Private Paradise ~ Jami Alden

Baby it's coooooold outside.

Don't get me wrong....I enjoy winter...I love the snow... Never mind hibernating...there is so much to do....snowshoe through the woods, go tobogganing, build snow sculptures (Mere snowmen are not enough!)....Hey, I even have fun shoveling!

Look! Proof I'm an Angel! Or Crazy. You decide.

 Alas not everyone does appreciate the cold, wintery weather like I do...That said, I certainly know when to throw in the towel when the temps outside reach -40 below! (GO AWAY Polar Vortex!!!!)
All that said, while I like winter, if you have followed my blog for awhile you know that I love to jet off to the Caribbean sun for a week to relax. Unfortunately sometimes (like this year) that isn't an option.
(@#$%^&!!) 

I am here in spirit!!

Whether you are escaping this frigid cold weather by vacationing to an island (TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!) or taking a time out in a hot bubble bath (DO NOT TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!)...... I recommend grabbing a copy of this sexy book to keep you company and help warm you up!

 
Book Description from Amazon.com:

 After years of catering to the whims of the rich and famous at one of the Caribbean's most luxurious resorts, there isn't much that can rattle Carla DeLuca.
Until Sam O’Connell shows up.
Tall, dark, and sexy, Holley Cay's new security chief is no stranger. He's the irresistible bad boy who seduced her over a long, hot summer only to leave her heartbroken, humiliated, and determined to never again fall for a player like him. But though her heart still stings with the memory of his rejection, her body can't forget the all-consuming pleasure of his touch.

Sam never forgave himself for his too cruel rejection of Carla over a decade before. Young, reckless, and convinced it was only a matter of time Carla regretted hooking up with a trouble maker like him, Sam pushed Carla away before she could realize her mistake. But when Sam lands a job working for Carla in paradise, he seizes the chance to finally make things right.

When a hurricane strands them alone on the island, Carla is unable to resist the passion simmering between them. She doesn't fool herself that what they have will last past the storm. But little does she know, Sam will do whatever it takes to make her his – forever this time.

My Take:

I liked it! So much so that my standard complaints apply to this review. It wasn't long enough for me, could have used more detail, why did it have to end so soon?? I enjoyed the characters chemistry, however the novel at times felt rushed to me (Gah, I hate when that happens!) I found myself wanting 'more'....more story, a few more twists, turns, more details etc...just to keep these characters and novel going a bit longer.... That is not a negative thing at all. It just means I like "MOOOORE" (I totally just sang that word like the Madonna song on the Dick Tracy sound track...Google it...)

I think it is safe to say that my favorite type of love story involves two characters with a past connection.....I also give extra bonus points for the scenarios that involve some level of animosity... (I maintain there is something extra sexy about those scenarios....the fiery and passionate the better..just sayin'!)
Sam and Carla have this amazing chemistry and it's pretty obvious that after all the years, they are still hot for each other. This novel follows both their points of view, so we are treated to the good ol' His and Her version of what went down all that time ago. The full story eventually reveals itself through flashbacks. (....and I wanted to slap him for her)

I have already read this book twice and will do so again. I've added author Jami Alden to my 'authors to read' list. I really enjoyed her writing style and the sense of humor. It made for a fun, sexy read.

A link to Jami Alden's website for those curious about her work!  http://www.jamialden.com/

Contemporary Romance Lovers....or anyone interested in giving this novel a read. You are in luck! If you have a Kobo run to the site and grab yourself a copy while it's still being promoted for free.....and while you are there, pick up the rest of her novels too!
If you have a Kindle..don't feel left out.....Amazon.ca currently has it for free as well!

Dr. Reenie's Cure for the Cold Weather Blues:
A romantic-sexy book with a tropical setting.
Hot Coconut Scented Bubble Bath.
Glass of Wine...or if you really need to get away in your head, mix up a Mimosa or make a Pina Colada!

Keep Warm, Stay Safe
Happy Reading!!

Fame, Love and Other Lessons

 "I'd like to thank the Academy......My hairdresser for making me look even awesomer than I am..., my pet hamster..., that guy over there..... Pepto Bismal for making cherry flavored tablets.....You LIKE me!! You really like me!!!" #SpeechesIGiveInfrontOfTheMirror #WithAHairbrush #BecauseICan

I'm not famous. (I know! Bummer... right?)
I always wanted to be an actress when I grew up. Gave that dream up yeeeeeeeears ago. (My apologies to Hollywood)

My apologies also go to those people who's yearbooks I signed 'Here's my autograph, remember me when I'm famous'... you won't be cashing in on my signature anytime soon.

So what does me rambling on about lost dreams have to do with a book blog?

I'll cut to the chase... I read a book last weekend and the subject matter is that of fame....plus a relationship that is put to the test.


"Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce to you..........."

               Fame, Love and Other Lessons by Jo Frances.

 

  

My Take:

For me, this was a very quick read. I finished it within a couple of hours (plus interruptions, apparently dinner does not make itself!)

This tells the tale of a girl named Jamie who is a freshman in college, she ends up in a romance with a University basketball sensation (and friend of her brother) named Chase.
We follow the two as they start their romance, and as they become famous along the way.

I really enjoyed the concept. It was pretty fascinating watching the two characters as they go from regular people, to famous ones. The story had some great details that made it interesting. (For example adding in another possible love interest for Jamie....*gasp*) The characters were amusing, Jamie had this innocent yet strong quality about her that I liked. In her actions and reactions she really reminded me of people I know.

A few things had me having to re-read to keep on track. The story progresses rather quickly. There were a few moments where I was confused as to how much time had passed between events. For example there was a part I thought a few days had just passed, when it had really been over a summer. I wasn't expecting such a large gap in time.
I think I would have preferred either chapter titles that included the dates, or a bit more 'fill' to the pages to transition the story seamlessly.
My biggest complaint was also 'my' usual (which in reality IS a compliment....)
I wanted the story to keep going..... more, more..... MORE... I felt it ended too soon. I would have loved to have seen Sean re-enter the picture and stir things up a a bit more, or perhaps add a few more twists and turns. More interactions with characters that we had met along the way and subsequently dropped....

And for you vixens who search for a little naughtiness in your novels, I will let you know that there a few erotic bits and bites to the story. (not a lot that it should turn people off reading it)

On a side note as I read this novel I was continuously humming 'Queen Of Hollywood' by The Corrs (Great Song! Google it!)  The lyrics don't exactly match the events in the novel, but it was in my head nonetheless. (Okay, so that really has nothing to do with anything, but I thought I would share.)

 All in all, I will read this book again.

Here is the full book description from Amazon.com:

When college freshman Jamie Cameron began a first-love relationship with Chase Reston, the bad boy star of her school's basketball team, she had no idea how quickly her world would change.  From an idyllic environment surrounded by a protective older brother and loyal friends, to the fast-paced world of modeling and life as an NBA player, Jamie and Chase quickly discover that the first casualty of fame...is their relationship.
After their breakup, a heartbroken Chase struggles with the demons that caused him to push away the only girl he ever loved.  Meanwhile, Jamie tries to move on from betrayal by quickly becoming involved with Sean Foley, a jaded rock star used to getting anything he wants, and what he wants is Jamie.
But this is no casual fling for Sean.  Tired of the emptiness in his life, he knows he can give Jamie the love and commitment she wants.  As Chase watches all this unfold through the tabloids, he has to decide:  does he love Jamie enough to let her go on with her new life?  Or will he risk his heart and ask her to take another chance on him?


I recommend it to those who like basketball, modeling/Hollywood life, sexy or romantic reads.

Happy Reading!

Love is in the air......

Hearts, Roses, Chocolate... A baby that shoots arrows at people......

VALENTINES DAY IS HERE!!!!

In honor of all this lovey dovey hoopla, I thought it would be a good idea to share some favorite love inspired books!

What girl/woman hasn't picked up a romance novel, read it, sighed and wished for her knight in shining armor (and if you have one, you have probably glared at him and said 'you know would it KILL you to be a bit more romantic!?)

Let's face it, we LOVE the idea of a hopelessly romantic stud muffin, sweeping us off our feet.....(Oh shut up, you do too!! Liar!!) and like the typical romance novel formula, he will be tall, outrageously handsome, rich, powerful, muscular, (and if you are still hung up on Christian Grey he will also knows his way around a feathered whip)
Real life isn't like that, but God bless those who try! (Am I right!?)

In any case, curling up with a love story is an enjoyable past time.

I obviously have quite a variety of authors and books to chose from. I simply cannot choose a favorite. I do however have several romantic series that stand out to me that I re-read over and over again.....

Since I can never get enough Historical Romance, today I am going to share with you one of my favorite Historical Romance's series by one of my favorite writers..... New York Times Best Selling Author Brenda Joyce!

No cinnamon hearts were harmed in the taking of this photo. I ate them afterwards.

The De Warenne Dynasty novels whisk us back in time to Ireland and England.  The stories that unfold are the lives of not only the De Warrene's and O'Neill's but the men and women with whom they fall in love. It is  family legend that once a De Warrene loves, that it lasts forever. (sigh)

As it is with most series, it is probably best to read the books IN order since the characters pop up throughout. Naturally, I like to do things outside the norm (I'm a rebel like that!) So I read them in the order of: Which of these novels can I get my hands on first!!!
My husband thought I was nuts when I had to track down used copies online because they are hard to find in bookstores.

Picture it: My house....the year.....2010.....

"How was your day honey?"

"OHMYGOD I found The Perfect Bride today and it's shipping out tomorrow!!!!" (True story)

I was just happy when I could get my hands on one!!

The first novel I had read that kicked off my De Warrene obsession is called 'The Masquerade'.
 It's about a girl named Elizabeth who is the chubbier, less beautiful sister. She has had a crush on Lord Tyrell De Warrene forever, so when he wants to meet her for a rendezvous at a party... well, who can resist?
A baby is thrown into the mix (oh but you will never guess how, it isn't what you think!!) and let's just say this love story gets interesting......

I have read The Masquerade several times, and I will again.

Other titles in the De Warrene Series that I own and love are:

A Lady At Last
The Stolen Bride
The Promise
The Perfect Bride
The Prize
A Dangerous Love
An Impossible Attraction
House of Dreams 

The ones I still have yet to get my hands on:

The Conqueror
Promise of The Rose
The Game
Scandalous Love

The books are wonderfully written, I love how they all tie together so the story just keeps going. The characters aren't necessarily perfect.
For those who cower in fear at the thought of reading a historical romance, if you ARE going to attempt one to see what the fuss is about, I highly recommend you give Brenda Joyce and the De Warrene Dynasty a try!!

 http://www.thedewarennedynasty.com/

I have so much I could tell you about plots and story lines of these books, but this blog would turn into a novel! So see the above link!

I recently asked the following question on my Facebook Page:

"What is your favorite romance novel?"

Here is what you had to say!

** Jane Eyre ~ Sarah
 
** Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin. I loved her books! ~ Amanda

**  Most of Nicholas Sparks.Guaranteed a good cry. beautiful ~Barb

 **Gone with the Wind! Rhett loved Scarlett so much! He tried everything to get her to love him back but by the time she realized that she loved him and not Ashley, he had given up. *sob* ~Brenna


**The Angelic Letter Series by Henry Ripplinger... I love every single book of the series! It shows everything of Love & Faith! Its so heartfelt & moving. How much God is in our lives & in every move we make. These books show True Love for Henry & Jenny & how even through the hardtimes their love never failed because deep down true love isnt all a fairy tale but fighting through joy & hardtimes & never losing that faith is . & it also shows our true love for God! I love these books & find they are #1 on my list Xoxoxo Happy Valentine Day!!!! ~ Lindsey

** The Argeneau Series by Lynsay Sands. Most of the books are based in Ontario Canada ~ Sandra

 ** Probably a toss up between 'The Brotherhood of the Black Dagger' series by J.R. Ward because every single book has something about falling in love with your other half and about how it's not always who you expect but when you bond with someone, reason goes out the window. Also anything written by Laurell K. Hamilton whether it's the Merry Gentry series or the Anita Blake series, because she writes about how love isn't always perfect but when you love someone you shouldn't have to explain it to anyone-- just love who you love. ~Megan




***Big Shout Out To Everyone Who Answered!!!***


Now I don't care whether you are single, not single, wishing to be single, taken, married or what....remember you don't need a partner to buy you a present! After all, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a romantic read (or two) as a gift! ;) 
  

Happy Valentines Day!

Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes

My grandparents on their wedding day!

I find it a tad amusing that I happen to write this blog on the Wedding Anniversary of both my parents (33 years) and my grandparents (married 57 years today!!) Love you all!! xxoo (Oh and yes, they were married the same day X amount of years apart..you do the math, I am tired)  When I sat down to write this book review, I was stuck.I didn't know how to approach the topic. I than saw the date and was inspired! 

My parents on their wedding day with my grandparents!

With the divorce rates as high as they are in this day and age, a long marriage is a commendable feat worthy of celebration! (Dad just updated his Facebook status to say he and Mom are dining together at Pickle Barrel) I find it sad when I hear stories of people growing apart or things not working out for the best.

 My husband and I have been together for 10 years this year, married 5 years this October. (He’s my longest boyfriend EVER!!) We are both lucky enough to have parents that are ‘in it for the long haul’ as examples to look up to. My hubby and I joke that there is no one else alive willing to put up with either one of us, so we have no choice but to make it work. :) (muuuuuhahahahaha)                

On our wedding day!

If I could give any sort of  relationship/marriage advice (I'm qualified, my credentials are several ex boyfriends, flings, broken hearts, and 10 years in a solid relationship) to someone starting new at it (or for someone who needs a swift kick in the ass) than these would be the points I'd make!
* Understand there are going to be problems that arise. It's a roller coaster! Deal with it.

*Romance is fine and dandy, but real love is more than attraction, hearts and mushy crap. It's about respecting your partner, accepting the for who they are (faults and all) and trusting one another.
*Marriage isn't always going be easy, challenges will inevitably come your way. At the end of the day if you are going through a rough patch, and can look at the person across from you and say 'I love you enough to try' (no matter how mad and upset you are) and they reciprocate.....THAT'S love.

One of my favorite songs about love is by a R&B group SWV. The song is called "Love Is So Amazing". They open the song following lyrics:

"What is love, love is an experience everyone should have. It's not always fun, but it's always special. A sweet struggle that seals the past and builds a future, a love that can weather the storm, is an amazing love"

All that said, Love is patient and kind, until you find your husband making it with his sous chef like the character in my next recommended novel!

Enough with the mushy talk... let's chat about Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes. A novel that is all about a woman and her summer journey after her marriage unravels. It's clear that these characters did not have the recipe for success. They had a recipe for a delicious fondue maybe, but not for a loving marriage.

Amanda grew up wealthy with parents who adored each other. Due to circumstances, her life takes some unexpected turns. One 'turn' is meeting and falling in love with a gorgeous Frenchman named Andre. A sexy chef who sweeps her off her feet. She puts her career plans aside, marries and becomes a stay at home mom.
Amanda goes to visit her husband at his restaurant, only to find him sexing up his sous chef Ursala. She takes off  embarks on a summer of soul searching, all while living in luxury at the St. Regis Laguna Beach with her son and her mother. She meets a man who understands her situation and the healing can begin....

The story is told in a way that made me feel part of the story and I was empathetic.
I felt her rage (so help me GOD if I was in her shoes)
I felt her pain (Shot of tequila barkeep....and keep 'em comin'!)
I felt her frustration (Listen Andre the A-Hole.... get it through your thick skull.....)
I felt her mothers love (Protect and do what's best for your child is always priority numero uno!!)
I felt her fear (Where would I go? What would I do?)

I needed a stiff drink with this book, but all in all it was brilliant!! I smell a good plot for a movie or tv show... (just sayin'!) My only complaint was it wasn't long enough. I can't find any info, but one hopes there is a sequel eventually.
Anita Hughes in an author you need to check out! I highly recommend Monarch Beach. Five out of Five Monarch Butterflies!

Her website

It was a story with twists, and it ends in a way I didn't see coming! Neither will you! ;)

Happy Reading!