What: Romance Reading Challenge
When: 1 January – 31 December 2009
Who: Naida (The Bookworm)
Rules: Read five romances, of any subgenre, in 2009. List can change at any time.
This year, I’m going to do this a little differently. I’m going to specifically name only two books. The remaining three will be identified by a general term/type of romance. This will give me more flexibility.
- a Georgette Heyer novel – Cousin Kate {2 Feb 09} (REVIEW)
- a SHOMI – Driven (Kenin, Eve) {7 Feb 09} (REVIEW)
- a Harlequin category romance (contemporary) – Bedded for Diamonds (Hunter, Kelly) {9 Feb 09} (REVIEW)
- Ace is Wild (Penny McCall) {27 Feb 09} (REVIEW)
- Duel of Hearts (Diane Farr) {21 Sep 09} (REVIEW) **Pending**
~~ & ~~
Well, another challenge done. I’m satisfied with the way I planned which books I would read for this challenge. Since I read a lot of romance, more than I thought I ever would, this could have been finished in the first two months of the year.
Though all the books were enjoyable, I would have to say that Bedded for Diamonds was my favorite if for no other reason than Pat, the cockatoo.
If Naida host again next year, I’m seriously considering participating in this again, even with the move.
Re-constructed comments:
Oct 03 – Beth F – “Good job on finishing! I have too many challenges to finish by the end of the year, but I’m going to give it my best shot.”
Oct 03 – Me – “Thanks! I know the feeling. 
”
Kiss of Fury
Title: Kiss of Fury
Author: Deborah Cooke
Copyright: 2008 (Signet); 392 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-22476-7
Series: Dragonfire #2
Sensuality: Warm
Who: Alexandra Madison and Donovan Shea (warrior/Pyr)
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
From the Back: Scientist Alexandra Madison was on the verge of unveiling and invention that would change the world. Then her partner was murdered, their lab was burned, and their prototype destroyed. While Alex is in the hospital recovering from burns suffered in the fire, recurring dragon-haunted nightmares threaten to land her in the psychiatric ward, but she knows she has to escape to her lab to rebuild the Green Machine. Handsome, daring, and impulsive, Donovan Shea is more than willing to do his part in the Pyr/Slayer war. Assigned to protect Alex, Donovan is shocked when her presence ignites his firestorm. He has no desire for a destined mate, but Alex’s intelligence and determination inspire him to join the fight to save her invention.
Comments: I thought this one was better than the first book. I liked Donovan from the first moment we meet him in the Prologue of Kiss of Fire. He’s a fun character and I’m glad we got to know more about him so soon. I thought Alex was a good match for him. A scientist, but not absent-minded or clueless about her attraction to Donovan. I liked her a lot.
Despite the Slayers’ attack, Alex isn’t interested in being guarded by the Pyr. Given the fact that she witnessed dragons kill her partner, destroy her lab and her life’s work, it’s easy to understand why she wouldn’t feel comfortable or safe around them. That’s a lot to cope with in such a short time. It’s only natural that Alex would want to bolt. Also, she feels the Green Machine is more important than her own life. Alex can’t hide herself away when there’s still a chance she can have a workable prototype ready in time for the meeting with the investor.
Though Alex is just the sort of woman Donovan finds attractive, he’s not willing to consummate the firestorm. Unlike Quinn, who’s parents remained together and who also lost a woman he loved, Donovan was rejected by his mother and betrayed by a lover. Since the standard operating procedure for the Pyr is to leave their pregnant mates — Quinn’s father was an exception — Donovan is not about to do that to Alex. He’s a loner who’s not looking to settle down, even with a woman he finds to be smart, brave, and fun to be with.
Alex couldn’t agree more, as far as the pregnancy thing goes. The scientist in her isn’t buying “the first time leads to conception” line regarding the firestorm. And what about being a responsible adult and using protection? Alex never contemplated marriage and having a family. She had her work and was content to let others do the family thing. However, as she spends more time with Donovan, she begins to fall for him. The idea of settling down with Donovan begins to appeal to her. If only he wasn’t so dead set against it.
The on-going battle between the Slayer and Pyr continues. Some plot twists are revealed, pertaining to the Slayers. The Pyr are in for some surprises, plus some unexpected allies.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Rafferty. The only Pry the reader knows, for certain, who isn’t going to baulk at consummating his firestorm — and he gets passed over. Again. Poor guy. She better be wonderful, whoever she is, considering the length of time he’s been waiting for her.
Favorite Quotes:
“You seem tense. Your first stolen car?”
“First time someone tried to kidnapped me.”
“If it’s any consolation, this is my first attempted kidnapping. How am I doing?”
– Donovan, Alex
“I have three words for you. Archibald Forrester’s Buick.”
– Donovan
Started: 1 April 2009
Finished: 20 April 2009
Rating:
LOVED IT !!
What Others Have Said:
Scooper Speaks
SciFi Guy
Night Owl Romance
Wild on Books
Books in the Series:
Kiss of Fire
Addendum:
This is a re-post. Below are the comments that I was able to salvage from the SQL file. See this post for an explanation. I apology for the inconvenience.
Renee, 2009-07-06: So glad you reviewed this. It’s been sitting on my tbr shelf since it was released. I really need to get to reading it. It sounds like a good one!
Me, 2009-07-06: It was a fun read. I’m really looking forward to the fourth book. Of course, I still have to read book 3 first. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a re-post, due to data loss. (Oct 09)
Ace is Wild
Author: Penny McCall
Copyright: 2008 (Berkley); pgs. 308
ISBN: 978-0-425-22298-0
Series: N/A
Sensuality: Warm
Who: Vivienne Foster and Daniel “Ace” Pierce
Where: Boston
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. Though some of the characters and plot elements from her previous books make an appearance, it’s not necessary to read either All Jacked Up or Tag, You’re it! first.
Vivienne Foster is a psychic. No, really, she is. And that’s the problem. Law enforcement types generally don’t believe in her abilities, so going to them with her knowledge pertaining to a hit on an Assistant DA is pointless. No one will believe her that Daniel Pierce is in mortal danger without solid proof — like the identity of the person ordering the hit or the name of the hired gun. Vivi’s visions don’t work that way, so she left with only one course of action — try to get his attention at a bachelor charity auction and hope he listens to her.
Daniel is a former FBI field agent, benched after a near-fatal shooting damaged his leg. Unable to return to field work in any law enforcement agency, he became a lawyer. But even that isn’t enough for guy who’s goal in life was to make the world a safer place. His track record is hardly impressive, mainly because he doesn’t compromise when it comes to his ethics or his integrity. Even though he doesn’t want to believe in Vivi’s talent, he’s willing to accept the possibility there really is a hit out on him. He wants to be actively involved in the investigation, not sitting in some safe house or guarded by federal agents. Daniel is sure that Vivi knows more than she’s letting on — there is something important she’s not telling him. Daniel doesn’t have many “wins” — cases where he sent someone to prison for life or, at least, a very long time. Narrowing down the list of possibilities and investigating them — Vivi doing a reading on them — shouldn’t be so hard, but their progress is hindered by more attempts on Daniel’s life by slightly incompetent and elusive hit men.
Both have trust issues. Vivi, obviously, has a hard time trusting cops and lawyers because they don’t believe her, and she knows that Daniel is only humoring her. Trusting the wrong person got Daniel shot, so it will take a lot of convincing before he’ll trust Vivi. They both also believe in speaking the truth. Vivi doesn’t lie to her customers. She won’t tell them only what they want to hear, unless it’s the truth. Some things — like death — she can’t bear predicting, so she tries to steer her clients away from those types of questions. Daniel is a “the world is black and white” type guy — no gray areas. He sees Vivi being sued by clients as proof she’s a con artist — and therefore a criminal. Of course, Vivi was sued by clients that didn’t like what she told them — the truth.
From the beginning, Daniel and Vivi are physically attracted to each other. Both try to ignore it. At some point, during their running around Boston eluding hit men, — and the cops and Feds who don’t want them involved in the investigation — Vivi starts to fall in love with Daniel. This is bad news because those feelings prevent her from getting a read on Daniel. With his life in danger, this could prove fatal. Naturally, it takes Daniel a little longer to realize what he’s feeling is more than lust.
I really enjoyed this book. There’s a lot of action, so the story moves pretty quickly. Vivi’s a fun character. She’s strong and she doesn’t back down, even when Daniel is biting her head off for one reason or other. She can give as good as she gets. I really liked Daniel. When you first meet him, he comes across as a slick, sophisticated lawyer, but really he’s a jeans-and-t-shirt kind of guy; happier out in the field than behind a desk.
Favorite Quotes:
“If I didn’t trust you and believe in your ability I wouldn’t be asking you to save the day, but you can’t even drum up a halfway credible premonition.”
“Because I love you, you jackass.”
“Uh. . .”
“That’s right, you moron, I love you.”
– Daniel and Vivi, in a tight spot, yelling at each other
“The place was crawling with cops and feds.”
“That’s what happens when you call and tell them you were almost murdered by a high-ranking mob figure.”
– Daniel, Vivi
Started: 19 February 2009
Finished: 27 February 2009
Rating:
Liked A Lot
Bedded for Diamonds
Author: Kelly Hunter
UK Title: Priceless (Modern Romance Series Extra)
UK ISBN: 978-0-263-85001-7
UK Publisher: Harlequin Mills & Boon
Copyright: 2006
N. A. Title: Bedded for Diamonds
N. A. ISBN: 978-0-373-82068-9
Published in N. A.: 2008 (Harlequin); 185 pgs.
Series: Harlequin Presents Nights of Passion
Sensuality: Warm
Who: Erin Sinclair and Tristan Bennett
Where: Australia
Bedded for Diamonds (AKA Priceless) is about Tristan Bennett, the youngest of Hallie Bennett’s (Wife For a Week) four older brothers. Tristan had a couple brief appearances in Wife For a Week, but it is not necessary to read that book first.
Tristan is an undercover operative with Interpol. After his last assignment in Prague — which ended badly — Tristan is in need of some serious down time. He returns home to Australia, on his sister’s advice, to find some peace and think about his future. Tristan is a wounded soul, and he’s not sure if he has it in him to go back to undercover work.
Priceless
As for finding peace at home instead of London, he’s not as convinced as Hallie about that possibility. Home has it’s own bad memories of a mother who died and a father who was never the same after. On plus side, his siblings are in far flung lands and dad’s on sabbatical in the Greek Islands. Tristan will have plenty of uninterrupted free time to come to a decision.
Erin Sinclair drives luxury taxis in Sydney, but she is also an aspiring jewelry designer. There is a design competition coming up and Erin plans to make a gem buying trip the following week. After picking up a gorgeous if somewhat broody passenger at the airport, her brother calls to inform her that he cannot accompany her as her co-driver/bodyguard. She doesn’t think she can get a replacement at such short notice and canceling is not an option. She rather get the stones in person than rely on on-line auctions. Desperate, she asks her passenger — who heard her side of the phone call — if he’d like the job.
Tristan points out the obvious, reminding her that they just met and she doesn’t know anything about him. Not that she didn’t try to get him to talk about himself during the car trip. He stubbornly avoided her attempts to draw him out. Erin knows she was being overly impulsive and tells him to forget she asked. But Tristan is now curious and intrigued by the sunny, friendly woman. She explains her predicament, and Tristan offers to help her — if she truly cannot find someone else. Naturally, Erin doesn’t find anyone who can make the trip and subjects Tristan to a brunch date with her mother — her idea of a screening process.
Though they are attracted to one another, once Erin learns he’s a cop, she has second thoughts about allowing him to accompany her. Not that she hates cops, it’s the fact she doesn’t want to get involved, as she tells her mother, with a “passionate crusader.” One who is so committed to his job, that he has nothing left for family and loved ones. One that can’t, or won’t, talk about his job even if he’s suffering.
Tristan is exactly that: he cares deeply, but he’s closed off and doesn’t let people get close to him. Yet Erin, with her generous heart and optimistic outlook, is just what he needs in his life. She understands the pressure and the difficult choices in his line of work. She knows how to reach through his walls and bring balance to his life. The question is, will he let her into his life.
This is the second book I’ve read by Kelly Hunter, and I really loved it. Funny at times and sweet. Pat the cockatoo is priceless. If you’re looking for a Harlequin Presents that doesn’t feature an extremely rich, arrogant CEO or royal, this is the perfect book. Tristan may be overprotective and stubborn, but he’s also a sweetheart of a guy who knows how to be supportive. Erin isn’t shy nor is she weak.
One final note: the North American title is very misleading, to say the least. Erin’s gem buying trip doesn’t involve diamonds at all — she buys opals and sapphires. Diamonds don’t enter the story until near the end.
Favorite Quotes:
“You do realize that bird is in love with you?”
– Erin, to Tristan, regarding Pat
Started: 11 February 2009
Finished: 11 February 2009
Rating:
LOVED IT !!
address
Driven
Author: Eve Kenin
Copyright: 2007 (Shomi)
ISBN: 978-0-505-52709-7
Series: NA
Sensuality: Hot
Who: Raina Bowen and Wizard
Where & When: Post-apocalyptic, frozen north
It was suppose to be simple. Be the first to reach Gladow Station with a load of grain and receive a fat bonus. All Raina needed was a special license that would allow her to drive the transcontinental highway, and that was going to be supplied by a guy named Wizard. The problem? He was late for their meeting, and when he finally shows up, he incurs the wrath of a trucker gang. Thanks to this encounter, Wizard is without transportation, and Raina grudgingly allows him to tag along. With the license now useless, she is forced to take a more dangerous route through pirate territory if she wants to stay in the race. But the race is not what it seems, as she learns, and an enemy from her past has decided that the time is right to hunt her down. There are secrets about her family she doesn’t know about, and she finds herself falling for a man with secrets of his own.
Raina has been taught to trust no one and she doesn’t let others get close to her. She doesn’t want to lose any more people she cares about, and tries hard not to fall in love with Wizard. Raina’s afraid to let her guard down and settle somewhere because Duncan Bane — her enemy — might find her. Though she doesn’t let people get close, she still cares what happens to others who are less fortunate and helps when she can.
As for Wizard, he’s not what he seems and he has his own agenda. He has the ability to compartmentalize feelings like sadness and guilt. But once he meets Raina, he begins to feel things he’s never felt before — fear, love — and he can’t compartmentalize or control what he feels for her. This is made all the worse by the fact that he will have to break the fragile trust between them in order to take down their common enemy.
This is the second Shomi book I’ve read and I liked it almost as much as Twist (Colby Hodge). Driven is set in an post-apocalyptic world and is action-packed. The world building isn’t elaborate, but that works for the story. I read this during some of the coldest days this month, so I was in the right frame of mind to read a book set in the frigid north — it felt like I was right there with them. I really liked the characters, especially Wizard. I have the sequel in my TBR, and hopefully I get to it this year.
Started: 4 February 2009
Finished: 7 February 2009
Rating:
TBA
