The Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich
Ok so I'm cheating with this one and I'm using the whole series. I really couldn't pick just one book in this series that I have read. Seriously with all of the funny antics that Janet Evanovich writes in her stories, how can you just pick one. Again this was another series/author that Kristi suggested (honestly if she had her own blog I'd probably be linking her all the time on this site.)
The basic plot for the whole series starts when Stephanie Plum gets let go from her job and she's desperate for money. It just so happens that her cousin Vinny has a bail bonds agency and needs some help, so Stephanie decided to become a bounty hunter (or a Bail Bonds Agent, the more correct job title). Honestly because she isn't equip for it, hilarity ensues. Through out the books there is an array of crazy characters and some are recurring. I have to say Grandma Mazur is my favorite, I fell in love with her character from the first book when she shot the butt end off the turkey at the dinner table, and as the series progresses Grandma's character never fails to pump up the hilarity factor.
These books, seriously have me staying up all of hours of the night giggling my ass off. How Janet Evanovich was able to come up with the crazy characters and scenarios and yet they seem normal I have no idea. I do have to say though, there is a bit of romance. But the romance is very plausible and Stephanie's emotions are written in a way that everyone can relate too. While a majority of the book is based off of the bounty jobs, there is underlying story lines that continue through out the stories concerning family, romance, and the fact that Stephanie Plum always has a car destroyed.
If you ever need a good belly laugh, I suggest the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. You will no be disappointed.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Bakers Dozen 12
Ransom by Julie Garwood
So this was probably one of the first historical romance books that I had read, or at least in the wave of historical romance that I started. And you might find it weird but I remember clearly how I came about getting this book. I had read a little snippet of another book by this author, Mercy, in a Cosmo magazine. I hadn't bought that book but I found this book in the bargain book section at Borders for around 2 dollars. This book didn't have a cover wrap (it is a hard cover book) so there was no synopsis. But I figured for 2 bucks I can take a gamble. I think this was one of the first book that I fell in love with because it was about Scotland, and it totally made me think about a hunky Scottish warrior (I know kind of dorky, but hey I was like 15 when I got the book.)
The story starts off with Lady Gillian as a child and she is trying to escape from her manor with her sister after their father is killed by a greedy baron. The story then time warps to about 15 years later where Gillian is ordered to find her sister whom she hasn't seen for that time. She finds out that her sister is now living in the highlands and she must go to find her. She also sees that the greedy barons captured a boy that they plan to kill. But instead they escape and go into the highlands to bring the boy to his family. Gillian pretends to be the boys Uncle's, Laird Brodrick Buchanan's, bride in order to insure a safe return for the boy and to also get help finding her sister. Brodrick, feels the need to protect Gillian and soon sparks fly and they become married. There are so many plot twists and turns that keep you interested and I honestly couldn't put the book down.
This story is in theory a sequel to The Secret but the book has enough detail to stand on its own and you can read it with out reading The Secret first. I love how Julie Garwood mixed in the humor and to romance together and it seemed so seamless that they humor didn't feel out of place in the setting and time period of the novel.
Again, I just love this book. I have read several of Julie Garwood's other books and I have to say, I have never been disappointed by what I had read. If you're in the mood for a book that has a romance, humor and some action, I definitely suggest one of her novels.
So this was probably one of the first historical romance books that I had read, or at least in the wave of historical romance that I started. And you might find it weird but I remember clearly how I came about getting this book. I had read a little snippet of another book by this author, Mercy, in a Cosmo magazine. I hadn't bought that book but I found this book in the bargain book section at Borders for around 2 dollars. This book didn't have a cover wrap (it is a hard cover book) so there was no synopsis. But I figured for 2 bucks I can take a gamble. I think this was one of the first book that I fell in love with because it was about Scotland, and it totally made me think about a hunky Scottish warrior (I know kind of dorky, but hey I was like 15 when I got the book.)
The story starts off with Lady Gillian as a child and she is trying to escape from her manor with her sister after their father is killed by a greedy baron. The story then time warps to about 15 years later where Gillian is ordered to find her sister whom she hasn't seen for that time. She finds out that her sister is now living in the highlands and she must go to find her. She also sees that the greedy barons captured a boy that they plan to kill. But instead they escape and go into the highlands to bring the boy to his family. Gillian pretends to be the boys Uncle's, Laird Brodrick Buchanan's, bride in order to insure a safe return for the boy and to also get help finding her sister. Brodrick, feels the need to protect Gillian and soon sparks fly and they become married. There are so many plot twists and turns that keep you interested and I honestly couldn't put the book down.
This story is in theory a sequel to The Secret but the book has enough detail to stand on its own and you can read it with out reading The Secret first. I love how Julie Garwood mixed in the humor and to romance together and it seemed so seamless that they humor didn't feel out of place in the setting and time period of the novel.
Again, I just love this book. I have read several of Julie Garwood's other books and I have to say, I have never been disappointed by what I had read. If you're in the mood for a book that has a romance, humor and some action, I definitely suggest one of her novels.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Bakers Dozen 11
Shadow's Kiss by Joan Hohl
This is a historical/paranormal/romance novel, that really struck me as unique. Now I know that there are a million different historical romance novels and paranormal romance novels, but I have to say, this is the first that I have read that combined the two genres. Again, this author was another one suggested by Kristi and whenever she has suggested something to me I have never been disappointed (this is a reason why she is so awesome.)
Anyway, the story starts off with Darcy Flynn, leaving her Philadelphia home to Denver to help her mother for what she thought was a boarding house. When she gets there she found out that her mother had passed away and the boarding house is actually a whore house. Darcy who had lived in a all girls catholic school all her life, is shocked that her mother ran a whore house, but after she gets to know the girls, she realizes that her mother actually helped the girls by helping them escape from horrible upbringings. Being inspired by these girls stories, she decides to transforms the whore house into a school for ladies so that they can learn skills and be accepted into society.
The romance starts when two days prior to Darcy's arrival Jonathan Stuart is murdered in the whore house. He has unfinished business and his spirit walks the house. Only Darcy can see and feel his presence, she soon starts to fall in love, but obviously because he is a ghost it seems impossible. Or is it?
I just loved how this story was written. It was the perfect combination of romance/historical/paranormal, and it kind of had a little bit of girl power. Even though the character Darcy falls in love and that is a huge factor in the book, I just loved how Joan Hohl wrote this character to be very self-aware and very much empowered to help these women. I also felt the that the love story was very sweet, and you find yourself rooting for this couple even though it seems impossible.
This is a historical/paranormal/romance novel, that really struck me as unique. Now I know that there are a million different historical romance novels and paranormal romance novels, but I have to say, this is the first that I have read that combined the two genres. Again, this author was another one suggested by Kristi and whenever she has suggested something to me I have never been disappointed (this is a reason why she is so awesome.)
Anyway, the story starts off with Darcy Flynn, leaving her Philadelphia home to Denver to help her mother for what she thought was a boarding house. When she gets there she found out that her mother had passed away and the boarding house is actually a whore house. Darcy who had lived in a all girls catholic school all her life, is shocked that her mother ran a whore house, but after she gets to know the girls, she realizes that her mother actually helped the girls by helping them escape from horrible upbringings. Being inspired by these girls stories, she decides to transforms the whore house into a school for ladies so that they can learn skills and be accepted into society.
The romance starts when two days prior to Darcy's arrival Jonathan Stuart is murdered in the whore house. He has unfinished business and his spirit walks the house. Only Darcy can see and feel his presence, she soon starts to fall in love, but obviously because he is a ghost it seems impossible. Or is it?
I just loved how this story was written. It was the perfect combination of romance/historical/paranormal, and it kind of had a little bit of girl power. Even though the character Darcy falls in love and that is a huge factor in the book, I just loved how Joan Hohl wrote this character to be very self-aware and very much empowered to help these women. I also felt the that the love story was very sweet, and you find yourself rooting for this couple even though it seems impossible.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Bakers Dozen 10
So I couldn't do this list with out also adding The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. As I stated in the previous post, this was one of two books that Kristi suggested.
The story is set in the year 1066 in England during the transition from a Saxon England to a Norman England. The fierce warrior Wulfgar is in charge of an army to claim the land and residents of Darkenwald in the name of William, the Conqueror. But the conniving Ragnor gets there first, killing the Lord of Darkenwald, and he wishes to posses his beautiful daughter Aislinn. Fortunately for Aislinn, Wulfgar takes possession of Darkenwald and becomes their new Lord. Refusing to bow, she becomes Wulfgar's slave and mistress. Through out the story Aislinn and Wulfgar struggle with their feelings for each other but you see their love blossom.
Also I loved the the plot twist of Wulfgar's vengeful and evil sister, Gwyneth. Her presence in the story makes for an interesting plot and drama.
I have to say when I first read this story and The Flame and the Flower I actually preferred the other one more. Only because the speech is written how we would perceive 1066 English would be spoken. So as a 16 year old it was a little hard to follow. As I've gotten older though, this has become another one of the books that I pick up on a frequent basis and re-read over and over again.
If you are interested in reading historical romance, you can not go wrong with Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.
The story is set in the year 1066 in England during the transition from a Saxon England to a Norman England. The fierce warrior Wulfgar is in charge of an army to claim the land and residents of Darkenwald in the name of William, the Conqueror. But the conniving Ragnor gets there first, killing the Lord of Darkenwald, and he wishes to posses his beautiful daughter Aislinn. Fortunately for Aislinn, Wulfgar takes possession of Darkenwald and becomes their new Lord. Refusing to bow, she becomes Wulfgar's slave and mistress. Through out the story Aislinn and Wulfgar struggle with their feelings for each other but you see their love blossom.
Also I loved the the plot twist of Wulfgar's vengeful and evil sister, Gwyneth. Her presence in the story makes for an interesting plot and drama.
I have to say when I first read this story and The Flame and the Flower I actually preferred the other one more. Only because the speech is written how we would perceive 1066 English would be spoken. So as a 16 year old it was a little hard to follow. As I've gotten older though, this has become another one of the books that I pick up on a frequent basis and re-read over and over again.
If you are interested in reading historical romance, you can not go wrong with Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.
Bakers Dozen 9
The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
This book was recommended to me years ago by Kristi when she found out that I was starting to get into romance novels. In fact I remember her saying point blank, "If you love romance novels you have to read The Flame and the Flower and The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss." So I remember going to Boarders and buying them right away and LOVING them. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is definitely the queen of historical romance.
This book is set in the 1800's in post revolutionary war America. The story starts of with Heather, going with her abusive aunts brother to London to hopefully get a job at Lady Cabot's school for women. But the man has other plans and tries to rape Heather. Scared and frightened she runs from him after she accidental stabs him and comes across two men whom she thinks is a part of law enforcement but turns out they went out on their Captains orders to find a "pretty wench to spend the night with." After spending a couple of nights with the Captain Brandon Birmingham she flees back to her aunt. Unfortunately, Heather is with child and is forced to marry Brandon. They set sail to America where the antagonist Louisa is and she finds out that the conniving women is Brandon's former fiance.
The drama builds into a wonderful crescendo, and you can not put the book down. Seriously, every few months I find myself picking this book up and re-reading it from front to back cover repeatedly. I would love to go on and on about how much I love this book but I have to be honest words just don't describe how awesome this book is.
This book was recommended to me years ago by Kristi when she found out that I was starting to get into romance novels. In fact I remember her saying point blank, "If you love romance novels you have to read The Flame and the Flower and The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss." So I remember going to Boarders and buying them right away and LOVING them. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is definitely the queen of historical romance.
This book is set in the 1800's in post revolutionary war America. The story starts of with Heather, going with her abusive aunts brother to London to hopefully get a job at Lady Cabot's school for women. But the man has other plans and tries to rape Heather. Scared and frightened she runs from him after she accidental stabs him and comes across two men whom she thinks is a part of law enforcement but turns out they went out on their Captains orders to find a "pretty wench to spend the night with." After spending a couple of nights with the Captain Brandon Birmingham she flees back to her aunt. Unfortunately, Heather is with child and is forced to marry Brandon. They set sail to America where the antagonist Louisa is and she finds out that the conniving women is Brandon's former fiance.
The drama builds into a wonderful crescendo, and you can not put the book down. Seriously, every few months I find myself picking this book up and re-reading it from front to back cover repeatedly. I would love to go on and on about how much I love this book but I have to be honest words just don't describe how awesome this book is.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bakers Dozen 8
On the Bright Side; I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God by Louise Rennison
So this is the second book in Rennison's Georgia Nicholson series and my favorite. This is also a young adult novel and at the time that I read it it was age appropriate. I think one of the reason's why this story stuck out in my head is because of the humor. My taste in humor is very slap stick and kind of juvenile. One of my favorite parts is where Georgia is holding her younger sister in her lap and her younger sister farts. That whole scene had me giggling for about 3 hours straight. But other than that the whole book is full of hilarity.
The whole series is based on Georgia's journal entries about her daily life and her affections of the opposite sex, especially her Sex-God boyfriend Robbie. The story takes place right after Rennison's first novel, Angus, Thongs, and Full-frontal Snogging so it is a series that you would probably want to start from first novel to the end of the series.
While the first three or four novels seem more juvenile,but you definitely see a character growth in Georgia as the series progresses. But Rennison never looses her distinct sense of humor as the series progresses. I have to say that she wrote an excellent modern-day, young adult version of Lucy and Ethel, as Georgia's best friend Jas plays side kick to all of Georgia's crazy antics.
This is definitely a book and series that will probably stay on my bookshelves for years to come. If you ever feel the need to indulge you inner teenager with some humor I definitely recommend this series to anyone, young or old.
So this is the second book in Rennison's Georgia Nicholson series and my favorite. This is also a young adult novel and at the time that I read it it was age appropriate. I think one of the reason's why this story stuck out in my head is because of the humor. My taste in humor is very slap stick and kind of juvenile. One of my favorite parts is where Georgia is holding her younger sister in her lap and her younger sister farts. That whole scene had me giggling for about 3 hours straight. But other than that the whole book is full of hilarity.
The whole series is based on Georgia's journal entries about her daily life and her affections of the opposite sex, especially her Sex-God boyfriend Robbie. The story takes place right after Rennison's first novel, Angus, Thongs, and Full-frontal Snogging so it is a series that you would probably want to start from first novel to the end of the series.
While the first three or four novels seem more juvenile,but you definitely see a character growth in Georgia as the series progresses. But Rennison never looses her distinct sense of humor as the series progresses. I have to say that she wrote an excellent modern-day, young adult version of Lucy and Ethel, as Georgia's best friend Jas plays side kick to all of Georgia's crazy antics.
This is definitely a book and series that will probably stay on my bookshelves for years to come. If you ever feel the need to indulge you inner teenager with some humor I definitely recommend this series to anyone, young or old.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Bakers Dozen 7
The Funhouse by Dean Koontz
So this was probably one of the first books in the Horror genre that I have ever read, and it's stuck with me 10 years after I have read it. I remember going through my mom's book collection because I was sick of reading nothing by V.C. Andrews and the title intrigued me. So I grabbed the book from the bookshelf and started to read.
The book is based around Amy Harper's life and how she is trying to cope with an overly zealous Catholic mother who is fighting demons from her past and taking it out on her children and turning to vodka to drive away her misery. Their are many key plot changers in this story that keeps you interested but ultimately you know what the final conflict will be. The story starts with a young Ellen (Amy's mother) married to an abusive carny, Conrad Straker, and she has given birth to a deformed, demonic child. Terrified and disgusted by the disfigurement of her first born son, Ellen kills the child and flees from the carnival. She then turns to religion and eventually remarries and gives birth to two normal children, Amy and Joey. After the prologue the story is mainly based on Amy with cutouts of Conrad looking for revenge. Amy finds out she's pregnant in prom night and tells her mother, who is terrified of what the child might look like because he was conceived in sin allows Amy to get and abortion and tells Amy that she is done protecting her soul and that she is basically emotionally alone. Amy turns to her best friend Liz, who is one of loose morals, and soon finds herself slipping into a darkness that she doesn't want to be a part of. When the carnival comes to town, Amy's little brother Joey decided he's going to become a carny because of his mom's abuse and runs into Conrad. Joey doesn't know that Conrad, has a second son who has grown to be what the first born was and he is seeking revenge for his son's murder by killing Ellen's two children. The final showdown is a fight between Gunther (Conrad's second son) and Amy, and these where Amy realized her positive view on religion.
Again, this story is a major first for me because it was a different genre that what I usually read. Now I still don't read a lot of horror book but this was a nice breath of fresh air and it's a good book to pick up from time to time to re-read.
So this was probably one of the first books in the Horror genre that I have ever read, and it's stuck with me 10 years after I have read it. I remember going through my mom's book collection because I was sick of reading nothing by V.C. Andrews and the title intrigued me. So I grabbed the book from the bookshelf and started to read.
The book is based around Amy Harper's life and how she is trying to cope with an overly zealous Catholic mother who is fighting demons from her past and taking it out on her children and turning to vodka to drive away her misery. Their are many key plot changers in this story that keeps you interested but ultimately you know what the final conflict will be. The story starts with a young Ellen (Amy's mother) married to an abusive carny, Conrad Straker, and she has given birth to a deformed, demonic child. Terrified and disgusted by the disfigurement of her first born son, Ellen kills the child and flees from the carnival. She then turns to religion and eventually remarries and gives birth to two normal children, Amy and Joey. After the prologue the story is mainly based on Amy with cutouts of Conrad looking for revenge. Amy finds out she's pregnant in prom night and tells her mother, who is terrified of what the child might look like because he was conceived in sin allows Amy to get and abortion and tells Amy that she is done protecting her soul and that she is basically emotionally alone. Amy turns to her best friend Liz, who is one of loose morals, and soon finds herself slipping into a darkness that she doesn't want to be a part of. When the carnival comes to town, Amy's little brother Joey decided he's going to become a carny because of his mom's abuse and runs into Conrad. Joey doesn't know that Conrad, has a second son who has grown to be what the first born was and he is seeking revenge for his son's murder by killing Ellen's two children. The final showdown is a fight between Gunther (Conrad's second son) and Amy, and these where Amy realized her positive view on religion.
Again, this story is a major first for me because it was a different genre that what I usually read. Now I still don't read a lot of horror book but this was a nice breath of fresh air and it's a good book to pick up from time to time to re-read.
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