit on the perfect thesis for her Sociology degree. If she follows The Rules on how to get a man, can she steer her way to into the hearts of the drivers and establish their dating,and mating,patterns?

That’s testing the limits of passion.

Although sexy and reckless Ty is the ideal test subject, she knows she can’t pursue him for the sake of science. Yet he’s the one who’s chasing after her, and Imogen realizes that she actually wants to be caught. A southern gentleman like Ty won’t fail to disappoint, will satisfy all her curiosity, and make all the risks worthwhile!

*****

2 Books in a day.. tsk tsk.. being sick sometimes has its perk.... =p

Brainy girl and Sexy Athlete... Opposites Attraction at its finest. The 2nd in Erin McCarthy's Fast Track series and I definitely enjoyed this book as well. It's a sexy, sweet and endearing book. Imogen is such a brainiac and almost always thinks logically, well.. except when Ty is involved. Ty is sexy and sweet at the same time. Also, I get to see Suzanne and Ryder and they're funny. I got to see a glimpse of Elec and Tammy too (and I can't wait to read their story).

Oh, don't mind me reading the series backwards... hahaha :)

My favorite line would be from Ty to Imogen:

"But the truth is, I want to be some woman's work boots, not her high heels."

"Work boots?"

"Yeah. You know, the boots she pulls out when she wants to get down and dirty, hiking or gardening or boating or painting the kitchen. The ones she relies on and trusts and lives her life hard and good and on her terms in. Her favorites."

Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy

Title : Hot Finish
Author : Erin McCarthy
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #3, Fast Track
Pages : 284
Publish Date : August 03, 2010
Publisher : Berkley Sensation
Started Reading : February 20, 2011
Completed Reading : February 20, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5

Not all marriages last forever!
Suzanne Jefferson is broke, which is why she’s given up charity work for wedding planning. Fortunately, she has a high-profile client—and best of all, he’s paid in advance. There are just two teensy problems: The bride is a bona fide bridezilla, and Suzanne’s ex-husband is the best man. At least she thought he was her ex-husband…

But this one might…

Two years after their marriage fell apart, stock car race driver Ryder Jefferson still can’t stop thinking about Suzanne. Which is why he isn’t too upset that, due to a glitch, the two are still technically married. Now he’s imagining easing Suzanne’s woes by satisfying her needs in the bedroom. After all, that’s the one room they never argued in. Besides, with wedding bells ringing all around them, Ryder is wondering if—even though they’d quit the race a few laps too early—they can still come on strong with a big, romantic finish…

*****

This is my first Erin McCarthy novel and I've got to say, she might be in my fave list of writers. :) I love her characters - the awesome sexy male and a kick-ass woman. Their quick comebacks.. Ryder and Suzanne keeps fighting but you know that there's something more to it than that. That deep inside, they still have an unfinished business. The friendship between the race car drivers were really and of course, the friendship between the female characters too. I'm definitely reading the other books in the series and can't wait how the other couples got together. Oh, and of course, there are a lot of LOL moments too.. with Nicole, the bridezilla in the story. And of course, my favorite line just had to come from her >_<

"But the thing is Suzanne, when you know that you love someone, those things don't matter. You have to push all the everyday things and the outside world away, and just enjoy knowing that this is the man who has the chest your head is meant to lie on."

Ain't She Sweet? by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Title : Ain't She Sweet?
Author : Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Genre : Romance
Pages : 416
Publish Date : January 25, 2005
Publisher : Avon
Started Reading : February 06, 2011
Completed Reading : February 06, 2011
Book Rating : 5/5

In high school Sugar Carey had reigned supreme. She alone had decided what or who was cool. Her spiral perm had been the perm against which all others were measured, and her opinion on which boys were acceptable to date the only one that counted. A beautiful, blonde - if not always benevolent - dictator, she had a reputation for being the wild child in her hometown, the girl most likely to set the world on fire, and leave a trail of destruction in her wake. When she left home she swore she'd never return. Only now, fifteen years and several husbands later, she's run out of money, luck and options... Only Sugar arrives back home to discover that everyone else is living her life. Her half sister is married to Sugar's high school sweetheart, the teacher she schemed to get fired is now a successful novelist and owns her old house. She also discovers that people have long memories - especially where Sugar is concerned...

*****

Yes, this is my 2nd book for the day. Hahaha.. :) After reading Ain't She Sweet?, I'm now confused. Confused which one is now my favorite SEP book, this one or Call Me Irresistible? And I'm actually tempted to re-read all my SEP books. I think I'm starting to appreciate her writing more.

I love Sugar Beth. She's such a wise-ass. At first, I'm a little hesitant to read about Sugar Beth since she used to be such a b*itch. But I'm glad that I still continued to read the book and I totally enjoyed it. I love how she speaks, I love her spunk and I love that even if she's scared and all, she was able to face all the people that she hurt way back and handle their scorn. Painful at times, but I find myself cheering her on the whole time.

Of course I love Colin as well. He's British.. what's more to ask for? LOL... I actually was even picturing Neil Jackson as Colin while reading the book. He wanted revenge, yes... but then the tables turned on him when Sugar Beth handled the situation splendidly.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It's not everyday that I get to read about a heroine like Sugar Beth :).

I'm In No Mood For Love by Rachel Gibson

Title : I'm In No Mood For Love
Author : Rachel Gibson
Genre : Romance
Pages : 384
Publish Date : September 26, 2006
Publisher : Avon
Started Reading : February 06, 2011
Completed Reading : February 06, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5

Bridesmaid Gone Wild

What is Clare Wingate doing? One minute she's suffering in a pretty-in-pink gown she'll never wear again, and the next thing she knows it's morning... and she has the nastiest hangover of her life.

To make matters worse, she's wearing nothing but a spritz of Escada and lying next to Sebastian Vaughan... her girlhood crush turned sexy, globe-hopping journalist. Somewhere between the toast and the toss of the bouquet she'd gotten herself into a whole lot of trouble.

Clare had the right to go wild - after all, she'd been knocked off her dyed-to-match shoes after finding her own fiance in a compromising position with the washing machine repairman. Clearly her society wedding is off.

But Sebastian pushed all the wrong buttons - and some of the right ones, too. Clare is in no mood for love - not even for lust - and wants to forget about Sebastian and his six-pack abs ASAP. But he isn't in the mood to go away, and his kiss is impossible to forget.

*****

My first Rachel Gibson book and I've got to say that I'm not disappointed. I really enjoyed this book. Again, I'd like to say that I've always have a soft spot for these kinds of stories - two people who has known each other since childhood and one (or both) love/like each other secretly. =D I think Sebastian and Clare got chemistry. I think Sebastian was sexy. HAHAHA. Though, I wished there had been more story on how Sebastian had been Clare's old crush. I think that's been downplayed for my own good. Hahaha..

But overall, I think I'll be reading more of R. Gibson's books. :)

Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Title : Practice Makes Perfect
Author : Julie James
Genre : Romance
Pages : 304
Publish Date : March 03, 2009
Publisher : Berkley
Started Reading : February 01, 2011
Completed Reading : February 02, 2011
Book Rating : 5/5

When it comes to the laws of attraction…

Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face to face, they’re perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they’ve kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as co-workers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm.

… there are no rules.

But all bets are off when they’re asked to join forces on a major case. At first apprehensive, they begin to appreciate each other’s dedication to the law—and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection doesn’t last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it’s an all out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hot under the collar . . .

*****

When I first read Julie James' Just the Sexiest Man Alive last year, I vowed to go out and buy her other novels. Unfortunately, I haven't found any other yet, so I decided to get an electronic version first of Practice Makes Perfect (FullyBooked, when are you going to have this book?). And I'm glad I did read it already. I think I'm really a sucker for this type of love story - long time "enemies". It's funny, I love their chemistry. The story behind how they became "enemies" was funny. One sweet part that I liked (J.D. to Payton): 

"What I wanted to tell you," he began deliberately, "was that you were wrong."
...
"I would've done it for you in a heartbeat."

It was sweet really :). And there's another one other part that I liked, but I would have spoiled the story if I say it.. it's somewhere near the ending... so.... just read the book :).

The 50 States Reading Challenge 2011

OK.. I've given in.. I'm joining The 50 States Reading Challenge 2011. :) This challenge is hosted by Book Obssessed.

January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011

Are you ready to take the challenge!?!

The goal of this challenge is to read books that are set in each of the fifty states. Your books can be of any genre and any format (ie. paperback, ebook, audiobook, etc.). No short stories. The idea of this challenge came from a Goodreads group.  Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.



For more details and to sign up, just click HERE.

****

And here are the 50 States:

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California: Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis

Colorado

Connecticut: The Penalty Box by Dierdre Martin

Delaware

Florida

Georgia: 7 Days and 7 Nights by Wendy Wax

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio: Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie

Oklahoma: Marked by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas: Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Wish me luck! :)

Note: I've also placed this in my Page HERE.