TBR Challenge

I've really missed the TBR (to-be-read) Challenges, so I've decided to start having them. It's going to be very informal--no signups or anything like that. If you want to join in, please do. Then post a comment here with a link to the review of the book you read for the challenge. If you don't have a blog but want to participate, feel free to post a review in the comments.

In January, I'm going to read a book with a copyright of 2006 or older. In fact, older is probably better, because I've got several books that have been lying around for quite a while.

If you're one of the lucky folks who doesn't have books from 2006, then go with one that's been in your pile the longest.

Hope you'll join me in the challenge!

Belated TBR Challenge: Closer

September's TBR challenge was to read a series romance. I completed the challenge but never got around to writing about it, so I thought I'd do it now.

Title
Closer

Author
Jo Leigh

Year published
2006

Why did you get this book?
I like Leigh's books and usually buy them, but I got this one in a giveaway.

Do you like the cover?
Yes! I think it's a great cover, very provocative.

Did you enjoy the book?
Yes. I rate it 4.5 out of 5.

A stalker has ruined Christie Pratchett's life. He's stolen her job, her friends and her freedom. The police can't help, nor can the FBI. Now with a single call for help, it's all up to ex-Delta Force Boone Ferguson.

Boone lives under the radar . . . with a secret that could cost him big. But he's going to train Christie to become a warrior princess--and his lover. Together they're going to risk it all, on the street--and in the bedroom.

The book makes a strong start as Leigh shows us how much Christie's stalker has affected her life. The scenes from the stalker's point of view are definitely creepy. There aren't too many of them, which I appreciate. I prefer not reading too much from the bad guy's POV in books, just a personal preference.

Boone is a terrific hero, and I love how he doesn't just step in to protect Christie, but he takes steps to help her learn to protect herself. As for Christie, she is no passive victim. Yes, she is devastated by the way the stalker has isolated her. Her reactions here seem very genuine. But she also strives to overcome the problems. And the scenes with Boone and Christie just sizzle.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Yes and yes.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Keeping it.

Anything else?
The next book in this series, Relentless, comes out next month. It will be interesting to see who's in that story.

TBR Challenge: Bone Deep

The TBR challenge for June was to read a book you bought because of the buzz about it. I picked Bone Deep for this one.

Title
Bone Deep

Author
Bonnie Dee

Year published
2006

Why did you get this book?
I've read several positive reviews of the book, and the premise sounded unique and interesting

Do you like the cover?
Yes, very much. I'm a fan of April Martinez's covers.

Did you enjoy the book?
I liked it quite a bit. 4 out of 5.

Sarah Cassidy lost her husband in WWII, and has resigned herself to a life of solitude. During a visit to a travelling carnival, she is strangely drawn to the Tattooed Man in the Freak Show. When he shows up on her farm after having escaped the clutches of the carnival owner, against her better judgement, Sarah offers him a job as a handyman.

Sarah is fascinated by this man who has been kept prisoner by the carnival owner since his mother's death. But the more he reveals about his mysterious past and demonstrates his gentle nature, Sarah finds herself fighting a powerful sexual attraction.

When Tom's presence on her farm is revealed, Sarah's neighbors are hesitant to trust the exotic stranger in their midst. Threatened by small-town prejudice and the reappearance of the carnival owner, the lovers must rise above the fear and hate to create the family they've always longed for.

The pacing of the story was excellent, making it easy to read in one evening. Sarah and Tom are both memorable characters. In fact, my main complaint about the story is that I wanted more of it. I'd love to have read more scenes with Sarah and Tom--they would have made the story richer.

One part of the story had me weeping copiously. I don't know what it is about reading books where a character has to learn to read, but when I saw Tom's misspelled note, I burst into tears. (I had a similar reaction to reading the heroine's poem in Megan Chance's The Way Home.) I'm not sure why I always have such a strong reaction to scenes like this. Maybe because reading has brought me so much pleasure.

Dee does a great job of showing us who Tom is even though we don't get any scenes from his point of view. I thought he was a wonderful beta hero.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Yes and yes. In fact, I just need to decide what to get. Anyone have any recommendations with Dee's other books?

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Keeping it. (I bought a print copy, but I'm still keeping it.)

Anything else?
Other reviewers have commented that the ending was unrealistic as the town came to accept Tom too easily. I didn't see it that way. I saw the ending as more optimistic than anything else, more a start of being accepted by the rest of the town rather than a complete embracing.

I'm not officially signing up for the July challenge, since I won't have time to read or review for at least two of the four weeks. This way, if I complete it, fine, but at least I won't go on the wall of shame if I don't.

TBR Challenge: Fascination

May's TBR challenge is to read either a book featuring someone in law enforcement (even if only loosely connected) or an e-book. Fascination is in the former category, and I finished it this month after getting almost halfway through it a few months ago.

Title
Fascination

Author
Samantha Hunter

Year published
2005

Why did you get this book?
I read Hunter's debut and liked it, so I decided to pick this one up when I saw it at a used bookstore.

Do you like the cover?
I liked it, but didn't love it.

Did you enjoy the book?
I had a similar reaction to the book itself as I did to the cover. I liked the story well enough but didn't especially adore it. 3 out of 5.

Sage Matthews's fascination with hacking into computers and creating bugs got her into deep trouble. Just ask special agent Ian Chandler, who handcuffed the fiery readhead--and has been monitoring her every sexy teasing move since.

Ian has now formed his own crack crime-busting team--The HotWires. His first case? None other than Sage, fresh off probation, but seemingly up to her old tricks. Ian's hot on her tail, but his plans backfire one sultry steamy night.

He tangles with Sage between the sheets--breaking every rule in his personal code of honor. And he's about the break a few more as his gut instinct tells him she's been framed again--and only he can prove her innocence . . . .

I mentioned that I started reading this book a few months ago but put it down. I stopped reading because I was a bit frustrated with the way Ian decides to sleep with Sage partly so he can have full access to her apartment. Plus, their relationship went beyond breaking a "personal code of honor." I have a pretty high tolerance level for romance where some behavior would be unprofessional or unethical in the real world--cop/suspect, for instance. In this case, though, I kept thinking Ian was way over the line.

I think it helped that I returned to the book after a few months. I'd largely forgotten how far Ian went initially; plus, the second half was stronger than the first. I also liked the fact that Sage gave as good as she got.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Not new to me, and yes.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Passing it on. I've got to stop keeping so many books.

Anything else?
I have another one of her books, About Last Night . . ., TBR. I'll read it, but I'm not in a hurry to pull it off the shelf.

TBR Challenge: Simply Unforgettable

I'm sneaking in just before the deadline on this one. The April challenge was to read a book I've had in my TBR for six months or more. I read Mary Balogh's Simply Unforgettable, which has been TBR since I got it at last year's RWA.

Title
Simply Unforgettable

Author
Mary Balogh

Year published
2005

Why did you get this book?
I've enjoyed her books in the past.

Do you like the cover?
Yes. It's one of those covers with no models on it, and its elegance suits Balogh's writing style.

Did you enjoy the book?
Yes. I'd rate it 4.5 out of 5.

They meet in a ferocious snowstorm. She is a young teacher with a secret past. He is the cool, black-caped stranger who unexpectedly comes to her rescue. Between these two unlikely strangers, desire is instantaneous . . . and utterly impossible to resist. Lucius Marshall, who is the Viscount Sinclair, and Frances Allard share a night of glorious, unforgettable passion. But Frances knows her place--and it is far from the privileged world of the sensual aristocrat. Due to begin her teaching position at Miss Martin's School in Bath, Frances must try to forget that one extraordinary night--and the man who touched her with such exquisite tenderness and abandon.

But Frances cannot hide forever. And when fate once again throws them together, Lucius refuses to take no for an answer. If Frances will not be his wife, he will make her his mistress. So begins an odyssey fraught with intrigue, one that defies propriety and shocks the strait-laced ton. For Lucius's passionate, single-minded pursuit is about to force Frances to give up all her secrets--except one--to win the heart of the man she already loves.

Lucius and Frances meet because of the weather and the encounter is initially hostile. Lucius's carriage nearly runs Frances's off the road as he passes her. From there, I was intrigued by the way Balogh portrays the shift from hostility to like, then from like to passion. They are snowbound only a few days, but the shift is completely believable. I loved the scene in Lucius's carriage where he drives her to the school. Their mutual tenderness is beautiful to see.

I'm sure you know by now that I love stories where the hero is an arrogant man brought down by love. That's definitely the case with Lucius. He doesn't want to let Frances go and doesn't know what to do about it. He's also a man who doesn't take no for an answer. Some readers might thing he bulldozes right over Frances at times, but I didn't see it that way. It helped that he is so concerned about what she wants at the end of the story. (I don't want to give spoilers.)

I like the way Lucius deals with societal concerns. So often in historical romance, you have dukes falling in love with governesses and there's no apparent concern about whether they will be accepted by society. In Simply Unforgettable, the issue is brought up and dealt with.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Not new to me, and yes.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Keeping it. Not only is it a good book, it's autographed to me.

Anything else?
I enjoyed the characters and the story moved quickly. If you considered reading it, I encourage you to pick it up.

The next book, Simply Love, looks wonderful. Unfortunately, it comes out in August, so I don't think it will be available at RWA. I can only hope . . .

TBR Challenge: Secrets of a Summer Night

I'm pleased to say that I've already completed this month's TBR challenge.

Title
Secrets of a Summer Night

Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their
feminine wit and wiles to catch a husband. So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.

Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing--and persistent--admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistable pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition . . . but it is impossible in the face of such skilled seduction.

Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entire a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon--and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses . . . and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.

Author
Lisa Kleypas

Year Published
2004

Why did you get this book?
I like Lisa Kleypas, so I ordered this last year when she did a signing through Turn the Page bookstore.

Do you like the cover?
It's OK. Not bad, but not especially memorable either.

Did you enjoy the book?
Yes, although my feelings about the book are similar to what I thought about the cover. It's a good book, but isn't quite great. I like both Annabelle and Simon, but Annabelle spends a lot of time reminiscing in the later part of the story, and this slowed down the pace a bit. I think I would have liked it more had these scenes been shown instead of remembered.

I enjoyed the interaction between Simon and Annabelle, especially when they are at Lord Westcliff's estate. Rating: 4 out of 5.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Not new to me, and I've ordered the next one in the series, It Happened One Autumn.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
It's autographed, so I'm definitely keeping it.

TBR Challenge: Enchanted, Inc.

This month's TBR challenge is to read a book by an author you haven't read before. I decided to pick up a book I bought at last year's RWA signing.

Title
Enchanted, Inc.

Katie Chandler had always heard that New York is a weird and wonderful place, but this small-town Texas gal had no idea how weird until she moved there. Everywhere she goes, she sees something worth gawking at, and Katie is afraid she's a little too normal to make a spash in the big city. Working for an ogre of a boss doesn't help either.

Then, seemingly out of the blue, Katie gets a job offer from Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., a company that sells tricks of the trade to the magic community. For MSI, Katie's ordinariness is an asset. Lacking any bit of magic, she can easily spot a fake spell, catch hidden clauses in competitor's contracts, and detect magically disguised intruders. Suddenly, average Katie is very special indeed.

She quickly learns that office politics are even more complicated when your new boss is a real ogre, and you have a crush on the sexy, shy, ultrapowerful head of the R&D department, who is so busy fighting an evil competitor threatening to sell black magic on the street that he seems barely to notice Katie. Now it's up to Katie to pull
off the impossible: save the world and--hopefully--live happily ever after.

Author
Shanna Swendson

Year Published
2005

Why did you get this book?
I read a blog entry about it by Nicole, who recommended it. I thought the premise sounded interesting, so I put it on my list to try. When I met Swendson at RWA, I bought the book.

Do you like the cover?
For the most part, yes. It conveys a mood that's similar to the one in the book. But the woman's hair is a little weird, even for a cartoon cover.

Did you enjoy the book?
Yes, and I rate it 4 out of 5. It's told in first-person from Katie's point of view, and I like Katie. She's kind of an everywoman, so it was easy to relate to her. I like the New York Swendson creates, too. I got a kick out of the strange things Katie sees and dismisses as too strange.

Owen is the "sexy, shy, ultrapowerful" R&D man mentioned in the blurb. I like the dichotomy in the shy and ultrapowerful--and he's definitely both--although the man does blush an awful lot. You don't see that very often in a man. It would have been interesting to get into his head, but the POV prevents that.

Would you read something by this author again?
Yes. I will probably buy the next book in the series at next year's RWA.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Keeping it.

Anything else?
Just that I add my recommendation to Nicole's. It's a light, fun read.

The Givenchy Code

My ongoing unofficial TBR challenge is to read books I started but hadn't finished. Julie Kenner's The Givenchy Code is a book I started last year, then set aside.

As if a recent breakup, scrounging for rent money, and lusting after designer shoes weren't enough to make graduate student Melanie Prescott's life challenging, suddenly she's practically living The Da Vinci Code. A mysterious stranger is sending obscure codes and clues her way and she soon discovers she had to solve them in order to stay alive. With stakes like that, her dissertation on "the derivation and primary characteristics of codes and ciphers used by prevailing nations during wartime" is looking a little less important than it was yesterday. Right now she's just worrying about living to see tomorrow. The only bright spot in the whole freakish nightmare is Matthew Stryker, the six-foot tall, dark, and handsome stranger who's determined to protect her. Well, that and the millions of dollars that will be her reward if she survives this deadly game. And she'd better survive. Because that's a heck of a lot of money to be able to spend on shoes and handbags and sunglasses and
dresses, and, well, it's hard to be fashionable when you're dead.

I picked this one up again after reading Rosario's review, and I'm glad I did: 4 out of 5.

I started and set aside this book around the time Paperback Reader reviewed the book. Here's a quote from that review: "Problem is, the first thirty pages are so weighed down with designer-name dropping that it's tempting to put the book aside. However, once the initial onslaught of labels ends, the book takes off in a steady rhythm with increasing danger."

The first part of the quote is exactly what happened. I read the first thirty pages and grew frustrated with the whole name-dropping thing. I must also confess that I'm growing tired of shoe-obsessed heroines. When shopping consumes Melanie (Mel) through the first section, I gave up. After reading Rosario's review, I picked up the book again, and discovered that I had quit one chapter before the real action begins. After that, we start to see what Melanie is made of, and I came to like her much more than I had in the beginning.

The clues are quite well done. I certainly couldn't have deciphered them, but I didn't feel cheated or alienated from the story because of it. I simply enjoyed following Mel and Stryker on their journey. We get less of Stryker's point of view, but I liked him very much and thought he was terrific.

So the end result was that I liked the book, although I'm still wondering why someone would pay that much to play this "game." And I'm glad the celebratory shopping wasn't described in great detail. I'll probably get the next one in the series, The Manolo Matrix.

TBR Challenge: She Went All the Way

I'm participating in Angie's TBR challenge, so today I picked a contemporary. What I realized while reviewing my shelves is that I have a lot of series romance and a lot of historical romance TBR and not as much straight contemporary. Anyway, here's what I went with.

Title
She Went All the Way

Success hasn't spoiled screenwriter Lou Calabrese--it's just given her a taste for luxury. And it's put her in some bizarre situations--like in a helicopter en route to the wilds of Alaska, sharing too-close quarters with the last man she wants to be with: Jack Townsend! Once a sexy nobody whom Lou helped make a somebody, Jack's just been dumped by a high-profile Hollywood airhead--who's eloped with Lou's longtime love. So what else could go wrong?

Their pilot could try to shoot the most adored man in America. They could crash land in the icy, mountainous middle of nowhere. And at the worst possible moment, when survival should be their only consideration, Jack could start wondering if maybe he wasn't a wee bit hasty for not giving this sexy screenwriter a second look--while Lou could start noticing how superstar Jack is kind of hot after all . . .

Author
Meggin Cabot

Year published
2002

Why did you get this book?
I have liked several of her other books, both as Meg Cabot (contemporary) and as Patricia Cabot (historical). So it was natural to buy this book.

Do you like the cover?
I like it, although I'm not in love with it. Still, it's nice and one I wouldn't mind reading in public.

Did you enjoy the book?
Yes; I rate it at 4 out of 5. I liked Lou and Jack's story, although I wish there hadn't been so much about the secondary characters. They were supposed to be quirky and fun, but I just wanted to get back to the main story. On the other hand, it helped to get to know some of the characters and to get information about the suspense aspect of the story. Still, I think some of it could have been omitted.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Not new to me, and I have another Meg Cabot and several Patricia Cabot titles to read. I like to spread out reading books by one author so I don't overdose, so it will probably be a few months before I read another one.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Good question--this is kind of borderline. I usually keep books that are 4 or higher (with the occasional 3 thrown in), but I haven't decided for sure whether I'll keep it. I'll probably decide in the next month or so.

Anything else?
I wish there had been a little more with Lou and Jack toward the end; I wan't completely convinced of their happily-ever-after. But it was still a strong enough story that I recommend it.

TBR Challenge: A Singular Lady

One of my ongoing TBR challenges is to finish books I started, then set aside. I put down A Singular Lady after reading about 50 pages. In this case, it wasn't the book; I just wasn't in the mood for a Regency. I finished it recently, and I'm glad I came back to it.

1. Title/Author
A Singular Lady by Megan Frampton.

2. Brief Synopsis

During the Season, debutantes rush to London to find a man who'll fill their hearts with love--or their bankbooks with money. The Honorable Titania Stanhope is of the latter category. She simply has no choice--for her father has bequeathed his entire fortune to his mistress. Armed with velvet, dancing slippers, and a firm resolve, Titania heads to do battle in the ballroom in order to vanquish--and marry--a gentleman who can afford to keep her family from ruin.

Edwin Worthington, Earl of Oakley, wants nothing to do with money-grubbing young ladies. He wears scuffed boots and old jackets, allowing Society to regard him as the penniless black sheep of a wealthy family. But in reality he has a fortune--and no plan to marry--until he meets Titania, a woman whose sharp wit and keen mind are rivaled only by her lovely face. Can Edwin let go of his pride in order to follow his heart?

3. Copyright Year
2005.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I liked it very much: 4 out of 5. One thing I enjoyed is the humor. There are a number of great moments as Titania attends different events, but I especially liked the glimpse into Titania's and Edwin's thoughts, such as this moment when Titania is asked if she was doing anything improper.

Well, Titania thought to herself, if by improper you mean allowing a man to kiss me passionately, stroke my breasts, and attempt to lift my skirts up, then yes, I guess you could say I was doing something improper.

I also thought the chemistry between Titania and Edwin was great, although I did want to see more scenes with them together. Edwin is terrific, although I thought he drank a bit too much toward the end of the book. Other than this, however, I liked the story.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
I didn't check.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
Yes.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Absolutely.

TBR Challenge: My Shadow Warrior

It's December, and my TBR challenge, in honor of Maili, is to read Scottish romance. I wanted to read My Shadow Warrior after seeing a review about it. It's a good book: 4 out of 5.

1. Title/Author
My Shadow Warrior by Jen Holling.

2. Brief Synopsis

Rose, the youngest of the MacDonnell sisters, is more concerned with her father's mysterious illness than with her impending marriage to her childhood sweetheart. A gifted but frustrated healer, she decides to beg help from William MacKay--a reclusive laird who is renowned not only for his ferocity, but also for his healing powers. Denied entry to his fortress in the cold, harsh mountains of the far northwestern highlands, Rose uses cunning to force her way in, and William is duly intrigued with this bold slip of a girl. But securing his help may not be enough to save Rose's father. For there is something darker at work in the glen, something more powerful than William's and Rose's magic combined, and only the soul-deep passion that shadows their mutual desire can help their love prevail.

3. Copyright Year
2005.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I liked it. I enjoyed William, a tormented hero who is devoted to his daughter and who finds himself falling for Rose despite himself. Rose herself is a compelling heroine. She wants William to try and heal her father, and she is willing to go to great lengths to make that happen.

I found myself enjoying the writing itself. In one scene, William confronts a mob. I loved the way the Holling depicted the scene and built up to William's simple and logical response. (I'm being vague to avoid spoilers.)

The romance works well. The main drawback of the story is its obvious villain.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
Not that I found.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
Yes.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Certainly.

I have more Scottish romance on my shelves, including Janet Chapman's Charming the Highlander and Kinley MacGregor's Claiming the Highlander. Yay! I'm sure Maili will be thrilled.

TBR Challenge: Jacob's Faith

My personal TBR challenge in November has been to read my review books and other books I started but hadn't finished. I picked up Jacob's Faith by Lora Leigh several times this month and finished it yesterday: 3.5 out of 5.

1. Title/Author
Jacob's Faith by Lora Leigh.

2. Brief Synopsis
I'm too tired to write one. This is from the back cover.

They are a new breed, a new race. Engineered rather than born, trained rather than raised, and their unique genetics have created more than one surprise . . .

Jacob left Faith six years before, unaware that the mark he left on her also left her in an agony of sexual heat that never dimmed. Now Jacob and Faith are together again, but surprises lurk around every corner and dangers as dark and deadly as their very creation surround them in more ways than one.

3. Copyright Year
2003.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I had a hard time getting into it; I don't know how many times I picked it up, read a chapter or two, and put it back down. Part of that is probably the fact that I've been a bit distracted this month.

Still, I think part of it is the story itself. Jacob and Faith cover the same territory for a lot of the middle part of the book. He doesn't believe he can love, while she demands it, they have sex, repeat. This section is where I kept putting the book down. It improves toward the end of the story.

In the end, though, I liked it enough to look for the next book in the series (see number 8 below).

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
Not sure.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
No. I read her short story in Hot Spell.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Yes. The epilogue hooked me, even as I recognized it as a hook into the next book. In this case, it worked.

TBR Challenge: The Marine's Kiss

My informal TBR challenge for November is to read books I started but set aside before finishing. So I revisited The Marine's Kiss, which I bought and started on a recent trip and set aside when I returned home. It wasn't the book's fault that I didn't finish; I didn't unpack immediately and ended up getting distracted by other books. I'm glad I came back to it; it's a nice story: 4 out of 5.

1. Title/Author
The Marine's Kiss by Shirley Jump.

2. Brief Synopsis
Jenny is surprised when her ex-boyfriend, Nate, returns home and agrees to help in her elementary school classroom. What she doesn't know is that the injury that brought him home also means he must leave the Marines, so he's in town for good.

3. Copyright Year
2005.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I liked the story. There are fun moments in the classroom and great chemistry between Nate and Jenny. It's a light read. The conflict is interesting: she wants someone who will stay and he hasn't been content in the past to stay in one place. I did think the resolution was a little rushed. Jenny kept saying no to a relationship and then she said yes. It wasn't clear what had changed to make her take the risk. Still, The Marine's Kiss was a cute book.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
I didn't check.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
Yes.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Yes.

Kidnapped by Love

OK, folks, do you realize that if you don't give me some title suggestions for my NaNoWriMo project, I am likely to end up with a hokey title like Kidnapped by Love? Please save me from myself and enter my contest. I have extended the deadline to Friday.

There is no official TBR (to-be-read) challenge this month, so I've decided to catch up on review books. I am woefully behind. I just submitted my first review for November, and I hope to write another in the next few days. I've had one book for several months, and I'm trying to decide whether I should read it or just hope no one (namely the TRR editor) notices it's missing.

When I'm not reading and reviewing books this month, I hope to read some books I have started and set aside. That will be my personal TBR challenge.

As for December's TBR challenge? Well, Maili said that she would be back and blogging online in December. To give her some encouragement, I officially announce my intention to read and blog about Scottish romance for the TBR challenge unless she does return. Anyone want to join me? ;)

TBR Challenge: Go Fetch

I decided the TBR challenge (paranormal romance this month) offered the perfect opportunity to read the second book in Shelly Laurenston's werewolf series. The first is Pack Challenge, which I really enjoyed. Go Fetch was also wonderful: 4 out of 5.

1. Title/Author
Go Fetch by Shelly Laurenston.

2. Brief Synopsis
Conall has wanted Miki ever since he first saw her, but she's continually given him the brush off. When she is attacked by unknown people, Conall becomes more protective than ever, even though Miki can take care of herself. She finds herself liking to have him around, however.

3. Copyright Year
2004.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I definitely liked it for many of the same reasons I liked the previous book. Miki is not a heroine who says she can take care of herself and then immediately gets into danger and must be rescued. She is tough and strong. Conall is a great character as well. They are definitely well matched.

I didn't like the end when everyone had to give their opinion about the situation (I'm trying to be vague to avoid spoilers), but other than that, I enjoyed it a lot. I'm interested in the third book of the series, so I'll have to get that sometime. Wish it would come out in print.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
Not sure.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
No.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Definitely. I just have to decide what.

TBR Challenge: Summer Heat

Paranormal romance is the subgenre of this month's TBR challenge. I chose Jaci Burton's Summer Heat, a book I've had for several months but hadn't gotten around to reading it. I seem to be on an e-book binge right now, even though I read them in print format whenever possible.

1. Title/Author
Summer Heat by Jaci Burton.

2. Brief Synopsis
Melissa Cross enters Aidan Storm's life when she comes to New Orleans on business. Aidan isn't an ordinary man; he has a unique ability to affect the weather. Soon he and Melissa are having an affair. Even as they enjoy a sexual relationship, both characters fight their feelings in a desire to avoid emotional involvement.

3. Copyright Year
2004.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I liked it but thought it had a few problems, too. Usually I'm able to set aside problematic issues when it comes to romances between characters who work together. I just enjoy the fantasy and go with it. I had problems doing that here, perhaps because the characters know so little about each other when they first have sex. Then there's the back-and-forthing they do--they have sex, then Melissa decides it won't happen again, then they have sex, and so on. The pattern became tiring after a while.

Nevertheless, I ended up liking Summer Heat. I liked the paranormal element of the story; it was original and interesting enough that I wanted to know more about it. The second half of the book picks up a bit. There's still some back-and-forth business, but it worked better somehow or I was more accustomed to it. I'm not sure which. The ultimate rating is 3.5 out of 5.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
I didn't check any review sites.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
Yes.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Yes. There was an excerpt from Burton's contribution to an anthology, Mesmerized, that intrigued me so much that I headed for the bookstore to buy it. Some day I will develop more self control in this area, but apparently not yet.

TBR Challenge: Going Buck Wild

Once again, I'm participating in Keishon's TBR (to-be-read) challenge. The September goal is to read fiction, which Keishon defines pretty broadly: mystery, chick lit, etc. Today I read Going Buck Wild by Nina Foxx.

1. Title/Author
Going Buck Wild by Nina Foxx.

2. Brief Synopsis
Claudia Barrett's life has been in a holding pattern for some time. While work is going well, she can't bring herself to set a wedding date with her fiance. Things with him have become routine, even boring. When her fiance breaks up with her, Claudia has an opportunity to reinvent herself and do things she wouldn't normally do. She is encouraged by a friend to do exactly that.

3. Copyright Year
2004.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked Claudia and wanted to find out what would happen to her. Going Buck Wild is told from the point of view of about half a dozen people. In this respect, it reminded me of Hot Shot, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I'm simply not a fan of this style. In most cases, I find this many points of view distracting. It can lead to a lack of focus and prevent readers from really getting to know a character. In the case of this book, I thought the story could have been more focused. There's also a fair amount of sniping between characters; at times it seemed excessive.

There are some things I enjoyed. The story certainly kept me reading--I wanted to find out what would happen. I liked Claudia's friend, although I wish I knew more about her. I felt the same way about Claudia's fiance. We know very little about him and I wanted to know more. The ultimate rating is 3 out of 5.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
I didn't check any review sites.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
Yes.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Maybe, if the plot sounded interesting.

TBR Challenge: Her Man to Remember

I feel pretty good about the results of Keishon's August TBR challenge, which was to read series books. Yesterday I finished Suzanne McMinn's Her Man to Remember, which turned out to be a great book to end the month on.

1. Title/Author
Her Man to Remember by Suzanne McMinn.

2. Brief Synopsis
More than a year after his wife's death, Roman tries to come to terms with the memory of his wife by returning to Florida, where they went for their honeymoon. Instead of getting a peaceful resolution, Roman sees a woman who looks like his wife, Leah. She has Leah's scar and wears Leah's bracelet. She is Leah. But she doesn't remember Roman.

3. Copyright Year
2004.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I loved it: 4.5 out of 5. I enjoy a good amnesia story, and this was one of the best I've read in a while. There was plenty of suspense in the story, but I loved how the focus stayed on Leah and Roman. Sometimes with romantic suspense, writers focus more on the suspense. My preference is for more romance than suspense, and Her Man to Remember offers just the mix I like.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
I didn't find a review of it at AAR or TRR.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
No, I've read a few other books by McMinn.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Yes, and I have six or seven more on my TBR shelves.

The September challenge is listed as simply fiction. Perhaps I'll interpret that as chick lit and read a few of the ones I have waiting to be read.

TBR Challenge: To Hold an Eagle

I've been reading some series books lately, in part because they are the subject of this month's TBR challenge hosted by Keishon. I have at least a dozen of Justine Davis's books that I haven't read, so I thought I'd read one.

1. Title/Author
To Hold an Eagle by Justine Davis.

2. Brief Synopsis
Linc Reese is out in his boat when he sees a woman in the water. He rescues her, but instead of being grateful, she struggles against him and eventually turns a gun on him. Eventually, Linc learns that she is running from someone who wants her dead, which brings out his protective instincts.

3. Copyright Year
1993.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I like it, though it's not one of Davis's best: 3.5 out of 5. I thought there was a little too much emphasis on how emotionally beaten down Chandra was, although it resulted in a nice ending. There was also a little too much conversation in the middle. It slowed the story down.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
I'm not sure.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable. As a side note, though, because this didn't affect my rating, the woman on the cover looks like she's in her early teens. Chandra is supposed to be small and delicate, but I think putting the model in a different dress would have made her look less like jail bait.

7. Is this a new author for you?
No. I've read several of her books, and I have several more books TBR.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Yes.

TBR Challenge: A Dash of Temptation

I really haven't fallen off the face of the earth. This week has been quite hectic with a trip out of town and other interesting adventures. I also seem to have caught the blog blahs that have been going around. In any case, I have done some reading, and I'm pleased I finally have a minute to blog about it.

Keishon's TBR challenge for August is series books. I have plenty of them, so I easily met this challenge and hope to read a few more, too.

1. Title/Author
A Dash of Temptation by Jo Leigh.

2. Brief Synopsis
When famous Dash Black overhears Tess Norton telling a friend about needing a date for an upcoming party, he decides to step in and help out. This is a dream come true for Tess, who has been attracted to him since he hired her to care for his plants. Tess wants to attend the party to find someone to finance her plant business. She didn't expect to find herself dating Dash, but that's exactly what happens.

3. Copyright Year
2003.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I really enjoyed it: 4 out of 5.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
I didn't read any reviews before reading the book.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
This isn't really applicable. As I mentioned, I liked it quite a bit. It was fun to immerse myself in the fantasy of dating a celebrity you admire and discovering that you are a perfect match for each other. I just had to keep telling myself not to think of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes while I read.

7. Is this a new author for you?
No. In fact, I have several more books TBR.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Of course. First, though, I have to come up with a topic for my next Romancing the Blog column. This is not a good time for writer's block.