Review: "What the librarian did" by Karina Bliss

Title: What the Librarian Did
Author: Karina Bliss
Published: Harlequin Super Romance, 2010
Format/No. of Pages: Large print paperback, 310 pages
Genre: Contemporary Category Romance
Book Source: Public Library (aka Work)


Personal Rating:


Synopsis:

Is Rachel Robinson the only one on campus who doesn't know who Devin Freedman is?  No big deal except that the bad-boy rock star gets a kick out of Rachel's refusal to worship at his feet.  And that seems to have provoked his undivided attention.  Devin, the guy who gave new meaning to the phrase "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll."  Devin, the guy who somehow becomes wedged between her and the past she's kept hidden for years.

It's up to this librarian to find out firsthand just how "bad" he really is.  Because her secret - and her growing feelings for a man who claims he's bent on redemption - depend on his turning out to be as good as he seems.  Which is really, really good.

My Thoughts:

The ultimate (IMHO, anyway!) opposites attract pairing: a librarian and a rockstar.  I really liked the different setting (an academic library in New Zealand) and the zingers between the two main characters were great!  Ms. Bliss deals with weightly issues well (teen pregnancy, addiction, abuse) and (especially near the end) made me really ache for the characters and what they had gone through.  It was a bit draggy in the middle (especially with the lack of communication/stubborn misunderstandings between Devin and Rachel), and there was no real mystery from the first about who was who (ahem). 

Bottom Line: A good afternoon escape.  I'll probably read Karina Bliss again, but won't actively hunt down her backlist.

Reason For Reading:
Found at The Misadventures of Super Librarian (Wendy), who said: "A Harlequin SuperRomance featuring an academic librarian heroine who falls in love with a rock star with a badass dragon tattoo. Seriously, I should be so lucky. Here in Public Library Land we're lucky most days to see guys with all their teeth, who bathe on a semi-regular basis."

Personal Challenges: A-Z (Authors), New Authors, Read 'n' Review, Support Your Local Library

Links:
Author: Karina Bliss
Publisher: Super Authors (Harlequin Superromance)
Other Reviews:

• Dear Author
• Love Romance Passion
• The Good, The Bad and The Unread
• Thrifty Reader
• Genre Go Round
• Rosario's Reading Journal

I'm new to reviewing so please bear with me!  I'm still finding my groove about what works and what doesn't.  What do you like to see in a review (and what don't you like)?  I would love to hear from you!  Thanks for reading!  Jenn

Old vs. New? (B.T.T. #2)

This week's Booking Through Thursday question:

Do you prefer reading current books? Or older ones? Or outright old ones? (As in, yes, there’s a difference between a book from 10 years ago and, say, Charles Dickens or Plato.)

Usually I read new or newish fiction.  If I find an author I really like, I'll hunt down his/her back list of older titles (if there is one).  For non-fiction, it depends on the material - for some topics only the most updated material is appropriate, while for others the date when the title was written is irregardless.  I'm challenging myself this year to read really old (such as Beowulf or Plato) books; I have read Plato's Republic, but it's been such a long time... ;-)

(As an aside, my all-time favourite book was first started by its author in 1796 and originally published in 1813 - yes, it's Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice)

Bloggiesta Ole! (Wrap-Up Post)

Total Hours: about 18 hours (give or take - I wasn't really keeping minute-by-minute track...)
    Saturday - approximately 8 hours
    Sunday - approximately 8 hours
    Sunday evening/Monday morning - approximately 2 hours

What I Accomplished?

• Created templates (2) for reviews in Google Docs
• Created template for "Bookmarked" in Google Docs
• Created a review policy page - this was a biggie and took me the longest!
• Read (probably) over 1000 feeds in Google Reader (and I still have a 1000 more to go!)
• Visited the Blogging Tips group on the Books Blog Ning - found lots of helpful tips!
• Changed my template
• Added my blogs to Google Webmaster to keep track of RSS feeds (thanks to Leeswammes Blog!)
• Posted initial challenge posts - 1/2 done!
• Joined and commented on challenges - 1/2 done!
• Added challenge progress gadget to blog side bar - though this may change...

Mini-Challenges:

I completed three of the mini-challenges -

• Danielle at "There's a Book": It's all about the numbers - I set up a Google Analytics account...
• Jennifer at "Girls Gone Reading": Your Review Policy - I wrote one! (It seems a little premature to do so, but it gives me a firmer idea of the direction I want to take...) Please take a look and let me know what you think!
• Kim and Jackie at "Blog Improvement Project": Write Your Blogging To-Do List - I've written my (tenative) list (there's always more to add, right?!) and plan to post it sometime in the near future..

Thoughts:

This was my first Bloggiesta, but I really enjoyed it!  I didn't get as much done as I had hoped, but I surpassed my aimed-for time (12 hours - aim low, right? ;-) The biggest thing for me was writing my review policy.  I may never need it, but it's helped me define my goals and personal expectations for this blog, which I'm going to strengthen with help from my Blogging To-Do List.  All in all, it was great and I look forward to número cuatro!  Thanks for challenge Natasha!

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So there was even more distraction (and less Bloggiesta-ing) Sunday evening...

Murdoch Mysteries - I caught the season 3 finale (with Parkwood! - a local historical home in my city - and (I think) old Toronto city hall?) and now I want to go back to season 1 (and read the books, of course! ;-)  It reminds me slightly of the TV adaption of Anne Perry's Cater Street Hangman (which I'm trying to track down a copy of...), and it's Canadian of course!

Cathie Linz: Mad, Bad and Blonde (Bookmarked #1)

Working in a library, there is one distinct (dis)advantage: too many interesting books, not enough time!

Therefore, in an effort to highlight, remember and (maybe eventually) read, this is "Bookmarked".

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Title: Mad, Bad and Blonde
Author: Cathie Linz
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2010
Genre: contemporary romance

In Brief: After being jilted at the altar, librarian Faith West goes on her Italian honeymoon solo, but doesn't stay that way too long. And though her sexy rebound man has ulterior motives, feelings surface that neither of them are prepared for. [Fantastic Fiction]

What Caught Me: the cover, the character (a librarian!), the blurb - and it's the first book in a new series!

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* This personal meme was inspired by Luanne's "Over the counter" feature at A Bookworm's World *

Bloggiesta Update - Sunday (aka The Day the TV Fates Conspire Against My Bloggiesta!)

Bloggiesta - Sunday Edition:

I mainly worked on some of the mini-challenges (see below) as well as continuing to clear out my Google Reader (though with Bloggiesta, it just keeps filling up again... sigh).  Because of certain distractions (ahem, see below), I didn't get as much as I would have liked done.  Though the day is running down, I may complete a few more items from my initial list before I write up my final wrap-up post early Monday morning. 

Mini-Challenges:

• Danielle at "There's a Book": It's all about the numbers - I set up a Google Analytics account...
• Jennifer at "Girls Gone Reading": Your Review Policy - I wrote one!  (It seems a little premature to do so, but it gives me a firmer idea of the direction I want to take...)  Please take a look and let me know what you think!
• Kim and Jackie at "Blog Improvement Project": Write Your Blogging To-Do List - I've written my (tenative) list (there's always more to add, right?!) and plan to post it sometime in the near future...

Total Hours Today: about 8 hours (so far)

My Sunday Distractions:

Sahara, Van Helsing and The Mummy - yes, they're not the height of film-making, but they're all favourites!  Hugh Jackman?  Check.  Matthew McConaughey?  Check.  Brendan Fraser?  Check.  Adventure?  Check.  Legendary monsters?  Check.  Romance?  Check.  What's not to love?  ;-)

Between the movies, there was also an Egypt special on Discovery (2 hours) and a Tudor special on History (1 hour).  Oh, and keeping next-door's cat away from the bird feeder.  Sigh.

Favourite line: "They are led by a woman.  What does a woman know?" ;-)

Bloggiesta Update - Saturday

Update - End Day 1 (for me!)

Since I had work and other commitments on Friday, I started Bloggiesta today. My initial aim is for a total of 12 hours and I have the following goals:

• Write reviews
• Write backup posts for a rainy day (especially memes: Thursday 13, Booksmarks, etc.)
• Create template posts for your future reads (ie: title, images, linking, tags, etc,) so you can open up, write review and post without being bogged down with technicalities.
• Add or edit your about me page, review policy
• Work through feeds (close to 500) (1/2 done!)
• Visit the Blogging Tips group on the Book Blogs Ning and find ways to improve your blog.

Additions to original list:

• Change my blogger template
• added my blogs to Google Webmaster to keep track of RSS feeds (thanks to Leeswammes Blog!)
• posted initial challenge posts (1/2 done!)
• joined and commented on challenges (1/2 done!)
• added challenge progress gadget to blog side bar
• get started on "Behind the Fairy Tale Page", my companion blog of lists (previous reads, series, etc.)

When I logged in on Friday, I realized Blogger's template layout/design tab had changed!  Wow!  So I spent most of my Saturday time playing with that (besides making Blueberry and Buttermilk muffins - my favourite!)

I still want to get an account at Shelfari, Goodreads or LibraryThing... does anyone have any preference or are they all pretty much similiar?

Total Hours: 8 hours (as of 1 a.m.)

...the yummy distraction (ignore the dirty dishes in the background...)!

Cats, Chunkies, Fantasies and Romance (Reading Challenges #2)

Challenge the Fifth...

Hosted by Beth at Beth's Book Review Blog, the "Cat Book Challenge" is:

You probably know that I'm a big cat lover and I also wanted to host my first book challenge so what better thing than to combine them! So, I'm hosting the 2010 Cat Book Challenge!

Challenge Guidelines:

1. You can join anytime, and the challenge runs from January 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010.

2. When you sign up with Mr. Linky below, use the direct link to the post where your challenge book list will be listed, not your blog homepage. If you don't have a blog, just leave the URL blank.

3. The goal is to read 1 cat book per month for a total of 12 for the year. This can be any book with "cat" in the title or about cats (cats as characters, etc.).

4. These can be audiobooks, children's books, non fiction, mysteries, whatever, as long as it's cat related.

My Thoughts:

Um, cats? And books? I think I'm in heaven! ;-)

My initial reading list: ...is still undecided!

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Challenge the Sixth...

Hosted by Caribousmom at a dedicated blog, the "The Chunkster Challenge" runs from February 2010 until January 2011, and is "a challenge which satisfies those readers who like their books fat and chunky!"

Definition of a Chunkster:

A chunkster is 450 pages or more of ADULT literature (fiction or nonfiction) ... A chunkster should be a challenge.

If you read large type books your book will need to be 525 pages or more ... The average large type book is 10-15% longer or more so I think that was a fair estimate.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. No Audio books in the chunkster. It just doesn't seem right. Words on paper for this one folks. No e-Books allowed - we are reading traditional, fat books for this challenge. Short Stories and Essay collections will not be counted.

2. Books may crossover with other challenges.

3. Anyone may join. If you don't have a blog, just leave me a comment on this post with your progress (and to let me know you are playing). You don't need to list your books ahead of time.

4. Once you pick a level, that's it...you're committed to that level! The three levels are:

      *The Chubby Chunkster - this option is for the reader who has a couple of large tomes on their TBR list, but really doesn't want to commit to much more than that. 3 books is all you need to finish this challenge.
      *Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? - this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 4 Chunksters over the next twelve months.
      *Mor-book-ly Obese - This is for the truly out of control chunkster. For this level of challenge you must commit to 6 or more chunksters OR three tomes of 750 pages or more. You know you want to.....go on and give in to your cravings.

5. To review or not to review, that is the quesion...Reviews are not mandatory, but they are strongly encouraged. I will be putting up a Mr. Linky at the beginning of the challenge for links to your reviews. I will also be posting a Mr. Linky for wrap up posts at the end of the challenge.

6. To sign up, please use Mr. Linky below by linking DIRECTLY to your post about the challenge (please, please - do NOT link to your main blog page!!). If you do not have a blog, just enter your name in the name part of Mr. Linky and hit enter (also leave me a comment telling me which level of participation you will be doing).

My Thoughts:
I think (though I could be wrong...) I tend to read smaller books.  However, I have picked up a few recently that definitely qualify as "chunksters".  Hence this challenge!  I'm aiming for level 2, "*Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big?", which means four books...

My initial reading list:
1. Tim Cook: At the sharp end (non-fiction, 608 pages, hardcover)
2. Elizabeth Kostova: The historian (fiction, 656 pages, hardcover)
3. Gavin Menzies: 1421 (non-fiction, 520 pages, hardcover)
4. ? fiction ?

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Challenge the Seventh...

Hosted by Royal Reviews (though the challenge post is currently at Queen of Happy Endings), the "Fantasy Reading Challenge" is:

The Fantasy Reading Challenge can include YA Fantasy or Historical Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy or any other sub genre of Fantasy. There really are no limits to this challenge as Fantasy is such a wide and varied genre. Just enjoy and have fun!

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. There are four levels:
      i. Curious – Read 3 Fantasy Fiction novels.
      ii. Fascinated – Read 6 Fantasy Fiction novels.
      iii. Addicted – Read 12 Fantasy Fiction novels.
      iv. Obsessed – Read 20 Fantasy Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the Fantasy Fiction Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

My Thoughts: I'm aiming for level 2, "Fascinated" (6 fantasy fiction books).  I haven't read as much fantasy lately as I would have liked... and now here's my chance!

My initial reading list: ...is coming soon!

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Challenge the Eighth...

Hosted by the Book Dragon and Yvonne at a dedicated blog, the "Harlequin/Silhouette Romance Reading Challenge" ...

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Challenge is from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2010

2. All of the books must be from the Harlequin family of imprints

3. Read one book for each requirement:
      i. Read 1 book with a weather condition in the title (i.e. storm, rain, snow)
      ii. Read 1 book with a person's name in the title (i.e. Mary, John)
      iii. Read 1 book with a title in the title (i.e. King, Prince, Princess, Sheik)
      iv. Read 1 book with a color in the title (i.e. red, blue, white)
      v. Read 1 book by an author whose last name begins with the letter "R"
      vi. Read 1 book with an element in the title (earth, water, fire, air, spirit)

4. Please join the challenge by commenting with a link to your post (I'll start a participant blog roll)

5. A list is not necessary and may be changed at any time

6. Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebook

7. Books may be used for other challenges

My Thoughts: You know how some books or authors are "comfort" reads? Well, Harlequins' are mine...

My initial reading list: ...is coming soon!

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I've created a "Reading Challenges" page where I'm planning to keep track of my progress for all of my challenges, including these and others...