The Month That Was December 2013

Lemon Drop: ::grumble grumble::  Really?!

Me: What's up cupcake?

Lemon Drop: Auntie Wendy, we need to talk.

Me: Uh oh, this cannot be good.

Lemon Drop:  Every month you talk to me about the books you read....

Me:  And?

Lemon Drop:  And I'm afraid they're giving me unrealistic expectations.

Me: I was right, this cannot be good.  Sigh.  Well let's talk about what I read in December and then we'll address your issues OK?

Title links will take you to full reviews.

Badlands by Jill Sorenson - Romantic suspense, HQN, 2013, Grade = B+

• Third book in series, about a couple I've been DYING to read about since they were introduced in Book #1.  It didn't disappoint.  A great, great read with an uber-wounded hero.

Forged in the Desert Heat by Maisey Yates - Contemporary romance, Harlequin Presents, 2013, Grade = B-

• Hero has inherited the throne but relations are precarious - so when he rescues a neighboring sheikh's betrothed after she's kidnapped he must tread carefully.  A solid read.  Not sure this would change anyone's mind if they don't "like" sheikh stories - but if you do?  This is a good one.

A Christmas to Remember by Kay Stockham - Contemporary romance, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2007, Grade = C

• Heroine's past comes home to roost when the hero who done her wrong returns home from the Army with amnesia.  A lot of promise, but the plot twist pissed me off.

Under a Christmas Spell by Barbara Monajem - Historical paranormal short story, Harlequin Historical Undone, Grade = B

• An incubus and a succubus with a shared past find themselves attending the same Christmas house party.  Liked the holiday atmosphere and the light touch with the paranormal elements.

Under a New Year's Enchantment by Barbara Monajem - Historical paranormal short story, Harlequin Historical Undone, Grade = B-

• The second half of a short story duet, it picks up where Under a Christmas Spell left off.  It details the fallout of the "work" the incubus and succubus have been doing at said house party - and the host and his life-long childhood BFF find themselves unable to resist.

The Wicked Confessions of Lady Cecelia Stanton by Viveka Portman - Historical erotic "romance" novella, Escape, 2013, Grade = F

• Burn it!  Burn it with fire!!!!!!!!

Falling for the Highland Rogue by Ann Lethbridge - Historical romance, Harlequin Historical, 2013, Grade = B+

• Bad girl heroine falls for a pretty-boy younger brother who is a whiskey runner.  I loved this story.

Ripped by Sarah Morgan - Contemporary romance novella, Cosmo Red Hot Reads, 2013, Grade = B+

• Chick lit meets romance meets erotic sexy times!  Funny heroine, steamy sexual tension, a fast, fun read.

When the Marquess Met His Match by Laura Lee Guhrke - Historical romance, Avon, 2013, Grade = B-

• Playboy hero needs to marry for money and needs the help of the matchmaker heroine.  Too bad she's not inclined to help a fortune hunter.  Great dialogue, lots of verbal sparring, cannot wait to read next book in series.

Me: Sweetheart, this is fiction and romance novels are a celebration of women, life and love.  Frankly, yes - they should give you unrealistic expectations - and that is not a bad thing.  Because you're worth it.  There's nothing wrong with expecting someone to love you, and love you in a healthy, emotionally fulfilling way.  You should never settle.  You should be happy in your own skin.  Someday, yes - you will hopefully fall in love and when that happens I hope that person treats you well, makes you happy, and is your perfect partner in crime.

Lemon Drop:  Auntie Wendy, what in the world are you talking about?

Me: Ummmmm, what are you talking about?

Lemon Drop: I'm sitting here, trying to read Daddy's book and it is nothing like the books you talk to me about.  Where are the sheikhs?  The cowboys?  The bosses and secretaries?  Dear Lord, there are no secret babies!  Or amnesia!  Where oh where are the secret babies and the amnesia?!?!? 

Me: So your "unrealistic expectations....."

Lemon Drop: I thought all books had secret babies and amnesia!  Daddy's boring ol' science book doesn't have any of the "good stuff" in it!

Me: Well, yes - I can see the problem now.  Honey, the lesson here is never wander near Daddy's bookshelves.  No good will ever come of it.

Lemon Drop: Now you tell me.