Holly Lane by Toni Blake: Review

Toni Blake
SBN-13: 9780062024602
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date: 10/25/2011
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Edition description: Original
Pages: 384
Series: Destiny, Ohio Series, #4

Sue Ann Simpkins is working hard to rebuild her life and find some holiday spirit. A weekend away from Destiny in a cabin on nearby Bear Lake seems like the perfect Christmas gift to herself -- until her ex's best friend, Adam Becker, shows up at the door, claiming the cabin is his! And if that's not trouble enough, how had she never noticed how gorgeous he was?

Alone for the holidays and forced to play a reindeer at the local department store, Adam's been feeling rather Scrooge-ish himself. But finding the smart, sexy woman he's admired since elementary school waiting in the house he rented is helping to brighten his humbug mood. And when a sudden snowstorm strands them together in very close quarters, leading to one very hot night together, Adam soon realizes that what he really wants for Christmas is a second chance at love. Now all he has to do is convince Sue Ann....


Sue Ann's perfect world has changed when her ex husband Jeff, divorced her six months ago. Feeling shocked and disappointed, she decided to take a weekend off and take a trip to the cabin where she can concentrate on being herself and figure out what to do. She want to stay strong for her daughter Sophie, because she wanted her to have the best Christmas and not worrying about her and Jeff aren't together anymore. But as she is about to settle down and to relax in the cabin, her ex-husband's best friend Adam, walks in the cabin.

Grumpy and disappointed that his twin sons are off for the holiday with their grandparents and won't be spending holidays with him, Adam decided to spend his time at the cabin where he and his twin sons usually go to on Thanksgiving. He wanted to keep those memory of his time spent with his boys when they are together in the cabin, the one they rented every year. But he is surprised to find Sophie in his cabin and demand to have his cabin back.

After learning the owner made a mistake on their reservation from the registry and that both Adam and Sue Ann are double booked in the same cabin, things got worse when they also found themselves snowed in as well. But sparks started to fly when their attractions collide, and their one night together was hot and steamy. The next day, they both agree that this can only be a one time thing and when they come home to Destiny, no one is to know about what happened in the cabin. When they came back to Destiny, both started to feel like...maybe their one night stand might be more than just sex between them. And no matter how hard they tried to stay away from each other, they just couldn't deny their attraction for each other is there. But because Sophie has trust issues, she fear to have relationship with Adam due to his secret and any relationship with him would mean losing custody of her daughter.

I loved that this book kinda has the classic retelling of A Christmas Carol with the premonition ghost dream thrown in, even though it is contemporary romance. I admit I wasn't expecting it in Toni Blake's Destiny novel, but I enjoyed this book because it themed around Christmas holidays and I thought it just seems to fit with A Christmas Carol added in. It was minor things, that didn't take away the story.

I loved that even behind Adam 'bah-humbug' grumpy attitude, there is a soft and sweetness side of him. The wonderful sweet things he did for little Sophie was heartfelt that it gave me those warm-fuzzy feeling moments. He wants Sophie Christmas to be special, and it surely shown in his actions. I loved the way he loves his two sons and think about them all the times. I know for sure he is a great dad. And I know a couple of times I just wanted to knock some sense out of Sue Ann and Adam when they resisting to be together, especially Sue Ann. I understand the issues about Sue Ann's fear since her divorce and not wanting to lose her daughter, but it become annoying when she keeps making that as an excuse to have chance with Adam at every opportunity.

I'm very happy to see old characters showing up again. It was nice to see them and get a peek of what they have been doing since their HEA. Especially the good surprise! And I sure hope to see them again in the next two upcoming books.

HOLLY LANE is about second chances, new beginnings, and finding love when and where you least expect it. Also it is a self discovery break through, uplifting, sweet, heartfelt, magical, romantic and steamy hot! I felt every emotions that was thrown toward me, and sighed contently after I finished and closed the book. It is the perfect book to read during Christmas time or winter, and have a cup of hot chocolate while you read it. It would sure warm your heart.

I'm a huge reader of Toni Blake's books. All of the Destiny novel are sitting in my keeper bookshelf. I know it's the novel I want to re-read over again. I'm in love with every characters in Destiny because I felt they are real, although my heart always belong to Mick and Lucky *G*. I'm looking forward to reading more of Toni Blake's upcoming Destiny books and hope they are as good as the first four books!

4.5/5 stars

What Been Going On With Me50 Books Challenge

I'm sorry for not posting enough, and the last time I posted was Christmas 2011. It had been a busy month for me, since January 2012 arrives. With the New Years and birthdays all happened at once, so that was why I delayed in posting. Plus the darn 'Gardens of Time' apps game from Facebook, which my good friend M had got me to play. I hate this game for a good reason, HA! *G* I will try to keep up and post more on my blog whenever I can. I was debating (and have been since last year) of closing this blog down because I fear that my blog isn't getting enough readership. And that it get very hard for me to think of something good to post about. But a very good friend of mine 'pushed' me to keep it running and do my best in my blog as much as I can. She said "practice make perfect". In a sense, that is true. But it is HUGE challenge for me. I'm not the best grammar and speller out there, I will admit. But I don't wish to make my readership feel uncomfortable to be here and I do hope they will stay with me as long as I still have this blog. I still use my blog to keep up with the books I read over the years and to remember what the book are about from the reviews I've done. I also want to see how many books I can read each years too. I always challenge myself to read 50 books. And if I can reach it, then I go further for 100. But no matter how fast or slow I read, I can only managed to read below 50. In 2011 I read a total of 37 books. While that isn't a bad number, it still leave me feeling...unsatisfied because I didn't reach that 50 books goal. This year, I'm going to try my best to reach that 50 books goal! And I know I'm going to need those 'push' from friends and that would be helpful for me.

I have not posted books that I read in December 2011. So here they are. See below. I only read 3 books for December but two out of the three books were very good! Both are my favorite authors. And I hope you would check them out and read their books! I also have not posted all the books I have read for 2011 either. I will post that underneath the "December Books 2011" too. I know I didn't put links to read the book's reviews for each books, but I only have limited time to blog. And it'll take me long time to link them to each books. You are more than welcome to search it around my blog. Most of my reading range from contemporary romance, romance suspense and erotic contemporary romance. A few historical and paranormal (no vamps please *G*!) And these are all books I bought on my own. And if I'm lucky enough to win books from online contests, it make me happy and I be glad to review them :) I have read many good books from my favorite authors in 2011 and I hope to continue to read plenty more books from them in 2012! I also wish everyone happy reading! :)

DECEMBER Books 2011:
35. Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis – 4 stars
36. Exotic Indulgence by Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee – 3.75 stars
37. Holly Lane by Toni Blake – 4.75 stars


50 Books Challenge 2011:
JANUARY
1. Something About You by Julie James – 4 ½ stars
2. Sugar Creek by Toni Blake – 5 stars
3. Cowgirls, Don’t Cry by Lorelei James – 4 ½ stars
4. Whisper Falls by Toni Blake – 5 stars

FEBRUARY
5. Along Came a Husband by Helen Brenna – 4 stars
6. The Sheriff’s Secret Wife by Christyne Butler – 4 stars
- Beguiled by Deeanne Gist J. Mark Bertrand - DNF
7. Body Heat by Brenda Novak – 5 stars
8. The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton – 4.5 stars
9. Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden – 5 stars

MARCH
10. Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis – 4 stars
11. Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden - 5 stars
12. A Lot Like Love by Julie James – 4 stars

APRIL
13. Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James – 4 stars
14. Temperature’s Rising by Karen Kelley – 3.5 stars
15. Everyone Loves a hero by Marie Force - 4 stars
16. Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden - 4 stars

MAY
17. Nauti Nights by Lora Leigh – 4.5 stars
18. The Search by Nora Roberts – 4 stars

JUNE
19. Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher

JULY
NOTHING!

AUGUST
20. Temp Me Tonight by Toni Blake – 4 stars
21. The Trouble With Paradise by Jill Shalvis – 4.5 stars

SEPTEMBER
22. Aussie Rule by Jill Shalvis – 4.5 stars
23. Going All In by Jess Dee (e-book) – 4 stars
24. Call Me Irresistible by SEP – 4.75 stars
25. Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis – 4.75 stars
26. Nauti Dream by Lora Leigh – 4 stars

OCTOBER
27. Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis – 4 stars
28. Beg for Mercy by Jami Alden – 4 stars
29. Sage Creek by Jill Gregory – 4 stars
30. Don’t Mess With Texas by Christie Graig – 4 stars

NOVEMBER
31. Chasing Eight by Lorelei James 4 stars
32. Addicted to You by Beth Kery – 4 stars
33. Courting Death by Carol Stephenson - 4 stars
34. The Sweetest Things by Jill Shalvis (re-read) – 4 stars

DECEMBER
35. Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis – 4 stars
36. Exotic Indulgence by Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee – 3.75 stars
37. Holly Lane by Toni Blake – 4 stars

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Have yourself a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my home to your! Hope you have better and healthy year 2012! -- Julia

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all the people in Blogger land! I'm thankful for all the people in my life. Without them I weren't be who I am. Lots of love for you all!!! Below we had Mr Turkey, sweet potatoes casserole, cornbread stuffing and greenbean casserole. Now shown in the picture are: cranberry sauce, rolls, ham, shrimps & crabs casserole and pumpkin pie.

Book Cover Alert : Head Over Heels

This is one of the book I have been waiting to get my hand on. Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis, is book three of the A Lucky Harbor Novel. I have already read book one Simply Irresistible but not book two The Sweetest Thing yet, because I want to wait until this book to come out first so that I can read both books one after another. I'm excited that this book will be release less than four more days! I think Chloe and Sawyer would be an interesting pair and I'm looking forward to see what they are up to. I do need to cut back on buying more books to only two books because the holidays is coming. But I will definitely go buy a copy of this book and get myself a nice winter seasonal hot drink at my local Barnes and Noble while I start on the last two books. Isn't the book cover simply sweet and romantic? *nodding head* I think so too :) I really enjoy reading Jill Shalvis and recommend readers to try her books. Start with A Lucky Harbor Novel, you won't regret it :)

FYI- About Head Over Heels: For the print book, it will come out first but ebook readers will have to wait another week.

Happy reading and shopping!

A Lot Like Love by Julie James

Julie James
Pub. Date: March 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Mass Market Paperback , 304pp
ISBN-13: 9780425240168
ISBN: 0425240169

Agent Nick McCall has just taken a time off from an undercover job, after he had helped take down twenty-seven dirty cops, to head back home for his mother's sixtieth birthday party when unfortunately his boss call and ruined his plan. His boss wanted his help in taking down Roberto Martino. So Nick and Agent Huxley visit Jordan's wine store The DeVine Cellars to get her to help them with the FBI undercover investigation. They asked Jordan to attend as a guest with one of them at the charity fun-raiser of famous restaurateur so that they can get a proof for a arrest. And Jordan agree but on one condition, if the FBI help her get her brother released from jail. So they set up a plan to plant bugs during Xander Eckhart party, who the FBI suspect is helping launder money for Roberto Martino. Nick first has a rule where he never get personal, especially on 'date' with Jordan since she is only an assignment. But on their first meeting, Jordan and Nick just can't seem to be together for five minute without any bantering or sarcasm.

Nick was assigned to be inside a van with the tech team, a block away from party, to make sure the recording devices are working correctly during their undercover Op. And Agent Huxley was to be Jordan's 'date' at Xander Eckhart party, and plant in some bugs in his office for record of proof. The morning of the day when the plan was to take place, Agent Huxley got sick and Mick end up taking over his place instead. When the bugs were set and the plan working, Nick and Jordan thought that they can now forget about everything and move on with their life but unfortunately Xander had other plan. Because of this, to avoid blowing up their undercover op, they decided to continue to 'date' each other until they make the arrest. And while Nick and Jordan pretend to be a couple, he begin to learn more about Jordan and her love for wine tasting along the way. She gave him a tour to the winery and show him how to know the different about each wines. Jordan may be a billionaire's daughter, but she is financially independence and is the owner of her own wine business DeVine Cellers. And she won't let anyone think she doesn't know how to run her business. And even when they are bantering at each other, spark fly between them and they have fallen hard.

After his girlfriend has broken his heart, Jordan's brother Kyle was arrested for hijacking twitter and causing the Great Twitter Outage of 2011. But Jordan know that Kyle had learn from his mistake and doesn't think that he deserved to be in jail. So when an opportunity walk into her life, a chance to help her brother release from jail, she took a chance on it.

I thought A Lot Like Love is another enjoyable books I've read. It is a fun, smart and steamy. I love the sexual tension between Jordan and Nick. The bantering were so witty it made me chuckle. One of my favorite scene is when Nick saw Jordan in the dress that she is wearing to the Charity fun-raiser event for the first time. He was starring at the dress and thinking how he like her in the dress. His reaction to the back of the dress had me chuckling. And his reaction when he discovered that she was braless...priceless! I couldn't stop laughing over it! I also like that we get to see Kyle and how he adjusting his time in jail. And see the people he interacted with there and the funny comments said about him. I loved that he is said to look like Josh Holloway from the TV show Lost and his reaction to it when someone mention the look-a-like. And some of the scenes at the winery was plus. I thought the book cover is pretty sexy and I love the fact that the h/h 'look' and their clothing they worn are true to what is inside the story. I've always complaint how the front cover of the book does not match what is inside the book, but I'm so happy that this book didn't disappoint me.

I have always enjoy reading Julie James' books. Her books always managed to make me smile, laugh and made my heart flutter. I love the humors and sarcastic dialogue between the characters in her writing. I also love that her heroine are strong and smart. I have read up to the first three books and I had finished reading A Lot Like Love since this May 11th but is now just posting this review up (yes am so late in reviewing this book). I don't think there are any James' books that I didn't enjoy.

4 1/2 stars

50 Challenge Books : October

I'm still a little low in my reading but reading 4 books this month is much better for me. I hope to read more in November. I have read a total of 30 books since January started. A lot of Jill Shalvis older and newest books (some not shown here, since it on last month read) and I enjoyed them all. Jami Alden, Jill Gregory and Christie Graig were my 'new to me authors' and so far I enjoyed the books but I think I like Jami Alden's BE FOR MERCY a lot. And I'm thinking of picking up the 2nd book that just released. I hope it would be more better than the first book. Here are the books I read in October. Have a good day! :)

OCTOBER
27.Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis – 4.75 stars
28. Beg for Mercy by Jami Alden – 4.75
29. Sage Creek by Jill Gregory – 4.37 stars
30. Don't Mess with Texas by Christie Graig – 4.75