Category Archives: Romance

April 26, 2011 · 5:55 am

Big Bad Beast (Pride, #6) by Shelly Laurenston

When it comes to following her instincts, former Marine Dee-Ann Smith never holds back. And this deadly member of a shifter protection group will do anything to prove one of her own kind is having hybrids captured for dogfights. Trouble is, her too-cute rich-boy boss Ric Van Holtz insists on helping out. And his crazy-like-a-fox smarts and charming persistence are making it real hard for Dee to keep her heart safe…Ric can’t believe his luck. He’s wanted this fiercely independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected teamwork as explosive as this. And now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn’t some in-your-face Alpha male – but a wily, resourceful wolf who’ll always have her back in a fight…and between the sheets.

I have been waiting for this book for months. Okay, I have been waiting since the last book, Beast Behaving Badly, was released. Which, by the way, I have read and re-read and re-read again.

I knew I probably wouldn’t like this one as well simply because Dee isn’t the most likable character in the series. However, the author does an excellent job of developing her personality without changing any of her previous traits.

Almost all, if not all, of the previous main characters show up again along with a few who have only been mentioned in previous books. And yes, Blayne is there to torture Dee Ann.

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Paranormal, Romance

April 24, 2011 · 7:44 am

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1) by Deborah Harkness

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

This book has amazing depth and a story that pulls you in from the very first. Although there are numerous characters, they are so well developed that I never forgot who each one was.

There is definitely a sequel coming (date unknown), but the ending is solid. I am a little worried about Matthew though in the next book. Can’t say why without spoiling it, so you’ll have to read it yourself.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance

April 21, 2011 · 5:17 am

Quicksilver (Looking Glass, #2; Arcane Society, #11) by Amanda Quick

Virginia Dean wakes at midnight beside a dead body, with a bloody knife in her hand and no memory of the evening’s events. Dark energy, emanating from the mirrors lining the room, overpowers her senses. With no apparent way in or out, she is rescued by a man she has met only once before, but won’t soon forget….

Owen Sweetwater inherited his family’s talent for hunting the psychical monsters who prey on London’s women and children, and his investigation into the deaths of two glass-readers has led him here. The high-society types of the exclusive Arcane Society would consider her an illusionist, a charlatan, even a criminal, but Owen knows better. Virginia’s powers are real – and they just might be the key to solving this challenging case. (from Goodreads)

Let me just say, romance, paranormal, Regency (or close enough) . . . what’s not to like. Add to that, this book is written by Amanda Quick (AKA Jayne Ann Krentz and the book has to be a winner. It is.

Owen is one of my favorite heroes in a long time. He does not have a hidden agenda, except he knows from the beginning that Virginia is the woman for him. He just doesn’t understand how she doesn’t know it too.

One of these days I am going to read the Arcane books straight through. Of course, I also need to include the Eclipse books because they are woven into the storyline as well.

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Filed under Historical, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance

April 16, 2011 · 6:44 am

After the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn

Can an accountant defeat a supervillain? Celia West, only daughter of the heroic leaders of the superpowered Olympiad, has spent the past few years estranged from her parents and their high-powered lifestyle. She’s had enough of masks and heroics, and wants only to live her own quiet life out from under the shadow of West Plaza and her rich and famous parents.

Then she is called into her boss’ office and told that as the city’s top forensic accountant, Celia is the best chance the prosecution has to catch notorious supervillain the Destructor for tax fraud. In the course of the trial, Celia’s troubled past comes to light and family secrets are revealed as the rift between Celia and her parents grows deeper. Cut off from friends and family, Celia must come to terms with the fact that she might just be Commerce City’s only hope.

This all-new and moving story of love, family, and sacrifice is an homage to Golden Age comics that no fan will want to miss. (from Goodreads)

For some reason, I had it in my mind that this book was written for Young Adults. Although it is perfectly appropriate for teenagers, the main character is in her mid-twenties, so it is not about teenagers.

I can’t really say I learned to read from comic books, but I know I had hundreds if not thousands of them as a kid. I still read graphic novels occasionally and will defend anyone’s choice of reading format at the drop of a hat.

I thought the characters in this book had more in common with the Marvel Universe than DC. There was a lot of angst between the family members as well as those who were not part of the Olympiad.

I really enjoyed the book and would give it my highest approval except for one scene. One scene!! Towards the end of the book, something happens that I thought was totally unnecessary. Yes, it illustrated an important relationship between a couple of the characters, but it was NOT necessary!

I hate that I let one thing so color my opinion of a book, but that is just the way I am.

I do recommend it. Read it. You will enjoy it and maybe the scene won’t tick you off like it did me.

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Filed under Contemporary, Romance, Science Fiction

April 13, 2011 · 8:45 am

Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Darkside (Jessica, #1) by Beth Fantasky

Library

The undead can really screw up your senior year …

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

I originally thought this book was written for adults. It was only recently that I found out it was for Young Adults. The clue should have been that Jessica is in her senior year of high school. -sigh-

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. It pulled in different aspects of the vampire legend and totally ignored others. There were a couple of scenes that I found disturbing, but they were important to the storyline.

There were two major “bad guys.” One of them was human and the other a vampire and I cannot tell you who was the worse. This was not one of those books where one group is completely evil and the other completely good. Like real life, there is some of each in everyone.

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Filed under Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

April 10, 2011 · 11:19 am

Sweet Possession (Sweet, #5) by Maya Banks

Purchased

There is nothing Connor Malone wants to do less than babysit the outrageous and out-of-control pop star Lyric Jones. But part of him relishes taming the celebratty songstress and showing her what it’s like to be possessed-body and soul-by one man. And though Lyric’s crazy antics nearly drive Connor to the edge, his quiet intensity penetrates her defenses, leaving them both vulnerable to the secrets that could topple Lyric from the stage. (from Goodreads)

I didn’t particularly like Lyric although she did improve as the book went on. I did love Connor though. I would like to sit down and read this series from start to finish.

I think there is probably going to be a spin off series starring Kane.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Realistic, Romance

April 8, 2011 · 6:19 am

Hotter Than Wildfire (Protectors, #2) by Lisa Marie Rice

Purchased

The world knows her only as Eve. . . .

Though her songs have sold millions she is an enigma, a bewitching mystery. But to former Delta Force operator Harry Bolt, she is an angel whose sultry, smoky voice brought him back to life after the nightmare of Afghanistan. Nothing else matters.

And now a scared, helpless beauty has walked through the door of his San Diego private security firm, running from something secret, something deadly . . . and Harry knows immediately that this is the woman who saved him. He is the last hope for this intoxicating siren without a past—not even in his hottest dreams did he imagine that the lady Eve could be so tempting, so achingly desirable. But though she burns to lose herself in Harry’s powerful arms, Eve is wary of trusting this tough, haunted ex-soldier who promises to protect her. Surrender could mean sweet ecstasy or certain doom. Can she open her heart, even if it means risking her life?

I fell in love with Lisa Marie Rice when I read her Midnight series. Midnight Angel in particular is a favorite of mine. This is the first book of the many of hers that I have read, that I liked just as much. I am so glad I stuck with her.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Realistic, Romance

February 27, 2011 · 1:14 pm

The Heiress (Madison Sisters, #2) by Lynsay Sands

Desperately seeking a husband . . .

Suzette is not like other heiresses; she wants a poor husband, a gentleman who will be so grateful for her dowry that he will allow her access to it so that she can pay off her father’s gambling debts. When this alluring beauty encounters Daniel Woodrow—handsome, titled, single . . . and even more impoverished than she could have hoped for—it seems Suzette’s wildest dreams have come true.

But Daniel has not been truthful. Tired of being accosted by an endless stream of vapid coquettes and their fortune-hunting mothers, Daniel has decided to plead poverty to stop them in their tracks. Yet here is a most refreshing and delectable lady, who claims to be thrilled by his penury. Now all Daniel has to do to find true happiness is to keep a little white lie alive . . . while avoiding a villain who’s determined to prevent this union by any means necessary. (from Goodreads)

Like the previous book in this series (The Countess), The Heiress is a bit of a disappointment. Lynsay Sands books are generally very funny. Although this one has its moments, it is not up to her usual standards.

This book takes place for the most part at the same time as The Countess. As a matter of fact, it is 200 pages before any truly new material is introduced. The explanations given of the back story are clumsy and poorly written. I realize each book is supposed to be able to be read as a standalone, but how realistic is that really?

I was also disappointed that there was no further development in the relationship between the third sister, Lisa, and her probably suitor Robert. I have read somewhere that the third book is not scheduled for release until sometime in 2012. I find that odd because the first two were only release a month apart.

I am afraid that only a true Lynsay Sands fan will enjoy these books. I hope no one uses them as an introduction to her work.

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Filed under Historical, Humor, Regency, Romance

February 26, 2011 · 7:30 am

Treachery in Death (Eve Dallas, #32) by J. D. Robb

Purchased

But Peabody soon stumbles upon a trickier situation. After a hard workout, she’s all alone in the locker room when the gym door clatters open; and-while hiding inside a shower stall trying not to make a sound-she overhears two fellow officers, Garnet and Oberman, arguing. It doesn’t take long to realize they’re both crooked-guilty not just of corruption but of murder. Now Peabody, Eve, and Eve’s husband, Roarke, are trying to get the hard evidence they need to bring the dirty cops down-knowing all the while that the two are willing to kill to keep their secret. (from Goodreads)

I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for this book, but I normally love the Eve Dallas series, so I gave it a try. I am so glad I did. This one was even better than normal. Although you know who the bad guy is from the beginning, the search for evidence was fascinating.

Another plus for this book is that some books in this series are very graphic in the horrors the victims experience. This one did not dwell on that aspect which I certainly appreciate.

It’s funny that I don’t normally read Nora Roberts’ (J. D. Robb’s real name) books. I have read some and enjoyed them, but they are definitely not on my “must read” list. I never miss an Eve Dallas book though.

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Filed under Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction

February 24, 2011 · 9:17 am

Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black

Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside)and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to edit short stories from some of the best selling and most promising geeks in young adult literature: M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr.With illustrated interstitials from comic book artists Hope Larson and Bryan Lee O’Malley, Geektastic covers all things geeky, from Klingons and Jedi Knights to fan fiction, theater geeks, and cosplayers. Whether you’re a former, current, or future geek, or if you just want to get in touch with your inner geek, Geektastic will help you get your geek on! (from Goodreads)

I don’t normally read short stories because I don’t think there is enough to them to for plot or character development. I only read this one because it is one of last years Teens Top Ten nominees and I am still trying to get through them.

Another reason I don’t like short story collections is that there is no consistency in quality or maybe interest is the better word. This book is no exception.

I really liked the first story about a Star Wars fan and a Star Trek fan hooking up at a convention. Their friends were appalled that they would associate with someone from the “other side.” Since I am a fan of both series (although, Star Trek will always be my favorite), I got a kick out of this one.

There were just enough good stories in the collection to keep me reading. I had to finish them all just in case there were additional gems to be found.

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Realistic, Romance, Young Adult