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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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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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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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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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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