And another reading challenge is complete! I will continue to add to the list though so I can have a list of all books read for 2010. This is my wrap up post for the challenge!

2010 — 100+ Reading Challenge

19. Feast of Fools (Morganville Vampires, Book 4)
20. Lord of Misrule (Morganville Vampires, Book 5)
21. 101 Flam Firl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle by Dawn Del Russo
24. EVERLASTING KISS by Amanda Ashley
25.  LESSONS IN FRENCH by Laura Kinsale
26.  BITTEN BY CUPID by L. Sands, P. Palmer, J. Rush
27.  THE COWBOY WAY by Tory Richards
28.  BOYS,GIRLS & OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
29.  HOODOO MONEY
30.  ETERNAL ON THE WATER
31.  THE LIGHTKEEPER’s DAUGHTER
32.  SILENT DESPERATION
33.  DEMONFIRE by Kate Douglas
34.  WE THE CHILDREN
35.  ALPHATUDES
36. ECSTASY UNVEILED 
37.  DARE TO SURRENDER by Lilli Feisty
38.  SHADES IF MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian
39.  FADE OUT by Rachel Caine
40.  POWDER AND PATCH by Georgette Heyer
41.  HEAVENLY by Jennifer Laurens
42.  YOU SLAY ME by Katie MacAlister
43.  FRAGILE by Chris Katsaropoulos
44. THE GIRL MADE OF COOL by Alan Fox
45.  THE LAST GOODNIGHTS by John West 
46.  ORIGINAL SIN by Allison Brennan 
47.  NEVER SAY NEVER by Lisa Wingate 
48.  STRESSED IN SCOTTSDALE by Marcia Fine 
49.  MANGROVES AND MONSTERS
50.  SIZE EIGHT IN A SIZE ZERO WORLD
51.  FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON by Jeaniene Frost
52.  DELICIOUS by Shayla Black 
53.  NAUTI INTENTIONS by Lora Leigh 
54.  THE HIGHLANDER’S SWORD by Amanda Forester
55.  COWBOY TROUBLE  by Joanne Kennedy
56.  LOVE YOUR HEART 
57.  DOUBLE TROUBLE by Susan May Warren
58.  CRAVE: THE SEDUCTION OF SNOW WHITE
59.  THE AWAKENING OF SLEEPING BEAUTY
60.  WILLOW by Julia Hoban
61.  THE NEXT BEST THING by Kristan Higgins
62.  SEALED WITH A RING 
63.  HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins 
64.  THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW 
65. A HOUSE AFIRE 
66.  THE DARKLING by Keoni Anderson 
67.  THE CINDERELLA DEAL by Jennifer Crusie
68.  WICKED KNIGHT by Tierney O’Malley
69.  SWEET TALK by Susan Mallery
70.  SWEET SPOT by Susan Mallery 
71.  SWEET TROUBLE by Susan Mallery 
72.  COOKING UP A STORM by Emma Holly 
73.  SAWYER by Lori Foster 
74.  MORGAN by Lori Foster 
75.  GABE by Lori Foster 
76.  KINK by Saskia Walker and Sasha White 
77.  UNMASQUED by Colette Gale 
78.  THE ANGEL EXPERIMENT by James Patterson 
79.  STILL SUCKS TO BE ME by Kimberly Pauley 
80.  THE OVERNIGHT SOCIALITE by Bridie Clark 
81.  ALICE IN WONDERLAND & PHILOSOPHY 
82.  DAWN OF THE DREADFULS 
83.  SCHOOL’S OUT FOREVER by James Patterson 
84.  KISSING FROGS IN CYBERSPACE
85.  SAVING THE WORLD & OTHER EXTREME SPORTS 
86.  MAXIMUM RIDE: THE FINAL WARNING 
87.  MAX: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson 
88.  FANG: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson 
89.  WILD HEAT by Bella Andre 
90.  THE CRAZY SCHOOL by Cornelia Read 
91.  MURDER ON EVEREST 
92.  PERFECT STRANGERS by Jahnna Malcom 
93. COLLISION COURSE by K.A. Mitchell 
94. GONE by Lisa McMann 
95.  BREAKFAST IN BED by Robin Kaye 
96.  THE SENATOR’S DAUGHTER by Debbie Wallace 
97.  NIGHTLIGHT: A PARODY 
98.  FLIRTING WITH FOREVER by Gwyn Cready 
99.  NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE 
100. TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL

CHALLENGE COMPLETED 3/29/2010

TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL
Author: Cara Elliott
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Forever; Original edition (March 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 044654129X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0446541299
SYNOPSIS:
A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham–the Earl of Hadley–is not accused of murdering anything–save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London’s newspapers. Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.

Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl’s proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she has no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It’s a potent mix and the result may be explosive-and perhaps deadly-if they don’t watch their step.

 MY THOUGHTS:
Like I said before, I am picky about my historical romance books. This was a new to me author and I thought I would give it a chance and see if I would be able to add the author to my list of favorites for this genre.
I enjoyed the book, but I didn’t love the book. I loved the balance between seriousness and witty humor that the author created. The romance was nice but not an instant spark for me.  I just couldn’t fall for the couple like the author was wanting you to do. I can’t really point my finger at just one thing.  I am not sure why I couldn’t seem to get into this couple. The writing was great, the characters had flaws that should have kept me interested, but I just can’t get excited about this book. 
Overall it was a great read, but not a favorite read.  I would read the next in the series though to see if it would spark my imagination. 

MY RATING:


 
Perfect For Rainy Days From the Library!


Happy Birthday to Mandi (Smexybooks)!
And for your enjoyment, here is my gift to you:
I will admit, I have no idea who Brandon Flowers is, but Mandi talks about him all the time. So enjoy the drool picture. I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING  A RAKE
Author: Sarah MacLean
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Avon; Original edition (March 30, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061852058
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061852053
SYNOPSIS:

A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen’s club.

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried – and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she’s vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she’s been missing.

But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss – to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston – charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

If she’s not careful, she’ll break the most important rule of all – the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love . . .

MY THOUGHTS:

First of all, I am very picky about my historical romance.  I am not a big fan of that genre of romance because I don’t usually like the writing of that time.  So I was hesitant on reading this book.  I am so glad I did!
The author weaves a wonderful tale in this book that features great characters and passionate scenes that can leave you breathless! At the beginning of the book, Callie comes up with a list of things to do if she finds her inner courage.  The first item on the list is KISS SOMEONE–PASSIONATELY. Well, when she meets Gabriel he makes a deal with her. Even though Callie is satisfied with a peck on the cheek, Gabriel has other plans:

“His lips curved at her ear as he spoke, his harsh breathing making the words more a caress than a sound, “Kisses should not leave you satisfied.”

He returned his lips to her, claiming her mouth again, robbing her of all thought with a rich, heady caress. All she wanted was to be closer to him, to be held more firmly. And, as though he could read her thoughts, he gathered her closer, deepening the kiss. His heat consumed her; his soft, teasing lips seemed to know all of her secrets.

When he lifted his mouth from hers, she had lost all strength. His next words pierced through her sensual haze.

“They should leave you wanting.”


YUM! Now I know why the women always carried those fans with them back then! 

Overall, this was a magical romance that I loved from the historical romance genre. A book that will not disappoint.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf

For Rereading!

Just a quick post to let everyone know that we went out of town this weekend. We are enjoying some vacation time with my hubby’s family in the middle of the mountains. It is so beautiful here. Trying to convince my hubby to stay another day! LOL. Will be back to regular posting tomorrow. (unless my baby face works on hubby!) I have a bunch of reviews to share with all of you.  I am on the hunt today for some used book stores here along the coast while I am here! I already found one with a bunch of Lora Leigh books that I bought to share in the giveaways!  I hope you all are having a wonderful day!
Amy