Review: I Gave You My Heart, but You Sold It Online by Dixie Cash

I Gave You My Heart, but You Sold It Online
Dixie Cash {Myspace}
Series: Domestic Equalizers #3
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: September 1, 2007
Format: Audio Book
Source: Public Library
Genre: Contemporary
Characters: Allison Barker, Taggert Freeman, Quint Matthews, Debbie Sue Overstreet, Edwina Perkins
My Rating:

Heat Level: 1/5
Synopsis:

To single mom Allison Barker, men are a heap of heartbreak. So when her twelve-year-old daughter confesses that she's posted Allison's profile on an Internet matchmaking service and has been pretending to be her mom, Allison hits the roof . . . just before the doorbell rings. Standing on the porch is her date—he's Hollywood handsome and all male and he looks somehow familiar.

Turns out he's famed ProRodeo bull-riding champion Quint Matthews. He whisks Allison off to dinner, but it's not Quint who captures her interest—it's his old friend, rodeo bull fighter Tag Freeman.

But Quint's got something—or rather, someone, more on his mind than Allison—because the very next day he's off to visit Debbie Sue Overstreet. Debbie Sue was once taken in by Quint's sky-blue eyes and tight jeans, but that was before she remarried the best-looking man in Texas, Buddy Overstreet. When Quint turns up at Debbie Sue's door begging for help, she can't turn him down. Seems that Quint has finally gotten his comeuppance—his identity has been stolen, by a woman no less, one he met through an online dating service.

The Equalizers take the case—after all, Quint is an "old friend" and, even better, he can pay! But no one would ever have guessed that the investigation would lead to murder . . . or that gender-confused Eugene/Janine—whom the Equalizers have tangled with before—would return to stir the stew. Or that there would be mixed messages and broken hearts all over the place.

Of course, as Edwina has often said, there's nothin' that a pitcher of strong margaritas and some serious snooping can't cure . . . but not until Debbie Sue and Edwina go on a crazy ride across West Texas!

Quint has had his identity stolen and has a very public relationship with a woman who just so happens to actually be a man. But instead of giving up on finding the right woman, he turns to internet dating. This is where he meets Allison, or meets Allison’s daughter pretending to be her mother.

Allison is stunned that her daughter would sign her up for a dating site. She finds Quint to be attractive, but it’s his BFF Taggert Freeman who really catches her eye and her heart.

As always Dixie Cash’s writing never fails to keep me entertained. The toy party would have to be the highlight of the story. This one brought back another murder mystery like Since You’re Leaving Anyway, Take Out the Trash, although it wasn’t a major part of the story.

The budding relationship between Tag and Allison was almost immediate. I as the reader could see what a great match she and Tag would be before they even met. At times Allison did come across as a little dry and boring. Allison and Tag seemed more family-oriented whereas Quint was more into having a good time. I do truly hope to see Quint find some happiness.

Review: Unforgivable by Laura Griffin

Unforgivable
Laura Griffin {Twitter}
Series: Tracers, # 3
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: November 30, 2010
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Publisher
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Characters: Mia Voss, Ric Santos
My Rating:

Heat Level: 2/5

Synopsis:

TRACING KILLERS IS MIA VOSS’S BUSINESS. AND HER WORK JUST GOT PERSONAL.

At first, Mia Voss thinks it’s just bad luck when her already lousy day ends with a carjacking, but what seems like a random incident is followed by another sinister episode. A DNA expert, Mia has made it her mission to put away vicious criminals. Suddenly, she’s become the target of one. And the only way to protect the people she loves most is to deliberately destroy her reputation and risk letting a killer walk free.

Once, Mia trusted Detective Ric Santos, but that was before Ric let his turbulent past ruin his chances with Mia, the sexiest, most intriguing woman he’s ever met. But he can tell when she’s lying—and when she’s scared. The key to catching a sadistic madman lies within a long-buried cold case that has haunted Mia for years. Only she can uncover the truth, but first, Ric will have to get her to entrust him with her secrets . . . and her life.

Mia Voss needed a fix.

What started out as another random carjacking, turned out to be something much more for Mia Voss. Something much more. Mia just thought it was a band ending to an already horrible day. And then none other than Detective Ric Santos, a man she had been seeing who just stopped calling her and coming around, shows up to work the case.

It moved at a fast pace, which is something I like in suspense novels. Although this book is classified as a romance, I felt it was more suspense than romance. The romance between the two lead characters seemed more secondary, like an afterthought.

The drawback for me was Mia. She is a very likable character, but her choices and and behavior at times was a little questionable. Ric too had his moments. The few brief interactions with his daughter were among my favorite of him. I always enjoy seeing fathers interact with their children. By the end of the book, I did feel that Ric had grown as a person and was more open not only with Mia but with his daughter Ava.

I did however enjoy the secondary characters, Jonah  and Sophie. I hope to see them maybe get something going and get their own book.

Review: My Heart May Be Broken, But My Hair Still Looks Great by Dixie Cash

My Heart May Be Broken, But My Hair Still Looks Great
Dixie Cash {Myspace}
Series: Domestic Equalizers #2
Publisher: Avon
Published: September 1, 2006
Format: Audio Book
Source: Public Library
Genre: Contemporary
Characters: Paige McBride, Spur Atwater, Debbie Sue Overstreet, Edwina Perkins
My Rating:

Heat Level: 2/5

Synopsis:

This is smart, sassy fiction with some terrific Texas humour. With a fantastic set of characters, including the best set of trouble makin' gal pals since Lucy and Ethel, this book is bound to capture female readers of all ages!

When we last saw Debbie Sue Overstreet and her pal Edwina they were running the Stylin' Station hair salon and their detective agency the DOMESTIC EQUALIZERS. For them, there's no heartbreak that a little hairspray and a little poking around can't solve. But when Paige McBride comes to town (Paige is a little spoiled and a whole lotta rich), trouble follows. Horses start disappearing, and to make matters worse, local vet Spur Atwater is the object of Paige's desires.

Hair will be styled, horses lost and found, casseroles will burn, and justice will come to all who break the law. But not before Debbie Sue and Edwina get themselves, and Paige, into a whole lotta trouble.

Paige has been living her life as a spoiled little rich girl when her daddy suddenly decides to cut the purse strings. Now quickly approaching 25, she has to get a job but she has no marketable skills what so ever.

Paige literally runs over the hottest cowboy she's ever seen. But Spur Atwater knows a spoiled daddy's girl when he sees one, and wants nothing at all to do with Paige. Too bad his "roommate" has other plans and won't let Spur forget about Paige.

I enjoyed this one just as much as the first one. It was nice to watch Paige grow out of that rich girl image into a more thoughtful caring woman. Edwina and Debbie Sue of course make lead appearances that keep you cracking up the whole way through. Characters from the first Domestic Equalizers novel make brief appearances such as Quint and CJ.

My Heart May Be Broken, But My Hair Still Looks Great has just enough mystery as its predecessor and an abundance of humor. Another great addition to the series.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Volume 1 Issue 26

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.


Harvest Moon
Robyn Carr

February 22, 2011

THE RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS:

MAKING IT UP AS YOU GO ALONG

Rising sous-chef Kelly Matlock’s sudden collapse at work is a wake-up call. Disillusioned and burned out, she’s retreated to her sister Jillian’s house in Virgin River to rest and reevaluate.

Puttering in Jill’s garden and cooking with her heirloom vegetables is wonderful, but Virgin River is a far cry from San Francisco. Kelly’s starting to feel a little too unmotivated...until she meets Lief Holbrook. The handsome widower looks more like a lumberjack than a sophisticated screenwriter—a combination Kelly finds irresistible. But less appealing is Lief’s rebellious stepdaughter, Courtney. She’s the reason they moved from L.A., but Courtney’s finding plenty of trouble even in Virgin River.

Kelly’s never fallen for a guy with such serious baggage, but some things are worth fighting for. Besides, a bratty teenager can’t be any worse than a histrionic chef...right?

Review: Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy

Hot Finish
Erin McCarthy {Myspace | Twitter}
Series: Fast Track, #3
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Published: August 3, 2010
Format: Mass Markert Paperback {284 pages}
Source: Personal Library
Genre: Contemporary
Characters: Suzanne Jefferson, Ryder Jefferson
My Rating:

Heat Level: 3/5
Synopsis:

Not all marriages last forever…

Suzanne Jefferson is broke, which is why she’s given up charity work for wedding planning. Fortunately, she has a high-profile client—and best of all, he’s paid in advance. There are just two teensy problems: The bride is a bona fide bridezilla, and Suzanne’s ex-husband is the best man. At least she thought he was her ex-husband…

...but this one might.

Two years after their marriage fell apart, stock car race driver Ryder Jefferson still can’t stop thinking about Suzanne. Which is why he isn’t too upset that, due to a glitch, the two are still technically married. Now he’s imagining easing Suzanne’s woes by satisfying her needs in the bedroom. After all, that’s the one room they never argued in. Besides, with wedding bells ringing all around them, Ryder is wondering if—even though they’d quit the race a few laps too early—they can still come on strong with a big, romantic finish…

"I banged the bride. I feel a little funny about standing up for her husband at their wedding."

Suzanne and Ryder find out that after two years of being divorced, they indeed are not divorced. Neither one has truly stopped loving each other, but are afraid to share that fact with the other.

The chemistry between the two was hot, but I didn't really get why they were divorced in the first place. At times I thought Suzanne was a little harsh towards Ryder for no apparent reason. And that behavior kind of put me off with regards to Suzanne.

I was happy that they did manage to work things out because Ryder seemed to really love her. With me being more connected to Ryder than Suzanne, I wanted him to be happy and he seemed to get that from Suzanne. Although I did feel that a lot of their problems could have been avoided if they would communicate about something, anything, other than sex. It seemed to be unnecessary.

I really enjoyed the series because all the lead men are both hot and caring. With that being said, Hot Finish has to be my least favorite of this series so far. Although that won't stop me from eagerly awaiting the next installment, The Chase.

2011 Futuristic/Sci-Fi Reading Challenge Sign Up

January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011

The goal of this challenge is to read novels that take place in the future or on an alternate planet. Your books can be of any format (ie. paperback, ebook, audiobook, etc.). No short stories. Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine. You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them.

**Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

For bloggers: You can either list your books on your challenge post, sidebar, or a page dedicated to your challenges.

Levels:

1. Explorer: 4 futuristic/sci-fi novels
2. Pioneer: 8 futuristic/sci-fi novels
3. Dweller: 12 futuristic/sci-fi novels

Post your completed reviews HERE

In My Mailbox: Volume 1 Issue 29

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

Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

Private by James Patterson

Participation in 2011 Reading Challenges

It's that time again! Reading challenges for 2011, here goes...

The 50 States Challenge {Of Course!}
Hosted by: Book Obsessed

The goal of this challenge is to read 50 novels that are each set in one of the 50 states that make up the USA between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Romantic Suspense

Hosted by: Nitty Gritty Romance and Erotic Reviews

The goal of this challenge is to read at least 12 romantic suspense novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

YA Romance

Hosted by: Jamie Loves YA

The goal of this challenge is to read at least 12 YA romance novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Paranormal Romance

Hosted by: Bitten by Paranormal Romance

The goal of this challenge is to read at least 20 paranormal romance novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. This challenge ONLY allows for ROMANCE not erotica or urban fantasy paranormal genres.

Off the Shelf
Hosted by: BA Reading Challenges

The goal of this challenge is to read novels that you already have on the shelf, not newly purchased books. This challenge has reading levels ranging from 5 books to 200 books. I'm going to attempt "Making a Dint" which is 30 novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.




POC Reading Challenge

Hosted by: POC Reading Challenge

The goal of this challenge is to read novels that feature a lead who is a person of color. This challenge has reading levels from 1 book to 25 books. I'm going to attempt "Level 4" which is 10-15 novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Men in Uniform
Hosted by: The Book Vixen

The goal of this challenge is to read novels that involve men in uniform. (ie. policeman, firefighter, paramedic, Army, Navy, Marine Corp., etc.) This challenge has reading levels ranging from 1 book to 16+ books. I'm going to attempt "Lieutenant" which is 10 novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Harlequin/Silhouette

Hosted by: Yvonne @ Harlequin/Silhouette Challenge

The goal of this challenge is to read novels from the Harlequin imprint. This challenge consists of 5 novels to be read between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Erotic Reading Challenge
Hosted by: The Forbidden Bookshelf

The goal of this challenge is to read between 5-20 erotic novels. This challenge has reading levels ranging from flicker to scorching. I'm going to attempt "Scorch" which is 20 novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

E-Book Challenge
Hosted by: The Ladybug Reads

The goal of this challenge is to read between 3-20 e-book novels. This challenge has reading levels ranging from curious to obsessed. I'm going to attempt "Obsessed" which is 20 novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.



Whisper Stories in My Ear
Hosted by: Bewitched Bookworms

The goal of this challenge is to listen to at least 12 audiobooks. This challenge has reading levels ranging from 100hrs to 400hrs of listening. I'm going to aim for "Singing It From the Mountain Tops" which is 300 hours between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Where Are You Reading?
Hosted by: Book Journey

The goal of this challenge is to read 50 novels that are each set in one of the 50 states that make up the USA between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Review: Running Wild by Sarah McCarty

Running Wild
Sarah McCarty
Series: Wild, #1-3
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Published: June 3, 2008
Format: Trade Paperback {p.361}
Source: Personal Library
Genre: Erotica, Paranormal
Characters: Lisa Delaney, Donovan McGowan | Robin Delaney, Kelon McGowan | Heather Delaney, Wyatt Carmichael
My Rating:

Heat Level: 2/5
Synopsis:

Donovan must bring the Pack Alpha home and nothing more. But when he catches the sexy scent of Lisa Delaney, he's hers, body and soul-and ready to risk both on an erotic desire that will shatter all boundaries.

Kelon intends to return to his pack after helping Donovan, but he never counted on the voluptuous distraction of Robin Delaney. She's the one woman who can make him contemplate a choice no werewolf should have to make.

Wyatt can't afford to be attracted to the practical, completely human Heather Delaney. But she isn't a woman a man ignores-no matter what the cost.

-Donovan-

It was going to be one of those nights.

Donovan is on a mission to retrieve his packs' alpha when he encounters his mate. But she is human and his pack won't accept a human for his mate because of his high pack rank.

The two of them get off to a hot and heavy start. There is an instant attraction which she tries to ignore because she doesn't have time for a man in her life right now.

Lisa does eventually decide to give it a chance and Donovan is content to wait until she fully accepts him.


-Kelon-

"You need to clean up."

Kelon, Donovan's twin brother, has come to help him protect his new mate and her sister from a threat to their safety. What he didn't expect was to find that his brother's mate's sister would be his true mate. Another forbidden human mating.

Kelon and Robin's relationship was a little slower in starting. Kelon chose the route of courting Robin first instead of just jumping into bed together. Which is understandable with her background and condition.

One of the threats to the sisters was taken care of before they moved on to offer assistance to Donovan and Kelon's cousin and alpha, Wyatt.


-Wyatt-

"There's no such thing as werewolves."

Heather has come home to find her two younger sisters shacking up with men believing themselves to be werewolves. Heather knows there is no such thing as werewolves, and begins to question their sanity.

She agrees to accompany her sisters and their mates to the wolf compound where she then encounters her own wolf mate, Wyatt. There was an instant attraction between the two, but she was a little more weary of Wyatt than her sisters had been about their mates. But with Wyatt being so hot, she decided she could overlook his claims to being a wolf.

I didn't really care for the way Lisa and Robin treated Heather in the beginning. They seemed to team up against her and treat her poorly because she didn't blindly believe Donovan and Kelon were wolves.

Of the three stories, my favorite would have to be Heather and Wyatt's. Running Wild was an okay start to the Wild series, and I wouldn't mind visiting it again to see how Wyatt's pack progresses.