COMPLETED - 2014 A-Z Reading Challenge

Remember that I set up reading challenges for myself at the beginning of the year? One of them was the 2014 A-Z Reading Challenge from the Fans of Eloisa James and Julia Quinn GR Group.

I've completed it about a month ago I think but never got around to blogging about it. :).. Here's the list:

A - Aidan & Ethan by Cameron Dane

B - Beck by Harper Sloan

C - Current Between Us, The by Kindle Alexander

D - Devlin & Garrick by Cameron Dane

E - Ethan by Nicole Edwards

F - Fostered Love, A by Cameron Dane

G - Grey's Awakening by Cameron Dane

H - Heart of Texas, The by RJ Scott

I - I'll Be Your Drill, Soldier by Crystal Rose

J - Justice for Skylar by Sandrine Gasq-DionK - Knowing Caleb by Cameron Dane
L - Long Time Gone by S.E. Jakes
M - Man to Man by G.A. Hauser

N - Nothingness of Ben, The by Brad Boney

O - Once in A Lifetime by Jill Shalvis

P - Puzzle Me This by Eli Easton

Q - Quick to the Hunt by Cameron Dane

R - ReneCade by Cameron Dane
S - Starfish and Coffee by Kele Moon

T - Twisted Cherry by Piper Kay

U - Unbreak My Heart by K-Lee Klein

V - Veiled Innocence by Ella Frank

W - Who We Are by TJ Klune

X - Texas Pride by Kindle AlexanderY - Younger Man, A by Cameron Dane

Z - Family Unit by Z.A. Maxfield

I'm so happy to be able to finish one of the challenges I've set up for myself. I've tried in the past but wasn't able to complete before. On to the other reading challenges, Ochie.. You can do it! :)

March 2014 Reading Update

17 Books

Just 17 Books.. It was a slow month I guess. Now read a total of 78 Books for 2014

1. Point of No Return (Book #01, Turning Point) by N.R. Walker ©2013 ★★★★✩
2. Saying I Do (Book #03, Quinn Security) by Cameron Dane ©2009 ★★★✩✩
3. Zero at the Bone (Book #01, Zero at the Bone) by Jane Seville ©2009 ★★★★✩
4. Breaking Logan's Law (Book #04, Quinn Security by Cameron Dane ©2011 ★★★★✩
5. Ball & Chain (Book #09, Cut & Run) by Abigail Roux ©2014 ★★★★★
6. Sixty Five Hours by N.R. Walker ©2012 ★★★★★
7. Cowboy Waltz by Cameron Dane ©2013 ★★★★✩
8. Learning to Feel by N.R. Walker ©2012 ★★★★✩
9. Always by Kindle Alexander ©2014 ★★★★★
10. Cruising (Book #02, Men In Motion) by G.A. Hauser ©2008 ★★★✩✩
11. Male Seeking Male by Kathleen Lee ©2013 ★★★★✩
12. Driving Hard (Book #03, Men In Motion) by G.A. Hauser ©2008 ★★★✩✩
13. Six Ways from Sunday (Book #01, Southern Scrimmage) by Mercy Celeste ©2013 ★★★✩✩
14. Sidelined (Book #02, Southern Scrimmage) by Mercy Celeste ©2013 ★★★★✩
15. Offside Chance (Book #03, Southern Scrimmage) by Mercy Celeste ©2014 ★★★★✩
16. Wanting (Book #01, Wanting) by Piper Vaughn ©2011 ★★★✩✩
17. Lovely Trigger (Book #03, Tristan & Danika) by R.K. Lilley ©2014 ★★★★✩

February 2014 Reading Update

39 Books

Managed to add 39 Books to my read books for 2014... so make that 61 read for the year so far. wuhoo! :)

1. Unbreak My Heart (Book #01, Unbreak My Heart) by K-Lee Klein ©2013 ★★★★✩
2. Staking His Claim (Book #05, Line of Duty) by Tessa Bailey ©2014 ★★★★✩
3. Unraveled (Book #03, Woodlands) by Jen Frederick ©2014 ★★★★✩
4. Devlin and Garrick (Book #02, Seeking Redemption) by Cameron Dane ©2010 ★★★★✩
5. Puzzle Me This by Eli Easton ©2013 ★★★★✩
6. The Nothingness of Ben by Brad Boney ©2012 ★★★★✩
7. Broken Pieces by Riley Hart ©2014 ★★★★✩
8. Man to Man (Book #01, Heroes) by G.A. Hauser ©2006 ★★★✩✩
9. A Little Bit of Hot (Book #09.5, Out of Uniform) by Elle Kennedy ©2014 ★★★★✩
10. Aidan and Ethan (Book #01, Seeking Redemption) by Cameron Dane ©2008 ★★★★✩
11. As Hot As It Gets (Book #10, Out of Uniform) by Elle Kennedy ©2014 ★★★★✩
12. Hope Flames (Book #01, Hope) by Jaci Burton ©2014 ★★★✩✩
13. Dine & Dash (Book #05.5, Cut & Run) by Abigail Roux ©2012 ★★★★✩
14. Divide & Conquer (Book #04, Cut & Run) by Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban ©2011 ★★★★★
15. Armed & Dangerous (Book #05, Cut & Run) by Abigail Roux ©2012 ★★★★✩
16. Stars & Stripes (Book #06, Cut & Run) by Abigail Roux ©2012 ★★★★★
17. Grey's Hidden Fire (Book #01, Firehouse Six) by Draven St. James ©2013 ★★★✩✩
18. Shock & Awe (Book #01, Sidewinder) by Abigail Roux ©2013 ★★★★✩
19. Touch & Geaux (Book #07, Cut & Run) by Abigail Roux ©2013 ★★★★★
20. A Perfect Passion (Book #01, Passion) by Piper Kay ©2013 ★★★✩✩
21. Fire and Mistletoe (Book #02, Firehouse Six) by Draven St. James ©2013 ★★★✩✩
22. Catch A Ghost (Book #01, Hell or High Water) by S.E. Jakes ©2013 ★★★★✩
23. Long Time Gone (Book #02, Hell or High Water) by S.E. Jakes ©2013 ★★★★✩
24. Melting the Ice (Book #07, Play by Play) by Jaci Burton ©2014 ★★★✩✩
25. Once in A Lifetime (Book #09, Lucky Harbor) by Jill Shalvis ©2014 ★★★★★ 
26. Mile High (Book #01, Men in Motion) by G.A. Hauser ©2008 ★★★✩✩ 
27. Fatail Shadows (Book #01, Adrien English) by Josh Lanyon ©2000 ★★★✩✩
28. Taxes and Tardis by N.R. Walker ©2012 ★★★★✩
29. Monty Gets Arrested (Book #01, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2013 ★★★★✩
30. Monty's First Date (Book #02, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2013 ★★★★✩
31. Monty Meets the Ex (Book #03, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2013 ★★★★✩
32. Meeting Monty's Parents (Book #04, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2013 ★★★★✩
33. Monty Loses His Head (Book #05, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2013 ★★★★✩
34. Moving Monty In (Book #06, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2013 ★★★★✩
35. Monty Meets the Parents (Book #07, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2013 ★★★★✩
36. Monty's Trick or Treat (Book #08, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2013 ★★★★✩
37. Monty Punches Pocahontas (Book #09, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2013 ★★★★✩
38. Monty Gets Married... Doesn't He? (Book #10, Marshall's Park) by Lisa Worrall ©2014 ★★★★✩
39. Finding Home (Book #01, Quinn Security) by Cameron Dane ©2008 ★★★✩✩

Still on an M/M high... I've managed to sneak in a couple of M/F romances in there though! so, yay! :)

Jan 2014 - Reading Update :)

22 Read

It's the last day of January and I was able to read 22 books! yay! :). I'm apparently still on my m/m genre fixation. TJ Klune's BOATK series has become one of my favorite books ever! And TJ is one of my favorite authors now. :) His stories are just beautiful... hilarious and tearjerkers.

1. Starfish and Coffee by Kele Moon ©2012 ★★★★✩
2. Blood Brothers by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell ©2013 ★★★✩✩
3. Beck by Harper Sloan ©2013 ★★✩✩✩
4. The Current Between Us by Kindle Alexander ©2013 ★★★★✩
5. Ethan by Nicole Edwards ©2014 ★★★★✩
6. Twisted Cherry by Piper Kay ©2012 ★★★✩✩
7. Blame It on the Mistletoe by Eli Easton ©2013 ★★★★★
8. Bear, Otter and the Kid by TJ Klune ©2011 ★★★★★
9. Who We Are (Book #02, BOATK) by TJ Klune ©2012 ★★★★★
10. Tell Me It's Real by TJ Klune ©2013 ★★★★★
11. I'll be Your Drill, Soldier by Crystal Rose ©2009 ★★★★✩
12. Conquest (Book #01, Conquest Series) by SJ Frost ©2009 ★★★✩✩
13. Take My Picture by Giselle Ellis ©2010 ★★★★✩
14. Grey's Awakening (Book #02, Cabin Fever) by Cameron Dane ©2009 ★★★★✩
15. A Younger Man (Book #03, Cabin Fever) by Cameron Dane ©2012 ★★★★✩
16. Sense of Place (Book #03, Thomas Elkin) by N.R. Walker ©2014 ★★★✩✩
17. Sno Ho (Book #01, Sno Ho) by Ethan Day ©2010 ★★★✩✩
18. A Fostered Love (Book #01, Fostered Siblings) by Cameron Dane ©2009 ★★★✩✩
19. The Heart of Texas (Book #01, Texas) by RJ Scott ©2011 ★★★★✩
20. Snowfall (Book #03, Fostered Siblings) by Cameron Dane ©2013 ★★★✩✩
21. Fish & Chips (Book #03, Cut & Run) by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux ©2010 ★★★★✩
22. Cherish (Book #04, Faith, Love and Devotion) by Tere Michaels ©2012 ★★★★✩

Let's see if I'm still on M/M by Feb... though, I feel that I'm starting to look for another genre to read. :)

2014 Reading Challenges

I've always wanted to complete some reading challenges for the past years. Sadly, I was only able to complete the GoodReads reading challenge (and it's the only one I was really able to keep track of!). Anyways, for this year, I'll TRY (sorry, favorite book, dipa maka-move on) again, to do some reading challenges. I wonder how much I'll be able to accomplish by the end of the year.

I think most of the ones I chose do NOT require a review, since I'm too lazy to do real reviews. I haven't "officially" signed-up (except for the GoodReads one), but well, I'll just post their links anyways. Also, I'm still thinking of how I'll be able to track the books for the challenges. Let's see!

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2014 Goodreads Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge

I signed up to complete 300 books. Yes, 300. I finished 292 last year, so why not? :)

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A-Z Reading Challenge

This was actually a reading challenge from a Goodreads group that I'm a member of - Fans of Eloisa James & Julia Quinn .

12 Months. 26 Books. Either the first word in the title of the books or the author’s name (first or last) should correspond with a letter in the alphabet. “a” and “the” should be omitted from the titles. Letters Q, X and Z can be positioned anywhere in the titles or author names.

This is a Romance group but they allow other genres to be read as well.

For myself, I'm thinking of limiting this to just "Titles" (depends if it would be too hard to look for titles! haha) and to the Romance genre :).

***

50 States Reading Challenge

Now, this one I've been TRYing to complete since 2011! But, still no success. The challenge is hosted by Book Obsessed . I'm not sure if they'll be hosting one for 2014 (no sign-up page yet).

12 Months. 50 Books. Set in each different state.

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The Eclectic Reader Challenge 2014

Eclectic Reader Challenge 2014 by Book'd Out

This is a new one. Just to challenge myself to read different genres :).

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2014 Book Bingo Reading Challenge

Hosted HERE

Also a new one! Goal to cross-out all those squares!

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And I'm also trying to read books from the NPR Lists that we've got way back! For some reason, I read a LOT but everytime I look at lists, it seems like I'm still not reading enough. :( I hope that I get to read some from those lists as well.

Ohh, and yes, I've ditched my goal to finish reading my TBR list. I finally realized that my list will forever be long! :D.. What can I say, I'm a book hoarder! I've decided to just enjoy and read from the pile as leisurely as I can :)

Good Luck to me! :)

My To Be Read List

Happy New Year Everyone! :)

And I was able to finally update my TBR List. I hope that I haven't forgotten anything... So, start off, I have 352 Books in my list (WHOAH! as in WHOAH)... I think I need to stop buying for now and start reading :))).

Like last year, I'm attempting to cut my TBR in half by end of year. Good Luck to me! Current list can be found HERE

Loves Me, Loves Me Knot

Title : Loves Me, Loves Me Knot
Author : Heidi Betts
Genre : Romance
Pages : 320
Series : Book #2, Chicks with Sticks
Publish Date : August 04, 2009
Publisher : St. Martin's Paperbacks
Started Reading : March 30, 2011
Completed Reading : March 30, 2011
Book Rating : 3/5

Jenna Langan knows what she wants, and as she tells her best friends after their weekly knitting group, she doesn't need a man to give it to her.only a few of his best swimmers. And just because her marriage to undercover vice cop Gage Marshall ended badly doesn't mean he can't still give her the baby she's always wanted. In fact, she's willing to bet a couple of her favorite hand-knit boas that she can tie him up in knots he'll definitely enjoy.


An unexpected seduction is one thing, but stud service? No, thank you. Gage had his reasons for pulling the plug on his happily ever after with Jenna, and nothing that's happened since their divorce has changed his mind. That is, until Jenna got it into her head to tie him up and drag him down. Now he has no choice but to stick around until he knows for sure if his ex-wife is pregnant. But the more time he spends with Jenna, the more his resolve begins to unravel.

*****

Another enjoyable story from Heidi Betts. As to why I read this last, I'm not sure. Hahaha... Seeing the other characters from the other books is really fun! And here, I got to see Grace's breakdown. The start of their story that is the third book from the series. And of course, who wouldn't like Gage? :) I liked him and I think I kind of understand his fears. And it was good how we saw him come to terms with his fears and to move forward and be happy with Jenna.

Knock Me For A Loop by Heidi Betts

Title : Knock Me For A Loop
Author : Heidi Betts
Genre : Romance
Pages : 352
Series : Book #3, Chicks with Sticks
Publish Date : February 02, 2010
Publisher : St. Martin's Paperbacks
Started Reading : March 29, 2011
Completed Reading : March 29, 2011
Book Rating : 3.5/5

 

When it comes to relationships, talk show host Grace Fisher won't stand for cheating - especially not from her fiance, star hockey goalie Zack Hoolihan. Her weekly knitting group backs her up when she calls it off, but that doesn't entirely ease the sting of betrayal. She won't listen to Zack's indignant explanations of innocence - she just wants to tie up loose ends and move on. Until he winds up injured, that is, and she finds herself playing nursemaid...

 

Zack doesn't know how that woman got into his hotel room, but he does know losing Grace has put him so far off his game, he's ended up with a busted knee and a broken heart. If things aren't mended fast, he'll miss the playoffs, miss his girl, and lose everything. But if Grace is willing to push him into physical therapy maybe he can pull her back into his arms - before their truce unravels. This time, he'll do everything it takes to knit their relationship back together...

*****

I enjoyed this... really! But honestly, what I just don't get is Grace. As to how she didn't trust Zack early on. Why she doesn't listen to his explanations and all. Why it took so long for her to realize that he was telling the truth all along. I don't even remember if it was explained why she was so untrusting. I kind of like the ending though.. Hahaha.. and sometimes, it's really nice when it's the other way around that's wooing the other. :)

Truly Madly Yours by Rachel Gibson

Title : Truly Madly Yours
Author : Rachel Gibson
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Pages : 384
Publish Date : January 01, 1999
Publisher : Avon
Started Reading : March 28, 2011
Completed Reading : March 28, 2011
Book Rating : 3.5/5

 

WHERE THERE'S A WILL. . .  
When pretty hairdresser Delaney Shaw returned home to Truly, Idaho, for the reading of her stepfather's will, she planned on paying her respects and getting out of town. But it seems the will has some unexpected stipulations-like the one that says if Delaney wants her inheritance she needs to stay put and have nothing to so with sexy Nick Allegrezza. . .for an entire year!

THERE'S NO WAY

Ten years ago, Nick had swept Delaney off her feet and onto his Harley, and that's when she really let her down her Hair! Back then, he was a love-'em-and-leave-'em man, and Delaney learned the hard way that she was just a fling. But Nick is as irresistible as ever. And when the ladies at Tuesday night Bingo see Nick and Delaney making after-hours whoopee through the window of a local beauty parlor, Delaney knows it's time to decide if Nick I truly, madly the man of her heart.

*****

Another fun and enjoyable read from Rachel Gibson. I've got a few laughs while reading this book - esp those during the poetry session.. :) And yes, there had been really serious situations but I think it was well-blended with the funny scenes that's why it worked for me. I loved learning about Nick and Delaney... how they've both unknowingly broken each other's hearts years ago. And how they met again and found true love again. :)

Game for Love by Bella Andre

Title : Game for Love
Author : Bella Andre
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #3, The Bad Boys of Football
Pages : 200
Publish Date : September 22, 2010
Publisher : CreateSpace
Started Reading : March 24, 2011
Completed Reading : March 25, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5

In a relationship built on lies...the only truth is their feelings for each other. To fulfill his grandmother's dying wish, linebacker Cole Taylor must find - and marry - a good girl. First grade teacher Anna Davis fits the bill perfectly. Their deal is simple: If she'll be his temporary wife, he'll give her more pleasure than she ever imagined was possible. Only, love is the ultimate game-changer. What people have been saying about the Bad Boys of Football...

*****

I'm really starting to enjoy Bella Andre's books... :) And this is another enjoyable one. I found it sweet... I liked the differences between Cole and Anna. And I've seen their chemistry together. I liked that I saw the sweet side of Cole - towards his grandmother, towards Anna and even to Anna's students.

 

I'm done with the Bad Boys of Football series... what's next? LOL...

Game for Seduction by Bella Andre

Title : Game for Seduction
Author : Bella Andre
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #2, The Bad Boys of Football
Pages : 272
Publish Date : September 09, 2008
Publisher : Gallery
Started Reading : March 23, 2011
Completed Reading : March 23, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5

The daughter of a powerful sports agent, Melissa McKnight has harbored lust-filled fantasies for Dominic DiMarco ever since she was an awkward teenager, when the San Francisco Outlaws' gorgeous wide receiver became her father's superstar client. Now Melissa's a beautiful, tenacious associate in her father's firm, and being around to-die-for hard-bodies is all in a day's work...until tangling with Dominic at a photo shoot blindsides her with passion.

Dominic has built a flawless career by being in control -- on and off the field. And despite his intense desire for Melissa, he's not about to seduce his agent's daughter -- until Melissa stages a power play to break free from her domineering father and winds up at an edgy bar on the wrong side of town. Dominic thinks he's rescuing the innocent Melissa he met years ago...but one night of sizzling passion reveals a woman with no limits -- including a penchant for hot sex in public places. If anyone's breaking all the rules of seduction, it's sexy, irresistible Melissa.

But Dominic has a secret from years ago -- one that could ruin his sterling reputation and take Melissa along with him. Will his bad-boy past bind them closer together? Or will they crash and burn?

*****

I think this is way better than the first book from the series. That's me being a sucker for unrequited love stories. Hahaha... I really enjoyed this one and I'm hoping that the next from the series is something I'd also enjoy :).

 

The Trouble with Valentine's Day by Rachel Gibson

Title : The Trouble with Valentine's Day
Author : Rachel Gibson
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #4, Chinooks Hockey Team

Pages : 384
Publish Date : January 25, 2005
Publisher : Avon
Started Reading : March 22, 2011
Completed Reading : March 22, 2011
Book Rating : 3/5

 

Let Rachel Gibson tell you about The Trouble with Valentine's Day:

that one day each year when being single is a sin.


Kate Hamilton should know. Dumped by her boyfriend, stressed out by her job, she's returned to Gospel, Idaho, for some rest and small-town fun. But when her first attempted seduction of a hunky stranger is completely rejected, she wonders what else could go wrong?


Well, for starters, she quickly realizes that the Mountain Momma Crafters' original poetry readings is about as good as it gets on a Friday night. Then she comes face-to-face with Rob Sutter, former ice hockey madman, owner of Sutter Sports -- and the hunky stranger who told her to get lost.


Rob's been more than burned by love -- but then he and Kate find themselves in an ultra-compromising position in the M & S Market after hours, giving the phrase "clean-up in aisle five" a whole new meaning, and causing a whole lot of gossip in Gospel ...

*****

True Love and Other Disasters is still number one in the running. Hahaha... I enjoyed but I was kind of hoping that there would be some sort of a connection with Rob's child with Kate... Yes, the child is not living with Rob but it was stressed out that Rob loved the kid. I guess, somehow, even just a little, there would be an interaction between all three of them. :)

Love Me by Bella Andre

Title : Love Me
Author : Bella Andre
Genre : Contemporary Romance, Erotic
Pages : 218
Publish Date : July 08, 2010
Publisher : CreateSpace
Started Reading : March 21, 2011
Completed Reading : March 22, 2011
Book Rating : 2/5


It's been five years since Lily Ellis and Travis Carson got married and fell in love in TAKE ME....now it's finally time for Janica Ellis and Luke Carson to get their very own happy ending. If there's one thing that Janica Ellis is absolutely certain of, it's that she and Luke Carson are totally wrong for each other. She's a wild, artistic and outspoken fashion designer. He's a type A, workaholic trauma surgeon (who just happens to be sizzling hot and her brother-in-law!). But Janica is about to be proven wrong when opposites attract...in the sexiest possible way. After a life-changing night in the ER, Luke is desperate for escape - and relief from his personal demons. For five years he has fought his attraction to his sister-in-law, but when he's pushed too far, he can't fight it another second. He needs her. Desperately. He's spent his whole life doing the right thing. For one night, he's going to follow desire instead. Straight into Janica's arms. Janica can't believe Luke is finally at her front door...and that he's kissing her like he's been waiting his whole life to touch her. But even as their sensual connection deepens with every touch of skin on skin - and the man she always thought was such a good boy turns out to be sinfully, toe-curlingly bad between the sheets - Janica soon realizes she wants more than Luke's body. She wants his heart too. But what will Luke do when one night of extreme passion turns into an all or nothing proposition?

*****

We've met Janica (Lily's sister) and Luke (Travis' twin brother and Lily's bestfriend) in Take Me. Love Me is their story. I was honestly hoping that I'd like this like Take Me but I was mistaken. I think the plot and characters were just underdeveloped. For me, something's lacking. I never felt that I've connected with the characters and I also didn't feel the chemistry between the two.

See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson

Title : See Jane Score
Author : Rachel Gibson
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #2, Chinooks Hockey Team

Pages : 384
Publish Date : January 28, 2003
Publisher : Avon
Started Reading : March 21, 2011
Completed Reading : March 21, 2011
Book Rating : 3/5

 

This is Jane

A little subdued. A little stubborn. A little tired of going out on blind dates with men who drive vans with sofas in the back, Jane Alcott is living the Single Girl existence in the big city. She is also leading a double life. By day, she's a reporter covering the raucous Seattle Chinooks hockey team -- especially their notorious goalie Luc Martineau. By night, she's a writer, secretly creating the scandalous adventures of "Honey Pie" ... the magazine series that has all the men talking.

See Jane Spar

Luc has made his feelings about parasite reporters -- and Jane -- perfectly clear. But if he thinks he's going to make her life miserable, he'd better think again.

See Jane Attract

For as long as he can remember, Luc has been single-minded about his career. The last thing he needs is a smart-mouthed, pain-in-the-backside reporter digging into his past and getting in his way. But once the little reporter sheds her black and gray clothes in favor of a sexy red dress, Luc sees that there is more to Jane than originally meets the eye.

Maybe it's time to take a risk. Maybe it's time to live out fantasies. Maybe it's time to ... see Jane score.

*****

Another enjoyable read from Rachel Gibson. Though I've got to admit, True Love and Other Disasters is still my faavorite among the lot. But I really enjoyed Jane's character and how she braved the whole hockey team, especially Luc. And it was fun seeing all the other players and their "tradition" were really funny.

And on to the next Chinooks player...

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...

Take Me by Bella Andre

Title : Take Me
Author : Bella Andre
Genre : Contemporary Romance, Erotic
Pages : 272
Publish Date : November 15, 2005
Publisher : Gallery
Started Reading : March 21, 2011
Completed Reading : March 21, 2011
Book Rating : 3/5

An appetite for sensual pleasures must never be denied...

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?

*****

I always see this on the bookshelves in bookstores and I'm curious if this is any good. In fairness, I did enjoy it. :) I guess it's because of that long unrequited love. As I've mentioned a couple of times before, I've always been a sucker for that kind of love stories. :) Though, I think Lily's issue of being insecure of herself had been pushed too long... When I thought that it's over already, it's the same again at the end and it was already getting old. But putting those aside, overall, I still enjoyed reading this book.

True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson

Title : True Love and Other Disasters
Author : Rachel Gibson
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Series : Book #4, Chinooks Hockey Team

Pages : 384
Publish Date : April 28, 2009
Publisher : Avon
Started Reading : March 20, 2011
Completed Reading : March 20, 2011
Book Rating : 4/5

 

Disaster Number One: MEN

 

Hark knocks and hunger taught Faith Duffy not to believe in love. Still, when she married her very wealthy - and very old - husband, she became the perferct wife. And then he went to that big bank in the sky, leaving Faith with lonely nights, a pile of money, and a total mess of a pro hockey team. Heck, Faith doesn't even watch hockey!

 

Disaster Number Two: PASSION

 

But most of America and half of Canada is watching Ty Savage. His lethal sex appeal and deadly right hook make him the favorite of fans. For most of Ty's life, he's dreamed of winning the Stanley Cup. The last thing he needs is a bimbo messing up his plans.

 

Disaster Number Three: LOVE

 

Faith loathes Ty on sight, but she can't stop thinking about him all day... and night. Then a moment of temptation ends with Faith in Ty's bed, and she begins to see there's more to him than sex appeal. Ty discovers there's far more to Faith than beauty and billions. But a relationship with Faith is impossible, and falling in love - that would be a disaster.

 

*****

 

After reading Nothing But Trouble, I've wanted to read about the other Captain of the Chinooks. And while going bookstore-hopping with Conchi yesterday, I found the book and just have to get myself a copy. Yey! :) And i wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed this one as much as I enjoyed Nothing But Trouble. And it kinda reminded me of a book by Susan Elizabeth Phillips which also inherited a team (though SEP got a football team.. hahaha). Anyways, I guess all of us likes a sassy heroine.. and we got that in Faith and a hottie jock which of course, we got in Ty :).And the ending was funny! A love that bit about Sam ;)