50 Challenge Books: July

In one of my Yahoo reading group, members participates in a challenge call 50 Challenge Books. Our goal was to see if we can read reach 50 books by the end of the year. So each months we post a list of books that we have read. We wrote down the titles of the book, the authors name, a tidbit (or reviews) about each books and grade them. It is challenge to ourself to see how many reading can we do by the end of the year. Some get pass the 50 books and then proceed to continue to read until they reach 100. It is lot of fun, cause it help members to find "new to me authors" and learn who have common taste in books that you do. Or just talk about your favorite authors and books. I think we been doing this for 3 years running now. I just never posted it here before but I have done them at my Yahoo reading group. Below, is the list of books I read in July(click each titles book to read my reviews). Since January, I have read total of 34 books so far. But this month of July, I read only 6 books. Lot more reading to go, before I hit my 50 books for this year.

P.S. My good friend Darla is the list owner of that Yahoo group and she is participating in 50 Challenge Books as well. I think the idea came from her. Please visit her blog and see her book reviews. :)


29. Waiting For Nick by Nora Roberts 4.5/5 stars (Re-read)
30. Night Shift by Nora Roberts 5/5 stars (Re-read)
31. Considering Kate by Nora Roberts 5/5 stars (Re-read)
32. Squeeze Play by Kate Angell 5/5 stars
33. Harry Potter: The Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling 5/5 stars - No review
34. The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann 5/5 stars (Re-read)

10 Countries You'd Like to Visit

Ten On Tuesday


This is good question. The countries I listed here are chosen because it either the places I have always want to visit someday (I'm fascinated with the place) or most of my relatives and friends live there. Some friends living in these places, I never met before but would love to someday :) And of course some of the place is where the authors live too. A good way to participate in booksigning or reader's party events for the authors releasing books date *grin*

1- Vietnam
2- Germany
3- Singapore
4- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wale)
5 - Ireland
6- Thailand
7 - France
8 - Japan
9 - Canada
10- Switzerland

The Unsung Hero

(Contemporary Military Romance)
Suzanne Brockmann website
5/5 stars







*note* - This book cover, that I have here, is reissue print. There is an original cover before this one. *end note*

The Unsung Hero is the first book, part of the "The Troubleshooter" series. And it is a re-read for me too. I'm re-reading, with my friend Angela, all 10 books until the latest book (#11) The Force of Nature come out in August 14 2007. Also Troubleshooter's book #12 All Through the Night - Troubleshooter Christmas well be out in the same year (In October 30). It suppose to be a short novella, but Suzanne have said she love to write longer novel- and so the novella end up to be longer. I can't wait!

Tom Paoletti, an Lt. of the Navy Seals, is on medical leave after receiving a near-fatal head injury during one of their recent missions. He return home to his uncle Joe where he was raised and his only sister and her daughter, Mallory live too. But it is Dr. Kelly Ashton he wasn't expecting to see coming home. The woman who he had almost slept with when she was younger. Seeing her again bring back memory, and he wasn't sure he want to pick up where they left off when he went away to join the Navy SEALs. But his feeling for her is still there. And coming home to his New England town in Massachusetts, he never thought to catch a terrifying glimpse of the merchant, who was subject of an international manhunt for many years and have causes a American embassy in Paris car bombing in 1996. But alerting his Adm. Chip Crowley, didn't help. Because Crowley think that Tom's head injury make him seeing things that wasn't there, so he didn't believe Tom. So it up to Tom to catch the merchant on his own with the help of his team.

Dr. Kelly Ashton, an divorced Boston pediatrician, came home to help her father Charles after she get the new that he has cancer. But Charles is making it hard for Kelly to help him and she get worry. She is relief when she learn that Tom is staying for 30 days, and asked Tom for help. But asking for help, mean to see him there. It bring back memories to her of their last encounter too. But she want to step up and let Tom know she want to be more to him then just being friend. She realized that the old spark is still there, and decided to start an affair. Only Kelly assume it only going to be a couple a weeks with no string attached but find herself disastrous in consequences.

Joe Paoletti and Charles Ashton have been friend since the WWII. They're two elder veterans who past is repeatedly told in flashback during WWII and their love for the same French resistance woman. And now, in the present day, they are fighting with each other over Joe participant the celebrating the fifty-fifth anniversary for the end of the WWII war and to honor the heroes of Baldwin Bridge, Massachusetts.

There a secondary romance characters, a story of two teenager sweetheart Mallory (Tom niece) and David. He is an nerdy comic book illustrator who want to use Mallory for his next comic book. The romance between them were very sweet. I love childhood sweetheart.

You will see a first glimpse of Navy SEALs bad boy Sam Starrett, the most excellent sharp shooter cop Alyssa and XO Jazz. These three people you will see more of in the later books as the series go on. You will also meet other Troubleshooter team in the later books as well.

Got to admit the fighting and bickering between the two elder men were driving me nuts. I sometime just want to knock their head together. But I love them anyway. Some scenes from the book were funny and other time it get intense. I love the romance between Tom and Kelly as well as the two teenager sweetheart. I really love the flash back of the war and love how Suzanne Brockmann blend in all three stories together. She is good with that imo.

The Unsung Hero is romance novel between two romance couples and two elder veterans. With past flashback of war and action at the end. A very intense and sizzling read. It is three stories in one that would revolved around each other and connect the characters. I love the book and have enjoy my re-read. I highly recommend reading it (and the series) :)

Troubleshooter series

1. The Unsung Hero
2. The Defiant Hero
3. Over the Edge
4. Out of Control
5. Into the Night
6. Gone Too Far
7. Flashpoint
8. Hot Target
9. Breaking Point
10. Into the Storm
11. Force of Nature- releasing August 14
12. All Through the Night- Christmas Novella (but it longer)
Releasing October 30 2007

Red's Series Books / The Rouge by Kate Angell

In the past, since I blogged, I've posted many "Rec'd Series Books" here. But for a long months now, I been lacking on keeping update to recommend series books lately. So now, I hope to be able to find time to post recommendation here when I can remember it. Those who have been following my series books recommendation, I hope to continue to give you many more "new to me authors" books to read :)

I always love to read series books. Many who know me, would know most of my books on the shelf are all mostly series/trilogies books. So am always on a look out for more "new to me authors" who write series books. I was excited when I discover one....

During this summer of 2007, I discover an author who is new to me. I picked up "Curveball" by Kate Angell, after I heard one of my favorite author Lori Foster raves about this author. I notice it was baseball theme, and while I'm not baseball fan I picked it up and brought it anyway. I found out later, after browsing at her website that there is another book before "Curveball". So I decided to get a copy of the first book, "Squeeze Play". I normally don't like to read books out of order, so I would go and buy atlease the first book to start. I'm happy to say I truly enjoy reading it. And now, after reading "Curveball", I'm looking forward to read more of the Rogues series.

Kate Angell's baseball, The Rogues series is what Susan Elizabeth Phillips's football is to The Chicago Star series (I love SEP's books!). Kate also write three romance stories into one books. It is a hot sexy romance comedies with charming, delightful, sizzling and funny characters that you will love and enjoy. Kate capture the essence of the baseball boys of the summer, the fun and the hot fling so well that you can imagine it all happen all at once. I find myself laughing plenty of time and loving each characters. And who can't help but fall in love with "The Bat Pack" gangs: Psycho, Chaser, Romeo. They put smiles on my face.

Okay I gush enough, and I feel embarrassed when I do. A whole lot of my sentences don't make sense LOL. I hope everyone give Kate Angell a chance. You might enjoy it as much as I did. It a fun book, easy to read and not a long pages reading. It the book to read for the summer. Or during baseball season. There is only two books that is available right now. The third book will be out in April of next year. But Kate had said there be more books coming. Below, is the titles of books to read in order. If you want to find more information, visit Kate Angell's website-click here


The Rogues Series

1. Squeeze Play
2. Curveball
3. Strike Zone - available on April 2008

Best moustache-twirling

Booking Through Thursday

Well, after last week’s record-breaking number of responses (92 last time I checked–an all-time BTT record), I was tempted to use this week’s question to ask what you all thought about Harry Potter 7–but since a decent proportion of you weren’t going to be reading it at all, that seemed unfair. So instead . . .

Who’s the worst fictional villain you can think of? As in, the one you hate the most, find the most evil, are happiest to see defeated? Not the cardboard, two-dimensional variety, but the most deliciously-written, most entertaining, best villain? Not necessarily the most “evil,” so much as the best-conceived on the part of the author…oh, you know what I mean!

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

- I admit, this is a tricky and tough question. Since I have to think really hard for answer to this question. But since my brain is down and I'm so tired today (I'm sick with bad cough), I'm just gonna go with what ever come to mind. No matter it good or bad answers :)

In the last couple of months ago, I read a book "The Last Spymaster" by Gayle Lynds. It is a very action pack story with characters you want to love or hate. The h/h are both strong and very smart. One of the villain in this story has two dimensional side. Palmer was the character that you warm up to at first but then he surprise you later. That what upset me the most. But he is so well written and his evilness don't show until later.

- And since I'm re-reading one of my favorite Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series, I want to name Larry Tucker as another villain. The guy who want to bring down the Troubleshooter's team that Tom have work so hard to build up. Tucker would do anything to make the team life miserable.

Girls, You Rocks!

It was a pleasant surprise when I visit Alice and found out she has nominated me as one of her four friends for the "Rockin' Girl Blogger" award. It is such an honor to be nominated, even though I'm not sure if I consider myself rockin' girl LOL. But I really appreciated the thought of being one. Alice has been a bless to have as friend. Alice has been the sweetest person with a bless heart, funny sense of humor and lovely spirit. I'm touched to be nominated by her and really appreciate to have a friend like...Alice.

Here are my 4 nomination. I admit it was bit hard for me to do this because there other bloggers that SHOULD be in this list of nomination too. But if you're not on the lists, just know that I'm thinking of you too. All of you rocks! :)

Darla of Nichtszusagen has been so nice to me when I first met her 5 years ago. She always put up with my weird personality and crazy self. She made me feel comfortable and right at home. It has been a pleasure to read books along with her. We have common taste in genres of books and authors. So I know I'm not going to run out of "new to me authors" much LOL! Darla is the cooliest person to be friend with. She lovely, funny and sweet too. :)

Melody of Melody's Reading Corner She is a sweet but fun person to talk to. We have been friend for....2 years, I believe. One thing I enjoy is chatting with her and reading. We do have common taste in reading and sometime we would read together. And we are two long lost twin sisters LOL

Alice of Hello, My Name is Alice has been the sweetest person with a bless heart, funny sense of humor and lovely spirit. I'm touched to be nominated by her and really appreciate to have a friend like...Alice..

Kat of Strangely Out of Place It has been fun knowing that Kat and I have likeness with Nora Roberts and other books. Very sweet and fun.

Just Wild About Harry

Booking Through Thursday

1. Okay, love him or loathe him, you’d have to live under a rock not to know that J.K. Rowling’s final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, comes out on Saturday… Are you going to read it?

I admit I started reading Harry Potter books because my niece Trish con me into reading the series *grin*. I have wanted her to try to read one of NR books but she didn't want to..at first. But then she willing to make a compromise deal, she will read one of NR IF I read Harry Potter with her. So we agree to read the book together. Once I start reading the book, it suck me in the magical world of the Wizard Harry Potter. Now I have my niece Trish to blame (the snot! *grin*) for getting me to enjoy both the books and movies. So now we are reading it together for the rest of the books. But I'm up to date with the latest movies. :)
Answer: I love Harry and all the things that go with him and his life. Of course I would read the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2. If so, right away? Or just, you know, eventually, when you get around to it? Are you attending any of the midnight parties?

I would want to read it right away...just to find out who die. But I still have book #3-6 to read first. Not sure if am attending the midnight party, but I might call up a friend later today (Thursday) to see if she would like to take her kids to the midnight party at Barnes and Noble (or Walmart) and I will pay for the books for them. As a thanks you for the stuff she have done for me. Or go to movie to see the latest Harry Potter and then get something to eat and head to the party. Otherwise if not, I might just plan a whole day to myself and do a Potter celebration all on my own. It not because I want to attend the party, it because I want to get the book! *grin* LOL

3. If you’re not going to read it, why not?

Of course I'm going to read it *grin*, just not right away....just until am finish with book #3-6 first

4. And, for the record… what do you think? Will Harry survive the series? What are you most looking forward to?

I think Harry will survive. I'm looking forward to seeing whatever happen that is await me. I want Ron and Hermione to end up together. But most importantly I can't wait to see how the book end - who die who survive :)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Squeeze Play by Kate Angell

(Contemporary Romance)
Kate Angell website
5/5 stars








Risk Kincaid, a pro baseball player from Frostproof, FL., has come home after helping his team "Richmond Rogues" win the World Series. During his off-season he hope that coming home will give him relaxation and to unwind. But he also hope to reignite the fire with his high school sweetheart, Jacy who he had fallen in love with. But what he not counting on is his "Bat Pack Boys" pals to tag along and bring mayhem.

Jacy Grayson, the owner of the Jacy's Java has always love Risk. It goes back to high school where they first met. Since then Risk was the only guy that Jacy ever love and wanted. They both made promise that they can be each other rebound lover, if Jacy ever have her heartbroken from boyfriend break-up. What Risk does not know is that there have been no other lovers. But afraid to tell him the truth and Risk will not want her anymore. But there is more to the relationship then rebound lover, and the connection between them bring sizzle chemistry.

Risk and along with his "Bat Pack" gangs, come together for Annual Charity and hope to make different. But the gangs have created lot of fun, wild and crazy time. And there is an heartbreak too. Stevie Cole, baseball trivia whiz, got a surprise that Aaron, the guy she love all of her life is now engaged. heart broken, she lean her shoulder to Zen, one of the baseball player who also just broken up with the woman who is now engaged to Aaron.

You will met up with the rest of the Bat Pack gangs: Psycho, Romeo, Chaser too. There is two romance story here: the main characters and secondary. Both are great. I really enjoy reading this book. I thought that Kate Angell capture the real essence of the summer fun with sexy romance thrown in very well. The characters were likable and delightful and I laughs plenty. If you are baseball fan, you will enjoy this book. The story revolve around the charity and the characters with background of baseball events.

There is a second book Curve Ball, which is story on Psycho, Romeo, Chaser. They are known to be "Bat Pack" boys. I have copy of this book, so I can't wait to read it!

Read Kate Angell's Squeeze Play. It a good fun, summer read with delicious and sizzling romance. Very delicious to read up ;)

Considering Kate by Nora Roberts

(Contemporary Romance- Silhouette Special Edition)
Nora Roberts website
5/5 stars







My book cover is in pink with picture of ballerina girl, so I have different cover then the one shown above. But both were published in the same year, 2001. I'm not even sure which covers were published first and in which month.

Kate, a famous ballerina, want to go back home after a glamour and fame. She now want to settle down and become a dancing teacher. She knew, home is where she want to be and where she can start the new dancing classes. And she want to be close to home with her family. The old building, that she remember as kid are still there and she hope to rebuilt it and change it to a brand new studio dancing class. When she met Brody O' Connell, she learn he is contractor who have been remodeling her mother kitchen and remodeled her father studio last year. So Kate hired Brody to renovated the building into dancing school.

Brody, a single parent, who raised his son Jack on his own. Since his wife died he did his best to be the father to Jack more better then his own father was not. All that he have done for both was to make the best for him and his son, the two are like team. When Kate hired him to renovated the dancing school, he couldn't resist her effortless allure. He have fallen for her but didn't want to be attached, since his priority was his son.

Nora Roberts always write charming story that make you smile. The characters are likable and sweet. I fell in love with the little boy, Jack. He always seem to make me want to hugs him so much. I love how the Brody make Jack his priority and try his best. You can see how much he love Jack and wanting to be the best parent to him. I also love the reversal role of male/female main characters. Brody a single parent and Kate is a famous ballerina. But both love kids and understood how parent is big role in kids life.

Love Considering Kate and think it good book. It charming and delightful with sweet moments. This book is spin off of the Stanislaski sega. If you want to read the Stanislaski books, then the order are:

1. Luring a Lady
2. Convincing Alex
3. Taming Natasha
4. Falling for Rachel
5. Waiting for Nick
6. Considering Kate
7. Reflections and Dream 2-in-1 collection(Davidov story)

OR if you want to collected them with 2-in-1 story, then buy this title instead

1. The Stanislaski Brothers: Mikhail and Alex
2. The Stanislaski Sisters: Natasha and Rachel
3. Waiting for Nick
4. Considering Kate
5. Reflection and Dream 2-in-1 story collection

Celluloid

Booking Through Thursday

1. In your opinion, what is the best translation of a book to a movie?
2. The worst?
3. Had you read the book before seeing the movie, and did that make a difference? (Personally, all other things being equal, I usually prefer whichever I was introduced to first.)

And, by all means, expand this to as long a list as you like. I’m notoriously awful myself at narrowing down to one favorite ANYTHING. So, feel free to list as many “good” or “bad” movie-from-books as you like. (Heaven knows that’s what I’ll be doing….)

Everyone who know me, know I'm addicted to books and movies (or TV shows). Two things I mostly love to do in my free time. But when two things are clashed or put together, you either end up with the good or the bad inspection(high hope) of your favorite movies or books. I have had experience of both. You read a book, name it your favorite, hear it will be put into movies, and then get disappointed. Or you watch a movie think it favorite, read the book and you realized there either a missing scenes or it was add on from the movies. It just was not the way the stories go. Lot of time I just wish that authors have the right to tell which part should be added, put in or delete. I get so disappointed when movies does not play out the way it was in the books.

Nora Roberts for instance. Four of Nora's books were made into mini movies television from Lifetimes. Montana Sky, Angels Fall, Blue Smoke Carolina Moon. Only Sanctuary was made long time ago. And OMG they killed that book. The movie did no justice to the book. It was awful imo. Out of all the movies made, I like Carolina Moon the best. Because I thought most of the scenes were all there. And it almost follow the book. Very intriguing and and it grab you. Although I thought Blue Smoke and Montana Sky were good. But I still was disappointed.

I have read the first 3 books of Harry Potter and only seen all 4 movies. I'm waiting to see movie # 5. The books have everything there. More detailed, more characters and so on. But the movies cut off some of the scenes that should have been there imo. Or some part that didn't need to be there. And some of the movies didn't follow the book, exactly but slightly close imo

Gone With the Wind was the classic book I read back then. And when I realized there a movie I was excited. I think that the movie show and capture great pictures production in film. It show the present of Southern and the war imo. And characters -- you either want to hate or love them. The first book was good too. But the sequel, not so good. Again imo

Anne of the Green Gable I seen both movie and books, and love it both way. I thought the movie show the characters really well and the pictures were the right "feel" of the book IMO

JDRobb, Stephanie Plum, Troubleshooter 16, The Outlander and Ghostwalker are some of the series I love that might be put into movies. But for the sake of *MY* insanity, I hope they don't. Because I hate to see good books made into movies and get disappointed.

There are some favorite movies that I have seen but haven't read the books. Example would be Little Women, To Kill a Mockingbird, Eragon, Lord of the Rings, The Secret Garden...etc Not sure when I get to reading it, but I hope it doesn't kill my favorite movies ;)

I'm sure there lot more lists, but my brain is just not function LOL...Which explain why I'm drinking coffee as I write *grin*. I'm sure it will come to me, once I read others BTT bloggers. In conclusion, I tend to think that reader should read the books first before seeing it at the movies. It help to explain lot of things that missing on screen.

What about you? Any opinion on best and worse of movies/books?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Night Shift by Nora Roberts

(Romantic Suspense)
Nora Roberts website
5/5 stars







*Note*-- this is another re-reading for my reading group. This story have been discussed about three weeks ago, but I just now got around to re-reading the book to post a comments for the discussion for the group. This is a two classic novels from the thrilling series titles Night Tales, which is published into one book with the story consisted of Night Shift and Night Shadow. I only read Night Shift but will read the other one later...


Cilla O'Roarke, an radio DJ announcer for KHIP station in Denver, was being threatened by an stalker caller, during the request line segment. Then the police was brought in and she met Detective Boyd Fletcher. At first she protested his intrusion into meddling with her life just to protecting her, since she is strong girl who take no order from anyone. And she didn't want the stalker to frighten her away from her job, the one things that she loves and is good at. But then the stalker seem to know her every move and know just where to find her. And Cilla began to get scared. She finally given in and let Boyd know her fear. A strong attraction sizzled between them that couldn't be denied and it drive them both crazy. But dating a cop is one thing Cilla want to avoid. No matter how much Boyd push for an answer to why, she just couldn't tell him or he going to have to find out about her past too.

After the scare from a party, where Cilla DJ for them, the stalker somehow sneak in a threaten notes that made Boyd decided to take her away to his cabin. But before he take Cilla away, Boyd done some search and look into her background not only to help the investigation but to better understand her and protect her too. He and his partner, Althea Grayson tried to work together to find the stalker before it get to Cilla

Cilla grew to get to know Boyd better and found he not what she thought he seem to be. Cop who inherit good money. But in a couple of few weeks since they met and a romantic giveaway in his cabin, Cilla fell in love with Boyd, even though she stubborn refuse to admit it to him. And she try to forget the fact that he is a cop, just like her mom. After all there far more important things she need to think about, her job and her little sister Deb.

Then the truth of the stalker identity came out and Cilla is being confronted. And she wonder if she will make it alive or if Boyd get hurt before the stalker get to her.

I love how easy the reading flow. The characters were wonderful and strong. The romance was sizzling and sweet. I love that Cilla is DJ and play some musics for request line segment. Anyone who know me, know that I love to sing(off key *grin*). And when am in the car on a road trip, I often listen to request line on radio station. Hearing people tell stories about their special someone and why they request that songs. It a comfortable feeling knowing that someone, somewhere out there is in loves. I also love how the old classic musics is being played and on the air contest. very realistic. The re-reading was worth it :)

Nora Roberts did it again! There no books I have yet not to like. You can't go wrong with anyone of her books. I recommend her :)

Thursday Thirteen: Edition # 21

My Favorite Own T13 Posts

Last Week we were asked by Carol, the owner of the Thursday Thirteen, to help her celebrate their 100th edition by writing about thirteen of our own favorite T13 posts from the past or about the T13 posts of others that we've enjoyed. I decided to posts my own favorite T13, since I really couldn't pick a favorite from the other T13 posts that I've enjoyed. They're all great! Maybe I would do my favorite link to other T13 poster blogger next week instead. I want to wish everyone a Happy 100th edition week, Thursday Thirteen!

Below, if you click on each brown texts links -- it will take you directly to the posts.

1. Things About Me - I thought this show everyone who I am

2. Things About My Niece Trish - This show how much I love my niece Trish, who mean the world to me

3. Niece Trish's Graduation Travelogue - This was special day, and it was one of my goal -- to see Trish graduate.

4. Mother's Day: About My Mom - My love for my mother, who is greatest mom in the world.

5. Friends I Appreciate In My Life - To show how much I appreciate my friends in my life.

6. Series Books I Love to Read - I love to read series books, I'm a big fan of it and always look for new series books to read and collect.

7. Top Books on My TBR Piles - My TBR piles are always going up much faster than I can read them.

8. Favorite TV Shows - I love watching TV shows and I have many favorites over the years. The shows listed here, is recent new shows I discover or shows I seen since day 1

9. Reason Why I Love Netflix - Netflix save my life *grin*, it help me to catch up on popular shows or movies that I never get to see the first time around.

10. My Favorite Kid Books - This is the reason why I became a reader

11. Unusual Bookmarks: As a Gifts or Prizes - A gifts and prizes bookmarkers I would always cherish :)

12. Things I Can't Live Without - Never go with out these things *grin*

13. Old Songs I Listen to - Songs that I loves and still do today :)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. MommyBa: favorite Thursday Thirteen blogroll members
2. Melody: Ramblings
3. Mom not Mum: Things Like at kids school
4. Tink: Things About Handfasting
5. Toni: places in America that I have been to!
6. Darla: The Anti-TT
7. Alyssa: 4th of July Mainstays
8. Christine: favourite TTs
9. Christine: Favorite TTs

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Waiting For Nick by Nora Roberts

Contemporary Romance - Silhouette SE
Nora Roberts website
4 half/5






I'm re-reading Waiting For Nick for another book discussion with Darla for the JDRobb group. It just the same way when I wad doing my re-reading Convincing Alex , which I posted a review here two days ago. I have the 1997 original book cover of Silhouette Special Edition. There is an 2001 reprint of the same book cover for this book.


Frederic Kimball had been waiting, all her life to grown up and become a responsible woman. She wait for the day when she can be on her own and show everyone she not a little girl anymore. But more important, Freddie waited for the day when Nick Lebeck, a trouble bad boy, would fall in love with her as much as she have always been all of her life. But when the day have come and she met Nick again, he refuse to admit how grown up she is. But Freddie know he want her and she will do anything to get him to finally see it. So she was determined to made herself become his partner and write lyrics for the musics he composes. As she put her plan to win Nick love, Nick find it hard to resist and fight the attraction.

Nick Lebeck didn't know how to reacted when he saw Freddie all grown up. He is use to seeing sweet, adorable Freddie who he loved like kid sister. But she is making him feel things that he think he shouldn't and it make it difficult for him to not resist her heart.

Waiting For Nick was a sweet, fun and fallen in love romance story. A little girl's childhood crush that turn into real love. It make you want to smile and laugh when you see them together. You just can't help but fall in love with them. You will see the wonderful characters, The Stanislaski Family again. A family of value, interaction, love and relationship. And evidence that Nora is really good at. Not only that, but Nora does well with real dialogues and male POV too. She really good writing dynamics of family. That what I love about her writing style.

Waiting for Nick is the spin off and the 5th installment in The Stanislaski Family. You might want to read the other "The Stanislaski" books before this one. The order are:

THE STANISLASKIS

Taming Natasha (1990)
Luring a Lady (1991)
Falling for Rachel (1993)
Convincing Alex (1994)
Waiting for Nick (1997)
Considering Kate (2001)

50 Challenge Books : June

In one of my Yahoo reading group, members participates in a challenge call 50 Challenge Books. Our goal was to see if we can read reach 50 books by the end of the year. So each months we post a list of books that we have read. We wrote down the titles of the book, the authors name, a tidbit (or reviews) about each books and grade them. It is challenge to ourself to see how many reading can we do by the end of the year. Some get pass the 50 books and then proceed to continue to read until they reach 100. It is lot of fun, cause it help members to find "new to me authors" and learn who have common taste in books that you do. Or just talk about your favorite authors and books. I think we been doing this for 3yrs running now. I just never posted it here before but I have done them at my Yahoo group reading. Below, is the list of books I read in June(click each titles book to read my reviews). Since January, I have read total of 28 books so far.

P.S. My good friend Darla is the list owner of that Yahoo group and she is participating in 50 Challenge Books as well. I think the idea came from her. Please visit her blog and see her book reviews. :)


22. Megan’s Mark by Lora Leigh (Erotic Paranorm. Romance) 5/5
23. Shadow At Sunset by Anne Stuart (Romantic Suspense) 4.5/5
24. The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh -Hot Spell Anthology (Erotic Paranorm. Romance) 4.5/5
25. The Last Spymaster by Gayle Lynds (Thriller/Suspense) 5/5
26. French Kiss by Susan Johnson (Contemp. Romance–Berkley) 4.5/5
27. Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce (Paranorm. Romance/Time Traveling) 3.4/5
28. Convince Alex by Nora Roberts (Contemp. Romance)(Re-Read) 4.5/5 (or you can scroll below to read review)

Convincing Alex by Nora Roberts

(Contemporary Romance - Silhouette)
Nora Roberts website
5/5 stars






This is re-read for me. I'm re-reading the book for discussion for JDRobb group. I'm little bit late to join in discussion but it never too late to post my thoughts. The book is a two complete novel Luring a Lady and Convince Alex about the Stanislaski Brothers. I didn't read Luring a Lady but I did read the other one since that was not discussed too long ago. And of course to help Darla out, since she did these most on her own...poor lassie hehe.

Alex Stanislaski, a New York Cop, were working on a case of two young lady who was murdered. It lead him to Rosalie, a prostitute who may be able to give him the information he needed. Instead he end up arresting Bess McNee for soliciting. And when he soon discover later that Bess was there for a research for her popular soap Opera TV show, it made him think how careless she was for putting herself into danger.

After her arrest, Bess realized that Alex could be the "research" that she need to write her scripts for the next scenes for her soap opera show. So when she was given permission to observe a day in Alex work life by the mayor(who is a friend of Alex Captain), she took the chance. After a long arguments over the danger that Bess is putting herself to, things get complicated when Bess saw a victims of another young girl at the crime scenes and their relationship began to get serious. She then understood how Alex have put himself at risk everyday and why he was protecting her from danger. Alex can't seem to fight his attraction feeling he have for her, and he end up fallen in love with her. But he put himself on guard when he learn that Bess have been engaged three time and it make it difficult for him to trust Bess when she is convinced that this times he is her true love. Now Bess just have to convince Alex that it is real love

I enjoy re-reading Convincing Alex and thought it was good. The characters were likable and in some scenes show emotions that you can't help but feel for the characters. The reading were smooth and easily to read. A very fast pace reading. This is one of the classic book that I would re-read again and again. And I recommend you to read it :)

Nora Roberts is so good with writing characters and dialogues that it two of the favorite things I like about her. I also love how she make the characters interacted with each other -- even family. She do write a good family. And even if Nora write almost the same situation in her books, the different would be that she make the characters reacted differently. So nothing is the same imo. You can't go wrong reading any of Nora's books. It just that good :)