Book Review: In the Doctor's Bed by Brenda Jackson

This is a nice, light "Doctor" romance story.

In the Doctor's Bed

by Brenda Jackson

• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin Kimani (July 19, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373862202
• ISBN-13: 978-0373862207

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2011

The skills of a surgeon…

Having a crush on her drop–dead–gorgeous boss could get Hopewell General intern Jasmine Campbell fired…especially with the prestigious Virginia hospital reeling from a shocking scandal. But head resident Lucien De Winter is impossible to resist. And he's arousing a healthy dose of desire as the good doctor wages an all–out war to make the sheltered Southern belle his own…

The heart of a lover

Head over heels for Jasmine, Lucien vows to keep their relationship a secret. He knows they're playing a dangerous game, but he can't live without the sensual sister. Even if it means putting his hard–fought career on the line, the seduced surgeon is ready to risk it all. Because Lucien knows that the only thing to cure his acute condition is a lifetime of love.

Review:
Jaclyn Campbell is an attractive, caring and clearly smart intern at Hopewell General. She has worked hard to get where she is so she shouldn’t be thinking about risking all she has planned just because she fell for her handsome boss, Lucien DeWinter, the first time she saw him.

Lucien DeWinter is a talented surgeon and the head resident overseeing the intern program.  He has a strong future and surely it isn’t worth the risk of dating one of his beautiful interns. But his efforts to resist her are failing after months of trying to avoid her.

The hospital has a strict non-fraternization policy and the chief of staff and head nurse are sticklers about enforcing rules. Jaclyn and Lucien have separately struggled with their attraction to each other.  When circumstances finally put them together they don’t want to fight the draw anymore.

Jaclyn and Lucien in this story are both very likeable: attractive, smart, hard working and compassionate. Too bad that they are stuck in a not so likeable dilemma and a weak story. The beginning of the book focuses on their denied desires. After they get together the book focuses on their lovemaking and sneaking to avoid their relationship being discovered. In my opinion, this isn’t a great storyline.  Not only is this not ‘likeable’ behavior, but it doesn’t seem likely to me as it seemed their careers should out weigh their sexual attraction until they could find some other solution - like one moving to another hospital position. I don’t tend to read many ‘doctor’ romances as it is not a field that draws me. I think I could have enjoyed this story if I wasn’t turned off by the sneaking around.

This is the second book I read by Brenda Jackson. I have to say that I like the characters she creates. Even the gorgeous, could-be stuck up and obnoxious males turn out to have good,  likable qualities.  I like Ms. Jackson’s writing style which is crisp and smooth flowing.  The sexual attributes of this book are a little on the heavy side for my tastes– an aspect other romance readers might enjoy more. I have to classify this as a nice romance but it would never be a favorite of mine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quotes I liked:

It had taken all of his control to keep his features neutral, void of expression.  Each and every time he was around her he risked the possibility of giving something away. Page 35.

There was something in his gentle and understanding tone that pushed her to the edge. There were so many emotions she was trying to deal with. Page 42.

I received this from Harlequin Romance.

This story is set in Washington, D.C. for my Where Are Your Reading Challenge.

Martha's Bookshefl***Friday Pick Giveaway July 27, 2012

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.] 

How is everyone doing this nice warm summer Friday? Can  you believe it is almost August? I have a new list of books added today. Check later today or tomorrow for an extra Blogoversary Giveaway.

Thank you to all who entered July 20 Pick.  There were TWO Automatic winners this week!!:-) (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).  There were also FOUR blocked titles but two have been won.
LindaK picked Simon Said
and
bn100 picked Misfortune

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from July 20 Pick:

Carol NW chose Life Support Audio
and

Carol M chose Death's Door

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

How about sitting at the lake with a book?

Image found at CBS News - Books of all Kind for Summer

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Dead Ringer by Lisa Scottline

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)

Threads of Destiny by Arnette Lamb

A Dangerous Devotion by Barbara Kyle

Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts (some spine wear)

An Independent Woman by Candace Camp

Wolf Mountain Moon by Terry C. Johnston

Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham

Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

Virtue by Jane Feather

Don't Bargain with The Devil by Sabrina Jeffries

Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes

*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

*The Contrary Corinthian by Emily Hendrickson (spine wear)

*There Was a Little Boy by Claire Rainwater Jacobs

*On Thin Ice by Linda Hall

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

 

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

The Promise by Kasey Michaels

Winning Ways by Barbara Boswell

Tomorrow's Promise by Sandra Brown

Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard

Death's Door by Meryl Sawyer

Life Support by Tess Gerristen Audio Cassettes

Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich

Exit to Eden by Anne Rice

While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark

Gifts from the Heart by Jillian Hart

*Simon Said by Sarah R. Shaber

*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

*Edwin of the Iron Shoes by Marcia Mueller

*Covert Pursuit by Terri Reed

*Close to Home by Carolyne Aarsen

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books suitable for international

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

Game Over by Fern Michaels

Forever Victoria by Dorothy Garlock

Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

Gentle From the Night Meagan McKinney (spine creased)

In Too Deep by Tina Wainscott

Wildflower by Jill Marie Landis

*Love and Other Four Letter Words by Caroline Mackler

*The Carousel by Rosamund Pilcher

*Shades of Grace by Barbara Delinsky (audio tapes)

The Heart of Justice by William L. Coughlin

Cross Country by James Patterson

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012
Some of the books on the right end are smaller and suitable for overseas mailing. :-)

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Midnight Hour by Debra Dixon

September Morning by Diana Palmer

Beneath the Surface by Annie White (slight spine wear)

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

*Summer's Belle by Paige Winship Dooly

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
These are Paired sets - two per author.
Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.
Winners get both books if you pick these.


New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)


New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011


New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Primary Colors - audio tapes

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone)

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways. 

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in two years I  posted 26 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (March 2012)

I have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 392 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List
#17
Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read. Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!" Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Audio Book Review and Download Giveaway: Eathed, A Dragon's Tale by Troy Lee Henderson

This is a delightful, imaginative, short tale. 

Eathed, A Dragon's Tale

Troy Lee Henderson
Format: MP3 Download

Narrator: William Dufris

• Label: Mind Wings Audio
• Total Length: 1:18:00
• ASIN: B006QSXOHQ

Genre: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The last of his kind, Eathed, an ancient dragon, has finally found a place to live out his last days peacefully. He is discovered by three young brothers hiding in a cave near their village. Few villagers believe there really is a dragon, so only an old knight, Sir Allistair Bayne, is sent to seek out the dragon. A battle ensues during which both knight and dragon fall in spectacular fashion. Simon takes pity on Eathed, and an unlikely friendship ensues.

Review:
This is a charming short story.
Eathed is a tired and bedraggled old dragon, the last of his kind. All he wants is peace and quite to rest out his last days. He thinks he has found a quiet spot until three young boys from a nearby village discover his cave.

The boys are frightened and race home to tell their father who takes them to the local authority. The Lord isn’t convinced that they really saw a dragon, but in caution he calls in an old knight who used to fight dragons. It so happens that the knight, Sir Allistair, is the boys’ grandfather. The eldest boy, Simon, talks Sir Allistair into allowing him to go along as his squire. The first visit is only supposed to be investigative but instead a rather disastrous battle ensues. Simon helps his injured grandfather home and comes back to check on the dragon. Simon is stunned when Eathed starts to talk to him and slowly they develop a friendship that pulls the listener in to share.

This gem is just over an hour long and it is completely engaging and entertaining. The story is imaginative and emotionally warm as well as offering a lesson on not stereotyping humans...or dragons. The narration is effective with a deep, resonant voice for the dragon, a young boy’s voice for Simon and an appropriately gruff, elderly voice for Sir Allistair. Drufis manages to convey the emotions of the scenes, whether excitement or sadness, with good tonal control and pacing.

This is the second short audio I have had the pleasure to review for Mind Wings Audio. If you want a short, quality listen I suggest you take a look through their offerings. You do not need an MP3 player to listen to this as you can download it to your computer and enjoy listening through Windows Media Player or other audio player. I am going to share the joy of listening to this delightful story by gifting a download to one lucky commenter.

Thank you to Mind Wings Audio for providing this download through the review program at Audiobook Jukebox.

I will add this to my New Authors and Audio challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for an MP3 Download:
1. Visit Mind Wings Audio site and tell me a story you might like to listen to. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Two total entries possible.)

* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 3, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on August 4.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.   

Book Review: Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren

This book has an exciting, roller coaster plot and challenging characters.

Severed Threads

by Kaylin McFarren

Paperback: 349 pages
Publisher: Creative Edge Publishing (July 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1467526711
ISBN-13: 978-1467526715

Genre:  Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2012

Romantic Suspense Novel by Kaylin McFarren: Believing herself responsible for her father s fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons has withdrawn from the world and assumed a safe position at a foundation office. When called upon by a museum director to assist her former love interest with the recovery of a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship, she has no intention of cooperating until her brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster. In order to save him and gain control over her life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father s death. *WARNING* This book includes mature and sexual content that is not appropriate for young ages.

Review:
Rachel Lyons was once head over heals for Chase Cohen. Then her fathered died in a diving accident when Chase was partnering him. The death of her dad was hard enough, especially since they had quarreled that morning.  Then Chase skipped town and didn’t even show for the funeral leaving Rachel to shoulder her grief and her father’s debt all on her own.

Rachel has focused on her work and trying to keep her brother, Devon, out of trouble.  Devon convinced Rachel that Chase was a scoundrel, and Devon should know since that tends to be his role.

Suddenly Chase is in town looking for funding through the foundation Kaylin works for. Chase has returned to the wreck where her father was killed.  Kaylin’s initial reaction is to shut the door in Chase’s face. But Chase and Kaylin’s boss, Dr. Ying, believe the site holds treasures from a sunken Chinese merchant ship. Dr. Ying wants to pursue the salvage to stop a family curse and also to devote a display in memory of Kaylin’s father.

Just as the funding is about to be approved and Chase brings up treasure to establish the claim someone sets a fire and his boat and dreams appear to go up in smoke. Kaylin is able to come to the rescue but she has secret reasons for helping the expedition as she has promised treasure to mobsters who have kidnapped Devon. As Chase tries to figure a way back into Kaylin’s heart, she is trying to find a way to hide treasure.

The action in this story just keeps flowing with diving adventure, kidnappings, crooked cops, salvage pirates, sharks in the water too and watery ghosts. Just as I was catching my breath from one scene there would be another twist, or misadventure on the next page with another villain popping out of the shadows. It was hard to put the book down as I wanted to know what would happen next.

Rachel and Chase tended to be secretive, insecure and untrusting in their feelings and relationship. At times they were downright annoying but they eventually pull together. Devon was a bit of a jerk but even he gains sympathy along the way.

I really enjoyed the legend and mystery of the treasure and I especially liked the action. The romance between Rachel and Chase was slow and warmly developed. There was a bit more sexual activity with Devon but none of it was really graphic by today’s standards.

The writing is direct and flows well. The dialogue is particularly natural, even when the scenarios are a little stretched. If you enjoy dive stories and steady action, with a nice reunited lovers story blended in I recommend this book.

I received a galley copy of this book from the author to review as part of a Pump up Your Book Blog tour.

This story takes place on the Pacific coast of south California for my Where are You Reading list. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Guest Post: Knowing Your Story by Kaylin McFarren

Knowing Your Story

Guest Post shared by Kayling McFarren

I’ve come to the conclusion that the only way to write effectively about a subject matter you know very little about is to hit the stacks in the library, conduct interviews, read articles, watch documentaries and utilize the internet for pertinent information.  However, I’ve also discovered the best resource for creating dialogue, drama and memorable places is the environment we live in or just happen to visit. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate in being able to travel and have encountered multitudes of diverse personalities from all walks of life. Some of my vacations have taken me to third world countries where the distinct separation of classes ranged from waterway slums to block-long mansions. I’ve witnessed the birth of a child, the death of a parent and brother, missed opportunities and devastation resulting from unforeseen bankruptcy.In my lifetime, I’ve stood at graves, next to hospital beds, had many close calls and nearly drowned as a child. This is the stuff that makes great stories come to life – that turns them into real, compelling novels.

Recently it’s become my practice to keep a notebook handy as the best conversations occur in the most unlikely places. I might be traveling in a mass transit train, drinking in a pub or or standing in line at Safeway when aremarkable phrase or clever line is dropped, and I realize what a great addition it would make to that story percolating in my brain. When the moment finally presents itself, the scribbled note is right there at the end of my fingertips, begging for the right character to utter those words.  So the best piece of advice for knowing your story is simply to keep your thoughts in books, your ears peeled and your options always open.

About the Author:
As many people know, Kaylin McFarren wasn’t born with a pen in hand like so many of her talented fellow authors. However, she has been involved with business and personal writing projects for many years. Her careers have taken her in all directions, ranging from fashion modeling and interior design to office manager and art gallery director. Yet her love of reading and interest in creative writing has remained ever present. As a result of her tapping into her imagination and utilizing her own life experiences, she has earned more than a dozen literary awards. Her first novel, Flaherty’s Crossing was a 2008 finalist in the prestigious RWA® Golden Heart contest and her second book, Severed Threads, has already garnered two first place awards.
Kaylin is a member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers. She received her AA in Literature at Highline Community College, which originally sparked her passion for writing. In her free time, she also enjoys giving back to the community through participation and support of various educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest, and is currently the president of the Soulful Giving Foundation – a non-profit she and her husband formed to fund expanded research, and the care and treatment of cancer patients and their families.
Her latest book is a romantic suspense titled Severed Threads.
You can visit Kaylin online at www.KaylinMcFarren.com.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/4kaylin
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaylin.mcfarren
Blog: http://kaylinmcfarren.wordpress.com/
About the Book:
Believing herself responsible for her father’s fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons has withdrawn from the world and assumed a safe position at a foundation office. When called upon by a museum director to assist her former love interest with the recovery of a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship, she has no intention of cooperating – until her brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster. In order to save him and gain control over her own life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father’s death.