LorrainesLibrary

Penguin and the ebook

2010-05-16T20:10:00.002-04:00

I know I have not been on here in forever. But I wanted to put something out today.

I am very upset that certain books by a certain publisher (OK I'll say it- Penguin) are not being released (or at least not released timely) as ebooks.

I am have been looking forward to Lion Heat by Lora Leigh. It was released on April 6th ... still not in Kformat.

JR Ward's BDB latest is also not sold as a Kindle release. And if the forums are to be believed it is because the publisher Penguin does not want to release it. There is even speculation that it is being done to increase print book sales.

OK a few things. I have not bought a paper book in years and I have no desire to start now. I LOVE my Kindle. I refuse to be bullied into it by corporations not to mention I do not want to hurt our environment by buying paper books.

ecommerce@us.penguingroup.com

I sent an email to Penguin at the address above. I sent an email to Amazon and to the authors in question. While the authors have the most to loose (fewer sales, pirated ebook copies etc) they also have the least control. However enough authors (especially those like JR Ward with a huge following) CAN make their opinions heard.

I am seriously thinking of a Penguin book boycott. I will keep you posted if Penguin decides to respond to my email...

Dark Night

2008-09-04T19:32:00.004-04:00

I love the other worlds of Jayne Castle/Jayne Ann Krentz et al. As a teenager my first foray into her imagination was Shield's Lady. I then went backwards to Crystal Flame and Sweet Starfire and was thrilled when Zinnia, Amaryllis, and Orchid followed by the Ghost Hunter series were released.

I am not sure if it is because I have been reading so many ebooks or if there is another reason but I had a hard time with Dark Light. It has all the makings of a fantastic read, a dashing and sensitive hero, a pretty, talented, smart and sassy heroine, mystery and drama and of course a dust bunny! But I felt that I could not get into the story. It actually took me three days to finish the book. Which is unheard of in my world.

Even my favorite characters- the dust bunnies- did not interest me as much.

Now I will admit by the time I was 1/3 of the way done (third day) the book became intriguing and I was trying to figure out who the secret bad guy was. I guessed wrong but...

At the end I felt that the book made up some ground. If you like the Ghost Hunters series read the book. If it is your first time entering the world of the Curtain, start with After Dark and work your way up- you will not be disappointed.

ebooks?

2008-08-21T09:42:00.002-04:00

I know I have been gone for a little while. I have been reading and reading but not many paper books. I have been on an ebook kick.

A very big ebook kick!!!! I am not sure, I know they are a little smaller than a paper book but I seem to be able to get through many books in a short period of time.

While I want this blog to be primarily paper book related I feel the need to mention a new favorite. To be read again and again.

Jules Jones writes a fantastic series. Maybe series is not the right word. It is a book that had a short story added then another book and maybe maybe if the gods smile on us another one set sometime next year (according to her website)

It is the Lord and Master 'series' Now before you get all high brow on me. It is NOT what the title implies. There is no BDSM element to it.

But it is not a traditional romance either. It is a hero/hero instead of a hero/heroine. The layers she brings to the characters as their relationship grows is inspiring. THIS is the type of book I want to write.

I encourage all of you to stop by her site and pick up this ebook! You will be very happy with it. And now that #2 is out...

Vampire Interrupted

2008-08-04T09:18:00.003-04:00

I finally read this book. It has been in my TBR pile for quite some time. I did not like it as much as I liked Vampires Are Forever but it was still a nice book.

The story started with two people meeting and one realizing they were destined for each other. Some very nice courting on the part of Julius (inept and bumbling as it was at first endeared him to the reader) The heroine, Marguerite, was sympathetic but not as captivating as I would have thought.

The twist in the book surprised me and I do not want to reveal it here (but you can find it on other review sites) it really shook me up and I had to re-read the paragraph quite a few times before it sunk in. But at the end I really thought it was a nice twist and not something we see in romance novels.

My only complaint in the book, other than it being good but not great, has to do with the editing. At one point the H/H were in a cafe talking and he spoke of a hobby his son has. About 3/4 to the end of the book they have the SAME conversation and the heroine is surprised by the hobby. UMMMM You already know about this lady.

Other than that one editing snafu the book was good. I recommend reading it if you are a fan of the Argeneau family. Enjoy!

Storm Front

2008-07-27T01:32:00.004-04:00

This is NOT a new book that I am reviewing. A few years ago Sci Fi ran a show that lasted one season (it may not have even been a complete season) called the Dresden Files. Basically it was about a down and out wizard that was a PI and had some series bad karma. Add a ghost like being and some cops and you had the Dresden Files. I only caught one show but it was intriguing.

Fast forward a few years, and these books have received great reviews. It has been on my list of series I want to try and tonight I read the first one.

I am hooked and I want more more more. Why is it 1:30 at night and the book stores closed? The book starts with Harry seeming like a inept wizard that can not get anything right. He has a bad history with the ruling wizards council, a failing business, no girl in his life, and a small apartment. But thorough out the book, you realize that he has friends, respect and a whole lot of wizardly power that gets quite sexy as the story develops.

I can not wait until I can get the 11 other books on this wizard. There are also links on the authors website for free short stories to download.

This book was very good, an A even if the only romance was a love potion and some misplaced kisses.

Hello from not so far away

2008-07-26T18:22:00.002-04:00

My TBR pile is growing and I am too busy to see to it. Sad sad days.

In other news, next Friday hubby and I will be at a party with a publisher (e publisher here in town) so excited to meet some people in the business next week.

If anyone has any hints, tips or advice please comment.

Reviews will return early next week. I promise. Or I may be killed by the pile of books awaiting my attention :)

Again the Magic & Devil in Winter

2008-07-20T18:21:00.004-04:00

Reading Julia Quinn the other day has really re-awakened my regency cravings. After The Lost Duke of Wyndham I pulled out the other Quinns I have in my collection. Then I pulled out two of my favorites from Lisa Kleypas.

I have three favorites by Ms. Kleypas and one I have already reviewed here. The two that I pulled out to read this weekend were Again the Magic and Devil In Winter.

Devil In Winter Is the third in her Wallflower series. While the entire series is good this is by far the best book in the series. It opens with the villain in the second book being propositioned by the heroine in a must unlikely manner. The villain is the hero in this book and what a flawed yet romantic hero he is. What drew me to Sebastian, is the same thing that draws me to many of my favorite heros, the layers to his personality, his vulnerability and the way he cares for his love interest. And Sebastian does all of these three things in the first chapter while maintaining his arrogant ways.

LOVE HIM!

In Again the Magic, the reader is introduced to characters that will be in the Wallflower series but years before they come out into their own. So here we have a forbidden love. The tittled aristocratic heiress and the servant boy all fused up with youth and passion. Add and evil duke/father and you have a recipe for angst.

The evil duke has Aline send the hero McKenna away when he finds out about their love. The reader is with Aline as she bargains for his life and tells McKenna that she no longer loves him.

Years pass and McKenna returns for revenge. He is determined to get the one thing from Aline now that he never had before. Yes dear readers I am talking about sex. While McKenna is not the easiest hero to like, Aline is one of the best heroines I have read in a long time. I love how she battles with herself over her feelings for him and the fear she has of intimate relations (not to spoil the book I will not tell you why). The author takes a hold of you and whips you into the emotions and thoughts of this happy couple.

Oh and did I mention that this book has - GASP- a homosexual secondary character AND another love story wrapped up in it? No, well it does and you get all of that for the price of one very good novel.

If you have a hankering for a regency novel or two or three check out these titles. I think you will be pleased. As always, let me know what you think.

Lost Duke of Wyndham

2008-07-13T09:02:00.003-04:00

I have stayed away from historicals for awhile now. They used to be my favorite, but the bodice ripping and headstrong virgins got to me and I have pretty much stopped reading them.

I have seen on message boards and review sites this novel by Julia Quinn and once upon a time I had many of her books. Her new novel was getting some good press and from readers and bloggers whose opinion I trusted. So I went out and purchased this one.

I am so glad I did. I found her characters are funny, vulnerable and imperfect and her story line drew me in. Her hero, Jack, is dashing (of course) a bit of a rebel (of course) and a thief gasp. Albeit one with a slight conscience.
He is the son of a lost son and is instantly recognized by his up in years wicked witch, I mean grandmother.

The heroine is the companion of said grandmother and must have vats of patience stored up. The two fall in love, actually he falls in love and convinces Grace that it is love. The current Duke , who is about to be unseated, is a character that I plan to follow. It looks like his story will be coming out shortly.

Stolen moments, a trip across Britain, reuniting with the family that raised Jack and culminating in a scene between Jack and the current Duke (Thomas) where they both sacrifice something tugged at my heart strings.

Now I am not about to go out and start looking for historical novels, but I did pull out two older Quinn novels that I held onto and dove into their story lines. I think I may hold onto this one as well. If you see it in the store pick it up. I think you will like it.

Fried Modem

2008-07-12T11:40:00.002-04:00

Sorry I have been gone. My cable box was hit by lightning and it took the cable company 3 days to get a tech out here. sigh

But now we have a new box (the tech said that it must have taken a direct hit b/c the box was melted and he had to break the cover in pieces to get it open) and new lines running into the house. And more importantly, I can get on line.

Having my Internet torn from me these last few days has been interesting. While I was a little jittery not being able to go to my favorite sites, I found I was not as productive as I thought I would be. I always assumed that the computer sucked me in and that was the reason the laundry did not get done or the bedroom was not dusted.

Nope that is not the case. The reason is still books books books. I read Julia Quinn's latest and that had me pulling out all of her other books for a quick visit and reading.

While the computer certainly takes my attention, my first and deepest love continues to be reading.

The Hollow

2008-07-06T09:29:00.004-04:00

Didn't I read this book before? No It was the Key of Valor book. Or was it Red Lilly? Or was it... Oh what am I saying. It was the second book in a Nora Roberts trilogy. It was standard, formatted, the characters were familiar -because, hey they have been written before- but it was also good!

I bought this book a few weeks ago but kept it in my to be read pile for a while. I just could not seem to get the energy up to read this book that was going to be so much like others I have read. Why did I buy it you ask. Well, how could I not.

In this book three childhood friends battle a great evil. They meet and fall in love with three beautiful women who are an intricate part of this battle. In this book, the hero Fox has all the characteristics of a Roberts hero that I love. Patient, steady, loyal and hot. OK so I could be describing a dog until the hot part but my favorite Roberts heros are the Ethans, the Harpers and the Shawns of her world.

Fox is the steady and level headed friend. He falls for Layla the beautiful New Yorker. While I did not feel the heat in this book between the characters I enjoyed the interaction between Fox's family and the twist with his alternative lifestyle sister. He made my heart grow showing his love and support for his family

A couple of chapters into the book I considered putting it down. Her last three trilogies have not been engaging for me. But I soldiered on and the talented writer that she is quickly caught me up in her story.

I am looking forward to the final installment of this series because I think we may actually see some heat and passion from Gabe and his love interest.

I say read the book if you are looking for mindless and easy. It is a great read if your mind is occupied on something serious and you want to escape, a hospital waiting room, watching the kids at the beach or after paying bills.

Lover Eternal

2008-07-02T15:30:00.003-04:00

After I read Dark Lover I ran out the next day and bought the next two books in this series. The second book was Rhage's story. A troubled vampire (but they are all troubled right?) that falls in love with Mary a (gasp) human. The third was Zsadists story. He is going to be one of my favorite heros of this series if not my favorite. This story also introduces us to other characters that will have their own stories and weave in and out of the next books.

Lover Eternal: Grade A- This book had a totally different feeling then the first book. It was not a stand alone H/H with a HEA. The first book was definitely the standard HEA that you see in many romance books. I was not expecting the change and when I first read it, I gave it a much lower grade b/c it was different from the first and a surprise. However, after reading the rest of the series TWICE I have since changed my opinion!

In this book, the hero hears the voice of his love and starts doing the hero things that hero's do. However Rhage and the vampires in this book bond to their mates differently than other author's vampires. One scene that sticks with me is his bonding while feeding Mary (heroine) his food. Can I get an AWWWW on that ladies?

All in all, Rhage and Mary had a nice love story but just a love story. What made this series so darn good, and my rating of this book higher, was the interaction between the characters. I really enjoy the bonding between the brothers in this series. Rhage's ability to lighten a situation where he is going to be hurt with laughter shows the reader that the brothers are true family. While the heroine was nice, strong and smart she did not engage me as much as the brothers in the story. This book also introduced the only character that can take Zsadists place as my favorite. His name is John and we will have to wait for the rest of his story...

Lover Awakened Grade A : Zsadist. The brother that you THINK has all the problems. I knew I was going to like this book. I do fancy the crazy heros. And I liked the Heroine as well. Zsadist is a tortured soul, the brother that can not show his feelings (did he really have any) and can not stand to be touched. The brother that has had such horror in his life that he is as scared on the inside as the outside. Yet biology or fate draws him to his mate Bella.

Bella is a strong vampire in her own right. She enjoys making her captures cry and shows bravery and selflessness (wow that was a lot of s's) helping another escape.

My favorite scene was the one where Zsadist hugs his twin have a meeting of the hearts and for the first time Zsadist hugs his brother. Bella finds them asleep in bed back to back as she imagined they must have been in their mothers womb.

Zsadist is not as crazy as I thought he was going to be, he was damaged and fought himself but in the end love won out.

Keep checking back for Butch's and V's reviews.

Dark Lover

2008-06-26T17:05:00.002-04:00

I was at Walden books picking up my disappointment of Dark Demon and the woman behind the counter saw what I had in my hand and recommended a new author and a new series (new to me). JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

I only planned to buy one book, but she was so adamant about this series that I bought it. She gave me the first book in the series. I have seen this series talked and reviewed on some boards and some blogs, but it took me a while to pick up the book and read it. I finally picked it up Tuesday and I read it all on one sitting. It was fabulous! I immediately went out and bought the next two books which I have since read and I am now on my fourth...

I really liked the brotherhood. Wrath the hero was strong yet emotionally vulnerable to Beth and the author did a wonderful job with him as he explored his growing feelings for her. I liked how Beth was able to take care of herself but was not opposed to the help Wrath offered. He is king, yet he feels unworthy and insecure. Strong and masculine, yet clumsy and unsure. He loves his brothers but at times does not know what to say to them. I loved the contrasts and contradictions that built this character. I will be reading this one over and over...

We also had the chance to meet the rest of the brotherhood. And many of them are flawed and hurting. Just what I like in a hero. But I have a favorite. Yes, Z or Zsadist. His book is #3 and you will have to wait for my review of him. SIGH

I highly recommend this series. Buy it and do not wait a week to read it!

Shelfari

2008-06-22T15:32:00.001-04:00

It has taken me all weekend, but I am finally up and running on shelfari

Check out my over 500 books here Most are romance or paranormal romance but you will find a few other gems there.

Do you have a shelf at shelfari? If so share !

Crazy Wild

2008-06-20T11:33:00.003-04:00

This series has been out for a while, but it is a good one and I wanted to post about it. This was the first book I read in the series, which happened to be the third in line. It is still by far my favorite though. Creed, tortured, alpha, sexy, tough with a heart of gold for Cody and the rest of 'Steele Street" and Cody, beautiful, on the run, mousy librarian turned goddess looking for a safe haven meet and run for their lives from the beginning of the book on.

I think I fell a little in love with Creed when he gave the very cold Cody chocolate in the library and continued to fall head over heels for him as his story unfolded and his loss was explained. The book has lots of action, some steamy sex and characters that you can really like. There is also the budding romance with Skeeter and Dylan in this book with some quality one on one dialogue between them that sets the reader up for their own story.

What I really liked about this particular story is Creeds heart. He is a powerful soldier able to run through bullets and kick the ass of any goons he runs up against, but he was unable to save his best friend and saw him die. The author lets the vulnerability of that moment change him and lets the reader into his world, his hurt and his love. And she does this with laughter, clubbing, a blizzard, hit men and the dynamic attraction between the H/H taking place. The book occurs all in one night* and you will not want to put it down.

This is a book I will pick up and re read again and again.

* minus the very end where a few months go by.... you need to read the book to get the rest.

Dark Demon

2008-06-17T12:09:00.004-04:00

I have all of Kresley Cole's books read and some reread and I will post them soon I promise. But today lets talk about Carpathians. I have really enjoyed Christine Feehans Dark Series. Her second book is on my top 25 list for best books ever!!! I started this series in order, then when I have not been able to find a book at my local book store I started to jump around.

I have seen on some boards that this series has 'fallen out of favor' but until Dark Demon I did not understand it. Now I think I do.

This book seemed to spend the first half talking about wounds that needed to be healed. Or the heroine was fighting herself against her own nature. Natalya is part Carpathian after all. I did like Vik (for the two pages that he was not wounded and bleeding) * sarcasm* I thought he was funny and he seemed to be able to accept Natalya's warrior woman ways.

The last Carpathian book I read was Dark Celebration which is a few books after this one in the series. In it I did not understand the Gabrielle/Gary storyline but dark Demon explained it. It also opened the door to Natalya's brother and I am very intrigued by this story line. VERY INTRIGUED and between the Gabrielle/Gary and the mage stories I will continue to read the dark series.

I am giving this book a C grade. I will probably never pick this book up again to read it. I just did not enjoy the plot or the characters, but it was a book that built new story lines in the series and kept me interested in the journey of the Carpathians even if I did not enjoy the plot in this book.

Walk on the Wild Side

2008-06-15T11:55:00.003-04:00

I have been waiting and waiting for another Warren novel on 'the others' for some time. I loved her first few books and the characters involved.

Kitty (actually very funny) does not know she is a shifter until after a car accident she shifts to escape the fire and sits on her little tabby haunches. This was actually the preview a few months ago that had me ready for it. But honestly that was the best part of the book. Kitty goes to meet her father and falls in love with Max. Some good physical action and a man that falls hard but I felt that the humor in her previous books were missing. Also, I found Kitty doing some of those stupid heroine things AKA no silly co-ed do not go down to the basement alone when all the lights are out and all your little friends have been killed by a psycho ghost. Yeah Kitty did a little of that. Which always makes me want to throw my book to the floor and watch it go skidding along.

This book gets points for 1. a hot sexy hero that is sensitive, alpha, and admits his feelings 2. a good plot and 3 new characters. However it gets a demerit for a heroine that at times displays TSTL tendencies and not as much humor as her previous books. A definite B book. Worth the read but may be a DNK unless you are like me and keep all books in a series.

On a side note.. isn't the cover neat! In person the eyes are glassy and reflect just like a real cats eye.

* TSTL (too stupid to live)
* DNK (Do Not Keep)

Country Brides

2008-06-01T09:41:00.004-04:00

On a thread on the AAR forum someone started a conversation about dated books. People spoke about out dated fashions, attitudes, cars etc etc. Some books are so well written that the dated materials do not matter, others make it hard to get past the shoulder pads.

One book that I remember as dated is Debbie Macomber's Country Brides. This re-release has two related stories and was originally published in 1990. In her intro, the author mentions that the story was written before the age of cell phones.

In the first story Rorie meets Clay after her car breaks down on a country road. It is a foreign car and will take days to get the part. No hotels have any vacancies so she is stuck at Clay's home. The first scene where she is stuck all alone not knowing what to do got me twitching. No cell phone to call AAA. No way to call her boyfriend. Can't call 911. Well you get the idea. I was literally going a little cookoo on that. But I read through it and the book, the characters were great. Other than the cell phone, I did not find the book too dated. I give this one an A-

That leads us to the second book. I had such high hopes for it. I liked the characters, I liked the setting. And there was no dated anything! Except for the attitudes. Yes even in 1990 a woman was expected to marry and in this theme the hero kept pressuring and pressuring the confused woman. I just wanted him to stop badgering her and her to grow a back bone and tell him she needed some space. It was not awful, and I am sure 18 years ago I would not have been so up in arms about the wimpy bride, but alas it bugged me. I did finish it on the first read and I did finish it on the second but overall I give this book a C just for that.

If you can find a stand alone copy of A Little Bit Country, Rorie and Clay's story pick it up.And let me know if the lack of a cell phone made you all twitchy too. If you see the combination go ahead too, but be prepared to want to throw the book across the room if you read another "I know you love me so we should get married'.

Not Another Bad Date

2008-05-31T16:21:00.004-04:00

WOW Another great book by Rachel Gibson! This concludes what I think of as her mini series, not really a series just friends that pop up in each book but with their own story. In this one Adele, the last single of the bunch finds love with Zach. Throw in some small town Texas fun, football, a moody teenager and Zach's dead wife's ghost and we are in for a rockin' good time.

The plot was pretty standard, coed falls for boy, boy falls for girl, boy finds out ex is preggers and leaves girl... fast forward 14 years to a reunion and watch the sparks fly. But the humor throughout the book makes it hard to put down.

OK so I read it all in one sitting...

What I really liked was the ghost of the dead wife. When I read the summary I expected Devon (Wife) to be part of the book, floating around during the scenes and manipulating the characters. Ms. Gibson does the unexpected here and Devon is put through her own version of Hell as she works towards her own redemption.

Good book, great for the beach or a lazy night at home.

Dark Desires After Dusk

2008-05-28T08:33:00.002-04:00

OK I did it. I wanted to purchase the first books in Kresley Cole's series but instead I went ahead and bought the NEXT book. It was VERY good. In Dark Needs at Nights Edge we were introduced to Cade a rage demon. This book was his story. To my sorrow, Cade was not at all crazy like Conrad but still a little off, hey he is a RAGE DEMON for crying out loud.

One of the things I like about this author so far, her heroines are not weak little pieces of fluff that need to be saved. They are strong smart woman who make their own choices and do not fall down on their three inch spike stilettos. In this book Holly is transformed into a Valkyrie and slowly lets go of her tightly held emotions and desires to fall in love with Cade. As usual, Cade does not communicate with his female half (he actually has a valid excuse but we can still shake our heads and say 'silly man') and looses her only to win her back at the end. If there was anything that I would have liked to see different in this book it would have been that woo factor. It felt a little rushed and contrived to me,

However the world that the author built, her character development and plot made up for any rushing at the end! I look forward to her next book and maybe just maybe I will get the the first in this line at some time.

Is it bad to like the slightly crazy heros?

2008-05-17T19:30:00.002-04:00

AHHH another tortured soul! Another hero that is just over the line from sane into crazytown. In Dark Needs at Night's Edge, Conrad is that hero that is just a little off. I am not sure why I like these heroes? Does it say something about me if I relate to them. No I am not hearing voices or seeing memories like Conrad but the desperation and conviction of these off kilter guys endear them. Like Julian in Dark Desire or Zareck in Dance with the Devil this man had me on the second page of the first chapter when he is telling himself "Stay sane... act normal." How can you not fall just a little in love with a character that needs to remind himself be rational?

I enjoyed this book. This is the first book I have read by this author, a recommendation from another review site, and I am so glad I picked it up. It is, again, middle of a series, but that is par for the course with me.

I loved the world Kresley Cole has made full of vampires, witches, werewolfs, demons and more. In this book her heroine May was strong and sexy and she was refreshing because she did not act wacky, hair brained or foolish even once during the story.

I am going to go out and find the first few books in this series and I may even pick up some of her other romance books while I am at it.

DID YOU KNOW A NEW DRAGON BOOK WAS COMING?

2008-05-14T19:27:00.002-04:00

Katie MacAlister released a new book about her dragon Septs!!! Playing with Fire! I will admit to being blind sided by this book. I had no idea she was going to follow her green dragons with a story (Or two or three) about Gabriel and his silver dragons.

Now I LOVED her first three (OK really 2 1/2) books about Drake and Aisling but the fourth left a little to be desired. Or maybe I was really looking for a new H/H and I have one now!

Gabriel meets May and what a great Heroine she is. Still quirky and a woman of her own like all of MacAlisters female leads, May is more down to earth and makes better (if still a little wacky) decisions. Through the entire book I expected the story to end at the end of the book. We had our love scenes, we had our mating agreement and everything was falling into place then WHAM I am looking forward to October for the second book in this trilogy? Series? Quartet?

Oh and did I mention that Jim the Demon Dog (Newfie to be accurate) makes his wise cracks as well. Can't have dragons without Jim right.

October will be a great month! More Gabriel and my birthday!

Dawn's Awakening

2008-05-11T15:16:00.003-04:00

The was the fourth paperback book in this series. I have been following this author since Megan's Mark came out and I was looking forward to this book. The first time I read it, I really did not like it. Dawn had so much baggage and I was upset with Seth for not courting her ten years before.

I recently bought the first three books of the Feline Breeds online and read them in order. After getting the back story, I gave Dawn's Awakening another chance. I am so glad I did! There were many more layers to the story that I was not aware of before, and upon re reading this I felt connected with the H/H.

This author is always Racy - with a capital R so before you read any of her work get a cool glass of tea because you will need it! I am anxiously awaiting Merc's story and the Cassie twist at the end will defiantly keep me following this series. I encourage you to pick up this book, but read the previous books that can be found used or online at Elloras Cave. ****

*** watch out Elloras Cave can be addicting- you have been warned dear readers! ***

Blood Brothers

2008-04-27T23:01:00.003-04:00

There is something comforting about knowing what to expect each and every time you pick up a book by a certain author. There is no author more dependable than Nora Roberts and this book is no exception.

In this book (and trilogy) she sets the stage in the first few chapters and has all the players (H/H)meet and get to know each other in this first book. Call me old fashioned, but I like each book to be dedicated to the H/H and their character development.

This is another trilogy with a supernatural flair. My all time favorite trilogy with a little 'out of the ordinary' is her Chesapeake series. In this new Sign of the Seven Trilogy she has three couples and an epic battle. Sound familiar? I do not want to sound like the book was no good, I hgave it an B people! Like all her books the writing is fantastic, the dialogue is good and sometimes sassy and the friendships built are endearing.

I think what makes her more recent stores different from Inner Harbor or Enchanted is that the stores are not dedicated to the growing feelings of the characters rather the battle to be fought against evil. And the feeling that I have seen all this before (In the Garden, Key Trilogy, Circle Trilogy...)

So I am giving this book a solid B. It will go on my shelf and in May when the next book comes out will pick it up to see where the characters are going. A nice solid book from an author that you know will always give you what you expect.

Fallen Angels

2008-04-23T18:08:00.006-04:00

WOW- this book has three stories in it.

Beguiled: Dane and Angel. I like Dane. However I felt this book was a little rushed. Everything was going along great. We had banter, chemistry, new characters popping in and everything was good. I really liked the twin switching and the baby. Not to mention Mick... he needs his own story. There was even a little mystery thrown in which you do no always see in true romance.

Then BAM! The story unfolds in front of you like it was puked up by some toddler and there it all is. I would have loved to see Angel and Dane working out the 'Derek thing' a little more instead of tying the story up with a little bow and a pat on the head. But yes I would read it again.

Wanton: I was looking forward to this one b/c I liked Alec and Celia from Beguiled. Now this story was not to fast. It was a good size but I just hate hate hate characters (OK FEMALE characters) that get themselves into trouble because they should not be doing what they are doing. Just like in the cheesy horror movies when we scream at the TV "Don't go down in the basement" I was doing the same thing to Celia. DUMMY. The love scenes were a little racy so at least that was enjoyable. This one gets a C.

Uncovered: This story made the book!! I loved the characters, the plot and just about everything about this book. EXCEPT it was too short. I wanted more dialogue, more Harris and Clair! This book was less than 100 pages and yet the author turned the words into friends. This one was a little racy too but not as much as Wanton. Great book!!!

Dance With The Devil

2008-04-21T06:45:00.006-04:00

Is there a character you can dislike before his own story comes out then change your mind about? If so that is Zarek. From the start of the book, the helicopter ride and Sunshines bowl Zarek starts to grow on you. His vulnerability tugs at your heart strings and yet you want to shake him for being stubborn.

His banter with Sasha, his friendship with Jess and his carvings all endear him to the reader. Zarek is not a character I like, but he has many levels and makes for an interesting read. I like this book because it continues to peel off the layers that make up Ash. I am just dying for his own story to come out.

I reads this book after I read Val's story (which comes after this one of course) and it was great to get a glimpse of my favorite (or at least top three, they are tied) characters in this series.

Seize the Night

2008-04-17T08:06:00.003-04:00

This was the first book I picked up in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. it was of course a few books into the series, however this book ranks in the top three for the Dark Hunters.

I loved Val. I loved how she created him to be reserved yet caring, arrogant and kind. Penisroni, transvestites and Versace in one book. It can't get much better than that right?

Great characters, Greek Gods, a good plot and some pretty funny adventures! Defiantly and A and maybe... maybe even some extra credit points here.

I have read this book, oh 7 or 8 times since I first purchased it, and in that time I have read most of her other books in the series. One thing I loved about this book after reading others is how this book tied a few of my favorites together (Bride, Nick, Zarack etc) and gave must needed (OK just wanted) clues to Ash.

Maybe Baby

2008-04-15T08:12:00.008-04:00

A women gets pregnant (surprise) does not tell the father (surprise) and then falls in love with the father. Have we seen this before? That is the plot of this book. Elaine Fox has the ability to take a so so plot line and make it a good book. And that is what she did here. A good book. The Jack Shepard character is interesting and likable. Dr. Delaney Poole's attempt at misdirection is silly at best and annoying at worst.

Like all of her books, this one has humor and the zany things her characters get themselves into never cease to amaze. This is not one of her best books, which are usually As, but this book is an enjoyable one that will entertain.

To Catch a Cheat

2008-04-14T09:29:00.004-04:00

I had a hard time with this book at first. Marissa seemed too 'harsh' and bitter. Trent was a more likable character. The plot to get these two together was contrived and not that interesting. I actually but this put down at one point unsure if I was going to finish it.

Then a few weeks later I was rattling around my house wishing I had a new book to read when I saw this one on my shelf. I decided to pick it up and give it another go.

Towards the end of the book (actually, about the time they 'moved in' together) the characters started to speak to me and St. John's humor was finally funny. The last half of the book made up for in leaps and bounds the dull beginning.

Truth or Dare

2008-04-12T16:17:00.003-04:00

This is one of my favorite authors! I give this book a solid B and a 1/2 racy. The stories are not what I expected when I picked up this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by that. However, the stories are short, the first one is less than 90 pages, so the characters do not have time to develop and meld.

This book is made up of three stories that are intertwined to a certain degree.

But even with the space and time limitations, these books are a good read. Just be prepared to read them in the dark and alone, or someone may see you blush.

Simply Irresistible

2008-04-11T09:14:00.003-04:00

This is one of the first books I read by this author, and in this book she set the bar high and continues to reach it! At first you do not like either of the main characters, you have some sympathy for them both, but the choices they make seem crazy.

However what the author has done is build a base and lets you into their minds. After the years pass and they meet again, you are ready to like them both and want to push them down the path to everlasting love faster than the author has planed. That my friends are characters you can sink your teeth into.

Friendships, family and friends that become family all work to give this book a warm and funny core. This is Ms. Gibson's first book on the hockey team, which are some of my favorites. I have read this particular one three times now... maybe I need to pick it up again...

Grade Explanations

2008-04-10T07:10:00.003-04:00

These grades are my opinions. Who am I? I am an avid reader, I read anything and just about everything. I have hundreds of books on my shelf and this blog is a catalog of those books.

Grade D: Is not a rating I give lightly. It is only given to a book that I did not finish. It is uncommon for me not to finish reading a book so this should be given very rarely.

Grade C: This is a book that I did not engage with or enjoy a lot. I did finish it, so it was not horrible, but the chances of reading it again are slim. Usually books that get this are cookie cutter without the added benefit of having good character development.

Grade B: A book with a B rating is somewhat engaging with likable characters. This book will most likely be read again.

Grade A-: Good plot and good characters. This book with definitely be read again.

Grade A: This is a great book, engaging and entertaining. From the beginning the author brought you into the world of the book and did not let you go until the end. This book will be read over and over and over again.

Racy: this is given to book with more explicit content. This is not a pro or con rating, just an FYI for my readers.

Why don't you have a Grade F? Because any author that is published is a talented writer and just because I personally did not enjoy a book does not mean it is a failure.

Why do you talk about reading books again? A good barometer of a book is one that can be read again and still be enjoyed. It is as though the characters in the books become friends and you want to visit them all over. I believe that a book that has been read twice is good and a book that has been read four times is a masterpiece.

Texas Wildflower

2008-04-09T10:35:00.004-04:00

It is not often that I choose not to finish a book. And it is even more rare that I do not finish a book by a favorite author. But that is where I am with Texas Wildflower. I picked it up because it was written by the very talented Susan Wiggs. I snatch up her books faster than I drive, and when I saw this one I just bought it. I did not even read the summary on the back.

When I started to read it, I saw her note in the front that it was a reprint. And I was glad to read her very first book. But the characters were so... unlikable. Really I have no other words to describe my feelings toward Shiloh and Justin. I did not like either one and really REALLY did not like Shiloh. I got about halfway through the book and put it down. A few days later I picked it back up (on the off chance it got better) and after another 25 pages or so, down it went again.

What did you think of this book dear readers? Was it just me?

Dakota Home

2008-04-08T07:13:00.004-04:00

This was a must anticipated book for me. I really was looking forward to getting to know Maddy in this book. The glimpse I had of her in the first book and I enjoyed what I saw. The Jeb story, what he went through was also compelling.

However I was disappointed with the character development and the chemistry between the two characters. I am usually a huge fan of this author but this book did not live up to my expectations.

I am looking forward to the third book.

Dakota Home (Dakota Series #2)

Dakota Born

2008-04-08T07:07:00.005-04:00

Dakota Born (Dakota Series #1)

Dakota Born

I read this book when I was in high school and I enjoyed it, However I could never find the second book in the series and therefore never read the third one. I was very pleased to read that these three books were going to be re-released this year.

This book and this author once again exceeded my expectations. I want to move to Buffalo Valley and have a soda at the pharmacy.

A great read, good characters and a story that grabs a hold of your heart.

Seaview Inn

2008-04-07T10:26:00.000-04:00

I enjoy author Sheryl Woods! Her characters are always so life like and her books draw the reader into the world of the characters. This family dynamic was great, the grandmother made the story and the romance between Luke and Hannah while they were each struggling with their own issues was compelling. Her cancer conversation and the unwanted pregnancy were aspects rarely found in popular women's literature. *

This book is a great read, perfect for the beach or a rainy afternoon.

**I was a little concerned over the adoption language, some was riding the fence for adoptive parents and at one time I actually put the book down not sure if I was up to finishing it. That was the only reason this book was not given an A in my opinion.

Divorced, Desperate and Delicious

2008-04-07T10:18:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it is scary to pick up a book by a new author. Is it really going to be any good or is it going to be a cookie cutter book? Are the Characters going to be the same as I have read countless times or will it be exciting.

And covers can be deceiving. I picked up this book at the grocery store and I was pleasantly surprised. The book is funny. Laugh out loud funny! And the plot was enjoyable and easy to follow. A good light read and an author I will definitely purchase again!

Stranger in My Arms

2008-04-06T00:19:00.001-04:00

This was a book I was pleasantly surprised with. I am not the biggest fan of historical romances. I loved them when I was a kid, but as I grew older and became stronger as a women, I started to resent the Ton the dresses and honestly how many Earls of Westmoreland could there really be?

But then I found Lisa Kleypas and I found myself enjoying these timepiece stories. I think it is her ability to build her characters and have you rooting for the person in the wrong, hoping that they can turn it around and make it right. In this book, the hero comes back after years abroad and he is a changed man... or is he? Throughout the beginning of the story the reader is kept in the dark. Always wondering is he or is he not the true Hunter? She keeps the reader wondering at the mystery of Hunter, while cheering him on and still wanting to protect the wifes heart. Then the love affair grows and the mystery takes a back seat to the romance building between the characters.

This story was compelling with twist and turns and fantastic characters! The kind I like best.

2007-07-09T14:11:00.000-04:00

It never fails. It is just my luck. I tend to drop into a series mid series. I never seem to start with the first book but always with the second or third. In this case, this was a good thing. In I Thirst For You, Sizemore builds a great hero in Marcus. Jo is also very enjoyable, But Marcus, his need and nobility make the book. Her character building even overcame her silly twist with the lab.

It also brought a new character to the series Collen, whose book introduced us to Laurent - one of my favorites. And because I did come in mid series. I got to go back buy all the books and start at the beginning. Which is nice, not having to wait on authors and publishing houses to put out the next story.

Marcus is running neck and neck with Laurent on my favorite hero in this series. What do you think?

Dark Desire

2007-07-08T08:57:00.002-04:00

I loved this story. Julian s such a tortured hero, yet a hero all the same. Shay is a little whiny and I never felt as strong of a connection to her as to Julian. But he makes the story. As usual Ms. Feehans dialogue is wonderful. Her first Chapter sets the stage and puts Julian directly in the heart of the reader.

Safe Harbor

2007-07-08T00:22:00.000-04:00

TEASE!

This was a great boo. I really liked Jonas and Hannah. But it was a huge tease for the next in the series, Joley's story. I was surprised at the twist- what made Hannah think she could not be with Jonas. I was also surprised we did not see more of Tyson (Libby's story)If there is one thing I would like to see is more of the relationships in each book.

Overall Ms Feehan does it again with great characters and plot.

The Sweet Magnolias

2007-04-12T19:35:00.000-04:00

I just finished the final book in this series (I think it is final, I would not be surprised it she does something with the Karen character later...)

The first one was still my favorite. I like Maddie and Cal. I felt that she really opened up the characters and as a reader I "knew" them. To me knowing the characters is the most important part of the book (unless it is a very explicate book- then who cares about character development)

The third book in this series was my second favorite. Helen's story was a little to close to home (baby ?) but Erik was a great character!I kept cheering him on the whole way "tell Helen about your wife... tell her tell her) it was great.

All three books
Stealing Home
A Slice of Heaven
Feels Like Family