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 The most interesting parts of the book had to do with (somewhat outdated) information on the Russian economy as it switched to free market, or amber.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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