Oh My Books!

Waiting on Wednesday # 83 - Tempest Unleashed by Tracy Deebs

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-04:30

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick: Tempest Unleashed (Tempest #2) by Tracy Deebs

Tempest Maguire is happy with her decision to embrace her mermaid nature and live among her mother’s clan within the ocean’s depths. Even though training to one day ascend the throne for the aging mermaid queen is rigorous, she finds refuge in the arms of Kona, the selkie who first opened her up to her mermaid side. But when word comes that one of her brothers has been gravely injured on land, Tempest immediately rushes to his side—which also brings her back to her old flame, Mark. And in her absence, a deadly battle begins raging at the hands of Tempest’s old nemesis, the sea witch Tiamat. As the dangerous war erupts, Tempest’s two loves—Kona and Mark, sea and land—will collide for the first time, both to protect her and to force her to choose.

June 5th 2012 by Walker Childrens

I loved Tempest Rising, and I can't wait to read this one! But, I'm not really exited about the love triangle..

In My Mailbox # 59

2012-01-22T07:38:00.000-04:30

In My Mailbox is a weekly bookish meme hosted @ The Story Siren

Destined by Jessie Harrell (Sounds interesting and only 0.99 $ for Kindle!)
Always The Wedding Planner, Never The Bride by Sandra D. Bricker (Free for Kindle!)

From NetGalley:
Much Ado About Rogues by Kasey Michaels (Loved the first book of this series)
Kiss Me, I'm Irish by Roxanne St. Claire, Jill Shalvis, Maureen Child (really hot cover!)

So, what did you get this week? Leave your links :)

Book Review: Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-04:30

Title: Until There Was You
Author: Kristan Higgins
Release Date: October 25th 2011
Publisher: HQN Books
Age: Adult

Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking…something like Liam Murphy.
When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas….

It's the first time I read a book from Kristan Higgins. I really didn't know what to think, I love all of her covers with the dogs, and I'm glad I finally read one!

I loved the writing. I started to read this book and only stopped because I had to sleep and work, but if not, I would have read it in a couple of hours. It managed to immerse me in the story, where Posey, the awkward protagonist is again face to face with her first (and only) love, Liam.

I liked Posey, she was a nice woman, very different from the usual protagonists. She is adopted, always uses jeans and she barely has a womanly body. She doesn't feel like she's part of her German family, and her love life is a disaster.

Liam Murphy is the sexy bad boy. Of course, he isn't really a bad boy. He's widow, and absolutely adores his daughter. But he isn't as perfect as everybody thinks.

I really liked this book, specially because the characters were so realistic and not perfect. Liam, although he was very hot, actually is suffering from stress and is over protecting his daughter. I do like Posey, specially because she was very sweet, had many friends and could take care of herself, but I really wished she wasn't so naive and had better self-esteem.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was very sweet, and I'm sure going to read more books from Kristan Higgings.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Waiting on Wednesday # 82 - Truth by Julia Karr

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-04:30

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick: Truth (XVI #2)by Julia Karr

Nina Oberon’s life has changed enormously in the last few months. When her mother was killed, Nina discovered the truth about her father, the leader of the Resistance. And now she sports the same Governing Council–ordered tattoo of XVI on her wrist that all sixteen-year-old girls have. The one that announces to the world that she is easy prey to predators. But Nina won’t be anyone’s stereotype. And when she joins an organization of girls working within the Resistance, she knows that they can put an end to one of the most terrifying secret programs the GC has ever conceived. Because the truth always comes out...and the consequences can be deadly.

January 19th 2012 by Speak

I loved XVI, I can't believe this one missed my radar until now!

Book Review: Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-04:30

Title: Ashes, Ashes

Author: Jo Treggiari

Release Date: June 1st 2011

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Age: Young Adult

A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

Thanks to the Random Reads meme, I picked Ashes, Ashes from my to-be-read shelf. I'm glad I did, it has been there for a few months and I didn't know what I was missing!

Lucy is surviving. It's the best way to describe it. She's young and absolutely alone. She has to hunt, to cook, to sleep, all by herself. The world she knew is totally destroyed because of natural disasters and also the epidemic disease. Lately, she has been feeling like someone is watching her. But who? Isn't almost everyone dead or worse, sick?

Aidan is not sick, he's a survivor too. He has been watching Lucy, and when she needs help, she rescue hers and invites her to live with the survivors. But it's difficult to be again with people when you are so scared.

The description of the world where Lucy lives is very scary and realistic. The author did a great job in making you understand that it was a total disaster, and maybe it was worse if you survived. No food, water. Anything. I wonder how people manage to have the strength to survive.

I don't know how to describe what I felt with this book. Fear? Desperation? Disgust? When I feel all of that in a book, I like it. (I know, masochistic) But really, I got into the story and actually wanted to know more.Why the disease started? No one could stop it? And why are people looking for Lucy?

Even when Lucy and Aidan are barely surviving, they are attracted to each other. Their romance was a bonus, it was realistic. They liked each other, but it was not the most important aspect of the story.

I don't want to say more because I'll be giving you spoilers, but if you are into post-apocalyptic (or just apocalyptic?) stories, you have to read this one.

More about this book at jotreggiari.com, Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

In My Mailbox # 58

2012-01-15T08:00:00.000-04:30

In My Mailbox is a weekly bookish meme hosted @ The Story Siren

Suddenly You by Lisa Kleyplas
Wicked in your Arms by Sophie Jordan

Both authors have been on my wishlist since forever. It was time to finally get them.

Hounding the Pavement by Judi McCoy
Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Cozy mysteries! It has been a while since I read something fun and light :)

Definitely, Maybe by Heather Webber (Lucy Valentine # 3.5)

True Colors by Thea Harrison (Elder Races # 3.5)

Novellas from some of my favorites series!

I also ordered A Million Suns by Beth Revis, but it's going to take a few days until I receive it at home. I can't wait to read it!

What did you get this week?

Book Review: The Next Always by Nora Roberts

2012-01-12T22:13:00.001-04:30

Title: The Next Always

Author: Nora Roberts

Series: Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #1

Release Date: November 1st 2011

Publisher: Piatkus Books

Age: Adult

The historic hotel in Boonsboro has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. Beckett is the architect of the family, and his social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there’s another project he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen.

After losing her husband and returning to her hometown, Clare Brewster soon settles into her life as the mother of three young sons while running the town’s bookstore. Busy, with little time for romance, Clare is drawn across the street by Beckett’s transformation of the old inn, wanting to take a closer look . . . at the building and the man behind it.

With the grand opening inching closer, Beckett’s happy to give Clare a private tour - one room at a time. It’s no first date, but these stolen moments are the beginning of something new - and open the door to the extraordinary adventure of what comes next . . .

It's the first time I read one of Nora Roberts books (*gasp* I know..) but I'm really glad I did. It was cute, sweet and refreshing, just what I needed.

Beckett is one of the Montgomery's brothers. He and his brothers are restoring an old inn Booksboro, and it's going to be amazing. The whole town is curious about it, including Clare. I loved Beckett, he's just a regular guy, close to his family and with a big heart, which has been throbbing for Clare since they were teens.

Clare is a young widow, with three kids and a lot of work. She owns a bookstore, and it has been a while since she had some time for herself. But when Beckett starts to enter their lives, she's ready for him.

I usually stay away of widows romance books because I can't relate to them, but in this case I really liked Clare and Beckett's relationship. Clare was very easy to like because she was a real mom and young woman. She took care of her kids but knew when she could use some time for herself. Beckett was so in love with her, it's obvious they had to be together, and I'm glad they realized that soon. Their romance was sweet, just what they needed. Also, the kids were so cute!

I loved the writing, I think the characters were very realistic. I felt like I was with them inside the story and their thought were exactly the same I'd had in my mind. But, I think the whole stalker thing/ghost were not necessary.

Overall, I'm glad I finally read Nora Roberts. The Inn BoomsBoro trilogy is definitely on my to be read shelf, I really enjoyed The Next Always and I can't wait to read what will happen with the rest of the Montgomery's brothers.

More about this book at www.noraroberts.com, Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Giveaway: Significance by Shelly Crane

2012-01-11T08:00:00.001-04:30

Hi guys ;) Today I have a big surprise to you! Shelly Crane, author of the Young Adult Paranormal: Significance, Collide and Devour series wants to give you the opportunity to read one of her books!

She's giving away 3 kindle copies of Significance, first book of the Significance series. Check it out:

Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating, barely, and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has. Then she meets Caleb. She saves his life and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing but she is supposed to be on her way to a date with his cousin. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally. They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive. Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him. Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?

What do you think? I think it sounds cool! BTW, the story continues in Accordance (Significance #2) and Defiance (Significance #3), which is coming out soon!

Do you want to read it? You just have to leave a comment saying why would you like to read it and fill the form below. If you want extra points (not mandatory), you can Follow Shelly Crane's blog, her facebook page, her twitter @AuthShellyCrane or tweet about the giveaway.

You don't have a Kindle? Don't worry, you can read it on one of the Free Kindle Reading Apps!

Remember to fill the form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday # 81 - Last Chance Beauty Queen by Hope Ramsay

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-04:30

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick: Last Chance Beauty Queen by Hope Ramsey

Dear Reader,

Gracious me, my beautiful daughter Rocky sure could use my help. I always knew she wasn't much interested in the local boys - but who'd have thought she'd come home with English royalty? Trouble is, Hugh wants to buy some of our folks' land. We don't want to sell, but Rocky's job depends on her closing the deal. And though Hugh's obviously smitten, I'm not sure he's right for my Rocky. Oh, he's classy and handsome - and you should've seen the way he judged pies and fixed stock cars at our Watermelon Festival! - but what do we know about him, really? I know I sound like a nervous mother hen, but after forty happy years with my Elbert, all I want is to see my little girl find the same. Well, time for me to quit chattering and get back to Miss Bray's wet set. Always nice talking to you, and remember: the Cut 'n Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes

February 1st 2012 by Grand Central Publishing

I just loved Ruby's voice :) Luckily, I got this one from NetGalley!

BTW, I'm having a giveaway. Check it out!

Book Review: Real Men Will by Victoria Dahl

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-04:30

Title: Real Men Will

Author: Victoria Dahl

Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery #3

Release Date: October 25th 2011

Publisher: Harlequin

It was meant to be a one-night stand. One night of passion. Scorching hot. Then Beth Cantrell and Eric Donovan were supposed to go their separate ways. That’s the only reason he lied about his name, telling her he was really his wild younger brother. Hiding his own identity as the conservative Donovan. The “good” one. But passion has its own logic, and Eric finds he cannot forget the sable-haired beauty with whom he shared one night of passion. When Beth discovers that Eric has lied, however, she knows he cannot be trusted. Her mind tells her to forget the blue-eyed charmer. If only every fiber of her being did not burn to call him back.

Real Men Will is the last book of the Donovan Brothers Brewery. I have enjoyed the previous books so I really wanted to read this one.

Eric is the oldest brother, always serious and strict. Except when he met Beth, a very sensual woman. Eric can't let her go, but he decides it's going to be a one time thing with her, so why not use his brother's name?

But when they meet again, disasters strikes. Eric is, for the first time, the bad boy. And Beth isn't really sure to be the sensual sexy woman Eric likes.

I liked this book. I was always curious about Eric, and I think it was great that he finally wasn't the strict and perfect brother. Also, it was good to know why he was so hard with himself and his brother, it was a nice twist in the story.

I liked Beth. She was very insecure but really wanted to take her life on her own hands. It was great to see that she finally was strong enough to do it and face her parents and herself.

It was a nice story, but I thought the ending was a bit rushed. It was so hard for Beth to accept herself and for Eric to finally relax, and in a couple of characters everything was settled...I just think Beth and Eric had much more to say.

Although it wasn't my favorite from the series, it was still a great book. I was glad for Eric and Beth. The Dovonan Brothers Brewery is definitely a great contemporary romance series that you should read.

More about this book at www.victoriadahl.com,Goodreads, Amazon.

In My Mailbox # 57

2012-01-08T11:39:00.000-04:30

In My Mailbox is a weekly bookish meme hosted @ The Story Siren

This week was pretty good for me :D

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Of Noble Birth by Brenda Novak (Free for Kindle)

NetGalley:

All I Want is You by Sherrill Bodine

Last Chance Beauty Queen by Hope Ramsay

What did you get this week?

Book Review: Holiday Kisses by Alison Kent, Jaci Burton, HelenKay Dimon and Shannon Stacey

2012-01-07T08:30:00.000-04:30

Title: Holiday Kisses

Authors: Alison Kent, Jaci Burton, HelenKay Dimon and Shannon Stacey

Release Date: December 5th 2011

Publisher: Carina Press

Age: Adult

A man gives the gift of trust and receives a second chance at love in return. A woman helps to heal the wounded heart of a soldier. A couple finds that true love knows no distance. And a young widow learns that there can be two great loves in a lifetime. Love, romance and passion come together in this collection of four seasonal shorts.

Anthology includes: This Time Next Year by Alison Kent, A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton, It's Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon, Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey.

Holiday Kisses is my last holiday book. It's an anthology that includes four romantic stories that will warm your heart.

This Time Next Year is a story about Dillon, who is tormented by his past at war, and Breena, a nurse who is going to visit her grandmother for her last Christmas before following her dream. By a snow storm they were stranded at Dillon's cabin, and Breena discovers Dillon need someone who listen to him and love him. This story is very sweet, and I really liked the ending.

A Rare Gift is a story about Wyatt, a divorced man, and Calliope, a sweet woman who is her ex wife sister. I was a little uncomfortable with the idea of Wyatt and Calliope together, because I think it would be weird to be with your sister's ex. (I have sisters!) But still, I liked the story and I'm glad the characters could find a way to be together, because if you really are in love, would you say no because of being afraid about what people will say?.

It's Not Christmas Without You was so sweet and romantic! Carrie left Austin, again, to follow her dream job in a museum in D.C., but Austin isn't going to accept that. So he follows her to make her understand that they should be together. I loved this story because they already loved each other, but it was more about wanting their relationship to work together instead of leaving each other. Both of them made mistakes and were a little bit egoist, but in the end their love was stronger. Also, I really wanted to know more about the secondary characters!

Mistletoe & Margaritas is about Claire, whose husband died two years ago and Justin, a friend of both who has been in love with Claire since forever. I think this one was definitely my favorite, because I loved Claire and Justin's relationship. They were such good friends but their attraction was always there, and it was difficult to forget Claire was Justin's best friend wife. It was so emotional and realistic, I really felt happy for the couple and I think they deserved each other.

Overall, if you want to read sweet romantic and heartwarming holiday stories, Holiday Kisses is a must read.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Trailer: Tempest by Julie Cross

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-04:30

OMG! You have to check out this trailer. It's AMAZING!

Tempest by Julie Cross

Jackson Meyer is hiding a secret. He can time-travel. But he doesn't know how he does it, how to control it or what it means. When Jackson, and his girlfriend Holly, find themselves in fatal danger, Jackson panics and catapults himself two years into his past, further than he's ever managed before, and this time he can't find a way back to the future...

January 17th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin

Book Review: Twice a Rake by Catherine Gayle

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-04:30

Title: Twice a Rake

Author: Catherine Gayle

Series: Lord Rotheby's Influence #1

Release Date: April 22nd 2011

Publisher: Night Shift Publishing

Age: Adult

Some scandals are meant to be . . .

When Aurora Hyatt loses her journal in Hyde Park, her ruin is a foregone conclusion. After all, if anyone discovers her writings, they'll find scandalous fantasies involving the newest rake in Town alongside entirely-too-candid thoughts about her typical dreary suitors. Aurora will either be forced into a loveless marriage with the first nodcock to make an offer, or she'll be assigned a permanent position on the shelf. Oh, dear good Lord. What catastrophe will God smote down upon her next?

If Niles Thornton, Baron Quinton, desires to maintain any semblance of his current lifestyle, he must fulfill the requirements his grandfather, Lord Rotheby, has set for him. First and foremost: he must marry and begin filling his nursery within the year. When he is nearly barreled over by a racing curricle and a journal flies out to land at his feet, his troubles are over. Inside the journals pages, Quin discovers a scandal waiting to happen. Surely a young lady who would write such brazen things in a journal (and then dare to lose it) must recognize the necessity of a hasty marriage, even if the gentleman making the offer is rather less-than-honorable.

In a drunken haze, Quin kisses Aurora on a crowded ballroom floor, necessitating their immediate marriage. Quin's troubles are only beginning, however, as Aurora's writings are soon the focus of both gossip rags and drawing room conversation. When word arrives of an even greater scandal following in his wife's wake, will he prove himself a drunken abuser like his father, or will he become the loving husband of Aurora's fantasies?

Twice a Rake was free for Kindle a few weeks ago and I loved how it sounded. I'm glad I decided to read it, I liked it.

Aurora is a lonely woman who is having fantasies with Niles Thornton, Baron Quinton (Quin). He's very handsome and she liked to write, so her fantasies are written in her diary. But one day she looses her diary and Quin, by luck, finds it! It's not that bad since Quin needs to marry, and fast. Why not with Aurora?

I really liked Aurora and Quin's story. It's obvious their attraction and that they should be together, but Quin has a big baggage, he's not ready to be a husband.

Mostly he's scared of being as his father, and that keeps him out of reach. But he also made mistakes in the past, and now they are coming to his life again to hurt the only person he loves, Aurora.

Aurora is very modern. She really doesn't sound like living in old London, and it's difficult to believe someone at that time would write sexual fantasies in her diary. But she's very sweet and easy to like. I kind of felt sorry for her, because it wasn't really her fault, but she should have been more careful!

Overall, I liked this book. It kept me reading until the end, and Aurora and Quin's story was very emotional.

More about this book at www.catherinegayle.com, Goodreads, Amazon.

Random Reads #1 - Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

2012-01-04T19:26:00.002-04:30

Hey guys! I've found a new meme, which is very cool! It's called Random Reads by I'm Loving Books. It's about choosing a book by random once a month and reading it! It's perfect for people like me, who has tons of books to read and it's kind of lost.

So... Want to join in on Random Reads?

If you’re on Goodreads enable sorting to your to-read shelf (you should see numbers next to each book now).
Go to Random.org and type in the Min as 1 and the Max as how many ever books are on your to-read shelf.
Scroll down to the book matching the number Random.org picks.
Link up to your Random Reads post.
Read and be merry.

I'm going to cheat a little and use my In My Mailbox shelf instead of my To Be Read shelf. Why? Because my TBR shelf has 718 books! Also, my IMM shelf need serious work, I have 134 books on my hands that I haven't read o.o

Anyway, Random.org choose...#122

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.
Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

If you want to join this meme, click here.

Waiting on Wednesday # 80 - Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-04:30

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick: Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl

Seventeen-year-old Althea is the sole support of her widowed mother, young half-brother, and two stepsisters—and she must maintain Crawley Hall. Althea, in short, must marry well. But there are few wealthy suitors—or suitors of any kind—in their small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. Then Lord Boring comes to stay with his aunt and uncle. Althea sets her cap to become Lady Boring. There’s only one problem; his friend and business manager Mr. Fredericks keeps getting in the way. And, as it turns out, Fredericks has set his own cap.

June 14th 2012 by Viking Childrens Books

Ohh Castles? Lords? Marriage? Definitely a must read!

In My Mailbox # 56

2012-01-01T12:05:00.000-04:30

In My Mailbox is a weekly bookish meme hosted @ The Story Siren

Happy New Year guys! :D What is best to start the year that with new books and organizing my home?

For Kindle:

What a Duke Wants by Lavinia Kent

Organize for a Fresh Start: Embrace Your Next Chapter in Life by Susan Fay West

(Free on Amazon)

NetGalley:

Holiday Kisses by Shannon Stacey, Jaci Burton, HelenKay Dimon, Alison Kent

What did you get this week?

Reading Romance Challenge 2012

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-04:30

I made a promise to myself not to enter as many challenge as last year....but they are so many tempting challenges. But, I found the Reading Romances Challenge 2012 at Reading Romances and it got me because it's different from any other challenges I've participated before.

"The Reading Romances Challenge is not about the amount of books you read, but the variety of titles you’ll have read when the challenge is over! Our goal is to read a bit of everything related to romance and open our minds to new genres we wouldn’t usually read."

Challenge Guidelines:

The 2012 Reading Romances Challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2012.

Anyone can join, you don’t need to have a blog. Feel free to sign-up in the comments – you can post reviews to any book site (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads, Librarything, Shelfari etc).

I’ll post a list of romance sub-genres and a few cool themes for you to choose from each month (you can read all of them or just a couple).

You can list your books before reading them (by leaving a comment on the post with the topics for that month) or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, don’t feel obligated to read them, changes are welcomed!

When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the Reading Romances Challenge. If you don’t have a blog, please link it to the page where you post your reviews (Goodreads, Shelfari, Amazon etc).

You don’t have to participate every month, but please try to!

Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year. I will never tell you to read one specific author, but I might suggest a few titles and authors to give you some ideas.

You can read the same author more than once and the books can be old or new, but they must be read during the course of the challenge.

Books used in this challenge may be used in other challenges.

Books can be in any format – paper, audio, ebook.

Post the button to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun!

What do you think? I think it will help me to try and discover other kinds of books.

If you want to read more about it and sign up, please go here.

Happy New Year! + Wrap Up

2011-12-31T18:00:00.000-04:30

Hey guys, can you believe it!? It's almost 2012 and wow, 2011 was fast!

I can't say 2011 was bad, actually, it was pretty amazing. I traveled, graduated, got a job. I was healthy and happy. And even when I couldn't achieve some of my goals (as my reading goals), I'm really happy and thankful for 2011.

As I kid I never understood why people cared so much about the new year, but now I get it. It's the time to start over, forget the past and write some new goals. I'm still thinking about my goals for 2012...but let's talk about my reading goals in 2011:

My 2011 Reading Challenge at Goodreads was to read 125 books. I couldn't keep up with my reading and I managed to read 89 books. Not bad actually, but less than 2010. I have excuses, of course, but how about 100 books for 2012?

I failed to achieve my goals on the Dystopia, GLBT, Outdo Yourself and Cozy Mysteries Challenges, but I did great on my 1st in a Series Challenge, E-Book Challenge and Holiday Reading Challenge. =)

So, what do you think? How did you do on 2011, and what are your goals for 2012?

BTW, Happy New Year!

Holiday Reading Challenge 2011: Wrap Up

2011-12-31T14:59:00.001-04:30

The Holiday Reading Challenge 2011 is almost over and I had such a great time participating! :D I read more books than I thought and honestly, I liked them all.

My goal was to complete the Serial Mistletoe-er level, I had read 4 to 6 holiday themed books. I actually read 9 books plus a very short story, so.....Good Job Gaby! :) I wasn't feeling very festive this holiday, but the books definitely helped me to improve my mood toward Christmas...

Anyway, are you interested in what I read?

Once Upon a Winter's Eve by Tessa Dare

The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig

Holiday Hideout by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, Julie Kenner

Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley

Merry Christmas, Baby by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jennifer La Brecque, Rhonda Nelson

Wish Upon a Star by Sarah Morgan

Small Town Christmas by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, Katie Lane

Only Us by Susan Mallery

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachen Cohn and David Levithan

Six Geese A-Laying by Sophie Kinsella (short story)

How did you do on your challenge? Did you like your books? Personally, I can't wait for next year xD

Book Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

2011-12-31T09:58:00.000-04:30

Title: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Release Date: October 26th, 2010

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Age: Young Adult

“I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.” So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

What an interesting book! I've been wanting to read Dash and Lily's Book of Dares since forever, because I've read so many good things about David Levithan and Rachel Cohn.

I'm so glad I did. It's a different book, that managed to surprise me (which isn't easy). The story starts with Dash, a very lonely and snarly boy who is alone for the holidays and on his favorite library he finds a red notebook. The notebook have clues only a boy like him would follow, and the prize of all these clues will be Lily.

Lily is a very weird girl. She's very delicate, shy and kind of awkward, but a nice and lovely girl. I think the characters aren't very realistic, it's difficult to imagine someone as Dash to exist, but I have to say I really liked them as a couple.

Their exchanges with the notebook were amazing, I loved to read them. I really wanted them to finally met, but I think I preferred when they only talked via the notebook, they were so backward when they finally met.

I think it worked that each author wrote one character and every chapters is written by the point of view of one of the protagonists. It helped to understand what was happening on their heads.

Overall, I loved Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, specially because it's an original book, and it surprised me with every turn. It's a cute story, and I recommend it if you are looking for a sweet young adult romance.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Review: Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday by Susan Mallery

2011-12-29T08:30:00.001-04:30

Title: Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday

Author: Susan Mallery

Series: Fool's Gold #6.5

Release Date: November 1st, 2011

Publisher: HQN Books

Age: Adult

Pet groomer Carina Fiore wants nothing more than to confess her feelings to the man she loves. She's drawn to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie's good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. But he's also her boss and a good friend. Putting her heart on the line could cost Rina both her job and their friendship forever. Since his divorce, Cameron hasn't been willing to trust his heart—or his daughter—with anyone else. For months he's pushed away all thoughts of taking Rina in his arms and kissing her, unwilling to risk their friendship for a single night of pleasure. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all...

An ebook exclusive Fool's Gold series novella.

I decided to read this one because a lot of people like Susan Mallery's books, so reading this novella I could get an example of her writing. Also because it was free on amazon, and because it got me when I read the protagonist are a veterinarian and a pet groomer.

Christmas is coming and all Carina "Rina" Fiore wants to do is confess her love to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie. She has been in love with him since the day they met, and she already loves his daughter. She's ready to became one of their family, except Cameron isn't so sure about it.

Being a novella, it was a very short and fast story, but I think it worked. If you have read the series (which I haven't), you are probably more familiar with the characters, but I must say the author did a good job explaining the situation and describing the characters quickly. The story was very sweet, and I loved that Cameron's daughter played a big part in it.

I liked that Rina was so brave and decided to pour her feelings, and even when Cameron was a little difficult, I liked the way he was portrayed, as a very sweet and protective man. Of course I wanted the story to be longer, I wanted more details!!

Overall, if you are looking for a short and sweet holiday clean romance, this one is for you. It's easy to love the characters, and it got me on the mood to read more of Susan Mallery's books.

More about this novella at www.susanmallery.com, Goodreads, Amazon.

January is going to be NetGalley Month!

2011-12-28T19:39:00.000-04:30

NetGalley Month @ Red House Books

I'm declaring that January is going to be NetGalley Month here @ Oh My Books!

DETAILS:

1. Declare yourself!: Write up a post, share it on Facebook, Tweet, sky writing, carrier pigeons...Somehow, let the world know you're participating and link it up below.

2. Read NetGalley books in January! And tell us about them in February :)

What do you think? I definitely need an extra push to read some of my NetGalley books, and January is the perfect time (since I don't start work until 9/01). I'm not sure which books I'm going to read, I think I will just go with the flow this time...

Waiting on Wednesday # 79 - Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff that Made Me Famous

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-04:30

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick: Pizza, Love and Other Stuff that Made Me Famous by Kathryn Williams

Can a spot on a teen reality show really lead to a scholarship at an elite cooking school AND a summer romance?

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Nicolaides was practically raised in the kitchen of her family’s Italian-Greek restaurant, Taverna Ristorante. When her best friend, Alex, tries to convince her to audition for a new reality show, Teen Test Kitchen, Sophie is reluctant. But the prize includes a full scholarship to one of America's finest culinary schools and a summer in Napa, California, not to mention fame.

Once on-set, Sophie immediately finds herself in the thick of the drama—including a secret burn book, cutthroat celebrity judges, and a very cute French chef. Sophie must figure out a way to survive all the heat and still stay true to herself. A terrific YA offering--fresh, fun, and sprinkled with romance.

August 21st 2012 by Henry Holt and Co.

Book Review: Small Town Christmas by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, Katie Lane

2011-12-27T13:50:00.000-04:30

Title: Small Town Christmas

Authors: Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, Katie Lane

Release Date: November 1st, 2011

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Age: Adult

Three heartwarming holiday stories to prove that love is the greatest gift of all.

Kissing Santa Claus (Lucky Harbor #2.5)

NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?

I'll Be Home for Christmas

After ignoring the advice of Miz Miriam Randall, local matchmaker, Annie Roberts expects another hum drum holiday in Last Chance, South Carolina. But when a stray cat arrives in the arms of Army sergeant Matt Jasper, a calico named Holly just may be the best matchmaker of all.

O Little Town of Bramble

All Ethan Miller wants for Christmas is to celebrate in Bramble, Texas, with family and friends. But when his childhood neighbor, Samantha Henderson, comes home for the holiday, Ethan realizes that the girl-next-door could be the girl of his dreams.

I've been reading holidays anthologies this month, and I'm glad I read Small Town Christmas. It features three very short stories, very sweet and romantic.

Kissing Santa Claus by Jill Shalvis is part of the Lucky Harbor series and it's about NASCAR driver Logan Perrish, who returns to Lucky Harbor with a ring in his pocket for Sandy, the woman he couldn't forget. He's used for women to throw themselves at his feet, but Sandy isn't exactly happy with him. Maybe because it has been five months since they spend a week together. I'm not familiar with the Lucky Harbor series, but it does sound sweet. Sandy and Logan's story is very quick and I really wanted to slow down and learn more about them, but I guess I have to read the series for that. Still, I enjoyed it.

I'll Be Home for Christmas by Hope Ramsay is about Annie Roberts, who is alone for this Christmas until she met Army sergeant Matt Jasper. He's in Last Chance to deliver a gift, but he found a stray cat and he doesn't have a place to go. This story is extremely sweet, about two lonely people finding love when the least expected it. Definitely one of those stories that makes you cry.

Little Town of Bramble by Katie Lane was probably my favorite, because it's the funniest and sweetest story of all. Samantha Henderson, a veterinarian, is back to her home town and the first thing she wants to do is see Ethan Miller. her childhood friend. Ethan Miller is very surprised to see her, all grown up. Still, he finds it difficult to talk to her, so he's about to give up until Samantha's sister decide to intervene. This story had me laughing out loud with the live nativity scene, and even when it's a little bit unrealistic sometimes, it was so sweet that I just felt happy for the characters.

Overall, if you want to read quick, sweet and happy holiday stories, this is your book. They were short, clean, full of romantic gestures and very enjoyable.

More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.