Book Obsessed: 06/01/2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Review: Any Man of Mine by Rachel Gibson

Any Man of Mine
Rachel Gibson
Series: Chinooks Hockey Team #6
Publisher: HarperCollins Avon
Publication Date: April 26, 2011
Kindle {p.373}
Source: Publisher/Net Galley
Genre: Contemporary
Characters: Autumn Haven, Sam LeClaire
Challenge: 100+, Summer Romance

What happens in Vegas . . . doesn't always stay there.

Autumn Haven's Las Vegas "to-do" list said to catch a show and play the slots—not wake up married to a sexy jerk like Sam LeClaire. The first moment she saw him eyeing her like a luscious piece of the dessert buffet, her usually responsible self told her to run. And she did—right into the wildest fantasy weekend of her life. But Monday morning jolted her back to reality, and before she could say "pass the coffee," Sam was gone.

Now a successful wedding planner, Autumn hasn't clapped eyes on the heartbreaking hockey superstar for over two years . . . until she organizes his teammate's "Special Day," where Sam makes a big play to pick up where he left off! But she has vowed any man of hers plays for keeps. Is Sam the man for her or does she banish him to the sin bin forever?

This is the first book I’ve read in Rachel Gibson’s Chinook series although I’ve read most of her Writer Friends series.

Any Man of Mine was an enjoyable read, although it started out a little slow to me. Autumn and Sam didn’t really have much of a relationship outside of their son and the bedroom. The two of them falling back in love again didn’t seem to have any basis. I understood her hesitation to truly trust Sam again after the way their marriage ended. They rarely spoke to each other outside of scheduling time for Sam to spend with their son, Conner.

I did enjoy the flashback scenes of Autumn and Sam’s first meeting. The sex between them seemed to be really good but that’s about it. Sam and Autumn were both great people on their own, but lacked something together. It didn’t quite come across as all that believable that Autumn was able to forgive Sam for not only the way he treated her, but also his lack of involvement in their son’s life.

Layla ~ What's Your Song? {16}

Weekly meme hosted by Amber

Layla by Eric Clapton

What'll you do when you get lonely
And nobody's waiting by your side?
You've been running and hiding much too long.
You know it's just your foolish pride.

Layla, you've got me on my knees.
Layla, I'm begging, darling please.
Layla, darling won't you ease my worried mind.

I tried to give you consolation
When your old man had let you down.
Like a fool, I fell in love with you,
Turned my whole world upside down.

Chorus

Let's make the best of the situation
Before I finally go insane.
Please don't say we'll never find a way
And tell me all my love's in vain.

Chorus

Chorus

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Review: Trace of Fever by Lori Foster

Trace of Fever
Lori Foster
Series: Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor #2
Publisher: HQN
Publication Date: May 31, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.393}
Source: Publicist
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Characters: Priscilla Patterson, Trace Rivers
Challenge:100+, Summer Romance

Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he'll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man's dirty smuggling operation. It's a perfect scheme—until Coburn's long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.

With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn't who she seems to be. But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses. Joining forces to plot Coburn's downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them. For one wrong move, one lingering embrace, will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent...

Trace of Fever picks up where When You Dare leaves off in their effort to catch human traffickers. This one tells the story of Trace, whose sister Alani was taken and rescued in book one. During Trace’s undercover assignment he takes up with Priscilla, his target’s daughter.

I liked both Priss and Trace, but Trace of Fever lacked some of the excitement that I felt in When You Dare. The romance between Priss and Trace just seemed to happen with no real build-up, it was just there.

I guess in comparing the two men, Dare and Trace, Trace didn’t come across as tough as Dare. Even down to the very end of the book, I was still unsure that when the time came to deal with the bad guy, if Trace would be able to follow through. Although Trace had more invested in this than Dare, after reading them both back to back, it came across as if Dare had more invested.

Priss grew up really sheltered and was a bit naïve about some things, but when it came to getting revenge on Murray she was headstrong and focused. I’ve been a fan of the whole motley crew family that these men have seemed to make with the women and friends in their lives.

I did like the story, but Trace just continued to lack something for me throughout. He just didn’t have that action hero appeal. With that said, I’m truly looking forward to reading Jackson’s story in Savor the Danger.

Waiting on Wednesday {54}: Undead and Undermined

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. {Button courtesy of Bewitched Bookworms}

Undead and Undermined
MaryJanice Davidson

July 5, 2011

Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor thought she couldn't die. So what's she doing in the morgue? It could have something to do with a time- traveling trip she made, and a foe with a wicked agenda that could finally be the real death of Betsy-if she's not careful.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Review: Virgin by Cheryl Brooks

Virgin
Cheryl Brooks
Series: The Cat Star Chronicles #7
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablance
Publication Date: June 1, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.356}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Sci-Fi, Futuristic
Characters: Avondia Karon, Daxtronian Vandilorsk
Challenge:100+, Summer Romance

Zetithians have a feline gene that gives the males remarkable sexual prowess. Refugee Dax is no exception-but as a virgin, he has no idea how to use it. His fumbling attempts at romance fail to tempt the beautiful Ava, but he is determined to learn the art of love. Let the seduction begin...

This was my first novel of the Cat Star series, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I believe this is the first romance novel I’ve read that the male counterpart was the virgin. I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t part of what drew me to this book.

Ava is a passenger on Dax’s ship that he has an unexplainable attraction to. Never before has he ever been affected by a woman like this. He’s not sure of how to go about convincing her that she should be with him, so he seeks advice from friends. One is a lady’s man and the other has his one issues when it comes to getting women.

The overall story of Virgin was interesting enough to keep me reading. The sex between them was hot but the romance was a tad lukewarm. The secondary characters provided most of my entertainment. Watching Waroun on his quest to get laid was a major highlight.

Ava and Dax were such likeable characters that in their own right that I couldn’t help but want a happy ending for them.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

In My Mailbox {55}

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.

Books via Borders