Hump Day Book #4: Bet Me

I am realizing that Hump Day is becoming exhausting. 

As it should be, you prude, some of you are saying. And I agree. Hump Day has a warm place in my heart, and other unmentionables, but I certainly bit off a lot to chew with weekly romance book reviews. Alas, I will stick to my guns and follow through. 

This week's book is written by a Goodreads Author (if you do not know what Goodreads is, you are totally out of the popular reader's circle...it is the online mecca for book reviews, recommendations, and sometimes free borrowing). Jennifer Crusie's Bet Me is the definition of chick-lit before 50 Shades came on the scene, and has all the humor, sexual tension, and junk food references a girl needs. 

The story details the meeting and eventual relationship of Minerva and Cal, who seem anything but destined for one another at the beginning. He appears to have taken her on a date to fulfill the debt of a lost bet, and by the end of said date she is resigned to never see Cal again. Unfortunately, good old fate steps in as it does in every romance novel, and he shakes things up royally.

You can read the rest to see what happens. Just bring a couple Krispy Kremes with you before settling into your recliner. It should help you identify with the character more, right?

Hump Day Book(s) #3: The Fifty Shades Trilogy

Okay, I caved. I am going to suggest these books.

For those of you who have already completed the series, I think you know why. For the haters out there, let me just say a few things:

1. I will not attest to the fact that this or any other modern romance novel is akin to true classic literature. Sure, it could be authored with a stronger aptitude for writing, but the fact is it is not. Take it for what it's worth.

2. Though the actual literary value may be debated, from a mainstream reader's standpoint, this book takes what we all once knew as a romance novel and turns it on its head. As far as I know, never before had there been a book that introduced the word of Dominant/Submissive relationships to this extent, and I for one learned A LOT about the people who live within such practices.

That being said, I am thrusting these Best Sellers in your face and telling you to read it. For the sake of your curiosity, for the sake of your marriage, for the sake of yourself. Just do it.

For those of you who have lived under a very large and soundproof rock for that past few years, this is a book about a girl who is just about to graduate college. She is described as somewhat homely, still a virgin, visibly awkward, etc. And then she meets the hottest guy in the whole world.

Of course, because this is how it happens in real life, you're saying. No, but get over yourself. It's still fun to imagine...

Long story short, she wants to be with this man, but he is fifty shakes off the crazy tree. They argue a lot and disagreements go places mine have never gone, but trust me, the make up is amazing. The three books follow the difficult journey set ahead of these characters if they ever have hopes of being together.

I suggest you read it, and preferably make sure you have a partner to share your bed with at night. Props, of course, remain optional.

Laters, baby.

Hump Day Book #2: On the Island

Today's book recommendation is, once again, not as steamy as some of the books out there, but steamy enough nonetheless. On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves is a gripping tale of a tutor and teenage boy when they become stranded at sea. I was actually drawn in on that pretense alone and was held captive as a reader by learning all the ways they managed to MacGyver this or that out of island rubble.

Warning, things do get hot and heavy, and Double Warning: Cougar Alert (Good for her, though haha)!! It is a beautiful tale, and the author answers virtually all of the questions you have as you begin to read the story. And trust me, this particular plot with its twists and turns leaves you with A LOT.

Enjoy this read, but please don't invite me on a vacation to the Maldives any time soon. For now, I like the thought of my two feet planted firmly on the ground.

Hump Day Book #1: Wallbanger

Today’s book recommendation is Wallbanger by Alice Clayton. I am sure everybody expected a trilogy with whips, chains, and handcuffs to be my first Hump Day book (don’t worry, it’s already on the list), but I think Wallbanger deserves the first spot.

This is a story about a young single girl, to whom I think nearly every woman can relate. Without giving away too much, she is young, vivacious, and beginning a career as an interior designer in San Francisco. She loves Food Network, has a hilarious cat – and I don’t even like cats because I’m deathly allergic – and goes through the type of obnoxious neighbor issues anyone in a condo already knows about. I chose this book because, while it certainly has the steamy scenes any reader hopes for, the character’s voice is absolutely hilarious. There are times you will find yourself short of breath from getting hot and bothered, but other times where you are short of breath from belly-rolling laughter.

If you are new to the modern romance scene, and are looking for something a bit less exotic than E.L. James, I think this is the book for you. It is touching, witty, and an all-around good story.

After you read it, I look forward to hearing what you think…and I hope that Clive becomes your favorite character, because he is definitely mine!