Book Review: Code Name: Nanny by Christina Skye

Book Description:

She's an FBI agent. — He's a Navy SEAL. — Together they're igniting enough heat to blow both their covers. — Summer Mulcahey is a workaholic FBI agent with a nose for crime, a mouth for trouble and a heart tied to the job 24/7.   But Summer also happens to be hiding a closet full of demons that she has tried hard to slay. — But...  more » what gives with the drop-dead gorgeous gardener who's sticking around her and the kids like Superglue?   Now she's stuck in her worst nightmare -- tracking lost pets, placating sullen teens and rehearsing for the blowout society wedding of the decade.  What is it about Gabe Morgan that makes Summer wonder if there could be more to life than the Weaver stance, defensive tactics and cover surveillance?  Summer is about to learn the awful truth:  the FBI is tough, but the 'burbs are murder!

My thoughts:

This is the first in a series by Christina Skye.  I am reading it for part of my Reading Challenge.  This is the second book I have read by this author.  The first was "A Home By The Sea".  I enjoyed that book and "Code Name: Nanny" has been on my TBR shelf for awhile so I am glad I picked it for this challenge.

What a book.  I have to admit I was dreading this book because it is quite thick.  And due to personal circumstances I don't have as much time to read as I used to.  I kept trying to carve out reading time for this book.  WOW!!  It does start out a little slow, but then BAM!  You don't want to put the book down.  The suspense and don't forget the romance is just too good to put down.  I enjoyed the characters and the plot.

I have to check my TBR to see which ones in this series I have.  I will then have to order those not on it.  I can't wait for the next in the series.  I do not know much about this series, so I am hoping it continues with at least updates on Summer and Gabe and other characters.

This is a great romantic suspense book.  Let me know if you read it or have read it!

Happy Reading!

Still here.....

I am still here..

This book I am reading is good but long.  Plus with working more and birthday/mother's day - it is harder to get reading time in.

How is your reading going?

Book Review: "Foxy Roxy" by Nancy Martin

Book Description:

Big truck, big dog, big hair. Bad attitude. — Roxy Abruzzo, bestseller Nancy Martin's latest creation, is the sexy, streetwise niece of a Pittsburgh crime boss, and she’s trying to stay on the straight and narrow . . . most of the time. But now and then temptation is just too much for hot-blooded Roxy. As she prowls the ... more »mean streets looking for architectural treasures, she can't help swiping an ancient Greek statue that's not exactly hers. Then the statue's owner, heir to a billion-dollar steel fortune, gets himself killed, and the police investigation sweeps Roxy into a mess that requires all of her wits and wiles to escape. All this plus a dotty grand dame, a slippery lawyer, and an avaricious socialite or two makes for a lethal combination of danger and desperation -- with Roxy in the middle.

My thoughts:

I think this is a first author for me.  I did NOT like this book at all.  I read about four chapters and called it good.  The writing, characters, storyline - couldn't get into. 

Would not recommend this book.  I thought it would be funny and interesting like Stephanie Plum, like it said on the cover - WRONG!!!

Zero stars!!

Happy Reading!!

Book Review: "What She Wants" by Sheila Roberts

Book Description:

What do women want? — Jonathan Templar and his poker buddies can't figure it out. Take Jonathan, for instance. He's been in love with Lissa Castle since they were kids but, geek that he is, she's never seen him as her Mr. Perfect. He has one last shot -- their high school reunion. Kyle Long is equally discouraged. The pretty reception... more »ist at his office keeps passing him over for other guys who may be taller but are definitely not superior. And Adam Edwards might be the most successful of Jonathan's friends, but he isn't having any success on the home front. His wife's kicked him out.

When Jonathan stumbles on a romance novel at the Icicle Falls library sale, he knows he's found the love expert he's been seeking -- Vanessa Valentine, top-selling romance author. At first his buddies laugh at him for reading romance novels, but soon they, too, realize that these stories are the world's best textbooks on love. Poker night becomes book club night…and when all is read and done, they're going to be the kind of men women want!

My thoughts:

This is the third book in the "Icicle Falls" series.  The other books are: "Better Than Chocolate" and "Merry X-Mas".  This one could very well be my favorite in the series.  I think it could probably be a stand alone book as well.  There are a couple of mentions about the past main characters, but it still works as a series book as well.

I loved the 'guys'.  And Adam - he was my favorite I think... The things he was doing to get a back with his wife... OY!  Made me laugh!  Jonathan was another favorite.  I was rooting for him.  Wasn't sure if it would work out or not.. But I won't spoil anything for you.

If you are looking for a nice light book/series - give this a try.  I love Sheila Roberts' book.  They are quick to read because you don't want to put them down!!!

I am proud to say I received this because I am a "Sheila Girl."

Happy Reading!

Book Review: "Starting Now" by Debbie Macomber

Book Description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber returns to Seattle?s beloved Blossom Street in this heartfelt tale of friendship, renewal, and discovering what?s truly important in life. — For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career?her friends, he... more »r marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She?s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.

With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia?s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey?s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby?s future in surprising and profound ways.

As A Good Yarn becomes a second home?and the women a new kind of family?Libby relishes the different person she?s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.

Warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love.

My thoughts:

This is the latest book in the "Blossom Street" series.  This has been my second favorite series by Debbie Macomber.  The first being "Cedar Cove."  This one did not disappoint.  I couldn't put down the book.  Even though the author moves on with new characters she has a great way to bring back the original characters.

I loved Libby - I felt like I had to keep reading to see what happened next.  I 'watched' her grow as a person - loved it.  

The one thing I didn't like was the secondary plot with Ava - just wasn't my cup of tea, but it certainly did not take away from my thoughts from the book. 

If you haven't tried this series - give it a try.  The books in the series are:
"The Shop on Blossom Street"
"A Good Yarn"
Susannah's Garden"
"Back on Blossom Street"
"Twenty Wishes"
"Summer on Blossom Street"
"Hannah's List" (didn't really have to read)
"A Turn in the Road"

Happy Reading!

Book Review: "All He Ever Dreamed" by Shannon Stacey

 

 

 

Book Description:

 

 

Josh Kowalski is tired of holding down the fort better known as the Northern Star Lodge?while his siblings are off living their dreams. Now that his oldest brother has returned to Whitford, Maine for good, Josh is free to chase some dreams of his own.As the daughter of the lodge's longtime housekeeper, Katie Davis grew up alongside the Kowalski ... more »kids. Though she's always been "one of the guys", her feelings for Josh are anything but sisterly. And after a hot late-night encounter in the kitchen, it's clear Josh finally sees her as the woman she is.Katie's been waiting years for Josh to notice her, but now that he has, she's afraid it's too late. Giving her heart to a man who can't wait to leave town is one sure way to have it broken. But Josh keeps coming up with excuses not to leave?could it be that everything he's ever wanted is closer than he could have imagined?

 

 

My thoughts:

 

This is the sixth book in the series.  After my 'stinker' of a book I read last week, I knew this one wouldn't let me down.  And boy was I right!  I loved it!!  I don't want this series to end.... I love love love the characters and every storyline.

 

This book focused on Josh and his wanting to leave the family business and home to find his own dreams.  Enter Katie - he has always thought of her as a best friend.  She has been hiding her feelings for Josh for a long time.  But now Josh is seeing her in a new light. 

 

There is of course some bumps in the road.  What kind of book would it be without one?  =)  But it kep me from wanting to put the book down.  It was just what I needed to get over the 'stinker' of a book.

 

Happy Reading!

Book Review: "A Place Called Home" By Jo Goodman

Book Description:

IT'S WHERE YOU BELONG... — When Thea Wyndham and Mitchell Baker learn they've been named joint guardians for their late friends' three children, they're little more than acquaintances. Barely polite acquaintances, at that. Something about Mitch's forthright intensity has always left ad exec Thea feeling off-balance... more », while Mitch makes no secret of his disdain when Thea offers him financial assistance if he'll take sole guardianship.

Thea is far from heartless. She's just plain terrified of her new parenting responsibilities. Both she and Mitch are romantically involved with other people. Yet the more time they spend together, the less certain she is of her loyalties. There are complications and missteps, tears and laughter -- lots of it. And somehow, through it all, the dawning realization that the last place she thought she'd find herself could be just where she belongs....

This book I read for the Reading Challenge I am in.  This is the first and I can say last book I will read by the author.  I could not get into it.  I did not like the writing, the characters.  I did not finish the book.  I needed to move on, as I never wanted to pick it up.  And that is SO not like me.  It has been a long while since I didn't finish a book.

Have you read any 'stinker' books lately? 

Happy Reading!