Books I Brought Recently In May

Recently in May, I brought some new books to add into my TBR piles. Some are the next installment to a continue series book or a connection books. Only Karen Kendall and Laura Griffin is "new to me authors".

If you have heard from any of these authors or read the books listed here, I would love to hear your thoughts on them at the comments page here :)

Click on the titles to see the book covers. Or click the author's names to take you directly to their website.

Take Me If You Can by Karen Kendall - Not sure if this part of connection/series book or stand alone. But I know there sequel of sort *grin*.

You've Got Male by Elizabeth Bevarly - Is the book that pick up the story where JUST LIKE A MAN left off. After You've Got Male, two more books follow Express Male and Overnight Male.

Sex, Lies, and Online Dating by Rachel Gibson - Is book #1. A connection books through friendship of the female characters. There are 4 connection books total. And it does not need to be read in order, according to Rachel Gibson herself. So I read out of order and start with Tangled Up In You the 3rd book, instead

I'm In No Mood For Love by Rachel Gibson - Is book #2 with friendship of the female character connection books. See info from Rachel Gibson, above....

One Wrong Step by Laura Griffin - Is "THE BORDERLINE" series book #2. The first book is One Last Breath. I haven't read the first book yet...gonna have to get copy before I read 2nd book *G*.

First You Run by Roxanne St. Claire - This book launch a brand new Bullet Catchers (it mean bodyguard), this time it in trilogy! *whoohoo!* It feature features Aussie bodyguard Adrien “Fletch” Fletcher. The next two installments are Then You Hide and Now You Die

50 TBR Challenge : May

Below, is the list of books I read in May(click each titles book to read my reviews). I only managed to read 4 books this month. But since January I have read totals of 19 books. I'm slowly getting to my reading, but I hope to read more books since summer is here. Maybe it'll help with my slumpness. Maybe I need to read a long, thick book to help me get in the mood of reading...like "A Breathe of Snow and Ashes" by Diana Gabaldon. Even though I got the book(and it was personal signed and given to me from my sister as Christmas present) when it first released, I have not yet read this book, but I tell myself maybe it be perfect for summer read. So I waited until then. Well summer is here....and I wonder if I should read it??? I'm big fan of Diana Gabaldon by the way *grin*. I also hope to catch up with some series book...I'm fan of series books too. So...what should I read this summer? Any suggestion?

P.S. My good friend Darla is the one who came up with this 50 Challenge Book ideas to the group that we both members of. Please click her name (above) to see her book review :)

Click the book titles below, to read my reviews

16. Force of Nature by Suzanne Brockmann - 4.5 stars

17. All Through the Night (Novella) by Suzanne Brockmann - 4.5 stars

18. Flirtation by Samantha Hunter - 4 stars

19. The Wrong Man For Her by Kathryn Shay - 5 stars

The Wrong Man for Her by Kathryn Shay

Kathryn Shay's website
Publisher : Harlequin Super Romance #1418
ISBN-13: 9780373714186
5 stars




Nick Logan came home to Rockford, New York to get back to working at the Rockford Crime Victims Center to counsel teens who became the victims from the violent at home. He learn later that John Kramer, the founder and the head of the Rockford Crime Victims Center as well as his closest friend, hired him back because his wife Lucy had heart attack 6 weeks ago and now needed to be at home with her. With John no longer in charge of running the RCVC, he had Madelyn Walsh to be the new administrator of the place. Although Nick is disappointed and is hurt that John didn't tell him about Lucy health any sooner, he isn't looking forward to working together with Madelyn again.

Madelyn isn't happy working together with Nick either, but she had no choice. Since now she is the new administrator. She want to forget about the past of their relationship before the break up. But find it wasn't easy to forget. She try not to let Nick get any close to her or let herself fall for him again. Even when she know that Nick still have commitment issues that need to be confront.

But as the two work together with the teens issues, they learn not only how to help and understand the kids better but also a lesson about few things with each others. They were once victims too. What happen to them held lot of baggage issues that they need to confront and deal with it. Learn their mistakes, before they able to let go of the past and love each other again.

Part of the story focuses mainly on the group of teens and the difficulty of their lives that they face everyday. They deal with issues from broken home to being victims of the crimes. Each teenager was a challenge for both Nick and Madelyn or grow to love the kids. Especially the young teen girl who hide a big secret and had trouble keeping herself together, and stop being afraid. And a young boy who seem to think his life will be better by taken revenge against those who hurt him.

The Wrong Man For Her is emotional heart wrenching story about people finding love, trust and forgiveness. Well written story that is realistic and believable. It touch your heart and make you love each characters. And the romance portion of the story as well with issues on teenager were well done. Once again, Kathryn Shay have bring up a difficult topic but this time, it concern with kids issues today. Something we all need to think about :)

I always like to read Kathryn Shay books because she bring out the emotionally gripping and difficulty subject that is happening in our everyday lives. An emotional issues that need to be brought up and confront, no matter what type of job you are deal with. I applause to Shay for writing these type of stories and hope that her books will find it way to your heart too :)

Flirtation by Samantha Hunter

Samantha Hunter's website
Publisher : Harlequin Blaze
ISBN-13: 9780373792399
Romance
4 stars





EJ, a undercover cop who working for the HotWires team, was investigation Charlotte Gerard who is running a online psychic scam called SexyTarot.com. Because he think many of the client were robbed by Charlotte, he decided to pretend to be a client just to catch her on the scam. Everyone know that EJ is big time flirt. And he used it to his advantage on Charlotte. But when they met, thing are not as it seem to be. She grew to fall for him and felt there something special about EJ. All the cards point to the fact that they'll be passionate lovers. Then someone break in and crashed Charlotte house. EJ think it connected to the crime he was currently investigation. They both found themselves on the run but directly into each other arms, spark of desire and passion. Danger follow them where ever they go. Charlotte worry about her brother walking in danger and want to protect him too.

Flirtation is the third book of the HotWire series. It a easy fast pace reading. A delightful fun, hot spark with desire and passion.

I've read the first and the second book and enjoy them both. It been an awful long time since I read them, but reading the third book had refreshed my memory of the previous characters. One thing that bother me is Charlotte. I want to just bang her head to get her to realize things. The one where she insisted isn't the truth and kept believing what she think. Other then that, I like the book and enjoy it. :)

Thursday Thirteen: Edition # 39

My Favorite things..start with "G's"

*Notice - These are not something I listed just because it started with "G". These listed are my personal favorite things*

1. Girl Just Want to Have Fun" (movie)- a old classic movie that I used to watch repeatedly with my best friends when I was kid. I love the competition scenes, where everyone is dancing. This is where I first discover Jessica Parker. I share this movie with both of my niece and they love it too.
2. Gene Kelly (singer/actor/dancer)- Who can not love this man!? He is such a wonderful and delightful man. Adore his singing and dancing.
3. "Gone With the Wind" (movie/book)- I have done both reading the book and see the movie. I think I prefer the movie because of the picture motion. Love the dresses they worn in those times. And every scenes were beautiful sight.
4. "Ghostwalker series" (book)- A series book about military men who were enhance with psychic and other unusual power. They go to seek the other women/girl to help them overcome their powers. The author of this series is Christine Feehan.
5. "G.I. Jane" (movie)- I love this movie! It show that women can do men job too! I love that she is a fighter, strong and proving that she worth something. She never given up what she believe in.
6. "Golden Eyes" (movie)- Another James Bond movie. I love his movie and have seen it all.
7. "Glory In Death" (book)written by JDRobb as known as Nora Roberts. This book is the 2nd book and it the beginning of Eve and Roarke first relationship start to developed.
8. Gideon Sullivan (character)- from Nora Roberts book title "Three Fates". He was one of the great great grandchildren of the three who went on search for the lost family heirloom treasure, a statue, to reunited the Three Fates together. And make their fortunes.
9. "Gone Too Far" (book)- written by one of my favorite author Suzanne Brockmann. She wrote about a group of Navy SEALs. But then add in other group: FBI counter-tourist, Troubleshooter Incorporated
10. Gayle Lynds (author)- who wrote one of my favorite book (and I raves about this book alot) title "The Last Spymaster". I only read one of her book but hope to read more. But there haven't been any update on that-- unless I missed it.
11. "Greatest Love of All" (song) - Another old classic song that was sung by Whitney Houston (she was my old time favorite singer). I like it when I was teen. This song was uplifting for me when I was down--I was always down.
12. Gracie Snow- a favorite character from the Chicago Star series, written by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (aks SEP). Gracie was determined to drag legendary ex-Jock Bobby Tom Denton back to Heaven, TX to shoot for his first motion picture movie. But instead with his charm and killer good look, he decided to make trouble by turning her plain self into sexy wildcat. But Bobby never thought that Gracie's heart could tame the bad boy in him and they both discover love, laughter, passion --- a match made in heaven!
13. Goonies, The - Another favorite movie I watched repeatedly when I was kid. My friends and I have always been fascinated with treasure hunt. So we would "pretend" to hunt for treasure in our front yard hehe.

Extra Credit

Gumbo (soup)- Originated in Louisiana and later across USA. I love them and it personal favorite with our family.
General Hospital (soap opera)- Jack, Jason, Sonny, Patrick, Mac or Luke? *G*
The Go-Go (artist group singer)
"Gloria (song) artist singer Laura Branigan

What about you? Your favorite things start with letter "G" ?

(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!

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All Through the Night by Suzanne Brockmann

Romance
Suzanne Brockmann's website
4.5 stars





Yes this is novella and it is Jules and Robin wedding book. So it give the reader an option whether they want to read this book or not. I don't think you'll miss anything, except the past characters make appearance through out the book. So if you want to know what going on with them...read the book. Otherwise read it for Jules and Robin HEA ;) :)

FBI agent Jules Cassidy is finally going to ties the knot with the man of his dream, Hollywood hearthrob Robin Chadwick. It it near Christmas in Boston, Massachusetts. So why not have the wedding of the century in mid December. But things started to go wrong when the house they moved in together were leaking from kitchen ceiling, an bat were found in attic and there were an old family tensions. A Globe reporter Will Schroeder, crashed their wedding shower. And the tape end up in the wrong hand which reveal an interview with Robin. Then their Thanksgiving were ruined when Jules was sent to rescue people from Kandahar. And an old ex lover came back to their lives, to warn them of an celebrity stalker who believe they're robot and need to be eliminate.

Through all the chao, all the FBI, Navy SEALs Team Sixteen and Troubleshooter Incorporated are all invited to the wedding. And you'll see what been going on with them. Then there a romance between Dolphina Patel, Robin/Jules personal assistant, and Will Schroeder who fall in love.

But nothing going to stop their wedding because what they got is more bigger then chao that is thrown at them - True Love.

All Through the Night was an romantic, emotional, heartfelt and delightful story. Easy and fast reading with touch of humors. Wonderful group of old and new characters meeting and entwined together. It just the perfect book to read during Christmas holiday.

I love the result of their HEA for Jules and Robin. I love that Robin and Sam friendship interacted, even though you can tell both men love Jules and wanted to protect him from being hurt. One of the scene with Robin and Sam was interesting and one of my personal favorite part. Including scene with Sam and Jules. I love seeing all the team: FBI, Team Sixteen and Troubleshooter Incorporated meet each other again. Including seeing their relationship interaction with Jules. It might sound corny but I love when that happen :) All the news update on them was surprise and delightful. I laugh a couple times and smiles alot. Only thing I'm concern with is that one of the character who have not been heard from since "Out of Control" is...missing. It as if he just drop at the end of the earth. I won't mention the name, because it'll be a spoil. Well it not spoil -- but you weren't want to know which characters made appearance and which did not, do you? ;)

I love All Through the Night ! It was wonderful! I just can't wait to read the next installment Into the Fire in July 2008!

Force of Nature by Suzanne Brockmann

Romance Suspense
Suzanne Brockmann's website
4.5 stars







I read this book at the end of last year, but just never gotten around to post a review on it (see why I'm slow? *G*). For me to remember what happen, I decided to re-read the book again. And I enjoy it like I did the first time. This is the 11th books to the Troubleshooter series. Actually Suzanne Brockmann has separate the Troubleshooter series into 3 different group. Although she mostly written stories that feature the Navy SEALs Team Sixteen (and they are the first group), the second group is Max Bhagat’s FBI Counterterrorist(CT)and the third group is Tom Paoletti Team called Troubleshooter Incorporated. Third group mean a group of civilians team (a variety background of former SEALs, former CIA, former FBI and maybe ex-con) get put together in a mission impossible situation where they go in place in countries where military or government can't go to.

Ex- cop Ric Alvarado was first seen from Gone Too Far the scenes where Gina motel room had been burglarized in Sarasota, Florida. He was the police detective then. We see him again, in this book Force of Nature ,this time he left the police force to open his own private investigator's business. At first he hired Annie Dugan to work for him as his secretary, but Annie is more interested in being his investigator partner then filing. His attraction for Annie started when they were kid in high school. And it didn't help that her brother is his best friend either. And now Annie stand before him, and the feeling he had for her started rising again.

Then Ric suddenly find himself in situation when his first client, an older woman named Lillian Lavelle, hired him to find her deceased daughter's former room-mate and a young employed dancer named Brenda. He later found out that Lillian had only hired him so that he can lead her to Gordie Junior Burns for her agenda reason to kill him.

FBI agent Jules Cassidy, is put in charge of investigation a mob boss named Gordon Burns who may have been responsible for smuggling al Qaeda operative into the country. Since there is no evidence, Jules's team leader agent Peggy Ryan was secretly alias as live-in housekeeper at Burns estate. In those last two months, she was never heard from again. Though Jules and Peggy never get along, he want to find out what happen to her because he can't help but feel responsible. Even when it not his fault. With the help of Peggy's last messages, Ric Alvarado, Annie Dugan, Martell Griffin and Robin Chadwick ; Jules will need their help to find Peggy (dead or alive). And to also bring down the Burns operation and capture al-Hasan before he harm Atlanta.

Jules never thought to see Robin again. Even when he walk out on Robin two years ago, his feeling for him have never diminished. Robin's alcholism and being in the closet have kept Jules backing away from him. He just want Robin to accepted himself and let the world know who he really is. They had two years to think about their feeling for each other. And when they finally meet again, they were forced to confront and be honest with each other.

You will met Max Bhagat and Sam Starrett again. They had a small important role in the book. I love how they interacted with Jules, who is his two closest friends.

Force of Nature is an action adventure with little bit of emotional intense scenes thrown in. And the ending leave you holding your breath. Ric and Annie were the couple that were likable and you want them to make their relationship work.

I love the book. I'm happy with the result of the couples in the story. I love seeing Sam and Max again. They're two of my favorite heroes. I love the way the new characters and the previous characters blend, interacted and work well together. Even though Suzanne still do very well with quilting in together the plot, the FBI team and Jules/Robin story line into one book --- I still missed reading WWII story line. Other-wise the book were very good! Can't wait to read the next installment!

Troubleshooter series

The Unsung Hero
The Defiant Heroe
Over the Edge
Out of Control
Into the Night
Gone Too Far
Flashpoint
Hot Target
Breaking Point
Into the Storm
Force of Nature
All Through the Night (Novella - but it not small)
Into the Fire (coming in July 22, 2008!)

Thursday Thirteen: Edition # 38

My Favorite things..start with "F's"


F.R.I.E.N.D (TV show)- Yeah I know...I'm crazy...but I love the show and all the characters. Chandler my favorite..what your?

Fred Flinstone (cartoon show)- One of my favorite Saturday Cartoon to watch when I was kid. Remember all that Saturday Cartoon network? Those were the fun days :)

"Face the Fire" - One of my favorite's Nora Roberts book from the Three Sister Island trilogy. It is the third book and it where we learn about Sam and Mia.

Fames (TV show)- This TV show, is what made me dream of being dancer someday. And it is when I start dancing around the front yard when I was kid.

Family - I LOVE my family. They mean the world to me, even when we have our up and down. We always there for each other.

"Force Of Nature" (book)- This book is the 11th books of the Troubleshooter series, written by Suzanne Brockmann. A story about Former detective Ric fallen for Anne. Also Jules and Robin relationship growth in this book too. Suzanne Brockmann is very nice, generous and caring woman I have ever met.

French Fries - Love them. Anything I order, no matter where I am, have to have french fries on my side dish hehe.

Fried Chicken - Any type of fried chicken...well not everything lol. My favorite have to be the southern Popeyes chicken, because I think is only serve here because it origin in Louisiana.

Footloose (movie)- An old classic favorite movie that I love. This also had some dancing and remind me that dancing is just important in our life too.

Far and Away (movie)- This is an old Tom Cruise movie that I like. I thought it was amazing at the ending.

Fred Astaire (actor/singer/dancer)- <~~~ do you see why I love Fred? He can do all that and he such amazing when he sing and dance. He make me want to dance all the times :)

"For Your Eyes only" (movie & song)- Both James Bond movies and Songs that I love. I have been a fan of James Bond movie. And the song lyrics is just something that just touch me when I hear it.

Family Ties (TV show)- An old classic TV show favorite that I love. The family is too funny in their own way. And who can not love the adorable Michal J Fox? *G*. Also the theme song always make me sing along cause it make me think of my parent who have been together for longest time and loving each other.

Extra list:

Friends - My friends from outside computer world, Yahoo group site and bloggers. Without you guys I couldn't make it through the days. My friend Darla have been such great person and without her, my day weren't be complete :)

"Flashdance" (movie)- Another classic old favorite that had dancing..see the theme here? I love dancing LOL

"Feel the Heat" (book)- This is written by Kathryn Shay who write emotionally, tense and draining story about firemen and the everyday stuff they endure in life.

"Flashpoint" - Written by another favorite author Suzanne Brockmann, from the Troubleshooter series. This is the 7th books, the story about Jimmy Nash and Tess Bailey.

1. Melody: Booking Through Thursday
2. Pic of Live: Thirteen "Gross".
3. Anthony: How to Be Gross
4. Sandy M: Letter "F"
5. Darla: Spring Break Pictures
6. Susan: "Reasons" practice gets cancelled

(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

TBR Challenge for May

This TBR Challenge will be up on my blog side bar until May 31, 20008

Read a book with something about a hobby in its title. Be as creative as you like.

Examples from Darla shelves:
Hunter's Moon by C. T. Adams and Cathy Clamp (hunting)
Pawn in Frankincense by Dorothy Dunnett (pawn --> chess)
Double Feature by Emma Bull and Will Shetterly (movies)

Let us know what you read, how it fit the challenge, how you liked it, and how long it had been in your TBR pile. Either post it here on the comment page, or leave a link and I will visit your blog and read it :)

Blog Layout Disappear, Start Over...!

Hi Blogger!

Thanks for coming back (or if you new, welcome!) to my blog. Last night I was updating my sidebar from template and then click "safe" before I even knew that I accidentally delete the whole layout of my blog from template! I panic for awhile, trying to figure out what happen to my blog. After 30 minute of getting angry, I finally decided to sleep for the night and then come back here the next morning.

Well here I am, at 11:57AM on Sunday (USA times) and back on my computer. The first thing I check was my emails, to be sure that I get response back to my inquiry about my broken blog. Apparently, there no response. So I went back to my blog and try again to figure out what happen. Last night, I thought maybe I accidental delete the layout codes of my blog. And was worry about if I replace the layout with something else, I might accidentally lose something that I posted over the years from my "Dashboard". So...I decided to take the risk and get my old layout back. And Voila! It back. However you can see the sidebar are sorta lonely. And some of my stuff (like Cnotes box, Notepad, clock AND the links to my blogger's friends and book authors website!!!) are missing. I have to go to the website and get it back. Which I will do later. But I do need some help to remember which website they came from (help anyone!).

In the mean time, I'm gonna continue to post like I've been doing. And hope to get everything back to normal. Please make yourself comfortable and feel right at home! Thanks for coming back! :)

P.S. - I finally got my copy of Anne Stuarts "Fire and Ice" this weekend! YAY ME!

50 TBR Challenge: April

I know...this is sad list. I only managed to read 3 books in April. But since January I have read total of 15 books for the 50 Challenge Books. OMG that is the lowest total books read. I used to read faster and more then this (I use to read like 5 to 7 books each months). The first few years when we started on the 50 Challenge Book, was so much better then the last 2 or 3 years when I begin to have my reading slump. What wrong with me?

What even worse, last night my niece Trish drop a drink all over my TBR piles. Lot of the books was wet but I managed to save them from ruined. Only a few books was ruined, thanks goodness. I guess this is a slap, telling me to read my TBR pile faster and get out of my reading slump hehehe. But I won't read anything else until I get my copy of Anne Starts' Fire and Ice arrives :)

P.S. My good friend Darla is the one who came up with this 50 Challenge Book ideas to the group that we both members of. Please click her name (above) to see her book review :)


Here is the books I read in April (click on the titles to read my reviews):

13. Bodyguard of Lies by Robert Doherty 4 1/2 stars
14. Tangled Up in You by Rachel Gibson 4 1/2 stars
15. Delicious by Susan Mallery 4 1/2 stars

Mayday!

Booking Through Thursday

Quick! It’s an emergency! You just got an urgent call about a family emergency and had to rush to the airport with barely time to grab your wallet and your passport. But now, you’re stuck at the airport with nothing to read. What do you do??

And, no, you did NOT have time to grab your bookbag, or the book next to your bed. You were . . . grocery shopping when you got the call and have nothing with you but your wallet and your passport (which you fortuitously brought with you in case they asked for ID in the ethnic food aisle). This is hypothetical, remember….

Hypothetical, if I have only my wallet and passport --- then I will buy a book at the airport and read it then lol. And I'm sure there is a magazine at the airport table too. However I'm the one who always a worry wart when it concern my family getting hurt. So I may not feel like doing anything but get worry sick for them. Then I will try to keep in touch with my family from the airport phone (I normally always have my cell phone with me everywhere I go, but hypothetical if I only have my wallet and passport...) and talk with them (to help calm me down) and then get some updates on the one who is hurt until I'm sure that he/she is okay. I'm sure there will be some books at the hospital for me to read (the a store where they sell gifts), once I get there. So there always a way for me to get my hand on a book, no matter where I am *G*. But my family come first before my books (gasp! shocking I know *G*).

What about you....what would you do?

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!