Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine

Genre: Mystery, Chick Lit

Laura Levine is back with another Jaine Austen mystery. I love the Jaine Austen series. They are good for a few laughs. They are sort of a cross between chick lit and cozy mysteries.

In this one, Jaine is hired by a former high school classmate, Patti Devane, to write wedding vows for Patti’s wedding. These aren’t just ordinary wedding vows, though. Patti is planning to turn her wedding into a Shakespearean production complete with Patti as Juliet and her fiancé, Dickie, as Romeo.

Patti had always been one of the “cool” girls in high school and Jaine…well, she wasn’t. Jaine had always been the target of their cruel jokes. Things haven’t changed much over the years, Patti is still the spoiled brat and is now a spoiled Bridezilla, incurring everyone’s wrath including her own mother. So, it’s no great surprise when Patti doesn’t approve of anything Jaine writes and constantly calls for rewrites.

To make matters worse, Jaine is obligated to accept Patti’s invitation to the wedding, if she wants to collect her $3,000 fee.

The wedding turns into a huge fiasco when Jaine is taunted by her old high school classmates into bringing her fiancé…a Frenchmen who happens to be a neurosurgeron. The problem is, Jaine doesn’t have one of those and where is she going to find one on such short notice?

The event ends when Patti (aka Juliet) plunges off the balcony to her death. Jaine immediately realizes that this is no accident. Someone put them all out of their misery by “Killing Bridezilla”, but who? There’s certainly a long line of suspects, with Jaine being on the list as well.

The book takes a few twists and turns giving the readers a run for their money, not to mention a few laughs along the way. I completely enjoyed this one. The personalities of each character come through each page so clearly. I feel like Jaine is an old friend of mine. The next book is Killer Cruise, but I’m waiting for the paperback edition to be released. It looks like another good one.

I’m also giving this the Socrates’ Good Book Alert Medal.



For reading challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge
Suspense and Thriller Reading Challenge
Amateur Sleuth Reading Challenge

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

Genre: Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

When Daniel X was only three years old, his parents were brutally murdered. He vowed to avenge their deaths and, at the same time, finish the work of his father.

He discovers his father’s list of names of aliens and he plans to methodically kill each one. In particularly, the alien called “The Prayer”. The one who murdered his parents.

Daniel X has a few powers of his own. He has the ability to create things and people to help him in his mission. When he gets lonely he creates his parents to be with him as well as a group of friends willing to fight the aliens along with him.

This is a fast-paced thriller which brings magic to each page. It’s paranormal and fantasy mixed together, unlike the usual James Patterson books I always enjoy. I was totally captivated by this book. I couldn’t put it down. The next book is already out and I have the audio version of it. I can’t wait to listen to it.

For reading challenges: A to Z Reading Challenge, The James Patterson Reading Challenge

The Recipe Club by Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkel

Genre: Fiction

Valerie Rudman and Lilly Stone couldn’t have been more different than night and day, but also couldn’t have been closer had they been sisters by blood. Lilly Stone had always been the fun one wanting to make it big as a singer, while Valerie was shy with her nose always buried in a book studying to be a doctor. Each girl’s life was shaped and molded by their parent’s influence.

Then, after years of friendship, things take a disastrous turn and the women don’t speak again for nearly 26 years. As the women near 50, their lives are thrown together once more by tragedy and a shocking secret that threatens to shake their world to its very core.

What an amazing book! It is told through emails as well as childhood letters between the women. At ten years old, the girls express their friendship as pen pals and call it “The Recipe Club”. With each letter, they attach a recipe, but they were more than just pen pals, they were “sisters” for life.

This is a fast-paced book that readers will not want to put down. I know I didn’t want to. The recipes each sounded so yummy, I was afraid I’d gain weight just reading them. Not to mention they each came with adorable titles, “Mighty Math Muffins”, “Catcher in the Rye Bread”, “Worry-free Waffles”, “Lovelorn Lasagne”, and “Missing You Warmly Lentil Salad” to name a few.

“The Recipe Club” is cleverly put together and readers will feel as if they are part of Valerie and Lilly’s world. A very enjoyable book that keeps readers captivated to the end.

Since this book truly touched my heart, I’m giving it the Socrates’ Great Book Alert Award.

For reading challenge: A to Z Reading Challenge, Chick Lit Reading Challenge

Unbridled by Tori Carrington

Harlequin Blaze #483, August 2009

Genre: Romance

Attorney Laney Cartwright is hired to represent Carter Southard, a recently discharged Marine. She has her hands full as he’s not only charged with rape, but suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. Carter wants Laney’s help to get reinstated to the Corps.
He comes from a military family and intends to remain one himself. Unfortunately, he is not happy with the Marines’ conditions for his return and intends to fight it every step of the way.

Meanwhile, Laney has troubles of her own when she begins receiving threats in connection with one of her clients. Carter is determined to protect the beautiful lawyer at all costs.

Laney and Carter’s relationship takes a turn on the wild side when the two can’t keep their hands off each other. They come from opposite sides of the world – Laney is all class and Carter is from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s sure it will never work out.

The pages of this book absolutely sizzle! The chemistry between Laney and Carter is explosive. I’ve been a big fan of Tori Carrington, a husband and wife writing team, for years and this book did not disappoint. Carrington’s books always leave me with that “feel good” feeling and this one was no different. It was a quick read that I could not put down.


For reading challenge:

A to Z Reading Challenge

The Lie by Fredrica Wagman

Genre: Fiction

While sitting on a park bench, Ramona Smollens meets an older, strange man named Solomon Columbus. They share their thoughts and quickly become lovers. It’s not long before Ramona marries this man, escaping the dark secrets of her family life at home. Ramona and Solomon create their own family with a son of their own.

However, Ramona discovers that all is not perfect in her world and she finds herself wondering if she truly loves Solomon. She is not sexually aroused by her husband and fears something is wrong with her, but she is determined never to let him know the truth. She lies about her feelings. Then, she suspects her husband of telling lies of his own. Ramona is convinced he is cheating on her and she vows that no woman will come between them.

This book takes place in the 1950’s with Ramona idolizing Rita Hayworth. It is a cleverly put together story of one woman’s hidden secrets, fantasies and fears. Without giving anything away, the ending really gives you food for thought. I’m still trying to figure it out.

Ms. Wagman’s writing is poetic and flows so that the reader can feel Ramona’s thoughts as if they were happening to the reader. “The Lie” is very different from anything I’ve read. The writing style keeps you engaged in Ramona’s life and makes you keep reading. As a side note, I absolutely love this cover. It’s really lovely.

For reading challenge: A to Z Reading Challenge

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Genre: Chick Lit

Rebecca Bloomwood is head over heels in debt! It’s not really her fault. She needs nice things, doesn’t she? How is she supposed to survive in the business world if she doesn’t have the best clothes and live in the nicest places? Problem is, her job as a writer at Successful Savings doesn’t pay her enough. To make matters worse, the job bores her to tears. Shopping is a stress reliever, it makes her feel good. Unfortunately, her VISA card is now maxed out.

The bank’s threatening letters continue, but Rebecca has become a master at avoiding them as well as avoiding the threatening collection phone calls. She tries to cut back on the amount she spends, but only succeeds in doubling her debt. Rebecca finds the perfect second job at a local boutique but she is more interested in their merchandise than their clients.

She finally finds something that she can sink her teeth into, get public attention and make a name for herself in the financial world. She prays this will kick off a brand new career but what will this opportunity cost her?

Sophie Kinsella creates an hysterical look at a young woman who easily finds herself owing large amounts of money without even realizing she’s doing it. The book shows how quickly this can happen and at the same time give us something to laugh about.

This book is fast-paced and a real “feel good” story. Rebecca is a fun character. She can be a bit immature at times, but also has qualities many can identify with. Readers will find themselves cheering for her and hoping a happy ending will be in her future. This was the perfect book to read and help me through a stressful week at work. I loved every minute of it and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Any book that can help me through a stressful work week deserves the Socrates’ Great Book Alert Award!



For Reading Challenges:

Chick Lit Reading Challenge
A-Z Reading Challenge
Books into Movies Reading Challenge
Read Your Own Book Reading Challenge

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson

Grand Central Publishing
May 2009

Genre: Paranormal, Fiction

Laurel Gray Hawthorne has lived in the small Floridian community of Victorianna for thirteen years with her daughter and husband. During that time, she hasn’t seen a single ghost. Then, one day, a ghost of a young girl appears. The girl is desperately trying to tell Laurel something. When Laurel investigates, she discovers her teenage daughter’s best friend has drowned in the Hawthorne pool. Laurel’s perfect family life is shattered. She’s sure her daughter is somehow involved in Molly’s death, but she’s not talking. Laurel calls for the assistance of her estranged sister, Thalia.

Laurel’s husband, David, is furious when she brings Thalia to their home. Thalia is a trouble-maker and the complete opposite of Laurel. When Thalia is around, Laurel is guaranteed to be involved in huge fights with her sister. This time is no different. As Laurel tries to protect her daughter, Thalia tries to protect her sister. Her attempts might be misguided, but she has the best intentions. However, the question comes up, is David really the loving husband he appears to be?

Together, Laurel and Thalia delve into the mysterious death of Molly, which continues to look anything but accidental. In the process, the sisters’ own childhood past comes back to haunt them. Old hurts come forward and Molly is unable to rest in peace.

This book is a real page-turner. Readers will be anxious to figure out what is going on and will be taken on a rollercoaster of twists and turns all the way to the very end. Each character is perfectly crafted and take on a life of their own. Just when you think you’ve figure it out, you’ll realize you weren’t even close. This is Southern drama at its best!

For reading challenge: A to Z Reading Challenge

A Few Good Men by Tori Carrington

Harlequin Blaze #445, January 2009-05-09
Genre: Romance

Four sexy guys in one book! What more could a woman ask for?

Tori Carrington begins this continuity series “Uniformly Hot!” under the Harlequin Blaze imprint. Each month Harlequin brings us another book in this series by a different author.

“A Few Good Men” features four short stories involving four Marines. Each man is returning home after a tour of duty, some will be returning once their furlough is over.

First we have Corporal Eric Armstrong. He has been corresponding online with a woman he never met. Now, he has a chance to meet her face to face and what a shock greets him! This is no stranger!

Next up is Corporal Eddie Cash. He’s ready to face his duty as a father. However, his former lover, Megan, isn’t all that willing to let him back into her world, even if she is carrying his child.

Then there is Lieutenant Matt Guerrero. He has been away for several years serving his country and leaving his beautiful family behind. Now, he’s come home but his wife and children want more than a couple of weeks. They want a lifetime, but can Matt give it to them?

Finally, we have Captain Brian Justice. This Marine is their commander and he has a problem of his own. He’s facing a possible court martial just when he meets the woman of his dreams. However, he refuses to throw her into his troubles.

I enjoy Tori Carrington’s books and this was another good one. My only complaint is that these were four separate stories in 211 pages. Each guy’s story could have had their own book. I would have loved to learn more about each one and see their story develop more. Each one had the potential for their own full length book. However, this was a fast read and all the characters were quite likeable.

For Reading Challenge: A to Z Reading Challenge

Jantsen’s Gift by Pam Cope with Aimee Molloy

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pam Cope had everything she ever wanted. A loving husband, two beautiful children and she owned a hair salon in the small town of Neosho, Missouri. Life was perfect…until tragedy struck her family on June 16, 1999. Her teenage son suddenly dies from a heart ailment and Pam’s entire life is turned upside down. She didn’t know how she’d go on with her life, but knew she needed to find a way and honor her son’s memory at the same time.

After creating a memorial fund in her son’s name, Pam and her husband looked for a place that would best be served by this money. A friend invited her to Vietnam. When she saw all the homeless and poverty-stricken children, she knew what her mission would be. She would help these underprivileged children, one child at a time, as many as she could. Eventually she spread her work to Cambodia and Ghana as well.

This is a truly touching and amazing story of one woman’s struggle to cope with her deep grief and loss. Pam Cope, and her entire family, suffered a tragic loss and managed to somehow make a difference in the world. Anyone who reads this book will feel her anguish when seeing these at-risk children to the happiness of helping them and the true joy in each child’s face. Readers will feel every single emotion Pam goes through from the loss of her son to building new lives for these lost children. Remember to keep a box of tissues by your side as you read this one.

If you are interested in reading this book, my book giveaway is still going on. You have until April 15th to enter – there are 5 books available to 5 lucky winners! Just click the cover in my sidebar to enter!

I also have to give this the Socrates’ Great Book Alert!



For reading challenge: A to Z Reading Challenge, Read Your Own Book Challenge

Even Cat Sitters Get The Blues by Blaize Clement

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Dixie Hemingway is back and she finds herself in another sticky situation. Dixie, pet-sitter extraordinaire, gets a mysterious call from Ken Kurtz to feed and take care of his pet iguana, Ziggy. Upon Dixie’s arrival at the Kurtz house, she discovers the dead body of his guard. Instead of reporting this, Dixie flees the scene of the crime. She’s been involved in enough murders to know she wants no part of this. Of course someone sees her and she becomes the prime suspect in the murder.

When Ken Kurtz denies calling her in the first place, Dixie realizes there’s more going on here than meets the eye. After Kurtz’s nurse runs out on him, he convinces Dixie to care not only for his iguana but for him as well. He’s a very sick man, not to mention a bit of a “mad” scientist, unable to do much for himself. Dixie refuses at first, but fears Kurtz and Ziggy will die if she doesn’t make sure they are fed and cared for. So she begrudgingly agrees.

In an attempt to clear her name, as well as protect Kurtz and Ziggy, Dixie starts her own private investigation. Unfortunately, all she’s left with is a concussion and threats.

Meanwhile, Dixie finds herself attracted to two very different men. Both are good men, but she can’t put her past behind her. She still loves and remembers the husband and daughter she lost in a tragic accident. She’s not quite ready to move on with her life, but she’s trying.

This has to be the best book of the series for me. I loved it and I love Dixie. She’s a wonderful heroine who is filled with strength and determination. The plot is fast-paced and a quick read. Readers will enjoy going through Dixie’s adventure and will anxiously await her next one. I know I am.

For reading challenges: What an animal reading challenge, A to Z Reading Challenge, Cozy Mystery reading challenge, amateur sleuth challenge, read your own book challenge

Virgin River by Robyn Carr

Genre: Romance

Melinda Monroe had enough of Los Angeles and working in an Emergency Room. After the brutal murder of her beloved husband, she wants to get as far away as possible and start a new life. She accepts a nursing/midwife position in the small town of Virgin River. She envisions a quiet life in a place where everyone knows your name. The ideal life. When Mel arrives, she finds anything but that quaint town of her dreams. Instead, she finds herself living in an old, dilapidated cabin and working for a doctor who wants nothing to do with her.

The local bar is run by Jack Sheridan, a former marine, who finds himself attracted to the new nurse in town. He does everything he can to make her comfortable, but he discovers she has a past that he just can’t break through. He vows to do whatever he can to make this beautiful, strong woman his own but first he must convince her to stay in Virgin River. It might not be the city life she’s used to, but small towns have their share of advantages too.

Mel discovers that Virgin River can be just as dangerous as Los Angeles, but it can also be even more beautiful. However, she’s not so sure the country life is for her and she can’t get her late husband out of her mind. Not even for the handsome, considerate Jack.

This book was excellent. I heard a lot about this series and it has taken me awhile to get to it, but it was well worth the wait. I loved the characters and the “small town” feel that this book has. I felt as if each character was someone I personally knew. Mel and Jack were two strong characters that readers will come to love from the beginning. The book is fast-paced, filled with both drama and romance. I can’t wait to read the second book in this trilogy.

I, also, have to give this one the Socrates' Book Reviews Great Book Alert.




For reading challenges: Read Your Own Book Challenge, A to Z Reading Challenge, Romance Reading Challenge

The Wyoming Kid by Debbie Macomber

Harlequin American Romance #1121
Genre: Romance

Former rodeo cowboy Lonny Ellison won’t admit it, but he’s more than slightly attracted to the local school teacher. He can’t stop himself from putting his foot in his mouth every time he talks to her. They have nothing in common. He’s a small town rancher, she’s a transplanted city woman who will probably be leaving Wyoming soon anyway but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to spend time with the beautiful teacher.

Joy Fuller loves the country life and Red Springs is the perfect place for her, but when an old boyfriend comes back into the picture, she considers moving back to the city. It would be different if Lonny wasn’t such a jerk to her. Then maybe they’d have a chance at life together, but that wasn’t about to happen any time soon.

Debbie Macomber brings one of her sweet romances to life in this one. It’s a fast-paced read with all the characters being good people readers will care about. This is a follow up to her 1988 Silhouette Special Edition Denim and Diamonds. I haven’t read that one yet, but I plan to. According to her website, this will be re-released later in the year. It’s one time I wouldn’t mind purchasing a re-released book. This is a great book to spend a few hours with.

For Reading Challenges: Harlequin/Silhouette Challenge, Romance Readers Challenge, A to Z Readers Challenge, Read Your Own Book Reading Challenge.

The Italian Lover by Robert Hellenga

Genre: Fiction

Margot Harrington is an American who lives in Italy with her American lover, Woody. She has written her memoirs in a successful book, The Sixteen Pleasures, which is now being made into a major motion picture. With help from Woody, she writes the screenplay that will be used for the movie, or so she thinks.

The book is set in Florence and the movie’s title is “The Italian Lover”. Margot befriends the actress who will be player her in the film. She’s shocked when she learns that her screenplay is not the one they are using, but instead they have re-written her entire life. Readers are taken behind the scenes of the movie and feel the heartbreak Margot feels when she realizes there is nothing she can do to stop production of the movie.

This book gives a wonderful look at the life in Florence. Readers will feel as if they are really there and experiencing Italy first hand. The characters are well-crafted and come to life on each page. I did find the book to slow down a bit in the middle, but then it picks right up. The Italian Lover is actually a sequel to Hellenga’s book, The Sixteen Pleasures, which I have not read. However, I will be on the lookout for it and future releases by this talented author.

For reading challenges: A to Z Reading Challenge, Read Your Own Book Reading Challenge

Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks

Genre: Romance, Fiction

Adrienne Willis is heartbroken when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. At 45, Adrienne is not ready to start her life all over again and raise their three children alone. She agrees to take care of a friend’s inn in Rodanthe, North Carolina for a long weekend. When a storm moves in and the inn only has one guest – a very single, handsome guest, her life takes an unexpected turn.

Paul Flanner has lost everything. Thanks to being a workaholic, he lost his wife and son. His son is now grown up and living in Ecuador. Paul plans to reconcile with his son, but first he has to make a stop in Rodanthe. One of Paul’s patients died after surgery and now her widower has a few things he wants to tell Paul. Consumed with feelings of guilt, Paul intends to make things right and explain what happened to the man. He never expected to fall head over heels for the beautiful caretaker of the inn.

Paul and Adrienne are drawn together in just one weekend. A weekend that changes their lives forever by a violent storm and their own passion.

This story is very moving. It will bring both tears and a smile to your face as you read about these two lonely people searching for happiness. Nicholas Sparks’ words flow beautifully through each and every page.

For reading challenges: A to Z Reading Challenges, Read Your Own Book Reading Challenge, Books to Movies Reading Challenge

Once Upon a Valentine’s by Holly Jacobs

Harlequin American #1247
February, 2009

Holly Jacbos takes us back to Erie, Pennsylvania for another visit with the PTA moms and their Social Planning Committee. This time Carly Lewis is in charge of the upcoming holiday event which happens to be the Valentine’s dance. The last thing Carly wants in her life is romance. After discovering her husband and his secretary having sex on the couch Carly bought for his office, Carly’s outlook on romance is a bit different than her naïve younger days.

Carly wins the couch in the divorce settlement. She promptly takes it into the backyard and sets it on fire. Unfortunately, her neighbor’s shed goes up in flames as well and Carly is arrested for committing a crime. The judge sentences her to community service with Lieutenant Charles Jefferson. Carly did not need another thing on her “to-do” list which already consists of taking care of her two children, studying for her nursing board and planning the Valentine’s dance. However, she has no choice unless she wants to be held in contempt of court.

Charles “Chuck” Jefferson has a policy. He doesn’t date any woman after six weeks. As crazy as Carly’s life is, he finds himself enchanted with the woman and wants nothing more than to break his own policy. How can he convince the harried mother to let him into her very private world?

This is the third book of Holly Jacobs’ series and I’ve loved all three. These characters are so true-to-life and they are women you want to see succeed. Readers will love each of these heroines and their “to-die-for” heroes. I read this book in just one day and hope Holly Jacobs takes us back to this series. I just know the Judge has a romance of his own on the horizon.

This gets the Socrates’ Great Book Alert medal.

For reading challenges: Harlequin/Silhouette Reading Challenge, A to Z Reading Challenge, Read Your Own Book Reading Challenge

The Heart Surgeon’s Secret Son by Janice Lynn

Harlequin Medical

Genre: Romance

Fifteen years ago Kimberly Brookes walked out of Daniel Travis’ life. She didn’t want to interfere with schooling and his career path to becoming a successful doctor. She knew the last thing he needed was a commitment to any woman, especially a woman pregnant with his child. So, Kimberly sacrificed her happiness, broke up with Daniel and secretly raised their child without his knowledge.

Today, Kimberly is a nurse for Cardico, a company that markets a pacemaker. A pacemaker created by the successful Dr. Daniel Travis. Kimberly is assigned the task of learning about the pacemaker directly from Daniel. Her greatest fear is that he should discover she is the mother of his fifteen year old son. She prayed he’d never find out and try to take the boy away from her.

Old sparks ignite when Kimberly and Daniel come face to face once again. Their old feelings resurface, but how could they last with such a huge secret between them?

This story flows beautifully and the characters are complex individuals with realistic qualities. This was another quick read which I enjoyed immensely. I’ve never read this author before, but I’ll be looking for more of her books.

For reading challenges: RYOB, A to Z Reading Challenge

Maternal Instinct by Caroline Anderson

Harlequin Medical Romance

Genre: Romance

When Dr. Eve Spicer meets Hugh Douglas, she’s sure he will be the one to win the physician position at Audley Memorial Hospital. She’s used to losing positions to men and expects this will be no different. She’s shocked when she learns that Hugh isn’t a fellow candidate, but the boss himself. She’s furious at his deception, but still determined to get the position.

Dr. Hugh Douglas falls head over heels for Eve, but he knows better than to mix business with pleasure. Unfortunately, he can’t keep his eyes or hands off the beautiful doctor. They throw themselves into their work, but can’t help falling in love at the same time.

This is a quick read and a delightful way to spend an afternoon. The characters are people I came to care about and enjoyed reading about. I definitely want to read more from the Harlequin Medical line and from Caroline Anderson.

For reading challenges: Read Your Own Book, A to Z Reading Challenge

Back To School Murder by Leslie Meier

Genre: Cozy Mystery

It’s another adventure for Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone. Lucy’s children go back to school in the quaint town of Tinker’s Cove in Maine, where nothing exciting ever happens. This year, however, the elementary school staff and students are shocked when they get a bomb scare. The school is quickly evacuated when the assistant principal, Carol Crane discovers one of the students is still in the building. She races against the clock and saves the child just before the bomb goes off. Carol is Tinker’s Cove’s new heroine and the toast of the town.

The town is stunned when days later Carol is murdered. Lucy Stone is determined to discover who would want to murder a selfless woman such as Carol Crane. As she delves deeper and deeper into Carol’s history, Lucy realizes the woman wasn’t all that she seemed. Lucy’s own life is threatened as she gets closer and closer to the truth. Obviously someone wants Lucy’s mouth to be permanently shut.

I love this series! It’s a fast-paced read with characters you watch grow from book to book. Lucy Stone is a wonderfully strong heroine raising four children and taking care of her husband, who believes a woman should not be working but staying at home with the family. Despite her husband’s feelings, Lucy works part-time at the local newspaper. Readers will find themselves cheering for her and wanting to see her succeed. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this delightful series.

For Reading Challenges: Amateur Sleuth Reading Challenge, Themed Reading Challenge, A to Z Reading Challenge, Read Your Own Book Challenge

The Yankee Years by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci

Genre: Non-fiction

As a Yankee fan, I couldn’t resist reading what Joe Torre had to say about his 12 year reign over the team. For the most part it was a good run, but when a team starts losing, it’s never any fun – regardless of what team or sport it is.

The book is well written and tells us things we didn’t know, but mostly things that had already been pretty well publicized. There were a few conversations between Torre and individual players that I felt should have been kept quiet. Not everything is our business  In the last few years, he had some very troubled and messed up players, as their manager, I believe that should have been kept between him and the individuals. However, none of it was really shocking to me.

It was an interesting look back over those years and did give me a bit more insight on why he made some of the decisions he made during games. As your typical second guessing fan, I always found something to question and always thought I knew best, but now I understand more why these decisions were made.

All in all, an interesting book but not worthy of the media hoopla that the New York newspapers gave it when it was first released.

For Reading Challenges: A to Z Reading Challenge, Read Your Own Book Reading Challenge

Familiar Double by Caroline Burnes

Harlequin Intrigue #729, October 2003
Genre: Romantic suspense

Fear Familiar is back for another fun adventure! I so love this sleek, black cat and his crazy antics. Most of the time he knows so much more than the humans in the book. LOL

This story finds Familiar in the role of a “stunt cat” on a movie set. When the beautiful stuntwoman, Nicole Paul, is accused of stealing an expensive piece of jewelry, Familiar is on the case. No way does he believe this sweet woman could do something so awful. He’s convinced she’s been framed and he intends to prove it. He lets Nicole’s boss, Jax McClure, share in the investigation. It doesn’t hurt to have a human involved, too.

Jealousies and old hatreds are flying high on this movie set. The last straw is when Nicole’s father is released from prison after serving a 20 year sentence for stealing an expensive and cursed diamond. When he hears that his daughter is now being accused of a similar crime, he’s sure it has to do with the false accusations that left him in a jail cell for all these years.

Nicole, her father, Jax and Familiar set out to find who is behind framing them. The stakes get higher when Nicole’s father is kidnapped. If they don’t crack this case, time could run out on her father’s life. With Familiar playing detective, and a bit of a matchmaker too, things are bound to work out.

This is a quick read that had my hysterical – especially when Familiar gets insulted at his treatment at a local restaurant. Familiar may not actually speak, but he gets his thoughts across  I love this series so much. I only have two books and a novella left in my TBR. I hope Burnes never stops writing these delightful books.

For reading challenges: What an animal reading challenge, a to z reading challenge

I'm also giving it the Socrates' Book Reviews Great Book Alert