TBR Challnge 2011- General

Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Reading Challenge 2011: I put this book on my TBR list in June, 2010.

Well-written with interesting world-building. I think I would have liked this novel even more if I wasn't growing tired of urban fantasy and PNR. Raphael is a gamma hero for most of the book, very cold-blooded and slightly detached. Elena is a strong character with a seriously troubled past. She was capable without being hard. The author did a excellent job making Elena feel warmly human, with her sanctuary-like home and her deep friendships. The reader doesn't get all the answers to the questions about Elena's history, and I wonder if her story is continued in later books.

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TBR Challnge 2011- General

Anything for You by Sarah Mayberry

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011: General category This book has been on my TBR list since Dec. 2010.

3.5*

Sarah Mayberry is an excellent writer and Anything for You is another success. Unfortunately, the plotting suffers because of the emphasis on sex scenes in the Harlequin Blaze line. Mayberry makes plot decisions based on getting the couple in bed multiple times instead of using the space to explore the changing relationship between Sam and Delaney more fully. This makes for a good story with a fairly high steam factor, but gives it less depth than there could have been. This also makes for some implausible situations, such as Delaney and Sam having been friends since they were 12 and him never noticing her in a sexual way. They'd been surfing together for years and he never noticed her figure in a bikini? Really? I'm not buying that. (Small nit-pick: Sam and Delaney are said to have met when they were 12, been friends for 16 years and the author repeatedly states they're both 30. You do the math. It doesn't add up.)


I also had a hard time believing two people who are as close as these two wouldn't talk things out. What did Delaney have to lose by letting him know her feelings?


Anything for You is a good book, but if you want a better book that deal with the friends-to-lovers theme try Her Best Friend by the same author. It's a complex look at a similar situation.

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TBR Challnge 2011- General

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison



2011 TBR Challenge: General Category- I'm cheating a little with this book since it was technically put on my TBR list in January of 2011, but...close enough.

4.5*

>With bookstores full of dark, brooding PNR novels, it's difficult to find a book that breaks new ground. Dragon Bound manages to contain all the elements that readers love in their PNR novels, but with differences that delight and surprise. Dragos is a typical sexy, alpha male, ancient and powerful, but he's also unique. He gets knocked sideways by his reaction to Pia, and Harrison does a great job blending the warrior with the vulnerable lover.


The story feels fresh, and the secondary characters are well-rounded despite the large cast of characters and relatively few pages devoted to them. What could have been just another intensely serious urban fantasy is lightened by surprisingly well-done humor, which manages to be sharp but not flippant.


My only (minor) caveats are an underdeveloped enemy, which makes that story line feel like an ad-on instead of a main event, and a plot device late in the book that I'd have preferred to see done differently or left out all together.

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TBR Challnge 2011- General

The Masqueraders by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011; General category- This book has been on my TBR list since November 2009.

4.5 stars

While possessing the predictability of a Heyer romance, The Masqueraders varied from the expected just enough to make it unique and charming. Not only does this book have the wit and clever plotting I expect from Heyer, it has more than one endearing romance. The scene in which one hero declares his feelings is one of the most moving declarations I've read. Since this scene happened partway through the book instead of in the last paragraphs as so often occurs in Heyer's book, the relationship has time to grow and develop, which was particularly satisfying to read.

The Masqueraders has very clever plotting, many multifaceted secondary characters, and plenty of humorous dialog. Definitely worth reading.

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TBR Challnge 2011- November: Non-romance genre

River Marked by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


TBR Challenge 2011: November Category- Genre other than romance. (Urban fantasy with romantic elements)

River Marked is the most interesting Mercy Thompson novel since Iron Kissed. The plot was engaging and different and the secondary characters interesting. Adam and Mercy are on their honeymoon at a lovely campsite, which gave a nice change of pace over the more urban setting for most of the books. Also, since it is their honeymoon, Adam and Mercy are working together and interacting throughout the book, which is a definite plus.

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TBR Challnge 2011- General

In a Class By Itself by Sandra Brown

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011: General category. This book has been on my TBR list for over a year.

I have no idea why this book was on my TBR list, but it was a waste of time. I skimmed the last half.

The heroine is suppose to be a competent woman in her late 20's, but she still can't stand up to her parents and she slinks away from the man she loves like a coward, even though she's just reconnected with him after 10 years. Her reasons for not staying are suppose to be moving and noble, but they make no sense in today's world, making this novel feel very dated.

Not recommended.

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SOA Listening Challege 2011

The final book! Yay!

Rebellious Desire by Julie Garwood

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I bought the abridged Rebellious Desire on audio to complete the Speaking of Audiobooks 2011 Listening Challenge (listen to an abridged book). I thought it was just fine. The narration was decent if not inspired, and the story had no major flaws. As always, I think abridgments leave the reader just a little confused since background info and character motives are often left out, but the book was enjoyable. Getting it on sale for less than $4 was a plus. ;-)


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SOA Listening Challege 2011

When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Speaking of Audiobook Listing Challenge 2011: Listen to a book released in 2011.

Having never read author Eloisa James before, I bought the audiobook on the strength of several good reviews and after listening to a sample on Audible.com. The sample hinted at the possibility of wry humor and I decided to take the chance. I'm so glad I did. While not a perfect book, When Beauty Tamed the Beast is very cleverly written and thoroughly enjoyable.

Both main characters were strong, but Linnet was a delightful surprise. Her character is quick-witted and sharp-tongued, but not spiteful. She starts out a little shallow, but never mean-spirited. The combination of innocence and jadedness was especially appealing. Piers, based on the irascible Dr. House of Fox network fame, was completely believable as the "beast."



James' secondary characters are no less interesting, giving the book a well-rounded feel.


The conversations in the book were a particularly well done, with plenty of verbal sparring and clever phrasing. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. My only complaint is the anachronisms James decided to include, such as the names of two of Piers' student doctors (Kibbles and Bits) and the line, "What happens in Wales, remains in Wales."


Susan Duerden's character voices, both male and female, were excellent. Her narration of the prose sections was less satisfying, as she tended to deliver the lines in what I would describe as a sing-song, or undulating, fashion. Overall I would still rate her narration a 4* since I quickly got used to her narrating style and her character voices are much better than average.

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TBR Challnge 2011- General

The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- General Category. I'm cheating on this one just a little. I added to my TBR pile on Jan 11, 2011, 11 days after my self-imposed TBR Challenge cut-off date.

Narrated by Lloyd James.

Everything about this audiobook experience fitted together perfectly, Bujold's writing is masterful and the voice of Lloyd James is perfect for the story.

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SFR Readng Challenge 2011

Moonstruck by Susan Grant

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

SFR Reading Challenge 2011

SFR Group Book of the Month, October 2011


3.5*


Moonstruck started off well, with an interesting storyline and some foreshadowing of trouble ahead for all concerned. With the strong set-up, I expected more than Grant delivered in what followed. Finn and Brit were both interesting characters, but they weren't developed as well as they could have been. The backstories for both characters had so much untapped potential for tension, emotion, and drama. Also, even though their relationship was often sweet (and hot) it was too easy. Many issues beyond their control existed that could have kept them apart, made them work for their happy ending. Instead, an excuse was found to get them together much too quickly. As far as being complex and well-drawn, the secondary story involving Hadley was more interesting.


Moonstruck was definitely science fiction ROMANCE, with the emphasis being the romance, and the sci-fi world-building and plot coming in second. While that sometimes works well, it was a shame with this book since the set-up had the potential to be an edge-of-your seat action read.


On the positive side, even though the story was less complex and developed than I would have liked, it was a solid story with characters worth caring about. Moonstruck is definitely worth reading, and I plan to pick up the second book in the Borderlands series. The Warlord's Daughter


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TBR Challnge 2011- October PNR or Romantic Suspense

Hawken's Heart by Suzanne Brockmann

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- Category: September (late: catch up on a series) and October (romantic suspense). The entire Tall Dark and Dangerous series has been on my TBR list for over a year.


3.5*
Good characters, decent plot and moving love story. While not earth-shattering, Hawken's Heart was a great way to spend a rainy day. ;-)


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TBR Challnge 2011- October PNR or Romantic Suspense

Cover of Darkness (Suspense Series, #2) by Kaylea Cross

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


TBR Challenge 2011- October category: PNR or Romantic suspense. This book has been on my TBR list for a year.

After a strong debut novel (Out Of Her League, Kaylea Cross drops the ball with her second installment in her Suspense series. The problems with this novel are too many to list. But to name a few:

~ Too much telling, not enough showing. Let the readers connect some of the dots. We don't need to hear every thought of each character, especially when the thoughts get repetitive.

~ While the first part of the suspense plot was strong (kidnapping and resuce), what followed went from bad to ridiculous. The reader is never given a good reason for Bryn being involved, or for why Dec is there, either. (On loan from the SEALs??)

~ The character of Luke is an SOB, and his actions are reckless and unprofessional.

~ They want to use Bryn as bait, but they follow the terrorist around with her in tow. Bait means you sit and wait for the guy to come to you. Doesn't it seem like the terrorist would get a little suspicious if the woman he once kidnapped and is now trying to kill is following him around?

~ Would anyone take a civilian woman along on an undercover op just in case the terrorist hears she's there and it brings him out of hiding? Really? Think about it. They are in the middle of nowhere. How is he going to hear she's along on a covert op to kill him? And, while they bring her along as bait, they try to keep her hidden.


Bryn acts TSTL a few times, but truly, I can forgive her. Who wouldn't sream and run when people are trying to kill you? It's the idiots who kept dragging her into dangerous situations that needed to be smacked upside the head.

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TBR Reading Challenge 2011- General

Snapped by Laura Griffin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Reading Challenge: General Category- This book has been on my TBR list since December 2010.

3.5*

I loved the suspense plot of this book, and as always I enjoyed the writing. Laura Griffin is a very consistent writer. Unfortunately, I didn't really "feel the love" between the main characters. Their communication skills were abysmal, and I didn't end the book feeling like they had learned to trust one another. Added to that, Sophie had a few TSTL moments, one serious. She somehow manages to blames Jonah and even gets him to apologize. I'd prefer the author find other ways to advance the plot than having the female lead act rashly, especially when the heroine has been traumatized in violent crime before and should know better, as the case is with Sophie.


I'm rounding up to 4* because I really did enjoy the mystery and the writing. If I'd been able to connect with the characters it would have been higher.

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TBR Challenge- General

On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- General Category. This book has been on my TBR list since Sept 2010.


On the Edge is a great book by the talented husband and wife team who also write the popular Kate Daniels series (urban fantasy). On the Edge has more romance than the Kate Daniels series, but still makes room for creative world-building and an action-packed plot. Unlike the "Magic" books, which feature Kate and a cast of regulars throughout the books, it appears The Edge series will feature the same world but different main characters for each book.


Andrews has written a tight, well-plotted story with enough action to keep you turning the pages, and enough humor to give you a break from the tension. Highly recommended for both fantasy and PNR fans who enjoy unusual, creative world-building.


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TBR Challenge- General

Amber Beach by Elizabeth Lowell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- General: this book has been on my TBR list since July 2010.

2.5* Rounding up to be nice.

Stubborn characters and a weak plot characterize this romantic suspense. The most interesting parts of the book had to do with (somewhat outdated) information on the Russian economy as it switched to free market, or amber. I was surprised to find I enjoyed the author's tangents on amber, and I even enjoyed some of the boating information. the plot was silly and any semi-smart reader is going to figure it out way early in the book, even with the over-abundance of characters involved. The romance was okay, but Honor held on to her stubborn opinions much longer than necessary, and the resolution between Honor and Jake was shallow and abrupt. I'd hope to see a little angst as they both tried to let the other know they were interested in a future.

Some of the dialog was just silly and unnecessary, making Honor especially sound like a flippant teenager. Too many characters rambled in this book, and there were too many unlikeable ones.

The narrator was so-so. She had a nice voice, but she didn't distinguish well between characters and her timing was uneven.

Added to that, through no fault of the author or narrator, the audio file is messed up. At one point in the second half of the book, the story jumps forward, plays on for a while, then jumps back to where it was, then jumps back to resume the story. Very confusing! I do NOT recommend buying this audiobook from audible.com. (A source I usually enjoy.)

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TBR Challenge- August Category: Steamy, sexy book

In Your Wildest Dreams by Toni Blake

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011--August Category: Steamy Read. In Your Wildest Dreams has been on my TBR list since June 2010.

Mild on suspense and long on relationship development, In Your Wildest Dreams is a satisfying and sensual novel. Like many steamy reads, suspension of disbelief is a must. The reader has to buy into the almost instant attraction between the leads, even though neither one is looking for any kind of relationship. At least the male lead, Jake, isn't a horn-dog. The female lead, Stephanie, is sexually experienced but somewhat repressed. While trying to infiltrate the high-priced escort service in New Orleans to find her missing sister, Stephanie meets Jake, a former cop now working just enough hours as a bartender to pay his bills. As the book progresses, it's revealed that Jake has given up on having a "life" due to a tragic event a couple of years earlier.

While the sex is the stuff dreams are made of (and reality isn't), there is more to the story than just the frequent, steamy sex scenes. Both Jake and Stephanie are good, if flawed, people, and Blake does a good job making their journey toward each other plausible. Well drawn secondary characters like the homeless girl, Shondra, round out this enjoyable novel.

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TBR Challenge- General

Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011-- general. this book has been on my TBR list since Oct 2010.


While Corinne wasn't a strong character, overall the story was excellent. Dragos is less cardboard and more 3-dimensional, and a much more interesting villain now than in previous books. Hunter becomes more sympathetic as Adrian develops his background and the reader gets to see inside his thoughts. The background stories going on involving the other members of the Order round out the book and make it one of the most interesting reads in the series as far as story complexity. Perhaps the most satisfying storyline involved Sterling Chase, who is sliding toward rogue. As he struggles with his darker nature, Chase becomes a fascinating character, giving the reader opportunity to contemplate such weighty topics as addiction and friendship and honor.


Corinne, unfortunately, remains a flat character. Adrian, who often writes emotionally satisfying "tortured" males, seems less consistent with her female leads. While some of her heroines have been strong and interesting, others have been boring and several downright forgettable. Corinne's suffering during her captivity in Dragos lab fails to capture the reader's sympathy. Part of the problem is Adrian never adequately explains why the women were tortured. The reasons Dragos wanted the breedmates is clear, but their torture made little sense given the rest of the details. While the reader watches Hunter's feelings for Corinne grow, we don't see a corresponding explanation for Corinne's attachment to Hunter. Overall, the romance felt somewhat forced. It was fine, but not what made this book so satisfying. What made it satisfying, and what has me waiting impatiently for the next installment, were the well-written action plot about the vampire factions, the continuing stories of characters from previous books, and Chase's decent into bloodlust.


I can't wait!

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SOA Listening Challenge 2011

Lady Be Good by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Speaking of Audiobooks Listening Challenge 2011-- Borrow an audiobook from friend or library.


While I still enjoyed this book the second time around (this time on audio), I found I wasn't as enamored of the lead characters as I was the first time. Lady Emma showed too little backbone and Kenny was emotionally stunted. But I tried to suspend disbelief at some of the antics, and overall I laughed and had a good time with the book. As always, Anna Fields is masterful as the narrator.

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SFR Reading Challenge 2011

Space Junque by L.K. Rigel

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

SFR Reading Challenge 2011


The basic story could have been interesting, but it was poorly executed. The writing was choppy, and the switch from scene to scene very abrupt. The characters and plot line were underdeveloped. Toward the end the plot became confusing and completely unfocused. We go from apocalyptic sci-fi to new-agey goddess worship. The reader isn't given enough background information to understand what's happening, and things happen so fast that the reader is apt to miss something important. There was so little depth to the story that it felt more like an outline than a finished novel. Plus, the sex scenes felt like after-thoughts and were bland.


I have the second of the series, but don't know if I'll read it. I'm giving it two stars instead of one because the original premise and the first part of the book were both interesting. I think the author tried to cram too many plot points into a small space and didn't spend time developing them. The ghosting gene was pretty cool, though, as were some of the other ideas the author had. The goddess thing was unfortunately corny and confusing.


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TBR Challenge- General

Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- General.


I'm continuing to enjoy the In Death books on audio. I figured out the murderer early on in this story but I still enjoyed the ride. The backstory on Eve was tough to read, but made for some great interactions between her and Roark. We also learn more about Roark and Somerset, and get introduced to Peabody, who's a great character.


With so many more books in the series, I won't have any problems spending my audible.com credits for a long time.


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TBR Challenge- General

Get A Clue by Jill Shalvis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011-- General


3.5*


Cute, lighthearted romance with a touch of mystery thrown in. I enjoy everything Shalvis writes, and this was no exception. I especially loved the lead male, Cooper. Breanne was a bit too stubborn, but I still liked her. The romance was sweet and steamy. ;-) This book was a fun way to spend a sweltering Sunday afternoon--inside in the AC and sipping some iced tea.


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TBR Challenge 2011- July Category: Fairy Tale

Sleeping Beauty by Dallas Schulze

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge: July Category- Fairy Tale. Sleeping Beauty has been on my TBR list since June 28, 2010.


15 years ago, Anne's older sister Brooke was murdered. Anne's controlling mother, guilt-ridden brother, emotionally absent father, and even the well-meaning small town have all contributed in keeping Anne in an emotional limbo. She's tried to please her mother by being perfect, and everyone else has tried to protect her by being smothering and over-protective.


Into this half-life rides true-crime author Niell, whose motorcycle breaks down in Anne's small town. His attraction to Anne shakes up her world, and brings on emotional confrontations with friends and family. The book isn't a suspense. The lasting effects of Brooke's murder are the backdrop for the awakening of this particular Sleeping Beauty. The tension level is kept fairly low.


Overall a quick and enjoyable read. Nothing original, but pleasant.


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TBR Challenge- General

The First Mistake by Merline Lovelace

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- General. This book has been on my TBR list since since March 2010.


I don't know why it's taken me so long to read this book. I'm so glad I signed up for the TBR Challenge 2011 over at Wendy the Super Librarian's blog (www.wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com). Because of the challenge, I've been combing though my TBR lists for books I added prior to 2011. I can't even remember who recommended this romantic suspense, but they were right. It's very good.


This is the first book in the Cleo North Trilogy. It's followed by The Middle Sin and The Last Bullet. This trilogy has both romance and suspense, but the emphasis is on the suspense plot. Even though I tend to like books with equal emphasis on the two part, this book grabbed me and kept me eagerly reading. Perhaps it's because the character and relationship development are so satisfying even without the emphasis on the romance. (There are sex scenes, for those who want to know such things.) Cleo has an on again, off again relationship with a sexy FBI agent, Jack. Plus, while on the job as a bodyguard in Arizona, she meets an equally sexy millionaire. Both these men will figure in the following books. I'm assuming there'll be an HEA by the end if the trilogy.


The action and suspense were very good without being brutal or overly graphic. Cleo is a competent former Air Force OSI officer turned security expert who doesn't have TSTL moments, thank goodness. The way the investigation works, the rules followed, the inter-agency "cooperation," etc., all felt realistic. The author, a 23 year veteran of the Air Force, writes what she knows and it shows. She also writes with a sense of wry humor, which adds to the enjoyment.


I highly recommend The First Mistake as a fast-paced, enjoyable romantic suspense with a dose of reality and a touch of humor.


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SFR Reading Challenge 2011

The Last Warrior by Susan Grant

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SFR Reading Challenge 2011 #9


3.5*


A good story with likeable characters. This was more a futuristic fantasy/romance than SF romance. The world was colonized by Earth some number of centuries in the past, but contact had been lost. Technology and science had been banned as "magic" and evil by the dominant human faction after it's misuse had caused mas destruction during a war with an alien race. While not a deep or complex tale, it was still fun with plenty of action and a sweet romance.


The book feels ripe for a sequel or two. While there was closure to the main story plenty of room is left to expand on the world, it's various peoples, the mystery of the "arks," and the people who originally sent the colonist to this planet.


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TBR Challenge- General

Any Man of Mine by Rachel Gibson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge- General Category. This book has been on my goodreads TBR list since December 2010.


3.5* A very enjoyable contemporary by a solid author. This book has gotten mixed reviews, but I was caught up in the story and the characters. It's not deep, and the characters could've been better developed, but overall it works as a different take on the "horn-dog hockey player meets his nemesis." Just a little more emotion and a little more character development would have easily put this at 4*, which is as high as I usually go.


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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

Smart Mouth by Erin McCarthy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary. This book has been on my Goodreads TBR list since July 2010.


Smart Mouth is meant to be light, humorous and sexy. It's definitely light, and it's very sexy. The sex scenes are numerous and well done. The humor was more hit-and-miss with me, but it was mostly enjoyable and few times even made me laugh aloud.


The only things that marred my enjoyment was the preposterous plot and the big chip on Reece's shoulder. Since her antics were suppose to be humorous, that part didn't work as well for me.

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Naked In Death- audiobook

Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SOA Listening Challenge 2011- Give a narrator a second chance. Susan Ericksen. I didn't care for her narration of High Noon, but she gets great reviews for the In Death series.

SFR Reading Challenge 2011

I can now understand all the excitement over Susan Erisksen's narration of JD Robb's In Death series. For as much as Ericksen's reading of High Noon frustrated me, her reading of Naked in Death pleased me. In High Noon Ericksen tended to pitch her voice up at the end of sentences in dialogs, making all the characters sound like teenagers. (High Noon is one of my favorite Nora Roberts' books.) Not only didn't she do that here, but she also has great accents for several of the primary ad secondary characters.

This book has a great plot, wonderful characters, and solid writing by Robb, aka Nora Roberts. Ericksen's excellent narration rounds this out to a guaranteed winner in audio, as well as print. I already have book 2 of the In Death series on audio, and plan to listen soon.

4* in print
5* on audio
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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

Show No Mercy by Cindy Gerard

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary. This book has been on my Goodreads TBR list since April 2010.

2.5* rounded up for goodreads.


This book has what I like to call the "Swiss cheese" plot...so many holes you see through it. The action was entertaining, the characters stereotypical but still enjoyable, and the story gritty. But overshadowing it all were the plot holes from hell.


The chemistry between the leads was lacking, as well. In truth, I was more interested in the barely mentioned secondary romance. What saved this book were the amount and quality of the action scenes.


One last thought: Mystery and suspense have always been my favorite sub-genre of romance novels. Lately, however, I'm growing tired of the ever-increasing trend to describe man's inhumanity to man in graphic, horrifying details. That, and the persistent need to have a hero (or at times heroine) more damaged, more tortured, and more haunted than the last. There comes a time when a soul can be so damaged by their past that their ability to heal becomes questionable, putting any "happy ending" in jeopardy.

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TBR Challenge- General

Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Reading Challenge 2011- General. I've had this book on my Goodreads TBR list since Sept 2010.


Fun historical romance with the added pleasure of having part of the book taking place on a ship crossing the Atlantic. Overall I enjoyed the book, although with a few caveats. I'm tired of females that let men act like jerks then melt at their first touch. The imperious brothers (both sets) and all the intra-family (and inter-family, for that matter) fighting got tiresome. I was also a little disappointed in the scene where James finally tells Georgie how he feels. I always prefer those scenes to be private.


But even with the caveats, the romance was satisfying and there was some great dialog!


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TBR Challenge- General

Lessons From a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- General. This book has been on my goodreads list since August 2010.


This book was easy for me to put down, and I started and finished several books while reading this one. The writing itself was good, but the plot was implausible and the characters were similar to those populating so many other regency romances. A decent read, but nothing unique or out of the ordinary.
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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary. This book has been on my goodreads list since February 2010.


3.5* rounded down for goodreads.
Hard to Hold is a good military (SEAL) romantic suspense novel, although it doesn't break any new ground. The lead (and his two "brothers" who are the stars of their own books in this trilogy) are a bit "too" everything-- too strong, too fast, too tortured, too reckless, too handsome, etc. In fact, all the characters in this book are too angst-ridden. There was no normal to be found.


That said, the story was compelling and Tyler doles out the backstory in small tantalizing bits, insuring the reader keeps reading to fill in all the missing pieces.


Recommended for lovers of gritty, strong (but not mean) heroes and heroines with some backbone.

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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

The Last Enemy by Pauline Baird Jones

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary. This book has been on my Amazon wishlist since April 2010.


The author's strengths are her actions scenes and her wordplay. Jones writes some of the best action scenes I've ever read. They are tense, exciting, and well-plotted. I found this true in her sci-fi rom books, and It's true for the romantic suspense, The Last Enemy. Her way with words and phrases is superior. Even in this sometimes dark suspense, Jones makes you smile and even laugh out loud at the way the female leads looks at life.


Be cautioned that this isn't a light and fluffy story. It's gritty and the body count is high. Toward the end when Dani is enduring an exhausting ordeal, the reader is right there with her. Jones does a great job describing the characters physical and emotional states.


I admit to some problems with the first 25% of the book when I didn't agree with the choices Dani made, and felt her decisions hurt others. I came to understand her reasoning better as the book went on, but for a while I was stumped. Also, there was one part of the plot (dealing with Dani's online identities and who knew what) that seemed like a plot hole, although I didn't backtrack to see if I simply missed the explanation. (One reason I prefer print books. They're easier to search for information when you need to.)


Overall, very entertaining book. I found myself reading aloud parts to my husband so he could enjoy the humor with me. There is a lot of strong attraction and emotion between the lead characters, but it isn't acted on for the most part. There is angst, and it's very well done. There is an HEA.

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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

Home for the Holidays by Sarah Mayberry

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary. This book has been on my TBR list since Dec 2010.


I'll start with the caveat that I don't care for children in romance novels for the most part. It's rare that a child character is well-written or acts/talks in an age appropriate way. (FYI, some of the best children in fiction are found in Juvenile and Young Adult fiction, especially historical fiction.) In part because of my bias, Home for the Holidays was a good-but-not-great read for me.


Pros:
Sarah Mayberry is a strong writer and always packs a lot of plot and character development in her series-length books. Her dialog is strong (excluding the children in this case) and her ability to turn on the emotional angst is a plus.


Cons:
Besides the children issue, which is a personal quirk and won't effect everyone, I felt Home for the Holidays was unfocused. Mayberry has three story arcs involving the same characters, and they happen one right after the other. This type of multiple-drama story works better in longer books. Or it works better if one drama leads into the next smoothly, which didn't happen here. The three dramatic climaxes are abrupt, imo. Since we had several story lines to get to and finish, I don't feel Joe and Hannah's developing relationship got enough time.


Bottom line: Sarah Mayberry writes as well or better than any short-form writer I've read. I still intend to glom her entire backlist because a good book from Mayberry is better than many other series authors' best efforts.


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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: contemporary. This book has been on my TBR list since January 2010.


The first quarter of the book didn't grab my interest much. The comedy in the first part of the book didn't seem funny. The reader is suppose to find humor in a shallow trophy wife pushing forty who ends up being dumped with nothing but the rock on her finger by her embezzling husband. As the book progresses, we see some character growth in Darcy, and get to know John, the man who comes to repossess her car. After the author starts to reveal some of why Darcy is the way she is, the reader can start to feel sympathy for Darcy.


The relationship between Darcy and John is the strong point in this book. It's fun, funny, and poignant. Ms. Graves does an excellent job on the secondary characters as well. There is an emotional scenes toward the end of the book that definitely tugs at your heart. What starts out as a farcical comedy turns into a sweet and believable love story. While the early attempts at humor causes me to mark the rating down a bit, the change to a character-driven love story pushes it back up. Jane Graves ends up giving the reader that satisfying emotional punch at the end that so many romances lack.


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TBR Challenge- General

The Duke And I by Julia Quinn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011-- General reads. This book has been sitting on mys shelf since August 2010.


There is a great deal to like about The Duke and I. It was an interesting take on the fake-relationship, marriage-of-convenience plot line. The writing was witting and engaging, and the banter between characters was delightful. Some of it was silly, but overall the book stayed above the "eye-roll" line due to the humor and the sometimes insightful descriptions of human nature.


Historical romances are by-and-large an untapped genre for me, so I look forward to discovering more books and authors along the way.


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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

Harvard's Education by Suzanne Brockmann

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary. This book has been on my TBR pile for about 6 months.


3.5*
Entertaining military suspense with good characters and a decent action plot. The writing was decent, the pacing and character development was consistent, and the plot was mostly realistic. Brockmann's brief scene outlining how racially prejudice our society can be was restrained but packed an emotional punch. While the book didn't sweep me off my feet, it didn't make me cringe, either, and that's a good thing. Harvard's Education was a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.


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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

Out Of Her League by Kaylea Cross

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary Romance. this book has been on my amazon wishlist since August 2010.


3.5 to 4 stars
The strength of this book is the author's characterization of the characters. Christa was especially well-done. Her PSTD was shown more realistically than I've ever encountered in a romance book. The growing attraction between Rayne and Christa was handled believable, as was Christa's reluctance to act on the attraction and Rayne's determination to give her all the time she needed. Very few women in real life recover from this kind of trauma by throwing themselves into a physical relationship.


The stalker, and the entire suspense plot, was well-plotted and a little creepy. Unfortunately, some plot points hinged on Christa making less than stellar decisions, but the decisions weren't sheer stupidity. They were decisions to try to keep living a normal life, and later a decision to put someone else's needs before hers.


Towards the very end of the book, the author chose to slow the suspense plot down and use some road trip to develop the relationship between Rayne and Christa. This part of the book didn't work for me. I found it boring and a little sappy. It felt like I was dropped in the middle of not-so-great Harlequin romance. Thankfully, this little side-trip doesn't take up too many pages.


At the end I was hoping the author would deal a little more with Christa's recovery from PTSD, since finding true love isn't a sure-fire cure. But overall this is a very good suspense story and a sweet romance. I'll be looking for more books by Ms. Cross.


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Alien Revealed by Lily Cain

Alien Revealed by Lilly Cain

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- this book has been on my TBR list since June 2010.

SFR Challenge 2011- this book is 7/15 for the "Moon" Challenge.
2.5*

The writing is decent, but the book is short and the character and plot development isn't deep. I would call this Sci-Fi Romantica, or Sci-Fi Erotic Romance. The sexuality is integral to the story, more so than the actual romance. The idea is good, and it could have been written as a longer, more in-depth study of the characters and the situation while still leaving the steam-factor just as high. This short book ends up feeling more like titillation than storytelling. All that said, I liked the characters, the sex-scenes were hot, and I'd seriously think about reading something else by the author.


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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

Power Play by Nancy Warren

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- Power Play has been on my wish list for over 6 months. June Category: Contemporary



3.5*
Entertaining and humorous story with very likeable characters. The opening scene made me laugh, and set the tone for the entire book. The characters were great, but not perfect. The attraction was there, but we didn't have to read about tingling body parts every paragraph. There were several sub-plots and numerous characters that the author wove into the story quite smoothly.


The book was sexy, but not as graphic as some Blaze titles. The love scenes felt about right for the overall light-hearted story.


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Faro's Daughterr by Georgette Heyer

Faro's Daughter by Georgette Heyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SOA Listening Challenge 2011- Relisten to a favorite book. This will be book 10 for the challenge.


A wonderful, witty romance by Georgette Heyer made even more pleasurable by the excellent narration of Eve Matheson. Faro's Daughter is one of my favorite Heyer romances because of the interaction between the hero and heroine. I love the clever dialog and the matching of wits between Deborah and Max.


As always, I wish Heyer would've taken us a scene or two past "the kiss," but I'll take what I can get. Heyer's witty historical romances are so much better than the rest of her genre.


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TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary

Hot Shot by M.J. Fredrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary. This has been on my tbr list August 2010.


3.5* I confess I can't remember why I put this on my amazon wishlist, or my TBR list, but I'm glad I did. I've read several suspense books based on firefighters lately, and didn't have a lot of hope that this one was any better. But I was pleased to see a realistically drawn heroine, and a story with more emotional depth than I'd expected. There weren't as many details about fighting forest fires as Nora Robert's Chasing Fire but the characters were more fleshed out and more human. The writing and the story were superior to Wild Heat by Bella Andre.


Peyton is a reporter who gets trained as a hot shot so she can continue her series on people with dangerous/heroic jobs. She's trying to understand her late husbands dedication to his job as a SWAT member. She's dedicated, but I appreciate that her reactions on the job, as well as her stamina, seems normal instead of some superwoman. Peyton tries hard but she's inexperienced and at times terrified. Gabe is a hot shot recovering from a heartbreak of his own, and has a long held dislike of reporters.


The suspense plot isn't as strong as it could be, but the action inside the fires is exciting, and the romance is satisfying.


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Show No Fear by Marliss Melton

Show No Fear by Marliss Melton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011 On my TBR list for over 6 months.


Show No Fear is an enjoyable book, and in several places the action is very exciting. Unfortunately, the main characters are 2-dimensional. Neither Gus nor Lucy drew me in, and and there was little chemistry between them. Parts of the plot seemed implausible, like why a UN hostage negotiation being taken into hostile territory would including women, especially knowing how dangerous it would be if the negotiations broke down and the team became more hostages. Even if women were part of the team, the reasons for including Lucy in the assignment were vague, especially since she was newly "recovered" from PTSD. It makes no sense that the first assignment back after being okayed by the psychiatrist would be a situation apt not only to cause a relapse, but to get others killed if it happened.



On top of that, Lucy's is stubborn to the point of being unprofessional several times, ragging on being a "partner" and not following the advice of the more experienced Gus. I dislike when authors have heroines do stupid things just to prove they're "tough." Invariably, the hero takes a few minutes to muse about how he loves her stubborn streak or admire her strength, then he goes all alpha trying to protect her from her own mistakes.


Lastly, while there were some very sweet moments in the relationship, Lucy's conviction that she "loves him but can't be with him" was a flimsy plot device. Melton needed to come up with a better reason for the relationship conflict than "I can't do it because I need to focus on my job."


Marliss Melton is one of my top 5 romantic suspense authors. The majority of her books I've rated 4 stars. Even though this wasn't my favorite, I did enjoy it, and I look forward to the books to come from this author.


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Primary Inversion by Catherine Asaro

Primary Inversion by Catherine Asaro

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011: General read- this book has been on my TBR list for over 6 months.

SFR Reading Challenge 2011: This finishes my "Earth Level" for the challenge, 5 sci-fi rom books in 2011. The "Moon Level" means reading 15 sci-fi rom book in 2011, and I may try for it.

SOA Listening Challenge 2011- Listen to a new-to-you author.

4.5*

Primary Inversion is a a difficult book to categorize. It definitely has romance, but it's not a typical "romance" novel. There is a "happy for now" with the hope of a "happy ever after," which is important to me as a reader, but there is so much more to this book. I think the main appeal of this book to the romance reader would be the intensely character-driven story. The sci-fi details are intricate and amazing, but the character development trumps even that. Sauscony is an amazing heroine. Her personal journey through this book is heart-rending and satisfying.


This is one of many books set in the Skolian Empire, and I plan on returning there to "visit" in the not-too-distant future.


I listened to the audiobook from audible.com narrated by the always excellent Anna Fields.


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Hot Island Nights by Sarah Mayberry

Hot Island Nights by Sarah Mayberry

TBR Challenge 2011- the is book has been on my TBR list since before 2011.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you read the back cover of this book you'd probably dismiss it as quick, hot romp, and you'd be partly right. It's a quick read, and it's steamy at times, but it isn't a "romp." Sarah Mayberry knows how to use her 200 pages to write well-drawn characters and emotional stories with real depth. Nate is an Australian man suffering from PTSD due to an accident. Elizabeth is a somewhat repressed English woman who has recently learned a startling bit of information about her past. These two end up together for what both thinks is a one-nighter, or at best a short affair. But as each one copes with the past, they find they also have to cope with the present, and hopefully the future. And that means both getting beyond the present pain. Mayberry makes you care about the characters and believe their stories. Nate is the most complex character of the book. He comes to life in this book and brings the rest of the story with him.


This is the third book I've read by Sarah Mayberry, and I plan to work my way through her backlist.


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Shield's Lady by Jayne Ann Krentz

Shield's Lady by Jayne Ann Krentz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SFR Reading Challenge 2011


The Lost Colony trilogy by Jayne Ann Krentz are some of her best work, imo. The writing is strong, the details and characters well-developed, and the romances satisfying. My favorite of the three is the first, Sweet Starfire, but I've enjoyed all three. (The second book is Crystal Flame). the books do not have to be read in order.


I was surprised when reading reviews for this book that so many readers had a problem with Gryph's attitude toward Sariana. Many seemed to feel he was a jerk to her. My reaction to the couple was just the opposite. I was on the verge of getting frustrated with Sariana because she was so manipulative and obtuse. In reality, however, both characters acted in realistic ways given their backgrounds and their understanding of events. This is the story of two cultures clashing as much as anything, and Krentz does an excellent job with these characters. She builds their actions, thoughts and words firmly on the foundation of who they are and where they've come from. Each one has a limited understanding of the others worldview and motivations. Gryph and Sariana both come to understand the other slowly, and as they do they come to appreciate each other. Gryph is apologetic for his high-handedness, and Sariana comes to understand what has motivated him and how she fits into that.


Unfortunate the book falters just a bit at the end, but it's minor, and overall this is an excellent sci-fi/fantasy and an excellent romance.

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Mind Game by Christine Feehan

Mind Game by Christine Feehan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Speaking of Audiobooks Listening Challenge 2011- While not directly fulfilling a SOA Challenge category, Mind Game is the second in the Ghostwalker series by Christine Feehan which I used to fulfill the "Listen to a series that grabs you" category.


In a word (or two or three): Mind Games is full of intensely intense intensity. ;-) Self-conscious and over-written, the book is full of dramatic adjective, verbs and adverbs. Dahlia is specially enhanced, but is in almost constant pain, feeling nausea, having convulsions and migraines, and unable to be around people. Niko was always feeling intense emotions, savagely possessive--a cold warrior whose shell is inexplicably cracked by this unhappy woman.


I love Tom Stechschulte's voice and narration style, but have to admit that for this book his somewhat slow, dramatic delivery, while sexy and mesmerizing in part, only made this book feel more sluggish than it already did.


The last half of the book moved more quickly and the story became more interesting.


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Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan

Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011; General- this book was on my TBR list for almost 6 months then I removed it. I added it back when I was able to buy it at Border's close-out sale.

3.5*
Proof by Seduction was very entertaining in parts, and somewhat tedious in others. I enjoyed the parts of the book dealing with Jenny and Gareth, but found those dealing with Ned to be somewhat boring. In fact, the one thing that really made this book was Gareth. Courtney Milan did an excellent job with his character, from the coldness at first to the way he slowly grows through the book. He is the best "awkward" hero I've encountered.

Since Ned wasn't my favorite character in this book, the second book, Trial by Desire which features him as the male lead, seems less appealing. However, since I own the book, I'll eventually read it.


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Breaking Point by Pamela Clare

Breaking Point by Pamela Clare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011; General- Books that have been on my TBR list since before January 2011. Breaking Point has been on my list since September 2010.


It's been a while since I read the first four I-Teams books, but this installment definitely seemed grittier. That doesn't detract from the book, it was just a difference I noted early on. Pamela Clare does an excellent job with the grit, tension and angst in Breaking Point. As many other reviewers have noted, I was on the edge of my seat and didn't want to put the book down.



One of the several themes in the book was about dealing with survivor guilt. Both Natalie and Zach had traumatic experiences that had left them living half-lives, although Natalie was functioning better on the surface than Zach. This aspect of both characters was particularly well done by Clare. Too many romance novel characters are described as "tortured" but the authors aren't able to build a believable case for the readers. Clare weaves the past trauma into the present story in a way that comes through to the reader are real and believable.



The violence in the story was difficult to read, even more so because it is based on factual events. Knowing there have been dozens of women who have gone through this brutality is deeply troubling. In fact, there's a great deal of good, if troubling, information about US and Mexico, and their relationships past and present in this book. It is obvious Ms. Clare has done her research thoroughly.


For the most part I thought the love story was balanced and believable, with the tension coming from the characters troubled pasts, plus the dangerous situation they are in at present, and not from plot devices like "big misunderstandings.". I have only a few caveats and they are minor. One, the resolution of Zach's guilt with the dream sequence was moving but a little cheesy. Secondly, I thought there was too much sex. ;-) I know it's sacrilege of me to say so, but a couple of the sex scenes made me have to suspend disbelief too much. That's not to say they weren't scorching hot and well written, they were both.


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TBR Challenge- May Category #2

Tall Tales and Wedding Veils by Jane Graves

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011: May category- Marriage of convenience. this book has been on my library to-read list since Sept 2010.


I've enjoyed other Jane Graves' books, especially I Got You, Babe, so I shouldn't have been surprised that I enjoyed Tall Tales, Wedding Veils as much as I did. I think I was surprised because of the plot: two drunk almost-strangers get married in Vegas, decide for some reason they need to stay married a while before calling it quits, find out how difficult it is to have to deceive people you care about, and end up falling for each other against all odds. That should be a tired, boring story, but Graves didn't write a tired boring story, even if the plot is a well-used one. Heather and Tony are likeable, well-developed characters, and if they are little too caught up in their own lives to see other clearly, they are still good people trying to do the right thing. The relationship between the two was funny and poignant, and the dialog was often humorous. Even though I figured, being a romance book and all, there would be a "happily ever after" I was still pulled into the tension and moments of pain of their story. I liked that the characters tried to talk to each other and that even though the break felt real, the desire to communicate and the underlying relationship Heather and Tony had already established showed through.


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Testarossa by Julie Dolcemaschio

Testarossa by Julie Dolcemaschio

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

TBR Challenge 2011: General- Books that have been on my TBR list since before 2011. This one has been on my amazon.com wish list since June 2010.
4.5*
As I read Testarossa I realized that if done well, the first person POV is an amazingly effective way to immerse your reader in the life and emotions of main character. Julie Dolcemaschio uses the first person POV very well. I heard John's voice as I read the book, actually heard his speaking voice in my head. Each time I picked up the book I stepped into John Testarossa's head and lived there for the duration. I never felt like I didn't know enough about what was going on in other characters heads, because this was how it was suppose to be, this was how we each live, and the writing here was so realistic that I could do that, I could live in Johnny's head and experience his life as he did.



Testarossa is a story of a LA homicide detective. We follow along while Testarossa does his work, day to day. We meet his friends, feel his emotions, experience the horror and the humor. There is one over-arching story in the mix, but the day-to-day work and life of the detective seems to be just as important as the murder mystery. This book is realistic. Nothing was solved in a day or two, and while the detectives worked on one big case, they are continually called out on other cases, which the reader experiences along with the detective. We also he him falling in love. The relationship between Karen and Johnny is so well done. The realism of the relationship might give a few romance readers pause, because this book is less like fiction and more like life, messy.

Testarossa is a complicated man and as the book unfolds we learn of his past and the very large secret he lives with, and how that secret is tearing up the good in his life. At the beginning of each chapter is a short third-person account from Johnny's childhood and young adult life. These short narratives aren't in chronological order, but they help the reader piece together what makes Johnny tick. It is extremely well done, and I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter to get a little more of the back story. John, like his father before him it seems, is a complex mix of honor, violence, weakness, bravery, and fierce loyalty. This isn't a man with a supposed secret, or a hidden sin that turns out not to be what it seems. This is a man who really is tormented about his decisions.


I highly recommend this book, which I believe (hope, pray) is part of a series. The author takes a few pages to find her footing, but by the end of the first chapter John's voice is there and it's mesmerizing. The details of his life, work, love, and the descriptions of the city, the food, and the people come to life. Be forewarned that his book ends without resolution to several things, including John's relationship with Karen, although there is hope. If the next installment where out, I'd be buying it today. This book is like being addicted to a great TV series where you get so invested in the characters you can't wait to get back to them.

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