Kathy has
1514 books
(320 selected)
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| # | cover | title | author | isbn | isbn13 | asin | num pages | avg rating | num ratings | date pub | date pub (ed.) | rating | my rating | review |
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recommender | comments | votes | read count | date started | date read | date added | date purchased | owned | purchase location | condition | format | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0373792166
| 9780373792160
| 3.77
| 40
| Oct 01, 2005
| Oct 01, 2005
|
**spoiler alert** Setting: New Orleans, Louisiana – bayou, clandestine hotel in French Quarter, fbi office, Garden District home, Theme: Loving women;...more **spoiler alert** Setting: New Orleans, Louisiana – bayou, clandestine hotel in French Quarter, fbi office, Garden District home, Theme: Loving women; falling in love with one woman; passion Characters: Claude Lafitte: raised in the bayou; troubled youth, and given choice of jail or army, served in the army; went into business with brother of boat selling, and is about to buy his brother out; a ladies’ man who really enjoys women. Thierry Lafitte: Claude’s brother; married two years ago and his brother doesn’t quite fit into his new lifestyle, so he’s a bit impatient with him. Akela Brooks: born in the upper echelon of New Orleans, and held to a high standard; got law degree (per family prescription) but joined the FBI; married, had a daughter, divorced; after 8 years with fbi asked for rotation to New Orleans so that her 4 year old daughter would have the support of her grandparents and a larger family; serious; lonely Daisy Brooks: Akela’s delightful 4 year old daughter Alan Chevalier: police detective on the sh___ list because slept with captain’s wife (when they were separated); Claire Laraway: new to New Orleans; having an affair with a married man whom she believed would leave his wife; she confronted him and wife; met Claude in a bar and they hooked up for the night. Summary: And in the morning, Claude wakes up, pays for the room for a few more hours, leaves to get some baguettes, and returns to find Claire dead, and the police and the fbi in the room, having pulled their guns on him. He overreacts, snags Akela, the fbi woman, and flees… tying her up and locking her in the trunk, and takes her to a friend’s house in the bayou. He handcuffs her to the bed frame, cooks her dinner, makes some calls, and responds to her attraction to him with a few kisses. He tells her he is innocent, can see they don’t believe him, so he is going to stay free until he can prove his innocence. The next day, he returns her to the block he took her from. They both dream of the other. The next day, Akela takes the police detective and backup back to the cabin… Claude is watching, and calls her and tells her to stay and he will come and talk to her. The others spread out to look for him, leaving her in place with the plan of meeting up in an hour… they talk a moment, then fall into each other’s arms in passion. They separate, and Akela starts to look for evidence to exonerate Claude… Akela finds Claire’s diary, and finds that she was involved with an unnamed married man. they talk on the phone (phone sex), and he finally comes to her room… and as he is leaving, the detective is there to arrest him (he was about to turn himself in, having done as much as he could)… Claire has a brainstorm, and looks at videotape from across the street… and sees Claude leave the hotel and Claire waving to him out the window – proving she was alive when he left… and then it caught a man in an overcoat entering and exiting the building after a few minutes… clearing Claude… 14 days without seeing each other; Claude completed the transaction for the boat business; he is hanging out in his cabin… and Akela and her daughter show up… ahhhh Memorable scenes: (less) | Notes are private!
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1
| not set
| Jan 24, 2013
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Oct 28, 2012
| Mass Market Paperback
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| 0821772066
| 9780821772065
| 4.12
| 781
| 1996
| Jul 01, 2001
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**spoiler alert** 1923 - poor Sallie, literally, inherits oodles and oodles of money from a miner friend when he passes (she had no idea he was rich)....more
**spoiler alert** 1923 - poor Sallie, literally, inherits oodles and oodles of money from a miner friend when he passes (she had no idea he was rich)... and she gets educated, and can't bear to lose her tutor, who has fallen in love with her... and they marry... and have 2 sons - the oldest one is her husband's favorite, the younger one (who is studious/intelligent like dad) is Sallie's favorite... sibling rivalry and unhappiness... parental rivalry and unhappiness... she contributes to the growth of Las Vegas... she gets richer... the boys enlist to serve in WWII - one 18, one 16... and I couldn't read any more... (less)
| Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Oct 27, 2012
| Oct 28, 2012
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Oct 22, 2012
| Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| B002PKBKXO
| unknown
| 3.91
| 1,220
| Sep 29, 2009
| unknown
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Jason Corwin and Lauren Perkins... a few months have passed... Jason is trying to make a life for himself... and his father's almost girlfriend reads h...more Jason Corwin and Lauren Perkins... a few months have passed... Jason is trying to make a life for himself... and his father's almost girlfriend reads his future in tarot cards - and she sees that he's ready to realign his goals, and love is a possibility if he grabs for it... and Lauren Perkins - the sane Perkins - is in town, waiting for the debut of her clothing designs in Paris, and fixing up the family house in hopes of selling it to a family with a specific deadline... she is remembering how Jason broke her heart at 17 - when she was visiting for the summer, took up with Jason, fell in love... and was sent home when her grandmother found out - never to hear from Jason again - her letters going unanswered (yes, we know - he never got the letters)... she goes to the Halloween party masked - to check out Jason - and falls into his arms... and then pulls back... and the next day, they meet up at the hardware store... and she is looking for a contractor... Jason overhears, offers his services... she reluctantly takes him up on it (after he requests his competitors to tell her no)... she is getting mixed reactions from towns people - some holding her responsible for her sister & grandmother's actions... Lauren's sister, in the minimum security mental jail ward, has 'come to her senses' (she had been catatonic for a while)... and she is making plans... she wants the diamonds hidden in the house - the diamonds that are part of her ancestor's Corwin curse spell... a contractor at the hospital she is at becomes her paramour (she watches the nurses, et al, and figures out how to laison)... she continues to appear out of it, and is sending him to look for the diamonds... conflict... Lauren is doing her best by her sister, paying for a lawyer, visiting her, trying to engage her by telling her about the house... Jason is feeling like less than he was, he has fallen back on construction and is happily helping Lauren as best he can... they are attracted, and are sleeping together, although both are holding back a part of themselves... Jason's family - especially the older men, have trouble separating Lauren from the other Perkins...someone is sabatoging the construction, and though Jason is starting to see her sister seems to be involved, Lauren just gets defensive... and her sister breaks out... and after a week, when she thought the house was empty starts to search for the journal... Lauren returns (forgot her cell phone), her sister vacillates between 'your so selfish' to 'don't hurt my sister'... and hits her boyfriend with the fire poker, knocking him out... a fire starts... they get out, Jason had called the police... and the cat pulls out a bag of diamonds from the damaged wall behind the fireplace... and the diamonds are given to the Corwin's - and the curse is broken... Jason is starting to be vindicated, as the woman who drugged him (steroids), drugged his competitors... 2 companies are vying for him to test & help market their ski boards... his crazy father (with the right levels of anti-anxiety drugs) proposes to ... the other two brothers marry sisters... his cousins continue to be happy with their spouses and raise happy families... and Jason & Lauren, after a short separation, realize that goals & success are nothing without the other... ahhhh(less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| May 29, 2011
| Jun 2011
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May 18, 2011
| Kindle Edition
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| 0061131164
| 9780061131165
| 3.74
| 3,647
| 2000
| Aug 29, 2006
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Sabrina and Duncan... Sabrina's a wonderful young lady - raised by two, bickering maiden aunts (her parents died because of food poisoning).. she's le...more
Sabrina and Duncan... Sabrina's a wonderful young lady - raised by two, bickering maiden aunts (her parents died because of food poisoning).. she's level headed, optomistic, friendly, content... she knows she's fair looking, her father was an earl, she's well off... and a tragedy/cloud/scandal hangs over her head - her great-grandfather committed suicide, her grandfather died under mysterious circumstances, and her parents died of food poisoning (though the gossip says they committed suicide together). and she is having a her season in London, making the rounds of party and fulfilling her aunts' wish that she find a husband... her aunt's school friend & her daughter Ophelia sponsor her... Ophelia is beautiful, self centered, and she can be vindictive - at first she doesn't feel threatened by somewhat mousy Sabrina... until a couple of parties into the season, Sabrina's open personality is pulling some of Ophelia's suitors to her instead - so Ophelia restarts the suicide scandal, hence Sabrina's popularity drops... Duncan's mother left England to marry her Highland love, only released by her father if her firstborn is sent back to England to inherit - she gave birth to Duncan, and died when he was young. His crusty grandfather raised him, doing his best to ignore the English grandfather's claim - but when he turns 24, the English grandfather sends his solicitor to retrieve Duncan.... Duncan agrees to honor his mother and go... and he also succumbs to the grandfather's wish that he marry... And Ophelia has trouble of her own... her father has betrothed her to his business friend's highland grandson, Duncan... and Ophelia is unhappy... so she starts badmouthing him calling him barbarian... and when they first meet, she is disgusted by his highland kilt and makes a scene... their engagement is off; but Ophelia's offensive ways has put her on the ousts of society... and Duncan's grandfathers invite the most eligible to a couple of weeks in the country for a party to introduce Duncan to potential brides. Duncan and Sabrina meet when he storms away from Ophelia on horseback, and almost runs over Sabrina on her daily walk... they talk, and she is gently forgiving & humorous & gentle... and Duncan is happy to have found a friend. A couple of the days into the party, he realizes that Sabrina (whose name he didn't know), he is disappointed... meanwhile, Ophelia has gone to Sabrina and they are forced to accept her as a guest because of her earlier hospitality... and Ophelia requires that Sabrina take a message to Duncan, asking him to meet her at the nearby inn... Ophelia wants acceptance, she realizes Duncan is good looking, and she is sure he is waiting for a sign for her to start up with their engagement (where she still plans to drop him - couldn't tolerate that he dropped her first)... Sabrina reluctantly takes the message, Duncan is happy to see her... and when he invites her to the party, she says she couldn't as she has a houseguest... so he agrees to meet Ophelia if Sabrina will return that night... and Sabrina agrees... Ophelia & Duncan's meet, Ophelia is haughty and doesn't understand why duncan doesn't fall at her feet - and she returns home in a snit... Sabrina goes to the party, has a wonderful time with Duncan, and declines returning because of her houseguest... the next day Duncan sends his carriage with instructions that all come (he'll take Ophelia if it means Sabrina will come)... and Ophelia wheedles her way into a room with some friends in his home... and out of spite, as she sees Sabrina & Duncan together, she orchestrates his finding her half clothed with a witness - hence her reputation is at risk... Duncan is honorable, and reluctantly agrees to marry her... after a bit of drinking and wallowing in his upsetness, he takes Sabrina home in the roomy coach, and makes love with Sabrina... But when Sabrina realizes his stresses, she forgives him, and with his grandfather's counseling that he sees her as a friend, and that he needs him as a friend, she stays his friend... they track down the witness, who, after a bit of whaffling because she's be happy to see Ophelia unhappy, the wedding is able to be called off.. When Duncan goes to Sabrina to ask her to marry him, he is surprised when she tells him no (he forgot to tell her he loves her), though he is confused as she kisses him like she means it... and he gets drunk... and then his grandfather tells him about his conversation with her about their beign friends... when grandfather offers to go back and talk with her, Duncan (rightly so) tells him that if he can't convince her that he fully loves her and is attracted to her than he doesn't deserve to marry her... and he goes to her that night... sitting in her room when she had given up trying to sleep and gone down to get warm milk... and he tells her he loves her, fully & completely loves her... and proceeds to make love to her slowly to convince her... and though he wants to marry immediately, she assures him nothing will go wrong, and that her aunts deserve to give her the wedding they've always dreamed of...(less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Jan 28, 2011
| Jan 30, 2011
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Jan 26, 2011
| Paperback
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| 0312984820
| 9780312984823
| 4.24
| 27,322
| Jul 01, 2003
| Jul 01, 2003
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Talon of the Morriganites - Celtic - betrayed by his cousin... he lost his parents, and vowed to save his infant sister... he goes to his uncle the ki...more
Talon of the Morriganites - Celtic - betrayed by his cousin... he lost his parents, and vowed to save his infant sister... he goes to his uncle the king (who had banished his mother), and his uncle agrees to care for the infant is he will take his mother's punishment (yeah, physical torture)... he grows to be a great warrior and wins the respect of his uncle & aunt.. he loves Nynia, a fishmonger's daughter... they marry, but by his cousin's jealousy and manipulation he looses his aunt & uncle, his wife & unborn child, and finally his sister & his own lives... Artemis comes to him with an offer of vengence in trade for him becoming a Dark Hunter... for 1500 years he has buried his emotions and fought the good fight... until Styxx (Acheron's twin brother), Camulus (Celt god who cursed Talon to never find love), and Dionysus (Greek god of the drink) join forces to try to gain their powers back... they get Morrigan (Celt goddess) to allow Nynia's soul to be reborn - Sunshine - so she could distract Talon and allow them to spill Acheron's blood to open a portal to the Destroyer... hmmmmm This story spends more time in the past, reliving Nynia's & Talon's life... as Talon and Sunshine come to love one another as they have become... and both a willing to sacrifice themselves to save the other - true soul mates... but in the end, Morrigan ends Camulus' curse, Sunshine has immortal her immortal blood, which she shares with Talon when he bites her - so he is immortal, even after Artemis returns his soul to him, and all is well... Other story strands are explained... Acheron and Styxx are the oldest (10,000 + years old)... and Acheron was shunned by his family (his eyes) and styxx embraced, but Acheron had the true power... he loved Artemis at one time, but she betrayed him... but she is still fascinated with him, and he negotiates for his Dark Hunter's souls as they find their loves by submitting to her - yes, sexually... but also through a blood bond ... hmmmm... Styxx ends with the true knowledge of his and Acheron's early life - will he be a recurring character? will he become 'good'? Valerius - grandson of Valerio who so badly tortured Kyrian - a Roman, with his Roman pride... and anger at his father/grandfather... who feels guilt and compassion, but doesn't know what to do with it, over Zarek - his half brother, and the whipping boy who was slave & the one whipped for his discipline... hmmmm.... and there is Zarek, who never felt any kindness, who takes blood from women (as a vammpire) so that he can feel - he doesn't kill them though... and Acheron likes him... but he is on his way back to Alaska... hmmmmm... and we mmet Vane and Fang, werewolves (but they had a different name for themselves)... though touted to be selfish, taking life without remorse, especially Vane has more to him... and he feels the pain of his sister, whom he has protected for hundreds of years, mates, and her mate dies, and she follows him... so Acheron, Valerius, Zarek, Vane and possibley Styxx all need their own wouldmates...hmmmmm...(less) | Notes are private!
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1
| Nov 08, 2010
| Nov 11, 2010
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Oct 31, 2010
| Paperback
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| 0373772793
| 9780373772797
| 4.06
| 652
| Jun 01, 2008
| Jun 01, 2008
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**spoiler alert** Treat her Right is own review. Setting: Fire station; park for photographs; Amanda’s secluded, converted schoolhouse Theme: Love Charac...more **spoiler alert** Treat her Right is own review. Setting: Fire station; park for photographs; Amanda’s secluded, converted schoolhouse Theme: Love Characters: Amanda Barker – at 17 she snuck out of the house to meet up with a boyfriend at the back of her property to have sex for the first time… but there was a fire at her house (electrical start), and her parents thought she was still in the house, so 3 firemen went in to find her, the 2nd floor collapsed, one died, the other two burned badly and left the force. 7 years later, she is still struggling with the guilt… she only lives on what she can afford (as a store buyer), her relationship with her parents is cold, she has tried to have sex with a few men over the years, but she freezes up and can’t, she dresses prissily… and she volunteers and raises money for the burn center… her latest idea is for a fireman calendar, she has 11 months photographed, and she really wants Josh for November & cover. Josh Marshall – fire lieutenant, free and easy with the ladies – he loves them, they love him; he does not want any part of the calendar and has decided the way to deal with her is to come on to her, make love to her, scare or distract her away… Summary: Amanda decides to ‘grab the bull by the horns’ since Josh ducks out when she is near, and won’t take her calls… so she goes to the station after a fire, and waits for him in the locker room – the rest of the guys are done, and he’s still in the shower… he comes out with only a towel… a small towel… they talk, he says no again, he decides to put his make out game with her, she seems interested… he approaches and starts a kiss, and sees fear in her eyes – and backs off… he talks her into going to dinner – to talk about the book – and then to keep seeing her, he agrees to be her Mr. November… He spends as much time with her as he can… he is intrigued by her – when she lets loose, when she gets uptight… and slowly uncovers her truths… and gets her used to his touches, then his kisses… and on their second ‘date’, when one he slept with semi regularly comes up behind him and hugs him, he tells her he is no longer available – he is a one woman man now. Memorable scenes: (less) | Notes are private!
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1
| Aug 18, 2012
| Aug 21, 2012
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Jul 31, 2012
| Paperback
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| 051512317X
| 9780515123173
| 4.13
| 14,215
| Aug 01, 1998
| Aug 01, 1998
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of the four brothers, Ethan - the strong, silent type - with secret shame and passions... hmmmm
| Notes are private!
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1
| not set
| Oct 22, 2009
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Oct 15, 2009
| Mass Market Paperback
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| 0505525526
| 9780505525529
| 4.15
| 10,094
| Sep 01, 2003
| Sep 01, 2003
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**spoiler alert** Kate and Lucern... Lucern - the artistic Argeneau; he's dabbled in painting, in writing... and he has written historical books, havi...more
**spoiler alert** Kate and Lucern... Lucern - the artistic Argeneau; he's dabbled in painting, in writing... and he has written historical books, having established with his editor he would not do any publicity... and recently he extended his writing to include his families' stories (his parents, Lissa and Gregory, Etienne and ??)... and the 3 books are considered paranormal vampire romance, though they were the truth... and his editor has retired, and Kate is his replacement - and her boss wants her to get Lucern to do something... and after numerous letters (in which he simply writes back "No! sincerely Lucern"), Kate decides to fly to Canada to see him face to face... and when she knocks on his door, he simply responds 'no' a few times... but finally invites her in... Lucern has become bored with life, has become reclusive (he hasn't hired another housekeeper since his last one died - 20 years ago), doesn't interact with many people beyond his family, ... and he misses the days when men were men... and he is resistent to her assertive ways.. but she works herself into his heart... while she stays with him (which totally messes with his routines - especially with taking blood) they first connect over Etienne's vampire video game, part 2 - and when his mom meets her, and realizes Lucern can't read her mind (a good sign for a a lifemate), she encourages her to stay to be Lucern's date for Etienne's wedding - taking her on a shopping trip to outfit her... and Lucern, partly because he is starting to like Kate and part from his mother's prompting, agrees to do one event - and at his mother's encouragement he says the romance reading convention - though he thinks its just for an interview... but reluctantly goes to the convention as he gave his word. And bit by bit, he unwinds... his gruffness gives way to his truer nature of consideration...he starts to make friends with other authors, and to be more comfortable with readers/fans... there's a bit of a hiccup when his blood isn't accepted at the hotel - and the 2nd day she catches him taking blood from her coworker - and she puts the clues together to realize he is a vampire... and she takes it in stride...when she can see his pain and paleness she offers her own blood (and he takes a bit)... and then they break into a blood bank - well he just uses mind control... and then the blood is delivered, so he's ok. and they fall in love... and on the last day of the convention, when he plans to tell her he loves her, she leaves before he gets up, not wanting to face a goodbye... and then his mother talks with him, and tells him to put his pride aside and go to her... and he does... and she tells him she loves him too, but isn't sure if she can give up her family... but then his mother talks with her, and helps her to see that it can work... and she returns to him, and falls into his arms... ahhhh(less) | Notes are private!
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1
| Jan 28, 2012
| Jan 31, 2012
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Jan 09, 2012
| Paperback
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| B000SWV6HG
| 4.26
| 563
| 2000
| Jul 01, 2007
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**spoiler alert** Setting: family home on large acreage, lake on one side, lots of nature, near small town of Buckhorn, Kentucky with about 700 reside...more
**spoiler alert** Setting: family home on large acreage, lake on one side, lots of nature, near small town of Buckhorn, Kentucky with about 700 residents, large summer tourist traffic. 4 adult brothers (with 3 fathers, and 1 tremendous mother) plus 16 year old son of one, living together – and perfect specimens of manhood – in looks, in generosity, in consideration, in fun, in support, in values. Theme: love, trust, fear Characters: Sawyer Hudson – oldest brother – father died serving in the military – town doctor. He (and his brothers) have raised his son Casey. Sawyer married in medical school to high school sweetheart, she was bored and felt neglected and slept around. He was divorcing her when found out she was pregnant (unknown father)… she had no one else, so he was in the delivery with her, she said she was giving baby up for adoption, Sawyer signed birth record as father and with support of mother and brothers, finished medical school, set up practice from room added to house, and raised Casey. Out of respect for women and women patients, he goes out of town when he needs sexual relief. Honey Malone – frightened, sick (bronchitis), feverish, on the run… she runs off the road, through Sawyer’s fence, and partly in the lake. Her father is rich businessman, disappointed in not having a son, cold toward daughters, more interested in business than them… he changes his will so that Honey’s future husband would inherit his wealth upon his death. Honey is engaged to one of his father’s employees, and overhears that he’s more interested in her father’s money than him, she quietly moves out – but when she’s being followed, when someone breaks in to search her sister’s house (where she’s staying), and she is run off the road, but neither the police nor her father take her seriously, she decides to ‘get out of Dodge’… sells one car, rents another… her clothes are at her sisters, but the rest of what she took from her fiance’s is still in her car, and goes with her. Summary: And immediately, Sawyer is attracted to and wants to protect Honey. He doctors her (both her concussion and her bronchitis), she sleeps in his bed, he won’t let her leave, the brothers gain her trust… they decide her ex-fiance is the most likely culprit… Honey fits in with the family – insisting on taking her turn in chores, not letting especially Morgan to intimidate her… and after a few weeks, when she realizes she’s getting it too deep, and her car still isn’t running, she decides to borrow a car, go into town, and get on a bus… but they stop her… and when Sawyer reads her note, saying she’s too attracted to him to stay, he knows what to do…. And they make love, and come up with a plan to ‘flush’ out her tormentor… and then accidently, when Casey retrieved her music tapes (not country western) so that they could listen to ‘real music’, she finds a tape, where her ex-fiance is talking with 2 men, contracting with them to kill her father and to then to kill her, so that he would inherit all of the money…. What the thugs were looking for. They spring the trap, and when her ex-fiance sends the thugs in the middle of the night, the brothers are ready… though Honey was supposed to stay in basement with Gabe and Casey, she can’t see the others risking for her, so she joins in the fray… and gets hit in the face, and Sawyer goes berserker, and all is well. And they finally are able to exchange words of love, and plans to marry.   Setting: family home on large acreage, lake on one side, lots of nature, near small town of Buckhorn, Kentucky with about 700 residents, large summer tourist traffic. 4 adult brothers (with 3 fathers, and 1 tremendous mother) plus 16 year old son of one, living together – and perfect specimens of manhood – in looks, in generosity, in consideration, in fun, in support, in values Theme: love, trouble, life out of control, pregnancy Characters: Morgan Hudson – 2nd brother, shared father with Sawyer, their father died serving in military. He was the most hot-headed of them, more easily got into fights… and as an adult, he becomes sheriff – for the control of himself, for the control of others. He likes to do what’s necessary for the outcome he desires. Misty Malone – Honey’s sister. She comes for the wedding… but her life is out of control – she’s pregnant (broken condom), her boyfriend doesn’t want the baby & she does, so she leaves him – making her homeless, and she is accused of stealing at the video store she works at, takes it to court, is found guilty and forced to repay & is on 6 months probation. Summary: Misty runs into Morgan first – and when Morgan is hit with attraction, and she is prickly, he becomes more prickly… and for the next week they avoid one another… and at the wedding, forced to dance together, and both feel the attraction, and both deny the attraction, and he rudely tells her he’ll be glad to see her go… at dawn he comes across her by the lake, they have words again, and she has morning sickness… and he finds out the truth of her circumstances… and when he tries to tell her to stay, she tries to leave – but he gets Gabe and Jordan out of bed, and takes the spark plugs from her car… and … she can’t leave… He lets it out that she’s pregnant, so none of them will let her leave. And he keeps the theft quiet, and though not sure at first, believes her, and hires a PI to prove the truth… he negotiates with her to have all believe he is her beau (to keep the guys away), and they start to be friends… She stands up to him, he hires her to work at the station… and he shares the house he is building on a different part of the property… and their passion is strong… and Misty has a way with Jordan’s animals, and Jordan hires her on to help him out… and Morgan proves her innocence… freeing her, and he asks her to marry him - when she asks why, he comes up with lots of reasons, but doesn’t say he loves her… so she turns him down… but after talking with Honey, he tells her he’s been telling her he loves her in many ways… ahhh so now she’ll marry him. Setting: family home on large acreage, lake on one side, lots of nature, near small town of Buckhorn, Kentucky with about 700 residents, large summer tourist traffic. 4 adult brothers (with 3 fathers, and 1 tremendous mother) plus 16 year old son of one, living together – and perfect specimens of manhood – in looks, in generosity, in consideration, in fun, in support, in values Theme: love, innocence, self image, growing up Characters: Gabe Kasper – the least ‘focused’ of the brothers. The baby – his father had an uphill battle getting mom to accept his courtship, and he shamelessly used the other 3 brothers to get on her good side – they’ve been married 24 years, and retired to Florida. The women love him, he loves all women – young and old… He loves the water… Story begins with him lounging on a dock over the lake, while 3 women giggle and swoon over him…. : ) He’s handy – and helps out wherever needed, but in a relaxed, unstructured way… He helped Morgan build his house, he mows lawns, he fixes the restaurant’s plumbing, he can tune up boats and cars.. etc. His income is close to his doctor brother’s. Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Parks- at 12, she and her mother were run off the road by a truck, her mother trapped in the car while Lizzy thrown free… and she sat by the road side, not knowing what to do… and the news and the doctors made it out that the traumatized little girl let her mother die by doing nothing. Her father, though missed his wife, did his best by his daughter, but she never quite fit in with the others. She is red haired, freckled body… and thinks she’s ugly, and dresses in shapeless, formal clothing. For her master’s thesis she is studying what makes a hero… and comes across a news piece of Gabe, and how he rescued a mother and 2 children in the lake, with a boat without driver ‘circling’ them (boat’s driver drunk, and fell overboard)… She wants to figure out what makes some a hero and not others, and to help the nonheros. Summary: Gabe doesn’t understand Lizzy… but she is persistent. He refuses to let her interview him, but when she starts talking to everyone else, he makes a deal with her… he thinks she needs to loosen up, so if she goes swimming in the lake with him, he’ll answer one question… And her shyness, her lack of confidence, her innocence her gorgeous body in a swim suit, her turning him down but then bit by bit enjoying his touch, and he becomes overwhelmed with desire for her… He agrees to answer a question for a kiss… he takes her to a drive-in movie and teaches her about sexual 1st, 2nd, and 3rd base… and for the month she’s on vacation and finishing her thesis, they are together – she becomes embroiled in his family and in his life. She finds a sense of confidence… Gabe helps her to forgive her 12 year old self… She tells him he loves her, but he doesn’t answer it back… and she accepts with the intention of enjoying their time … but as her time to leave comes near, Gabe realizes he wants her… and Morgan and Sawyer encourage him to tell her how he completely feels… and to formalize his business… and he tells her he loves her, and wants her to come back to him… ahhhh just the words she wanted to hear…   Setting: family home on large acreage, lake on one side, lots of nature, near small town of Buckhorn, Kentucky with about 700 residents, large summer tourist traffic. 4 adult brothers (with 3 fathers, and 1 tremendous mother) plus 16 year old son of one, living together – and perfect specimens of manhood – in looks, in generosity, in consideration, in fun, in support, in values. Theme: love, obligations, family Characters: Jordan Sommerville – a few years have passed – 3 married brothers, one new niece (Misty) and another on the way (Honey)… # 3 brother - his father was only married to mom for 5 years… at first happy, but when he lost his job, he started drinking and she divorced him. Jordan felt the need to prove he would never be like his father… he has a voice to die for – and that voice, along with his love of animals and he is the town vet, taking in strays all of the time. Georgia Barnes – mother of 2 young children, moved them and her mother to Kentucky to get away from her vindictive in-laws – who drove her husband away from her and the kids, and threatened to take her children. They put on a downpayment on a house with the money dad left mom. She got pregnant and married at 16… she loved dancing… and the only job she can find that makes any money is by working waitress at a sleezy bar (next county over) and dancing on the weekend. Summary: Jordan and a few others go to the bar to ask the owner to cut off people who are drinking too much, (and causing trouble in their dry county)… and they step in just as Georgia begins her very sexual and energetic dance… Jordan is immediately drawn to her… and when 2 men grab her legs, he steps in and a bar fight ensues. And his brother is sent for to take him and Georgia to jail… And there is incredible attraction between them… and he finds out she is a mother, and when they get to her home, her mother is ill so Morgan and Jordan step in to care for her, the kids, and mother… getting mother to the hospital… and 18 year old Casey comes to deliver a change of clothes for her, and Jordan takes her and the children home… and he realizes that he can’t leave her… And with bits of persuasion from all the family, Jordan worms his way into her life… and Georgia is overwhelmed with all of the support – foot rubs, repairs to her home, her kids being accepted with the rest of the gang… but still they haven’t made love. And Jordan, looking for options for Georgia, comes up with the idea that she could teach dance… and he buys a warehouse for her, just as the bar she’s working at shuts down… and the brothers counsel him to give it up, to tell her how he feels – and of course she does… and his mom and stepdad arrange a grandkid sleepover in the living room, and he gets to spend the night with her… and his fantasy, for her to ride him and move like she does on the dance floor. … and she accepts the warehouse, and accepts his proposal… and he moves permanently into her house. Ahhh (less) | Notes are private!
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| Jun 21, 2012
| Jun 23, 2012
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Jun 21, 2012
| Kindle Edition
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| 1416505466
| 9781416505464
| 3.78
| 3,325
| Jun 14, 2005
| Apr 18, 2006
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this story centered on Sebastian... a good man, a good oldest son, honorable... until he sleeps with a woman he doesn't know is betrothed to his best...more
this story centered on Sebastian... a good man, a good oldest son, honorable... until he sleeps with a woman he doesn't know is betrothed to his best friend (one who lived more in his house than his own while growing up) and is challenged to a duel... his father forbids him to participate in the duel, but he feels so guilty he goes with the intention of dying - not drawing his own pistol and allowing his friend to regain his honor... but, his friend shoots his arm, and the arm jerks, and the pistol goes off, killing his friend. His father, in anger and confusion, tells him to leave England, which Sebastian does immediately - and though his father tries that same day and through the next 11 years to locate his son to bring him home, he does not find him... Sebastian falls into making a living by becoming The Raven - a troubleshooter who solves problems (retrieves items, helps prisoners escape, locating people, etc)...and as the years progress, he gets tougher, withdrawn (only his valet is his friend), cynical, depressed... and then Margaret shows up... she was Sebatian's neighbor, though she is 5 years younger than he... she remembers spying on him and a woman in the garden during a party... she has been on the continent looking for him, and almost gave up when she heard of the Raven.. her father died, and she had finished growing up unter his father's guardianship and had close ties with his family... his younger brother was unhappily married to the woman who had caused the duel... and his father has been involved in too many accidents - she is afraid that the younger son & wife want the father dead so as to inherit quickly... She goes to the Raven for help, and is surprised that he is who she is looking for... she tells him what's going on, he refuses to help - he had been disowned and told never to return to England... she recklessly offers too much money for his services, and he recklessly accepts... and they are off... Margaret sees Sebastian as two parts - his old self (especially when he spends time with his grandmother, and some of the time they are together), and the Raven - intimidating, angry, unapproachable... she agrees to pretend to be married to him so as to have access to his father and his father's house... he investigates... his father had another accident right before they returned, and was bedridden, so they avoid each other at first... and though his father is glad he is home, he does not know how to express his apologises and regret over past words... Sebastian determines that the accidents were just accidents, as his father explains it all to him... and though his brother is unhappy, Sebastian is confused that he will not divorce his wife - he appears to be blackmailed... Of course Sebastian & Margaret have succumbed to their attraction by now, though Sebastian has no plans to stick around... when his father finds out they lied about being married, but that they'd 'been together', he insists they get married... they do, but Sebastian immediately leaves her... And after a few days, Sebastian determines he cannot live without Margaret, that he will give her a few days and then return, and if she has not filed for divorce, to claim her... then two things happen - his brother sends him a note suggesting he look up his wife's imprisoned brother, and then his friend, whom he thought he shot dead shows up on his doorway... his friend's father was a gambler, that lost everything, and had been borrowing from Sebastian's father for years, but father will no longer give him money... his father concocts a drama with Juliet to get the two sons to duel, so that Sebastian's father will feel guilty and give him more money... the friend agrees, not knowing what else to do, and not realizing who all would be hurt by this... and the brother fills in that Juliet had been doing similiar scams for awhile, but had fallen for Sebastian's brother, and saw this new scam as a way to get access to the brother... so, Sebastian happily claims Margaret (who is happily claimed) they go to his father's house, and all is unwrapped, Juliet is arrested, his brother gets a divorce, and the father is able to express his sorrow... and... they.. all... live... happily... ever... after.... : )(less) | Notes are private!
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| Jan 22, 2011
| Jan 25, 2011
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Dec 05, 2010
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| 0373078196
| 9780373078196
| 3.82
| 62
| Oct 01, 1997
| Oct 01, 1997
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**spoiler alert** Setting: Birmingham, Alabama – Redmont estate, Dow estate, Bethany’s home, WHNB tv station Theme: Rebellion, youth, independence, lov...more **spoiler alert** Setting: Birmingham, Alabama – Redmont estate, Dow estate, Bethany’s home, WHNB tv station Theme: Rebellion, youth, independence, love, mistakes, second chances Characters: Bethany Dow Wyndham – raised to be a southern belle, at 18 a bit plump and too studious , and she fell in love with Morgan. His parents and her parents wanted them marry and join their families. Bethany responded to him with open passion, and after dating 2 years on and off, they make love… but within the year, he takes off, she’s pregnant, and no one knows where he is… the sets of parents push her into marrying Morgan’s cousin… Weak when Anne Marie first born, she wanted to be a better model for her daughter, so she went into business with Seth and now has a successful string of boutiques – and she is raising her daughter to be honest, self reliant, happy… Anne Marie Wyndham – Bethany and Morgan’s 15 year old daughter – though except for Eileen and Claudia, all believe the cousin is her father (he died when she was 3 years old) – she is an old soul – the heart of Bethany, and her two grandmothers. Eileen Dow Farrady – Bethany’s dramatic, impulsive, snobby, scatterbrained, loving mother – she stupidly married Jimmy Farraday , and stayed with him because of love and hate, and because she loved his son. Seth Renfrew – family friend, loves Eileen, partner to Bethany – suspect. Claudia Kane – Morgan’s mother – wealthy, snobby, she and her husband disappointed in Morgan and unable to handle his rebellion – but she love her son… and loves Bethany… and especially loves Anne Marie… she has had a few heart attacks, and asks her son to come home. Morgan Kane – At 20 he started to date Bethany to appease his parents, but he truly enjoyed his time with her… the first date, he passionately kisses her in the garden with the intention of scaring her off, but it backfires, and she responds with sweet, open passion… and he can’t stay away from her. He cares for her, but never tells her he loves her… and 3 years later, they are lovers, and he believes she belongs in his mother’s world, he leaves, not knowing she is pregnant… he returns 3 months later with a ring in his pocket, onlty to locate her coming out of the church and entering limo on his cousin’s arm … He joins the armed forces – and is in Special Forces… 13 years later he leaves service, and joins a security agency… and 3 years later he goes home to visit his dying mother… He is cold, never looking for any one else… buried undefined feelings for Bethany. James Farraday, jr. – Jimmy’s son, Eileen’s step son … a player himself, but indulgent of Anne Marie – treats her like a brother, ignoring her crush on him… but he is supportive and a good friend… Tony Hayes and Vivian Crosby – Tony is Jimmy’s son of a teen liason, and blackmails him into accepting him as his cohost and to take over someday… Vivian, 10 years as Jimmy’s assistant – loved and adored Jimmy, getting a bit crazed… Jimmy Farraday – son of a b….. 60ish, married to Eileen for 10 years, has numerous affairs, attempted to force Bethany shortly after marrying her mother, host of Good morning Atlanta ala Jerry Springer, a user, selfish, and made advances at Anne Marie…. Summary: Bethany threatens Jimmy at a party at her mom’s house after her daughter told her that he had made a pass at her – and he threatened to kill him is he went near her daughter – and overheard by 2 of his coworkers. The next day Jimmy asks her to the station … she goes, they fight, she slaps/scratches him, storms out, returns for her purse (that had a gun in it)… and he is dead, shot with her gun… and the evidence indicates it’s Bethany… and the next day a package to Bethany, opened by one of her employees, is a bomb… Morgan is visiting his mother… and is asked to bodyguard and investigate – at first reluctant (he harbors resentment that she married his cousin so soon after professing to love him… but agrees after meeting Anne Marie… They both spend a bit too much time lamenting the past… but the attraction is strong between them… they spend too much time not solving the crime… But they get closer, they have sex, the case against her moves forward, her daughter faces meanness from many schoolmates, Anne Marie puts James on the spot by following him to a club… James accused of using his car to run Bethany and Morgan off the road (they were fine), but his alibi stands and someone else must have used the car… Suspects are Eileen, Seth, James, Tony and Lilian – Bethany refuses to entertain that it was any family… it ends up to be Tony, angry at his father not doing what he said he would about acknowledging him and saw the opportunity when Bethany argued with him and left her purse/gun… on night car borrowed, another reporter found unconscious at the station and in a coma… when he awakens, Tony (whom he could identify with the car) takes Anne Marie and Bethany, and Duncan realizes how much he loves Bethany and Anne Marie – the car crashes… Duncan shoots Tony, and Bethany tells him to save his daughter first (and the puzzle pieces fall into place)… he rescues them both, but Bethany’s badly hurt… 10 years of happy marriage, they have twin boys and a daughter… AnneMarie and James, just finishing advanced school are engaged… they live in Morgan’s family home. (less) | Notes are private!
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| Aug 02, 2012
| Aug 03, 2012
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Jul 14, 2012
| Mass Market Paperback
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| 0440242940
| 9780440242949
| 4.08
| 196,780
| Jun 01, 1991
| Jul 26, 2005
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Claire - 1945, the war is over, she is reunited with her husband. In Scotland, she steps between stonehenge type stones, and finds herself 200 years i...more
Claire - 1945, the war is over, she is reunited with her husband. In Scotland, she steps between stonehenge type stones, and finds herself 200 years in the past... She falls in love with Jamie- a Scottish warrior, and a wonderful man. He is a virgin, though kisses well; he has caught the eye of evil British general (Claire's husband's great, great, great, great, grandfather) who has had him flogged twice, placed a price on his head, and lusts after him. He manipulates things to gain his promise to 'not resist' so as to free Claire. Jamie is patient, loving, and understanding. He marries Claire, in response to his own need, as well as for her protection, and to ease politics between his father and his mother's clan. Claire chooses to stay when she has the opportunity to step back between the stones (although there isn't a guarantee of a return)... she shares the truth with Jamie and with a monk... She couragously travels with Jamie, she frees him from the prison the general puts him in - both the physical prison as well as the mental prison. And they love one another. Harsh history - both the war, and the Scottish times. (less) | Notes are private!
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| Jan 18, 2010
| Feb 07, 2010
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Jan 18, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
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| 0385342020
| 9780385342025
| 3.78
| 56,096
| 2009
| Jul 21, 2009
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London... Lara & Sadie.... Great Aunt Sadie died at the age of 105... and Lara & her family go to the funeral... but nobody there knew Aunt Sa...more
London... Lara & Sadie.... Great Aunt Sadie died at the age of 105... and Lara & her family go to the funeral... but nobody there knew Aunt Sadie... she had been in a nursing home for 20+ years after a stroke, and basically forgotten... Until Aunt Sadie's spirit sits next to Lara, insisting that she stop the funeral, say she was murdered.. because she needs her necklace back. So Lara & Sadie become friends... the story is humorous, fun, touching... Sadie finds that she can influence someone by yelling in their ear repeatedly - a talent she does for both good & 'evil'... They track down the necklace... a glass beaded, dragonfly necklace that her mother had given her, and she always felt beautiful when she wore it... Lara's love life? Josh dumped her 6 weeks earlier, by text - and she was obsessing over it, knowing that if she knew why, she could fix it... but he won't talk with her... and Sadie's love life? as a young woman, she fell in love with the parson's son, an artist... and his parents sent him to Paris, because they did not approve of her, and their letters were never received by one another... so Sadie marries someone just to get out of her home (and divorces him quickly), and then lived a life of freedom... and now she is attracted to Ed, and by screeching at Lara & at him, get them together for a few dates... and of course, Lara and Ed fall in love... Lara gets herself in & out of all sorts of humorous trouble, lieing if she thinks it's easier... and bit by bit, Sadie is there to help her out... It ends up that Lara's uncle, a 'Starbuck-like coffee shop' millionaire & business motivator, attributing his success to 2 coins & desire to succeed... had taken the painting of Sadie's youth, by her love (who had died at a young age, and became famous after his death), that Sadie thought lost when the family house burned down, had sold the painting for lots of money, and that's how he funded his first coffee shop... and his business motivation was simply a lie... And at one point Sadie, (who had heard her family's uncaring remarks at her funeral), feels she was a failure at life... and Lara, while tracking her down, because she loves her aunt now, finds the painting in the museum, and sees that her artist had loved her, and now people loved her via the painting... And a touching, memorable scene is when Lara goes to Sadie's old folks home, looking for Sadie, and brings some 1920's music albums and play them for the residents... and for a moment, as she looks at them dancing, or swaying, or remembering... she can picture them as they might have looked in their youth, and decides that perhaps in their old bodies, they are really in the 20's still... Lara gets her life on track, with Ed & a good business... and recovers the necklace (that the uncle tried to hide because it was painted in the picture of Sadie & could tie him to it), and puts it in the casket with Sadie's body... and though I kept waiting for Sadie to pop up, she is now at rest and is gone... Lara sponsors a funeral to celebrate Sadie's life...(less) | Notes are private!
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| Sep 10, 2010
| Sep 14, 2010
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Aug 27, 2010
| Hardcover
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| 0778312518
| 9780778312512
| 4.07
| 3,203
| Jan 01, 2011
| Aug 30, 2011
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**spoiler alert** The main storyline is of the Peytons. Bruce realized he loved Rachel in the last book, and rushed a wedding, in spite of negativity...more
**spoiler alert** The main storyline is of the Peytons. Bruce realized he loved Rachel in the last book, and rushed a wedding, in spite of negativity from his 13 year old daughter, Jolene. And he did not address Jolene's feelings, banking on them working themselves out (as Rachel & Jolene used to get along so well). But Jolene got progressively more angry, more sullen, more withdrawn. Rachel is pregnant, Bruce is happy, Jolene is upset... and after 4 months, Rachel leaves them because she knows the stress is bad for her and the baby. This book is about them... about Bruce's desperation, about Jolene growing up (though we don't get any insight into her thoughts, only her words and actions) as she sees her father's pain, she misses the pre-wedding Rachel, Rachel's gentle invitations, but steps back when she lashes, and the baby becoming a reality. Bruce finally goes to counseling, starts to set limits with Jolene, gets her into counseling, and just as Jolene thinks nothing will change, they start to ... and she has hope... and then food poisoning puts her in emergency, Jolene fully comes to her senses - and has some understanding and tools to deal with the negative emotions, and Jolene gets to come home in time for Christmas. 2nd storyline - Charlotte and Ben - especially Charlotte is starting to forget things - leading to a fire in the kitchen, staying with Olivia while it's repaired, and moving into an assisted living space, with medical evaluation to come after Christmas. Grace and Cliff - end up caring for a motherless puppy - and in spite of her best efforts, Grace falls in love with the little thing. Will steps up to help Olivia with Charlotte and Ben - and he and his art store assistant are noticing one another. Miranda is not physically or personality wise Will's usual woman, she doesn't put up with his nonsense, and she speaks her mind. But they kiss... and spend Thanksgiving together... and... hmmmm Link & Lori - Lori's dad is sabatoging Link's business. when he finally confides the truth to Lori, she tells her dad she's out of his life - they go to live in firefighter Mac's duplex so as not to impose on dad. Mom leaves dad, and even files for divorce when he takes steps to disinherit Lori... Mac and sheriff throw Link business, and he's starting to make a go of it... and then, knowing the importance of family, he goes to Lori's dad, sees that dad is upset over his wife leaving... apologises for not gaining dad's approval before marrying Lori and getting off on the wrong foot (dad, who's father was a welder, waited 5 years for his wife's father to accept him)... and then they arrange for mom and dad to be at their apartment at the same time, and Link smooths things; allowing dad to face savingly apologise and win his wife back - of course dad is starting to realize the goodness of Link. and finally, Gloria and Chad. Gloria's father, Roy, tells Chad that gloria is pregnant (she tried, but he brushed her off on his way on a date). and bit by bit, Chad and Gloria are becoming friends - and at the end of the story, admit they love one another (never Chad's problem - just that Gloria couldn't accept him)... I'm guessing they'll e the focus of the last story.(less) | Notes are private!
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| Oct 15, 2011
| Oct 20, 2011
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Aug 22, 2011
| Paperback
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| 9781426841279
| 3.91
| 151
| Jan 01, 2012
| 2012
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**spoiler alert** 5 stories of romance - all involving animals... Best friends who live across the hall from one another, adopted Cate and Doug (cat an...more **spoiler alert** 5 stories of romance - all involving animals... Best friends who live across the hall from one another, adopted Cate and Doug (cat and dog) from the shelter a year ago - she is resistant to losing her friend, so she shuts down any romantic feelings she struggles with - he is watching her for a clue as to when to take things deeper... when she is threatened, she stays with him... and passion explodes... two dogs in the same neighborhood end up hooking up... and she's pregnant... and her master goes to his master, and requests that he take responsibility ... and they end up carrying for the dogs together... and joining households...ahhh She has lost her grandparents, and gained their parrot who loves quoting gangster movies... she's a counselor, doing time on the local hotline - he's a cop, from the local rich family - who brings his grandfather to her for a discrete diagnosis (his mental confusion due to bladder infection), and who protects her from a bad guy... and they mesh... A volunteer group who foster for service people's animals when they are overseas... she is gettingher life together after a hit and run leaves her partially paralzed, opening a pet store and making the animal treats for it... she fosters his dog, whom he left with his conniving father and his father neglected and let lose and was picked up by animal control... they have skyped (so he could talk with his dog - and her), talked on phone, emailed - and he is looking forward to a real date, though not knowing she is paralyzed... but he isn't put off, and though she resists, not trusting the depth of his feelings, worried it is pity - and they get together... a ranch that rescues horses - and for the last 15 years, since she was 12 and her junkie/gambling father won a horse that they could not care for and was taken in by the ranch, she works the ranch, moving in when she was 16, cared for by Charlie... and when Charlie died, he left the ranch to his nephew, whom he hadn't seen since a boy because of falling out with his sister, but who buys real estate, fixes it up, and sells till he was a millionaire... and he comes forhis inheritance, and finds a woman who needs him... ahhh(less) | Notes are private!
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| Mar 02, 2013
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Mar 02, 2013
| ebook
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| 0425230074
| 9780425230077
| 4.05
| 23,915
| Oct 27, 2009
| Oct 27, 2009
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Emma (flowers) and Jack (architect)... what happens when lifelong friends become lovers... a warm, romantic story - Emma could have been a little more...more
Emma (flowers) and Jack (architect)... what happens when lifelong friends become lovers... a warm, romantic story - Emma could have been a little more forth coming with her feelings as they deepened and not to just expect Jack to know... but after one blow up, they are right back on track - memorable scenes? - New York, the Ritz-Carlton - 5 course dinner with dessert & champagne... get to the room, and Jack had arranged for candles, mood lighting, a view, a single rose, and more chilled champagne... and a Hampton vacation is in the works - Del & Parker have invested in a vacation home... Introduce a mechanic to be Parker's (organizer) love (I believe)... and Laurell (baker) so far has had the least personality - and I believe Parker's brother Del is the one for her...(less) | Notes are private!
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1
| Mar 07, 2011
| Mar 10, 2011
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Feb 05, 2011
| Trade Paperback
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| 0373596693
| 9780373596690
| 3.14
| 43
| Apr 1994
| Apr 01, 1996
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**spoiler alert** Setting – Northern California. Theme – love, self protection, self discovery Character- Clay Barrett – until age of 10 he lived in fos...more **spoiler alert** Setting – Northern California. Theme – love, self protection, self discovery Character- Clay Barrett – until age of 10 he lived in foster homes and with his dreamy, ineffective, ill mother. The mother died and he was adopted by a wonderful couple. He is closed, self contained, a good man, accountant, handsome, grateful. Andrea, his adopted cousin, his opposite. She rushed in where fools feared to tread, and Clay watched over her, noticed everything. He left for 10 years, for his education and to gain experience. He has returned because of his father’s heart attack, to take over the business. Andrea McCreary – fun, pretty, a risk taker… she is settling down. She was working for Clay’s father, and now Clay – and has spent months proving herself to him. And she gave her virginity to Clay’s friend over the holiday, jealous of Clay leaving with a woman, drinking too much, Jeff’s sympathy, Jeff’s depression. And 2 months pregnant, she tells Clay she’s pregnant and she’s keeping the baby. Jeff – Clay’s fun loving, also risk taking, college friend. Madeline – Jeff’s love from childhood. And Jeff had broke off their engagement, went to see Clay, slept with Andrea, confided in Andrea his feelings for Madeline, and with Andrea’s compassion and pushing, returned to Madeline and was married by Valentine’s day. Plot – Clay finds himself attracted to Andrea – and decides to act on it, and on his noble feelings to be father to her child. Andrea resists at first, but can’t resist his kisses – They marry – the make love… and by his actions, Clay cares for Andrea. His true nature comes out in storms – and the night of the first storm since their marriage, he goes out naked into the storm –j and Andrea watches him, and welcomes him into her arms and body. Clay rejects Andrea’s statements of love… and when Jeff dies in a car accident, Clay withdraws. He can’t lose Andrea, yet he can’t face his feelings. Madeline figures out Andrea was carrying Jeff’s child, and Clay’s insecurities about what happened between Andrea and jeff eat at him, but he will not discuss it in spite of Andrea’s pushes. After the baby is born, Clay will not have sex with Andrea, in spite of great desire, because he knew it would open a floodgate… but 9 weeks later, another storm, Andrea comes out to him naked, and he can’t resist – and though he still can’t talk, he sees that he is losing Andrea… and Madeline shows up, wanting to know the truth – and Clay finally listens – and after Madeline leaves, he finally asks the hard questions, and listens and understands and forgives himself, Andrea, and Jeff. And is able to finally say the words – I love you. (less) | Notes are private!
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| May 11, 2012
| May 12, 2012
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May 11, 2012
| Hardcover
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| 0373794290
| 9780373794294
| 3.58
| 172
| Oct 01, 2007
| Oct 01, 2008
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Setting – Paris. Theme – ballet, passion, grief, new beginnings, love Characters – Maddy Green – 29 years old… prima ballerina – Ballet is everything to...more Setting – Paris. Theme – ballet, passion, grief, new beginnings, love Characters – Maddy Green – 29 years old… prima ballerina – Ballet is everything to her. But she is at the end of her career, she hurt her knee, and the company doctor will not release her back… Max Laurent – 30 years old – until 22 was in a ballet company, just starting out. But he gave up his dream when his father was in a car accident and a paraplegic – he returned to Paris to care for his father. He started working on sculpting and casting, and with his father’s death, he took an apartment with a studio - he’s giving himself a year to determine if he can make a living with his art. Charlotte - Max’s sister – who sees much. She has a traveling husband, and 2 children – the three year old diagnosed with autism. Summary – Max and Maddy (and 3 other ballerinas) lived together in their early 20s. And though Maddy was attracted to Max, she decided she wanted him as a long term friend, not a short term lover… and they lived, laughed, and supported one another. And Max loved Maddy, but did not want to lose her – and when he finally worked up the nerve to tell her he loved her, and planned a seduction, she comes home in great excitement at being offered a place in a French ballet corp – and he let her go to follow her dream. And when Maddy’s career is over, she thinks of Max… and decides to go to Max – that he would help her feel better… and between her grieving and not knowing what to do next, she and Max share a physical relationship. She models for him (naked) – for his sculptures of dance. After a few months, Max – loving her – knowing that her feelings can’t be depended on in her state of mind, finds a ballet company of ‘not perfect’ ballerinas, who perform to eaches strengths – He sends her to them, and cuts her off (too hard to stay connected if he can’t have all of her). She on the other hand had just realized she loved him, that it is not a temporary lust… and is hurt he has cut her off. 3 months later, he has his showing, and she is coming. His sister pushes him to tell her how he feels, to realize he needs to find out how she feels… and he makes one more piece for the show, a piece to show how he fully feels – she had started ballet at the age of 4, and loved it from the beginning – his piece was of the child at a barre and captured a look of wonder and pleasure. She sees it, and knows his feelings, and is finally able to share her own… ahhhh (less) | Notes are private!
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| not set
| Jun 10, 2012
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Jun 10, 2012
| Mass Market Paperback
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| 0553581724
| 9780553581720
| 4.04
| 880
| Oct 31, 2000
| Oct 31, 2000
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Sarah… has her hands full again when she becomes involved in a Lawrence’s , a famous writer, intrigue… He recently returned from Paris (after 20 years...more
Sarah… has her hands full again when she becomes involved in a Lawrence’s , a famous writer, intrigue… He recently returned from Paris (after 20 years away) and is all set to publish a ‘tell all’ book with Daddy’s Girl Brianna Layton – aging model… he has a party at his home where he has invited Sarah and a handful of his old friends – and he seems to know secrets about all of them, and they’re not happy. Harold is back, making friendly noises (invites her to his home for Christmas dinner – kisses, but that’s all), but then seems to defect in favor of Brianna. He makes a gift to her of Sweetie Pie, the runt of a litter in the previous book, … Sweetie is a 70 pound hound… and in heat throughout most of the story… and she’s ‘nesting’ under the porch, gathering coats & shoes & such… Jitty is fun – her ghostly friendship and Delaney family advice seem to reflect Sarah’s conscience… this book she is stuck in the 50’s… starting with a Donna Reedish sort of prim & proper, and then to Lucy Ricardoish fun & partner with husband… but underlying it all, emphasizing that it’s time for a husband & children… And Tinkie volunteers to be Sarah's assistant... and she does all right... and even has an unexpected rekindling of passion with her husband... and comes with the calvary to rescue both Sweetie & Sarah... So… Lawrence is killed… 1st by a dosage of Coumadin over a long period, and then a cut on his hand that led him to bleed to death… and the manuscript is missing… lots of secrets are unveiled, the worst being that Brianna is actually Harold’s aunt’s daughter – who was having an affair with Layton, who took her daughter and forced his wife to pretend it was hers and then he killed Harold’s aunt… For awhile it looks like Harold may have been the murderer, which Sarah just couldn’t believe… but he wasn’t… he was just trying to fulfill Lawrence’s last wishes, which included helping his cousin Brianna. And the story ends as the new year is ringing in, and she is in the arms of Hamilton – who found Paris too tame without Sarah… Where will this lead? Is it too late for Harold? Hmmmm … (less) | Notes are private!
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| Jul 22, 2010
| Jul 27, 2010
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Jul 01, 2010
| Paperback
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| 0373077882
| 9780373077885
| 3.87
| 84
| 1997
| Jun 19, 1997
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**spoiler alert** Setting: Ranch and town of Quinn Texas; Theme: love, family Characters: Lash Monroe: mother gave left him and his brother on the churc...more **spoiler alert** Setting: Ranch and town of Quinn Texas; Theme: love, family Characters: Lash Monroe: mother gave left him and his brother on the church steps… his brother fostered in Texas, He in Illinois with a Reverend and 3 other foster brothers. Even though his circumstances are bad, he recognizes the heart of the Reverend, and does his best to be respectful. He was the youngest, he was the newest, and especially Zane caused trouble and he was the scapegoat. He determined when he could, he’d go out on his own – no big family for him; and the foster mom was weak – the boys and Reverend to coddle her – and she saw the truth of Zane, but would not speak up against him so Lash determined that he never wanted to be involved with a spoiled woman. He hooks up with the Monroes when he leaves his job as firefighter to go to his brother’s aid – but he was too late… then he stuck around to help out when Garrick and Chelsea go on their honeymoon. When Garrick returns, he asks Lash to stay longer to help him track rustlers & with ranch work – not knowing that his little sister has her eye on Lash. Reverend Ezekiel Stanton and Olive Stanton: Reverend wanted a big family, wife couldn’t produce, they foster 4 boys… too bad the Reverend didn’t quite have a handle on the character of Zane. Zane and Peter/Pedro: Especially Zane – mean, underhanded… Pedro always boasting of a rich uncle in Mexico how would come to get him one day. Jessica ‘Jessi’ Brand: lost her mother when she was 8; raised the rest of the way by her 4 older brothers… she is a licensed vet, 23 years old, and her brothers coddle her, try to protect her from tough things. She has inherited a lonely, elderly woman’s house and money (and cat) that she had befriended, with the woman’s request she make a vet clinic on the property. Garrett & Chelsea: one of Jessi’s brothers, the sherriff, just married… their story was an earlier book. Monroe Brothers: Ben/ Adam / Wes / Elliot – Ben lost his wife a year plus ago and is still mourning; Adam is a businessman in New York; Wes, half Cherokee (his dad had an affair with his mom – but his dad’s wife welcomed him into the family when he was 8); Elliot, seems to be the most light hearted of the group. Summary: Jessi has decided that she loves Lash – and she is going to get him to overcome his inhibitions about her, make love to her, and then he would know he loves her as much. She follows through with this plan even though her brother’s object. Lash does his best to remember that she is younger, that her brothers have treated him well and having sex with Jessi is not good, that he is a drifter who does not want a large family or a coddled wife. Some of the bible verses he memorized try to guide him into doing right. But he comes to realize that age doesn’t really matter, things would work out with the brothers, and that Jessi is not the coddling kind, she is strong willed and capable. Jessi finally manages to seduce him… but when Lash realizes she is a virgin, he feels even guiltier and takes off. Jessi is left with the realization that her dream isn’t quite turning out. After a couple of days, he goes to her and offers to do right by her and marry her – which she of course refuses – she isn’t to be his penance. Chelsea helps her realize that often men don’t know their own feelings, and love before they can label it love. In the meantime, wranglers are taking cattle, and Garrick & Lash don’t have a clue, until Zack comes out to the ranch looking for Lash. Jessi is there, and thinking that she can learn more about Lash’s childhood and perhaps orchestrate a reunion for the 2 she escorts him around the ranch telling him all about their cattle, and tells him about the opening of her clinic, inviting him to the festivities (and letting him know when the ranch would be vacant). When their cattle is wrangled during the party, Lash figures out that Zack must be responsible… he tracks Pedro’s uncle’s address in Mexico with its meat plant… and heads down by himself, with only Garrick (and Chelsea) knowing – wanting to keep it from Jessi since she tends to jump in. Jessi runs into him on the road, they have sex in the car – she saw his suitcase and figures since they know who, his job is done and he’s hitting the road. Then she takes a pregnancy test, and yes she’s pregnant. Chelsea clues her into picking up the phone at midnight when Lash is supposed to check in, and she heads out to help him… Garrick hears her car… they all head down… they stop her just past the border, and she tells them she’s pregnant, that Lash is part of the family… they’re angry at Lash… she takes off in the faster truck… Lash has had time to think, and realizes he loves Jessi… Jessi gets snagged (walking down the street to the hotel, eating a burrito) by Zack and pulled into a bar… Lash sees her out the window of his hotel window, goes in, challenges Zack, a fight starts, the brothers join in… they all get arrested (except the chauvinistic sheriff won’t take Jessi in)… they tell their story, the sheriff stops the meat factory until it gets straightened out… the brothers yell at Lash and tell him Jessi’s pregnant… she ‘breaks’ them out of jail… Lash asks her to marry him, she says no again because she thinks it’s because of the baby – he swears to prove to her he loves her… they get home, she has abdomen pain… he rushes her to he hospital… all are waiting with no news… when pushed a bit by the brothers, Lash says they are to stay out of it, he’ll have to prove to her on his own that he loves her baby or not… they overhear the nurse telling the doctor they lost her… Lash and Ben start to cry and Lash reiterates how much he loves her… and Jessi steps into the room, having heard their conversations, and into Lash’s arms… she had food poisoning, she left her room because she did not want to stay overnight, and that’s why the nurse said she was lost… and 8 months later, husband and wife and all the family are in the delivery room as Jessi gives birth to a baby girl… and… they… live… happily… ever… after. Memorable scenes: As child, sitting in church, trying to listen to Reverend but cogitating over his circumstance – and starts to feel itching and tickling coming up legs, and notices others are hopping around too… and then sees the ants, and he has the ant farm… and looks at Zane who let those ants free… church empties, Reverend ‘sentences’ him to learn 100 bible verses and make an apology to the congregation. We meet Jessi as she is helping a cow birth – sticking her arms up the birth canal – trying to do so in secret – where her brothers won’t find out and interfere, telling her she’s not strong enough. Lash helps her out by talking to the cow, getting the cow to relax. Jessi stops at drug store to buy condoms, thinking that maybe Lash will take the hint and come to her inherited house where she made it clears she’d be staying by herself… and is a bit embarrassed with 5 year old Ben is watching her… After they make love, and Lash leaves, she goes back to the ranch, where Ben & his mom are leaving… Ben’s mom made him report to the sheriff because he was in the prophylactic aisle and was poking holes in the condoms on a dare from his friend. Hmmmm In the middle of a storm, Lash and jessi get washed off a bridge, after stopping because a fawn was in the middle of the bridge and she was trying to rescue it… and a flash flood carries them off the bridge, and Lash wraps himself around her, keeping her close until able to get them to the river bank. (less) | Notes are private!
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| not set
| Jun 30, 2012
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Jun 18, 2012
| Paperback
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| 050552421X
| 9780505524218
| 4.07
| 4,440
| Mar 31, 2001
| Mar 31, 2001
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A different type of book than the others I've read by Feehan... setting is early Renaisance, a fictional Italian city/state, more fully developed char...more
A different type of book than the others I've read by Feehan... setting is early Renaisance, a fictional Italian city/state, more fully developed characters, a bit of a mystery to solve, minimal paranormal additives... more descriptive of the land. Nicoletta is the village healer - gifted with intuitive knowledge of how to help with the ability to impart the healing by her touch... She is light - of spirit, of soul, of personality... she is kind hearted, fun loving, intuitive... and she does not like to wear shoes. Don Giovanni Scarletti lives under the Scarletti curse... men who love jealously, and murder their wives (or so it seems)... he is negotiating political alliances, in secret... but is making enemies... many women have been killed in the palazzo - his mother, his grandmother, Nicoletta's mother & aunt (servants at the palazzo)... he is gifted with the mind reading & psychic communication, which grows stronger withNicoletta as they get closer, especially when she is upset, worried, scared, hurt, or sad... Giovanni invokes the bridal promise... a contract made hundreds of years earlier where the don may choose any of the villagers as a bride (because the villagers have psychic gifts that the dons wanted to blend into their bloodline) in trade for the villagers being allowed to stay on their land & under their protection. He has been attracted to Nicoletta for many years, watching her, listening for info about her, and dreaming of her... but he had sworn never to marry or love (to avoid the curse)... But Nicoletta is called to the pallazo to heal his daughter (and him) because of food poisoning... and she touches him, and he is lost... he can no longer resist his feelings for her... so he forces her to marry him, in spite of her resistence. Day by day they learn to love and understand one another, and themselves... they both deal with each other honestly... and of course they are attracted to one another. ... Nicoletta keeps getting into trouble, but in very innocent ways.... and he is consistently there to help, and to protect, and... They must uncover the evil living in the household... it ends up to be his middle brother... perverted by a perverted father... to believe that he should be the don, and be in control, and women are to be used and abused, and murdered if they get in the way... he was the one who murdered his mother, and grandmother, and other women... (less) | Notes are private!
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| Apr 21, 2010
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Apr 21, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
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| 0758209339
| 9780758209337
| 3.86
| 936
| Jan 01, 2006
| Apr 01, 2006
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**spoiler alert** Playing Doctor – Lori Foster Libby Preston & Dr. Axel Dean – she’s the niece of chief of doctors and he took her in when her moth...more **spoiler alert** Playing Doctor – Lori Foster Libby Preston & Dr. Axel Dean – she’s the niece of chief of doctors and he took her in when her mother died (no dad)… and he is hard on her because he does not want her to be flighty like her mother… she works to support herself as much as possible and goes to school to be a nurse – and when uncle needs her services, she is expected to help out… at one of his parties, she is there as chief caterer/server… and Dr. Dean (gynecologist) can’t keep his eyes off of her… he follows her outside… they have an encounter, she has an orgasm, but when he realizes that she is a virgin, he pulls back… she decides that she needs sex, makes an appointment with a random gynecologist and it’s him… she embarrassedly kicks him out of the exam room – he hasn’t been able to forget her, so he goes to her home that night (now that he has an address)… he won’t leave, they talk, they make love… and she has pneumonia – and he cares for her… learns about her … and he falls in love (and vice versa)…. ahhh Lady of the Lake – Erin McCarthy Violet Caruthers & Dylan Diaz – She is a nerdy kindergarten teacher (with stripper breasts that she generally hides) and wants to have a baby… she’s been with a nerdy scientist guy, and about to propose that they have non condom sex so she can get pregnant, and she’d not expect anything from him… they are fishing, his friends invite themselves along… and she falls off the boat goint to get water, and no one notices… Dylan is a pro baseball player, large loving family (in another state), and it’s his birthday, and he’s lonely – no friends nearby, tired of one night stands or people who just want something from him… so he’s sailing on the lake… and sees something in the water, and realizes it is a person… and she’s alive… he pulls her in the boat… tumbling her onto his crotch… and during their time on the boat, they get to know one another – a time outside time… and he takes her to his apartment… and he offers to be the father of her baby… and they have sex… she gets pregnant… she tells him to get lost… she misses him… he misses her (though he always wanted more with her)… and as he decides he’s making his case again, she realizes she wants to try… ahhhh Hardhats and Silk Stockings – HelenKay Dimon Whiteman ‘Whit’ Goodard Thomas & Hannah Bridges… Whit, rich, owns a historical house… Hannah, not good in school, mother ‘kicked out’ of family, but mom dead, and grandpa giving her a chance to make good by giving her one of his historical specialty construction companies to see if she can make a go of it… she serious… Whit wants to play… he manipulates things to get her locked (with him) in his deceased uncle’s sex room in the basement of the historical house… after a bit of talk, they’re going to have sex… she puts the handcuffs on him, and stretches out the encounter.. they don’t’ have the key… his brother and her cousin unlock the door to find him naked and cuffed… she (in the bathroom) hears their banter… and that he planned to lock them in… is embarrassed and feels used… storms out… a couple of weeks later, after he is working hard (after the workers go home) to work on the houses so that she can meet the deadline, she realizes his heart is in the right place … and ahhhhh (less) | Notes are private!
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| Aug 09, 2012
| Aug 10, 2012
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Aug 09, 2012
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| 0345528921
| 9780345528926
| 3.89
| 3,200
| Jan 01, 2012
| Aug 14, 2012
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**spoiler alert** Setting: Cedar Cove – Rose Harbor Inn/bed and breakfast; town icons – Pancake Palace, church, drug store, library, etc; dying man’s...more
**spoiler alert** Setting: Cedar Cove – Rose Harbor Inn/bed and breakfast; town icons – Pancake Palace, church, drug store, library, etc; dying man’s house; Theme: mourning; peace; moving on; love; seeing the past with new eyes; forgiveness; being open to love and change. Characters: Paul Rose: special forces, wonderful man, fell in love with Jo Marie and married her, went to Iran and was killed, left a big insurance contract to care for Jo Marie, visits her in her dreams as he seems to be directing people who are broken to her. Jo Marie Rose: Deeply in love with husband… he died before they were married a year. With the insurance money she starts anew – pulled to a bed and breakfast in Cedar Cove. She buys it and renames it Rose Harbor for her husband. She is finding a measure of peace, and Paul assures her a time of joy will come for her again… She is setting up her business, learning from Grace and others of the Cedar Cove series, making a welcoming place for patrons. Rover: ¾ th of the way through book, at Grace’s suggestion, she goes to the shelter… looking for a guard like dog… but 9 pound, mix ed breed Rover claims her instead and when she hears of his life of abuse, feels Paul is sending him to her… and Rover is right at home, and looks to her to know friend from foe… and yaps until she knows which. Mark Taylor: quirky town handyman… gruff… impatient… loner… excellent, varied work… meets her a few times to work up estimates, and when someone representing himself as Paul’s friends is putting pressure on JoMarie to loan him money, he feels pushed to go to her place because there might be trouble… feels as if Paul is speaking in his head. A potential love interest for JoMarie down the road? Joshua Weaver: father deserted them; apple of his mother’s eye until 10 years old, then mother fell in love… he didn’t get along with stepfather, though does get along with Dillan his stepbrother, about the same age – who went out of his way to antagonize him when mom not around… then his mother died when he was 17, and $200 was stolen, and stepfather blamed him and kicked him out of the house 3 weeks before graduation. He graduated (staying at friend’s homes) and joined the army. Did well, got out, became a contractor, traveled around, now a construction manager with jobs around the country. Gets call from his stepfather’s neighbor telling him that his stepfather in a bad way, and he should come home. Being between jobs he does, booking room at Rose Harbor Inn… and in 3 days, with Michele’s gentle encouragement, he sees his stepfather lost everything important to him, that they were both competing for his mother’s attention, hence their tension, his stepbrother was an enabler and not such a good guy, and his stepfather made his mother happy. He learns to ignore Richard’s hurtful words, and to share and thank him for how he loved his mother… and there is a measure of peace between them in the end. And Michele stays by his side… sympathetic, objective, warm, and kissable. After Richard dies, and arrangements made, he’s making ready to leave… Michelle tries to tell him he needs an anchor, and hints at herself… he brushes it off, but on way back to inn realizes he doesn’t want to never see Michelle again, and rushes to her and makes up. Richard: jealous of his stepson, angry when stepson did better than his own son, treated him badly, angrily accuses him of only coming to steal from him, after Dillan’s death not only did he totally withdraw from life, after his son died too and in a fit of temper he tore up Josh’s room – tearing pages out of his yearbook, cutting up his lettermen’s jacket. But in the end, he told Michelle where to find his wife’s bible to give to Josh - and when Josh thanks him, he directs him to the garage to boxes in the rafters… he’d labeled the boxes Christmas but they contained things from Josh’s mom’s life before Richard - pictures and memorabilia that rightly belonged to josh, but he had mislabeled so that he wouldn’t find them… but fesses up in the end. Michelle: fat in school, and Josh was nice to her, defended her in an effective though non-confrontational way; knew she liked Dillan (though we find out Dillan’s callousness – senior year promised to dance one dance at the prom with Michelle if she wrote his term paper so he’d graduate… but he ignored her at the dance, and she overheard him laughing with his friends about it later). She has a warm spot for Josh, thinking of him through the years. She is now a social worker, and svelte – having lost the excess weight. She pushes Josh to be his better self with Richard, helps him understand Richard, and pushes him to realize he doesn’t have to keep people (esp her) at arm’s length. Abby Kincaid: ex-resident of Cedar Cove… but during 1st year of college, home for the holidays, spent afternoon with her best friend, driving home at night, hits a patch of black ice, and crashes the car. She was hurt badly, but her best friend (no seatbelt) dies. And especially her friend’s parents blamed her… but other gossiped that she had been drinking, or negligent,etc. She goes back to college and hasn’t returned since. Her parents retire and move away also (partly because of the censure, partly to enjoy life) and Abby blames herself for their leaving… and she is returned for the weekend because her brother is marrying a Cedar Cove gal, and that’s where he is getting married… and once there, she talks with first one friend, and then another, and then they all get together… they don’t blame her, and they’ve missed her… healing has begun. She goes to her friend’s burial spot, and her friend’s ghost comes to her, encouraging her to see her parents. She does, and though mom at first spewing venom, dad is more reasonable, invites her in and by the time she leaves they’ve all cried, they tell her it wasn’t her fault, and she should live a full life… ahhh… and at the wedding, she runs into Steve… and she is open to being with him. Roger and Victoria Kincaid: Abby’s brother, marring Cabot Cove Victoria – very much in love; very much want Abby to find peace. Steve Hooks: Roger’s college roommate, who dated Abby before the accident… tried many times to reconnect, but she ignored him. 10 years later, he’s a groomsman and he wants to try and reconnect now (never married)… and he lives in Florida as Abby does, commutable distance… and they fly home together making plans. Memorable scenes: (less) | Notes are private!
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| Nov 15, 2012
| Nov 19, 2012
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Nov 15, 2012
| Hardcover
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| 0425236757
| 9780425236758
| 4.11
| 21,194
| Nov 02, 2010
| Nov 02, 2010
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**spoiler alert** The final of the series - with interesting brides & bridal problems & bridal successes... I want to work at Vows - what a gr...more
**spoiler alert** The final of the series - with interesting brides & bridal problems & bridal successes... I want to work at Vows - what a great job to make a perfect day for so many... We get Emma & Carter's wedding (the first actual wedding of the 4)... how coordinators coordinate for their own day : ) and we have Parker - the organizer extroidinaire - counselor, timekeeper, planner, overseer of the details... and her attraction to Malcom - the bad boy mechanic - comes to fruition... Malcom had a tough childhood - army brat, dumped on his abusive uncle/aunt, moved out on his own at 18 - became an excellent mechanic, refurbishing old cars & reselling them, and stunt man... until an accident takes him out of the stunt business - he returns home, to his mom (who had been doing her best), and opens his own mechanic's business... he segregates the parts of his life... and though easy with people, and getting people to talk, he doesn't rehash his past. And Parker and Malcom's passion pushes them together... and he understands her... and she comes to love him - to push him to share more of himself - which he reluctantly does... and he finally comes to see that marriage and Parker are his future... and proposes to her during the dance time at Emma & Carter's wedding party... ahhhhh(less) | Notes are private!
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| Apr 15, 2011
| Apr 18, 2011
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Mar 21, 2011
| Paperback
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| 0778325911
| 9780778325918
| 3.99
| 3,455
| Nov 01, 2007
| Oct 01, 2008
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Christmas miracle... Mary Jo, younger sister of 3 brothers (who own/run Wyse auto repair) who legally raised her after their parents died, and were to...more Christmas miracle... Mary Jo, younger sister of 3 brothers (who own/run Wyse auto repair) who legally raised her after their parents died, and were too protective... , eager to be on her own, and prove she's grown up... susceptible to unsavory men... Meets David Rhodes (Charlotte's Will's no good with money or ethics son), and now she's pregnant... and in 2 weeks the baby is due, and she finally, fully understands the unworthiness & lies of David... the brothers want to force the issue with David, and threaten to go to Cedar Grove where he told Mary Jo he was spending Christmas with his dad... Mary Jo decides to get there ahead of them to deal with him directly...oh yeah... on Christmas Eve... unfortunately, David lied (again) and he's not there... and his dad (Will) is on a cruise... She finds out this information from Grace, the librarian, and has a dizzy spell.. help is called... Matt, now with the fire department, responds... they connect... and he recommends bed rest... all hotels are booked... so... Grace invites her to stay at her home... in the barn apartment (Cal's old home)... and there are the live nativity animals in her barn (camel, sheep, horse, donkey)... in the mean time, the 3 Wyse (Wise men) brothers are on their way to find her... they bring gifts to help facilitate her forgiveness of their pushing... incense, bath oils, and a gold locket (remind you of other wise men gifts?)... She gives birth (Wyse women's labor is fast) on Christmas Eve, with Matt in attendance (too late to transport her to the birthing center)... in the barn (at least no manger)... and the brothers have gotten lost looking for the Harding Ranch... until Cliff sets of his new year's eve fireworks early to entertain the grandchildren (yep--- the star)... And Matt comes to see her the next day before she returns home, and asks if he can visit her and the baby - Noel Grace Wyse....(less) | Notes are private!
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| Jun 2010
| Jun 03, 2010
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Jun 01, 2010
| Hardcover
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| 084395048X
| 9780843950489
| 4.03
| 3,760
| Sep 30, 2002
| Sep 30, 2002
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Isabella Vernaducci & Don Nicolai DeMarco... Italy, medieval time... protected valley, where the don is all... At a time as Christianity is growing...more Isabella Vernaducci & Don Nicolai DeMarco... Italy, medieval time... protected valley, where the don is all... At a time as Christianity is growing, the deMarco family, along with 2 others occupy a protected, beautiful valley in the mountains... but one with a malevant spirit... and a deMarco bride, known to be a powerful sorceress starts to explore Christianity... although loved by her husband, noblewomen are jealous of her, and begin to spread lies about her... lies her husband believes. until ultimately he has her put to death... right before her execution, she curses the 3 families, saying their loves will die early. Her husband sees his error, and starts to study her Christianity... and hears about Christians that are being killed by lions for entertainment.. He goes, and finds that he can communicate with the lions... and he frees them, taking them to his home... where subsequent descendents also commune with the lions, shifting shape, and controlling them so that they leave the people alone, but also serve as protection against invaders... the legend tells of a woman who will free them... In comes Nicolai - he and his sister witnessed his father giving in to the lion form, and killing his mother. He has a stronger affinity tothe beasts them most of his predecessor... he is powerful - both physically & politically. The legends of mystery, of how the valley stays protected and isolated abound. Most who attempt to go into the valley never come out. Isabella needs help... her parents have passed... her evil neighbor is after her & her lands... her brother is arrested & jailed for treason... she has exhausted all of her avenues of help... and decides to turn to don Nicolai... in spite of the mystery that surrounds him & his land... because he is the only one powerful enough to make the evil neighbor submit... Isabella meets a man whom all around love, but also fear, and won't look upon... she sees the man, when the others see the beast... his guards & staff come to believe she will break the curse. She is sensitive to the malevalent spirit that wants to take over Nicolai... the spirit makes others do what is not their nature... and she brings calm & reason. Nicolai is torn by his love for Isabella, but the overwhelming fear that he will kill her as his father killed his mother... he waffles between keeping her & sending her away... Ultimately her brother is saved, he introduces her to physical love, the evil neighbor is defeated (he had visions of greatness to be the first to conquor the valley) and she commits herself to loving him... both his human & beast ... and because of that love, the evil spirit is unable to control him... her unfailing love, to even sacrifice herself to him, helps him to recover his self control and to dispense the evil spirit once and for all... the curse is broken & the original man & wife's spirits are free to be together again... and it ends with him impatiently calling for the priest to marry them immediately...(less) | Notes are private!
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| Apr 21, 2010
| Apr 23, 2010
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Apr 21, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
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| 0373770472
| 9780373770472
| 3.73
| 203
| unknown
| unknown
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**spoiler alert** 1866 - 1882 - Texas and Arizona... 6 lives intertwined... Andre Bernard - brother, lazy, gambler, get rich quick schemes... and he se...more **spoiler alert** 1866 - 1882 - Texas and Arizona... 6 lives intertwined... Andre Bernard - brother, lazy, gambler, get rich quick schemes... and he sells his 14 year old sister to be a higher class prostititue in New Orleans to pay off his debt... years later they are reunited, to her he accepts her past, takes her in at the ranch he is partner in... but he steals a treasure map from his partner & turns his partner in for rustling, train robbery, & murder and takes his sister & Eli and Miriam, and after a year where they are homesteading a new ranch in Arizona, he takes their money to buy more cattle but buys prospecting gear and heads to the hills to locate the treasure - where he is confronted by Eli, falls down a cliff, and is unconscious when his sister finds him... they nurse him, but he is rarely lucid. Eli - black man, educated, raised on east coast - father was an established boatmaker until the civil war when his warehouse was burned down and they lost everything. Somehow he had the treasure map, and wantered west to find the treasure... Eli joined the army, fought valiently; he joined the 10th calvary in the west after the war, but deserted when he didn't have a taste for killing any more an dto locate his father... he falls in with Andre, Tally, and Miriam and goes to Arizona where he is partner in the ranch. He is hardworking, loyal, and loves Miriam - finally proposing to her. He feels guilty about leaving Andre, but saw that Tally was on the way and figured if he could be saved, she would do it. When push comes to shove, he is unable to kill Caleb in spite of every reason to. Miriam - black woman, exslave (freed after the civil war), values freedom, religious, compassionate, wise, was a maid in the madam's house and made friends with Tally, leaving with Tally. Caleb - sheriff's son, sheriff ignored wife, beat son, spent money on his mistress, tolerated Caleb's mischief. Little regard for people, dreams of finding Aztec gold, easily moves into illegal lifestyle. In his youth and young adulthood is friends with Sim - they are blood brothers, and he feels a certain loyalty to Sim. He burned Eli's father's warehouse, stole the map, took and earned money where he could find it. Once jailed by Andre's betrayal, he sends Sim to locate the map. When he breaks out, he goes to the ranch to find Andre and/or Sim. By this time Sim is feeling a loyalty to Tally, and chases him off - though he still has full expectation of finding the map for him and the treasure - and he gets his agreement to leave their cows and people alone and wait for him. Caleb uses a neighbor teen girl with grander ideas as backup to make sure Sim & Tally do what he wants, but it fails. and he is frightened when he sees Sim change to wolf - then goes half crazy for the treasure - shooting Eli (after getting his copy of the map), killing Andre, and threatening Sim. Sim - Simeon - a whore's son, raised in a whore house (they did teach him to read and to please a woman when he was old enough), both loved and hated his mother. His mother, when dying, told him the name of his father - a mean, local rancher. He goes to the ranch, and his almost beaten to death by his halfbrothers. He goes off with Caleb, but when Caleb gets a bit too callous about killing, they start to separate ways. and he meets Esperanza (hope) - a beautiful woman who can see the good in people, can see into people, and who is kind... he begins to have an idea of a different kind of life... he kisses her, and leaves - and when Caleb offers him half the treasure, he decides to help for the money so that he can marry Esperanza and buy his own ranch. Part of that is tracking Andre, and this is how he meets Tally - they are both in Temptation when she is looking for her brother, and he offers his services. Though Tal is dressed/disguised as a man, he knows she is a woman. She contracts for his tracking is she can go along with him. They keep their distance from one another, but the beginning of friendship and attraction are there. They find her brother, and he connives to return to the ranch and hire on for a few months (in spite of Eli's lack of trust) to stay near Andre to see if he'll talk. and here we learn that he is a werewolf, he can change to wolf, and he has an affinity with animals, and he 'meets' with the local wolf pack to gain their help in monitoring the property. He accepts this part of himself mostly, and doesn't hesitate to draw on it when it needs it. He works hard to keep his image of Esperanze in his mind, but dreams of Tally. Towards the end of summer, he finally locates the map (Andre hid it in a layer of his mother's wedding dress). But then Tally invites him to join her in Mexico to buy more cattle, and to keep her safe and to see Esperanza, he goes. he finds that experaza is considered a saint, healer, and angel by those in the town he left her in... and then they find her at the ranch where they have business, having healed the daughter of the ranch owner. Esperanza is gentle and accepting of him, but he realizes that she has no room in his life for him - she has a bigger mission... and Tally, watching out for him - talks with Esperanza (who tells her to tell him the whole truth)... and when he returns, and she realizes she, who never expected to want a man - loves and is attracted to him, and she goes to his room - to comfort him, to make love for the first time with a man (not just sex)... on they way home, he reveals himself to be a wolf to chase off Indians, and after a short bit of rationalization, she accepts it... and he gets absolution for his past from Esperanza, and now he;s not sure what his life will be... He goes to Tally's room once home, and she accepts him into her bed and into her life - and he finds that there is as much pleasure in just holding her as there is to making love with her... ahhhh... but he doesn't tell her of the treasure and she doesn't tell him of the prostitution... finally, once all truths are revealed, and after harsh, defensive words are spoken... and he is tempted to leave humaness behind and be wolf, he finds he cannot forget Tally, and goes home to her - to marry her asap. Tally, Chantal - innocently went with the man her brother told her would marry her and give her a good life with money to send home to mom - and knowing no way out, becomes a high class prostitue - Champagne something... until a man wants something from her she cannot do - and in saying no to one, realizes she can say no - so she and Miriam make a new life for themselves. Her disguise as a man to the world in general is as much to protect her future and give her freedom as to protect her from the past.. and in her love for sim and some acceptance of the past she finally finds the strenghth to give it up... Though aware of her brother's duplicity in selling her, she knows her brother's faults, and tries very hard to think the best of him... As her attraction to Sim grows, and she must (as Miriam tells her) forgive herself the past, to fully realize that it isn't who she is... and she respects Sim's boundaries and feelings for Esperanza, and takes his actions over words. and in the end, there is not treasure except a story to remind all that love is the most important... and Tally gives Sim his freedom, and welcomes him back when he comes... ahhhh(less) | Notes are private!
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| Sep 04, 2011
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Sep 04, 2011
| Mass Market Paperback
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| 0743456300
| 9780743456302
| 4.09
| 5,845
| Jan 01, 2004
| Apr 26, 2005
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I enjoyed this story.. fun, light, a little humor... and I like Danny... Jeremy... we've seen him grow up (at least since he was 16) under James' (the...more I enjoyed this story.. fun, light, a little humor... and I like Danny... Jeremy... we've seen him grow up (at least since he was 16) under James' (the ex-pirate) tutelage... and he is every bit the rake his father and uncles were... women are drawn to him, he is discrete, but he enjoys his women.. and he can hold his own in any altercation... he assisting Edward in the management of investments for the family (yes, he's growing up). Danny... Danette?... for her, life started when she was 5, with a nurse - both injured, covered in blood, hiding in alleys... and then her nurse dies, and she is found by a 12-year 'Oliver' (Olivette?) - who is part of a gang, and knows she will be whoring soon, and decides to protect Danny by dressing her as a boy... so 15 years later, Danny is tall, with blonde, curly, short hair that she keeps covered with a cap... her 'family' consists of 12 or so urchins (only 2 left of the original ones) under the 'ruling' of Roy, who is looking for a reason to push Danny out (we find out because he finds himself attracted to Danny, but thinking her a man is disgusted with himself)... and Danny's main 'job' (because he/she is too tall to unobtrusively pickpocket any more) is to sneak into hotel rooms and steal while the overnighter is sleeping... She is strong minded - with dreams to have a real job (so far she hasn't found anyone to hire her) and to find a good man to marry & have children with)... Percy (poor Percy, just doesn't have a clue ; ) lost two family rings gambling... and efforts to get them back have been unsuccessful... Jeremy agrees to help him... they go to an inn, and pretending to sleep, wait for a thief to come in... they chase off the 1st one because he is too noisy, but Danny is very quiet, and Jeremy decides he/she is the one to help... In the light, he immediately recognizes her as a woman dressed as a man (after all George is his stepmother), but they carry her off to thier carriage... they explain the plan to her, take her to the country house of the gentleman who has the rings, and send her in to steal them... with the understanding that she can keep whatever else she finds... She does this unwillingly... after all, she's never been outside of London, and they won't return her unless she completes the task... there is a humorous scene where Jeremy goes in after her because she is taking too long and he's worried... but they are caught... and Danny's quick thinking has her explaining the she's the lord's footman, he was 'in his cups' and knew that the lord wouldn't mind if he camped out on the couch until morning - not wanting to wake anyone up... they're escorted to a room, and once it is clear again they take off. Percy gets his rings back, but they recognize two pieces that belong to women that they are quite sure would not have been lost to gambling... Jeremy has the intention of bedding her, after dropping Percy off... but she escapes the coach (though looses her hat) and runs away in spite of Jeremy's attempts to follow her. It's a long walk home and she has the feeling of someone following her (the someone is the man who killed her father & nurse - who recognizes her because she looks so much like her mother... he's had bad luck since, so feels if he finishes the job now, perhaps his luck will return).. Roy uses her breaking of the rules in helping Jeremy as a reason to kick her out... she ends up at Jeremy's, reasoning that he is the reason she lost her position, and he can give her a legitimate job... Jeremy recently moved into his own place. When she gets to his house (still dressed as a man), she has to wait as Jeremy is entertaining a woman... she thinks to give him 10 minutes then she is going up... after 20 minutes, she stalks up the stairs and pounds on his door.. : 0 A disgruntled Jeremy... after inviting her to be his mistress, and after she blackmails him by saying she'll go back to the lord and tell him who robbed him, agrees to give her the job as upstairs maid... Jeremy's attraction to her is enhanced as he gets to know her... she has many 'masculine' attitudes about taking care of herself, and resists his attempts at seduction... He finally seduces her after she (with Regina's assistance) attends a ball to attempt to derail a debutaunte who is spreading rumors calculated to force Jeremy to marry her... they have a wonderful time at the ball (she is quickly learning to monitor her speech, although slips when she is nervous - and she took to dancing very easily, with Jeremy leading)... Danny struggles to balance her desire & enjoyment of Jeremy (and fear of falling in love) with her ultimate goals of marriage & children & carrying for herself... she will not give up her duties and pay as maid, she limits the time he has access to her, but gives of herself wholeheartedly when they are together. funny scene... a school buddy, his American brother in law, & an actor go to the calculating debutaunte's father to make their claim on her, saying she had dailied with them, and they could be the father of the baby she claims she is carrying and that she claims is Jeremy's. When the father brings her into the room, she is scrabbling to understand what's going on, and almost gets her father back on her side, until James (Jeremy's father) gets her angry, and she says she can prove the men are lying because she still a virg.. oops... but the school buddy (a lord in his own right) has taking a liking to her, and that helps to smooth things over. another funny scene... throughout the story, there is a reference to Danny's pet (but I assumed it to be a stuffed animal)... it is in fact a rat (or a well fed mouse?)... and when it makes its way to the pantry, all h... breaks out... she rescues it... and Jeremy, wanting to do for her, and knowing she won't take from him... and he can see her heart, brings home a kitten & a puppy for her, and although she won't officially accept them as a gift, agrees to take care of them for Jeremy as long as she living there... two attempts are made on Danny's life, but it is not understood why... then they go to the lord's (who had Percy's rings) house to set him up to catch him as a thief... he takes the bait, but Jeremy is slow in coming up to the room, so Danny confronts the lord in the hall... he recognizes her as the little girl he tried to kill 15 years earlier, and starts to strangle her... Caught, he does not admit what he knows about Danny... Danny realizes that it is time for Jeremy to step up, or for her to leave... with sensitivity, she explains to Jeremy what she needs from him (committment to marriage & family), but when he passively stands there, she tearfully leaves. She returns to Roy for a few days, with the plan to get a new job... she encourages Roy to 'go legitimate' and start a real orphanage... and then Jeremy shows up, claiming her... and then James & Edward (the oldest Malory) show up... Edward remembers her mother... and she is reunited with her mother (who has been saved from being murdered because she had been unexpectedly called home, who had been offered a few children as her daughter but they weren't, who is a recluse... and the theifing lord whas her husband's cousin, who would stand to inherit if her husband did not have any children)... her mother, Roy, & Danny agree to open an orphanage... and Sanny & Jeremy marry... and... live...happily...ever...after....(less) | Notes are private!
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| Jun 07, 2010
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| 4.27
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| 2009
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Natches' sister Janey... a friend, from the military - Alex... Natches & Janey's father was a horrible man - not only to his children, but he was a...more Natches' sister Janey... a friend, from the military - Alex... Natches & Janey's father was a horrible man - not only to his children, but he was also a terrorist... Natches would be beat if Janey misbehaved - and so Janey worked very hard to be good... As Janey grew up, and Natches left home, Natches arranged for Alex to keep an eye on her... And Alex grew attracted to Janey... and when her father tricked her & kidnapped her, drugging her and allowing her stepmother to bite her, Alex was head of the team to rescue her - killing her father & stepmother, and caring for her - taking her to safety...they shared a kiss... Six months later, Alex is back - having left the military, and Janey has taken charge of her father's restaurant... someone is threatening Janey - trying to scare her away - aligning her with her father's badness... Alex stakes his claim - to her body & soul - and for her protection... Alex claims her, knowing she is a virgin - and he expects their sex to grow incrementally... but Janey is a Nauti sibling - and knowing the way to claim Alex is through sex, and wanting to explore her sexuality, she shares with him her fantasy - which he makes come true... and then she challenges him to fulfill his most extreme fantasy -(anal sex) which he does... the restaurant does well, and ultimately they catch the culprit (a crazy woman who fet connected to Alex and hated Janey)... Janey delves into her deeper resourcefulness - letting down barriers so she can get closer to her brother & to fully love Alex... Alex acts without understanding his feelings - love is too tame a word for him, and it takes some time for the two of them to realize how deep their feelings truly are for one another... but they do, and , you know... they ... live... happily... ever ... after...(less) | Notes are private!
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| Dec 04, 2010
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Dec 04, 2010
| Trade Paperback
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| 0425243834
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| 3.97
| 2,888
| Sep 06, 2011
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**spoiler alert** Tess / Kelly / Ethan / Nash / Dare / Faith / Kate / Nick Ethan, Nash, Dare are brothers, and a dysfunctional family. Dad was gone a l...more **spoiler alert** Tess / Kelly / Ethan / Nash / Dare / Faith / Kate / Nick Ethan, Nash, Dare are brothers, and a dysfunctional family. Dad was gone a lot & Ethan acted out, trying to get his attention. And when arrested, dad & mom died in a car accident going to the jail... and Ethan ran, leaving Nash and Dare to the vagrancies of a foster system. Ethan joined the army, and got into engineering and software development - and when he left the army he made his own something that he sold to the military and made a lot of money - building his own business. Nash & Dare were raised in separate foster homes, but stayed close - Nash is a lawyer, Dare is a policeman... and Ethan returns to town (10 years later) with the intention of developing a relationship with his brothers and gain their forgiveness... (not going well)... Faith - grew up rich - her mother was snooty and jealous of her relationship with her dad - Dad coddled Faith... and they pushed her into a marriage with a lawyer to complement dad... but it ends up that dad is a criminal - ponzi schemes & is arrested, assets taken, reputation ruined, people hurt... and Faith walks in onher husband in their bed with his secretary (with dad in jail, she's superfluous) & and when he attempts to hide his assets, she gathers info about how he aided her dad to blackmail him into giving her what is fair in the divorce. She lost herself, doesn't know herself.... and decides to go home to Serendipity to find herself. When Faith was 16, one night she accepts a ride with Ethan on his motorcycle (a bit rebellious)... and they kiss, and there is fireworks... and he pushes for more, and she pushes him away...always wondered what if... her high school friend Kate is helping her out... and she is using her interior design desgree finally and starting up a new interior design business... and Ethan has bought Faith's old house... and they are both making a new start... and as they start to connect the attraction is overpowering - though both resist as they both know they are in a vulnerable place in their lives... and then enters Tess - Ethan, Nash, & Dare's half sister (dad had been carrying on with his secretary)... and Tess' mother has walked out (with Tess feeling responsible), and loving older sister Kelly (12 years older) who has more raised her than not cannot handle her - and having tracked down Ethan et al, decides Tess is to spend the summer with them. Tess has been acting out - goth style - and with Faith's gentle encouragement - with Ethan's understanding as he was the same rebellious when a teen in a bad family situation - and with their joint love of video games Ethan and Tess become brother and sister... and Tess trusts ... Dare warms up to Ethan as he sees he is not running & builds on a relationship with Tess... Nash is not quite there by the end of the book - though he wants to do right by Tess (and he is attracted to her older sister). crisis time comes when Tess' artistic talent leads Ethan to a private art school, who will take Tess if he coughs up the money... but the school and many parents were fleeced by Faith's dad - so Faith wants to walk away so that Tess can fit in... Ethan wants to find a way to make it work... and Tess overhears them and starts acting out to not be sent to the school and save them all... but period, no money, embarassment, left at drug store, shoplift tampons, seen by Faith, chased out of store, car coming, Faith pushes her to safety, hits head on concrete, ambulance, Dare is there, rushes into Ethan's arms semi hysterical and apologizing, Ethan understanding, Faith okay... all three agree they are a family that talks... and Ethan and Faith confess their love & decide to get marry...(less) | Notes are private!
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| Feb 13, 2012
| Feb 15, 2012
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Jan 08, 2012
| Mass Market Paperback
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