TBR Day: Two Texas Hearts by Jodi Thomas

TWO TEXAS HEARTS by Jodi Thomas
Jove Romance
July 1997

This book was part of my glom last year of Jodi Thomas' back list. I'm on a historical kick anyway and what better than a western for Keishon's TBR Challenge this month?

I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience stories. I don't like them to be too contrived or unrealistic though. This book comes close because the marriage comes as a stipulation in Winter McQuillen's foster father's Will. All the land on the ranch is left to Win, but the acreage around the house and the house itself are left to Win's wife. The wife he doesn't have yet. If he doesn't find one, then the house and it's acreage will be donated to the church. Meaning Win would have to buy the house smack in the middle of his land back from the church.

Kora Adams came to Texas after she stole a mail order bride's proxy. She needed a safe place for her unruly sister and catatonic brother. Believing her bad luck has followed her to Texas Kora arrives only to find her proxy husband was shot and killed in a stage robbery on his way to meet her. Kora and her siblings are trying to make ends meet on the poor farm and dirt dugout of her recently deceased husband.

Enter Win McQuillen who needs a wife in a hurry. Win eliminates all the women from the widow's meeting in town and as a last hope rides out to the farm where Kora and her family are.

That's just the first 30 pages people.

There are lots of things I like about this book. The basic plot is good and the dynamic between Kora and Win has so much potential. I really like both of these characters very much.

My biggest complaint is that there is almost too much other stuff. going on. There is more than one conflict in the story so it was hard to concentrate on which was the primary story arch. The secondary characters were interesting, but often were distracting as well. My final issue with the book was the purple prose. I hadn't noticed this as a problem in any of the other books I've read by Jodi Thomas, but it certainly was notable here.

Not a bad read, but I really wanted to like it more because of Win and Kora.

My final grade = C

TBR Day: Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase
Berkley Sensation /March 2005

Picking up a DIK from AAR that I had in my TBR wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Once I saw this title though, I didn't look any further. I knew I had it, I like Ms. Chase's writing style, so it was a no brainer.

This was an absolutely charming book to read. First of all, because I'm practically frothing just trying to type fast enough, this book had some of the best kissing scenes I've ever read. They were just plain wonderful on so many levels. These scenes were so complete. I can't remember ever feeling so much like kissing someone myself as I did reading these. And no, I'm not kidding, they were that good.

Secondly, I really like the brainac Daphne Pembroke and middle Carsington son, the incorrigible Rupert. Ms. Chase is wonderful in her descriptions of Daphne's voracious appetite to learn as she is in showing us Rupert's intrigue with all things Daphne. As we see Daphne's passion for knowledge, we see that Rupert is at first fascinated and then passionate about Daphne.

While this book was easy to read, Ms. Chase still manages to create enough of a diversion in her plot that it keeps the story steaming along quite nicely without distracting us too much from the engaging and burgeoning relationship between Rupert and Daphne.

The book takes place in Egypt and has bits of history, Egyptology, hieroglyphics, mythology and romance. It's important to note that all this stuff doesn't throw you out of the story. It's given to the readers through conversation and observation of the characters in such a way that you feel like you are along for the same ride.

What made this a DIK? I don't know. I didn't read AAR's review. However, I can tell you it's a delicious romp and adventure type of story with wonderfully drawn and whole characters.

I enjoyed it very much and I'm having a tough time grading it. Since I've just finished this I don't know how much it will impact me yet. I do know I might be digging out another Chase in the TBR for next month.

My grade = A-/B+

TBR Day: First Born by Lindsey McKenna

FIRST BORN by Lindsey McKenna
Silhouette Romance
June 2004

Keishon's TBR challenge this month was to find a category romance (if you wanted to) that's been languishing in ye old TBR.

Many years ago I began reading about the Trayherns in the Silhouette Special Edition line. The first series of Trayhern books were about three brothers who served in different branches of the military. At the center of the stories was Morgan Trayhern, the oldest brother, the best and the brightest trying to live up to the family's military traditions.

The Trayhern stories ended up, much like Suzanne Brockmann's books, with many off shoots. There was a series of books called Morgan's Mercenaries chronicling the lives of men and women who served in Morgan Trayhen's secret agency called Perseus. After trying a couple of these books, I began to lose interest. While Ms. McKenna is a very able writer, I just wasn't as invested in these new characters as I had been with the Trayhern family.

I'm guessing it was 3 or 4 years later that I spotted the book FIRST BORN at a used book store. Noting that this book was about Morgan Trayhern's oldest son my interest was piqued and I bought the book. I think that was in 2006. So here I am almost 5 years after it's release finally reading the book.

The heroine is very interesting. Annie Dazen is Native American, a helicopter pilot and the commanding officer of our hero Jason Trayhern. Annie is smart, intuitive and willing to open her mind and heart to the possibilities of the spiritual elements of her upbringing. While she loves her Native American heritage and culture, Annie isn't a caricature or stereotyped character.

Jason Trayhern had a traumatic life experience when he was kidnapped at the age of 8. During his month long captivity, Jason was beaten daily until his rescue. While loving and respecting his parents deeply, Jason also harbors resentment toward his hero father for not keeping him safe as a child. Jason also carries the burden and expectation for the oldest Trayhern son to have a successful and brilliant military career. This family tradition dates back to the American Revolution. So our boy Jason...he got issues.

Jason reports to Annie just weeks before her squadron is scheduled to be sent to Afghanistan. Jason doesn't have the greatest track record. He has been sent down from West Point for being involved in a drug scandal. As the story begins he is being shuffled out of a second assignment for not getting along with the crew. It is at this low point for Jason that Annie, an ace and top helicopter pilot, is given the task to see if 'Cowboy' has what it takes.

The twists and turns occur when the couple finally does make it to Afghanistan. Before leaving Jason and Annie get on equal footing when Jason receives a much deserved promotion. However they both understand their relationship will have to be put on hold while on this assignment.

This was one of those books I really wanted to like more. It had lots of the elements I enjoy in a book with a military backdrop. Unfortunately, the book just felt dated to me. I tried a few times to put my finger on exactly what was bugging me. I eliminated the war because the war in Afghanistan is still going on. The military references didn't seem old or out dated either. I think my discomfiture came more from not really clicking with the characters. The dialogue and behavior seemed a little stiff and one dimensional at times.

Ironically, I actually liked the scenes between the senior Trayherns, Morgan and Laura, better. Maybe because they were better known to me from my prior reading of their stories. To Ms. McKenna's credit I was surprised how much of the original Trayhern stories came back to me with this reading.

Still, this is far from a horrible book. This would definitely have to be read by someone interested in stories with a military backdrop because it plays a big part of the story.

My grade for this one: C

Coming up next...

I'm exhausted today. I think I just chewed up a ton of adrenalin yesterday. Of course a 2 1/2 hour meeting to start the day probably didn't help things much.

Of course a lot of my energy was expended in my excitement over a new president. I watched as much as I could during the day (minimal) and then spent quite a bit of the evening catching up with the day's events.

So, yes, I know today is Keishon's TBR review day. I read a book but don't have my review ready. Hopefully, later today.

How about you? Any feelings about yesterday? Do you feel different today than you did Monday of this week? I do. I know we have all the same problems, but I have to say I really do feel hopeful. It's not just words, it's real. I feel it. So much feels possible.

TBR or Bust!

I read all weekend. Three books people. It was grand. Even though one of them was from my tbr it isn't old enough to qualify for the TBR Challenge. I fell asleep last night before finishing the Jodi Thomas book I wanted to use for today.

It's unlikely I'll be done before the end of the day. Work promises to be verra verra busy. So, there you go. Another month with no tbr book. Very big bummer.

TBR Day: To the Brink

TO THE BRINK by Cindy Gerard. This book is the third in the Bodyguard series published by St. Martin's in January 2006. It is also my TBR Day read for this month.

Over the last few years I've heard a lot about this series. Frankly I got it mixed up with Tara Janzen's books. Since their names aren't similar or anything I don't know why. I have no rhyme, reason or excuse. It's a conundrum.

Consequently I have a couple of Janzen books in my TBR along with a couple of Gerard books. When looking for something to read from the TBR this time, I was in the mood for a more contemporary book. For once a blurb captured my attention and I picked up TO THE BRINK to read.

Darcy Prescott works in the diplomatic corps. All of her assignments have been in the far flung corners of the world. She's worked hard for her success and loves her job. Ethan Garrett is a Special Forces soldier when he meets Darcy at an Embassy function. Ethan and Darcy fall fast and hard for each other. Despite almost constant separation and disagreements over their careers, they marry. Unfortunately their marriage cannot withstand the pressure of the constant discord. When the book begins Darcy and Ethan are divorced. We actually get the story of their courtship and marriage in flashbacks.

Darcy is on assignment overseas and Ethan is out of the military and working for a private security company with his family. Darcy finds herself in a precarious situation when a co-worker dies under mysterious "accidental" circumstances. The recently deceased shared some incriminating and volatile information with Darcy just prior to her death. Not trusting her life to fate or coincidence Darcy decides to contact the one person she knows she can count on to help her...Ethan.

Since we, as the reader, know about half way through the book who the bad guy is the background story seems almost inconsequential. It was for me anyway. All I was interested in was knowing why the marriage failed, and why, when they loved each other they let it go. The answer is not particularly complex, but Ms. Gerard does an able job making the reasons believable.

As I noted at the beginning this is actually the third book in the series. I didn't feel at all hampered or bothered by not having read any of the others. I was curious about a couple of secondary characters in this book. Fortunately their story is told in the next book, INTO THE DARK, which I have in my TBR as well.

Overall this was a satisfactory read. It reminded of the mercenary soldier stories I read in the old Silhouette Intimate Moment line. I loved those books. Any way I originally gave this a B-, but while doing this review realized I liked it a bit more than that and would call this a good solid B read.

Not a creature was stirring...

Apparently I'm not the only one who decided to take a break on Monday. I was surprised to come home Monday evening and only have 25 posts to read. Is everybody tired now that school, soccer, football and the new TV season are in full swing?

It looks like TRUE BLOOD is going to be a viewing staple on Sunday night in our household. Shmoo and GG both like it. I like it enough to try and track down a Sookie book because I'm curious how the characters play in the books. Inquiring minds and all that.

I have to get my TBR Challenge Review written or polished for Wednesday. Yep, it's that time of the month again. I think I started the review last month and was too pooped to finish it, even though I did finish the book. It was a Cindy Gerard book and I think I may read the next one in the series for my review next month. I dragged it out anyway.

Let's see what else... Work has been sort of weird. The pace has slowed somewhat, or I'm feeling so much better it doesn't seem as exhausting or overwhelming. Any way, it's better so that's good.

I have been wondering and fretting about some things. Like how people in Texas and the Gulf Coast are doing after the disastrous storms that have been through there. We are having just excellent weather right now in my neck of the woods. It is so hard to look at crystal blue skies and no wind (for once) and think about the devastation down south. They are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

As are the folks who lost loved ones in the horrible Metrolink crash last Friday. It's like the Exxon Valdez tanker spill. I wonder if we are ever really going to know what happened. Was it the engineer's fault for running a red light or is he going to be a scape goat?

Did you see the Tina Fey and Amy Poehler spoof on SNL? I didn't watch the show but thanks to Jane and her heads up on Twitter I caught the full skit here. It really is good. GG really got a kick out of it. Of course the pre-requisite is a sense of humor about politics. If you don't have one it's probably not your cuppa.

I'm counting the days to Friday. Sees-teers coming to town from Santa Barbara county and Atlanta, Georgia. The aunties will be here to attend our niece's (and my god daughter) bridal shower. Italian aunties on both sides. This should be fun AND interesting especially since her mother calls the bride "a prude". There are no secrets, discretion, or much modesty with Italian aunts particularly when it comes to handing out unsolicited advice...about any thing and every thing. I'm sure I'll have more on that after the shower on Saturday.

Since I started off talking about breaks I'll leave you with a snippet from one of my all time favorite TV shows...

Drive By...

I can't blame the Olympics this time. This time I've been reading and relaxing. I hit some sort of wall on Saturday afternoon. I got my hair done, came home, showered and fell asleep at 7:30 PM. I woke up at 6 AM this morning. Can't believe that one.

GG kindly brought me coffee in bed. I promptly drank half and fell back asleep until like 10 AM. I have to say I feel lots better but am a little whacked about what's going on with me.

I wound up my day by buying new tubs to organize my TBR books. The final and official count? 223 books. Holy crap!

No more browsing, no more impulse buying and no more monthly book list. I'm on a diet of auto buys only. Which let me just say is still a considerable haul what with all the series and authors I'm already hooked on.

I swear I'm on a moratorium and mission to reduce that TBR. Either I read 'em or lose 'em. They are taking up way too much space. For the first time EVER GG is eyeing my books with speculation. I don't want to even ask him what he's thinking. Too scary to think about.

Forgive me for being behind again on the blog hopping. Just been too tired. I see the doctor on Wednesday and maybe we can get things figured out.

More later...

TBR Day: Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand

Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand by Carla Kelly. Originally published by Signet in December 1994. This publication is a Signet Regency double edition was released in July 2003.

At last I'm getting this review posted. While I had two drafts started for this book I decided to start over because it's been awhile since I read it. As you may recall this was supposed to be posted for last months TBR Day.

It's always a good sign when I pick up a book and have a warm feeling and a smile on my face. The cover art itself doesn't engender those feelings. It's almost always a residual memory of my reading experience. Such is the case with MRS. DREW PLAYS HER HAND.

The title of this book very aptly captures the essence of the story. Dealt a very cruel hand in life when her beloved husband dies after a lengthy illness, Roxanna Drew finds herself having to make difficult choices over and over again. Left alone with two young daughters and no support, Roxanna is going to have to rely on the financial support and shelter of her husband's titled brother.

I couldn't help but think of Sophie from William Styron's SOPHIE'S CHOICE. I was reminded while reading this book how choices we make 'in the now' can have a long lasting affect on our lives. We don't always know when we're choosing what the fall out will be. Most of us are just doing the best we can day by day...hoping. This is very much the case with Roxanna.

Trying to make the best decision for herself and her children after her husband dies isn't easy. Roxanna wonders if it is better to fall into the arms of her wealthy brother-in-law who wants to keep her safe under his roof and warm in his bed, or try to make a life for herself and children as a tenant in a ramshackle cottage on the land of Lord Fletcher Winn.

Lord Winn is a war hero who doesn't want to acknowledge what he's been through. He also can't stand most of his family and in desperation to get some distance and a break from them sets out on a tour of his holdings when he meets Mrs. Drew. He's intrigued and fascinated almost against his will.

These were such full bodied and interesting characters. Even though the story premise seems like such a familiar one, Ms. Kelly manages to make it interesting and fresh.

I really appreciated that Mrs. Drew did not throw aside the love she had for her dead husband just because she meets a man she is attracted to. Ms. Kelly made wonderful references to her husband's likeness in her children, the couple's love and closeness and even about Roxanna missing his physical presence in her life.

It was with mixed emotions to read about her attraction to Lord Winn when there is also an element of guilt and surprise about those feelings less than a year after her beloved husband's death. I felt compassion, sorrow and relief right along with her. As a reader we get to watch Roxanna recover from the long period of illness and the shadow of grief she's been living with.

This made the character so much more real to me. Roxanna's inner feelings and thoughts as she struggled with her worries about her children, her attraction to Winn, and her grief were so well done I felt I was experiencing them with a friend or family member.

It is no secret to anyone who reads this blog that I love a tortured hero. What made Winn so much more delicious is that his sorrow and sadness are hidden beneath a blasé exterior. I loved this because even though we know what's going on in Winn's head Roxanna doesn't. Loved it. Did I mention that?

It is the courage of both Roxanna and Winn making the best of the cards and choices that life has dealt them that makes this such a good read.

It hasn't been easy finding Ms. Kelly's older books, but it certainly has been worth the effort. My grade is an 'A' for a full bodied, enjoyable read about people you can care about.

TBR Day: BEAU CRUSOE by Carla Kelly

Beau Crusoe by Carla Kelly. Published March 2007. Harlequin Historical Regency.

Keishon's TBR Challenge really has me on a roll reading some older stuff. Also, I figure it's incentive to keep things going if I have to read another book from the tower of tubs that is my tbr. How's that for some right thinking, huh?

Secondly, and more importantly, I really enjoyed this book and I love sharing that sort of news. Why I waited to read this gem I don't know. I remember buying the book, my first Carla Kelly, because there was a lot of buzz about it when it came out.

Our hero James Trevenen was stranded on an island for seven years after a storm shipwrecks the vessel he serves on. Desperately lonely, James studies crabs on the island and writes a treatise of sorts about them. James has come to London to receive a special medal and recognition for his scientific studies and observations.

James ends up staying at the family home of Susannah Park a widow with a young son. Susannah's father has been asked by a family friend, Susannah's godfather, to have James stay with them a couple of weeks before the ceremony. This is all under the guise that James will have someone to show him around London and not have to stay alone in a hotel.

The meeting of these two people is so tender and poignant. James is intelligent, honorable, and lonely. He's a man who has gone through this incredible experience and while he's aware that the experience has marked him believes he's handling the aftermath fairly well. On the other side we have isolated, lonely and devoted mother Susannah. Susannah believes she's had her great love and has no expectations of ever having those sorts of feelings again.

Ms. Kelly does a wonderful job of giving us a peek into the lives of these two seemingly ordinary people who are both struggling with extraordinary circumstances. I enjoyed the book very much for the subtle and skillful way Ms. Kelley reveals that there's much more to know about what happened to James on the island just as there is to understanding Susannah's reason for isolated servitude on her family's estate.

This is a wonderful story told well with a lot of character and charm. Needless to say I'm going to start looking for Ms. Kelley's back list.

B+ for me on this one.

I'm Saved!

Look at this!

The Rules Copyright dates are from 2007 and back. No 2008 titles. The older the title the better. You may review your books early if you like and spotlight them on the designated Wed of every month. There is an incentive as I am being generous and the rules are as follows for the $100 Amazon gift certificate: 1) you must read and review a book from your TBR pile with a copyright date of 2007 and older. 2) You must do this continuously without skipping a month until Dec 2008. 3) If more than one reader qualifies, then there will be a drawing. 4) Entering into this contest you are held up to the honor code (or whatever they call it in college), no quickie reviews of I liked it, or didn’t like it as they will be discounted (I’ve revised things a bit because I can do that).

Thank you Angela James for linking to Keishon's TBR Rules in your review today. I couldn't resist and I posted the pertinent part up above. Woo-freakin' Hoo! I can re-post my review of BEAU CRUSOE and highlight it for TBR Day. Praise be. This way the other Carla Kelly book I'm almost done with MRS. DREW PLAYS HER HAND can be used for the next month's TBR Day. You can be sure I'm going to go ahead and write the review over the weekend and have it saved for next month.

Whew! I feel so much better. It's actually pathetic how much better I feel. It's not about winning Keishon's challenge, though that would be nice, it's about meeting a goal. And, yes, though I'm squinting and panting I do believe that's the finish line I see up ahead.

The review will be up in a separate post.

The Challenge & The Finish Line

Today Keishon's TBR Challenge book review is due. I'm still reading my tbr book. I'm sprinting for the finish line. Sprinting I tell you. Don't look at the runner and ignore the panting.

I've been asking myself and wondering why oh why didn't I just save the Carla Kelly review of BEAU CRUSOE? Why? WHY? I'll tell you why. Because I arrogantly thought I had sooooo much month left to read one or two more books from my tbr stockpile. I was on a roll. I was in a reading groove.

I think we can bank on me not making that ASSumption again.

So here I am in the wee hours of the morning suffering from a case of "I'm not going to be sleeping any time soon". I'm panting for the finish line. Dead line. Whatever. Hey, didn't I say not to look at the runner?

Since I'm up reading (or will be), I'm thinking I have a fighting chance of finishing my book, writing the review and posting it tomorrow. Not the optimum circumstances or choice you understand, but still doable.

I'm betting you have your review done, don't you... I knew it! If I called in sick for work I could get mine done too. For sure. However, that would set a terrible precedent. Terrible. Precedent. It might start a regrettable trend. I might start calling out TBR Wednesday every month for the rest of the year. I could end up unemployed. Or...check, check...1...2...1...2... Can you hear me in the back? I could embrace ree-al-it-tee. *shudder* *stumble*

In the real world, I wouldn't worry about the TBR Challenge. I'd get the sleep I desperately need to function like a normal human being, and just go to bed. Heh. Heh. Lucky me. I live in Rosie World. Here in my world we embrace things like deadlines and goals and lists. Oh, and insomnia. We embrace the sleep deprived too. Yes. That's right. It's all about give and take here at NOBODY ASKED ME...er, uh...Rosie World. It's all about you and me and the Luh-ove. We don't need no stinkin' ree-al-it-tee.

Please, for the last time, don't look at the runner. *pant* *pant* *wheeze*

In the meantime, I'm going to click on 'Publish Post'. After that I'm probably going to read. Shortly thereafter I should finally fall asleep. One can hope.

Anyway, I've always preferred walking to any sort of running. Sprinting for crying out loud. What was I thinking? Anybody got some water? *THUD*

I warned you not to look at the runner. Now look what you did.

TBR Day: HUNTERS SALVATION by Shiloh Walker

HUNTER'S SALVATION by Shiloh Walker. Copyright July 2007. Read an excerpt here. Second installment of Keishon's TBR Day Challenge.

Update on the whole tbr project: I have continued to read several older print books but some of them I'm acquiring on recommends so I can't really say they are from my tbr pile mountain. I do feel good about doing two thorough sorts this past month and I had the good fortune to come across this months selection.

I've been reading Shiloh Walker's work I believe since her first e-pub book at Ellora's Cave. One of the things I most appreciate about her work is that she's an eclectic writer. She's written contemporaries as well as the paranormal Hunter series and covered a wide range of subjects. I'm particularly looking forward to reading THROUGH THE VEIL her June 3, 2008 release from Berkley Sensation.

I've read all the Hunter books but was still surprised when I checked Ms. Walker's website to see that Salvation was book 11 in the series. While characters from other books appear in this book. It's completely stand alone and you wouldn't have any trouble reading or understanding the Hunter world if this is the first book of the series you read.

This book is the story about Vax and Jessica. Vax is a former Hunter who is a powerful witch and an empath who follows a "call" from his ranch in Montana to Indianapolis. Jessica Warner is a reporter in Indianapolis who happens to have telekinetic abilities.

Jessica is following a story about the mysterious disappearance and murders of several young women when her own sister is abducted and killed. Since Jess's sister is a very strong empath and when her broken body is found Jess picks up the horrors of her torture and death. Jess is even more determined, almost suicidal, to find the men responsible for her sister's death.

Even though Vax is retired from the Hunters, no longer having the stomach for the work, he cannot dismiss the call to find the evil lurking in Indianapolis. This particular city is not under the guardianship of any Hunter master so Vax feels honor bound to check out what's going on. Almost immediately upon his arrival he meets Jess at a night club which is one of the few links some of the missing women share. The police haven't been able to tie the club to any of the murders, but both Jess and Vax are there because they know there's more going on than meets the eye.

This isn't a typical seeking vengeance sort of book. In fact I tip my hat to Ms. Walker for having her characters, for the most part, act in a reasonable and rational manner. One of my pet peeves is when characters do something really stupid and foolish. Something that no rational minded person would consider doing. Vax comes close to this near the end of the book, but I think a reasonable explanation for his actions are given however misguided they are. I chalked it up to being a pig headed male.

There is an HEA for Vax and Jess and I'm glad it isn't a contrived or a wholly expected one. My only question is why this was in my tbr? This was an easy, quick enjoyable read.

The Weekend that Was

I had the best reading weekend I've had in a long, long time. It was great because all I did the whole weekend long was READ!! Okay, I did shower, do a couple of loads of laundry, and prepared a very nice Sunday night dinner, but other than that it was read, read, read. I didn't even go for my Saturday swim. Can you believe that?

I read four books this weekend. The bonanza was that while varied, I really enjoyed them all. First up was MIDNIGHT RISING (excerpt) by Lara Adrian. This is the latest installment in her Midnight Breed series. It's an interesting take on vampires. In Ms. Adrian's world vamps originate from aliens who landed and were stranded here centuries ago. The castaways mate with humans and create a race of Breeds, or vampires. This particular book was Rio's story and was a competent continuance of the world building and characters.

Then I read the third book in the Guys and Daughters series (April 08 SSE #1893) by Karen Templeton called BABY I'M YOURS (excerpt) . If you've circled the neighborhood recently you know that lots of people like Holly and SL Wendy have really liked this series. While I can't say I'm as over the moon for the books as they are, I have enjoyed them. However, this particular book was excellent. I think it was Holly who said Ms. Templeton tells a lot of story in this little category romance. She wasn't kidding.

Next, I read BLUE EYED DEVIL (excerpt) by Lisa Kleypas. This book is a contemporary romance. However I noted two striking things. For one, it's in first person, not everyone's cuppa because normally, speaking for myself, I like being in everyone's head not just one person. In Blue Eyed Devil first person didn't bother me at all. It was Haven's story to tell. Which brings me to the second thing that was a bit different for me. I was fascinated and riveted by the internal journey that Haven made in this book. I was every bit as fascinated with Haven's thoughts and choices as I was the romance. Haven's struggles aren't easy ones. I really liked that there were no pat and easy answers for her. I'm anxious to go back and read other people's reviews that I only skimmed before I read the book. I seem to remember a few people liked the book but had some problems. I'm curious to compare notes.

My final book of the weekend was PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS (excerpt) by Sherry Thomas. I had to read this book after reading and hearing so much about it. I have to admit I was skeptical. Not because I don't read good books after there's been a lot of buzz. Nope, my worry was that I wouldn't like it because the plot involved a couple that had been married and separated for 10 years. This is not a story line I'd normally be interested in.

I'm glad I went ahead and read it. Ms. Thomas presents a unique point of view and very interesting characters. One of the things I really liked was the self-awareness the characters had about themselves. It also read like a dream. Smooth. Easy. Flowing. Frankly, I was surprised how much I liked it.

My cup runneth over when I read so many different and good books in a short period of time. It was quite the adventure this past weekend.

Now I'm in the process of deciding what I'm going to pull out of the tbr for Keishon's TBR Day this month. I'm thinking maybe an old Maureen McKade that I recently found, OUTLAW BRIDE.

Hey, what are all you guys reading for the TBR Day this month?

TBR DAY: Winter Woman by Jenna Kernan

It's here. The first month and first review of a year long effort to read some of the books in my TBR. Thanks to Avid Reader Keishon for thinking of this. Now it's up to me to stay with the challenge.

I first heard about Jenna Kernan from another western lover, SL Wendy on our first sojourn to a UBS after my favorite one closed. Knowing of my love for westerns Wendy made some good recs, this book was one of them, while I browsed the HH section.

Fast forward a year. I pick up Ms. Kernan's February 2008 release Outlaw Bride based solely on the back blurb. Blown away by how well written the book is and the depth of the characters, I rush out to a nearby UBS and scour the shelves for Kernan's back list. I score Winter Woman and set it aside while I finish another book. It wasn't until I was almost finished with Winter Woman that I remembered Wendy making me suggesting I buy it. Sure enough there's another copy in my "westerns" tbr tub. So, if you are interested in reading Winter Woman after reading my review, say so in the comments. In the next day or so I'll draw a name from the interested parties and send the winner my extra copy.

The Actual Review

Winter Woman is a Harlequin Historical Western. Copyright 2003.

Cordelia Channing spends a long bitter winter alone in the mountains after her missionary husband dies. As winter thaws a band of Indians find her. Not knowing what to do with her they turn her over to trapper Thomas Nash who happens to come along shortly after the rescue.

This story revolves around Thomas and Cordelia. While other people do come in and out of the story they are completely on the periphery. If you give me a story that can support the focus being entirely on the central couple you pretty much have me hooked. That was the case with this book.

Thomas has no more idea what to do with the skinny, emaciated and barely alive Cordelia than the Indians did. Determined to get Cordelia to the Rendezvous so she has a chance to meet with someone who can take her back east, he agrees to take her from the Indians. While interested and reluctantly attracted to Delia, Thomas knows a white woman has no place in the mountains. He plans to continue to set his traps and collect beaver furs to pursue his own goal of starting a trading company. He figures he can protect her, feed her, take her along trapping and still get her to Rendezvous in time to send east.

Cordelia survived her winter in the mountains through sheer stubbornness. Not only is her body too weak to endure on her own in the wilderness, but she fears her mind and spirit could not survive the fear, loneliness and hazards of wilderness life. By the time the Indians arrive at winter's end, she is so tired that she's prepared to meet her death. While she's frightened and slightly appalled at the fierce mountain man who comes to her aid, she's also surprised how happy she is to go on living after all.

This book is not only a journey of long and difficult miles to reach the Rendezvous, but the journey of two lost and damaged souls who are learning to trust and believe again, not only in themselves, but each other as well. This was a treasure sitting in my tbr. As I stated earlier, in my favorite books the plot centers on the struggle of the main characters. We are in these characters heads for most of the book. I felt myself reading with painful awareness of their struggles to understand and reach out to one another. The individual pain and grief that both Thomas and Cordelia have is so tangible and genuine.

If you like a bit of history and authenticity with your romance, you are richly rewarded with both in this book. Ms. Kernan's attention to the details of the time and place are well done and, for me, flowed well without being either a distraction or weighing down my reading.

I've thoroughly enjoyed both books that I've read of Ms. Kernan's. I have another in by tbr that I'm anxious to read. You can bet I'll be first in line when her new releases come out.

A Day Late...

...and a dollar short. I had hoped to do this post last night but I had the worst mother of a migraine headache yesterday. Probably the worst I've had in about three years. I don't know if it's the recent posts by Holly and Jenster about their headaches or just what, but Lord-a-mercy the headache I had yesterday made me sick as a dog. I'm much better now, but also a bit exhausted. So, I'm off to bed as soon as I get this posted.

Here's the latest list of books to be added to my TBR. BTW, today I bought FORCE OF NATURE by Suzanne Brockmann. It was 40% off at Barnes and Noble if you have a membership. I had an additional 15% off coupon so I walked out with the book for just $14.47. That's cheaper than most trade sized paperbacks. If anyone needs the 15% off coupon just click here. You have to be a B&N member to use it, but it's good until August 19th, so have at it.

Books I bought Saturday from the wonderful Toni's New and Recycled Romances:

1. SECRETS - Volume 9. I confess I bought this one new. Even though it's my first volume of SECRETS and even though Rosario gave a recent less than stellar review of Volume 4. I confess I couldn't resist with two of the four authors being familiar to me. This one contains stories by Bonnie Hamre, Kimberly Dean, Lisa Marie Rice and Kathryn Anne Dubois.

2. FORGET ME NOT - Marliss Melton. I've got two of her books now because I heard good things about her. I haven't read either one yet.

3. Sil Sp Ed #1732 HIS COMFORT & JOY by Jessica Bird

4. Sil Sp Ed #1750 FROM THE FIRST by Jessica Bird

5. HEART OF GOLD by Jessica Bird. What can I say? I read one SSE and decided I need to read more of Jessica Bird aka JR Ward. Apparently I'm the very last romance reader on the planet to know these are the same person.

6. GOSSAMER by Rebecca Hagan Lee. Rec from SL Wendy

7. MIDNIGHT RAIN by Holly Lisle. Rec from SL Wendy. Don't worry Wendy, I've heard good things about both these authors and they are both new to me, so new is good. Wendy, bless her, thinks she influences me to the dark side by recommending books that I snatch up and buy. Heh, heh, like I ever need help buying books. I'm just grateful for the recs.

8. CODE OF HONOR by Catherine Mann. Actually her category romances were recommended to me by Lori at Let's Gab. I didn't find any of those at Toni's place but this sounded interesting so I scooped it up.

9. EMBRACED BY DARKNESS by Keri Arthur. I just keep buying the books in this series. I haven't started reading it yet. Although I must admit I like when I have four books in a series to start with then the next one doesn't seem so far away by the time I get them read AND I can read them all in a row.

Next are the pictures of my TBR which is now stored in rubbermaid tubs. There are only about 3-4 books on my bedside stand and I now can live TBR anxiety free. Take a look at the new tubs o' TBR.




Top two tubs most likely to be broken into. Already these are both full.




What else would be next? Although the Regency tub is a broad term for really all British historicals whatever the time period.




Last but certainly not least are all other Historicals.




Here they are all five of them in their glory messing up what once was a nicely organized office.




This is my now messy office. See all the scrapbooking stuff that has been out since my project since last Christmas? I'm still working on the last two heritage scrapbooks for my two sons. Since Shmoo is graduating next June I need to get his scrapbook done.





The scrapbooking table that never ends. Note the neat piles of even more scrapbooking paper under the table. Does it look like there's much room between this table and the TBR tubs? There isn't!


***ETA***
Don't forget when you comment your name will be added to the drawing for the Sylvia Day book, book bag and poster.