Jeanette Murray Spotlight!

If There's One Thing He Hates, It's a Secret...

Coming home after a rough deployment, Captain Dwayne Robertson wants some stability in his life, and finds it in the friendship he's forged with Veronica Gibson while he was away. But her past is a well-guarded mystery, and Dwayne doesn't know if he can deal with a woman who has something to hide...

 

And She's Filled with Them...

 

Veronica Gibson doesn't want anyone to know about her bizarre upbringing. She's finally escaped her missionary parents and would be enjoying her independence if she didn't feel so insecure about fitting in. She can easily envision a glorious future with Dwayne—but can she build a new life on a web of lies?

Interview Questions:

What is one of your favorite Myths/legands to write about?

I wouldn’t say I had a favorite myth or legand to write about. Mostly being in contemporary, it stays pretty current. I do love breaking romance myths whenever I can though!

If you could live back in time, what time period would you choose and why?

Oh gosh. Is there a time in society that wasn’t surrounded by chaos? Maybe I’ll choose the 80’s, so I can go back and mock the shoulder pads…

Have you ever come across a song that might fit the theme of one of your books?

Songs and I are not on speaking terms, when it involves writing. I can’t really listen to music and work at all. So for me, I can’t say that I could think of one that embodied the spirit of my own books.

Oddly enough, READING books is a completely different story. I heard a song the other day and it made me instantly think of a popular series out right now. No connection other than my imagination. So it’s just a block against my own work. Figures, right?

Do you remember what you felt when you had your first kiss?

Relief, and then concern. I was a little late in my group of friends to experience the First Kiss Scenario. So I was relieved to finally cross it off my list of Things To Do Before Graduating High School. And then immediately concerned because OH MY GOD that kiss sucked. Like, badly. So…what went wrong?

Oh, how many ways to answer that…but we’ll just leave it at, I’m happy to say the experience moved up from there. Mostly after I moved on from that guy.

What was the most creative pick up line you've ever used on someone or someone used on you?

Someone once asked my best friend and I if we were twins. I found that rather amusing at the time, mostly because I’m 5’10" and she’s 5’2". Also, we look nothing alike. I couldn’t stop laughing. I’m not sure exactly what he thought to gain from that one, but he left looking disappionted.

　

When writing do you have a playlist of music you like to listen to? What are a couple songs on it?

Sadly, no. I do love music, but it doesn’t work with me. I get caught up in lyrics and lose focus with my own work. But sometimes, if I go to the library or work out in public, I put in my earbuds with the other end stuffed in my pocket. Makes it look like I’m listening to something and people tend to leave you alone. Plus it blocks the sound a little.

　

What do you do when you think nobody is watching?

Ready for this? I pop in my iPod earbuds, crank it up and dance like nobody’s watching. Mostly because they aren’t. Except the dog…but he’s unable to testify in court.

　

What was your favorite childhood book?

How about series? As a kid I started my series love with The Boxcar Children, which I just started reading to our 4 year old. ("One chapter a night, mama!" She’s very proud to be "reading" chapter books.)

　
What is your favorite addition to chocolate?

Marshmallow and graham crackers. Yup, a S’more. Nothing better.

　

What does your husband/significant other say about your writing erotic stories? What about your family and/or do they read your books?

My husband doesn’t mind at all. He tells people what I do all the time, with no shame. He’s proud of my accomplishments. Too proud, sometimes. LOL My mom is the one who started me reading romance (her already-read pile got passed on to me). She’s read my books. I told her to never tell me what she thought. I couldn’t handle that part.

Besides your own, what is one of your favorite series to keep up with?

Oh wow, ack! Only one?? Okay, it’s already a complete series, but it’s on my keeper shelf and I return to it constantly so I’m going to say the Hathaway series by Lisa Kleypas.

10 Fun Facts (things the fans don't know)
1. I dislike juice, unless it’s got alcohol mixed in.
2. I’ve always wanted to work in a bookstore, or as a librarian.
3. I love marshmallows, but hate Peeps.
4. I named my dog Clyde because we already had a cat named Bonnie. She’s not with us anymore, but his name clearly stuck.
5. I was born in Oklahoma.
6. I love the idea of travel, but the doing it makes me grumpy.
7. I’m a darn good typist, thanks to my mom insisting on me taking typing early on.
8. I was a kickass Carmen Sandiego player as a kid.
9. I got my degree in Sociology and PolySci thinking I’d go on to law school. Nope.
10. I have two tattoos…and no, you cannot see them.

Elizabeth Essex Interview!

If you could live back in time, what time period would you choose and why?

I m sure I would choose the Georgian and Regency periods in England. I love the clothes, I love the music, and I adore the poetry. I think it was a very exciting revolutionary time to be alive. And I would go directly to make friends with Miss Jane Austen.

When writing do you have a playlist of music you like to listen to? What are a couple songs on it?

It depends on what kind of a scene I m working on. I play a lot of classical music, and I play a lot of music from various period movie soundtracks. If I have a particularly introspective scene, I like to listen to a piece called Sentimental Walk,  from the movie Diva. It s a very atmospheric, impressionistic, slightly melancholy piece that never fails to put me in the right frame of mind.

For SCANDAL IN THE NIGHT, I listened to a lot of different Indian Raga music, and soundtracks from Bollywood movies. My favorite was the soundtrack from the movie Umrao Jaan,  which had some songs that really fired my imagination.

And if I have a kiss scene, I tend to start off with Faith Hill s This Kiss,  and then move to Sixpence None the Richer s Kiss Me,  which is sweet and summery and perfect for the hero and heroine I m writing right now.

What do you do when you think nobody is watching?

I talk to the dog, and I read her parts of my stories out loud. I read all of my stories out loud, start to finish to try and make sure that the voice and tone of the novel is consistent, or moves consistently from one tone to the next.

What was your favorite childhood book?

My clear favorite was The Wind in the WIllows,  by Kenneth Graham. I grew up in the country, running around the woods and clambering through brooks, and that story, with its band of animal heroes just fired my imagination. And I think the tale really did have a lasting impact I think almost every hero I write has some characteristics of my first love, the indispensable, unflappable Ratty, who loves simply messing about with boats.

What is your favorite addition to chocolate?

My favorite combination is chocolate and caramel. With a dash of sea salt. Perfection.

What does your husband/significant other say about your writing sensual romance stories?

Oh, the Indispensable Mr. Essex is just fine with that. :) I know the poor man takes more than his share of ribbing, but he handles it superbly. When people ask if I get my inspiration from him, he always says, Hell, yes.  And he is very, very proud of my career and my success. He helps me all the time with website maintenance and technical issues. And he brings me a foamy latte to my bedside every morning when I pick up my laptop and start writing. Every morning. Indispensable.

What about your family and/or do they read your books?

My children were too young to care when I started writing, but they are supportive. They just think of writing as my job. My oldest daughter is especially helpful, and I think she may have been bitten by the writing bug as well. She loves to help me plot out problems with my stories, and name characters.

Besides myself, I think my biggest critic/supporter would have to be my mother. She s a fairly proper individual, and supremely well-educated, so she tends to be a little more critical than the average reader. But when she thinks I've got it right, there is no one who is a bigger fan.

Besides your own, what is one of your favorite series to keep up with?

I read almost exclusively historical romances. I am a HUGE fan of Julie Anne Long s Pennyroyal Green Series. And I also gobble up Courtney Milan s Brothers Sinister series. And Heather Snow s brilliant Sweet series. And Christina Brooke s Ministry of Marriage series, and her new ones as well.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren't writing?

I like to think that I would have continued on with my archaeology career (I have an MA in Nautical Archaeology the archaeology of shipwrecks), and eventually become an academic, teaching at a university and doing field work in the summers. I wanted a break from archeology when I started my family, and I just fell into writing romance. But once I got started, I think it is absolutely the perfect career for me.

Do you have any hobbies or activities you enjoy doing?

My favorite activity is taking family ski trips. We really just enjoy each other s company, and we have a terrific time skiing together. Some of my absolute favorite memories with my kids are leading them, and now following them, through challenging terrain.

What is something you do to de-stress?

I like to garden. There is something both creative and emphatic about pulling weeds and putting things right in the garden. And since I write in a big, sunny room overlooking my garden, it helps to have something lovely to look at. :)

We all know about muses...what do you think inspires you to allow your creative juices flowing?

Haha. I think deadlines are inspiring. :) I really believe that writing is a muscle, and to keep it toned and working well I need to use it every day. Some days are a harder workout and some days are lighter. Some days I just fly, and others I crawl, but I do it every day. So that if real inspiration should strike, I ready and writing.

10 Fun Facts (things the fans don't know)

1. I am a dog person.
2. I like bourbon over ice.
3. The first rock concert I ever went to was Cat Stevens.
4. The last rock concert I went to was Arctic Monkeys.
5. I love to sing out loud in my car.
6. I love long car trips with the Indispensable Mr. Essex.
7. I am an early riser.
8. I believe girlfriends are like vodka for your soul.
9. I believe love is love, and everyone should get to try it.
10. I have no tattoos.

Here is the link to our review of Elizabeth's book Scandal in the Night

http://www.bittenbylovereviews.com/2013/07/scandal-in-night-by-elizabeth-essex.html  

Man of Few Words by Ursula Whistler

Marine Pilot John 'Duff' Duffy was always good at following orders, even when it meant having to leave the woman he loved. Her father, then his superior, dictated it was the best thing for Kirsten's future and Duff's career. But when he sees her years later across a crowded bar, he has one burning desire--to have her back in his life and bed again.With a new job and her father's estate to settle, Professor Kirsten Tanner wants a peaceful existence. The return of the handsome flight instructor who broke her heart and lit a fire to her desires challenges that. She's determined not to fall victim to his quiet charm again,But one touch from Duff and Kirsten begins to wonder if maybe they can have more than one night of ecstasy.

This was a short erotic novel with a lot of sex scene's, It seems that this book could have been a little more well rounded. It seemed to be about sex from the very beginning. I felt like the author, Ursula Whistler interjected as little plot as necessary just to get to the the hot steamy sex scene's, which by the way were well written. So if you are looking for a simple short erotic read then you will enjoy Man of Few Words.

How to Tame a Wild Fireman by Jennifer Bernard

*Synopsis*

The Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel have a rebel among them, and there's only one woman who can put his flames out. 

Firefighter Patrick "Psycho" Callahan earns his nickname every day. Fast, fit, and a furious worker, he thrives on the danger which helps him forget a near-tragedy that changed his life forever. But when his off-duty carousing gets out of hand, Patrick is sent back to Loveless, Nevada, where the wildfire threatening his hometown has nothing on sizzling Dr. Lara Nelson.

Lara would rather be thought of as the physician who returned to Loveless than as the misfit brought up at a hippie New Age commune. But right now she's focused on her job at hand, patching up injured firemen...until the past hits her in the hard-muscled, blue-eyed form of Patrick Callahan. Now, the embers of their decade-old attraction have ignited into a full-on inferno, as the bad-boy firefighter and the good doctor take a walk on the wild side they'll never forget.

This was a great story in the Bachelor of San Gabriel Fireman series. How to Tame a Wild Fireman is the fourth installment. 

This series is one of my favorites and Jennifer Bernard did not disappoint. The plot was great and the characters were fantastic! I love the bachelors and can't wait to read more about them."

Amadeo’s Love Affair by Kate Hofman

Amadeo, Conte di Sant'Angelo, has met Heidelinde Müller, an advertising designer, on a ski trip. He wants to know this fascinating woman better. Their friendship grows, despite interference from their mothers and persistent old flames.

When a trip to his villa ends badly, he whisks her to the warm sands of Ocean Breeze, Florida.

Pushed to the limit, they enter a sham engagement.

Can he persuade her that he wants the engagement to be 'real'? Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that are being thrown in their path to happiness?

I was swept away by a luxurious lifestyle in this contemporary love story. From the very beginning Amadeo seemed larger than life and his lavish existence instantly separated him from any other man I’ve ever known. I was whisked alongside the heroine to locations I couldn’t even dream of and surrounded by people and things I could only imagine. The heroine seemed to take things in much more reasonable stride than I did and it was good for her. If you are looking to escape your everyday life and be surrounded by extravagance this is a fast, indulgent read.

Reviewed by Polly

The Things I Do for You by M. Malone

A bargain. A baby. A billion things can go wrong. 

NICHOLAS ALEXANDER doesn't mind being called a playboy. His charm serves him well in business and a beautiful woman is always on his arm. Except the one he's in love with.

RAINA WINTERS doesn't believe in love, so when she's dumped right before her wedding, she's more upset about losing what she really wants from marriage. A baby.

When Nick learns about Raina's dilemma, his first reaction is to leave her hanging like she left him after their steamy one-night stand. But he finally has something Raina needs, so he offers her a deal. He'll give her a baby if she gives him something he desires just as much. 

Just two little words.

I. Do.

This book was a roller coaster and I came away with a love/hate relationship between the main characters. While it seems like a simple premise there is more to this tale than the teaser lets you in on.

How do you make a woman love you? Bribe her into marriage, aah right. Nick Alexander has everything going for him but his reputation with the ladies. Known as a love ‘em and leave ‘em playboy type, Nick finally feels he’s found his one, too bad his reputation and her past keep getting in the way.

I found myself gritting my teeth several times in frustration of Raina’s antics and insecurities. I just wanted her to open her heart and let Nick in. You will too if you take a chance and read this installment of The Alexander’s by M. Malone. 

Sanctuary Island by Lily Everett

When Ella’s sister decides to reunite with their estranged mother, Ella goes along for the ride-it’s always been the two Preston girls against the world. But Sanctuary Island, a tiny refuge for wild horses tucked off the Atlantic coast, is more inviting them she ever imagined and it holds more than  one last opportunity to repair their broken family-if Ella can open her carefully guarded heart, there is also the chance for new beginnings.

Grady Wilkes is a handyman who can fix anything…except the scars of his own past. When he accepts the task of showing Ella the simple beauties of the island that healed him, he discovers a deep sense of comfort that he lost. But now he must convince the women who never intended to stay that on Sanctuary Island, anything is possible-forgiving past mistakes, rediscovering the simple joys of life, and maybe even falling in love.

 I thought this book was amazing and very well written. I love the way that Lily Everett the author portrayed the personalities of the main characters. Ella being stubborn and brutally honest but caring, Merry being nice and forgiving, Jo trying to make everyone happy and staying positive and Brady being strong but yet very scared inside. The story keeps you wanting more and making it hard to stop reading. The details are very good placing pictures of the horse and the island in your head.

One of my favorite parts of the book is where Grady takes Ella to the water and they help the mother horse give birth to her Foal. A quote out of the book that made me laugh really hard was “Wow put away the charm, Mr Suave, I’m getting all faint and swoony.”

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman

Brett Bohlinger seems to have it all,a great job,a handsome boyfriend good friends. A charmed so she thinks. This is until her beloved mother dies, leaving behind a will with one huge stipulation.  Brett must first complete the life list that she wrote when she was a young girl of fourteen. Her childhood dreams do not seem like the ambition of a thirty-four year women. Some seem impossible. As Brett reluctantly embarks on her life changing journey while she be able to accept the gifts that come her way?

Lori Nelson Spielman has written a thought provoking novel. You so easily fall in love with the characters. This is such a easy read and you want to read the book from front to cover. Mrs Spielman make you realize that what you want out of life is not always what you need. You will finish reading this book think about what you wanted at fourteen and if it is so different from the life you are living now.This book screams follow your dreams and it will be worth it. I definitely recommend this book as a must read for your Summer reading list.

Leopard’s Prey by Christine Feehan

From a tough stint in the armed forces to stalking the unknown as a bayou cop, leopard shifter Remy Boudreaux has been served well by his uncanny gifts. And right now, New Orleans could use a homicide detective like Remy.

A serial killer is loose, snatching victims from the French Quarter with pitiless rage and unnatural efficiency. But something else is drawing Remy into the twilight—a beautiful jazz singer bathed night after night in a flood of bloodred neon.

Sultry, mysterious and as seductive as her songs, she’s luring Remy deeper into the shadows than he ever imagined. And as their passions swell, his keen instinct for survival will be challenged like never before. By a killer and by a woman. 

When the famous Bijou walks back into Remy’s life, he can’t get his mind off her.  When Remy realizes that Bijou has a stalker that has followed her home to New Orleans, he is very concerned.  He doesn’t know if the killer and Bijous’s stalker is the same person.  

Remy also realizes that his Jaguar senses another shifter in the swamp.  Remy soon finds out that the shifter he is sensing is Bijou and that when she enters the Han Von Dan, every single shifter in the bayou will be after her and his Leopard has decided that she is his mate.  Remy puts his life on the line as a cop and a leopard to protect his mate.  Will they be able to catch the killer in time?

This is another awesome book by Christine Feehan.  I can't wait for her next book to come out.

Taking Shots by Toni Aleo

 No matter how hard she tries, Elleanor Fisher never thinks she’s good enough, from her job to her weight to her love life. After enduring years of abuse at the hands of an ex-boyfriend, Elli has been drifting through life in a daze. Until, that is, she meets Shea Adler on a promotional shoot for the NHL’s Nashville Assassins. Before Elli knows what’s happening, the gorgeous Shea breaks the ice and shatters her world.
 
A brilliant athlete inside the rink, Shea Adler is tired of the life he’s living outside of it: the women, the money, the drinking. But everything changes when he meets Elli. After laying eyes on this feisty, witty, beautiful woman, he feels like he’s just taken the hardest hit of his life. No matter how skeptical she is, Shea knows they are meant to be together—if only he can convince Elli to put her insecurities aside before she misses out on a shot at love.

This was a great book.  It made me feel sad how badly Elli’s Mom and Sister treated her.  They would do anything to keep her under their thumb.  That includes lying to her.  When Elli meets Shea, she is head over heels.  Shea is her favorite player on the Assassins team.  Shea thinks Elli is perfect in every way.  The problem is Elli doesn’t agree and her insecurities get in their way.  

When Shea goes to buy Elli an engagement ring, he gets suckered into taking Elli’s sister with him.  When they return home Elli’s sister kisses Shea and tells Elli that Shea kissed her.  Elli is heartbroken and tells Shea she never wants to see him again.  Will Shea and Elli ever take a shot on love again or will it be over?

Affliction by Laurell K. Hamilton

Some zombies are raised. Others must be put down. Just ask Anita Blake.

Before now, she would have considered them merely off-putting, never dangerous. Before now, she had never heard of any of them causing human beings to perish in agony. But that’s all changed.

Micah’s estranged father lies dying, rotting away inside from some strange ailment that has his doctors whispering about “zombie disease.”

Anita makes her living off of zombies—but these aren’t the kind she knows so well. These creatures hunt in daylight, and are as fast and strong as vampires. If they bite you, you become just like them. And round and round it goes…

Where will it stop?

Even Anita Blake doesn’t know. 

Zombies attacking is nothing new to Anita Blake.  Vampire Zombies are a whole different story.  When Micah’s father is hurt and lays dying, Anita Micah and Nathaniel race to his bedside.  

Anita begins to realize that the local police have a bigger problem on their hands then they think.  Edward and Anita race against the clock to protect humanity against the zombies that can transform with their bite and can regenerate.

This book is another great read by Laurell K. Hamilton!  I thoroughly loved this book.  We get to see a glimpse into Micah’s past.  We also get to see how not everything is cut and tried like it seems. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.

Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden

Joan Bennett is a breath away from being a spinster. She’s had four seasons without a suitor. After reading a shockingly sensuous book, Fifty Ways to Sin, Joan decides perhaps it’s time to stop being proper and start being sinful, while she’s still young enough to enjoy it. And what better partner than her brother’s drinking mate, Viscount Burke? He seems the type to know how to give a lady a lascivious adventure.
 
It seems that the viscount has qualms about trifling with a friend’s sister. That’s the way to end up betrothed. And he doesn’t want that—or does he?

Joan is told by her mother and father to stay away from Tristan. When her mother falls ill.  Her brother has to leave on a business trip he asks Tristan to look after Joan. 

Everyone says that Tristan, the Viscount Burke is a Rake.  Joan realizes that there is more to Tristan than what the rumors say.  Tristan goes out of his way to look after Joan.  He calls her a fury and begins to fall in love with her.  

He wants to prove to everyone, including Joan that he is a good man.  Sparks fly between the lovers just as her parents return.

Will they be able to stay together and find true love? Or will they be forced apart by society?

This is a wonderful book, it is a must read for lovers of historical romance.  I want to read more by this author.

Devil of Clan Sinclair by Karen Rainey

When Countess of Barrett Virginia Traylor’s husband dies without an heir, she’s left in dire circumstances. The estate will go to his cousin unless Virginia can produce a son before the allotted time is up. In desperation, she turns to Macrath Sinclair, the self-made Scottish millionaire she loved before her father arranged her failed marriage.

After a whirlwind affair results in her bearing a child, Macrath discovers he’s become a father and steals the baby away.

While Virginia tries desperately to convince him to relinquish her son, Macrath realizes that he’ll do anything in his power not to give up the son…or the boy’s maddening, irresistible mother.

Virginia fell in love with Macrath and wanted to be married to him.  Her father decided that she was to be married to Lawrence, the Earl of Barrett.  When the Count died without a heir, Virginia realized that she would be responsible for her in-laws.  They were all counting on her to save them from homelessness.  Virginia traveled to Scotland to seduce her true love Macgrath.  When she conceived a child with Macgrath she passed it off as Lawerence’s. 

When Macgrath shows up in London to visit Virginia he realizes that a plague has taken hold of the city and Virginia is ill.  He also realizes that he has become a father and takes the baby back to Scotland.  While she is still recovering Virginia follows Macgrath to get her son back.  As she is trying to get her son back, her husband’s servant Paul Henderson follows her.  Virginia and Macgrath find out that her marriage was never consummated by Lawerence but instead by Paul.  They also find out that Paul killed Lawerence because he wanted Virginia for himself.  Macgrath must save Virginia from Paul before it is to late.

This story pulled at my heartstrings.  It was so wonderfully written.  It allowed readers a glimpse at how unfair life could be for a woman in 1868. It also allows readers to believe that love can conquer all.  I want to read more from this author!

The Highlander’s Desire by Margo Maguire

To escape the ghosts of his past, warrior Lachann MacMillan will forge his place in the world through battle and cunning. What he doesn't count on is the passion of a lifetime . . .

For Lachann, safeguarding his clan comes before life, limb, and especially love. A political marriage in Kilgorra will ensure that MacMillan lands are protected; so much the better that his bride doesn't stir his blood. But what of the intriguing woman who arouses so much more . . . and lives in the very castle where Lachann is to wed?

Anna MacIver is content to serve in her stepfather's household despite the cruelty of her stepsister, Catriona. She has a sanctuary to which she can escape and no romantic notions to impede good sense . . . until Catriona's intended bridegroom arrives in Kilgorra and shows Anna the meaning of desire. Now, with a clan's future hanging in the balance, Anna and Lachann must decide if love is a risk worth taking .

Lachann first meets Anna when she is helping her best friend Kayla.  He then saves Anna when she is being choked by Birk.  Lachann realizes from watching Anna, that she will do anything to help the people that live in Kilgorra.  He also realizes from watching, that his intended Catriona is a terrible person that hurts people any chance she gets.  As Lachann and Anna work together to help the people of Kilgorra, they begin to fall in love with each other.  Lachann knows to protect his clan he MUST marry Catriona.

This is a wonderful must read story of true love conquering all. I look forward to reading more books by Ms Maquire!

Wrong Man, Right Kiss by Red Gariner

What happens when the masks come off? 

When one of the supersexy Gage brothers blows Molly Devaney away with a scorching kiss at a masquerade ball, she thinks she's met her soul mate. But why does her masked seducer act as if she doesn't exist the next day? To win him over, she'll make him jealous, so she turns to his brother Julian Gage, who offers to play the role of her lover. 

But Julian is playing for keeps. There's nothing fake about the way this woman makes him feel, and now he's going to show her just which Gage brother is right for her….

When Molly has the kiss of a lifetime planted on her, she knows she has found her soul mate.  The problem is she has the wrong brother.  When Molly turns to her best friend Julian to make his brother jealous, Julian has her move in with him.  Julian knows that HE is the one that kissed her.  He will do anything to make her realize that he fell in love with her the first time he ever met her, when she gave him her sucker.

This is a wonderful book it is a must read about best friends finding their soul mates in each other. I personally cannot wait to read more books by the wonderful Red Gariner.

The Life List by Chrissy Anderson

The Life List, part I of The List Trilogy, is the ultimate chick lit novel and most of the story is true. Chrissy Anderson, a twenty-eight year old fashion executive, created a seven-point life list at the age of sixteen and she's been steadily checking off the boxes and mocking the style and life choices of everyone around her ever since. Her life begins to run amuck when she unexpectedly meets a much younger, Leo, who makes her question her "perfect life."

Chrissy's lifelong friendships and her marriage are put to the test as she tries to sort out her feelings for Leo. With the help of her brassy, no-nonsense therapist, Dr. Maria, Chrissy learns more about herself than she anticipates. But, it isn't until the untimely death of her best friend that Chrissy is catapulted into long overdue authenticity and scrambles to correct the mistakes of her past....trying to figure out if it's Kurt, Leo or both that she has to get rid of to make everything right.

Women of all kinds--twenty-somethings, housewives and superwomen wanna-bes--will all be able to relate to the pressure of constructing the ideal life, only to fall short. Not everyone will agree with Chrissy Anderson's decisions, but all will pause as they follow along on her journey to ask, "What would I do if I were her?"

Chrissy made a list when she was a teenager of the things she hoped to accomplish. She had it all planned out, what she did not realize is that she got more satisfaction out of crossing the items off her list then actually doing them. When she meets a guy who make her reevaluate her choices she has made in her what will she do? Will she still live her life trying to please everyone except her self?

This is the best book of self discovery that I have read in a long time. I fell in love with this book by the fifth page. Chrissy is a character that every women can relate to at one point in their lives. The life long friendships that she's has with her three best friends will make you long for that sort of friendship in your life. This book will make you feel such a wide range of emotions from screaming, laughing, crying and finally clapping your hand together in happiness. I suggest when you start to read The Life List grab a box of tissue and be prepared to enjoy this highly emotional book by Chrissy Anderson. I CANNOT wait to read book 2 in this trilogy.