Saturday, January 22, 2011

Stock Up Saturday Reviews




Baby, it's cold outside! Here in the U.S., we've been battling snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Perfect weather for curling up on the couch with a warm blanket and a good book. Here are a few that we recommend.









Animal Magnetism
By Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: February 1, 2011


Brady Miller’s ideal Saturday was pretty simple---sleep in, be woken by a hot, naked woman for sex, followed by a breakfast that he didn’t have to cook.

With that first sentence---which made me chuckle---I was hooked. Brady Miller is prior military (Army Special Forces), a pilot-for-hire, and photographer. Oh, and he’s also tall, dark, and handsome. He returns to Sunshine, Idaho to visit his foster brothers, Adam and Dell. Brady doesn’t plan on staying long, which is how he likes to live his life. Free, simple, and no complications. But all that changes when he has a run in with the local kennel owner.

Lilah Young is the co-owner of the only kennel in the small, charming town of Sunshine. Perpetually broke, but dedicated to the animals she cares for, Lilah gives new meaning to the phrase “burning the candle at both ends.” And now she runs into the back of a truck parked at the local convenience store. Even worse, the owner of the truck sees it all happen in living color. But when Lilah meets Brady Miller, owner of said truck, she forgets all about how bad she feels, because he makes her feel something else entirely...all hot and bothered.

This is the start of a new contemporary series by Jill Shalvis, who writes some of the hottest, wittiest books out there. I told my husband how much I loved this book, and he said, “I could tell. You kept laughing out loud.” Very true. Brady and Lilah are such “real” characters that I couldn’t help but fall in love with both of them. Lilah is someone I could definitely picture being friends with. She’s loyal, loving, and independent, but she can’t help falling for Brady. I know how she feels. Big, tough, no-strings-attached Brady falls hard for Lilah and her menagerie of animals. How are you supposed to resist a man like that?

Pick up a copy of Animal Magnetism and treat yourself to a few hours of laughter, sizzling sex, and happily-ever-after romance.

~ Gannon

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How to Marry a Duke
By Vicky Dreiling
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: January 4, 2011

After thirteen years of working hard to put the family’s coffers to rights, Tristan Gatewick, Duke of Shelbourne, realizes it is time that he marry and produce the required heir. At almost thirty-one, the dukedom has been at risk for too long. Yet he doesn’t want any of the giggling misses who constantly drop their handkerchiefs, fans, and gloves whenever he passes. He wants a woman of substance. One who is an angel in the ballroom and a temptress in private. And love is not necessary. So, he acquires the help of matchmaker, Tessa Mansfield. She has successfully paired several couples, including the most recent match of her dear friend and a marquess. When the duke approaches Tessa in regards to finding him a bride, she can’t refuse as this match would absolutely make her career. She assembles 24 eligible ladies for him to narrow down and settle on one. During the process, Tessa and Tristan spend a lot of time together . . . which leads to more than just an employer/employee relationship. Tristan is stuck between a rock and a hard place with keeping his promise (which, if broken would bring scandal to his family) and his growing feelings for Tessa. Tessa, on the other hand, is struggling with doing what is right for the duke, her own feelings for him, and a secret from her past that could destroy everything.

Touted as The Bachelor in Regency England, How to Marry a Duke is Vicky Dreiling’s debut and I found it to be quite entertaining. Tessa and Tristan were engaging and had me rooting for them and their relationship. The secondary characters (of which I’m sure the next book is about) were a great addition to the story. If you are a stickler for historical facts and accurateness, you may find fault with this story, but for me, this one was pure enjoyment.

~Andrea

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Whisper Falls
Destiny Series - Book 3
By Toni Blake
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: December 28, 2010

When Tessa Sheridan's mysterious illness caused her to lose her dream job in the city she had no choice but to come home to Destiny and her mother's care. But she's beginning to learn to live with her now diagnosed Crohn's disease and is ready to stop being coddled by everyone and start living again. She moves into a house in the woods, starts her own interior design business (though no clients have shown up yet) and is contemplating taking a walk on the wild side by trying skydiving when the "wild side" moves in next door in the body of a long-haired, heavily muscled, tattooed and very sexy biker who has Tessa's internal engine ready to roar even while he scares the heck out of her, especially when she realizes who he is!

Lucky Romo has lived a rough life and done bad things since turning his back on Destiny almost twenty years ago - things that shame him, haunt him and almost certainly make him unfit to consider any kind of relationship with sweet, shy and oh-so-sexy Tessa Sheridan. But he can't seem to stop himself from flirting with her, and when she flirts back...let's just say the sparks are hot enough to set the forest on fire!

As they grow closer, Tessa begins to realize that there lies a good heart within the bad-boy biker. This is especially evident when we see his reaction when Tessa suffers an attack of her disease. (That's when he won my heart too.) Lucky's keeping secrets though: about why he's back in Destiny, what he did during all those years he was gone, why he hasn't spoken to his parents or brother (the hero of Sugar Creek) in all that time and why the past, if it catches up to him, could put Tessa and everyone else he cares about in danger. When all is finally revealed, will it be too much for a good girl to handle? Or will Tessa, his family and the people of Destiny be willing to give Lucky Romo a second chance?

Whisper Falls is a wonderful addition to Toni Blake's Destiny series. I have to admit, I was blown away by the first book in the series, One Reckless Summer and had serious doubts that Blake would be able to top that one but she's done it with Whisper Falls. I read it from cover to cover in one day. Could not put it down. Lucky and Tessa were so compelling, so complex; both emotionally wounded by the circumstances of their lives but survivors. I liked them, cheered for them, cried with them, yelled at them (hey, they deserved it!) and - finally - laughed, danced and sighed with delight over an absolutely perfect ending.

If you haven't read Toni Blake yet, now's the time to get started. I highly recommend this book and the previous two in the Destiny series: One Reckless Summer and Sugar Creek.

~PJ


What have you been reading lately? Any good books you'd recommend? We have an ARC of Animal Magnetism and a published copy of Whisper Falls to share today. Leave a comment on the blog and we'll use random.org to choose two winners!


Note: Please remember that ARCs (advanced reader copies) are not to be sold.

49 comments:

  1. I've been reading Zoe Archer's Blades of the Rose series. I, too, am looking forward to Jill's "Animal Magnetism" and the next Lucky Harbor book.

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  2. Aloha! Correction to your second sentence,

    "Here in the U.S., we've been battling snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Perfect weather for curling up on the couch with a warm blanket and a good book. Here are a few that we recommend."

    It may be cold in the Continental US, but it is warm and sunny in Hawaii! We do have snow on Mauna Kea (White Mountain) on the Big Island. Even warm weather is a great to read among the snowy white sand.

    I am looking forward to Vicky Dreiling's book, too!

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  3. Love these reviews

    I am reading Nalini Singh's Play of Passion at the moment and really loving it. I am trying to read books by authors that are coming to Aust Romance Readers conference and I have about 35 to choose from I need more time. As for the weather it is really hot over here at the moment I have had the Air con on for days I think LOL we could do with some cooler weather they are predicting around 40 celcius on Wednesday which is Australia Day I will be at work in the air con instead of out having a BBQ or watching the ferry races on Sydney Harbour.

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  4. Jane, I'm reading "Warrior" right now. It's terrific!

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  5. You're right, Kim. I should have qualified that statement! Of course, you also have Alex and Scott in Hawaii to keep things steamy even if the weather cools. *grin*

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Sounds lovely, Helen. Last summer, when we were topping 100°F over here I swore I wouldn't complain when the cold weather arrived. Didn't work. I'm complaining! lol!

    For the past four days, I've been enjoying seeing Australia through the eyes of the Oprah Show. Yesterday was the finale in Sydney and it was wonderful. Made me want to visit your beautiful country even more!

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  7. Right now I'm reading Home Again by Mariah Stewart. It's all about the characters which I enjoy.

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  8. Another great group of books for Stock Up Saturday reviews. Sometimes I am just amazed at the quality and quantity of great books out there.

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  9. I just finished Brava Valentine by Adrian Trigiani. I loved it!!
    I am now reading Suzanne Brockmann's "Force of Nature"
    I have Toni Blake on my wishlist as she is a new to me author.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

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  10. I have Toni's in my TBR pile along with the first two in the series. I hope to read them soon! And I love Jill Shalvis's books, so I will definitely be picking hers up!

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  11. Jane, Jill's next Lucky Harbor book (The Sweetest Thing) is one of my most anticipated books of this year! Can't wait for it!

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  12. Maureen said, Right now I'm reading Home Again by Mariah Stewart. It's all about the characters which I enjoy.

    I've never read Mariah Stewart but I checked out this book on Amazon and it sounds like a premise I'd enjoy. I think I'll give this one a try. Thanks, Maureen!

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  13. Aloha, Kim! I hope you enjoy How to Marry a Duke!

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  14. Buffie said, Sometimes I am just amazed at the quality and quantity of great books out there.

    Me too, Buffie. And there seem to be more of them every month!

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  15. Oh, Helen, I hope you have fun at ARR! Please take pictures to share. Try to keep cool!

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  16. Maureen, I've never read a Mariah Stewart book. Am I missing out?

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  17. I know, Buffie!! I hope you have today off and are able to get some reading done. ;-)

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  18. Pamela said, I just finished Brava Valentine by Adrian Trigiani. I loved it!!

    Oh, thanks for the rec! I love Trigiani's books but I haven't read that one yet.

    I have Toni Blake on my wishlist as she is a new to me author.

    I highly recommend her Destiny books, Pam. They are contemporary, small-town, character-driven stories with lots of heart and sizzle.

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  19. Pamela, Suzanne Brockmann is another author I've yet to read. And I've been told by many that I am really missing out. Maybe one of these days...

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  20. I have Toni's in my TBR pile along with the first two in the series. I hope to read them soon!

    Andrea, they are sogood! I'm glad you have all three because they should definitely be read in order. You'll get so much more out of them that way.

    And I love Jill Shalvis's books, so I will definitely be picking hers up!

    Me too! If the cover hadn't already sold me, Gannon's review would have!

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  21. Jane, I have Zoe Archer's series on my TBB list---everyone raves! You will love Animal Magnetism. So much fun!

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  22. Kim, I could use a little Hawaiian warmth and sunshine right now. ;-)

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  23. Helen, I hope you have fun at the ARR---I know you will. Take loads of pictures so we can live vicariously through you. LOL

    One of these days I will make it to Oz. It's on my "bucket list."

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  24. Maureen, I've never read Mariah Stewart---so many books out there. I will definitely have to pick one of her books up.

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  25. Buffie, there are soooo many books out there, aren't there? And I want to read them all. LOL

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  26. I just finished Brava Valentine by Adrian Trigiani.

    Pamela, I love her books, but I haven't read that one yet. She's a fantastic writer.

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  27. Andrea, I know you love Jill Shalvis' books, so you're going to have such fun with Animal Magnetism.

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  28. I just finished my romance and will start a new one tonight: Werewolf in Manhattan. By Vivki Lewis Thompson.

    The other Vicki, Dreiling's,story sounds pretty good too and I've put it on my wishlist. Just as Jill Shalvis' Animal Instincts.

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  29. PJ, I love Toni Blake's Destiny books. I'm already looking forward to Holly Lane in November.

    I'm also eager to read Almost Home, the third in Mariah Stewart's Chesapeake Diaries series, to be released March 22. I was so pleased to see Stewart return to books closer to her early Enright books, which I loved.

    I'm reading and loving an ARC of Vanessa Kelly's My Favorite Countess. I'm delighted she wrote Bathsheba's story. How often do we see a villainess redeemed?

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  30. Andrea you must read Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series.
    I am loving it. I am slowly going through the series but now I am getting towards the home stretch and it saddens me because they are so thrilling. I think there are 16books in the series thus far & I am on book 11. I know call a waaahmbulance, but for me they are that good LoL
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

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  31. Thanks for a great review of Animal Magnetism, I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!

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  32. I just finished Beverley Kendall's book, A Taste of Desire. It's a great sequel to her debut effort. Hopefully, she'll be able to find a publisher for Alex's story.

    I'm now reading Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. SEP is always a great read.

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  33. Wow, these books look fantastic! I loved Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis, so I'm sure I'll love this one too!

    As for what I'm reading, school is back in session so no romance books for me for a while. :(

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  34. These look like two great books.
    I am in-between books right now. Looking for a good one.

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  35. I’ve read several books so far this month that I would highly recommend. Among them are Gini Koch’s Alien Tango, Meljean Brook’s The Iron Duke, and Tami Hoag’s Secrets to the Grave. I also loved The Lady Most Likely, by Quinn/James/Brockway.

    And, not to brag or anything, but even Mary Poppins would find the weather in my part of south Texas "practically perfect in every way": sunny, 60 and absolutely beautiful!

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  36. Kirsten, I read (and reviewed) VLT's A Werewolf In Manhattan a couple of weeks ago. You're in for a good time!

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  37. I'm reading and loving an ARC of Vanessa Kelly's My Favorite Countess. I'm delighted she wrote Bathsheba's story. How often do we see a villainess redeemed?

    That sounds wonderful, Janga! It's on my list.

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  38. Pamela, everyone says such great things about Brockman's series. Yes, another one I need to start reading.

    I do believe I need a year on a tropical island to catch up on all my reading. ;-)

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  39. Jill, you're so welcome! Thanks for stopping by. :-)

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  40. I'm now reading Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. SEP is always a great read.

    Penfield, I can't wait to read this one. SEP is an auto-buy for me!

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  41. Trisha, I hope you get a little break in classwork to read some romance.

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  42. And, not to brag or anything, but even Mary Poppins would find the weather in my part of south Texas "practically perfect in every way": sunny, 60 and absolutely beautiful!

    LSUReader, that sounds divine! It's sunny here, but in the 20's. Brrr.

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  43. i have a copy of Christine Feehan's Ruthless Game up on deck to read right now. I just read Jill Shalvis Wilder brother series! A must read series of course!

    Lisa B

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  44. I love Hunted by the Others by Jess Haines and I am now reading the sequel Taken by the Others.

    smccar1 at hotmail dot com

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  45. I just finished Kieran Kramer's When Harry Met Sally - what a wonderful story! I'm now reading Gini Koch's Alien Tango and I'm loving it.

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  46. Thank you for the book recommendations, they look really good. I just finished reading a couple of good ebooks. One by Marie Force "The Fall" and the other by Shannon Stacey "Exclusively Yours".

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  47. i'd just finished Karen White's book ; The Lost Hours and now i'm reading Susan Mallery's The Best of Friends.

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  48. Again three more books that sound like they shouldn't be missed. I read a lot of historicals, but Animal Magnetism and Whisper Falls sound like they will be a nice change. I have heard many good things about How To Marry A Duke and it is on my TBR List.

    I just finished CHRISTMAS MOON by Elizabeth Lane. It was an enjoyable time travel-historical Western. Well defined characters and a good story. Enjoyed it.
    I and reading a Harlequin Intrigue at the moment and trying to decide what to read next.

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  49. It's so hard to resist a book cover with a cute puppy and a hot male back! The most recent book I read is "The Year of Living Scandalously" by Julia London in which the next book is set up in the last chapter (a cliffhanger!). I even moaned about it to the author on her FB wall.

    ironss[at]gmail.com

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