Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed it. I haven't read many cozy mysteries, but this one would be a great intro for anyone new to the genre. It was hard to put it down once I started reading. It was a great start for a series. The characters were in depth and enjoyable, yet the author still has lots of room to expand on them in the coming books. I loved all the cupcake talk, and really appreciate that some of the recipes were included at the end of the book. I'll definitely be continuing on with this series, and encouraging other to give it a try.

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Currently reading:

Ambasadora by Heidi Ruby Miller


I had to put this one on hold because of my classes, but I can't help it. I have to get back into the story!

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Online Bookclubs I belong to

Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired
388 members
This group is for Romance lovers of ANY type of Romance, whether it’s Contemporary, Historical, Pa...

Books we've read

After Midnight
by Teresa Medeiros

Midnight Pleasures
by Sherrilyn Kenyon

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Sci-Fi Romance
556 members
Join to share recommendations and gab about your favorite scifi romance (or hinting at romance) titl...

Books we've read

Shifter
by Angela Knight

Surrender Love
by Kayelle Allen

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Endurance by S.L. Viehl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I didn't care for this book, as much as the first two books in the series, but still found it to be an enjoyable read overall. For me, it just pales in comparison to the first two books in the series. That said, I'll definitely continue reading the Stardoc series, and would definitely recommend it to fans of sci-fi/ futuristic romance series.



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The Greyfriar by Clay Griffith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't looking specifically for Greyfriar, book 1 in the Vampire Empire series when I bought it. I was just snatching up books randomly at a Borders closing sale. I'm so glad that this wasn't one of the books I put back on the shelf! This book has it all- action, horror, magic, technology, politics, a bit of romance, and even a few cats! The characters were so well written that I loved the good guys, and could even empathize with a few of the bad guys. The heroine Adele in particular is very interesting; she's not TSTL, or an over the top tough girl. There's a lot of depth to her character. At 19 years old, she's confident, but knows she's not invincible, responsible, and committed to her plight and committed to being a good empress for her people.

When I started reading this one, I neglected goodreads all day (for once!), I didn't watch television, clean house, or talk the phone. That's how engrossing this story is. I mean, the action starts within the first few pages of the book, and pretty much continues throughout. I've already ordered my copy of The Rift Walker, book 2 in the Vampire Empire trilogy, and will be reading it as soon as it arrives.

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Nocturne by Syrie James


I actually came across this one while browsing the book section at Target for a differnt book. As I just love paranormal romance the title "Nocturne" really caught my attention. The synopsis sounded really interesting, and I could hardly wait to get home to start reading it. The author gives an excellent description of the setting where the story takes place. That said, there just wasn't enough back story provided on the main characters Michael and Nicole for me, so it was hard for me to feel anything for them, or root for their relationship. The story takes of over the span of 4 or 5 days I believe, so the romance felt rushed. I can understand the sexual tension in such a short time, but not "I love you." There were also a few parts of the story that I felt required some follow up. For example, Nicole is having dreams/ visions at different points throughout the story, but they're never addressed. Overall, this was a quick and easy read, and just what I needed to pass the time on a rainy afternoon. This was the first novel that I've read by this author, and I'd like to give one of her other novels- Dracula My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker a try. My feeling is that if the story were longer, there would be more background info on the main characters, and the romance would have more depth to it.



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Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first book that I've read by Lilith Saintcrow, I really enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to finishing the Dante Valentine series. I had this one this one my shelf for a while, and avoided reading it as I've grown tired of reading about a string of tough girl heroines that are poorly written, and just end up more annoying than anything else. Well, that definitely wasn't the case with Dante Valentine in my opinion. Although tough, I felt like her character had a good balance between toughness and healthy fear. Which was pretty refreshing. Aside from Dante, the other characters introduced into the story added to it quite a bit. I hope they're featured in every novel. I liked the combo of the fantasy/ paranormal combined with the tech/ futuristic theme; so much so that I found it difficult to stop reading once I really got into the story. Even though this is the first book in the series, and there were a few questions I still had by the end, the story felt complete to me. That said, I'm looking forward to getting more into the world building as the series progresses.

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The Darkest Joy by Dahlia Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It involves fallen angels, demons, love, redemption etc. All the things that make for a great read! I gave it four stars because it felt a little rushed in places for me. I'm sure if it were a full length novel, and not a novella, it'd be 5 stars. This is the first Dahlia Rose writing that I've read; I'm definitely looking forward to more.

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Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a good book, that I don't even know where to begin! First off, Liberty Jones is the most refreshing heroine that I've read about is a very long time. We get introduced to her as a child. Her story from childhood to adulthood is told in depth; readers get to know what makes Liberty Liberty. From her struggles, to her losses, to her sacrifices, you can't help but feel invested in Liberty, and root for her. In fact, I felt invested in all of the characters introduced in Sugar Daddy- from Marva and Mr. Ferguson, to the entire Travis family. There were times reading this when I just laughed out loud, and a few times when I just felt like crying. Near the end, I was on the edge of my seat wondering if I would get the ending that I was hoping for, and I'm so happy with how well the story ended. I'm definitely looking forward to reading Blue Eyed Devil. I know I've said this about other books, but Sugar Daddy really should be made into a movie. Honestly, this is the best book I've read so far for 2011!

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Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, I have to say that this is one of the better historical romances that I've read. Sarah MacLean didn't write Callie as your typical historical romance character, and that was very much appreciated. By ton standards, Callie was an overweight spinster, and they had no problem letting her know it. Ugh! Luckily, Callie, although having some insecurities, thought enough of herself to go out and start living her life, and not allow herself to live vicariously through her younger sister. Callie was smart, classy, attractive, and intelligent; cautious one minute, and adventourous the next! Ralston, although having a reputation as a rake, was an honorable and perceptive gentleman- a perfect match for Callie!

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Warrior by Zoe Archer


So, I finished reading it. I'm torn between giving 4 or 5 stars (big difference, right!). Because of my new schedule this month, I had to keep picking it up and putting it down, when I would've rather read it one or two sittings- to keep the momentum going. Instead, everytime I picked it up, it seemed that Capt. Huntley and Thailia were staring at each other, and having inappropriate thoughts about each other again. I grew tired of them making goo-goo eyes at each other after a while, and of Gabriel's frequent comparison of Thalia to the typical englishwoman. That said, I loved the hero, the setting, and the action! I haven't read many paranormal/historical romances, but none them have taken place outsided of the UK. Plus, with all of Lisa Kay's pics, I had some really good images in my head while reading. Of course I think Warrior should be made into a movie; how could I not?! While reading it, I kept thinking "this is like a 19th century combination of the Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider movies."

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Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*pending*

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Tales of the Red Moon Clan by Chérie De Sues
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*pending*

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Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I finished reading this one and found that for me, it paled in comparison to Enchanted, Inc., book 1 in Shanna Swendson's Enchanted, Inc. series. There were some slow moments that unless setting up events to take place later in the series, really didn't add anything to the story. There were some romantic issues that I'm glad to see resolved for now. I still like Katie as the down to earth heroine, loved Owen for the shy guy, nerdy hero, and found the humorous moments in the story weren't over done. Overall, I thought Once Upon Stilettos was an ok read, and I'm definitely planning on continuing with this series sooner rather than later.

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Twist by Colby Hodge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished reading Twist, and I loved it! There's so many things that I like about this novel. For starters, there's time-travel, romance, a tortured hero, aliens/vampires, a likeable heroine who's realistic, and a femme fatale villain! And don't even get me started on Jayne the cat, and Charlie the dog! When I started reading, I couldn't put this book down. Colby Hodge did an excellent job with the paceing of this story. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The action was well spaced and suspenseful, the romance between Shane the hero, and Abbey the heroine was perfectly paced, and there was some real romantic tension that had me rooting for them to get together. After reading the synopsis, I expected a lot of silliness. I just didn't expect a romantic story involving aliens and time travel to be so well executed. This was the first Shomi novel that I've read, and it saddens me that Shomi novels are no longer being published. Thankfully, I have other Shomi novels on hand won't wait as long to read them as I did to read Twist.

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Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It took me a a little while to get to get into this one, but once I did it was hard to put it down. At first, I had some trouble wrapping my mind around the heroine Justine's "superpower." Justine is a severe hypochondriac, and I just didn't see how that could be useful fighting crime. With Packard's help, the head of the disillusionists, she can project her fears into criminal targets in need of mental rehabilitation, causing them to have a better appreciation for life etc. That said, this was a different take on psychics, or "highcaps" as referred to in the world that Carolyn Crane has created; the author definitely gets points for originality. Thankfully, I'm glad that I have the second book in this trilogy readily available as there was some hint of an upcoming love triangle, and I'd like to see how that turns out.

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Ghost of a Chance by Yasmine Galenorn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It took me a little while to get into this book. I even thought about putting it on hold, and picking it up at a later date. I'm glad I stuck with it, because the story was well worth it. I loved the fact that the heroine- Emerald O'brien was an almost 40 yr old, single mother of 2 children, who owned her own business. Sometimes its nice to read about a heroine who's a little more mature. I like the setting that Galenorn created too. I think fans of paranormal cozy mysteries would really enjoy this one.

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Somber Island by T. Lynne Tollis

Somber Island by T. Lynne Tolles


Based on the synopsis, I thought Somber Island had the makings of a great historical/ paranormal romance/ Cinderella-ish, gothic tale, but it just fell short for me. I think that if it were longer, the story could've been better developed, and the events flushed out. Things were happening too quickly, without any follow up to some major events that had taken place. Perhaps a prologue giving a back story on the hero, the villain etc, could've added to the mystery; and a little more background on the heroine would've added some depth to her character so the reader could actually care what happened to her. Not only was the heroine Phoebe just silly at times, so was the hero, the villain, and even the supporting characters. That said, the cover is just beautiful; if I could give it 5 stars for the cover alone, I would.

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Just wanted to share.....

These are some motivational quotes that I received via email the other day. Enjoy! "Knowing others is wisdom; knowing the self is enlightenment." -- Tao Te Ching ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "The true profession of man is to find his way to himself." -- Hermann Hesse

Black Ice (Ice #1) by Anne Stuart

I finished reading this one, and I loved it! I'd even like to see Black Ice turned into a movie. At first I was thinking that Bastien was a real a$$hole, and that there wasn't ANYTHING he could do to redeem himself. But then things kept happening, and then we get a glimpse into his background, including his childhood, so it was easier to accept him, and appreciate him for being the flawed, dangerously bad ass hero he was as the story progressed. There were some major twists just when I thought I knew what was happening; and I love it when that happens! I was pleasantly surpirsed with some events that had taken place near the end. The hero in Cold As Ice (Ice #2) is Peter Jensen, one the operatives in Black Ice. My curiosity about Peter's character was certainly peaked near the end of this book. I'm definitely moving forward with Anne Stuart's Ice series!

Shadowfever (Fever, #5) by Karen Marie Moning

The Fever series is on my favorite series, and I'm sorry to see it end. I'm looking forward to the spin-off series, which is set in the same world that KMM has created. Overall, I was happy with the way this series ended. There were some very unexpected twists and turns, and some things that I thought were predictable. As is expected with a lot of serial books this size, there was a lot of rehashing of what happened in prior books. That said, everything was resolved, and all of the questions that I had throughout this series were answered. I gave it 4/5 stars because I became annoyed with Mac's constant introspection. That said, Mac is still one of my favorite heroines, and I'm sorry to see this wonderful series end, but at least it ended well. :(

In the Eye of the Beholder by Sharon E. Cathcart

It was ok. Erik was just too different from what I remember. I remember him being guarded, and a bit arrogant in the original by Gaston Leroux, but there were just times when he just cruel towards Claire.  I found myself rooting for the heroine- Claire though; after everything she'd been through - being an over thirty independent thinker in a society that doesn't value women, losing her father and having to have and unknown male relative control her assets, losing her fiancee

, and then putting up with Erik, how could I not?! I'd most certainly recommend this one to POTO fans. It was nice to read a "sequel" and for those wondering how Erik fared after Christine Daae, might feel like they've gotten some sort of closure.

Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson (Book 1)

I would describe this book as "paranormal chick-lit." In addition to being a quick, and easy read, it was funny, and the characters were likeable. It was so refreshing to read a story where the humor wasn't overdone, and the heroine wasn't a total air-head in need of constant saving, or an extreme tough girl. In fact, all the characters were "just right" in my opinion. I'll most likely be reading the next installment in this series sooner rather than later.

Don't Bring Home a White Boy by Karyn Langhorne Folan

I thought this one was ok. I really enjoyed reading the historical info the author provided. In fact, I was inspired to go and my research. I think the author, and the persons interviewed for the book provided some helpful tips to that can be applied to any relationship, not just interracial couples. I appreciated the way the Langorne Folan tackled issues such sexism, and domestic abuse etc, and made a point of saying that "all" at one time or another in their lives may encounter such issues. But at the same time, addressed issues that I believe black american women in particular face as well. For example, the 3 main stereotypical media images of "Mammy, Jezebel, and Sapphire", and issues that are unique to black women/white male couples in this country (United States), and the history of such relationships. I don't know that all persons involved in an interracial relationship need to read this, but it can only help. Overall, I thought this was an excellent book,and I look forward to reading the author's essays etc as soon as I get the chance.

Beauty & the Geek: I Heart Geeks by Janet Eckford

Silly me! I didn't realize that this one is an erotic short story when I bought it.  That said, I really enjoyed it. I loved the heroine, and  loved, loved, loved the hero! When I finished reading it, I thought "what a great couple!" In my opinion,  it was well written for an erotic novella.  There was actual romancing, and a build up of sexual tension that I find is often lacking in full length erotic novels; not to mention erotic novella's. Overall, a great combination of the "sweet" and the "erotic".  So, I loved it!  I'd recommend Beauty & the Geek to  readers that: 1) prefer the geeky, but sexy hero and 2) enjoy reading interracial romance.  I'll definitely be looking for more of Janet Eckford's work.  Wow!  I am so glad that my first read for the New Year was a good one!!