After reading A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet, it made me really want to re-read Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan. The Chronicles of Warland series is one of the best fantasy romance out there in my opinion. I'm also really excited because it seems the author is working on Simus' book!! :) Anyway, after re-reading Warprize, I couldn't stop just there... so I went on and read Warsworn and Warlord. With the Olympics on my mind, I find I'm not paying a 100% my attention on what I'm reading... so re-reading seems to make perfect sense. As a result, I picked up Demon Angel by Meljean Brook next. The only frustrating thing is I've lent out both Warprize and Demon Angel out to a friend and I can't find my keepsafe copies. Sigh. Luckily, I do have the ebooks.
So I'm curious... What is the last re-read you did? What books have you wanted to re-read, but haven't had time? Are there any books you re-read regularly?
These are actually books that I haven't re-read in a while. So I'm happy to get to them. Another book I've wanted to re-read is Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. I also want to read her new trilogy, but have decided to wait for the third book to come out first, so I can read the whole thing :)
As for books that I regularly re-read... Count to Ten by Karen Rose is up there. Cursor's Fury by Jim Butcher and The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner. Also, I regularly go into a NR mood which usually means The Search and Angels Fall :)
Showing posts with label re-reads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label re-reads. Show all posts
Friday, August 12, 2016
Monday, March 10, 2014
Discussion: Annual re-reads
Hi everyone!
How are you doing? I had a nice and quiet week-end and everything should be perfect... except that it was "spring forward" and as a result, I'm tired. Crazy what an hour difference will do! And of course, I was late to work because of it. Yes, it's that kind of day.
My initial plan was to write a review, but since my mind is fogged up, I thought I'd do a discussion topic. It's been a while and it requires less brain power LOL.
Once again, I'm in one of mini reading slumps. Ugh. I thought of looking through my TBR pile, but in the end, I decided to do some re-reads. Since I've just reviewed Split Second, I went with Pivot Point. After that, I picked up The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner and of course, it let me to The King of Attolia. I've realized that I actually re-read The King of Attolia almost every year... and it made me think of what other books I re-read.
So here's my question... Do you have annual re-reads? Books that you will re-read every year? Why?
These are four books that I know I re-read almost every year.
The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner - I loooove this book for its cleverness, the characters and the court intrigues. Love how Eugenides fools everyone around him and how Costis' opinion of his King slowly changes :)
My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger - Definitively my feel good book :) This will provide the laughs and the smiles I need.
Count to Ten by Karen Rose - Ms Rose is my favorite RS author and Count to Ten is the book that sealed it for me :) Loved Mia and Reed.
Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper - I love Ms Hooper's FBI SCU series and to me, Hunting Fear is the best of the series. It's just chilling and exciting :)
Oh, I do re-read more books than those... but for the rest, it all depends on moods and it'll actually be authors or series that will dictate my choices instead of the book itself. So what about you? Any annual re-read books?
How are you doing? I had a nice and quiet week-end and everything should be perfect... except that it was "spring forward" and as a result, I'm tired. Crazy what an hour difference will do! And of course, I was late to work because of it. Yes, it's that kind of day.
My initial plan was to write a review, but since my mind is fogged up, I thought I'd do a discussion topic. It's been a while and it requires less brain power LOL.
Once again, I'm in one of mini reading slumps. Ugh. I thought of looking through my TBR pile, but in the end, I decided to do some re-reads. Since I've just reviewed Split Second, I went with Pivot Point. After that, I picked up The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner and of course, it let me to The King of Attolia. I've realized that I actually re-read The King of Attolia almost every year... and it made me think of what other books I re-read.
So here's my question... Do you have annual re-reads? Books that you will re-read every year? Why?
These are four books that I know I re-read almost every year.
The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner - I loooove this book for its cleverness, the characters and the court intrigues. Love how Eugenides fools everyone around him and how Costis' opinion of his King slowly changes :)
My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger - Definitively my feel good book :) This will provide the laughs and the smiles I need.
Count to Ten by Karen Rose - Ms Rose is my favorite RS author and Count to Ten is the book that sealed it for me :) Loved Mia and Reed.
Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper - I love Ms Hooper's FBI SCU series and to me, Hunting Fear is the best of the series. It's just chilling and exciting :)
Oh, I do re-read more books than those... but for the rest, it all depends on moods and it'll actually be authors or series that will dictate my choices instead of the book itself. So what about you? Any annual re-read books?
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Monthly Reads: July 2011
While last week-end was a lot of fun, I'm glad that this week-end is more relaxed :) Nothing much going on for me. I'm trying to pull myself out of my reading slump and I think I might just succeed. Crossing my fingers :)
This month, the new releases are either coming out at the beginning or at the end of the month. This past week being the second week of the month means that I have nothing waiting for me at the bookstore. Boooo. Case in point, I have not even stepped in a bookstore! Although it is not surprising with my RWA haul and TBR pile ^_^;
As I have no new books for my Hauling Sunday post, I thought it'd be a good time to work on Monthly Reads post :) I had a great, great, great month of July and I can't wait to share it with you all! Here we go!
1) Summer at Seaside Cove by Jacquie D'Alessandro: B+
2) First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones: B+
Upcoming Review
3) Waking Up with the Duke by Lorraine Heath: B-
4) Black Ties and Lullabies by Jane Graves: C+
Bernadette Hogan is playboy and self-made millionaire Jeremy Bridge's bodyguard. While she is sometimes exasperated with his attitude and cannot resist letting him know, the pay is good and Bernie desperately needs the money for the future. However, when Jeremy does not heed her advice one night and lends in trouble, it is the last straw for Bernie. She loses her mind, have sex with Jeremy and then, resigns.
At first, Jeremy doesn't take Bernie's resignation seriously. He thinks that he only has to offer her more money and she'll resume her job. However, after multiple offers and several attempts, Jeremy is still stuck with his new and taciturn bodyguard... and he doesn't like it one bit. When Bernie suddenly asks to meet him, Jeremy is ready to gloat... Only Bernie does not want her job back, she just wants his signature... on papers declaring that he is renouncing his rights as a father to Bernie's baby! Bernie believes that Jeremy would be a terrible father and would not be interested anyway. However, Jeremy is not so sure... He has never thought of children, but now that he is about to become a father... it changes everything. And so Bernie decides to test him and challenges him to be there for every step of the pregnancy.
I've read and enjoyed Ms Graves books in the past and I was really happy to know she had a new book coming out. I did enjoy her writing in Black Ties and Lullabies... What did not work so well for me in this book was mostly the characters. I didn't connect with Bernie. I actually like tomboy characters, but Bernie... I think I'm having a big problem with assumptions lately. Characters who believe they know who other people are and what they think. So that bothered me. Another thing is I don't think that Bernie's character was that well develop, especially in comparison to Jeremy. I mean, we were given a little bit of background about Bernie, but it was not really a part of the story... and we saw very little growth in her character.
I did like Jeremy's character though. I liked the fact that he didn't renounce to his rights as a father. That he really paused and questioned himself about fatherhood. He had a shitty childhood and wants better for his children... and I think that he'll be a good father. So with Jeremy, we saw some growth and we understood a bit why he was the way he was. I also liked the fact that Jeremy kept surprising Bernie... but then again, she didn't really have a high opinion of him ^_^;
Something else that did not work for me was the romance. I don't think there was that much chemistry between Jeremy and Bernie and the romance was quite flat. Sure they enjoyed themselves sexually, and Bernie got to see different sides of Jeremy that she didn't expect. Still, I don't think they really understood each other and I was quite disappointed when Jeremy came up with the idea of marriage... because it seemed it was all for the wrong reasons.
So not Ms Graves best book... but she has another release coming out in October and hopefully that one will be a winner :)
5) One Whisper Away by Emma Wildes: B
6) Body Double by Tess Gerritsen: B
Upcoming post.
7) Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase: A-
Upcoming Review.
8) The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen: B-
Upcoming post.
9) The Keepsafe by Tess Gerritsen: B
Upcoming post.
10) Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen: B
Upcoming post.
11) Guarding a Notorious Lady by Olivia Parker: C
Lady Rosalind Devine's brother is going away on his 3 months long honeymoon with his new bride and has therefore asked his good friend, Nicholas Kincaid, Marquess of Winterbourne, to keep an eye on her. Nicholas cannot refuse his best friend's request even knowing that the best for all of them would be for him to stay away from Rosalind.
Rosalind is furious to find out that his brother has appointed a "guardian" and is quite determined to find out who it is... even with Nicholas' distracting presence in town.
After reading Tracy's review for Guarding a Notorious Lady, I had quite high expectations for this book... and it didn't quite meet them ^_^; I actually quite liked the characters. Rosalind was smart, likable and very generous. She likes to meddle and matchmake people... and her matchmaking ploys are actually successful, so why stop her? Nicholas was hard to decipher and I didn't really get a feel for him... but overall, I didn't really have complaints about him... except perhaps the fact that he did judge Rosalind quite harshly in the beginning - such as spoiled and picky and so on since she is not yet married. I did like that both characters already had a crush on each other from the start :) I thought that was endearing.
So the problem wasn't so much the characters, but the storyline or actually some details. I have to say, there's a few things that I didn't get in this book. I understand that Rosalind comes from a very good family and has a huge dowry and so, fortune-hunters will come after her. However, I thought the lengths her brothers, especially Gabriel, the Duke, went to protect her was ridiculous. If I remember correctly, Rosalind is 23 years old and Gabriel still treats her as if it's her first season. He chases away all of her suitors. All of them. How is the girl supposed to get married if he chases everyone?!? I understand he's trying to protect her, but I thought he really took it too far for it to make sense. Rosalind is smart. A word telling that this suitor is not suitable should be enough. So asking Nicholas to keep an eye on her wasn't bad either... but that part where Nicholas spent the night outside her room, keeping an eye on her window... Are you kidding me?!? So Gabriel is going to be away for three months. You're telling me that Nicholas will be spending each night outside?!? That didn't make sense. Being a marquess with some money, I would at least think Nicholas would hire someone. Also, I don't get how Nicholas got to be a marquess and nobody knew he was the heir to the title. So just a lot of little things that bothered me a little.
One thing that I did like is that Rosalind found out pretty early on that Nicholas was her guardian. So at least, the book wasn't all about deception and misunderstanding. I did think that Rosalind and Nicholas had chemistry together... Unfortunately, it's the storyline that lets it down a little bit. There wasn't much going on except for Rosalind and Nicholas' relationship. And so at the end, I thought the romance was a little bit draggy. I love books that are focused on relationships, but you have to add a little bit of something to it. A bit of conflicts or something... and here, there wasn't really any. Sure, Nicholas being Gabriel's best friend could have been one... but once he decided that he wanted Rosalind, there wasn't any anymore ^_^;
12) A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Meredith Duran: C+
After the death of her mother, Nell Whitby finds out that she is the daughter of Lord Rushden. She decides to seek revenge for her mother by sneaking into Lord Rushden's house with a gun... only to find a very naked, very handsome and much younger Lord Rushden - Simon St. Maur - in bed. It turns out that the previous Lord Rushden has passed away and Simon has inherited the title... Unfortunately, that's pretty much the only thing he inherited as all the money has been left for the previous lord's two daughters, Katherine and Cornelia, even though Cornelia has been missing for years. Simon has tried to appeal to court to have Cornelia declared dead; however, was denied... and he's about to go bankrupted in a few days... Till Nell appears. Simon is sure that Nell is the missing twin and he plans to marry her, bring her out in Society and inherit the money. While it is a good plan for Simon, there are some people that do not want Cornelia to re-appear... ever.
I was quite looking forward to A Lady's Lesson in Scandal. I've read and tried to read Ms Duran's books in the past, but the storylines never really worked for me ^_^; However, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal's storyline sounded like something I would really enjoy... so I was excited to give it a go.
I really liked the premises of the storylines. It's my kind of storylines :) My problem though was Nell's character. I understand she's had a very hard life and growing up where she did, her being wary is not surprising. However, I didn't find her likable ^_^; And as a result, I didn't love this book... which is unfortunate because Simon was an awesome hero. I loved his declaration, I loved that he was the one to take the first step. I loved that he got Nell, understood her and call her out at the end.
I think that realistically, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is really a B-range book. It's well-written, has great characters and a good storyline. I know that a lot of readers out there are going to love Nell. However, when you review a book, the reading experience has to be taken in consideration... and really, Nell just bothered me and so, the grade stands ^_^; It's pretty much me and not the book.
13) The Heir by Grace Burrowes: C+
Gayle Windham, Earl of Westhaven and heir to a dukedom, has elected to spend the summer in London in order to avoid his family. Not that he doesn't love his family; however, he is getting quite exasperated with his father's meddling and quest for a succession. When he comes to the aid of one of his maidservants and gets bashed on the head, that's when he takes notice of his new housekeeper, Mrs. Anna Seaton. Quickly, Westhaven realizes that there is something unusual about Anna. Oh, she takes care of his house admirably, taking in consideration his likes and dislikes. However, she is much better educated and sophisticated to be a simple housekeeper. Indeed, Anna is no ordinary housekeeper. She and her sister Morgan are on the run, in hiding... and the last thing she needs is to fall in love with Westhaven.
I got this book at RWA and was quite intrigued. I like the idea of a housekeeper heroine... Of course, for the story to work, the housekeeper cannot be a simple housekeeper. So that aspect of the storyline didn't really other me as I expected. Anyway, what did I think of this book? Well I liked the writing as Ms Burrowes has a pleasant style. I do admit that from time to time, her use of some words, especially "cock" would break the flow, the mood. It just doesn't seem to match the rest of her writing... I also enjoyed the characters, especially Anna. They were simply likable characters :) And the family? They were hilarious I thought :)
One of my issues though was I felt like I missed a book prior to The Heir. For example, Westhaven was not supposed to be the heir to the dukedom... I think he had two older brothers who passed away and one of them was married and all. I felt very confused because I think the information and background weren't well integrated in The Heir's storyline. Another issue I had was that the book was quite lengthily and I thought some parts were unnecessary. Especially towards the end... It just felt like the story dragged on and on ^_^; I just wanted Westhaven and Anna to get together and be done.
The Heir is definitively a good effort on Ms Burrowes part. I'd definitively pick up more books in this series as I enjoyed the family and the writing.
14) Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts: B-
After a nervous break-down, world-famous concert violinist Caroline Waverly has come to Innocence to claim her inheritance: her grandparents'house, and to gather herself. Unfortunately for her, her timing is not the greatest given a serial killer is on the loose. There's already been two bodies found and the latest victim is one of Tucker Longstreet's exes. The Longstreet family pretty much owns the whole town of Innocence and Tucker is under the scrutiny of the FBI. This doesn't stop a romance between Caroline and Tucker blooming.
This was a re-read for me. It's been just so long since I've read it and after Unfinished Business where the heroine was a professional piano player, I felt like re-reading Carnal Innocence. Straight up, you know Carnal Innocence has good writing - hello, Nora Roberts! LOL. I also really liked the characters. Caroline and Tucker were a case of opposite attraction :) Caroline is uptight while Tucker is so relaxed. Yet, both are very generous :) I just thought they complemented each other well. As for the romance, well it's a nice fling between two consenting adults that grows into something more :) Nice and well-done :)
The mystery aspect of the book was quite interesting and I think it was pretty unexpected. What didn't work too well with me was the small-mindness of the town - racism and religion. I'm not too keen whenever there's a religious fanatic character in my book. Perhaps because I don't really care about religion ^_^; but a lot of time, I just can't help but dislike these characters. As for the racism, I know this book was written in 1991, but it was quite jarring to see that such attitude still existed. What the town's people did at the end of the book to that family?! Totally unacceptable! And while it wasn't the focus, I'm quite shocked that it wasn't pursued. Like after such an event, for that family to just go on as if nothing happened? I'd have packed my bags.
Overall though, it was a good re-read. Not Ms Roberts' best, but quite satisfying.
15) Perfect Play by Jaci Burton: B+
Upcoming Review.
16) Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett: C+
Upcoming Review.
17) Never Resist Temptation by Miranda Neville: C-
Jacobin de Chastelux is the daughter of a French aristocrat and English noblewoman. Orphaned, she grew up in England in her uncle and guardian's household, Lord Candover. For unknown reasons, Lord Candover hates her and never paid attention to her... and so Jacobin has been able to pursue her passion: patisserie. Then one day, Jacobin is summoned and learns that is to pay off her uncle's gaming debts by becoming the Earl of Storrington's mistress. Shocked, Jacobin runs away with her mentor and together, they find her a position in the royal kitchen, disguised as a man. Except all goes wrong after a dinner party during which her uncle is poisoned with one of her creations! On the run again, Jacobin has no other choice than seeking refuge at Storrington's.
Anthony, Earl of Storrington, has a score to settle with Lord Candover. He wants to ruin the man and if it means taking his niece as a prize, he'll do it! Luckily for him though, she ran away with the cook... Unlucky for him is that Candover has come up with the money. Now, he needs to find another way to entice Candover... Knowing the man has a sweet tooth, Anthony tries to hire a new patissier whose sweets he knows Candover won't be able to resist. Except, Anthony is really attracted to his new chef...
Let see. I thought the beginning of Never Resist Temptation was great and very, very promising. I also loved the culinary aspect of the book. I thought it was very refreshing that Jacobin was interested in patisserie. It's not a theme that you see often in historicals and it worked for me. I also really liked Jacobin. She's independent, smart, flexible. Sure, she's a bit stubborn when it comes to her art, but she has character, that's for sure :) It's just unfortunate that the hero and storyline didn't live up to its good start.
First, the revenge plot was meh. A bit too convoluted although it was a great foil for Anthony and his sister's relationship. Still, I'm not sure what was the extent of Candover's involvement. Yes, the man is horrible... but the explanation why Candover hated his brother-in-law? Nah, didn't do it for me. Then, there was Anthony. He was okay-ish, till he found out his new chef was really Jacobin. The guy is attracted to Jacobin, but she's part of his household and a young woman... so he doesn't dare make a move. But once he finds out that she is Jacobin, because rumors have it that she has ran off with her uncle's chef, then suddenly,"She wasn't a respectable unmarried lady" and becomes fair game. Seriously?!? I really couldn't believe it!! Even if she has really run off with the chef, I can't accept his behavior :( It really turned me off the book. And that's why it gets the grade above.
18) The Secret Mistress by Mary Balogh: B-/B
Upcoming Review.
19) The Wild Marquis by Miranda Neville: B-
The Marquis of Chase, Cain, was kicked out by his father at the age of 16 years old for unknown reasons. With only 100 pounds, he made his way to London where he was promptly robbed and injured... If he hadn't been taken in by two prostitutes, he would have died in the street. Spending most of his adult life in brothels and with the demi-monde, Cain has acquired a wretched reputation and is barely accepted in polite Society.
One day, Cain comes across a catalogue advertising the auction of Tarleton's impressive books collection, among which is the Burgundy Books of Hours. Cain is intrigued because his family owns the Burgundy Books of Hours and being a prized item, he cannot see under which circumstances his father, the Saintly Marquis, would have parted with the book. However, he vaguely remembers Tarleton's visit to Markley Chase Abbey not long before his exile and wonder if perhaps, it is actually not related to his exile. In any case, Cain is determined to get his hands back on what belongs to him... However, knowing nothing about books or auctions, Cain needs help and is directed to Juliana Merton, owner of J.C. Merton. Juliana lost her husband about a year ago... and if things continue this way, she will also lose her business as many books collectors look down on her. If she could acquire the Burgundy Books of Hours on Cain's behalf, it would be a coup! Also, the commission could also help her acquiring some books that belonged to her mother...
Once again, the beginning of The Wild Marquis was very good. I was engaged by the story and the characters as soon as I started reading the book. I also really like the book theme of The Wild Marquis. It was refreshing and very interesting. The whole auction atmosphere, Cain and Juliana looking at books, the reasons why some people would collect some books - binding, authors, first edition, etc. I also really liked both characters, they were likable and had quite a lot of depth. Especially Cain. Being kicked out of the house at such a young age, not knowing why... and then, having such a bad reputation, which is none of his fault really. Seeing how society can be so superficial... I really, really liked it. Unfortunately, the second half of The Wild Marquis really didn't live up to the first. Halfway through the book, there was a lot of going on including the romance... and it felt to me Ms Neville lost the focus of the book. Suddenly, the book wasn't about the Burgundy Books of Hours and the auction anymore, but on Cain's past, Juliana's past, Cain's little sister and possible other job for Juliana. There was just too much. I have to say that Juliana's past and the intrigue concerning her was actually quite interesting... However, when you add in everything else? It's such a shame given how good the beginning was. I'm not saying The Wild Marquis wasn't a good book... Simply, it wasn't as good as what it could have been.
20) The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen: B
Upcoming Post.
21) Vanish by Tess Gerritsen: B+
Upcoming Post.
Books bought: + 7
Books read: -21
TBR pile: - 14
Sorry, wasn't able to keep the mini-reviews short ^_^; It's really something I need to work on. LOL, I have to say that I was really tempted starting individual reviews for each of them!! But then, I have so other books that I want to properly review ^_^; Perhaps I should do point-form mini-reviews... Hmmmm. In any case, told ya, I really had a great month of July! :) 21 books read and 11 of them were from my RWA/NYC haul!! It was awesome LOL. Just too bad I'm not doing as good this month. As you can see, I was also in a historical kick... which is probably what started my reading slump ^_^; Oups. However, most historical books I read were really good and I was really happy.
Sigh, July is going to be very hard to beat :)
This month, the new releases are either coming out at the beginning or at the end of the month. This past week being the second week of the month means that I have nothing waiting for me at the bookstore. Boooo. Case in point, I have not even stepped in a bookstore! Although it is not surprising with my RWA haul and TBR pile ^_^;
As I have no new books for my Hauling Sunday post, I thought it'd be a good time to work on Monthly Reads post :) I had a great, great, great month of July and I can't wait to share it with you all! Here we go!
1) Summer at Seaside Cove by Jacquie D'Alessandro: B+
2) First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones: B+
Upcoming Review
3) Waking Up with the Duke by Lorraine Heath: B-
Bernadette Hogan is playboy and self-made millionaire Jeremy Bridge's bodyguard. While she is sometimes exasperated with his attitude and cannot resist letting him know, the pay is good and Bernie desperately needs the money for the future. However, when Jeremy does not heed her advice one night and lends in trouble, it is the last straw for Bernie. She loses her mind, have sex with Jeremy and then, resigns.
At first, Jeremy doesn't take Bernie's resignation seriously. He thinks that he only has to offer her more money and she'll resume her job. However, after multiple offers and several attempts, Jeremy is still stuck with his new and taciturn bodyguard... and he doesn't like it one bit. When Bernie suddenly asks to meet him, Jeremy is ready to gloat... Only Bernie does not want her job back, she just wants his signature... on papers declaring that he is renouncing his rights as a father to Bernie's baby! Bernie believes that Jeremy would be a terrible father and would not be interested anyway. However, Jeremy is not so sure... He has never thought of children, but now that he is about to become a father... it changes everything. And so Bernie decides to test him and challenges him to be there for every step of the pregnancy.
I've read and enjoyed Ms Graves books in the past and I was really happy to know she had a new book coming out. I did enjoy her writing in Black Ties and Lullabies... What did not work so well for me in this book was mostly the characters. I didn't connect with Bernie. I actually like tomboy characters, but Bernie... I think I'm having a big problem with assumptions lately. Characters who believe they know who other people are and what they think. So that bothered me. Another thing is I don't think that Bernie's character was that well develop, especially in comparison to Jeremy. I mean, we were given a little bit of background about Bernie, but it was not really a part of the story... and we saw very little growth in her character.
I did like Jeremy's character though. I liked the fact that he didn't renounce to his rights as a father. That he really paused and questioned himself about fatherhood. He had a shitty childhood and wants better for his children... and I think that he'll be a good father. So with Jeremy, we saw some growth and we understood a bit why he was the way he was. I also liked the fact that Jeremy kept surprising Bernie... but then again, she didn't really have a high opinion of him ^_^;
Something else that did not work for me was the romance. I don't think there was that much chemistry between Jeremy and Bernie and the romance was quite flat. Sure they enjoyed themselves sexually, and Bernie got to see different sides of Jeremy that she didn't expect. Still, I don't think they really understood each other and I was quite disappointed when Jeremy came up with the idea of marriage... because it seemed it was all for the wrong reasons.
So not Ms Graves best book... but she has another release coming out in October and hopefully that one will be a winner :)
5) One Whisper Away by Emma Wildes: B
6) Body Double by Tess Gerritsen: B
Upcoming post.
7) Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase: A-
Upcoming Review.
8) The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen: B-
Upcoming post.
9) The Keepsafe by Tess Gerritsen: B
Upcoming post.
10) Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen: B
Upcoming post.
Lady Rosalind Devine's brother is going away on his 3 months long honeymoon with his new bride and has therefore asked his good friend, Nicholas Kincaid, Marquess of Winterbourne, to keep an eye on her. Nicholas cannot refuse his best friend's request even knowing that the best for all of them would be for him to stay away from Rosalind.
Rosalind is furious to find out that his brother has appointed a "guardian" and is quite determined to find out who it is... even with Nicholas' distracting presence in town.
After reading Tracy's review for Guarding a Notorious Lady, I had quite high expectations for this book... and it didn't quite meet them ^_^; I actually quite liked the characters. Rosalind was smart, likable and very generous. She likes to meddle and matchmake people... and her matchmaking ploys are actually successful, so why stop her? Nicholas was hard to decipher and I didn't really get a feel for him... but overall, I didn't really have complaints about him... except perhaps the fact that he did judge Rosalind quite harshly in the beginning - such as spoiled and picky and so on since she is not yet married. I did like that both characters already had a crush on each other from the start :) I thought that was endearing.
So the problem wasn't so much the characters, but the storyline or actually some details. I have to say, there's a few things that I didn't get in this book. I understand that Rosalind comes from a very good family and has a huge dowry and so, fortune-hunters will come after her. However, I thought the lengths her brothers, especially Gabriel, the Duke, went to protect her was ridiculous. If I remember correctly, Rosalind is 23 years old and Gabriel still treats her as if it's her first season. He chases away all of her suitors. All of them. How is the girl supposed to get married if he chases everyone?!? I understand he's trying to protect her, but I thought he really took it too far for it to make sense. Rosalind is smart. A word telling that this suitor is not suitable should be enough. So asking Nicholas to keep an eye on her wasn't bad either... but that part where Nicholas spent the night outside her room, keeping an eye on her window... Are you kidding me?!? So Gabriel is going to be away for three months. You're telling me that Nicholas will be spending each night outside?!? That didn't make sense. Being a marquess with some money, I would at least think Nicholas would hire someone. Also, I don't get how Nicholas got to be a marquess and nobody knew he was the heir to the title. So just a lot of little things that bothered me a little.
One thing that I did like is that Rosalind found out pretty early on that Nicholas was her guardian. So at least, the book wasn't all about deception and misunderstanding. I did think that Rosalind and Nicholas had chemistry together... Unfortunately, it's the storyline that lets it down a little bit. There wasn't much going on except for Rosalind and Nicholas' relationship. And so at the end, I thought the romance was a little bit draggy. I love books that are focused on relationships, but you have to add a little bit of something to it. A bit of conflicts or something... and here, there wasn't really any. Sure, Nicholas being Gabriel's best friend could have been one... but once he decided that he wanted Rosalind, there wasn't any anymore ^_^;
After the death of her mother, Nell Whitby finds out that she is the daughter of Lord Rushden. She decides to seek revenge for her mother by sneaking into Lord Rushden's house with a gun... only to find a very naked, very handsome and much younger Lord Rushden - Simon St. Maur - in bed. It turns out that the previous Lord Rushden has passed away and Simon has inherited the title... Unfortunately, that's pretty much the only thing he inherited as all the money has been left for the previous lord's two daughters, Katherine and Cornelia, even though Cornelia has been missing for years. Simon has tried to appeal to court to have Cornelia declared dead; however, was denied... and he's about to go bankrupted in a few days... Till Nell appears. Simon is sure that Nell is the missing twin and he plans to marry her, bring her out in Society and inherit the money. While it is a good plan for Simon, there are some people that do not want Cornelia to re-appear... ever.
I was quite looking forward to A Lady's Lesson in Scandal. I've read and tried to read Ms Duran's books in the past, but the storylines never really worked for me ^_^; However, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal's storyline sounded like something I would really enjoy... so I was excited to give it a go.
I really liked the premises of the storylines. It's my kind of storylines :) My problem though was Nell's character. I understand she's had a very hard life and growing up where she did, her being wary is not surprising. However, I didn't find her likable ^_^; And as a result, I didn't love this book... which is unfortunate because Simon was an awesome hero. I loved his declaration, I loved that he was the one to take the first step. I loved that he got Nell, understood her and call her out at the end.
I think that realistically, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is really a B-range book. It's well-written, has great characters and a good storyline. I know that a lot of readers out there are going to love Nell. However, when you review a book, the reading experience has to be taken in consideration... and really, Nell just bothered me and so, the grade stands ^_^; It's pretty much me and not the book.
Gayle Windham, Earl of Westhaven and heir to a dukedom, has elected to spend the summer in London in order to avoid his family. Not that he doesn't love his family; however, he is getting quite exasperated with his father's meddling and quest for a succession. When he comes to the aid of one of his maidservants and gets bashed on the head, that's when he takes notice of his new housekeeper, Mrs. Anna Seaton. Quickly, Westhaven realizes that there is something unusual about Anna. Oh, she takes care of his house admirably, taking in consideration his likes and dislikes. However, she is much better educated and sophisticated to be a simple housekeeper. Indeed, Anna is no ordinary housekeeper. She and her sister Morgan are on the run, in hiding... and the last thing she needs is to fall in love with Westhaven.
I got this book at RWA and was quite intrigued. I like the idea of a housekeeper heroine... Of course, for the story to work, the housekeeper cannot be a simple housekeeper. So that aspect of the storyline didn't really other me as I expected. Anyway, what did I think of this book? Well I liked the writing as Ms Burrowes has a pleasant style. I do admit that from time to time, her use of some words, especially "cock" would break the flow, the mood. It just doesn't seem to match the rest of her writing... I also enjoyed the characters, especially Anna. They were simply likable characters :) And the family? They were hilarious I thought :)
One of my issues though was I felt like I missed a book prior to The Heir. For example, Westhaven was not supposed to be the heir to the dukedom... I think he had two older brothers who passed away and one of them was married and all. I felt very confused because I think the information and background weren't well integrated in The Heir's storyline. Another issue I had was that the book was quite lengthily and I thought some parts were unnecessary. Especially towards the end... It just felt like the story dragged on and on ^_^; I just wanted Westhaven and Anna to get together and be done.
The Heir is definitively a good effort on Ms Burrowes part. I'd definitively pick up more books in this series as I enjoyed the family and the writing.
After a nervous break-down, world-famous concert violinist Caroline Waverly has come to Innocence to claim her inheritance: her grandparents'house, and to gather herself. Unfortunately for her, her timing is not the greatest given a serial killer is on the loose. There's already been two bodies found and the latest victim is one of Tucker Longstreet's exes. The Longstreet family pretty much owns the whole town of Innocence and Tucker is under the scrutiny of the FBI. This doesn't stop a romance between Caroline and Tucker blooming.
This was a re-read for me. It's been just so long since I've read it and after Unfinished Business where the heroine was a professional piano player, I felt like re-reading Carnal Innocence. Straight up, you know Carnal Innocence has good writing - hello, Nora Roberts! LOL. I also really liked the characters. Caroline and Tucker were a case of opposite attraction :) Caroline is uptight while Tucker is so relaxed. Yet, both are very generous :) I just thought they complemented each other well. As for the romance, well it's a nice fling between two consenting adults that grows into something more :) Nice and well-done :)
The mystery aspect of the book was quite interesting and I think it was pretty unexpected. What didn't work too well with me was the small-mindness of the town - racism and religion. I'm not too keen whenever there's a religious fanatic character in my book. Perhaps because I don't really care about religion ^_^; but a lot of time, I just can't help but dislike these characters. As for the racism, I know this book was written in 1991, but it was quite jarring to see that such attitude still existed. What the town's people did at the end of the book to that family?! Totally unacceptable! And while it wasn't the focus, I'm quite shocked that it wasn't pursued. Like after such an event, for that family to just go on as if nothing happened? I'd have packed my bags.
Overall though, it was a good re-read. Not Ms Roberts' best, but quite satisfying.
15) Perfect Play by Jaci Burton: B+
Upcoming Review.
16) Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett: C+
Upcoming Review.
Jacobin de Chastelux is the daughter of a French aristocrat and English noblewoman. Orphaned, she grew up in England in her uncle and guardian's household, Lord Candover. For unknown reasons, Lord Candover hates her and never paid attention to her... and so Jacobin has been able to pursue her passion: patisserie. Then one day, Jacobin is summoned and learns that is to pay off her uncle's gaming debts by becoming the Earl of Storrington's mistress. Shocked, Jacobin runs away with her mentor and together, they find her a position in the royal kitchen, disguised as a man. Except all goes wrong after a dinner party during which her uncle is poisoned with one of her creations! On the run again, Jacobin has no other choice than seeking refuge at Storrington's.
Anthony, Earl of Storrington, has a score to settle with Lord Candover. He wants to ruin the man and if it means taking his niece as a prize, he'll do it! Luckily for him though, she ran away with the cook... Unlucky for him is that Candover has come up with the money. Now, he needs to find another way to entice Candover... Knowing the man has a sweet tooth, Anthony tries to hire a new patissier whose sweets he knows Candover won't be able to resist. Except, Anthony is really attracted to his new chef...
Let see. I thought the beginning of Never Resist Temptation was great and very, very promising. I also loved the culinary aspect of the book. I thought it was very refreshing that Jacobin was interested in patisserie. It's not a theme that you see often in historicals and it worked for me. I also really liked Jacobin. She's independent, smart, flexible. Sure, she's a bit stubborn when it comes to her art, but she has character, that's for sure :) It's just unfortunate that the hero and storyline didn't live up to its good start.
First, the revenge plot was meh. A bit too convoluted although it was a great foil for Anthony and his sister's relationship. Still, I'm not sure what was the extent of Candover's involvement. Yes, the man is horrible... but the explanation why Candover hated his brother-in-law? Nah, didn't do it for me. Then, there was Anthony. He was okay-ish, till he found out his new chef was really Jacobin. The guy is attracted to Jacobin, but she's part of his household and a young woman... so he doesn't dare make a move. But once he finds out that she is Jacobin, because rumors have it that she has ran off with her uncle's chef, then suddenly,"She wasn't a respectable unmarried lady" and becomes fair game. Seriously?!? I really couldn't believe it!! Even if she has really run off with the chef, I can't accept his behavior :( It really turned me off the book. And that's why it gets the grade above.
18) The Secret Mistress by Mary Balogh: B-/B
Upcoming Review.
The Marquis of Chase, Cain, was kicked out by his father at the age of 16 years old for unknown reasons. With only 100 pounds, he made his way to London where he was promptly robbed and injured... If he hadn't been taken in by two prostitutes, he would have died in the street. Spending most of his adult life in brothels and with the demi-monde, Cain has acquired a wretched reputation and is barely accepted in polite Society.
One day, Cain comes across a catalogue advertising the auction of Tarleton's impressive books collection, among which is the Burgundy Books of Hours. Cain is intrigued because his family owns the Burgundy Books of Hours and being a prized item, he cannot see under which circumstances his father, the Saintly Marquis, would have parted with the book. However, he vaguely remembers Tarleton's visit to Markley Chase Abbey not long before his exile and wonder if perhaps, it is actually not related to his exile. In any case, Cain is determined to get his hands back on what belongs to him... However, knowing nothing about books or auctions, Cain needs help and is directed to Juliana Merton, owner of J.C. Merton. Juliana lost her husband about a year ago... and if things continue this way, she will also lose her business as many books collectors look down on her. If she could acquire the Burgundy Books of Hours on Cain's behalf, it would be a coup! Also, the commission could also help her acquiring some books that belonged to her mother...
Once again, the beginning of The Wild Marquis was very good. I was engaged by the story and the characters as soon as I started reading the book. I also really like the book theme of The Wild Marquis. It was refreshing and very interesting. The whole auction atmosphere, Cain and Juliana looking at books, the reasons why some people would collect some books - binding, authors, first edition, etc. I also really liked both characters, they were likable and had quite a lot of depth. Especially Cain. Being kicked out of the house at such a young age, not knowing why... and then, having such a bad reputation, which is none of his fault really. Seeing how society can be so superficial... I really, really liked it. Unfortunately, the second half of The Wild Marquis really didn't live up to the first. Halfway through the book, there was a lot of going on including the romance... and it felt to me Ms Neville lost the focus of the book. Suddenly, the book wasn't about the Burgundy Books of Hours and the auction anymore, but on Cain's past, Juliana's past, Cain's little sister and possible other job for Juliana. There was just too much. I have to say that Juliana's past and the intrigue concerning her was actually quite interesting... However, when you add in everything else? It's such a shame given how good the beginning was. I'm not saying The Wild Marquis wasn't a good book... Simply, it wasn't as good as what it could have been.
20) The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen: B
Upcoming Post.
21) Vanish by Tess Gerritsen: B+
Upcoming Post.
Books bought: + 7
Books read: -21
TBR pile: - 14
Sorry, wasn't able to keep the mini-reviews short ^_^; It's really something I need to work on. LOL, I have to say that I was really tempted starting individual reviews for each of them!! But then, I have so other books that I want to properly review ^_^; Perhaps I should do point-form mini-reviews... Hmmmm. In any case, told ya, I really had a great month of July! :) 21 books read and 11 of them were from my RWA/NYC haul!! It was awesome LOL. Just too bad I'm not doing as good this month. As you can see, I was also in a historical kick... which is probably what started my reading slump ^_^; Oups. However, most historical books I read were really good and I was really happy.
Sigh, July is going to be very hard to beat :)
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Re-Read: Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh
My re-read this month - okay, last month :P - was Mine To Possess by Nalini Singh. The reason I chose to re-read this book was to prepare myself for Ms Singh's upcoming release, Bonds of Justice, as the hero, Max, was introduced in Mine to Possess. LOL, great minds think alike, since Hils did too :)You can click here to read my original review, which was a buddy review with Chantal over at Breezing Through.
Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh
A ghost returns from a leopard changeling’s past, making him question everything—even his base animal instincts…
Clay Bennett is a powerful DarkRiver sentinel, but he grew up in the slums with his human mother, never knowing his changeling father. As a young boy without the bonds of Pack, he tried to stifle his animal nature. He failed... and committed the most extreme act of violence, killing a man and losing his best friend, Talin, in the bloody aftermath. Everything good in him died the day he was told that she, too, was dead.
Talin McKade barely survived a childhood drenched in bloodshed and terror. Now a new nightmare is stalking her life--the street children she works to protect are disappearing and turning up dead. Determined to keep them safe, she unlocks the darkest secret in her heart and returns to ask the help of the strongest man she knows...
Clay lost Talin once. He will not let her go again, his hunger to possess her, a clawing need born of the leopard within. As they race to save the innocent, Clay and Talin must face the violent truths of their past...or lose everything that ever mattered.
Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Psy-Changeling series, Book #5 (counting novellas)
The Story: Clay and Talin met as children. Talin was with a foster family with parents that abused her and when Clay found out, he killed the foster father. He ended up in juvie for 4 years and when he came out, was told that Talin has died. Luckily for Clay, he was later picked up by Nate who brought him back to DarkRiver.
Fast-forward 16 years and Talin shows up, asking Clay for help. Talin is a social worker, working for the Shine Foundation, and her charges have disappeared. One was found dead with some organs missing, the other is still missing. Talin's life is running short, but she's determined to keep her promise to Jonquil and not give up on him. Unfortunately, Enforcement is not interested in the case and thus, Talin needs help from people with power and connection...
My Opinion: Phew, my memory was a bit rusty ^_^; I mean, I remembered the big lines of the book; however, for the life of me, I could not place Max LOL. So I'm happy I did the re-read.
On one hand, this book was very interesting. Mine to Possess was the first book with a human protagonist and as a result, it introduced a new dimension to the Psy-Changeling world. Primarily, we got to explore outside the Pack and the Psy, see how the world is in 2080. The introduction of the Shine Foundation and the Forgottens was engaging and well weaved in the storyline. I especially liked the addition of the Forgottens. It sounds simple and very logical at first, but I think it's something not all authors would have thought to include in the world building. Ms Singh definitively has her world all figured out and she's revealing it according to her plan :) All the elements introduced move the whole story-arc forward and I thought Mine To Possess was really a pivotal book in the series :)
As for the plot itself, the kidnapping and etc. I thought it was good. Perhaps the whole was a bit too easy to figure out - connect the dots, but it was still good. I especially liked how the kids were rescued :)
What didn't work too well for me was Talin and Clay characters and subsequently, the romance. Talin was a hard heroine to like, especially in the beginning of the book. There she is, having lied to Clay, made him suffer... and she shows up out of no where, asking for his help... and when he becomes angry, she has the nerves to say: "What happened to you? You weren't like that before." I mean, seriously?!? You betrayed him and you expect him to welcome you, open arms? Plus, she's afraid of him which obviously doesn't help... but worst, you antagonize him!! Ugh. I understand she had a terrible childhood and was traumatized, but I didn't follow nor was able to sympathize with her train of thoughts and outbursts. As for Clay, he was more likable than Talin, but not by much. He was such an angry character, with the brooding and the growling. Then, he pushed and pushed Talin till she accepted and started breaking out of her shell. Good, but by then, I cared little about them and the romance :( All in all, I just feel that Talin and Clay were not the most compelling characters Ms Sing has written.
My Grade: Originally, I gave Mine to Possess a B+. Now, after re-reading it, I feel that was the fangirl in me talking and Mine to Possess is more of a B-. Ms Singh is definitively a great author and all of her books are strong and solid. Still they are some better than others, unfortunately, Mine to Possess is not one of those. I just couldn't connect with Talin and Clay and it kind of ruined it for me, luckily, the engaging plot and events saved it for me :)
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Re-Read: Nothing to Fear by Karen Rose
It's a good thing to make my re-read in time, but it's of no use if I don't manage to write the review! LOL. Read and review, the constant struggle! :)
Nothing to Fear by Karen Rose
published by Grand Central Publishing in August 2005
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Book #4
The Story: Okay, I'm not going to try to write my own blurb, because there's a lot of twists in this book and I don't want to give it away. Plus, I think that the book blurb did a good job, at least, giving insight on the H/H - Dana and Ethan :)
My Opinion: I am sure, sure, sure that I've read Nothing to Fear in the past, but honesty? I couldn't remember much of it ^_^; I remember it involved a deaf boy and that's the book Dana and Ethan got together, but that was pretty much it ^_^; It kind of bugged me a little that I couldn't remember much of it after I finished I Can See You, since it was Evie's story and she had a big role in Nothing to Fear... and after reading Silent Scream, I decided it was time to re-read it... so that's what I did :)
I don't really remember my impressions of Nothing to Fear the first time I read it ^_^; It's no real surprise, since I couldn't remember the storyline either... However, I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it LOL, since I continued reading this series :)
What about this time around? Honestly, I have to say that reading Nothing to Fear was a bit hard for me, because I did not like Dana much ^_^; My view of Dana has been changed and colored with the last couple of books, mainly because I like David Hunter's character so much. I kind dislike Dana now because she made David suffer so much, even if it is unknowingly ^_^; See, David has been in love with Dana for so long and it's all been one-sided... unrequited love. I understand that Dana doesn't feel anything for David and you cannot force love... and I don't want Dana to love David, but it caused him so much grief. What I don't understand is how everyone (and I mean everyone) knew that David was in love with Dana, except Dana. I think if she had acknowledged his feelings and confronted him with it, it would have brought closure. It makes me think that it's wrong for people to devote themselves too much for a cause... You are so focused on one thing that you missed everything else that's going on around you :( I really disliked how Dana didn't take care of herself and took risks. It's for a good cause and she feels strongly about it, but there is a limit and she crossed that line too many times for me to be comfortable. I am glad though that at the end of the book, she started questioning her action and in the end, left the Hanover House and became a foster parent.
Otherwise, Nothing to Fear is a great book. I actually liked Ethan a lot :) He's a good man... actually, all of Ms Rose's heroes are great guys :) Solid, gentle, sensible, brave and strong LOL. I did enjoy his relationship with Dana... I like the fact that both of them felt right away that this relationship was special... and that they took some time to get to know each other and explore, even if the timeline was short.
What stands out the most in Nothing to Fear and what I enjoyed the most is the plot. Oh gosh, this was great suspense. A real page turner :) The plot was cleverly built and solid with some interesting twists. Everything tied up well together and the villain was definitively scary.I also liked the investigation aspect, how they all work together to piece the clues and arrest the villain. I really enjoy Ms Rose's plots, because they are always so complex, but well constructed. They are always more than what they appear to be on the surface. Ms Rose definitively has a knack for writing romantic suspense :) I also like the balance between the suspense and the romance. I think she did a great job incorporating the romance... Sometimes, it's hard to believe in the romance in a romantic suspense, it feels like the romance doesn't have a place, especially when the timeline is short... but like I mentioned above, it works in Nothing to Fear. I really did believe in Dana and Ethan's attraction and how it played out. I'm happy that the H/H were not joined at the hip. They spent limited time together, but it magnified the importance and the impact :)
Aside from Dana's character, the only other issue I had with this book was Richard's family. Richard is Ethan's dead best friend. Throughout the whole book, whenever Richard was mentioned, I wondered if Ethan kept in touch with Richard's family. For some reasons, it didn't seem so to me, but that's perhaps just a feeling I got... but if he didn't, that wouldn't be consistent with Ethan's character... Hmmm.
My Grade: B. Nothing to Fear is a great romantic suspense - solid plot and solid characters. Not my favorite Karen Rose book, but one that I'd probably read just for the plot alone :)
Nothing to Fear by Karen Rose
published by Grand Central Publishing in August 2005As director of an inner-city woman's shelter, Dana Dupinsky safeguards many secrets. Some are new identities; some are new addresses; and some are even hidden truths about herself. Passionately dedicated to Hanover House and the women she protects, Dana has always been reluctant to look for love. But now, just as a case puts her and a child in mortal danger, it seems that love has come looking for her.
Security expert Ethan Buchanan learned to stalk men in the Afghan desert. Now he vows to track down the ruthless woman who kidnapped his godson-and falling for Dana is not in the plan. Yet her very presence seems to chase away the ghosts that haunt him, and her skillful evasion of personal questions raises his hunting instincts. For there's a deadly new secret at Hanover House. A brutal killer is weaving a web of revenge with a stolen boy at its center. And Dana is the next victim on the list...
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Book #4
The Story: Okay, I'm not going to try to write my own blurb, because there's a lot of twists in this book and I don't want to give it away. Plus, I think that the book blurb did a good job, at least, giving insight on the H/H - Dana and Ethan :)
My Opinion: I am sure, sure, sure that I've read Nothing to Fear in the past, but honesty? I couldn't remember much of it ^_^; I remember it involved a deaf boy and that's the book Dana and Ethan got together, but that was pretty much it ^_^; It kind of bugged me a little that I couldn't remember much of it after I finished I Can See You, since it was Evie's story and she had a big role in Nothing to Fear... and after reading Silent Scream, I decided it was time to re-read it... so that's what I did :)
I don't really remember my impressions of Nothing to Fear the first time I read it ^_^; It's no real surprise, since I couldn't remember the storyline either... However, I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it LOL, since I continued reading this series :)
What about this time around? Honestly, I have to say that reading Nothing to Fear was a bit hard for me, because I did not like Dana much ^_^; My view of Dana has been changed and colored with the last couple of books, mainly because I like David Hunter's character so much. I kind dislike Dana now because she made David suffer so much, even if it is unknowingly ^_^; See, David has been in love with Dana for so long and it's all been one-sided... unrequited love. I understand that Dana doesn't feel anything for David and you cannot force love... and I don't want Dana to love David, but it caused him so much grief. What I don't understand is how everyone (and I mean everyone) knew that David was in love with Dana, except Dana. I think if she had acknowledged his feelings and confronted him with it, it would have brought closure. It makes me think that it's wrong for people to devote themselves too much for a cause... You are so focused on one thing that you missed everything else that's going on around you :( I really disliked how Dana didn't take care of herself and took risks. It's for a good cause and she feels strongly about it, but there is a limit and she crossed that line too many times for me to be comfortable. I am glad though that at the end of the book, she started questioning her action and in the end, left the Hanover House and became a foster parent.
Otherwise, Nothing to Fear is a great book. I actually liked Ethan a lot :) He's a good man... actually, all of Ms Rose's heroes are great guys :) Solid, gentle, sensible, brave and strong LOL. I did enjoy his relationship with Dana... I like the fact that both of them felt right away that this relationship was special... and that they took some time to get to know each other and explore, even if the timeline was short.
What stands out the most in Nothing to Fear and what I enjoyed the most is the plot. Oh gosh, this was great suspense. A real page turner :) The plot was cleverly built and solid with some interesting twists. Everything tied up well together and the villain was definitively scary.I also liked the investigation aspect, how they all work together to piece the clues and arrest the villain. I really enjoy Ms Rose's plots, because they are always so complex, but well constructed. They are always more than what they appear to be on the surface. Ms Rose definitively has a knack for writing romantic suspense :) I also like the balance between the suspense and the romance. I think she did a great job incorporating the romance... Sometimes, it's hard to believe in the romance in a romantic suspense, it feels like the romance doesn't have a place, especially when the timeline is short... but like I mentioned above, it works in Nothing to Fear. I really did believe in Dana and Ethan's attraction and how it played out. I'm happy that the H/H were not joined at the hip. They spent limited time together, but it magnified the importance and the impact :)
Aside from Dana's character, the only other issue I had with this book was Richard's family. Richard is Ethan's dead best friend. Throughout the whole book, whenever Richard was mentioned, I wondered if Ethan kept in touch with Richard's family. For some reasons, it didn't seem so to me, but that's perhaps just a feeling I got... but if he didn't, that wouldn't be consistent with Ethan's character... Hmmm.
My Grade: B. Nothing to Fear is a great romantic suspense - solid plot and solid characters. Not my favorite Karen Rose book, but one that I'd probably read just for the plot alone :)
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Re-Read: The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop
Not long ago, Tabitha asked "What to do when your urge to read war with your desire to review?" My answer was to keep on reading and not to mess with her reading roll. Well for once, I listened to my own advice LOL. I was on a reading roll in February (small because of the Olympics, but still a roll) and decided to just read what I felt like reading, even if that meant not making it for the various reading challenges I signed up for. I did feel bad missing them, especially the Re-Read Challenge because I'm the host and should set the example, but what can I say? I was afraid I'd go from a reading roll to a reading slump ^_^;
Luckily though, after reading Shadalor's Lady by Anne Bishop last Saturday, I had the urge to re-read The Shadow Queen just to refresh my memory on how it all started... and I was able to finish it on Sunday :) So today, I'm taking a page from Leslie's book of logic :P I'm posting my re-read review and, since technically, today would be February 31... I'm not late right? :)
The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop
published by New American Library (ROC) in March 2009
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Black Jewels series, Book #8 (Dena Nehele trilogy, Book #2)
The Story: The synopsis does a good job summarizing the book, but I'm going to add my two cents.
Dena Nehele lands and people have been decimated by generations of corrupt Queens, even more than other territories because hundred years ago, Dena Nehele had a queen and her consort powerful enough to stand up to Dorothea SaDiablo, Lia the Gray Lady and Jared Grayhaven. Thus, they had to pay a steeper price. Now, it's been two years since Witch has cleansed the three realms from the tainted Bloods and the Warlord Princes in Dena Nehele have finally quenched the landens uprising. All the people of Dena Nehele wants is to go back to their roots and live the Old Ways, following Protocol. Theran Grayhaven is the last direct descendant of Lia and Jared and thus, has been chosen as Dena Nehele leader. Theran decides to "call in a favor" with Daemon Sadi and asks for a Queen from Kaeleer to come rule Dena Nehele in order to show them the Old Ways.
Lady Cassidy has been abandoned by her First Court because she was neither pretty or powerful and did not possess an aristo lineage. However, she has been chosen by Witch herself to be the Queen of Dena Nehele. Thus, she embarks in this adventure, to try to show the Old Ways to people who has forgotten their roots. Unfortunately for Cassidy, the road will be long and hard as will have to convince skeptics to join her court... and the biggest of them all, Theran Grayhaven himself. Luckily for her, she'll find a surprisingly ally in Gray, Theran's cousin who was captured at 15 years old and tortured the two following years... at the age of 27, Gray is not whole... just the shadow of what he could have been...
My Opinion: Here is my review of The Shadow Queen the first time I read it and basically my opinion and grade have not changed much. Although it's hard to review this without spoilers of Shadalor's Lady!
After reading Shadalor's Lady, I think The Shadow Queen did a good job at setting up the story and introducing the major characters for the trilogy. The story is fairly simple, since it consisted of Cassidy arriving at Dena Nehele, setting Court and showing her colors. Still, it was interesting and fun to read :)
The main characters (Theran, Cassidy and Gray) were also in interesting lot. They're all multi-dimensional and well developed. I really like Cassidy - she has this inner strength. She's a solid woman, the kind that's not afraid of work and get it done, without all the sparks and flashes. In The Shadow Queen, Cassidy has a low-esteem issue, she's still reeling from the abandonment of her First Court and so, she's on shaky leg. Not very sure of herself, doubting... and it sure doesn't help that Theran is being such a jerk. I'd be very curious to see the Cassidy prior the abandonment. Gray was my favorite characters in The Shadow Queen. Tortured for two years by wicked Queens, he's still scarred and so protect himself by not letting him grow emotionally. However, meeting Cassidy makes him want to become a man and that's very sweet. As for Theran, well he was a jerk. There's no other words to describe him... which is quite an interesting choice, as he's a protagonist in The Shadow Queen. He's just hateful and so stubborn and frustrating, ugh. However, there's a redeeming factor in him: he does truly care for Gray. I don't want to say too much on Theran, because I think my opinion of him is being influenced by the events of Shadalor's Lady.
I thought The Shadow Queen was a very good book the first time and it's still so the second time around. Especially when you read it a year later. Of course, the surprise element is not there anymore, but it doesn't really matter. What matters is I still laughed and chuckled as I was reading The Shadow Queen. It's quite incredible how Ms Bishop can combine such dark and crude elements with comedy and sweet moments and everything still flows very well and at no time is it awkward. That makes Ms Bishop's writing the best thing about this book :)
My Grade: B+. I still like The Shadow Queen as much as before, especially for those cute and aww scenes. It is definitively a fun read, despite the very serious and dark undertones. I love Cassidy and Gray and I think Ms Bishop sets up the new trilogy very well with this book. At the same time, we get to re-visit older characters such as Daemon, Jaenelle and Saetan which is always fun. As in my previous review, I didn't care much about Daemon and Saetan's subplots, but still, it shows the readers different faces of these characters. At least, this time, they didn't completely overshadow the main storyline :)
Oh by the way, take a look at Anne Bishop's website. Seems like it's gotten a face lift :P
Luckily though, after reading Shadalor's Lady by Anne Bishop last Saturday, I had the urge to re-read The Shadow Queen just to refresh my memory on how it all started... and I was able to finish it on Sunday :) So today, I'm taking a page from Leslie's book of logic :P I'm posting my re-read review and, since technically, today would be February 31... I'm not late right? :)
The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishoppublished by New American Library (ROC) in March 2009
Dena Nehele is a land decimated by its past. Once it was ruled by corrupt Queens who were wiped out when the land was cleansed of tainted Blood. Now, only one hundred Warlord Princes stand—without a leader and without hope…
Theran Grayhaven is the last of his line, desperate to find the key that reveals a treasure great enough to restore Dena Nehele. But first he needs to find a Queen who knows Protocol, remembers the Blood’s code of honor, and lives by the Old Ways.
Languishing in the Shadow Realm, Lady Cassidy is a Queen without a court, a castoff. She is not beautiful. She thinks she is not strong. But when she is chosen to rule Dena Nehele, she must convince bitter men to serve once again.
Theran’s cousin Gray is a Warlord Prince who was damaged in mind and body by the vicious Queens who once ruled Dena Nehele. Yet something about Cassidy makes him want to serve—and makes him believe he can be made whole once again.
And only Cassidy can prove to Gray—and to herself—that wounds can heal and even the whisper of a promise can be fulfilled...
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Black Jewels series, Book #8 (Dena Nehele trilogy, Book #2)
The Story: The synopsis does a good job summarizing the book, but I'm going to add my two cents.
Dena Nehele lands and people have been decimated by generations of corrupt Queens, even more than other territories because hundred years ago, Dena Nehele had a queen and her consort powerful enough to stand up to Dorothea SaDiablo, Lia the Gray Lady and Jared Grayhaven. Thus, they had to pay a steeper price. Now, it's been two years since Witch has cleansed the three realms from the tainted Bloods and the Warlord Princes in Dena Nehele have finally quenched the landens uprising. All the people of Dena Nehele wants is to go back to their roots and live the Old Ways, following Protocol. Theran Grayhaven is the last direct descendant of Lia and Jared and thus, has been chosen as Dena Nehele leader. Theran decides to "call in a favor" with Daemon Sadi and asks for a Queen from Kaeleer to come rule Dena Nehele in order to show them the Old Ways.
Lady Cassidy has been abandoned by her First Court because she was neither pretty or powerful and did not possess an aristo lineage. However, she has been chosen by Witch herself to be the Queen of Dena Nehele. Thus, she embarks in this adventure, to try to show the Old Ways to people who has forgotten their roots. Unfortunately for Cassidy, the road will be long and hard as will have to convince skeptics to join her court... and the biggest of them all, Theran Grayhaven himself. Luckily for her, she'll find a surprisingly ally in Gray, Theran's cousin who was captured at 15 years old and tortured the two following years... at the age of 27, Gray is not whole... just the shadow of what he could have been...
My Opinion: Here is my review of The Shadow Queen the first time I read it and basically my opinion and grade have not changed much. Although it's hard to review this without spoilers of Shadalor's Lady!
After reading Shadalor's Lady, I think The Shadow Queen did a good job at setting up the story and introducing the major characters for the trilogy. The story is fairly simple, since it consisted of Cassidy arriving at Dena Nehele, setting Court and showing her colors. Still, it was interesting and fun to read :)
The main characters (Theran, Cassidy and Gray) were also in interesting lot. They're all multi-dimensional and well developed. I really like Cassidy - she has this inner strength. She's a solid woman, the kind that's not afraid of work and get it done, without all the sparks and flashes. In The Shadow Queen, Cassidy has a low-esteem issue, she's still reeling from the abandonment of her First Court and so, she's on shaky leg. Not very sure of herself, doubting... and it sure doesn't help that Theran is being such a jerk. I'd be very curious to see the Cassidy prior the abandonment. Gray was my favorite characters in The Shadow Queen. Tortured for two years by wicked Queens, he's still scarred and so protect himself by not letting him grow emotionally. However, meeting Cassidy makes him want to become a man and that's very sweet. As for Theran, well he was a jerk. There's no other words to describe him... which is quite an interesting choice, as he's a protagonist in The Shadow Queen. He's just hateful and so stubborn and frustrating, ugh. However, there's a redeeming factor in him: he does truly care for Gray. I don't want to say too much on Theran, because I think my opinion of him is being influenced by the events of Shadalor's Lady.
I thought The Shadow Queen was a very good book the first time and it's still so the second time around. Especially when you read it a year later. Of course, the surprise element is not there anymore, but it doesn't really matter. What matters is I still laughed and chuckled as I was reading The Shadow Queen. It's quite incredible how Ms Bishop can combine such dark and crude elements with comedy and sweet moments and everything still flows very well and at no time is it awkward. That makes Ms Bishop's writing the best thing about this book :)
My Grade: B+. I still like The Shadow Queen as much as before, especially for those cute and aww scenes. It is definitively a fun read, despite the very serious and dark undertones. I love Cassidy and Gray and I think Ms Bishop sets up the new trilogy very well with this book. At the same time, we get to re-visit older characters such as Daemon, Jaenelle and Saetan which is always fun. As in my previous review, I didn't care much about Daemon and Saetan's subplots, but still, it shows the readers different faces of these characters. At least, this time, they didn't completely overshadow the main storyline :)
Oh by the way, take a look at Anne Bishop's website. Seems like it's gotten a face lift :P
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Re-Read: The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Crusie
Sigh, such an unproductive day. My plan for today was to clean and blog... but I guess the cleaning is not going to happen ^_^; At least, I still have time to blog... and I read. Actually, this week-end was filled with sports, watching tennis and curling :) Unfortunately, Justine Henin lost in the finale of the Australian Open... Of course, considering that it's only her 2nd tournament since her retirement, not bad... The only problem though is that I thought the match was not very exciting. Ah well.
End of the month already! I re-read Turn Coat by Jim Butcher earlier this month for the challenge... but instead, I'm going to review The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Crusie which has just been re-issued this month. I'd do a two-fer, but Turn Coat is too complex to re-review LOL.
The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Crusie
published by Bantam Books in September 1996 (re-issued in January 2010)
Series: none
You can read my original review here.
The Story: Linc Blaise is in a pinch. A history teacher, writing his second book, Linc is trying to get a new teaching position in a quieter environment which would allow him to focus on his writing. However, during the interview, Linc invents himself a fiancée and now has to bring her to his speech. So he turns to his neighbor, Daisy Flattery, a free spirit who is used to telling stories... His initial idea was to have Daisy help him get the job and then, he would come up with another lie about their engagement failing... However, once he gets the job, he realizes that he won't make full professor unless he gets married...
Daisy is the complete opposite of Linc. Four years ago, she walked away from her teaching position to focus on her painting. However, she's now having doubts about her decision... She's gone through her savings and is tired of worrying about money and scrambling for it, which in turns takes her away from her art. As a result, Linc's proposition sounds perfect... except she's not sure about him...
My Opinion: I'm really glad Bantam Books finally decided to reprint The Cinderella Deal because it's the only book by Jennifer Crusie I was missing for my collection. I had the chance a few years ago to read an electronic copy of it for Book Binge and thus my review. However, there's something special about owning every book by an author :P So I'm very happy...
Technically, this is a book I should love. It has the "happy-go-lucky heroine thawing the stuffy hero" plot that I enjoy so much, it's also a marriage of convenience plot and it's by Jennifer Crusie... but something was missing and it might have been chemistry between the H/H.
While re-reading The Cinderella Deal, I still felt like this was a re-visit of Strange Bedpersons, but not as good. I actually always thought that The Cinderella Deal was the precursor to Strange Bedpersons until I checked the release dates of both books for this review and found out that Strange Bedpersons was written before. The storyline is more complete and more interesting, considering that Daisy and Linc actually get married... but like I say, something was a little off: why did Linc choose Daisy to pose as his fiancée? I mean, he doesn't really know her, she's not his type... so why her? Why not a friend? Someone he knows better? So I felt this was a bit awkward and it does impact the book (the chemistry).
Don't get me wrong, The Cinderella Deal is an enjoyable book with a nice storyline and likable characters. However, I think the first time I read this book, I was simply just too happy to be able to read it that I overlooked some stuff. My main problem with this book was Linc's attitude towards Daisy. He chose her to pose as his fiancée... Yet, every time, he's afraid she's going to embarrass him and he's a bit ashamed of her at times. That really made me uncomfortable. I thought he was a bit selfish, always thinking of himself first and the consequences to him instead of considering Daisy and her feelings... especially since he gets to know Daisy and understand her pretty well at the end. Luckily, he does redeem himself, especially at the end in the scene where he throws out her dress because it wasn't "her."
In addition, I don't think this book is as funny as Ms Crusie's other works. There are some LOL moments, but not as much as you'd expected considering the author. Also, did anyone notice that Ms Crusie has interesting secondary characters, but she doesn't do much with them? She leaves it pretty open as if there's a possibility they'd have their story, but they never do.
Overall, I still enjoyed it because it is a cute story and I like the plot lines. However, this re-read kind of opened my eyes to some of its flaws. Basically, my opinion remains the same as before: between Strange Bedpersons and The Cinderella Deal, I'd choose Strange Bedpersons without hesitation. The good news though is for those who didn't enjoy Strange Bedpersons as much because they thought Tess was unreasonable should really like this one.
My Grade: I originally gave this book a grade of 3.75/5 which would be a B+... but now, it's more of a B read for me.
End of the month already! I re-read Turn Coat by Jim Butcher earlier this month for the challenge... but instead, I'm going to review The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Crusie which has just been re-issued this month. I'd do a two-fer, but Turn Coat is too complex to re-review LOL.
The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Crusie
published by Bantam Books in September 1996 (re-issued in January 2010)
Daisy Flattery is an incorrigible free spirit with a soft spot for strays and a weakness for a good story and a bit of adventure. Why else would she agree to the outrageous deal offered by her button-down, workaholic neighbor Linc Blaise? The history professor is desperately in need of a fiancée to capture a dream job at a local college—and Daisy is up for the challenge. But something funny happens on their way to the altar that breaks all the rules and changes the game. Falling in love was never part of the bargain. Their little charade has taken in everyone—including themselves. Now with the proverbial midnight hour approaching will the fairytale finally be over or will opposites not just attract but live happily ever after?Genre: contemporary romance
Series: none
You can read my original review here.
The Story: Linc Blaise is in a pinch. A history teacher, writing his second book, Linc is trying to get a new teaching position in a quieter environment which would allow him to focus on his writing. However, during the interview, Linc invents himself a fiancée and now has to bring her to his speech. So he turns to his neighbor, Daisy Flattery, a free spirit who is used to telling stories... His initial idea was to have Daisy help him get the job and then, he would come up with another lie about their engagement failing... However, once he gets the job, he realizes that he won't make full professor unless he gets married...
Daisy is the complete opposite of Linc. Four years ago, she walked away from her teaching position to focus on her painting. However, she's now having doubts about her decision... She's gone through her savings and is tired of worrying about money and scrambling for it, which in turns takes her away from her art. As a result, Linc's proposition sounds perfect... except she's not sure about him...
My Opinion: I'm really glad Bantam Books finally decided to reprint The Cinderella Deal because it's the only book by Jennifer Crusie I was missing for my collection. I had the chance a few years ago to read an electronic copy of it for Book Binge and thus my review. However, there's something special about owning every book by an author :P So I'm very happy...
Technically, this is a book I should love. It has the "happy-go-lucky heroine thawing the stuffy hero" plot that I enjoy so much, it's also a marriage of convenience plot and it's by Jennifer Crusie... but something was missing and it might have been chemistry between the H/H.
While re-reading The Cinderella Deal, I still felt like this was a re-visit of Strange Bedpersons, but not as good. I actually always thought that The Cinderella Deal was the precursor to Strange Bedpersons until I checked the release dates of both books for this review and found out that Strange Bedpersons was written before. The storyline is more complete and more interesting, considering that Daisy and Linc actually get married... but like I say, something was a little off: why did Linc choose Daisy to pose as his fiancée? I mean, he doesn't really know her, she's not his type... so why her? Why not a friend? Someone he knows better? So I felt this was a bit awkward and it does impact the book (the chemistry).
Don't get me wrong, The Cinderella Deal is an enjoyable book with a nice storyline and likable characters. However, I think the first time I read this book, I was simply just too happy to be able to read it that I overlooked some stuff. My main problem with this book was Linc's attitude towards Daisy. He chose her to pose as his fiancée... Yet, every time, he's afraid she's going to embarrass him and he's a bit ashamed of her at times. That really made me uncomfortable. I thought he was a bit selfish, always thinking of himself first and the consequences to him instead of considering Daisy and her feelings... especially since he gets to know Daisy and understand her pretty well at the end. Luckily, he does redeem himself, especially at the end in the scene where he throws out her dress because it wasn't "her."
In addition, I don't think this book is as funny as Ms Crusie's other works. There are some LOL moments, but not as much as you'd expected considering the author. Also, did anyone notice that Ms Crusie has interesting secondary characters, but she doesn't do much with them? She leaves it pretty open as if there's a possibility they'd have their story, but they never do.
Overall, I still enjoyed it because it is a cute story and I like the plot lines. However, this re-read kind of opened my eyes to some of its flaws. Basically, my opinion remains the same as before: between Strange Bedpersons and The Cinderella Deal, I'd choose Strange Bedpersons without hesitation. The good news though is for those who didn't enjoy Strange Bedpersons as much because they thought Tess was unreasonable should really like this one.
My Grade: I originally gave this book a grade of 3.75/5 which would be a B+... but now, it's more of a B read for me.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Re-Read: Deep Waters and Hunter X Hunter
For this month's Re-Read challenge, you guys get a twofer. First, my comfort read of the year, Deep Waters by Jayne Ann Krentz, and a manga series, Hunter X Hunter :)
Deep Waters by Jayne Ann Krentzpublished by Simon & Schuster in January 1997
You can read my review here.
The first time I've ever read this book, I was still a teen, still going to the town library and still reading in French. My, so many things have changed right? LOL :)
For years, this book has been on my mind. I remembered parts of the storyline, but did not remember the author or the title - let me tell you, it makes it hard to find the book and re-read it. Then, I decided to ask blogland and I was quite lucky, I got an answer :P So in February, I read Deep Waters and somehow, it has become one of my comfort reads this year.
I'm not going to write a detailed review, since I've already posted one earlier this year... Just write my impressions on my re-read.
My Impressions: Having read Deep Waters not that long ago, the re-read wasn't as powerful. Back in February, when I read Deep Waters, it was like discovering a new book, partly because I was reading it in English for the first time, partly because it's been so long ago... So this time, I wasn't so entranced by the book. The mystery didn't interest me at all and I focused on the romance in the book. I still really like Elias and Charity's characters... they are very different from one another, but somehow, they match. It's kind of fun to see Elias so clueless at times and figuring things out. It seems to me it's always delayed LOL. A lightbulb goes on and then, you see his mind working and finally, he jumps in. I think that only Charity could handle him :) It's also very interesting to see their relationship progresses... I think that back in February, I was so focused on the entire book... I didn't realize that their relationship wasn't that smooth. It seems to me, despite his water talks, Elias has a quick temper and too often, Charity seems to give in. Also, she was nervous and insecure in too many instances :( That did take out a bit of my enjoyment :(
Still overall, it's a pretty good story. I still enjoy their cooking contest and the "sweet" part LOL.
However, I think this is a book that the longer you haven't read, the better it's going to be on the re-read. So maybe I should wait a while before my next re-read :)
Hunter x Hunter by Togashi YoshihiroHunter x Hunter is a manga drawn and written by Togashi Yoshihiro. The first chapter was published back in March 1998 and is still ongoing. There are currently 291 chapters released, compiled into 27 volumes and I have 26 of them in French.
This manga was hugely popular when it was released and even got its own anime adaptation as well as several OVAs which followed the manga very closely (those are the best). The only problem however is that the author is kind weak/sickly. As a result, the art has suffered a lot and he's been going on and off hiatus a lot. However, he should be starting up again (yay!!) and actually, chapter 291 is the first one of this come back. Hopefully, this time, he'll draw more than one volume... because at this rate, we'll never see the end ^_^;
The Story: Hunter X Hunter is the story of a young boy, Gon, who has been raised by his aunt on an isolated island. Much to his aunt's sorrow, Gon has decided to follow his father's footstep and become a professional Hunter. In this world, being a professional Hunter is quite an achievement and speaks loudly of who you are. They are several types of Hunters - bounty hunters, archeologist hunters, etc. Thus the story starts with Gon taking the exam and follows his friendship and adventures. However, the ultimate test that Gon has to face - find his father.
Like any manga, the story is divided into many story arcs. So far, we could divide Hunter X Hunter as followed:
1) Hunter exam (vol. 1 to 4)
2) Celestial Tower (vol. 5 to 7)
3) York Shin City (vol. 8 to 13)
4) Greed Island (vol. 14 to 18)
5) The Insects (vol. 19 to ?)
My Opinion: This manga is one of the best and it's really no wonder that it has so many fans and people are waiting so impatiently for its continuation. This is a fighting manga and the protagonist is very young, Gon and Killua (his best friend) are 11-12 years old when the story started and about 1.5 years has gone by. So Hunter X Hunter is mostly written for a male audience... still, I like it :)
It was great re-reading Hunter X Hunter. I have forgotten how fast the pacing of the story was. It's one great story arc after another and everything is moving swiftly. The whole story consists of clever twists and good ideas. The action is pretty non-stop, but it's balanced with a great story and world building.
I really enjoy the main characters - Gon and Killua. These boys are just fun to read and follow, quite endearing actually. Gon is pure and honest. He's quite direct, but he is not dumb. Killua is more interesting because he has more depth and dimensions... He comes from a family of assassins, so he's been trained quite strictly since he was young... So seeing him with a character so pure such as Gon, you can sometimes see Killua's internal struggles... the many shades of grey that makes up his characters. There are also two other characters worth mentioning: Kurapika and Leolio. They appear quite early in the manga (actually, even before Killua) and become very good friends with Gon... however, after the Hunter exam, they each go their own way. The characters do return for the York Shin City story arc which is very exciting. Anyway, this band of four would be invincible in a couple of years in my opinion :)
So yes, I really enjoy this manga. However, I'm not that much into the last story arc, the Insects one... and to my discontent, it's been the longest story arc :( Part of the problem I think is the slowness at which it's being written - the author having taken many hiatus. I just can't wait till he finishes and moves on. Seriously. I mean, this story arc is almost 1/3 of the whole story... I do hope that there'll be more story arcs after the Insects too. That's the problem with manga... the ending is always uncertain ^_^;
Also, since we're talking manga, we cannot forget the art. I think that Hunter X Hunter's art is very nice, easy on the eye. It's quite simple, but it works. Of course, the art also has suffered while the author was on hiatus (some of the chapters released in the magazines looked like draft @_@ Luckily, the author redrew them for the release of the volumes, phew). Still, it's a good style and I like that he plays with clothings and detailing ;)Oh and since it's a re-read review, I'll say this... Hunter X Hunter is the kind of story that will withstand time and will become a classic, really :) As a re-read, I think that again, it depends on how long it's been since you've last read it. There's a lot of exciting moments and again, the longer it's been since you've read it, the better the re-read will be... because you'll be sitting at the edge of your seat and turning the pages so fast :)
My Grade: A-. It'd be an A if it wasn't for the last story arc...
Monday, November 30, 2009
Re-Read: King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
So I did do a re-read, although it's not the one that I thought I would do for the challenge... but it doesn't matter, it's still a re-read, right?
The book I ended up re-reading was King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner. This is the third book in The Queen's Thief series that I've discovered earlier this year. You can see my review of the series here.
To tell the truth, King of Attolia has become my new comfort read. Although I've first read it only in April, this is not my first re-read. I do that, discovering books and series that I've ended up loving so much that I will re-read a couple of times, especially when I start slumping. In 2007, my comfort reads were the Warland Chronicles series by Elizabeth Vaughan and Demon Angel by Meljean Brooks. Well this year, it's The Queen's Thief series and seriously, King of Attolia will definitively make my Top 3 Best books of the year :)
Here are my thoughts after my re-read...
King of Attolia
published by Harpercollins in January 2006
Series: Queen's Thief, book #3
My Opinion: I love this book to bits. Seriously. Although it's written for a younger audience, it is definitively not dumbed down. Actually, it is very cleverly written. A lot is left unsaid, you need to read between lines, remember the clues and hints... it seems that every time I read it, I discover some little things that I've missed and I go "Ahhhhh."
The story is very interesting and filled with intricacies. I love the court politics, the battle of wills between Eugenides and everyone else that wants him to assume his responsibilities as king. You'd think the book would be very serious, dealing with court intrigues, but no, there are a lot of LOL moments and you end up finishing the book with a huge smile on your face. So there is a good balance of everything in this book.
The great thing about this book is we keep discovering Eugenides' character. We've been witnessing his growth throughout the series and seriously, Eugenides grows into a great man. Yet, there's always a side of him that is unrevealed, making him mysterious, yet very, very lovable. Seeing his interactions with everyone is so fun :)
I also loved Ms Turner's approach in this book, having the readers witnessing Eugenides' ascension through the eyes of someone that did not know him. I thought it was very clever. At the same time, it was like having a private joke with Gen or the author... because readers know Gen... We all know the man, even with only one hand, is dangerous. All those Attolians thinking that he was a fool. Seriously?!? How do you think he became known and feared? Really!
All in all, I just love this book. Every single word LOL :) I just find it so clever and fun - and those two words rarely go together in my opinion :) I can't wait for March when the sequel will come out, Conspiracy of Kings. Having Eugenides teaming up with Sophos? Ohhh, terrible duo LOL :)
My Grade: It was previously an A, but I'm upgrading the grade to A+. That's how much I love this book :)
The book I ended up re-reading was King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner. This is the third book in The Queen's Thief series that I've discovered earlier this year. You can see my review of the series here.
To tell the truth, King of Attolia has become my new comfort read. Although I've first read it only in April, this is not my first re-read. I do that, discovering books and series that I've ended up loving so much that I will re-read a couple of times, especially when I start slumping. In 2007, my comfort reads were the Warland Chronicles series by Elizabeth Vaughan and Demon Angel by Meljean Brooks. Well this year, it's The Queen's Thief series and seriously, King of Attolia will definitively make my Top 3 Best books of the year :)
Here are my thoughts after my re-read...
King of Attolia
published by Harpercollins in January 2006
Standing alone in the doorway was the king. The ruler, anointed by priests and priestesses, of all the lands of Attolia, the official father of the people, the lord of the barons who'd one by one sworn him their oaths of obedience, the undisputed, uncontested, and absolute sovereign of the land. The swollen discoloration by his mouth closely matched the elaborated purple embroidery on his collar.Genre: Fantasy, YA
"Most people in your circumstances would kneel," said the king, and Costis, who had been staring transfixed, belatedly dropped to his knees.
Series: Queen's Thief, book #3
My Opinion: I love this book to bits. Seriously. Although it's written for a younger audience, it is definitively not dumbed down. Actually, it is very cleverly written. A lot is left unsaid, you need to read between lines, remember the clues and hints... it seems that every time I read it, I discover some little things that I've missed and I go "Ahhhhh."
The story is very interesting and filled with intricacies. I love the court politics, the battle of wills between Eugenides and everyone else that wants him to assume his responsibilities as king. You'd think the book would be very serious, dealing with court intrigues, but no, there are a lot of LOL moments and you end up finishing the book with a huge smile on your face. So there is a good balance of everything in this book.
The great thing about this book is we keep discovering Eugenides' character. We've been witnessing his growth throughout the series and seriously, Eugenides grows into a great man. Yet, there's always a side of him that is unrevealed, making him mysterious, yet very, very lovable. Seeing his interactions with everyone is so fun :)
I also loved Ms Turner's approach in this book, having the readers witnessing Eugenides' ascension through the eyes of someone that did not know him. I thought it was very clever. At the same time, it was like having a private joke with Gen or the author... because readers know Gen... We all know the man, even with only one hand, is dangerous. All those Attolians thinking that he was a fool. Seriously?!? How do you think he became known and feared? Really!
All in all, I just love this book. Every single word LOL :) I just find it so clever and fun - and those two words rarely go together in my opinion :) I can't wait for March when the sequel will come out, Conspiracy of Kings. Having Eugenides teaming up with Sophos? Ohhh, terrible duo LOL :)
My Grade: It was previously an A, but I'm upgrading the grade to A+. That's how much I love this book :)
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Re-Read: Naked, Reunion and Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb
Here is my re-read challenge entry :D
When I saw Kristie's comment on the Re-Read Challenge post, I was all surprised and wondered which 4 books she read! I mean, 4 re-reads and she reviewed them all! Then, I followed the link and found out which books she re-read... and all I could do was grinned because we basically did the same thing this month! :D Granted, I read 3 instead of 4 In Death books, but really... Also, what are the odds that out of 30-somethings books, we would read the same ones?!? :D
So here we go:
Naked in Death
published by Berkley in July 1995
Genre: Romantic Suspense/futuristic
Series: In Death, Book #1
The Story: In Naked in Death, readers are introduced to Eve Dallas, a female lieutenant in the NYPD. She's dedicated to her job, serving and protecting as well as elucidating homicides and her work is her life. After 10 years on the force, she knows that you cannot save them all - that all you can do is your best... but sometimes, your best is not enough and you can't help but feel the loss and grief.
After a brutal case that ends up with termination, Eve is supposed to go through Testing. Instead, she catches a high profile case - the murder of a senator's granddaughter who also happened to be a licensed companion. However, what's worrisome is the note that comes with the body: One of Six.
During the course of her investigation, one name that keeps turning up is Roarke, the mysterious magnate. Even though she still hasn't cleared him from her suspect list and despite knowing better, Eve can't fight the compelling attraction and ends up getting involved with him...
My Opinion: Like Kristie said, this is the book that started it all. Unless you're new to the community, you must have heard about the In Death series. It's impossible not to. The only question is have you caved and tried it or not?
I've read all of the books and I have to admit that coming back to the beginning is... wow. LOL :) You can see how far the series has gone. Some things have not changed, but Eve's entourage has for sure. It is bizarre to see only a few characters... As fans of the series, you're so used to seeing Peabody, McNab and a slew of secondary characters... but in Naked in Death, it's all kept to a minimum. I have to wonder though if Ms Roberts always intended Charles Monroe to become a recurring character... or he was supposed to be a one-time shot. I mean, kind of weird that Charles would be introduced before Peabody no? :D
Naked in Death is a great book and a great start to the series. I think Ms Roberts did a great job balancing everything: the characters, the world building, the case and the action. You can help but fall under Roarke's charm :) To see such a powerful figure be smitten and besotted, LOL, it's cute :D Also, you can't help but feel respect for Eve. She's the woman you want on your side, in your clan. To her, all that matters is you. Not your past, not the authority, nothing. She'll fight for you even though you've been in the wrong. Definitively someone that deserves respect and admiration and in a way, it's evident why Roarke fell for her.
The case was very interesting and quite provoking I think. It was also perfect to introduce this new world in my opinion and was cleverly used to impart world-building information to the readers. As a result, the world building was done seamlessly... Very clever by Ms Roberts and proof of good writing.
If I have a complaint, it'd be that I did think that the case wrapped up very quickly at the end. There was a catalyst event and then, it snow-balled and everything happened very fast. Although I don't think it took away from the impact of the book.
I don't exactly remember how I felt the first time I read it, but hey, I did go on and read the other books right? So must have been a good feeling :D
My Grade: I'd say B+/A-. It's hard to be objective, knowing what comes next. I think this was a very solid book, a great first book to open the series. Was it my favorite? No. But do I think it's special? Yes, because it'll always be the first book :D
Reunion in Death
published by Berkley in March 2002
Series: In Death, Book #16 (counting novellas in anthologies)
The Story: In Reunion in Death, Eve is pitted against an old enemy, Julianna Dunn - a woman Eve helped arrest almost 10 years ago. Julianna was released on good behavior and has revived her old M.O. - killing rich, middle-aged man with a drink peppered with cyanide. However, she's no longer after the money... This time, it's a game of wit against Eve Dallas, the female cop who put her behind bars... and the ultimate prize is to take away the life of Eve's husband.
My Opinion: Quite frankly, Reunion in Death will forever hold a special place for me, because it was the first In Death book I've read in English! Ah the joy!! See, I originally discovered the In Death books in French... and in French, they don't bother putting Ms Roberts' pseudonym, J.D. Robb, on the cover. So I kept looking for Ms Roberts In Death books in the romance section under Nora Roberts and just couldn't find them!! No, I never thought of looking in the mystery section - hey, I was still a newbie at the time! Then, one day, I was in a convenience store and stumbled across Reunion in Death. Read the synopsis, thought it sounded a bit familiar and finally realized what it was! Hallelujah! LOL :)
Reunion in Death is definitively an interesting read. I think it showcases very well why Ms Roberts is such a popular author. It's not just the story and the writing, but mainly, it's all about her characters and their dynamics. It's just fun to see Eve's interaction with her entourage. The way she reacts every times Peabody alludes to her sex life with McNab, LOL :) Or how she's uncomfortable meeting Peabody's parents. Eve's entourage is larger now, but it doesn't mean she's become a people's person. She still the socially inept cop we met at the beginning. Of course, some of her priorities have shifted and her life has changed, but at the core, I'd say Eve Dallas is still the same woman, the same cop than at the beginning. The woman might have matured and grown, but her values and personality haven't.
Seeing Eve and Roarke celebrate their one-year marriage anniversary was sweet. It's also rewarding, because we see Eve and Roarke working so hard at marriage. It's no like most romance where we see the H/H fall in love, get their HEA. No, in the In Death series, we get to witness Eve and Roarke WIP marriage :D One of the best moment is when Roarke gives her two gift and she's all like: "Two gifts? Shit, I only have one! Nobody told me it's two gifts!" LOL.
The case itself is interesting. It didn't take long for Eve to realize who the murderer was... but figuring out the motives and catching up to her did... and I think that's one of the most interesting part in the In Death series. The work these people do seems very real. Legwork, interviewing witnesses, knocking on neighbors' doors. It seems to me all this normal work is often forgone in regular romantic suspense... because we don't have time for it. Authors are too busy developing their characters and relationships to focus on it. Also seeing Eve's mind figure things out is really a beautiful process :P
I'd say this one is worth a re-read. It's a great bland of everything that makes this series a success: an interesting case, good humor and good relationship.
My Grade: A-.
Portrait in Death
published by Berkley in March 2003
Series: In Death, Book #18 (including novellas in anthologies)
The Story: The blurb is a bit misleading in my opinion. It's not women only, but men as well. Those who seem to shine, have a vitality around them.
So this time, Eve is pitted against a killer that murders students to take picture of them, to capture their light eternally. While Eve is chasing the murderer, Roarke makes a discovery about his past that rocks his world... and for the first time in their marriage, pushes Eve away.
My Opinion: Many readers like this one because of what happens to Roarke... for the first time, we get a shaken Roarke - not just from his discovery but also Summerset's accident. Me, I completely forgot that Roarke's discovery about his mother happened in this book ^_^; LOL. The reason why I picked Portrait in Death was because of the ending and Trueheart. I heart Trueheart!! He's sooo cute and I do wish we'll get more of him in the future book! LOL :)
In Reunion in Death, I talked about the dynamics and characters' interactions... While that is a strength of the series, another factor that contributes in making this series so strong is the cases... Or actually, the different types of cases Eve gets. Ms Roberts really play with them - sometimes we know who the villain is from the start, sometimes, it's a serial killer other time, it's one murder... I think that this line really says it all when it comes to this book's case:
So yes, I enjoyed this one because Ms Roberts mixed it up when it came to the case. It was also a heart-breaking case, all that youth gone to waste. The ending was very exciting. However, the resolution of the case was a bit fast, in my opinion. Not as tidy as it could be... Also, the case was overshadowed by the personal conflict of the characters in this one.
I loved Eve taking care of Roarke, slipping him something. Eve and Summerset actually ganging up to take care of their beloved :D Also, I think that we got a more personal glimpse of Summerset and Roarke's relationship and that is so rare.
My Grade: B. Good and solid, but not my favorite.
It's hard for me to remember my feelings the first time I've read these books. Especially if I haven't reviewed them. Mainly, because it's been so long ago, they are so many and they kind of blur into another. Mostly though, I enjoyed them all... Each time, Ms Roberts delivers a very solid installment with solid writing, great characters and interesting cases. Some books are more interesting than others, true... but overall, they're all quite enjoyable.
For those who hesitate to try the series because of the huge backlist, I'd say give it a try, seriously. They're very easy to read and very compelling. I mean, I planned on re-reading one and ended up reading 3 in 2 days... I'm sure it was the same for Kristie. Once you start reading them, they're hard to put down :D
When I saw Kristie's comment on the Re-Read Challenge post, I was all surprised and wondered which 4 books she read! I mean, 4 re-reads and she reviewed them all! Then, I followed the link and found out which books she re-read... and all I could do was grinned because we basically did the same thing this month! :D Granted, I read 3 instead of 4 In Death books, but really... Also, what are the odds that out of 30-somethings books, we would read the same ones?!? :D
So here we go:
Naked in Death
published by Berkley in July 1995
Writing as J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts has won new fans with her futuristic series of romantic crime novels. New York police lieutenant Eve Dallas gets involved with Roarke, a suspect in her latest murder case. But passion and seduction have rules all their own...
Genre: Romantic Suspense/futuristic
Series: In Death, Book #1
The Story: In Naked in Death, readers are introduced to Eve Dallas, a female lieutenant in the NYPD. She's dedicated to her job, serving and protecting as well as elucidating homicides and her work is her life. After 10 years on the force, she knows that you cannot save them all - that all you can do is your best... but sometimes, your best is not enough and you can't help but feel the loss and grief.
After a brutal case that ends up with termination, Eve is supposed to go through Testing. Instead, she catches a high profile case - the murder of a senator's granddaughter who also happened to be a licensed companion. However, what's worrisome is the note that comes with the body: One of Six.
During the course of her investigation, one name that keeps turning up is Roarke, the mysterious magnate. Even though she still hasn't cleared him from her suspect list and despite knowing better, Eve can't fight the compelling attraction and ends up getting involved with him...
My Opinion: Like Kristie said, this is the book that started it all. Unless you're new to the community, you must have heard about the In Death series. It's impossible not to. The only question is have you caved and tried it or not?
I've read all of the books and I have to admit that coming back to the beginning is... wow. LOL :) You can see how far the series has gone. Some things have not changed, but Eve's entourage has for sure. It is bizarre to see only a few characters... As fans of the series, you're so used to seeing Peabody, McNab and a slew of secondary characters... but in Naked in Death, it's all kept to a minimum. I have to wonder though if Ms Roberts always intended Charles Monroe to become a recurring character... or he was supposed to be a one-time shot. I mean, kind of weird that Charles would be introduced before Peabody no? :D
Naked in Death is a great book and a great start to the series. I think Ms Roberts did a great job balancing everything: the characters, the world building, the case and the action. You can help but fall under Roarke's charm :) To see such a powerful figure be smitten and besotted, LOL, it's cute :D Also, you can't help but feel respect for Eve. She's the woman you want on your side, in your clan. To her, all that matters is you. Not your past, not the authority, nothing. She'll fight for you even though you've been in the wrong. Definitively someone that deserves respect and admiration and in a way, it's evident why Roarke fell for her.
The case was very interesting and quite provoking I think. It was also perfect to introduce this new world in my opinion and was cleverly used to impart world-building information to the readers. As a result, the world building was done seamlessly... Very clever by Ms Roberts and proof of good writing.
If I have a complaint, it'd be that I did think that the case wrapped up very quickly at the end. There was a catalyst event and then, it snow-balled and everything happened very fast. Although I don't think it took away from the impact of the book.
I don't exactly remember how I felt the first time I read it, but hey, I did go on and read the other books right? So must have been a good feeling :D
My Grade: I'd say B+/A-. It's hard to be objective, knowing what comes next. I think this was a very solid book, a great first book to open the series. Was it my favorite? No. But do I think it's special? Yes, because it'll always be the first book :D
Reunion in Death
published by Berkley in March 2002
At exactly 7:30 P.M., Walter Pettibone arrived home to find more than a hundred friends and family shouting, "Surprise!" It was his birthday. Although he had known about the planned event for weeks, the real surprise was yet to come. At 8:45 P.M., a woman with emerald eyes and red hair handed him a glass of champagne. One sip of birthday bubbly, and he was dead.Genre: Romantic suspense/futuristic
The woman's name is Julie Dockport. No one at the party knew who she was. But Detective Eve Dallas remembers her all too well. Eve was personally responsible for Julie's incarceration nearly ten years ago. And now, let out on good behavior, she still has nothing but bad intentions. It appears she wants to meet Dallas again - in a reunion neither will forget...
Series: In Death, Book #16 (counting novellas in anthologies)
The Story: In Reunion in Death, Eve is pitted against an old enemy, Julianna Dunn - a woman Eve helped arrest almost 10 years ago. Julianna was released on good behavior and has revived her old M.O. - killing rich, middle-aged man with a drink peppered with cyanide. However, she's no longer after the money... This time, it's a game of wit against Eve Dallas, the female cop who put her behind bars... and the ultimate prize is to take away the life of Eve's husband.
My Opinion: Quite frankly, Reunion in Death will forever hold a special place for me, because it was the first In Death book I've read in English! Ah the joy!! See, I originally discovered the In Death books in French... and in French, they don't bother putting Ms Roberts' pseudonym, J.D. Robb, on the cover. So I kept looking for Ms Roberts In Death books in the romance section under Nora Roberts and just couldn't find them!! No, I never thought of looking in the mystery section - hey, I was still a newbie at the time! Then, one day, I was in a convenience store and stumbled across Reunion in Death. Read the synopsis, thought it sounded a bit familiar and finally realized what it was! Hallelujah! LOL :)
Reunion in Death is definitively an interesting read. I think it showcases very well why Ms Roberts is such a popular author. It's not just the story and the writing, but mainly, it's all about her characters and their dynamics. It's just fun to see Eve's interaction with her entourage. The way she reacts every times Peabody alludes to her sex life with McNab, LOL :) Or how she's uncomfortable meeting Peabody's parents. Eve's entourage is larger now, but it doesn't mean she's become a people's person. She still the socially inept cop we met at the beginning. Of course, some of her priorities have shifted and her life has changed, but at the core, I'd say Eve Dallas is still the same woman, the same cop than at the beginning. The woman might have matured and grown, but her values and personality haven't.
Seeing Eve and Roarke celebrate their one-year marriage anniversary was sweet. It's also rewarding, because we see Eve and Roarke working so hard at marriage. It's no like most romance where we see the H/H fall in love, get their HEA. No, in the In Death series, we get to witness Eve and Roarke WIP marriage :D One of the best moment is when Roarke gives her two gift and she's all like: "Two gifts? Shit, I only have one! Nobody told me it's two gifts!" LOL.
The case itself is interesting. It didn't take long for Eve to realize who the murderer was... but figuring out the motives and catching up to her did... and I think that's one of the most interesting part in the In Death series. The work these people do seems very real. Legwork, interviewing witnesses, knocking on neighbors' doors. It seems to me all this normal work is often forgone in regular romantic suspense... because we don't have time for it. Authors are too busy developing their characters and relationships to focus on it. Also seeing Eve's mind figure things out is really a beautiful process :P
I'd say this one is worth a re-read. It's a great bland of everything that makes this series a success: an interesting case, good humor and good relationship.
My Grade: A-.
Portrait in Death
published by Berkley in March 2003
After a tip from a reporter, Eve Dallas finds the body of a young woman in a Dumpster on Delancey Street. Just hours before, the news station had mysteriously received a portfolio of professional portraits of the woman. The photos seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary for any pretty young woman starting a modeling career. Except she asn,t a model. And the photos were taken after she had been murdered.Genre: Romantic Suspense/futuristic
Now Eve i on the trail of a killer who's a perfectionist and an artist. He carefully observes and records his victim's every move. And he has a mission: to own every beautiful young woman's innocence, to capture their youth and vitality - in one fateful shot...
Series: In Death, Book #18 (including novellas in anthologies)
The Story: The blurb is a bit misleading in my opinion. It's not women only, but men as well. Those who seem to shine, have a vitality around them.
So this time, Eve is pitted against a killer that murders students to take picture of them, to capture their light eternally. While Eve is chasing the murderer, Roarke makes a discovery about his past that rocks his world... and for the first time in their marriage, pushes Eve away.
My Opinion: Many readers like this one because of what happens to Roarke... for the first time, we get a shaken Roarke - not just from his discovery but also Summerset's accident. Me, I completely forgot that Roarke's discovery about his mother happened in this book ^_^; LOL. The reason why I picked Portrait in Death was because of the ending and Trueheart. I heart Trueheart!! He's sooo cute and I do wish we'll get more of him in the future book! LOL :)
In Reunion in Death, I talked about the dynamics and characters' interactions... While that is a strength of the series, another factor that contributes in making this series so strong is the cases... Or actually, the different types of cases Eve gets. Ms Roberts really play with them - sometimes we know who the villain is from the start, sometimes, it's a serial killer other time, it's one murder... I think that this line really says it all when it comes to this book's case:
Sometimes, you do the job, you close the case, but the door just doesn't shut for you. I guess this is going to be one of those. Roarke was right. He's just pathetic. It's easier when they're vicious or greedy or just downright evil. Pathetic leaves the door open a crack.Different shades of grey. The villain is so often evil in romantic suspense novels. However, in life...
So yes, I enjoyed this one because Ms Roberts mixed it up when it came to the case. It was also a heart-breaking case, all that youth gone to waste. The ending was very exciting. However, the resolution of the case was a bit fast, in my opinion. Not as tidy as it could be... Also, the case was overshadowed by the personal conflict of the characters in this one.
I loved Eve taking care of Roarke, slipping him something. Eve and Summerset actually ganging up to take care of their beloved :D Also, I think that we got a more personal glimpse of Summerset and Roarke's relationship and that is so rare.
My Grade: B. Good and solid, but not my favorite.
It's hard for me to remember my feelings the first time I've read these books. Especially if I haven't reviewed them. Mainly, because it's been so long ago, they are so many and they kind of blur into another. Mostly though, I enjoyed them all... Each time, Ms Roberts delivers a very solid installment with solid writing, great characters and interesting cases. Some books are more interesting than others, true... but overall, they're all quite enjoyable.
For those who hesitate to try the series because of the huge backlist, I'd say give it a try, seriously. They're very easy to read and very compelling. I mean, I planned on re-reading one and ended up reading 3 in 2 days... I'm sure it was the same for Kristie. Once you start reading them, they're hard to put down :D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)