Now You See Her by Linda Howard
TBR Challenge 2012-Personal Category: This book has been on my to-read list since Dec 10, 2010.
4/5 stars
Grade A-/B+
This book has been on my to-read list for over a year, but I never got around to getting a print copy. When it was available for a good price as an audiobook on audible, I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I listened to the audiobook instead of reading the book. While I would have liked the book in print, I can't help but think the narrator increased my enjoyment quite a bit. Narrator Laura Lefkow's unusual delivery worked perfectly for the heroine. The reader felt the distracted way Sweeney's mind worked, complete with her vagueness and social unease. It was very well done.
Although I figured out the killer early on, I still enjoyed the mystery. The characters, from Sweeney and Richard to the secondary characters, like the police detectives, were well fleshed out and enjoyable. The dialogue was well written and made sense, something I always appreciate!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
TBR Challenge for March, plus SFR Reading Challenge 2012
Parallel Desire by Deidre Knight
3/5 stars Grade C+
TBR Challenge @012: March category-- Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on)
This book has been on my to read list since Jan 7, 2010. I've had difficulty finding it since it's oop, but finally found one in a used book store recently.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 8/15
A decent SFR but it could have been better. A long break between reading the previous book in the series and this one didn't help my enjoyment any, but that wasn't the only reason this book fell short of the others in the series. The plot didn't make a lot of sense, and the relationships became the main storyline instead of a good balance between the story and the relationships. Much of the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural as well.
Since it's been several years now and no other book has been forthcoming in this series, i guess we won't find out exactly what happens in the War between the Antousians and the Rafarians for control of Earth. I'm guessing since we're still here it must have turned out okay.
3/5 stars Grade C+
TBR Challenge @012: March category-- Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on)
This book has been on my to read list since Jan 7, 2010. I've had difficulty finding it since it's oop, but finally found one in a used book store recently.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 8/15
A decent SFR but it could have been better. A long break between reading the previous book in the series and this one didn't help my enjoyment any, but that wasn't the only reason this book fell short of the others in the series. The plot didn't make a lot of sense, and the relationships became the main storyline instead of a good balance between the story and the relationships. Much of the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural as well.
Since it's been several years now and no other book has been forthcoming in this series, i guess we won't find out exactly what happens in the War between the Antousians and the Rafarians for control of Earth. I'm guessing since we're still here it must have turned out okay.
Monday, March 19, 2012
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
Isolation by A.B. Gayle
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 6/15
3.5*
Grade B-/C+
I, for one, want to encourage writers to pen more science fiction romance novels. In the tradition of Linnea Sinclair, solid SF mixed with romance is an exciting and enjoyable genre. Isolation hits the mark well enough for me to recommend it to SFR fans, although it's not perfect.
The basic storyline is quite good and unique. The book is about an Earth mission to colonize a distant Saa'ar planet and the problems that ensue when someone's unknown agenda ends up killing the aliens and stranding the colonists on a space station. The characters are well-drawn for the most part, and the SF details included show the author has done her research. (I liked the interactive computer game the colonists played on board. That was a good touch.) The problem comes with putting all these good points together in a cohesive whole. Somehow the author just misses making the story read as a smooth, continuous entity. There were a few too many side trips with details that were interesting bu interrupted the flow of the story. There was also an occasional scene that left me feeling that the author had a very certain visualization of the scene in her head, but not all of it communicated to the printed page, leaving the reader a little confused about what was going on. This includes the motivations or future plans of the villains of the story, which I never quite understood. Lastly, a few of the character interactions were a bit stiff, and didn't have an authentic feel to them. (Note to author if your reading along: the scene were the captain shows Ethan the gun. I didn't understand the significance of that scene, or why the captain was nervous.)
While the main characters get their resolution, the story ends rather without the larger story arc resolved. I was glad to see this is the first of a series, which means I'll probably get my answers in the next installment.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 6/15
Read from March 15 to 19, 2012
3.5*
Grade B-/C+
I, for one, want to encourage writers to pen more science fiction romance novels. In the tradition of Linnea Sinclair, solid SF mixed with romance is an exciting and enjoyable genre. Isolation hits the mark well enough for me to recommend it to SFR fans, although it's not perfect.
The basic storyline is quite good and unique. The book is about an Earth mission to colonize a distant Saa'ar planet and the problems that ensue when someone's unknown agenda ends up killing the aliens and stranding the colonists on a space station. The characters are well-drawn for the most part, and the SF details included show the author has done her research. (I liked the interactive computer game the colonists played on board. That was a good touch.) The problem comes with putting all these good points together in a cohesive whole. Somehow the author just misses making the story read as a smooth, continuous entity. There were a few too many side trips with details that were interesting bu interrupted the flow of the story. There was also an occasional scene that left me feeling that the author had a very certain visualization of the scene in her head, but not all of it communicated to the printed page, leaving the reader a little confused about what was going on. This includes the motivations or future plans of the villains of the story, which I never quite understood. Lastly, a few of the character interactions were a bit stiff, and didn't have an authentic feel to them. (Note to author if your reading along: the scene were the captain shows Ethan the gun. I didn't understand the significance of that scene, or why the captain was nervous.)
While the main characters get their resolution, the story ends rather without the larger story arc resolved. I was glad to see this is the first of a series, which means I'll probably get my answers in the next installment.
Monday, March 12, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012
Montana Sky by Nora Roberts
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Contemporary 4/4
Narrated by Erika Leigh
3.5*
Grade B-
Montana Sky is a solid romantic suspense novel with a decent balance of romance and suspense. The suspense plot was somewhat graphic and at times disturbing, but the author doesn't dwell on it too much or for too long. I can be pretty wimpy about graphic violence, and while there were unpleasant parts, they were over with fairly quickly.
The romance here is fairly typical for a Roberts' suspense novel. The suspense is probably the main focus, but the relationship isn't out of the spotlight too much. Or, in this case, one of the three romances always seemed to be in focus most of the time. The suspense is well-developed, with a few surprises thrown in.
As with most of Roberts' suspense novels, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about about the setting--here it's running a cattle ranch in Montana. The author always does a good job of making the setting feel like one of the main characters in her novels.
The narration by Erika Leigh was fine. Not great but it didn't put me off the book. I did find myself thinking how a really talented narration would have brought this book up a level in enjoyment. A dual narration would work especially well for this book because of the wide variety and large number of both male and female characters.
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Contemporary 4/4
Narrated by Erika Leigh
3.5*
Grade B-
Montana Sky is a solid romantic suspense novel with a decent balance of romance and suspense. The suspense plot was somewhat graphic and at times disturbing, but the author doesn't dwell on it too much or for too long. I can be pretty wimpy about graphic violence, and while there were unpleasant parts, they were over with fairly quickly.
The romance here is fairly typical for a Roberts' suspense novel. The suspense is probably the main focus, but the relationship isn't out of the spotlight too much. Or, in this case, one of the three romances always seemed to be in focus most of the time. The suspense is well-developed, with a few surprises thrown in.
As with most of Roberts' suspense novels, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about about the setting--here it's running a cattle ranch in Montana. The author always does a good job of making the setting feel like one of the main characters in her novels.
The narration by Erika Leigh was fine. Not great but it didn't put me off the book. I did find myself thinking how a really talented narration would have brought this book up a level in enjoyment. A dual narration would work especially well for this book because of the wide variety and large number of both male and female characters.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
SOA and SFR Reading Challenges 2012
Komarr by Lois McMaster Bujold
SOA Listening Challenge: Spread Your Listening-- paranormal/fantasy/SF 4/4
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 5/15
Grade A+
A 5 star review with no hesitation or caveats. Even though I've only listened to [book:Shards of Honour|61903] and am just now reading the first actual Miles book, [book:The Warrior's Apprentice|61906], I never felt lost during this story. (I do think I missed a few inside jokes, though.) I plan to go back and read the entire series now.
The writing, the story, the humor, the characters--all pitch perfect. And the narration was equally wonderful.
I highly recommend listening/reading to Komarr before going on to [book:A Civil Campaign|61899], a book that is very popular with romance readers. I can't imagine not knowing the entire backstory to Miles and Ekaterin. Komarr is the book where Miles falls in love. Komarr is really Ekaterin's story and what a wonderful character to get to know.
Highly recommended.
SOA Listening Challenge: Spread Your Listening-- paranormal/fantasy/SF 4/4
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 5/15
Grade A+
A 5 star review with no hesitation or caveats. Even though I've only listened to [book:Shards of Honour|61903] and am just now reading the first actual Miles book, [book:The Warrior's Apprentice|61906], I never felt lost during this story. (I do think I missed a few inside jokes, though.) I plan to go back and read the entire series now.
The writing, the story, the humor, the characters--all pitch perfect. And the narration was equally wonderful.
I highly recommend listening/reading to Komarr before going on to [book:A Civil Campaign|61899], a book that is very popular with romance readers. I can't imagine not knowing the entire backstory to Miles and Ekaterin. Komarr is the book where Miles falls in love. Komarr is really Ekaterin's story and what a wonderful character to get to know.
Highly recommended.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012
Late to the Wedding by Amanda Quick
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Historical 4/4
3.5*
Grade B
I've enjoyed all three of the Lavinia Lake, Tobias March books, but this is definitely my favorite. The suspense plot was good, with interesting twists. I knew something odd was going on, but couldn't figure out the timing. The ending was interesting and satisfying. While I could have done without the slightly paranormal parts of the books, overall I enjoyed the characters in all three, and in this one especially. I felt Lavinia and Tobias worked much better together in this book, and there was less stubbornness and arguing going on. I liked the mutual respect they showed and the way they worked together.
The narrator, Josephine Bailey, was quite good. Definitely a 4 star or better narration.
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Historical 4/4
3.5*
Grade B
I've enjoyed all three of the Lavinia Lake, Tobias March books, but this is definitely my favorite. The suspense plot was good, with interesting twists. I knew something odd was going on, but couldn't figure out the timing. The ending was interesting and satisfying. While I could have done without the slightly paranormal parts of the books, overall I enjoyed the characters in all three, and in this one especially. I felt Lavinia and Tobias worked much better together in this book, and there was less stubbornness and arguing going on. I liked the mutual respect they showed and the way they worked together.
The narrator, Josephine Bailey, was quite good. Definitely a 4 star or better narration.
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge
The Shy Bride by Lucy Monroe
3/5 stars Grade B-/C+
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge. Added to Amazon wish list Aug 9, 2010.
The Shy Bride is an unexpectedly sweet, non-angsty romance. The Greek billionaire tycoon turns out to be arrogant and somewhat controlling, but never mean or dismissive. The author write him with just enough vulnerability to make him sympathetic and likeable. The agoraphobia story line was interesting, as well.
The writing is serviceable with no major eye-rolling moments. After all, these books aren't suppose to be believable, they're contemporary fantasies. Overall a fun way to spend a few hours.
3/5 stars Grade B-/C+
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge. Added to Amazon wish list Aug 9, 2010.
The Shy Bride is an unexpectedly sweet, non-angsty romance. The Greek billionaire tycoon turns out to be arrogant and somewhat controlling, but never mean or dismissive. The author write him with just enough vulnerability to make him sympathetic and likeable. The agoraphobia story line was interesting, as well.
The writing is serviceable with no major eye-rolling moments. After all, these books aren't suppose to be believable, they're contemporary fantasies. Overall a fun way to spend a few hours.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Speaking of Audiobooks Listening Challenge 2012
Faking It by Jennifer Crusie
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Contemporary 3/4
4 of 5 stars Grade A-/B+
What a roller coaster ride! I was hesitant about listening to this audiobook because I didn't like Welcome to Temptation, including Davy, who is the lead in Faking It. I finally gave it a try and while it wasn't a complete success for me, it was a great book. Faking It is different from Welcome to Temptation mainly because it was peopled with quirky characters who were also likable. Even the "bad guys" were mostly likable, or at least humorous. (I didn't like ANYONE in WtT except Phin's daughter, Dilly.)
Davy's manipulative father, all the secret keeping, and, after a while, even the clever internal monologuing got to be irritating, but thankfully Crusie never let it go on too long. Just when I thought the lack of honestly was going to keep Davy and Tilda apart for most of the book, the author chose to give them (and the reader) a break.
The book is genuinely funny, with some of the best dialog (and internal musings) I've ever read. The characters were quirky without being caricatures, which is difficult to pull off.
The narration by Aasne Vigesaa was just about perfect, as well. Her comedic timing was spot on, and her character voices were clear without her trying to fake the men's voices. Excellent job.
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Contemporary 3/4
4 of 5 stars Grade A-/B+
What a roller coaster ride! I was hesitant about listening to this audiobook because I didn't like Welcome to Temptation, including Davy, who is the lead in Faking It. I finally gave it a try and while it wasn't a complete success for me, it was a great book. Faking It is different from Welcome to Temptation mainly because it was peopled with quirky characters who were also likable. Even the "bad guys" were mostly likable, or at least humorous. (I didn't like ANYONE in WtT except Phin's daughter, Dilly.)
Davy's manipulative father, all the secret keeping, and, after a while, even the clever internal monologuing got to be irritating, but thankfully Crusie never let it go on too long. Just when I thought the lack of honestly was going to keep Davy and Tilda apart for most of the book, the author chose to give them (and the reader) a break.
The book is genuinely funny, with some of the best dialog (and internal musings) I've ever read. The characters were quirky without being caricatures, which is difficult to pull off.
The narration by Aasne Vigesaa was just about perfect, as well. Her comedic timing was spot on, and her character voices were clear without her trying to fake the men's voices. Excellent job.
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