Guest blogging and re-read review

All right, seems like I mismanaged or miscalculated my time once again. Lucky me, I gave an extension for the re-read challenge! LOL :) My books are read and the review will go up tomorrow :)

In the meantime, I have been asked by Tracy to guest blog at the DIK blog :) You can find my post here.

I'm going out today ^_^; So I won't be able to update the list of reviews for the Re-Read Challenge till tonight! However, keep them coming in the comment section!

Review: Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr

Did I ever tell you that I love Harlequin's Mira line of books? Well I do! Really! I enjoy most of their authors and the books are relatively cheaper than other publishing houses... and the big bonus? I can usually get my hands on the books early LOL :)

One question before we get onto the review... Do you find it harder to grade books in a series? I had this problem earlier this week when I reviewed Promises in Death and again with this one. I like to grade books in a series in respect with the previous ones, but I'm not sure if the grade would really match the grade I would give it if it wasn't part of the series... Hmmm, dilemma, dilemma.


Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr
published by Mira in March 2009

At twenty-five, after five years as her mother's caregiver, it's time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly not whom she has in mind.

A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he's tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance.

Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you want and what you need are two different things…two very good things.

Genre: contemporary romance
Series: Virgin River, Book #6

The Story: After the death of her mother, it's time for 25 y.o. Shelby McIntyre to live her own life. Her plan is to move in with her uncle, General Booth, in Virgin River before traveling a bit and then enrolling into nursing school. At her arrival, she meets Luke Riordan, a newly retired Blackhawk pilot who's come to Virgin River to work on the cabins on the land he owns and make a quick sale. Both are extremely attracted to each other; however, Luke believes that Shelby is too young and should be looking for someone else.

Then, there's Dr Cameron Michaels who is looking for something more in his life. He was halfway in love with Vanessa Booth when she chose Paul in Second Chance Pass... then, he had a one night-stand with a woman he thought might be the one... and she disappeared on him. With a battered heart, Cameron is looking for a change of scenery...

My Opinion: Another winner for Ms Carr. In my opinion, Temptation Ridge was better than Second Chance Pass and in some way, better even than Shelter Mountain and Whispering Rock. Definitively one of my favorite in the series. I think one of the reasons is that Shelby and Luke are both new characters that we haven't met previously.Okay, so Shelby was introduced in Second Chance Pass, but barely mentioned. I have to admit, I prefer it when Ms Carr is not picking up storylines from previous books as a focus.

So the main storyline was between Shelby and Luke and I enjoyed it immensely. One of my concerns going into the book was Shelby and Luke's age difference - 13 years old... I'm not a fan of big age difference between the H/H and although 13 years is not too much, the striking fact here is that Shelby and Luke are at two different stages of their life. On one hand, you have Shelby who is starting her life - going back to school for a career, and on the other hand, Luke who is retiring from the Army. I think that Ms Carr did an incredible job handling this relationship. I could feel Luke's reluctance towards Shelby, not only because he doesn't do commitment, but because Shelby was so young. My heart really went to Shelby though, because she was strong, determined and level-head. She didn't rush into this relationship, taking Luke in a tornado or being taken up by Luke. She was the one in control, but not in a manipulative way. In addition, I really related to Shelby - same age, never really date and so on. I especially like her honesty. It was kind of cute to see her falling for Luke even though he wasn't what she imagined for her first boyfriend.

Although I think Ms Carr handled it really well, I have to admit that Luke did annoy me from time to time. I understand what he was thinking when he thought he wasn't the best for Shelby, that she deserved more. That she could get more... It's not like I wanted him to ask Shelby to put a stop to her dream in order to continue their relationship. However, once she chose him, he should have stopped the chivalrous and made a grab for her... As a result, it would have been nice to see him grovel a lot more at the end. Luckily for him, he has a family that loves him and who is not afraid to meddle in his affairs. Otherwise, I liked Luke. I thought he was a nice guy and really hard-working. I like how he welcomed Art - a 30 y.o. man with Down Syndrome. He had no obligations, but like I said, he's a nice guy.

There were two other 'main' storylines in Temptation Ridge. One was General Booth and his neighbor, Muriel - the actress. I wasn't very interested in it, although I like General Booth. His protectiveness towards his children and niece is very cute :) I also like how all those big bad guys kind of squirmed in front of him LOL :) The other storyline is Dr Cameron Michaels. Cameron was introduced in Second Chance Pass and honestly, I didn't like his character... Oh sure, he was a nice man, but I didn't like him because he came in between Vanessa and Paul. I didn't expect him to have a bigger role in the series... but there it is - great planning Ms Carr. Have to say, I like him much better in this book. In some ways, he reminds me of John Stone - the doctor from Grace Valley. It was kind of sad to see Cameron wonder what went wrong with his life... How come he wasn't married with a family yet. I am looking forward for more of his story in Paradise Valley... but so far, although I like him... not sure I like Abby, the woman he is being paired up with.

As expected also, we continue following the evolution of Virgin River. We get glimpses of Jack, Mel, Preacher, Mike and Brie. This time, they were well incorporated into the story and I didn't feel like they were stealing the show. I have to say, I like that little snippet where we see Mel not being comfortable in her body because it isn't what it used to be. I think it helps making Mel more human and a little less a saint. I mean, I love her character, but she just seems so perfect. I also liked how Ms Carr did the timeline. A few months have passed from the beginning of Temptation Ridge to the end. Ms Carr did a good job, doing it seamlessly and spaced the events well. See, I don't like it when the stories span a few days only; however, it seems hard for authors to write stories covering long periods of time... So kudos for Ms Carr.

One complaint though is that Ms Carr should stop having events that disrupt the everyday life routine and make life more dramatic... for example, the fire at the end of Second Chance Pass... I mean, sure once in a while is all right... but not too much because then, it's not believable anymore.

So, looking forward to Paradise Valley next month. The last book in the second trilogy seems to be very emotional from what I read in the synopsis. Rick is coming home - a changed man... The grower that we've seen who seems to be a DEA agent is also doing a come back. Add in Cameron's storyline... One thing I hope though is that a particular character doesn't get a bigger role. So in this book, Cheryl - the town drunk who was in love with Jack in Virgin River - is back... and with the help of Mel and Doc, she went into rehab and is back sober... I really hope she's not going to be the DEA agent's love interest... I don't know, I don't like her very much... However, why would you bring back a character that has disappeared and transformed her into a better person if it isn't to give her a bigger role?

In conclusion, Temptation Ridge was a great book that I enjoyed immensely. I laughed and I cried while reading this book. Why I cried? Well something happened and it was really sad. However, I did laugh more in this book. There are a lot of LOL moments. One of my favorite scene is when Luke's younger brother comes for a visit and Luke warns him to stay away from Shelby because she is taken. It was so funny... especially when Luke got a bit depressed because his younger brother is younger, and he makes Shelby laugh... Just too cute :) Anyway, lots of good things in this book :)

My Grade: A-

Bone Crossed Contest!!

Wow, it's really quiet on blogland... where is everyone?!?!

I just want to let you know that we're holding another contest over at Breezing Through. Once again, I was too impatient and ended up with two copies of Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs :) Thought I'd make someone happy :)

All the details are here. You have till Friday February 27, noon - eastern time, to participate!

Good luck :)

Review: Promises in Death by J.D. Robb

Review, review, review... as I said in my last post, my long week-end wasn't as relaxing or productive as I wished... don't you hate it when it happens?

Have to say, I'm not looking forward to going back to work :( Did an experiment last week and the results weren't the same as what we got previously... Not a good sign, which is why I kept checking my emails this week-end. My horoscope says that I'm going to have tough week at work - why am I not surprised?

I got lucky and caught curling this week-end. Turns out it's the Women Canada Championship :) Yay! I know many don't get, but I just love that sport - even if I've never tried. It's much harder than it looks like and it involves a lot of strategy. So at least, I'll have this to cheer me up this week :D

Onto the review now :) One of the longest series I've ever read and quite frankly, one of the best is the In Death series by J.D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts. I really enjoy it and I have to say, I like the schedule for it. Last book, Salvation in Death, was okay. Curious to see if she would pick it up again with Promises in Death and how she would do it.


Promises in Death by J.D. Robb
published by Putnam in February 2009

Amaryllis Coltraine may have recently transferred to the New York City police force from Atlanta, but she's been a cop long enough to know how to defend herself against an assaillant. When she's taken down just steps away from her apartment, killed with her own weapon, for Eve the victim isn't just "one of us."

Dallas's friend Chief Medical Examiner Morris had started a serious relationship with Coltraine, and from all accounts the two were headed for a happy future together. But someone has put an end to all that. After breaking the news to Morris, Eve starts questioning everyone, including Coltrain's squad, informants, and neighbors, while Eve's husband, Roarke, digs into computer data on the dead woman's life back in Atlanta. To their shock, they discover a connection between this case and their own painful, shadowy pasts.

The truth will need to be uncovered one layer at a time, starting with the box that arrives at Cop Central addressed to Eve, containing Coltraine's guns, badge, and a note from her killer: " You can have them back. Maybe someday soon, I'll be sending yours to somebody else." But Eve Dallas doesn't take too kindly to personal threats, and she is going to break this case, whatever it takes. And that's a promise.

Genre: Romantic Suspense, futuristic
Series: In Death series, Book #29

The Story: Back blurb does a great job summarizing the story. Amaryllis Coltraine is murdered with her own weapon right in her building and Eve catches the case. Coltraine isn't just a cop, she's also Morris's lady friend and that makes the case even more personal... especially since Eve never took the opportunity to get to know Coltraine because she resented her a bit for her involvement with Morris. The case turns even more difficult when Eve and Roarke discover who Coltraine was involved with in Atlanta and when Eve has to call in Webster from IAB.

Of course, Eve prefers to work on the case and catch Coltraine's murderer... then to play hostess to Louise's bachelorette party :D

My Opinion: Great addition to the series, Ms Roberts was able to step up from Salvation in Death, no question. One of the reasons why Promises in Death was so great was its focus on relationships among Eve and her entourage... What Salvation in Death lacked, Promises in Death had it in spare. Amaryllis Coltraine's murder was a very personal case and as I mentioned, not only because Coltraine was a cop, but also Morris's girlfriend... that combined with Louise's bachelorette party, there was a lot of interactions between characters and we got to know Morris better - which was great :) No issue between Eve and Roarke, which I'm happy... I think they had had enough in the beginning of their relationship, now they should just enjoy. I wouldn't mind reading about one in the future, but not in this book which is already so emotionally packed. By the way, hard to believe that Eve and Roarke have been married for just almost two years!

Again, this was a very interesting case. Not as intricated as it could be, I think Ms Roberts did sacrifice a bit to focus on all the emotional stuff. Still, it was a good one. Also, I always enjoy cases that involved cops - as victims or culprits - because there are always emotionally charged and because Eve has to thread carefully. I have to admit that after I read the back blurb and the
excerpt , I immediately thought that Coltraine was a dirty cop - I don't know, something to do with "To their shock, they discover a connection between this case and their own painful, shadowy pasts." I mean, not many option right? For those who are curious, I'll say that this book is closely connected to Judgement in Death (which turns out to be the only book I haven't read - couldn't handle it ^_^;) Have to say, it's nice from Ms Roberts to link stuff up together.

Surprisingly, there were a lot of LOL moments as well, which lighten up the mood :) LOL, Eve definitively cracks me up. However, she's starting to show more sensibility and know to deal better with her friends. I guess she's evoluing :) Although the case was good, I think that it's all those LOL moments and interactions between the characters that made the book. I mean, can you imagine Eve shopping for Louise's gift? Also imagine all the guys packing up and going to Las Vegas for Charles's bachelor party :)

If there was anything that was unfortunate, that would be Coltraine's death. Have to say, I never saw it coming. Eve had a few interactions with her in the past books, but nothing that gave this away. Eve and Peabody's guilty feelings towards Coltraine were also very interesting and realistic.

Overall, once again, a great installment to the series. Very well balanced with lots of emotions and interactions between the characters.

My Grade: A-. I'm stinky with As and usually give it to very memorable books. I don't think that Promises in Death is going to be as memorable as those books; however, I think that is because it's part of such a long series. Like I said, very solid book with interesting case and good balance with the characters interactions. Totally deserving of the grade and I think that when compared with the previous installments, it's the right call.

Re-Read Challenge Reminder

Hello everyone!

How was your week-end? As you know, I have off today, yay :P However, the week-end wasn't as relaxing or productive as I wished. I kept checking my emails for a message from my supervisor telling me I had to come in today. Luckily, I didn't get one... but still, not relaxing :(


Anyway, this is a reminder that the end of the month is this coming week-end and that means, Re-Read Challenge day :) So have you read your book? Or are you like me and still haven't chosen one?

Reviews are supposed to be for Saturday, but once again, since it's the week-end and that usually means less blogging... I'm giving an extension :) I'll put up the Re-Read Challenge post for February on Friday and you have till Monday to submit the link of your review to be eligible for the draw :)

Have a nice week :)

Review: Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs

It's Friday, it's Friday!! And my boss is leaving early today (like noon!!), and the experiment worked - so no need to repeat, and I have a long week-end!!

LOL, yeah, I'm really in a good mood :)





To add to my great mood, we three girls at Breezing Through have reviewed an awesome book, Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs. Follow the link here to read what we thought :)

Also, stay tuned to Breezing Through in the next few days for a chance to win a copy of Bone Crossed :)

TBR Day: White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz

Phew, I finished work at 9pm last night... and I was lucky, since I got off and went to pick up my sister. My friend and co-worker S. had to drive the boss around and find a messenger courier place that was still open to mail out the grant application. LOL, warms my heart though that I'm not the only one that does thing at the last minute.

As a reward for staying so late, my boss gave me the morning... but since I had to drive my sister, I still got at the lab early. Well, who cares, I'm going to blog. The hospital has a holiday on Monday (don't ask me what holiday it is ^_^; it just says February holiday) so I'm crossing my fingers that I won't have to come in this week-end and enjoy a LONG week-end.

**Okay, my boss just walked in and said I had the whole week-end to myself!! Wooohooo!!!

All right, enough of my life :) Onto the review now. The new twist in Keishon's TBR challenge is that for each month, there's a theme. This month's theme was DIK books from the AAR site... Unfortunately, I couldn't find any of the DIK in my TBR pile and was too lazy to get the complete list. So I chose to read White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz instead.


White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz
published by Putnam in January 2007

Petite, thirtysomething Clare Lancaster is a Level Ten para-sensitive-and a "human lie detector." Over the years, she's come to accept that someone with her extraordinary talents is likely to have trouble in the relationship department. And she's even resigned herself to the fact that everyone, to one degree or another, hides behind a façade. . . .

And now it seems that meeting the half sister and family whom she never knew until seven months ago was a mistake. Her father summons her from California to play a role in his business empire, and Clare doesn't intend on making the same mistake twice. But after meeting Jake Salter, Archer Lancaster's "financial consultant," Clare is convinced that things aren't what they seem. Salter's careful conversation seems to walk a delicate line between truth and deception, revealing and resisting. Something sparks and sizzles between them-something more than the usual electricity between a man and a woman.

Caught in a dizzying storm of secrets, lies, and half-truths, Jake and Clare will plunge into an investigation that demands every bit of their special gifts-together they must overcome their mutual distrust in order to unravel a web of conspiracy and murder.

Genre: paranormal romance - psychic
Series: Arcane Society, Book #2

The Story: Ugh, I started writing a summary and it turned out to be as generic as the back blurb. Meh. So let's give it another try.

Clare is the product of a one-night stand between the parents. She has just reunited with her father and his family a few months ago when her half-sister needed help. That event basically changed her life, especially when she found the body of her half-sister soon-to-be-ex-husband. Although she was not arrested by the police, she can't stop the gossips and as a result, loses her job and her fiance. Then, she is summoned by her father to Arizona where he offers her a job.

Jake Salter is a J&J agent sent down to Arizona for an undercover investigation. He is looking for a new organization who is looking to improve the Jones formula which would increase their psychic abilities and the presence of a 'human lie detector' could jeopardize the whole mission. However, he can't help being attracted to Clare and the attraction is mutual... After a series of incidents and another dead body, Jake decides to keep an eye on Clare for both professional and personal reasons and realizes that perhaps, he's been on the wrong track for his investigation.

My Opinion: So I've been going through Ms Krentz's backlist, basically focusing on her 90's books... but I decided to give her newer books a try. The reason I've been staying away from them is because of the paranormal touch... However, I admit being curious about how she would incorporate psychic abilities into her stories.

As a whole, I think the story was okay. I liked Clare and Jake and enjoyed their interactions and relationship. I think they match well together, both strong personalities and understand each other because of their very strong psychic abilities. I admire Clare's tenacity - how she wouldn't give up on finding a job and her applications at J&J.

Clare and Jake's personalities are very similar to Ms Krentz's previous H/H. Although I have to say, Jake is more mercenary than others :) If you enjoyed Ms Krentz's H/H in the past, I don't see why you would have a problem with Clare and Jake. As for the overall plot, it was interesting
and kept me turning the pages. The only thing I thought that was unclear was Myra (Clare's father's wife)'s feelings toward Clare.

What did I think about Ms Krentz' s incorportation of psychic abilities? I'm not too sure. While reading White Lies, I kept thinking of Ms Hooper's FBI SCU series. I have to admit, I like Ms Hooper's take better. In White Lies, the characters take psychic abilities for granted in my opinion. They don't really try to look into their abilities... Sure, they work to get control over it, but that's about it. The fact that everyone had psychic abilities to a certain degrees and that they were all registered with the Arcane Society... it was just weird. I mean, they all just went on the Arcane website and look up each other to find their abilities and levels. Also, the psychic abilities are not the usual ones we encounter... I mean, nothing wrong with that... but it was a bit unusual. Everyone seems so well adjusted with their abilities and so on, I guess they were secondary to the storylines.

Overall, a good book and different than most books with psychic main characters... however, I do prefer her straight contemporary romances though :)

My Grade: B