Review: Night Swimming by Laura Moore

Title: Night Swimming
Author: Laura Moore
Published: April 29, 2003
Publisher: Ivy Books
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 422
Source: Public Library
Characters: Lily Banyon, Sean McDermott
My Rating:

Synopsis

The deeper you dive, the sweeter the reward

When college offered an escape, Lily fled her hometown of Coral Beach and never looked back. Now a marine biologist, she must return there on a job to preserve the reefs that give the town its name. But going back means dealing with her past, her family, and worst of all, Sean McDermott. As teens, while Lily passed through an especially awkward phase, Sean—attractive and self-assured—was her constant tormentor. Lily doubts that things will have changed. But Lily’s awkward phase is long over . . . and though she finds that Sean still makes her blood boil, it’s for very different reasons.

As mayor, Sean knows how important it is to maintain the town’s natural beauty—and if the return of Lily Banyon is the price he has to pay, so be it. He can overlook her cold shoulder and give back as good as he gets. What’s harder to disregard is the fact that Lily has grown into a smart and beautiful woman, as passionate about saving Coral Beach as she once was about leaving it. While working closely together, it becomes obvious to Sean that if he and Lily can put the past behind them, they could have a passionate future. . .

The "idea" of the book was great! Two people who have secretly been in love with each other for 10 years unbeknownst to the other. But upon reading it, it fell flat for me. The only interaction I really enjoyed between Lily and Sean were in the flashback scenes. To me that part of their relationship was more interesting. There was a lot of miscommunication and assumptions by both parties.

The subplot with the reef study was too long and dry, and I found myself skimming the majority those aspects. Also, Lily's relationship with her mother was also lacking. With Lily and her mother, Kaye, having problems in the past, I wasn't expect such a quick fix to those problems.

After reading Remember Me, I was expecting more from this author. But since this is one of her earlier works, I didn't hold it against her. I will continue to read this author, as a matter of fact I have In Your Eyes sitting on my shelf to be read and Believe In Me on my wishlist.

Spotlight: Honeymoon of the Dead by Tate Hallaway

Each Monday, I thought I would try and spotlight a different book that I find interesting from reading the blurb. This week I'm spotlighting Honeymoon of the Dead by Tate Hallaway. I've never read this author before, but the blurbs and the titles sound interesting. Amazon has this book listed as one of the New & Notable, so it may be worth checking out.

Title: Honeymoon of the Dead

Author: Tate Hallaway

Published: May 4, 2010

The Blurb

In wintry Wisconsin, occult bookseller-and witch-Garnet Lacey isn't immune to the cold. But even though her new vampire husband doesn't actually have a pulse, love will keep them warm-if the honeymoon doesn't drive them apart.

Thanks to a vengeful frost demon, instead of a gothic honeymoon in Transylvania, Garnet and Sebastian are stuck in exotic Minneapolis, Minnesota. And with gods and goddesses running amok all over town, Garnet can't seem to find much quality time for her new hubby...

In My Mailbox: Volume 1 Issue 7

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

I'll try to post an entry of IMM every Sunday that I receive books by mail of that week.

Listed below are the books I received this week.

Books via Public Library

Hero at Large by Janet Evanovich
The Trouble with Magic by Madelyn Alt

Books via Half Price Books

Why Men Marry Some Women and Not Others by John T. Molloy
Be Honest - You're Not That Into Him Either by Ian Kerner
Auctioned: An Invitation Erotic Odyssey by Kimberly Kaye Terry

On My Wishlist: Volume 1 Issue 7

On my Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City. I'll try to participate in this meme each week either on Saturday or Sunday. I will be posting books that I haven't bought yet or have not been released yet.

Title: Wrapped in Seduction

Author: Jodi Lynn Copeland, Lisa Renee Jones, Cathryn Fox Published: November 3, 2009

Publisher: NAL Heat

It's that time of year when nights are longer, passions run hotter, and for three sisters, naughty wishes come true...

Three sisters. Three wishes. And one hot Christmas in this sizzling collection of novellas from today's most popular erotic authors...

Holly's come home for the holidays, ready to enjoy a few cozy weeks of small-town life. But a fling with a local stranger heats up the nights. When she discovers the stranger's secret ties to her own family, he ends up Wrapped in Holly.

The one man Rachel wants is strictly off limits, so she agrees to keep her distance-until he dresses up as old St. Nick and stirs a playful fantasy in Rachel. Maybe it's the black leather boots. Or the soft fur and red velvet. Whatever it is, she's Hot for Santa. A broken engagement has left Tori feeling the Christmas blues when she returns to her welcoming family for the holiday. There's no better way to chase those blues away than with an old flame who sparks a new passion and leaves Tori feeling Mistletoe Bliss.

Title: Just Between Friends

Author: Dakota Trace

Published: November 19, 2008
Publisher: Excessica Publishing

Seth Anderson and Isabella Carnetti have been best friends since grade school. They live and work next to each other and are content with the status quo until the day that Seth realizes that Isabella is a desirable woman. She is leery of a relationship with him especially when she finds out he’s into tying up his lovers. He won’t rest until he has her in his bed. Then his ex shows up wanting to win him back. Can Seth and Bella have a relationship or will Seth’s ex be enough to tear them apart?

Friday 56: Animal Attraction by Charlene Teglia

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Tonya @ Storytime With Tonya and Friends. Check out the rules and join in the fun.

Rules:

• Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
• Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
• Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

If I was the lone female werewolf in the area, I wasn't just a target to prospective mates. I was also a target for pack enemies, and that included the rogue wolves who'd split off. Even if I knew how to handle the transition of shifting from human to wolf form and mastered the instincts and abilities that went along with that, even if I could trust myself not to hurt somebody, it would be dumb to rob myself of twelve devoted bodyguards.

Animal Attraction by Charlene Teglia

Book Blogger Hop: May 28-31, 2010

It's Book Blogger Hop time! Check out Crazy-For-Books to sign up and find more great blogs.

ABOUT THE HOP:

In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all book bloggers and readers a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! So, I created this weekly BOOK PARTY where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start PARTYING!!

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews. And if that's how you found my blog, please leave a comment to let me know. Sign up and start hopping!

Review: Love is a Four-Legged Word by Kandy Shepherd

Title: Love is a Four Legged Word
Author: Kandy Shepherd
Published: July 7, 2009
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 328
Source: Public Library
Characters: Madeline Cartwright, Tom O'Brien
My Rating:

Synopsis

Tom O’Brien is close to making partner at the hottest law firm in San Francisco, provided his newest client doesn’t foul things up. Brutus Stoddard is rich and spoiled, craves attention, and drools. The fact that he’s a dog doesn’t help matters.

Brutus has inherited a multimillion-dollar estate from his late owner, as well as a pretty guardian named Madeline Cartwright, professional chef and the eccentric old man’s surrogate granddaughter. Tom finds her—and her culinary creations— irresistible.

If Tom is to get that promotion, he has to maintain the terms of the will. That means keeping both Brutus and Maddy happy. He’s trying his hardest to keep the arrangement professional, but with two clients this adorable, Tom’s suddenly craving a different kind of partnership altogether.

This was a very light, funny read. So if something deep is what you're looking for, then this isn't it. But it is a very cute story. I'll definitely be reading Kandy's next book, Home is Where the Bark Is. Although Maddy sometimes came across as a little flighty, I did enjoy the dynamic between her and Tom. The attraction between the two of them was instant, but they didn't act on it immediately. Upon first meeting, Tom believed Maddy to be the mistress of Walter, the millionaire who left his fortune to Maddy to care for his dog Brutus. And Maddy believed Tom to be rather uptight.

The plot moved along pretty quickly, so I didn't end up have pages to skim. Jerome, the greedy relative, added some extra action to the storyline. And Serena, Maddy's best friend, also added to the story. It would be nice if we also get to see Tom's mother, Helen find love. I look forward to seeing what else the author has in store in the future.

Another Off Topic...

Since I'm always spending so much money on books whenever I notice one that catches my eye, or one by a favorite author that's not in my collection, I've been trying to budget better. So I happened upon this site while trying to find a FREE alternative to Quicken.

I've only been using these site for 2 days now, but I've completely fallen in love with it. It's Mint.com! All you do is link your accounts, such as savings, checking, etc. and it puts together a monthly budget for you or you can enter in your own budget perameters. Mint will create pie charts and bar graphs to illustrate how and where you spend your money.

But don't just take my word for it, here are some videos to let you get a look for yourself.

Waiting on Wednesday: Volume 1 Issue 7

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. It is showcases upcoming releases of books that I'm looking forward to. It is somewhat similar to one of my previous posts, Anxiously Awaiting.

Title: Home is Where the Bark Is

Author: Kandy Shepherd

Release Date: July 6, 2010

The Blurb

Former model Serena Oakley has opened Paws-A-While, a doggy daycare and spa in San Francisco. When a ruggedly handsome client walks in, holding a Yorki-Poo too dainty for his personality, Serena knows something's not right.

Undercover PI Nick Whalen has followed a series of identity frauds to Serena and is determined to dig up secrets he's certain she is hiding. Despite their mutual distrust, Nick and Serena find themselves bonding over an injured, orphaned dog. And soon they're arousing more than just suspicions. But will the pair trust in love enough to thwart a danger circling too close to home?

Teaser Tuesday: Night Swimming by Laura Moore

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading. To participate, all you have to do is the following:

• Grab your current/upcoming read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2-3 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers! (You do not want to ruin the book for others.)

Share the title & author so that others who enjoy your "teaser" may add the book to their TBL pile.

His hands began to knead the nape of her neck, and Lily's limbs turned to jelly. "You and I have unfinished business. By my count, I owe you two orgasms."

page 265; Night Swimming by Laura Moore


Please leave a comment with a link back to your teaser posts or post your teaser in my comment section if you do not have a blog.

Review: Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Title: Savor the Moment (Bride Quartet, #3)
Author: Nora Roberts
Published: April 27, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 352
Source: Public Library
Characters: Laurel McBane, Delaney Brown
My Rating:

Synopsis

New Love takes the cake in the third novel in Nora Roberts's new Bride Quartet-in a stunning French flap edition

Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood.

But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her-or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her-leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del-she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever...

I've been a fan of this series since the very first book. I loved all the weddings, the cakes, and the flowers, but I didn't love Laurel and Delaney. From the previous books, I felt that there was great potential for these two characters. But I felt let down by this story compared to the other two. There just didn't seem to be any substance to Del and Laurel's relationship. I just can't put my finger on it, but something was definitely missing.

Laurel has been in love with Del since forever, but he is unaware of this fact. She kisses him one day and apparently that changes everything for him. That didn't seem very believable to me, for it to change so drastically for him. To me, they came across as friends who happen to be sleeping together instead of two people in love with each other.

I am looking forward to reading Parker's story. I did enjoy her interaction with Malcolm. I'm hoping Happy Ever After is as great as the first two books.

Spotlight: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

Each Monday, I thought I would try and spotlight a different book that I find interesting from reading the blurb. This week I'm spotlighting The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. I've never read this author before, but I've seen a couple of the movies based on his books. I've been seeing the previews for this movie lately, and seems somewhat interesting. With some books, the movie may be better than the book or the book better than the movie.

Title: The Last Song

Author: Nicholas Sparks
Published: September 2009

The Blurb

Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in every one's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.

The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.

Off Topic, But...

I know this is off the topic of books, but here are some new tv shows that I'm looking forward to this Fall 2010 Season. What new shows are you looking forward to seeing?

NBC

The Event

Love Bites

FOX

Mixed Signals

ABC

Body of Proof

No Ordinary Family

The Whole Truth

In My Mailbox: Volume 1 Issue 6

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

I'll try to post an entry of IMM every Sunday that I receive books by mail of that week.

Listed below are the books I received this week.

Books via Public Library

Shattered by Karen Robards

Night Swimming by Laura Moore

Hounding the Pavement by Judi McCoy

Books via PaperBack Swap

Broken H by J.L. Langley

Dark Elves: Salvation by Jet Mykles

Books purchased via Public Library

Amy Butler's in Stitches: More than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects