Big Girl Books (biggirlbooks) (20 books)

Big Girl Books has challenged herself to read 75 books in the 2012 Reading Challenge

She has read 20 books toward her goal of 75 books.

20 of 75 (27%)

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Big Girl Books is now a fan of Goodreads Author Lisa Kleypas and Goodreads Author Susan Mallery

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Tempt Me at Twilight (The Hathaways, #3)
by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author)

read in April, 2012

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The first review of a site is daunting. Instead of leaping right into the blogdom with something new and shiny to tempt you, I instead want to give you some insight into me by reviewing a book I love. I seriously love this book. Tempt Me at Twilight...more The first review of a site is daunting. Instead of leaping right into the blogdom with something new and shiny to tempt you, I instead want to give you some insight into me by reviewing a book I love. I seriously love this book. Tempt Me at Twilight is the 3rd in the Hathaway series, a historical series revolving around a newly-titled family in Regency England, and focuses on the second youngest in the family, Poppy Hathaway.

First of all, if you haven’t read the Hathaway series, that needs to be rectified immediately. And if you haven’t read Lisa Kleypas, I’m not sure I can even be friends with you. You have now identified a gaping hole in your historical romance author knowledge, which must be filled, so stop reading this review, go forth into the world, find any book of Lisa’s (I recommend reading Secrets of a Summer Night first and then continuing with the Wallflowers series, which the Hathaway series spins off from), and read it. Then come back here and finish this review.

When I say I love this book, I’m not being cute about it. Like how you might say, “Oh, that dog is so adorable! I love it!” No. I mean if my house was burning down and I could only grab a few things before I ran to safety, those things would include my laptop, my purse and this book. I re-read it almost every time I need a good pick-me-up because the last book I just finished was so angst-filled, or ended on such a huge cliffhanger, that I need something to bring me back from the brink of sadness (or madness). I also re-read it when I’ve just tried reading a book that I thought was horrible and I couldn’t even finish. Lisa Kleypas will always be my go-to author and Tempt Me at Twilight is usually my first pick of her books.

The reason for this is Poppy and Harry. Out of all of the Hathaway books, I feel Poppy and Harry are two of the more interesting characters. Not just their personalities, but how they try to fit together at the beginning, find their jagged pieces don’t quite work well and then change accordingly so that by the end of the book, you’re positive no two people are more in sync than them.

This book is also the only one in the series where the characters don’t love each other before they get married. I don’t know why that fascinates me so much, but it does. Harry’s so possessive of Poppy after he meets her, it’s like watching a predator stalk his prey. You know he’s going to get her based on his single-mindedness and utter fascination, and the way he goes about it leaves you wanting to hate him, but for some reason, you can’t. Poppy’s not a doormat, either. She gives as good as she takes and you can tell Harry has no idea what to do with her once he’s got her. There are times I just want to shake my head at him because he’s such a guy. He’s also so caveman at times that I don’t know how Poppy endures it, but I secretly envy her because you know Harry would do absolutely anything for her.

Without fail, this book always manages to pull me in, regardless of the number of times I’ve read it. For example, I only wanted to read a few passages before writing this review to make sure I remembered certain scenes correctly, and I ended up re-reading the entire book again. It’s a force of nature. No, wait. Let me amend that statement. Harry’s determination is a force of nature. It’ll be what pulls you in. Poppy’s response will keep you reading, and ultimately, them figuring each other out will make you love them all the more.

Reviewed at Big Girl Books on April 2nd, 2012.(less)

Big Girl Books added

Barefoot Season (Blackberry Island, #1)
by Susan Mallery (Goodreads Author)

read in April, 2012

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Christine’s first review was amazing. I, too, wondered what my first review would be about. I looked through my favorites and contemplated if I should also review a favorite. But after a lot of thinking, I decided to choose a newly released book. I c...more Christine’s first review was amazing. I, too, wondered what my first review would be about. I looked through my favorites and contemplated if I should also review a favorite. But after a lot of thinking, I decided to choose a newly released book. I chose Barefoot Season by Susan Mallery. Barefoot Season is Mallery’s most recent contemporary series, and revolves around the residents of Blackberry Island, Washington.

I’m a huge fan of Susan Mallery. She was one of the authors to put contemporary fiction on the map, for me. Mallery has a great way of creating characters that are easy to relate to, while turning ordinary day-to-day stories into something memorable and extraordinary. If we are to be friends, you will have to become familiar with Mallery and her stories. I suggest you start with the Marcelli Family series, and make your way through The Buchannans, then over to the Bakery sisters. What are you waiting for? You should be reading!

Blackberry Season is a great introduction to Mallery’s latest series. A recent trend for Mallery is introducing you to a town and slowly allowing you to fall in love with it. Like in her recent series, Fool’s Gold, I instantly fell in love with the quaint town and its adorable characters. It goes the same for Blackberry Island.

Here we meet Michelle, an army vet who has spent the last 10 years in service. But while others view her as a hero who fought protecting her country, she views herself as someone who ran away from the drama at home. She returns to her home, the Blackberry Inn, a legacy given to her by her estranged father. There she finds Carly, one of the reasons she left home. Together, they will have to put their differences aside, including any anger and anguish that they feel, to save themselves and the inn.

For me, I like to feel emotion when reading a story. I’m sure you know what I mean. I want to either feel the type of sadness that causes tears or love so great that my heart hurts from the joy. Why? Because this is what makes an author great. Mallery’s choice of words always bring out the emotions out of me. In the case of Blackberry Island, I was crying by the end of chapter one. From Michelle’s battle with PTSD to Carly’s insecurities of abandonment, I felt like I didn’t know when the tears would stop. But that’s a testament to Mallery’s writing. She evokes something from you, enough so that you will feel these characters are real.

I wish that there was a little more from this book. There was something that I was missing, even though I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe there wasn’t enough sexy times throughout the pages. And we all know how much I love those sexy times. But it’s okay. With all the tears I was crying, I don’t think my heart could have taken any more emotion. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the residents of Blackberry Island. I know I can’t wait to visit again.

Reviewed at Big Girl Books on April 4th, 2012.(less)

Big Girl Books added

Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter, #1)
by Nalini Singh (Goodreads Author)

read in April, 2012

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This is a review for Guild Hunter #1, 2 and 3.

I love Nalini Singh. Just….love. And Angel’s Blood, the first in the Guild Hunters series, was the first book I read by her, so it will always have a special place in my heart. So, I forced Christine to c...more

Big Girl Books added

Shades Of Twilight
by Linda Howard

read in April, 2012

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Okay, so many years ago I went through a Linda Howard Consumption. I read everything and anything that had her name on it. I even read the ones I was sure I wasn’t going to like. All of them I read through the library. Shades of Twilightis the only o...more

Big Girl Books added

Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter, #4)
by Nalini Singh (Goodreads Author)

read in April, 2012

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As we said in our Guild Hunter series review, Caitlin and I consider the first three books as one part of the series and then every book about someone other than Elena and Raphael another part, which is why we split them up, review-wise.

Caitlin: When...more

Big Girl Books added

Somebody to Love
by Kristan Higgins (Goodreads Author)

read in April, 2012

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Kristin Higgins is another one of my favorite authors. She always seems to find a way to incorporate comedy and real-life situations into her stories. Plus, lets not forget the little hints of sexy times with swoony boys. And you know me, I’m all abo...more Kristin Higgins is another one of my favorite authors. She always seems to find a way to incorporate comedy and real-life situations into her stories. Plus, lets not forget the little hints of sexy times with swoony boys. And you know me, I’m all about that.

Let me tell you a not-so-secret secret. I love book covers. I am a sucker for them as much as I am a sucker for sexy times. And in the case of Somebody To Love? It was instant love. See, this is probably why I love contemporary romances. There’s always a cute cover to go a long with it. I mean, look at this cover. How can you not love this cover? The adorable and in love couple? The scenery? That dog?!

Somebody To Love begins with children’s book author Parker Harrington Welles reading to her son’s class. As she recites the last few words of the last book in her Holy Rollers series, she anticipates the moments until she puts those characters to rest. Unfortunately, there is no rest for the weary, or for her bank account. Next thing you know, she loses her inheritance, her father goes to jail, and she is taken away from the mansion that she calls home. Sure, she has another piece of property that was left to her, but it would be kind to call it a shack.

The thing about Higgins is that she knows how to make me laugh. From the moment that Parker started talking to her characters, which was on the first page, I knew that I was going to enjoy this book. She made Parker a character that was easy to relate to. She was emotionally stunted and attention deprived. Isn’t that a lot of women out there? *raises hand*

Let’s not forget that Higgins knows how to write a boy that’s easy on the eyes and will make your heart melt. James, or as Parker calls him, Thing One, is a great male lead. His character was slowly built up to be this amazing guy. He had a great depth to him. He wasn’t just eye candy, which isn’t bad either, but I appreciate a male lead who has history behind him. Nothing was cliché. Everything was enjoyable and as it should be.

Guys, the romance in this book! Tons of heart-tingling moments that had me wishing I was right there with him. Higgins knows how to write fluff. And it’s not extremely light and fluffy. We’re not talking a meringue here or anything, but Somebody To Love had enough sweetness to give you those far away stares into blissful nothing.

A huge theme of Somebody To Love was family. Higgins touches the varying types of families. I appreciated how things were realistic and not out of the ordinary. There were bittersweet moments that made me cry (like every other chapter), and there were moments that made me laugh (tons of snark in the conversations). I enjoyed every moment of it and remembered why I love Kristin Higgins.

Reviewed at Big Girl Books on April 11th, 2012.(less)

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Big Girl Books has challenged herself to read 75 books in the 2012 Reading Challenge She has read 20 books toward her goal of 75 books. 20 of 75 (27%) Create your own 2012 Reading Challenge »
May 25, 2012 09:44am · like · view books
Big Girl Books is now following Lisa Kleypas's reviews
May 25, 2012 09:43am · like
Big Girl Books is now a fan of Goodreads Author Lisa Kleypas and Goodreads Author Susan Mallery
May 25, 2012 09:43am · see all of Big Girl Books's favorite authors
Big Girl Books added Tempt Me at Twilight (The Hathaways, #3) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author) read in April, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The first review of a site is daunting. Instead of leaping right into the blogdom with something new and shiny to tempt you, I instead want to give you some insight into me by reviewing a book I love. I seriously love this book. Tempt Me at Twilight...more
May 25, 2012 09:43am · see review
Big Girl Books added Barefoot Season (Blackberry Island, #1) by Susan Mallery (Goodreads Author) read in April, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Christine’s first review was amazing. I, too, wondered what my first review would be about. I looked through my favorites and contemplated if I should also review a favorite. But after a lot of thinking, I decided to choose a newly released book. I c...more
May 25, 2012 09:42am · see review
Big Girl Books added Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter, #1) by Nalini Singh (Goodreads Author) read in April, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This is a review for Guild Hunter #1, 2 and 3. I love Nalini Singh. Just….love. And Angel’s Blood, the first in the Guild Hunters series, was the first book I read by her, so it will always have a special place in my heart. So, I forced Christine to c...more
May 25, 2012 09:38am · see review
Big Girl Books added Shades Of Twilight by Linda Howard read in April, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Okay, so many years ago I went through a Linda Howard Consumption. I read everything and anything that had her name on it. I even read the ones I was sure I wasn’t going to like. All of them I read through the library. Shades of Twilightis the only o...more
May 25, 2012 09:36am · see review
Big Girl Books added Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter, #4) by Nalini Singh (Goodreads Author) read in April, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
As we said in our Guild Hunter series review, Caitlin and I consider the first three books as one part of the series and then every book about someone other than Elena and Raphael another part, which is why we split them up, review-wise. Caitlin: When...more
May 25, 2012 09:35am · see review
Big Girl Books added Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins (Goodreads Author) read in April, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Kristin Higgins is another one of my favorite authors. She always seems to find a way to incorporate comedy and real-life situations into her stories. Plus, lets not forget the little hints of sexy times with swoony boys. And you know me, I’m all abo...more
May 25, 2012 09:33am · see review

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