Weekend Reading

Image from Erin Nicholas' website

This weekend I’m finishing up Just Right by Erin Nicholas. Then I plan to start the next in the series, Just Like That.

What are you reading?

Recommended Read – Cupcakes and Killer Heels by Heidi Rice

Image from Heidi Rice's website

HeidiRice is another new to me author who I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I will definitely be looking for her next release.

The witty banter between Ruby and Callum had me turning the pages. Ruby is independent and says what she thinks making her the perfect match for Callum. However, never of them is looking for the perfect match.

Each has to work their family history to overcome what’s holding them back. It’s a bumpy ride at times that makes you want to shake some sense into them. The ending is very fitting for Ruby and Callum.

I recommend this book to any reader looking for a hot, contemporary romance that will melt her heart.

Warning: You might want to eat a cupcake or two while reading.

Blurb from Heidi Rice’s website:

Ruby Deilsantro never blushes…

But after on glance from the infuriating Callum Westmore’s bedroom eyes she’s blushed redder than a glacé cherry. Her body has the right idea, for now Callum’s convertible has crashed into her life nothing will ever be the same…

Cupcake baker Ruby has always been in the driving seat when it comes to relationships, but something tells her that Callum sees straight through her snappy one-liners to her soft-as-buttercream heart beneath.

Now Ruby’s in danger of losing control and – worse still – of liking it!

Available at:

Kindle         Nook         Harlequin

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Anticipated Read – A Last by Jill Shalvis

Image from Jill Shalvis' website

I can’t wait to read At Last by Jill Shalvis. Sadly, I’m behind in reading this series. Each book is waiting patiently on my kindle.

Have you read the series yet? If so, which is your favorite? Is it best to read them from the beginning?

Blurb from Jill Shalvis’ website:

HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG…

Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she’s looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she’s tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won’t make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn’t let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can’t deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it’s up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.

Available at:

Kindle      Nook

Recommended Read - About Last Night by Ruthie Knox

Image from Ruthie Knox's website

Ruthie Knox is a new to me author. About Last Night put her on my must buy list. The characters are realistic with flaws for both Cath and Nev that makes your heart ache for them on their journey for their HEA (happily ever after).

Cath comes from a hard life where she regrets choices she made. She doesn't feel worthy of Nev. She puts limitations on their relationship to keep from making the same mistakes. Gradually, the limitations change as Cath changes.

Nev has his own struggles with family and career choice. He goes along with Cath's limitations because he wants to breakdown the walls around her heart. However, for them to find their HEA, Nev also makes changes to merge together the two sides of his character (who he is and who his family wants him to be).

This combination of character struggles and development makes for a great read that had me turning the pages eager to see what would happen next and how they would overcome it all for HEA.

The book is set in England. Ms. Knox did a great job of writing Nev true to his background with English terms and sayings that added to the story and character.

I recommend this book to any reader looking for a great contemporary romance that will tug at your heart and make you smile.

Blurb from Ruthie Knox’s website:

Cath Talarico knows a mistake when she makes it, and God knows she’s made her share. So many, in fact, that this Chicago girl knows London is her last, best shot at starting over. But bad habits are hard to break, and soon Cath finds herself back where she has vowed never to go . . . in the bed of a man who is all kinds of wrong: too rich, too classy, too uptight for a free-spirited troublemaker like her.

Nev Chamberlain feels trapped and miserable in his family’s banking empire. But beneath his pinstripes is an artist and bohemian struggling to break free and lose control. Mary Catherine — even her name turns him on — with her tattoos, her secrets, and her gamine, sex-starved body, unleashes all kinds of fantasies.

When blue blood mixes with bad blood, can a couple that is definitely wrong for each other ever be perfectly right? And with a little luck and a lot of love, can they make last night last a lifetime?

Available at:

Kindle         Nook

The Bradfords series by Erin Nicholas

I’m re-reading/reading the Bradfords series by Erin Nicholas to get ready for the release of Just for Fun and Just the Way I Like It.

I started re-reading Just Right. The book is even better the second time around. I’m looking forward to reading Just Like That and Just My Type. These two have been patiently waiting for me to read on my kindle for far too long.

Image from Erin Nicholas' website

Kindle         Nook

Image from Erin Nicholas' website

Kindle         Nook

Image from Erin Nicholas' website

 Kindle         Nook

Have you read this series? If not, you should be. 

No Change

The good news is I didn’t gain any weight this week. The bad news is I didn’t lose any weight. Exactly the same as last week’s weigh in. Family events and eating out last week made staying in points range difficult. However, I didn’t gain any so I’m happy. Add in that I have now exercised everyday for the last three weeks and I’m one happy lady.

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Buy The Legend of Michael on Amazon from $.99 here. 

Weekend Reading - About Last Night

Image via Ruthie Knox's website

I’m reading About Last Night by Ruthie Knox. My plan is to finish it this weekend. It’s a great read. I just haven’t had a chance to read the past couple days.

This week has been busy so I’m also behind in TV shows. I’m planning to get all caught up with them too.

What are you reading, watching, or doing this weekend?

Anticipated Read – Worth the Risk by Karen Erickson

Image via Karen Erickson's website

Worth the Risk is the second book in the Worth It series by Karen Erickson. I can’t wait to read Hunter’s story.

Worth the Risk releases on July 10.

Blurb from Karen Erickson’s website:

How to make a strong man fall hard? Refuse him.

Hunter Worth lives life to the absolute fullest. As vice president and head of brand marketing for Worth Luxury Goods, he’s brought his family’s business firmly into the twenty-first century. Ruthless yet charming, he’s now set his sights on the sexiest member of the marketing team. First thing on his agenda? Seduction.

Gracie Hayes needs her job at Worth—and she’s not about to let the gorgeous owner and her direct boss distract her—again. Orphaned, and with a rough childhood behind her, she’s worked too hard to compromise everything for a fling, no matter how tempting. Independent, strong and resourceful, she will fight off Hunter. She has to.

Flirting, stolen kisses, a few nights of scorching hot sex…Hunter has all that in mind and more with the delicious Gracie. He never figures he’d fall in love or that she’d deny him. How will Hunter convince Gracie he’s the one for her?

Available for Pre-order at:

Kindle         Nook

Hot Secrets by Lisa Renee Jones is Free at Amazon

Image via Lisa Renee Jones' website

Hot Secrets by Lisa Renee Jones is free at Amazon today and tomorrow.

Note: As always check free status before purchase. 

E is Easier . . . Well Sort Of

This past week I managed to drop another 1.8 pounds. I did better on staying in my points range. Plus, I've exercised everyday. 

For two weeks, I've exercised daily. That's huge for me. I've done so well I don't want to miss a day because it will ruin my track record. The exercising does get easier everyday.

I told myself I could do anything for 21 days. I challenged myself to exercise in some way for 21 days. I have 7 days left. I feel like I have accomplished big things by staying on track. 

What helps you to exercise and eat better?

Anticipated Read - No Going Back by Karen Foley

Image via Harlequin's website

I’m looking forward to the release of No Going Back by Karen Foley. Chase Rawlins gets his story. I loved his twin brother Chance’s book, Coming Up For Air.

No Going Back releases July 1.

Blurb from Harlequin’s website:

Subject: Army Special Ops Major Chase Rawlins
Current Status: On tour in Afghanistan
Mission: Babysitting civilians
Obstacle: Keeping his mind on his duty...and his hands off a certain sexy civvy

Major Chase Rawlins is one of the toughest military SOBs around. His job? Take out terrorists. So why is he escorting publicist Kate Fitzgerald around the base in order to prep for a visiting pop star? It's the last thing he wants to do. Even if Kate does make his blood run hotter than the Afghan desert....

Thanks to her starlet half sister, Kate is used to "challenging" situations. But when Major Sexypants informs her that he will handle all of her needs, Kate finds herself tempted to do her own reconnaissance...under Chase's uniform!

One week. One chance. And once they start, there's no going back!

Available for Pre-Order at:

Kindle         Nook         Harlequin

Recommended Read - Coming Up For Air by Karen Foley

Image via Harlequin's website

Coming Up For Air is another captivating read by Karen Foley. I love her books. Each has a way of drawing me in and keeps me turning the pages. Coming Up For Air is a part of Harlequin Blaze’s Uniformly Hot series.

I loved Jenna and Chance. They development of their relationship and how they would work despite Jenna's issues with dating someone in the military were well written.

Jenna never would have gotten together with Chance if she hadn't mistaken him for his twin brother, Chase. I enjoyed how Jenna found out who Chance really is and that he's a pilot. She has issues with getting involved with a pilot. Gradually, she's able to overcome her issues. The progression works and develops throughout the book to stay in character for Jenna.

Chance is a sexy pilot who flies an Apache helicopter. After reading this book, you may find you want a Chance of your very own. 

I’m looking forward to Chase’s book, No Going Back, that will be out July 1, 2012.

Recommend this book to any reader looking for a sexy, military romance. 

Blurb from Harlequin’s website:

Subject: Army Major Chance Rawlins, Helicopter Pilot.
Current Status: Soon-to-be-deployed to Afghanistan. 
Mission: Report to Captain Jenna Larson for a sexy, one-night inspection.
Obstacle: She's mistaken him for another man!

Major Chance Rawlins has a bit of a reputation, both in and outside of the helicopter cockpit. He's a hotshot, and he knows it. But when he enjoys a spontaneously naughty night with Captain Jenna Larson, Chance realizes Jenna has no idea who he is...and that she's mistaken him for his twin brother!

Since it was just a one-nighter, Chance decides not to give the game away. But when their paths cross again in the dry heat of Afghanistan, Chance sees an opportunity to show Jenna exactly who he is--and what he can do to her. After all, the best pilots know when to hold back...and when to engage in a little sexy fire!

Available at:

Kindle         Nook         Harlequin

Weekend Reading

I’m reading Coming Up For Air by Karen Foley. Loving this book!

What are you reading?

The Horrible E Word Isn’t So Bad

Last week, I set a goal to get active everyday. Okay, I’ll say it . . . to exercise everyday. Shockingly, it wasn’t as bad as I imagined it would be. By the end of the week, I had done so well with being active I didn’t want to ruin my progress. It was a great motivator.

I’m proud to admit I lost 3.2 pounds over the last week. I am doing Weight Watchers as well. I just started back actually keeping track of my points and doing better about what I eat. Exercising helped me to lose even more than just counting my points.

I feel better when I’m actually doing Weight Watchers and exercising. I can tell a difference in just a week.

It’s so hard to lose weight and keep it off when there are so many foods that taste delicious but aren’t good for us on a regular basis. Fast food is so easy and tempting. Don’t get me started on the scrumptious cheddar pretzels that are my downfall. I have to resist buying them when I go grocery shopping.

What do you do to lose or maintain your weight? 

Romance in TV

I was thinking about my love of romance books and how must of the TV shows I watch have romance to varying degrees in them. I’m always look for that happily ever after (HEA) for my favorite couples.

In the TV shows, it can be frustrating at times. The show spans years and often my favorite couples have to go through many ups and downs to get their HEA. It can be heart wrenching sometimes especially if the writers don’t follow through on the promise they build up. In books, I know by the end that the couple will get their HEA.

On Psych, Shawn and Juliet finally got together. I did enjoy the build up to their getting together. Also, the writers have written their story so well that nothing was lost when they finally did get together. They relationship is even better.

On Castle, we were left with Castle and Beckett finally taking their relationship to the next level. Here’s hoping the writers follow through in the fall with advancing their relationship.

On BurnNotice, Michael and Fiona have a love that goes through good times, bad times, and really bad times. I love how they’ve always been together even when they weren’t technically together. You can see how their relationship has grown over the seasons. They would die for each other and not think twice before doing it.

On Rizzoli& Isles, I’m hoping Agent Dean will be more of a regular this season. I want to see his relationship with Jane progress. It returns tonight on TNT.

Oh how I could go on about the romances throughout my TV shows. These are the first ones to come to mind. I don’t necessarily watch for the romance, but the romances add another level to the shows that intrigues me.

Do you watch TV shows for the romance? Any romances in TV you want to see happen or enjoy watching?

Recommended Read – When She Wasn’t Looking by HelenKay Dimon

Image via HelenKay Dimon's website

When She Wasn’t Looking is another must read by HelenKay Dimon. I fell in love with Jonas. I want him for my very own. He is a well blended character who leaps off the pages and into your heart. Courtney’s strength and determination in the face of all she’s been through is written extremely well. Her heartbreak can be felt.

The building of trust and love between Jonas and Courtney was equally balanced with the mystery of who was behind the murders. Love is found in the must unlikely place. It is exactly what Jonas and Courtney both need to heal from their pasts.

Recommend to any reader looking for a romantic suspense that will keep you reading and tug at your heart. 

Blurb from HelenKay Dimon’s website:

SHE WANTED TO TRUST HIM WITH HER SAFETY-BUT NOT WITH HER HEART...

No woman could deny the appeal of the sexy deputy sheriff Jonas Porter. But to Courtney Allen, Jonas has one major flaw-his badge. Years ago, Courtney's father was wrongfully convicted of a crime and she vowed to never trust a cop again. But when Jonas becomes the only man to believe in her father's innocence, Courtney begins seeing the brooding lawman in a whole new way.

Jonas knows in his gut that the real killer is still out there and determined to finish what he started long ago. To protect Courtney and bring the criminal to justice will require all the skills he can muster. And that means focusing on the job. Not the woman who makes him forget his troublesome past and arouses in him a passion that is anything but professional.

Available at:

Kindle         Nook         eHarlequin

New Releases for June 1

No Risk Refused by Cara Summers

Image via Harlequin's website

Suddenly Sexy by Susanna Carr

Image via Susanna Carr's website

Blazing Midsummer Nights by LeslieKelly 

Image via Tawny Weber's website

Blazing Bedtimes Stories: Volume VIIby Rhonda Nelson and Tawny Weber

Image via Leslie Kelly's website

Soldier'sPregnancy Protocol by Beth Cornelison

Image via Beth Cornelison's website

Shadesof Desire by Virna DePaul

Image via Virna DePaul's website

LoveBites byLori Foster, Catherine Mann, Brenda Jackson, Jules Bennett, Virna DePaul

Image via Lori Foster's website

These are my book buys for June 1. What good books am I missing?