It's All about the Wolves for Me

Hanging out and chatting on Goodreads you sure get a lot of great recommendations but what happens when you burn out? When you go through your TBR lists of hundreds of books and just shrug and say I just don't feel like any of them .  Now what happens? You know you can go for more than 2 days without reading or the world will end, but what to read?  This is something I've heard several times in my own little corner of Goodreads. When you have over 3000 members giving you suggestions and you keep saying nah...then throwing yourself in a chair in a snit, you have to wonder if you have some kind of book S.A.D.S. ...

There are plenty of wonderful books out there and more being released all the time.  So what do we do?  The most common cure is to read something outside your normal genre, basically take a break from romance.  I know, like..no happily ever after?? wow that is going out of the comfort zone.  So do you tiptoe in to part of the genre you don't normally read?  Historical Romance, young adult, new adult or even suspense, with this we know there is at least a good chance of a HEA.  Maybe, you decide to push your limits and go into heavy erotic romance, a few girls did that then asked for bleach to wash their eyes out from trying to picture what was going on in the books. (chickens)  So now what?   Rent a movie?  watch tv? or *gasp* take a walk.

I personally had this issue last summer and I mean for the entire summer.  I just couldn't get enthusiastic over any book. I have to admit I was accused of being cranky ..yes me! cranky..I know I couldn't believe it either LOL.  I did however find a cure for my book lethargy ..it was a well loved series and audio-books   That is right I spent the entire summer listening to every single Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter book.  I have reread this series several times and every time I do there is something I got that I missed the other times.  Listening to it was like it became a whole new series.  I was once again enjoying the series as if it was the first time and again fell in love with Anita and all her men..yes even Edward I suppose, not sure about Richard. *grin*

So my burn lead me to a brand new media for books and I find I enjoy my rereads on audio-books immensely, it has become my preferred method of rereading a series.  I have suggested this to several of my Kick'n friends and they too are enjoying the gift of audio-books 

As we come to the end of January I have to admit this month has been all about Shifters and a reread (listen) to Kerrelyn Spark's, Love at Stake series.  The first series I turned to was the Halle Pumas by Dana Marie Bell.  I didn't realize this novels where short but so incredibly enjoyable I just couldn't stop there.  My darling bestie Bookie then told me the follow up series Halle Shifters was about Bear shifters and I was sold...*if you know me at all you will know I am completely bear crazy*  The Halle Shifters were longer and had more depth to them which I really enjoyed, the other thing I loved...other than the Bear shifters is that DMB brought the characters from the Halle Puma series into the Halle Shifter books so it was almost like a continuous read.  Dana Marie Bell then had the nerve to introduce wolves!


Handsome, alpha wolves ..and had the courage to start her Poconos Wolves series with a M/M love story.  No not graphic, it was a true, sweet love story between 2 characters you met in the shifters books and I adored it but like all good things I read all the books, the vignettes that DMB had on her website..and was done until her next book.  *sigh* now what...more shifters is what.  Several years a go  I stumbled on some Harlequin Nocturne books by Bonnie Vanak that I loved and remembered I had always wanted to go and find the complete series and I did .   I am currently reading the Draicon Wolves by Bonnie Vanak and loving them.  Bonnie has a whole different look at werewolves and their origins and behaviors   The enemy she has created for them is incredibly powerful and brings the action and suspense level up to a boil.  I have read the .05 book and am almost done the 1st book and I can't wait to find out what happens in the rest of the story.

So, how has the year started out for you?  Are you experiencing readers block?  What are you doing to dig yourself out of the pit of book lethargy?  Have you stumbled into a sub-genre of your favorite genre that you have only superficially explored?   Whats going on in your January?   Let me know:)...oh btw have you listened to a good book yet?

Cynful (Halle Shifters #2)

Cynful (Halle Shifters, #2)
by Dana Marie Bell

Read from January 21 to 22, 2013

Action! Adventure! WereBears!!!! Werewolves!! and Pumas! OH MY!!! oh and don't forget the Foxes!

Description:

To save the woman he loves, he must push his gifts to the brink.

Julian DuCharme, a rare Spirit Bear with legendary healing powers, is finally free from the threat of death, finally free to claim his mate—but she’s not having it. While his Bear screams it’s time to mate, the love of his life wants to date.

Holding his Bear in check while convincing her he’s not out to control her won’t be easy. She’s stubborn and a closeted geek—in other words, perfect for him.

Cynthia “Cyn” Reyes, owner of Living Art Tattoos, thinks Julian is the hottest thing on two legs. That doesn’t mean she’s going to roll over for his masculine charm. She watched her mother flounder when her father passed away, and she’s determined to never lose herself to someone else. Not even a man who would jump the moon for her, if she asked that of him.

When the women of Living Art are targeted by a killer, Julian doesn't think twice about pouring out his last drop of power
to keep Cyn safe. But it’s Cyn who’ll give up everything—her independence, even her humanity—to keep a terrifying vision
from coming true.

One of his death.

Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, graphic language, a tattooed heroine and the Bear who loves her. Maybe he’ll finally convince her to tattoo him with “Property of Cyn”

My Thoughts:

Each book I read in the Halle Puma then Halle Shifters sagas I fall a little more in love with all the characters. The fact that DMB works them all back into the stories even if it is just a short visit. It is fabulous to see them in this full length novel we are able to get more in depth with both the characters and the story. I love all the small nuances that have been weaved into the characters we have met in past books. How this characters interact with our new characters also help us learn more about the new characters as we come across them in story lines. This plot gives me everything I look for in a book suspense, mystery, laughs, danger all written with characters I have become emotionally attached to and in a "world" where it all makes sense. I think this is my favorite DMB book and I really hope to see more of her Halle books soon!

If you are looking for a quirky, witty, funny, fast paced romp this book will surely give it to you. I give it a sold 4.5 stars and much love. I hope you join me in the discovery of a wonderful series.

Angry, upset and disappointed..should I keep reviewing?

Most of you know that I am a dedicated reviewer of every book I read, most of my reviews appear on Goodreads and/or on Amazon.  I always try to be upfront and honest in my reviews, I am never personal or disrespectful to the author and I try to explain in detail why I gave the rating I gave.  

Recently, I experienced something that I have heard is happening more and more on Goodreads and I confess I didn't like it one bit.  I recently gave a review of  a book that an author was doing as a read a long in a group I moderate. I gave it 3.5 stars which I don't think is really a bad review.  I was later in a discussion in the same group as the read a long and used this book as an example for a point I was trying to make in the discussion.  The author of the book in question jumped onto the thread to disagree with my opinion.  That is ok I believe everyone has the right to express their thoughts, however this author then proceeded to take this comment out of context and put it on her blog using my user name and also using the name of another member of the group.  On this blog she then started ripping apart my opinion and asking others to agree with her.  I was ok with this..not happy but not too bent out of shape. However, if she as going to use a comment in her blog she should have respected the person who's post she was repeating and also respect the group who allowed her to do an author read a long. She should never have printed my name or the name of the other person in the conversation.  This author also posted links to the blog in both the discussion thread and the read a long thread trying to recruit people over to her side. To make matters worse, a few days later this same author took another of my quotes from a different discussion thread in the same group, out of context again and I did not mention her book at all  and started her own group on Goodreads and used this comment to start a discussion.

I don't have a problem with her starting her own group many authors do this to solicit opinions and give the readers an opportunity to discuss books with the authors.  I do however resent her once again using one of my quotes to do battle against.  This time she did not mention my name however once again she took the quote out of context of the conversation it was made in. How is this respecting a group and members of the group who gave her the opportunity to do a read along?  This group has 3000 members so this is a wonderful marketing tool for an author.   

There has been a lot of author push back lately on Goodreads and in blogs from authors who did not like a review or comments made about thier book.  I feel when you write a book, just like if you write a movie or a play or a tv show once it has been published it is open to the interpretation of the reader and as a writer you need to respect that person's opinion and not push back, especially publicly.

I did not take part in further discussions in any forum about this book and I will be taking the review I have posted off  this blog as to not invite any further attacks by the author. Should I *have* to do this??? Should I not be able to write a honest, respectful review and have an expectation not to be attacked by the author. Am I not allowed to use a book I have read as an example of the point I am trying to make in a discussion?  Should I have the right when on a site like Goodreads to not have an author repost my opinions with my name without my consent?  These questions have been going through my mind for days now.  

What really surprised me through all of this is the lack of authors who commented on what was happening..  The same authors who are always begging for reviews on their books.  What make these authors think that anyone will be willing to keep reviewing books if they are going to be attacked by an author if they don't like it.  I would think these authors would step up and let the lady know that her behavior is unacceptable and that she is hurting the people they need to get the word about their books out in the reading community.  

I guess he reading world is the same as everywhere else, keep your head down, say nothing and you will keep out of trouble...nobody really cares what you think anyway.

Bitter??? you betcha!. 

Read from January 14 to 15, 2013

Fantastic read..how could you resist not one but 2 handsome twins!! I can under her confusion...read the book you'll see what I mean!

Description:

The scorching tale of one girl, two brothers and a love triangle…that’s not. Olivia Townsend is nothing special. She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business. She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple. Black and white. But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport. They’re brothers. Twins.

Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy. He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost. He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her. Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy. He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate. But he’s taken. Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin. That doesn't stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though. With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together.

Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can. But it’s too late to run. Olivia’s already involved. And in love. With both of them. Both brothers make her heart tremble. Both brothers set her body on fire. She wants them both. And they want her. How will she ever choose between them?

My Thoughts:

I have discovered a new book boyfriend Cash/Nash the twin male protagonists are the absolute dreamiest heroes I have read in a while. Ms Leighton has a way of crafting her characters and telling the story from different points of view that just grabs you and reels you in. I admit I went to bed only planning on reading a couple of chapters, at 3am this morning I put it down with about 30 pages to go...I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer but trust me putting it down was difficult. So when hubby woke me this morning, first thing I did was finish the book. A plot that is written with enough twists and turns that when you find out where it leads you are not sure if you are surprised or if you think you knew it all along. I loved Olivia I hope she gains more confidence in herself in the second book, and Cash/Nash as our angsty hero who isn't sure what to do now...is heartrendingly attractive. I think my only complaint and trust me it is small is that I would love to have seen the scene where Nash broke up with Marissa aka the bitch but I loved that he did, I was fearful that he would be trying to play them both for longer. He gained much creditably with me when he announced he broke up with her.

I have given this book at full 5 star rating because it appealed to so many parts of what I look for in a fantastic novel and I have placed on my Favorite's shelf. Now I'm off to find book 2...I *have* to know what happens next!!

Jumping on the Bandwagon

All of us who are avid readers and live for the next book know that since Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You burst into mainstream reading that we have had a number of other books come out that are trying to ride this "BDSM" wave.  The problem is ..do we care?  I mean we have read FSoG and BtY..why do we need to read some knock off duplicate of what we have already read?  There are have been a few of these books such as Up in the Air by R.K. Lilley that have caused some buzz.  To be honest I have not read this one but some of my Goodreads friends have said it was a Fifty knock off but a well written one and it would be worth picking up.  

This got me wondering, yes yes I know, always dangerous, how influenced "real" bookofiles are by mainstream publishing?  Have you found yourself looking for books with a more erotic theme and perhaps some kink?  Were you always reading this genre before and Fifty left no impression on you? 

 Or are you of the "Fifty isn't true literature and why would I want to dirty my hands with it?"  Personally I admit with my reading I do get influenced by my GR friends and their ratings.


 I often visit Gotta Have Paranormal Romance with a Kick and browse their "Read Rave Review" thread to see what people are reading and what they are buzzing about. 
What they liked and what they didn't like, the funny thing is I generally find myself checking out books they rip apart cause I can't believe anything could be that bad...and well times they really are that bad.  *wincing as she remembers Ride a Cock-horse and shudders* 

What about you?  Trendsetter? Mainstream follower? Peer pressure chooser?  or Review Reader?  Where do you fit into the bookoholic pigeon hole?  

Or is there one I have forgotten?  Let me know that too!

Gone Country

Read from January 10 to 12, 2013

My favorite steamy Cowboy romance author does it again. Lorelei James never disappoints! Get ready for another romp with the MacKays!

Description:

She’s a little bit country, and he’s…not.

Arizona businessman and long-lost McKay love child Gavin Daniels has been awarded sole custody of his teenage daughter Sierra for one year. In order to steer Sierra back on track after a brush with the law, he pulls up stakes and heads to Wyoming, looking for support from his ranching family...even if he isn't sure where they fit in the McKay dynamic. He’s prepared for every contingency with the move: the less-than-enthusiastic response from his daughter, learning to run his corporation remotely, but he’s thrown for a loop when his new housemate, Rielle, is a whole lot sexier, funnier and sassier than he remembered.

Rielle Wetzler has finally overcome the stigma of having hippie parents and being a young single mother. In the two years since she sold her ailing B&B to Gavin Daniels, she’s become financially stable running the homespun businesses she loves. But now Gavin is in Sundance to claim the house that’s rightfully his. Although Rielle knew this day would come, she isn't prepared to leave the home she built for herself and her now-grown daughter. And to further complicate matters, her long-dormant libido is definitely not ready to live with this newly buff Gavin—who isn't a cowboy, but has the take-charge attitude to prove he’s all McKay.

Sharing a roof, their troubles and their triumphs is too much temptation, and before long, Gavin and Rielle are sharing a bed. But sharing their hearts and lives forever? That’s a whole ’nother ball of wax.

Warning: Contains a feisty, independent heroine who doesn't need a man to take care of her needs outside the bedroom and a sweet, sexy and bossy hero who’s up to the challenge of proving her wrong


My Thoughts:

I love that each hero and heroine of JL's books are so different and this one particularly hit me because she had the courage once again to step out of the norm and have  "older" male and female protagonists. Rielle is 40 and Gavin is 43 one has a college aged child and the other a teenager. Yes, with a teenager as part of the story there was a bit more angst than usual but I sure am hoping that JL is setting that up for another book in the future. Out of all the Rough Rider books I think in a lot of ways this one was more *real* more *conventional* oh the living situation might not have been "conventional" but the characters certainly were. The issues they dealt with as a couple with children was very real and some of the other family relationships hit home as well. Speaking of the MacKay family it was wonderful to see most of them make an appearance somewhere in this book. I am also hoping that with Boone and Sierra finding the reason for the MacKay-West conflict that it will lead to new stories coming from history as well. JL's plots are great they always take you the long way around to the HEA and I adore that..she mixes in a bit of intergue or a desperate situation and lets her lovers take their time finding love. I can't wait to see if Gavin, Rielle and the gang show up in the next novel!

4 bright and shiney stars for book 14 of the Rough Rider series. I highly recommend this book for those who love a good cowboy or a good man related to cowboys:)

Rereading: Do you love meeting your favorite characters again?

Like so many of us Bookofiles (not sure if that is a word) we love to read.  Some of us will read anything we can get our hands on, others stick with one genre, but who of us do rereads? I was thinking about this partially because in 2012 and a much loved friend introduced me to audio-books  and it has fast become my favorite venue of rereading.

 I was never a big reread fan.  I was always on to the next book, unless I was going through books like crazy and didn't have the money or time to get new ones.  When I was 10 I had to wait til my Grandmother was done her Harlequin Romances before I could grab them to read so I created a small cache of favorites that I would read over and over.  I also would go back and just reread the last couple chapters so I could experience the happily ever after endings again.


 I then grew up and at 13 I discovered Piers Anthony and he opened a whole new world of Xanth for me and I fell into reading fantasy after Xanth, it was The Dragons of Pern and Anne McCaffrey which to this day remains a favorite.  I read fantasy for years then in my early 20s I discovered the wonderful world of mystery/suspense and pyscho thrillers and I would get lost in solving crimes, try to spot the traitor, Russian submarines and handsome policemen.  This is when I started what I call author reading.  I would find an author that I loved and buy up every book they wrote but I confess I missed my romance.

 Several years ago I found myself suddenly housebound and bored outta my mind when a good friend dropped off some movies to watch.  One of these movies was Twilight.  Now Twilight in my opinion was not a great movie...in fact in some places it was "bad", however I was intrigued and decided to see if it was based on a book.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the rest of the world had found these books and there was a Twi horde taking over the world.  I traveled to my local Costco and purchased all 4 books and read them, then read them again, Re-watched the movie..ok maybe it wasn't so bad. Then read them again.  I had heard Facebook someone talking about True Blood and I was off to buy the entire Southern Vampire series and read it...then reread it ..and read it again.

 I loved these books not just cause the stories for some reason spoke to me but also because they ignited in me the need to read more paranormal romance.  It was like going back to childhood and combining my love of romance and my love of fantasy.  It was shortly after this that I found Goodreads and a whole new world of books opened up ...oh yes and I bought an e reader .books at the click of a mouse. Suddenly I had hundreds of books at my finger tips not only with the online book stores but the local library had a fairly decent selection of eBooks  I figured I would never reread a book again.  I was wrong.  Certain series just call for a reread and when I hit a reading slump I still go back to my favorite series and  reread them find that I still adore them. Now that I have discovered audio-books I find I like to listen to books I have enjoyed as a read.  It is like reading them again for the first time.  I have listened to my darling Anita Blake and pined for Bones with my beloved Cat and loved them even more.

 I am currently listening to Love at Stake and once again am enjoying it actually even more than I did the read, the visuals my mind creates while listening is wonderful and I am finding more humor in the books than I did as a read.  So I have to confess I am a re-reader   Perhaps not to the extent as some of my GR friends but I know when I find a favorite I start looking for the Audio-book ..Are you a re-reader or are you on to the next book in a world of books at your finger tips?

Biting Cold

Read from September 23 to 27, 2012


He's BACK!!! And they are together ..or are they? Then again??? Read and find out!!!

Description:

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined.And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhuman  Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed.

No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.

My Thoughts:

An author who takes chances, changes characters, kills characters, makes good guys bad guys and bad guys good guys, leaves the reader *needing* to read the next novel and counting down the days.   The answer?  Chloe Neill.  In this installment of Chicagoland Vampires everything changes, life from ashes, evil from tears, characters who were secondary become main characters or did they? The talented Miss Neill just keeps her readers twisting and turning.  It is almost a love hate relationship LOL.. Her hero is so flawed you wanna smack him and heroine occasionally needs a shake but the fact that you feel so strongly about them shows you how wonderful Chloe is at crafting her characters. Her secondary characters grow with each book at times overshadowing the main characters but that is what makes this series so interesting.  Her plots are fast paced and you have to pay attention to what you are reading or you would be lost. The famous cliffhangers are maddening however you are first in line to preorder the next book and just wish she would write faster.  What I do like is that she resolves the cliffhanger in the book fairly quickly so we can go on to have the plot grow and twist in another direction. Hands down Chloe Neill is one of the best writers in Urban Fantasy today and I for one can't wait until the next book is out! I need me my Ethan fix:)


Sparkly 5 star rating,and a warning to readers...if you have to miss a Chicagoland Vampire book..don't miss this one...it is wonderful. If you haven't yet met Merit and Ethan don't deprive yourself any longer...this is a series worth the read.

I was asked for it...and so Here it is Favorite Books&Series

Several of my Goodreads friends have been bugging me to post my favorite books of 2012  and all time favorite series.  So I decided on sharing my Favorite 10 books and my favorite 16 Series.  These change all the time since I am "always" reading and discovering new talent.

You will find I have pretty eclectic tastes in my stand a lone books but they all have hit me in the heart at some point.

t'irla's top 10 favorite books of all time  for now!

These books are in no particular order because they are all great books.  Some of them I have reviews posted other I haven't had a chance yet to get them up but reviews are available for all book on Goodreads
.

Only book to ever make me actually sob and the best book Tymber Dalton has written.  Although BDSM had a minor role in the book it was more about relationships and different kinds of love.  A MUST read !



                                            My next one is Ink by Isabelle Rowan a wonderful PNR-M/M novel that is more about the relationship than the sex. If you are a new reader of M/M this is a great book for you to give a read.  Michael is one of the sexest...anyway read it.. Isabelle Rowan is known for her romance based M/M and this Aussie author needs a much higher profile for her wonderful writing.

One of the nicest authors I know brought this series to my attention during a Q&A on kick and then chatted away with us.  She is funny, sociable and writes wonderful books. This book is from her series called "Dream Man" but this is the book that I loved and would read as a stand a lone and actually have ..the main male character starts out as a real dickhead but keep reading I know you will love him as much as I do! Although PS Kristen..I don't like the covers LOL not that it matters:)

I have reviewed the next book here at t'irla's talk recently so all I'm going to say is I can't wait for the next book to be out.  I'm excited for your success Jamie McGuire

Don't let the title of the next one put you off. It is a little known book that once again is PNR with odd flavors of M/M and everything else but is also a New Adult book in  most ways.. The novel is quirky and different and mind altering, and crazy and just a great read.  The writing is good but the character crafting is was makes this book a winner for me.

The next few I won't say much about you can read what I think in my reviews but they all speak to me in different ways.  Again some of them are fairly undiscovered and I'm doing my best to bring these great books to light.  Want to hear more..read my reviews of Modern Love Story, On Dublin Street, and Butterfly Tattoo.

Hair of the Dog (yes the title is unfortunate and I wish they would consider changing it) is another off center PNR-M/M but with Suspense  again two fairly new authors and one great book.  A very different tale of turning Wolf that kept me reading all night.  It was cute, funny with steam and a great story.  Now there were some inconstancies  in the book and it could have used a better editor but crafting characters and plot like Kane&James do makes you know that future books are going to be amazing.  Give this a try it is worth it.




I loved Blushing Violet for what it could have been if it had been a longer book, at 160 pages there wasn't enough pages to really build this story the way it deserved and yet I loved it.  It was sweet and sexy and romantic.  Turn off your reality switch and just enjoy this wonderful love story.


For my favorite Series I'm just going to list them because I'm sure I will be reviewing or discussing most of these series as t'irla talks goes along.  So in no particular order join me in

My Favorite 16 Series of all time um..er  For now!

1.Night Huntress/Night Prince by Jeaniene Frost

2. Gabriel's Inferno/Rapture by Sylvain Reynard

3. Rock Chicks by Kristen Ashley

4. Elemental Mysteries by Elizabeth Hunter

5. Anita Blake Vampire Hunter by Laurell K Hamilton

6. Love at Stake by Kerrelyn Sparks

7. Immortals After Dark by Kelsey Cole

8. Rough Riders by Lorelei James

9. Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill

10. Vampires in America by DB Reynolds

11. New Species by Laurann Dohnr

12. Breeds by Lora Leigh

13. Masters of Shadowland/ Dark Haven by Cherise Sinclair

14. Pride by Shelly Laurenston

15. Scanguard Vampmires by Tina Folsom

16. Demonica by Larissa Ione

I hope some of you join me in enjoying my favorite reads and that you share with me the books you read over and over again and have to be first in line to buy when a new book comes out. 

Have a great 2013 full of good books and new authors! Cheers!

Butterfly Tattoo

Read from May 05 to 07, 2012

What an incredibly sweet story! Loved it.

Description:

Just when the darkness seems permanent, fate flips a switch. Michael Warner has been drifting in a numb haze since his lover was killed by a drunk driver. As the anniversary of the wreck approaches, Michael's grief grows more suffocating. Yet he must find a way through the maze of pain and secrets to live for their troubled young daughter who struggles with guilt that she survived the crash. Out of the darkness comes a voice, a lifeline he never expected to find-Rebecca O'Neill, a development executive in the studio where Michael works as an electrician. Rebecca, a former sitcom celebrity left scarred from a crazed fan's attack, has retreated from the limelight and from life in general, certain no man can ever get past her disfigurement. The instant sparks between her and Michael, who arrives to help her during a power outage, come as a complete surprise-and so does her uncanny bond with his daughter. For the first time, all three feel compelled to examine their inner and outer scars in the light of love. But trust is hard to come by, especially when you're not sure what to believe when you look in the mirror. The scars? Or the truth? Warning: This title contains a three-hankie redemptive romance, a man with a complicated past, a heroine who's stronger than she knows, and tender, explicit sex scenes that may just break your heart-and make you believe in love once again.

My Thoughts:

Wow, what a beautifully written book. An emotional wringer, at times uncomfortable but always good. Ms Knight tells her story through both of the MCs view point using alternating chapters to switch POV. This refreshingly different book takes us through the impossible love story of two broken people and a broken little girl. The characters are well rounded and easy to connect with and empathize. The supporting characters were not as rounded but some like Casey brought out strong feelings. Now you maybe looking for steamy sex scenes but you are not going to get it in this but you will get an unconventional, realistic love story. When the book started I thought it was going to be a m/m story but no..it is a story about love having no boundaries, your heart finds what it needs. I finished the book last night but it is so clear in my mind and I am still thinking about aspects of it. The book is not so much a romance as it is a slow building love story that overcomes convention, pigeon holing, expectation and explores different kinds of love and how it  "fixes"  all those involved. I will be putting this on my favorite shelf...a deeply moving story.

5 golden stars for this excellent book and I encourage anyone who loves a emotional love story, a HEA with unusual pitfalls along the way. I'm filing this book beside A Modern Love story and Beautiful Disaster on my favorites shelf.

A Resolution and a Coke????

2013 will be a year of pain and gain for me.  After waiting 4 years I will finally be getting my knee replacements. So with 2 surgeries ahead I know I will have to go through the pain to gain my life back.  I intend to work hard to get back my full mobility.  I certainly don't need to make a New Years resolution with regard to this..or do I??? Lets see I started a diet in October to help me lose weight in hopes of making my recovery better.  In November I hired a physiotherapist/personal trainer to work with me twice a week to get my muscles back in shape to prepare for my surgery.  By December 1st I was cheating, it started with a little here and a little there, lunch out, fast food was easier and ohhhh chocolate then as a self confessed cokaholic it was well just one coke...and I was off the diet.  I did however keep up with my personal trainer twice a week and my hydrotherapy/water exercise twice a week.  So do I start with the weight loss New Year's resolution??

I look back over the last paragraph and I talk about me me me and although I joke and tell friends "it is all about me" I don't really live that way.  So, I started thinking maybe I need to make a resolution that would effect other people.  I could stay off Goodreads and actually do some house cleaning that would make my husband happy.  I could go visit my parents more often, that would make them happy.  I could volunteer my time somewhere that would be truly altruistic.  I grab a coke, and ponder more wiping the crumbs from a banana nut muffin from my mouth.  I'm thinking I won't last a week with all these resolutions.  Ok, Ok the volunteer one I could prolly last until February when I have my first surgery. So maybe not great resolutions.

Grabbing another coke, (remember addict) I thought harder (caffeine and sugar does that to me) and I started to wonder if I could make a personal resolution but have it effect other people.  Ok, I might be on to something here...I could have more charitable thoughts for others, I could wear makeup once in a while, I could smile more, I could present a happier face better attitude to the world.



 Yes,  maybe this would be better and have a resolution I could keep.  I am going to be a better person in 2013.  This is a win, win for everyone and  if I am a better person I will feel better about myself and there fore I will lose weight, I mean after all it is "all about me". *grin*

My 2013 New Years Resolution:  I am going to try to be a better person.