Kate Huntington - His Lordship's Holiday Surprise

27. His Lordship's Holiday Surprise by Kate Huntington (2003)
Length: 256 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 23 December 2008
Finished: 31 December 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Kate Huntington is a new author for me


For my #7 challenge (Title Reminds You of Christmas), I read His Lordship's Holiday Surprise by Kate Huntington. Miss Augusta Oglethorpe has always thought that Christmastime is a wonderful time of the year. Her highlight of the Season is the Christmas party that she throws for all her fellow bluestockings. For Augusta, it's a time of food, friends and wonderfully intellectual conversation.

This year, however, her holiday plans have all been thrown into an uproar when her widowed sister, Clarissa suddenly disappears after dropping her three young children off on Augusta's doorstep. Children in tow, an infuriated Augusta arrives at Richard, Marquess of Ardath's house and demands to see her wayward sister.

Richard, recently jilted by Clarissa, is less than jolly when he meets her prim bluestocking of a sister. When he discovers that the faithless Clarissa has totally disappeared, he reluctantly agrees to help Augusta search for her. Now with Christmas fast approaching, Richard and Augusta will learn that Christmas and love is truly a miraculous thing. I give this holiday regency romance an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Alice Hoffman - Practical Magic

26. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (1995)
Length: 336 pages
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Started: 16 December 2008
Finished: 22 December 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I like contemporary fiction and Alice Hoffman is a new author for me.


For two hundred years the Owens women have been seen as witches - blamed for everything that went wrong in their tiny Massachusetts community. As children, Sally and Gillian Owens suffered the stigma of living with their aunts and thus being viewed as different.

As adults, they sought to escape Massachusetts - Sally by marriage and Gillian by running away. However, sooner or later the Owens sisters must come home as if by magic. I give this story a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Daphne du Maurier - Rebecca

25. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938)
Length: 380 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Started: 11 December 2008
Finished: 15 December 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I first read this book in high school and really enjoyed it.

When the second Mrs. de Winter marries Maxim de Winter and moves to the windswept Cornish coast, she is somewhat prepared to become famous through marriage. What she's not prepared for is her new home - Manderley - and the spirit of Rebecca - Maxim's first wife - which pervades the house and grounds. She is also not prepared for the reaction of Rebecca's sinister but loyal servant, Mrs. Danvers.

As a presentiment of evil tightens around her, the second Mrs. de Winter must discover what really happened to Rebecca and find out the secrets of Manderley. I give this romantic suspense an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Nicholas Sparks - The Notebook

24. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (1996)
The Calhoun Family Series Book 1
Length: 239 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Started: 5 December 2008
Finished: 11 December 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 January 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical fiction and Nicholas Sparks is a new author for me


For my #1 challenge (Reader's Choice), I read The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. Thirty-one year old Noah Calhoun comes back to North Carolina from World War II haunted by memories of a girl he had lost fourteen years earlier. Allie Nelson is twenty-nine and about to marry a wealthy lawyer, but before she marries she is determined to find the boy who stole her heart so long ago.

Allie and Noah have a deep and abiding love for one another. Surely such a love can turn tragedy into triumph and outlast even life itself. I give this romance an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Michelle Willingham - Her Irish Warrior

23. Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham (2007)
The Harlequin Historical Series Book 850
The MacEgan Brothers Series Book 3
Length: 300 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 1 December 2008
Finished: 4 December 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 January 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Michelle Willingham is a new author for me. I also like anything to do with Ireland.

For my #15 challenge ('W' For Winter), I read Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham. Genevieve de Renalt must escape her abusive betrothed, even if it means putting her trust in the hands of the enemy. Irish warrior Bevan MacEgan has sworn to fight the Norman enemy and regain his castle Rionallis after he had witnessed the death of his wife two years before.

When the attack of Rionallis goes awry, Bevan finds that he can't leave a Norman lady in danger, but how far will he go to keep her safe? Bevan had sworn to never love again, yet marriage would benefit them both. Genevieve begins to slowly break through to his heart. However, will a terrible secret break their hearts and will Bevan end up losing Genevieve forever? I give this historical romance a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Kay Hooper - The Wizard of Seattle

22. The Wizard of Seattle by Kay Hooper (1995)
Length: 336 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Started: 24 November 2008
Finished: 30 November 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I like paranormal romance and Kay Hooper is a new author for me

For my #9 challenge (Title With Place in it), I read The Wizard of Seattle by Kay Hooper. When Richard Merlin first sets eyes on Serena Smyth - the bedraggled sixteen-year-old runaway who shows up on his doorstep one stormy night - he can sense the barely restrained power within her. Guided by pure instinct, Serena has come over three hundred miles in order to find a Master Wizard to teach her a forbidden art. For Serena's sake, Richard will teach her his art, despite a taboo so ancient that the reasons for its existence are all but forgotten.

Nine years later, Richard never expects to risk all that he has and all that he is in order to save Serena, and in the process find a love none of his kind has ever experienced. Richard and Serena's quest will bring them back in time to a lost civilization called Atlantis and will test their faith in and love for each other. I give this time travel romance a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Valerie Parv - The Princess and the Masked Man

21. The Princess and the Masked Man by Valerie Parv (2003)
The Carramer Trust Series Book 2
Length: 192 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Started: 16 November 2008
Finished: 24 November 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I like contemporary romance and Valerie Parv is a new author for me

Giselle de Marginy is a very headstrong princess, bound and determined to get what she wants: a chance to become Keeper of the Castle of Carramer. However, according to the country's charter, she only stands a chance if she marries. Bryce Laws has recently arrived at the castle to take up the job of Royal Park Ranger with his lovely daughter Amanda. The widowed father takes this chance to attempt to heal both their hearts after the death of his wife Yvette two years before.

Giselle endears herself to the grieving family by showing an interest in Amanda's drawing. What starts out as simple interest turns out to be undeniable attraction when Giselle meets Bryce at a masked ball one night at the castle. Both Bryce and Giselle agree to a marriage of convenience to benefit the both of them. Although such a marriage would allow Bryce to find a mother for his daughter, and Giselle the position which she craves, is a marriage of convenience truly their hearts' desire? I give this romance a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Shannon Drake - The Awakening

20. The Awakening by Shannon Drake (2003)
The Alliance Vampires Series Book 5
Length: 384 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Started: 8 November 2008
Finished: 15 November 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 January 2008
Why do I have it? I like paranormal romance and Shannon Drake is a new author for me.


For my #8 challenge (Spooky Story), I read The Awakening by Shannon Drake. In an attempt to save their failing marriage, New Orleans musicians Megan Merrill and Finn Douglas have come to Megan's hometown - Salem, Massachusetts to play a weeklong series of concerts, culminating on All Hallow's Eve. From the moment they arrive in Salem, however, Finn begins to change; loving and attentive one moment, cold and ruthless the next. The locals - even Megan's own relatives - regard him with distrust bordering on hatred.

As the time of the full moon draws nearer, Megan has terrifyingly real nightmares which make her begin to doubt her sanity and she is followed at night by an enveloping fog. She must soon face the fact that something has claimed Finn for its own and that her very soul is in mortal danger. I give this paranormal romance an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Ana Seymour - Moonrise

19. Moonrise by Ana Seymour (1995)
The Harlequin Historical Series Book 290
Length: 296 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 4 November 2008
Finished: 8 November 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Ana Seymour is a new author for me


For my #6 challenge (Author 'S' for September), I read Moonrise by Ana Seymour. In the time of Charles II, Mistress Sarah Fairfax is playing a dangerous game; she has become a highwayman sworn to fight back against the injustices of the king - injustices that caused her Puritan father to give his life in the war, and left her to raise her younger brother alone. She faces off against Lord Anthony Rutledge - a man bound to deliver king's justice to the mysterious thief who targeted wealthy lords. Anthony Rutledge knew he would soon catch the striking highwayman who prowled the king's highway at night, and he was not above a little seduction of beautiful Sarah Fairfax to achieve that. He was a man who loved a challenge and Sarah was proving to be quite an intriguing challenge. I give this historical romance a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Joanna Wayne - Mystic Isle

18. Mystic Isle by Joanna Wayne (2002)
The Harlequin Intrigue Series Book 675
The Hidden Passions Series Book 2
Length: 251 pages
Genre: Contemporary Mystery
Started: 28 October 2008
Finished: 3 November 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I like contemporary mysteries and Joanna Wayne is a new author for me

Kathryn Morland receives a desperate phone call that sends her running from Dallas to New Orleans in search of her sister Lisa. Lisa Morland has mysteriously disappeared before she is to inherit twelve million dollars on her 25th birthday. Kathryn's search leads her to Mystic Isle, a holistic healing store run by Roark Lansing, an enigmatic follower of cult leader Devlin Tishe and his wife, Veretha.

The stakes are raised when the body of another follower of Devlin's is pulled from the river. Now, Kathryn must watch her step as she's drawn deeper into a dark realm of magic and spirits. I give this romance a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Kathleen Nance - Wishes Come True

17. Wishes Come True by Kathleen Nance (1998)
The Djinn Series Book 1
Length: 365 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Started: 18 October 2008
Finished: 28 October 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I like paranormal romance and Kathleen Nance as an author

For my #1 challenge (Fairytale Title), I read Wishes Come True by Kathleen Nance. Zoe Calderone had learned early not to believe in magic and wishes, but when her nine-year-old daughter, Mary, coaxes her to try conjuring a djinni in an attempt to brighten Zoe's mood, the hardworking single mother and computer analyst can hardly refuse.

Simon of Kaf has spent the last millenium bound to Earth as a virtual slave granting wishes. Unable to fully trust humans due to a vicious betrayal which still haunted his memories, he was an exile among his people.

When Zoe summons Simon, the djinni takes this, his ninety-fourth of 101 summonings, as his chance to locate his stolen amulet. He tries to manipulate Zoe's wishes, not realizing that, beneath her staid exterior, Zoe hides a wounded heart like his. I enjoyed this paranormal romance and gave it a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Kerrelyn Sparks - How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire

16. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks (2005)
The Love at Stake Series Book 1
Length: 371 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Started: 8 September 2008
Finished: 13 September 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 22 July 2008
Why do I have it? I like paranormal romance and Kerrelyn Sparks is a new author for me

For my #11 challenge (Read a Series Book), I read How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks. This is Love at Stake Series Book 1. Roman Draganesti is a vampire with a problem: he lost a fang biting something he shouldn't. Now he has one night to reimplant his fang before his healing abilities take over, leaving him a lopsided eater for all eternity.

Shanna Whelan is a dentist with a problem: she is a dentist with a fear of blood. After she witnesses a gruesome murder, she's also on the run from the Russian mob. When Roman rescues her from an attempt on her life, she wonders if she's found the one man who can protect her.

Although the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna overcome her fear of blood to reimplant Roman's fang? And once she does, can she stay alive long enough to outwit an insane Russian vampire assassin bent on her destruction. I liked this paranormal romance and give it a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Julie Garwood - The Gift

15. The Gift by Julie Garwood (1991)
The Crown's Spies Series Book 3
Length: 373 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 1 September 2008
Finished: 7 September 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 May 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Julie Garwood as an author


For my #15 challenge (Title Has Two Words), I read The Gift by Julie Garwood. As a child bride, Sara Winchester had dreamed of the day when her husband, Nathan, Marquess St. James would arrive to claim her heart and take her away from her family. Charmingly innocent, she dismissed the ancient feud which divided her family from Nathan's. She had no idea of Nathan's past as the infamous pirate, Pagan. The man who arrived to claim her was perplexing, arrogant and sinfully handsome.

Nathan had never bared his soul to another woman but soon he was utterly beguiled by Sara's sweet, defiant ways. Aboard his ship the Seahawk, Sara was brave, imperious and determined to win his heart completely - yet upon their return to England, her love would be sorely tested by a vile conspiracy designed to tear Sara and Nathan apart. I give this regency romance an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Nicole Cody - Love and Mayhem

14. Love and Mayhem by Nicole Cody (2006)
Length: 352 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 14 August 2008
Finished: 21 August 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 May 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Nicole Cody is a new author for me.

For my #2 challenge (Title With 'Love'), I read Love and Mayhem by Nicole Cody. What do you do when your betrothed can toss an iron pot at a man's head at twenty paces, her uncle believes he's the legendary William Wallace and her two maiden aunts cannot finish a sentence - or a thought- of their own?

All Iain Armstrong wants to do is what his clan and the English king wants him to do: marry Marion McCall and unite their two clans. When Iain arrives at the priory on the Isle of Skye to escort her home, Marion McCall is determined to dislike him on sight and refuses to see him. However, as she slowly gets to know him, Marion discovers that her new husband is quite a handsome and intelligent man.

As the guests begin to arrive to celebrate the wedding of the sixteenth century, they have to contend with border clashes, dirk-wielding outlaws and chatty old maids with a penchant for baking. I liked this cute story based on 'Arsenic and Old Lace'. I give it a B+!

B+! -(89-94%)

May you read well and often

Julie Beard - Romance of the Rose

13. Romance of the Romance by Julie Beard (1998)
Length: 400 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 5 August 2008
Finished: 13 August 2008
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 22 July 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Julie Beard is a new author for me

For my #1 challenge (Title With Flower), I read Romance of the Rose by Julie Beard. When lovely, quick-tempered Lady Rosalind Carbery inherits Thornbury House from her father, she is determined to rule it alone as a virgin like the great Queen Elizabeth. She longs to be a successful playwright like her friend William Shakespeare.

Drake Rothwell has other plans. Fostered by Rosalind's father when he was a boy, the bold privateer returns from the high seas to claim Thornbury House as his own. Their merry battles come to a head when the queen settles their dispute - by taking the house from both of them. Desperate to get the house back, Drake and Rosalind join forces to lay double claim to the land by marrying in name only. However, soon Rosalind realizes the one territory she cannot protect from Drake is her heart.

I really liked this Elizabethan romance and I thought that it had a nice little twist at the end. I give it a B+!

B+! - (89-94%) 

May you read well and often

Margaret Moore - The Overlord's Bride

12. The Overlord's Bride by Margaret Moore (2001)
The Harlequin Historical Series Book 559
The Warrior Series Book 12
Length: 296 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 1 August 2008
Finished: 4 August 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 January 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Margaret Moore is a new author for me

For my #3 challenge (Title With Wedding Word), I read The Overlord's Bride by Margaret Moore. Lady Elizabeth Perronet is given an ultimatum by her miserly uncle - marry Lord Kirkheathe, Raymond Destienne, in place of her cousin Genevieve, or return to the convent where she was mistreated for thirteen years. Rather than return to the convent, Elizabeth decides to take a chance on marriage to the dour Lord Kirkheathe.

Raymond Destienne had a reason to distrust all women - years ago, he had killed his first wife, Allicia, in self defense. Her death left him with a ruined voice and a broken heart. His overlord had deemed him faultless, although castle gossips still blamed him for her death.

Now the time has come for him to marry again. Surprisingly, Elizabeth's sunny disposition and loving heart just might help Raymond to overcome the scars of the past. I give this sweet medieval romance a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Teresa Medeiros - After Midnight

11. After Midnight by Teresa Medeiros (2005)
Kane/Cabot Vampire Series Book 1
Length: 370 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 22 July 2008
Finished: 1 August 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 May 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Teresa Medeiros as an author

For my #12 challenge (Title With Time), I read After Midnight by Teresa Medeiros. When the eldest Cabot sister, Caroline, hears from her fanciful younger sister Portia that their sister Vivienne is keeping company with the infamous Adrian Kane, Viscount Trevelyan, she is naturally very concerned. After all, it is rumored among the ton that the enigmatic nobleman is a vampire!. Of course, that is nonsense! However... Kane inhabits a dark castle, is never seen by the light of day, and embarks on nightly excursions to heaven knows where. And from the first moment Caroline meets him, she is shaken by a desire that borders on the unnatural. Caroline must learn Adrian's secrets! But with each step, she is drawn deeper into a shadowy world of danger. Will a yearning heart lead Caroline to disaster...or an unimaginable love? I give this regency romance an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Judith A. Lansdowne - Annabella's Diamond

10. Annabella's Diamond by Judith A. Lansdowne (1999)
Length: 256 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 8 July 2008
Finished: 16 July 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 15 February 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Judith A. Lansdowne is a new author for me

For my #8 challenge (Jewel in the Title), I read Annabella's Diamond by Judith A. Lansdowne. Lady Annabella Faire's extreme shyness had led to her being overlooked as a wallflower during her First Season. Now faced with a second, she is terrified. Her next door neighbor and closest childhood friend, the handsome Duke of Derrinham - nicknamed 'The Diamond' by the ton - agrees to help her capture the hearts and minds of the various gentlemen of Society.

The Duke of Derrinham plans to go to London strictly to help Bella, even though it means returning to a house full of shadowy memories. Soon, Bella is winning hearts all around and, with one kiss, The Diamond cannot help losing his heart to Bella as well. I give this sweet regency romance an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Victoria Alexander - Believe

9. Believe by Victoria Alexander (1998)
Length: 400 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Started: 2 July 2008
Finished: 8 July 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 15 February 2008
Why do I have it? I like paranormal romance and Victoria Alexander is a new author for me.

When Greek Literature professor, Tessa St. James, receives a book of Arthurian legends from her mother, she doesn't know what to do with it at first. An avowed lover of all things Greek, Tessa has no reason to believe in medieval English myths and magic. All that changes when Merlin - 'Wizard Extraordinaire and Counsellor to Kings'- arrives and sets her a quest: help the fabled Sir Galahad to locate the Holy Grail.

In the process, Tessa and Galahad must learn to trust in the Arthurian legend and believe in the strongest magic of all - their love for one another. I give this paranormal romance a B+! because I love the Arthurian legend myself. 


B+! - (89-94%)


May you read well and often

Jennifer Ashley - Penelope and Prince Charming

5. Penelope and Prince Charming by Jennifer Ashley (2006)
The Nvengaria Series Book 1
Length: 373 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 12 June 2008
Finished: 15 June 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 January 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Jennifer Ashley is a new author for me.

For my #7 Challenge (‘Prince’ or ‘Princess’ in the Title), I chose to read Penelope & Prince Charming by Jennifer Ashley. This is the story of Prince Damien of Nvengaria, who, as the result of a magical prophecy, journeys to England in search of a princess to marry in order to unite his kingdom. He finds the woman of his dreams in Miss “Twice-a-Jilt” Penelope Trask. Now the question is, in the midst of multiple assassination attempts, wild magic, and in the face of overwhelming desire, can the most famous lover in all of Europe convince this infuriating country miss that they are meant for each other?

I found this book to be a very sweet regency romance. It is the first book of the Nvengaria series & I am definitely going to look for other books in the series! I give it an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

J. R. Ward - Dark Lover

6. Dark Lover by J. R. Ward (2005)
The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Book 1
Length: 416 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Started: 5 June 2008
Finished: 7 June 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 January 2008
Why do I have it? I like paranormal romance and J. R. Ward is a new author for me.

For my #4 challenge (Color Word in Title), I read Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. This is the first novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, so I read it for my #4 challenge. This is the story of Wrath - the last purebred vampire left on earth and King of his people. He is the essentially blind leader of a band of six lethal warriors known as the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Together, these warriors hunt the Lessening Society - the soulless vampire slayers who murdered Wrath's parents centuries ago.

Wrath is stunned when a fellow warrior - Darius - asks him to protect and guide Darius' halfbreed daughter - a supposed orphan - into a heritage of which she has no knowledge. Beth Randall has been suffering inexplicable chills and hunger pangs that she cannot satisfy. She also can not deny the instant attraction she feels for Wrath when she meets him. Now, as Beth nears the precipice of her change the only one who can help her is Wrath. I loved this paranormal romance debut from a terrific author and will be looking for more books from this series. I give it an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often