tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102808336408601982024-03-08T07:35:01.891-05:00Eclectic Experiment Take 2Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-89695011314861246692012-10-17T11:52:00.001-04:002012-10-17T11:52:54.986-04:00TBR Challenge 2012- October<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Warlord's Daughter</span> by Susan Grant</b><br />
<br />
<b>Oct TBR Challenge: Romantic Suspense or Paranormal Romance</b><br />
<b>The Warlord's Daughter</b> has been on my TBR list since Oct 14, 2011.<b> </b><br />
<b>This book also qualifies as a SFR Reading Challenge 2012 book.</b><br />
<br />
3 stars<br />
Grade C+<br />
<br />
It was great to catch up with several of the characters from <b>Moonstruck</b>, but otherwise this book was uninspired. I counted it for the TBR Challenge because it is a science fiction romance, which is the closest I came to a romantic suspense or paranormal this month. Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-9805393626295264942012-07-18T12:35:00.001-04:002012-07-18T12:35:30.206-04:00TBR Challenge 2012: How did this get here?<span style="font-size: large;">Loving Evangeline <span style="font-size: small;">by Linda Howard</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2/5 stars</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grade C-/D+ </span></span> <br />
<br />
TBR Challenge 2012: July Category-- How did this get here?<br /><br />I'm not sure why <strong>Loving Evangeline</strong> got on my to-read list, perhaps because of the author, but here it is! And it's been here for almost a year.<br /><br />I
enjoyed Evie, and the suspense was fine, but the manipulative bastard
of a hero was too much for me. His actions were so unfeeling and cold,
and I was never convinced he was sorry for them. And the "one look at
her and he's got to have her even if she's guilty of treason" is way
over the top.<br /><br />It was okay because the general writing was decent and I liked several of the characters, but the hero was not my type at all.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-26721042655200922472012-06-19T22:04:00.002-04:002012-06-19T22:04:23.970-04:00TBR Challnege 2012- June Category: Western<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sunrise Over Texas<span style="font-size: small;"> by M. J. Fredick</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">TBR Challenge 2012--June Category: Western. <b>Sunrise Over Texas</b> has been on my TBR list since 2010.<br /><br />Grade B-/C+<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sunrise Over Texas</b> is a the story of a three women left alone in a Texas fort in winter. Katherine "Kit" Barkley is a widow taking care of her late husband's mother and sister. They have no way to get to the nearest settlement, and don't have enough provisions to last the winter. Indians are also a concern. Into this scene rides Trace, a man running from a painful past and now too sick to ride further. Kit nurses him back to health and the two wary strangers find themselves drawn to each other. <br /><br />I liked that Kit is portrayed as a woman with strong feeling and desires. Trace is more of a beta male, and it was a refreshing change. Although non-alpha, he was strong and sexy. I would like to read more books where the relationship is one of mutual strength, like Trace and Kit. I did get tired of Kit constantly being called "stubborn" because she made up her mind and had confidence in her decisions. Just because there was a man around didn't mean she couldn't think for herself.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the writing lacked pizazz. It wasn't bad, but it didn't sparkle, especially the dialogue. Still, it was a good story and I will read more by this author. My favorite book by Fredrick so far is </span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">Hot Shot.</span></b>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-43387388953452737112012-06-19T21:44:00.002-04:002012-06-19T21:44:31.338-04:00TBR Challenge 2012--Personal Challenge<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shattered <span style="font-size: small;">by Karen Robards</span></span></b><br />
<br />
4 of 5 stars<br />
Grade A-<br />
<br />
TBR Challenge 2012--Personal Challenge: Shattered has been on my to-read list since 2010.<br /><br />I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense by Robards. The plotting is well done and I like both main characters. The mystery defies solution for most of the book. I could almost figure it out, but a few details prove elusive. The author does withhold one clue until the end, but it was necessary for the story. <br /><br />Robards weaves all the parts of the story together, including the mutual history of Lisa and Scott. I liked that the heroine is no blushing ingenue, but instead an apologetically experienced woman.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-8921259611137322992012-06-06T11:43:00.000-04:002012-06-06T11:43:13.540-04:00TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challennge<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shades of Gray<span style="font-size: small;"> by Brooke McKinley</span></span></b><br />
<br />
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge-- This book has been on my TBR list since June 2011.<br /><br />4.5* <br />Grade A<br /><br />
<b><i>Shades of Gray</i></b> is a well written book with great characters. I was drawn into the story from the first page. During the book, I found I was continually made to rethink preconceived ideas about what makes a person "good" or "bad." Both main characters, Danny and Miller, grow and change throughout the novel, overcoming, backsliding, and then moving ahead again. At first I thought of Miller as the "good guy" and Danny as the broken one, but as the story progresses I saw the flaws within Miller and the goodness within Danny.<br /><br />The writing is tight, with no useless characters or information. McKinley does a masterful job of character development, but also with the action plot and the sexual tension. Even though the world of drug dealers and FBI agents is almost totally foreign to me, the character development felt real, and very believable. That doesn't mean every aspect of the story was believable, but overall the message and the people were real.<br /><br />There is resolution, but not a neatly tied up ribbons-and-rainbows ending for everyone. That, too, makes it feel more realistic. Recommended.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-38976891939750545402012-06-01T21:00:00.002-04:002012-06-01T21:00:33.072-04:00SFR Reading Challenge 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wreck of the Nebula Dream</span> by Veronica Scott</b><br />
<br />
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 Book 13<br /><br />3.5*<br />Grade B<br /><br />This was a very enjoyable SFR.<i> Wreck of the Nebula Dream </i>is a retelling of the Titanic disaster with a futuristic space setting. The story is very well done and the plot moves quickly. The group trying to survive came upon realistic obstacles throughout. It kept me interested and reading. The main character, Nick, is well drawn and capable. He's a talented Special Forces officer, but he's not perfect. Mara is less well developed, but she's a sympathetic character. The secondary characters are well done, even the children. <br /><br />I would have liked to see more development in the relationship between Nick and Mara, although what was there was sweet. I do appreciate the author not having the couple fall into bed during a major crisis. The short moments of tenderness between the leads were believable and appropriate to the story. Don't let the lack of overt sex scenes keep you from reading. It's a good story.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-18259092412053271222012-05-15T19:19:00.002-04:002012-05-15T19:19:57.607-04:00TBR Challenge 2012-- May Category<b><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview96107005"><span style="font-size: large;">Cry Wolf <span style="font-size: small;">by Tami Hoag</span></span></span></span></b><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview96107005"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview96107005">TBR Challenge 2012: May Challenge- Read a book published prior to 2000.<br />TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge- <em>Cry Wolf</em> has been on my to-read list since March 2010.<br /><br />Grade C+<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/624873.Lucky_s_Lady" title="Lucky's Lady by Tami Hoag">Lucky's Lady</a> is one of my favorite romantic suspense books, and I looked forward to reading <em>Cry Wolf</em>
when I saw it was labeled Doucet #3. Other than sharing the Bayou
setting and having a one line mention of Lucky Doucet, there is nothing
to tie this book to the others. Lucky's Lady also dealt with family
troubles and a tortured hero, but I was able to believe the
transformations and the happy ending. <em>Cry Wolf</em> on the other
hand is one long downer. The book is full of characters who have been
abused and traumatized. A few of the topics covered include repeated
sexual abuse of a child by a custodial step-parent, physical abuse by an
alcoholic parent, patricide, a disbarred lawyer, suicide, nervous
breakdown, cold social climbing parent, and so much more. There are no
well-adjusted characters here.<br /><br />The suspense plot was slow to
unravel, and the relationship between Jack and Laurel was push-me
pull-you for half the book. The heavy angst in both of them was
exhausting. Laurel is suppose to be a strong character, and in some ways
she comes through in the end, but overall she seems helpless in the
face of her grief over her failed case and loss of career. She seems
like a ship tossed around on a stormy sea in every relationship: with
her sister, her mother, Jack, Stephen, the sheriff, Jimmy Lee, and even
the local bar patrons. <br /><br />Even when the mystery is solved, I wasn't
convinced of the happy ending. Way too much baggage weigh the
characters down. Their HEA won't come without years of therapy for both
of them.<br /><br />I gave it 3 stars because the writing is good and the mystery kept me glued to the pages.</span></span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-36395630130781437432012-04-22T19:17:00.000-04:002012-04-22T19:17:22.702-04:00SOA and SFR Reading Challenges<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview310822364"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Vor Game by <span style="font-size: small;">Lois McMaster Bujold</span></span></b> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview310822364">SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Surprise Me 2nd Quarter<br />Choice #4--Listen to a non-romance<br /><br />SFR Reading Challenge 2012 #12- I was doing the Moon Challenge (15 books) but will now up my status to the next level.<br /><br />4.5*<br />Grade A<br /><br />Watching
Miles "grow up" is almost as difficult and nerve wracking as watching
my own children's progress. Although I'm very grateful my children won't
be juggling the future of the known universe in their hands any time
soon. I was on the edge of my seat for much of the book, and laughing
out loud for much of the rest. Miles is a wonderful character, and his
over-confidence and bravado inspire both admiration and horror. This is
my first time through the series, and I can't help wondering if the
impact of the decisions Miles has had to make, including the mistakes,
is going to come back to haunt him. And I wonder if he'll ever think
he's achieved enough to make up for his disabilities.<br /><br />Bujold is a
master at convoluted, many-layered plots. Reading her one of her books
is always a pleasure. The narration by Grover Gardner is excellent as
always. While he doesn't change his voice a great deal for his
characters, he does have a different inflection for each character,
especially during dialogues, and it's easy to follow along.</span></span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-11879856039624659362012-04-18T16:12:00.002-04:002012-04-18T16:12:26.543-04:00SOA Listening Challenge 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">No Rest for the Wicked<span style="font-size: small;"> by Kresley Cole</span></span></b><br />
<br />
SOA listening Challenge 2012 Surprise Me 2nd Quarter--Choice #2 Listen to a romance narrated by a man.<br /><br />Narrator Robert Petkoff<br /><br />4.5*<br />Grade A<br /><i>No Rest for the Wicked</i> is the second book set in Kresley Cole's very imaginative universe. It follows closely on the heels of the excellent [book:A Hunger Like No Other|14384], and continues the complex and entertaining world-building started in that book. This book centers around Kaderin the Cold-Heart, a Valkyrie who was "blessed" with no emotions after almost going crazy witnessing the brutal deaths of her two sisters almost 1000 years ago. Her purpose in life now is to slay as many vampires as possible in revenge. That brings her to a lonely castle to kill the vampire, Sebastian. Sebastian was made a vampire against his will and has lived in self-loathing and solitude for over 200 years, drinking only the blood of animals. Both Sebastian and Kaderin end up in a sort of supernatural scavenger hunt called the Hie, where winning could mean changing the past. Along with the adventure, Kaderin has to come to terms with her growing feelings for Sebastian.<br /><br />Both Sebastian and Kaderin are great characters. Sebastian is an interesting mix of alpha and beta hero qualities, at once demanding and controlling, and yet inexperienced and unsure of himself as well. His beta qualities make him vulnerable and sympathetic, and his alpha qualities make him swoon-worthy. Kaderin was irritating in the first part of the book, but her softening heart makes her a much more enjoyable and sympathetic heroine as the book progresses. The two together are dynamite. <br /><br />The audiobook is narrated by the talented Robert Petkoff. His voicing of the many accents and his ability to do both male and female characters well makes him a perfect choice for this series. He differentiates the characters very well, even when voicing two males with Slavic accents, or two Valkyrie sisters. His timing and inflection when reading dialogue is excellent. He delivers humorous lines with the right "punch" and is good at knowing just the right inflection needed for the context. My only caveat, and this is a small one, is that the love scenes are delivered a little too dramatically for my tastes, and Kaderin sometimes ends up sounding too breathy. Overall, however, this is an enjoyable story made even better by an excellent narration.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-17878302197231210492012-04-18T09:07:00.001-04:002012-04-18T09:09:34.484-04:00TBR and SFR Reading Challenges 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">Girl Gone Nova<span style="font-size: small;"> by Pauline Baird Jones</span></span></b><br />
<br />
A-<br />
4/5 stars<br />
<br />
TBR Reading Challenge 2012: Personal challenge-- This book was originally added to my to-read list June 10, 2010.<br /><br />SFR Reading Challenge 2012: book 10 of 15 for Moon Challenge<br /><br /><em>Girl Gone Nova</em>
is quite a roller-coaster ride! What stands out for me, both now and as
I read it, was what you don't know about what is going on. The catch is
that you <em>know</em> you don't know the what and why. It's like
walking on a familiar path but in the fog. You feel both sure and unsure
of where you're going and it keeps you alert.<br /><br />Pauline Baird
Jones has written a complex puzzle of a plot, mixing time and space
travel, advanced technology such as nanoagents, and good old-fashion
military space opera. This book is the second of a series, and reading
the first book, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2679498.The_Key" title="The Key by Pauline Baird Jones">The Key</a>,
is recommended for complete understanding of some major plot points.
It's not absolutely necessary, but some things the reader is assumed to
know and understand, so it's helpful to have read it.<br /><br />The
plotting is masterful. I enjoyed trying to guess what was actually going
on and how the author was going to resolve it all. When time-travel is
thrown in the mix, things can get complicated quickly and making a
coherent story out of it can be a challenge. For the most part, Ms.
Jones succeeds, although the ending got a bit muddled. The resolution
was more complicated than necessary and ended up detracting from the
story overall for me. <span>One less trip through time would
have been better. The last trip was confusing and oddly unsatisfying,
bringing up more questions than it answered. </span><br /><br />Doc
and Hel were both unique, and Ms. Jones succeeds in developing their
characters slowly and satisfyingly throughout the book. Her secondary
characters were also interesting and often well-defined. <br /><br />My only
other caveat is that the book dragged in places due to too much
internal musing by the characters. Granted, the musing was usually
entertaining and even enlightening, but just because something is good
doesn't mean it adds to the story. The internal musing too often came in
the middle of key scenes and slowed down the action. Removing some
paragraphs, or even removing some sentences from some paragraphs could
have tightened up the flow of the book.<br /><br />Overall recommended for SFR lovers. I've already downloaded the next two books in the series and look forward to reading them.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-90327128727742240672012-04-13T21:30:00.003-04:002012-04-13T21:31:08.860-04:00TBR Challenge 2012: April Category<b><span style="font-size: large;">Release <span style="font-size: small;">by Beth Kery</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview90115338">TBR Challenge 2012: April Category-- A new-to-you author. <i>Release</i> has been on my to-read list since February 17, 2010.<br /><br />3.5*<br />Grade B+<br /><br /><i>Release</i>
is an enjoyable erotic romantic suspense. Erotica romance is not my
favorite genre, so that impacts my final rating of the book. I was quite
interested in the suspense plot and the gradually unfolding backstory
concerning Max, Sean, and Genny. I was less interested in the lengthy
and highly detailed sex scenes. I didn't enjoy the recounting of the
menage (told in retrospect) because the husband, Max, put me off.
Otherwise, the sex scenes were very hot, and even though I was more
interested in the suspense plot I did appreciate how well-written they
were. <br /><br />Unfortunately, the suspense plot had a few too many holes
in it. One person's blackmail "evidence" pointing to the supposed
murderer would never had stood up in court. Photos can be doctored or
faked, and even <i>I</i> could figure out where the guy came up with his key physical evidence. <br /><br />So
the suspense plot didn't quite hold up, but was still entertaining. The
sex was frequent, detailed and well-written. to paraphrase my friend
Jane from her review (<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/123635489">http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/123635489</a>), you don't read this book for the plot. ;-)</span></span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-76865035005032656272012-04-13T21:27:00.003-04:002012-04-13T21:27:36.065-04:00SFR Reading Challenge 2012<b><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview289619010"><span style="font-size: large;">The Warrior's Apprentice (Vorkosigan Saga #4) <span style="font-size: small;">by Lois McMaster Bujold</span></span> </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview289619010">SFR Reading Challenge 2012 7/15<br />Free from the Baen Free Library.<br /><br />I
admit I wasn't as pulled into this one as early or as powerfully as the
other Vorkosigan books I've read so far, but this was also the first on
I hadn't listened to on audio. I did find the middle section of the
book somewhat convoluted and had trouble keeping the (many) characters
and factions straight. But I have to marvel at how much detail Bujold
puts into her books, and how layered the plots and characters are.
Amazing, really. Just when you want to dub the series "light," Bujold
throws in something sobering and very, very disturbing.<br /><br />Miles is a
great character, and I liked seeing him at what is essentially the
beginning of his story. I love the humor, and I like that Miles, while
the "hero" of the tale and obviously a likeable person, is definitely
not perfect or blameless.</span></span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-65752531739551174772012-04-08T13:10:00.000-04:002012-04-13T21:28:40.520-04:00SFR and SOA Reading Challenges 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">After Glow <span style="font-size: small;">by Jayne Castle</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b>SOA Reading Challenge 2012 Surprise Me by Quarter: Quarter 2</b>
<br />
<br />
Choice #3 – Rounding Out the Family – Listen to a romance where a
child (under 18) or pet plays a significant role. (Fuzz, the dust bunny)
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>SFR Reading Challenge 2012 9/15</b>
<br />
<br />
2.5* rounded up to 3*
<br />
Grade C+
<br />
<br />
Mildly entertaining futuristic suspense novel hampered by clunky
writing and too much telling. I generally enjoy JAK in all her
permutations, but this isn't one of her best. Lydia and Emmett skirted
around actually talking about their true feelings for most of the book.
That's a cliched romance novel trope, but it could've been used to
create a little angst and distant between them, which could potentially
have set the stage for an emotional confrontation/discussion. Instead,
the tension basically was allowed to fizzle in one half-hearted
conversation.
<br />
<br />
The suspense plot was decent, but convoluted, and there were too many plot holes.
Like why hadn't anyone found the secret chamber before? Lydia got out
once through a series of tunnels not involving the big trap, is it
reasonable that someone hadn't stumbled on the chamber from that
direction before?Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-12328724018452312352012-04-03T17:29:00.002-04:002012-04-03T17:30:06.203-04:00TBR Reading Challenge 2012--Personal Category<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blue Flame <span style="font-size: small;">by Jill Shalvis</span></span></b> <br />
<br />
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal category. This book has been on my to-read list for over a year while I tried to find a used copy.
<br />
<br />
A-/B+
<br />
<br />
Jill Shalvis's Firefighter Trilogy are some of my favorite books by
this author. She's written other romantic suspense titles, but these
seem to be the most complex as far as characterizations and story. In <i>Blue Flame</i>,
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Callie and Jake. Jake was
a player, and it was interesting to watch him come to terms with his
past <i>and</i> his future. Callie had the most real strength of
character in many ways, and I liked that Shalvis paired the alpha-male
Jake with a strong female lead who could hold her own.
<br />
The suspense plot was fine, and although it wasn't a huge part of
the book it helps with character development and provides a focus for
the story.
<br />
<br />
Good book! Well worth the effort to find a used copy.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-20093444996669798122012-03-29T22:15:00.004-04:002012-03-29T22:15:49.096-04:00TBR Challenge 2012- Personal Category<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now You See Her <span style="font-size: small;">by Linda Howard</span></span></b><br />
<br />
TBR Challenge 2012-Personal Category: This book has been on my to-read list since Dec 10, 2010.<br /><br />4/5 stars<br />
Grade A-/B+<br />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.<br /><br />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!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-39910976966977593802012-03-26T18:17:00.001-04:002012-03-26T18:17:06.879-04:00TBR Challenge for March, plus SFR Reading Challenge 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">Parallel Desire<span style="font-size: small;"> by Deidre Knight</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">3/5 stars Grade C+ </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview83840269">TBR Challenge @012: March category-- Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on)<br />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.<br /><br />SFR Reading Challenge 2012 8/15<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.</span></span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-9918569932491755512012-03-19T12:54:00.001-04:002012-03-19T12:54:50.179-04:00SFR Reading Challenge 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">Isolation <span style="font-size: small;">by A.B. Gayle</span></span></b><br />
<br />
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 6/15<br />
<div>
Read from March 15 to 19, 2012
</div>
<br class="clear" />
3.5*
<br />Grade B-/C+
<br />
<br />I, for one, want to encourage writers to pen more science fiction romance novels. In the tradition of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/202269.Linnea_Sinclair" title="Linnea Sinclair">Linnea Sinclair</a>, solid SF mixed with romance is an exciting and enjoyable genre. <em>Isolation</em> hits the mark well enough for me to recommend it to SFR fans, although it's not perfect.
<br />
<br />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. <em>(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.)</em>
<br />
<br />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.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-85116064827116682132012-03-12T19:00:00.000-04:002012-03-12T19:00:15.854-04:00SOA Listening Challenge 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">Montana Sky <span style="font-size: small;">by Nora Roberts</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview286152697">SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
<br />Contemporary 4/4
<br />Narrated by Erika Leigh
<br />
<br />3.5*
<br />Grade B-
<br />
<br />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.
<br />
<br />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.
<br />
<br />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.
<br />
<br />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.</span></span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-43680208693647017062012-03-08T18:42:00.004-05:002012-03-08T18:42:54.529-05:00SOA and SFR Reading Challenges 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">Komarr<span style="font-size: small;"> by Lois McMaster Bujold</span></span></b><br />
<br />
SOA Listening Challenge: Spread Your Listening-- paranormal/fantasy/SF 4/4<br />SFR Reading Challenge 2012 5/15<br /><br />Grade A+<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The writing, the story, the humor, the characters--all pitch perfect. And the narration was equally wonderful. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Highly recommended.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-54109847094809085582012-03-04T22:09:00.000-05:002012-03-04T22:09:02.107-05:00SOA Listening Challenge 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">Late to the Wedding <span style="font-size: small;">by Amanda Quick</span></span> </b><br />
<br />
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening<br />Historical 4/4<br /><br />3.5*<br />Grade B<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The narrator, Josephine Bailey, was quite good. Definitely a 4 star or better narration.<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-84554074084239482282012-03-04T09:50:00.002-05:002012-03-04T09:50:48.615-05:00TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Shy Bride</span> <span style="font-size: small;">by Lucy Monroe</span></b><br />
<br />
3/5 stars Grade B-/C+<br />
<br />
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge. Added to Amazon wish list Aug 9, 2010.
<br />
<br /><em>The Shy Bride</em> 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.
<br />
<br />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.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-18746017759711263272012-03-02T17:51:00.000-05:002012-03-02T17:51:00.201-05:00Speaking of Audiobooks Listening Challenge 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">Faking It</span></b> <b> <span style="font-size: small;">by Jennifer Crusie</span></b><br />
<br />
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
<br />Contemporary 3/4
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b><br />
<br />
4 of 5 stars Grade A-/B+<br />
<br />
What a roller coaster ride! I was hesitant about listening to this audiobook because I didn't like <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33727.Welcome_to_Temptation_Dempseys_1_" title="Welcome to Temptation (Dempseys, #1) by Jennifer Crusie">Welcome to Temptation</a>, including Davy, who is the lead in <em>Faking It</em>. I finally gave it a try and while it wasn't a complete success for me, it was a great book. <em>Faking It</em> is different from <em>Welcome to Temptation</em>
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.)
<br />
<br />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.
<br />
<br />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.
<br />
<br />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.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-55395496268096549452012-02-26T11:39:00.000-05:002012-02-26T11:39:28.926-05:00TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Game of Chance (Mackenzie Family #5) <span style="font-size: small;">by Linda Howard</span></span></b><br />
<br />
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge-- books on my list prior to 2011.
A Game of Chance has been on my to-read list since August 2010.
<br />
<br />3.5* rounded up to 4*
<br />Grade B
<br />
<br /><em>A Game of Chance</em> is a book I didn't expect to like as much
as I did. All the Mackenzie family books have been enjoyable, but none
have been great. <em>A Game of Chance</em> isn't great either, but it's a
whole lotta fun! Even when I tell myself it's over-the-top and
unbelievable, I still like it. Chance has just enough edge to be a great
Linda Howard hero, but with some truly good-guy qualities that insure
the reader respects him. Sunny was a well-written character with enough
believability to make her a sympathetic heroine.
<br />
<br />There was failure to communicate between the characters, but that is
integral to the plot, so it made sense instead of being annoying. Good
book!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-54498833321739116722012-02-25T22:19:00.000-05:002012-02-25T22:19:14.549-05:00SFR Reading and SOA Listening Challenges<b><span style="font-size: large;">After Dark: Ghost Hunter #1<span style="font-size: small;"> by Jayne Castle</span></span></b><br />
<br />
SFR Reading Challenge 2012: 3/15
<br />SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Paranormal/SFR 3/4
<br />
<br />Grade B-/C+
<br />Narration by Joyce Bean 3.5* Grade B
<br />
<br />A Krentz/Castle/Quick is generally an enjoyable read for me. <em>After Dark</em>
is no exception, although it isn't nearly her best sci-fi/futuristic
romance. There was decent world-building and the suspense plot was
entertaining, but the character development was weak. Every time I
thought I could like Lydia, she acted like a self-righteous prig again.
Her pettiness toward Ethan got old, and didn't resolve to my
satisfaction since the ending was abrupt. I'm interested enough to try
the next in the series, however.
<br />
<br />The narration was solid and the narrator did a decent job with the male voices.
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510280833640860198.post-88272310730952013382012-02-25T10:26:00.000-05:002012-02-25T10:27:42.676-05:00SFR and TBR Reading Challenges 2012<b><span style="font-size: large;">In Enemy Hands <span style="font-size: small;">by K.S. Augustin</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 of 5 stars </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grade B-/C+</span></span></b><br />
<br />
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 4/15
<br />
TBR Reading Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge--this book has been on my to-read list since June 2010.
<br />
<br />
The story concept here is fascinating, and I thought Augustin's
portrayal of Srin was excellent. Unfortunately, the book suffers from
uneven pacing and an abrupt ending. I enjoyed the sci-fi aspect of
the book, and was gratified that this author actually had a sci-fi plot
and wasn't just using a spaceship setting for a romance novel. The
problem was that her descriptive passages dragged at times, and took the
reader out of the story. Just when the tension surrounding Srin or Moon
was getting high, the author inadvertently diffuses it with
"shop-talk."
<br />
<br />
I want to point out another strong point in the book were the
conversations. The author does an excellent job with character
development, for Srin, Moon, and Captain Jeen especially, drawing their
personalities out in conversations.
<br />
<br />
Parts of this book deserve 4*, and parts deserve 2*. I'm going with
an average. I'm interested enough to want to know what happens next, so I
hope there is a sequel.
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827201641849834510noreply@blogger.com0