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

April 6, 2011 · 6:14 am

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp (Alfred Kropp, #1) by Rick Yancey

Alfred KroppAlfred Kropp was just trying to survive high school when his guardian uncle gets him roped into a suspicious get-rich-quick scheme that changes his life forever: stealing Excalibur—the legendary sword of King Arthur. But after Alfred unwittingly delivers the sword into the hands of a man with enormously evil intentions, he sets off on an unlikely quest to try to right his wrong and save the world from imminent destruction. This gripping, fast-paced, hilarious novel is both a thrilling adventure story and an engaging account of one boy’s coming of age. (from Goodreads)

I have been meaning to read this book for several years, but it never made it to the top of my “to be read” stack.  I am glad that I finally took the time to dig it out.  I learned several things about the King Arthur legend that I did not know and met a character that is not strong, handsome, or particularly smart, but he does try to do what is right.  I guess that is what we should all do.

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Filed under Contemporary, Fantasy, Young Adult

March 13, 2011 · 11:55 am

The Limit by Kristen Landon

Library

An eighth grade girl was taken today . . . With this first sentence, readers are immediately thrust into a fast-paced thriller that doesn’t let up for a moment. In a world not too far removed from our own, kids are being taken away to special workhouses if their families exceed the monthly debt limit imposed by the government. Thirteen-year-old Matt briefly wonders if he might be next, but quickly dismisses the thought. After all, his parents are financially responsible, unlike the parents of those other kids. As long as his parents remain within their limit, the government will be satisfied and leave them alone. But all it takes is one fatal visit to the store to push Matt’s family over their limit—and to change his reality forever.

This book was recommended to me in a session on middle grades fantasy/science fiction literature at the 2011 Children’s Literature Conference in Athens, GA.  The presenter, Edie Parsons, discussed several books which were immediately added to my TBR list.  This is the first one I have had the opportunity to read, although I have already purchased some of the others.

Anyway, I thought this book was particularly appropriate considering the economic conditions we are currently living in.  Due to his parents overspending, not the kids don’t contribute to the problem, Matt is placed in a group home to help work off the family debt.  He has to remain until either their debt falls below “the limit” or he turns eighteen.

I enjoyed this book although there was not a lot of depth too it.  I thought the problems the kids faced were too easily overcome and there was too little connection made between the kids and their families.  Surely, at least one of them would have exhibited signs of homesickness.

I would recommend this book to the kids who enjoy books in which the kids outsmart the adults . . . and isn’t that all of them?


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Filed under Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult

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

Geektastic

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

February 24, 2011 · 9:03 am

Awakened (House of Night, #8) by P. C. Cast

Awakened

Library

At the start of Awakened, the pulse-pounding eighth installment of the bestselling House of Night series, Zoey has returned, mostly whole, from the Otherworld to her rightful place as High Priestess at the House of Night. Her friends are just glad to have her back, but after losing her human consort, Heath, will Zoey—or her relationship with her super- hot Warrior, Stark—ever be the same? Stevie Rae is drawn even closer to Rephaim, the Raven Mocker with whom she shares a mysterious and powerful Imprint, but he is a dangerous secret that isolates her from her school, her red fledglings, and even her best friends. When the dark threat of Neferet—who is coming closer and closer to achieving her twisted goal of immortality—and Kalona returns, what will it take to keep the House of Night from being lost forever, and what will one desperate girl do to keep her heart from being irreparably broken? (from Goodreads)

I really loved the beginning of this series, but have lost interest with the later books.  I think this would probably be a good series to read straight through because there is so much going on, I lose track between one book and the next.

I do have problems with the fact that none of the adult vampires seem to be capable of seeing dangers that Zoey and her friends easily perceive.  In all of their years, sometimes centuries, of life, the adult vampires have not learned to recognize when someone is lying to them.

I will continue to read the series because I am invested in the characters.  However, I do not have to be the first person to read the latest book.  I just don’t care enough to fight for it!

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Filed under Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

February 20, 2011 · 4:26 am

The Warrior’s Apprentice (Vorkosigan, #3) by Lois McMaster Bujold

Between the seemingly impossible tasks of living up to his warrior-father’s legend and surmounting his own physical limitations, Miles Vorkosigan faces some truly daunting challenges.

Shortly after his arrival on Beta Colony, Miles unexpectedly finds himself the owner of an obsolete freighter and in more debt than he ever thought possible. Propelled by his manic “forward momentum,” the ever-inventive Miles creates a new identity for himself as the commander of his own mercenary fleet to obtain a lucrative cargo; a shipment of weapons destined for a dangerous warzone. (from Goodreads)

This is the book that actually hooked me on the series.  Book one was interesting enough to make me read book two.  Book two introduces Miles and the difficulties he faces.  In book three, this book, I fell in love with him.

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Filed under Science Fiction

February 19, 2011 · 5:59 am

Here Kitty, Kitty! (Magnus Pack, #3) by Shelly Laurenston

Angelina Santiago didn’t think her life could get any stranger. Her best friend is a shapeshifter. Her other best friend is in love with one. And people are actively trying to kill her. But she never thought helpful hillbillies would kidnap her, drag her cross country, and dump her at the home of their eldest brother and gorgeous shapeshifter, Nikolai Vorislav, for safe keeping. Nik the Hillbilly Tiger never wanted a woman in his life for more than a night, but he never met anyone like the psychotic hellcat his brothers drop on his doorstep. Now he has every intention of showing his little house pet exactly how strange and sexy life can get. (from Goodreads)

I am absolutely in love with these books.  Magnus Pack is the first series I read by Shelly Laurenston and I thought they were good if not wonderful when I originally read them.  I felt her later books were much better.  Now I think they are all wonderful.

I like the fact that the full human females are just as dangerous as the shape shifting males.  I particularly like the fact that everyone is scared of them.  It completely confuses the shapeshifters because they think it should be the other way around.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Humor, Paranormal, Romance

February 19, 2011 · 4:09 am

Go Fetch! (Magnus Pack, #2) by Shelly Laurenston

How much trouble can one small female be to a modern-day shapeshifting Viking? Well, it really depends on local gun laws. Conall Vga-Feilan, direct descendent of Viking shifters, never thought he’d meet a female strong enough to be his mate. He especially didn’t think a short, viper-tongued human would ever fit the bill. But Miki Kendrick isn’t some average human. With an IQ off the charts and a special skill with weapons of all kinds, Miki brings the big blond pooch to his knees-and keeps him there. Miki’s way too smart to ever believe in love and she knows a guy like Conall could only want one thing from her. But with the Pack’s enemies on her tail and a few days stuck alone with the one man who makes her absolutely wild, Miki is about to discover how persistent one Viking wolf can be. (from Goodreads)

I have read these books so many times, I think the words have faded on the page.  When I first read this series, I thought it was pretty good, but not wonderful.  Now, Shelly Laurenston is one of my all time favorite authors.  I just read them over and over again.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Humor, Paranormal, Romance