Books and Circuses

Book Review: Enclave (Razorland, Book 1) by Ann Aguirre

2011-06-20T00:14:00.002-04:00

Title: Enclave
Author: Ann Aguirre
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; First Edition (April 12, 2011)
Excerpt: Yes (here)

Description: WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

My Thoughts: I didn't really get into this until 100 pages in. I was kind of bummed. It was tons of page space for the author to give some depth to her characters, to build a better foundation, to make me care about the heroine's home and friends. I wanted the betrayal to sting more. I wanted her banishment to to feel like the end of her world. Maybe I wanted more dramatics...maybe. But I know I wanted more feeling...and Fade and Deuce to have memorable personalities that really stuck with me. But they didn't.

I have read some of Aguirre's adult series and what I like is that is that I always find humor, heartbreak and strong, memorable characters. With this...I felt it was a watered down sample of her writing...with no humor. It actually didn't feel like her writing until those 100 pages passed.

Not much actually happened. The characters went from point A and ended up relatively unscathed at point B. There were some bumps and new characters introduced, but nothing of note really happened.

Aguirre does have this signature thing she does: she'll have a baddie character, and mostly likely...no make that DEFINITELY...he wants the heroine and friends dead, dead, dead. But something happens and these baddies make a 180. In this book the guy is called Stalker, and he wants to rape and kill. And he wants to rape the heroine and kill her buddy. Nice. I do like the concept of rough-and-toughs turning over a new leaf and all. But I don't see it as realistic. Like it, but don't believe. I am hesitant to admit it but Stalker...well I like him. He has more dimension then either Deuce and Fade, and that is partly why I like him.

When it comes to the climax of the book...well there wasn't much of one. I understand that this is a series, and maybe some of the BIG STUFF is being saved for the FINAL INSTALLMENT! But that doesn't mean I should have to read a book that is basically a long prologue.

Rating: 4/5

The reason why I am giving this book 4 stars is, one I am a fan of the author, and the book did perk up and I was enjoying myself (even if it did take 100 pages to happen), and by the end I was upset to see it end (for a few different reasons). I am looking forward to the next book.

Book Review: Sparks: An Urban Fairytale by Lawrence Marvit

2011-04-26T14:28:00.003-04:00

Title: Sparks: An Urban Fairytale

Author: Lawrence Marvit (Official Website)

Genre: Graphic Novel/YA

Paperback: 424 pages

Publisher: SLG Publishing (August 8, 2002)

Excerpt/Preview: Yes (on Amazon)

Description (from Goodreads): Lawrence Marvit's critically acclaimed series is presented in the graphic novel format he always envisioned. Containing all five original issues plus 170 PAGES of all-new, unpublished material completing the tale of a lonely mechanic named Josephine who creates her ideal man from scrap metal, and then must teach him to be human when he magically comes to life. In the process, she re-examines who she is, and what she wants in life. This modern Pinocchio tale comes with an introduction by PAUL DINI.

My Thoughts: I felt like procrastinating, and when academic pressure is on I just can't read a 300+ page book with just words. I need me a graphic novel. I must admit the book didn't appeal to me all that much, but I do like reading books with female lead characters, and I like fairy tales, but most of all this was one of the few graphic novels I hadn't read of my library's selection. Maybe that is why my feeling about this book is only so-so.

The heroine. I do like emotionally crippled women...well reading about them anyway. But, as I may have mentioned before, I am not a big fan of teenage stories. Lived through it, and trying to forget. Now that I think of it, the main character is twenty - oops! Well, anyway she acts like a very, very sheltered and incredibly naive 15 year old. My point is, in a way, I did not feel very much sympathy for our heroine here. It is like she walked into these situations with very precaution or thought. That kind of naivete I find unappealing. I don't feel like reading about a character who would willingly run into a thorn bush with no thought of the result. Moreover, living with an abusive father I would have thought a girl in her position would be less likely to trust men. That one love scene was super awkward (and a little creepy. The dude looked old, and well the girl is mentally very young...so it was creepy).

The robot-thingy was cute. But eh, just generally I did not see a happy ending (which can prevent me from growing attached) for certain characters. A prediction that was pretty much clinched when certain confessions were made. Awkward.

I think I am just too old, personally, to read and enjoy this book. I am not telling you that that might be your case, it could be or maybe not. You'll have to give it a try. Many others have read this and liked it.

Rating: 2/5

Recommendation: Library read

Mini Book Review: Attitude Featruing: No Exit by Andy Singer

2011-04-15T14:10:00.000-04:00

Title: Attitude Featuring: No Exit

Author: Andy Singer (Official Website)

Genre: Graphic Novel/Humor

Paperback: 128 Pages

Publisher: Nantier Beall Minoustchine Publishing (November 30, 2004)

Excerpt/Preview: No (but there are samples of works not in the book HERE)

Description (from author website): ATTITUDE FEATURING: ANDY SINGER "NO EXIT" is a 128-page selection of my cartoons from the 1992 to 2004. It is edited and introduced by fellow cartoonist Ted Rall.

It is the first book of a series by NBM publishing. Each book highlights a different cartoonist from the original "ATTITUDE" compilation.

My Thoughts: I thought the panels at the beginning of this book were subtle, witty. I liked that the author/artist let the images speak for themselves. When I get to reading graphic novels and manga I find that many authors seem to forget that they can use their art as a method of telling us something. Manga can be especially reliant on story (not that anything seems to happen after a while, esp. with those longer sports manga).

Now, I get uncomfortable when reading about other people's political views. So I wasn't too keen on the fact that many of the panels in the latter half of the book had a political message to them. The material did seem a little dated, but I didn't mind that. However, discussing, or bringing up, politicians or current events tends to get me in a fighting mood, ready to argue. Can you imagine me trying to debate with a book? Here I come loony bin!

Rating: 3/5

Recommendation: Library/used book read.

Book Review: Crimson City (Crimson City, Book 1) by Liz Maverick

2011-04-08T13:53:00.000-04:00

Title: Crimson City

Author: Liz Maverick (Official Website)

Series: Crimson City

Book Number: One

Genre: Paranormal (Action) Romance

Mass Market Paperback: 357 pages

Publisher: Love Spell (July 30, 2005)

Excerpt: Yes

Description: Once, this was the City of Angels. The angels are no longer in charge.

From the extravagant appetites of the vampire world above, to the gritty defiance of the werewolves below, the specter of darkness lives around every corner, the hope of paradise in every heart. All walk freely with humans in a tentative peace, but to live in Los Angeles is to balance on the edge of a knife. One woman knows better than most that death lurks here in nights of bliss or hails of UV bullets. She’s about to be tested, to taste true thirst. She’s about to regain the power she’s long been denied. And Fleur Dumont is about to meet the one man who may understand her: a tormented protector who’s lost his way and all he loved.

Theirs is one tale of many. This is Crimson City, where desire meets danger and more than just the stars come out at night.

My Thoughts: I was a little hesitant of this book, for a couple reasons, one being my track record with the publisher (more misses than hits). So I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. This book has a little more action, fighting-wise, than your average paranormal romance, which I liked. I wouldn't call it an urban fantasy read, though.

I did like that there was some loopy stuff going down. The mystery, the murder. I always find insane baddies to be highly entertaining. And this one was showing come deep cracks. The brevity of the climax and conclusion was a little unsatisfying. But the outcome for the baddie was fun...but I did kind of wish it was even more grisly and dramatic.

The romance was okay. I did like the hero more than the heroine. And I just felt like they were fleshed out to only a certain point. And then it was all denial of attraction and forbidden romance.

I did find the world of the book to be interesting, but just like with the characters, we only got a tiny peek at the inner workings. I am sure the city will be explored in the other books of the series, but I had wished for a better introduction.

Better than I had anticipated. I would say give the series a whirl if you are a PNR fan.

Rating: 3.5/5

Recommendation: I would say maybe get this from the library, or read the excerpt, before you buy. If you are a fan of the the author feel free to splurge.

Other books in the series:

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Book 5

Book 6

Book 7

Book 8

Book Review: The Scarlet Empress (2176 Series, Book 5) by Susan Grant

2011-04-05T16:09:00.002-04:00

Title: The Scarlet Empress

Author: Susan Grant (Official Website)

Series: 2176

Book Number: 5

Genre: Sci-Fi Romance

Mass Market Paperback: 356 pages

Publisher: Love Spell; Reissue Edition (December 7, 2004)

Excerpt: Yes

Description: The Kingdom of Asia:

Shot down over Korea, modern-day USAF fighter pilot Cameron "Scarlet" Tucker is put in bio-stasis. She wakes 170 years later. Her wingmate and best friend also survived: Now the "legendary" Banzai Maguire, Bree is being held for treason in the country that was once her beloved United States.

Cam has problems of her own. She’s in the masterful hands of Prince Kyber, the dictator whom her friend thwarted. He won’t get fooled again. With the mysterious Shadow Voice urging revolution, and her friend in chains, Cam wants the sexy emperor on her side--and maybe a whole lot more. But her role in the thrilling mission to save her country has to come first. Banzai wouldn't surrender, and Cam won't either. It's time to give a royal butt kicking, and Cam knows just where to start.

My Thoughts: This wasn't a bad book. It wasn't. But I had a big issue. And it may be because the publisher misrepresented the contents of the book. But anyway, I assumed the book was going to be about Cam and Kyber. Right. You would assume that too, especially from that telling, or not so telling, description above. I am sure the author loves her Banzai character, but the women had her own book. Which I admit I did not read. So, I did not really know, or care for Banzai. Didn't care to know her either. And that is too bad for me. Do you know why? Well, because Banzai and her hot lover take up a good chunk of book. I am not just talking about the fact that they are present in the book but that Banzai gets control over the mic. I am saying that she has 100+ pages of first person narrative. At one point I was wondering if Cam was ever going to show up. All this narrative was taking up a big chunk of the BEGINNING of the book up. It made the story slow paced. It was like an extended prologue. A little useless. A little devoid of the real meat. And the real meat is the romance. Don't try to tell me otherwise.

When we finally got around to the two supposed main characters, well, they turned out a little flat. The romance was okay, but was I really believing it? Not especially. And where could have this believability come in? Well, I do not know, perhaps where Banzai was chattering away. That stuff should have been cut back. I wanted focus on Cam and Kyber. I wanted to see their relationship develop. Instead I got some filler. It was filler. By the end I wasn't really convinced Kyber was cured of his juvenile ways. It was, apparently, a miraculous recovery.

I have to tell y'all, after a while I just took to skipping all the POVs that didn't belong to either Cam or Kyber. So I didn't get bad guy POVs...which was basically sinister, threatening whining. "Where ist this Banzaiiiii! I wanna kill her soooo baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!!!" And I didn't read the stuff about Banzai and...that guy. The "action" and whatever just wasn't interesting. I am not sure much of anything was happening anyway. I understood what was going on without all that jibber-jabber.

The climax was a big ol' dud. In my opinion. Cam does some stuff. Banzai is "inspirational." Gah. And the ending. I was gagging on the sugary-ness of it. It was beyond sweet. Along with being suddenly boring, trite and unemotional. All you need to know is that all the characters from all the books in this series got together. And it was supposed to be emotional people! I felt the 'supposed tos' struggling to punch me in the face with their impact. Nothing. I felt like the author was trying to tie things up nice and neat, with a happy-happy ending. It just didn't work. Maybe someone should have died? Would have made it authentic. There being a revolution and all.

Any okay enough book, but just a one time read for me. If you are a huge fan of Susan Grant then by all means give this book a try.

Rating: 2/5

Recommendation: Used book/library read

My review of The Power of Two by Patti O'Shea.

Other books in the series:

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Mini Book Review: Friendly Fire by Megan Hart

2011-04-04T13:55:00.001-04:00

Title: Friendly Fire

Author: Megan Hart (Official Website)

Genre: Erotica

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 220 KB

Pages: 53

Publisher: Carina Press (March 21, 2011)

Excerpt: Yes

Note: Previously published

Description: After Agent Kendall Frasier’s partner is shot in “friendly fire” during a drug bust, she agrees to take a week’s vacation on a tropical island as part of her psychiatric evaluation. Sand, sun, sea—what could be better to help her work through her guilt? Even if the presence of the man responsible for the shooting, Agent Zane Vincent, seems counterproductive to her mental health.

As Kendall gets to know Zane, and realizes he feels worse about what happened than she does, it becomes impossible to hate him. And their mutual attraction becomes impossible to deny.

Kendall and Zane soon agree to put the event that brought them together in the past—and spend the present exploring their most erotic desires. Do they have a future in the real world when their week in paradise is over?

My Thoughts: This is a short read, and I don't expect much of anything to be happening when I start reading something with a low number of pages. It is hard for an author to do much of anything with depth with that amount of page time. I don't want to sound like a sourpuss, and I don't want you do think I am going anywhere dark and sulky in attitude. I am just saying that this is a read that is meant for simple relaxation of the mind and heart fluttering enjoyment.

The two characters are likable. The smexing is hot. The story is okay. Not my favorite read by Hart, but I did have fun reading it. I do agree with some comments that Kendall gives up hating Zane pretty quickly, which some said was unrealistic. But hey, this is erotic. You're just supposed to enjoy the ride.

Rating: 3/5

Recommendation: It won't break the bank if you do buy this. If you are a fan of Hart, I'd say give this a shot.

Thanks to Carina Press and NetGalley for letting me review this short story.

Book Review: Darkfever (Fever, Book 1) by Karen Marie Moning

2011-04-01T13:07:00.008-04:00

Title: Darkfever

Author: Karen Marie Moning (Official Website)

Series: Fever

Book Number: One

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Dell (August 28, 2007)

Excerpt: Yes

Description:

"My philosophy is pretty simple-any day nobody’s
trying to kill me is a good day in my book.
I haven’t had many good days lately."

MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman.

Or so she thinks... until something extraordinary happens.

When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death–a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone–Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed–a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae...

As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless V'lane–an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women–closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book–because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands...

My Thoughts: For a good few months I have been seeing the chatter and general gushing over how good this book was on Goodreads. So I finally broke down and let this book cut the TBR queue. I knew that Moning was a writer of historical romance so I was truly wondering it this was going to be more romance than paranormal. The part I did read did have its bizarrely racy bits (in which Mac flashes a nasty Fae in a dirty alley...or at least that was what I thought was going on), but it wasn't too romance centric. I did not read the entire book, so I am not a perfect judge. The big reason why I didn't finish this book was because I just didn't have the time...or the urge to continue. It is one of those books, I find, that you can easily put it down and forget it completely. The only reason I haven't forgot this book is because my copy is overdue and needs to be returned to the library.

The main character...is okay. I didn't really believe her to be devastated over her sister's death though. It just didn't come across. No deep emotion seemed to. Barrons...nope, I did not see a tortured hero (or whatever he was supposed to be.).

Another thing that bugged me. I do like action and sticky situations that need some quick work to get out of. BUT! I do not like when a heroine appears to possess no common at all. She basically has a death wish. Mac seemed to be running, at full speed, right into danger. And it annoyed me.

This book is okay. A quick read which many people seem to like, enjoy and even love rabidly. I just did not care enough to continue reading, even though I wasn't hating the book.

Rating: Did Not Finish

My recommendation: Library/used book read.

Other books in the series:

Spring Break

2011-03-21T19:19:00.001-04:00

I am on vacation. And I would love to catch up on my blog reviews...however the only comp I have access to is a big ol' mess. Laggy, just generally ornery and slow. So I will catch up, a little, on my TBR books, I just won't be reviewing them much. Except for my Goodreads comments.

Happy spring!

Book Review: Black Wings (Madeline Black, Book 1) by Christina Henry

2011-03-14T17:01:00.002-04:00

Title: Black Wings

Author: Christina Henry (Official Website)

Series: Madeline Black

Book Number: One

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Ace (November 30, 2010)

Excerpt: YES!

Description: Escorting souls into the afterlife leaves Maddy little time for socializing-until devilishly handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in her building. But when demons start appearing on Maddy's front lawn, she realizes there's more to her new tenant than meets the eye.

My Thoughts: There was so much hype surrounding this book. It seemed that every blogger, every reviewer was raving, madly, about this book. They were all hailing this has the next big series (or they were close to doing so). I am leery of hype, as well I should be, as I have learned.

From the start the snarkiness of the heroine got on my nerves. All I saw was a cocky exclamation from the character to the reader, "Are I not witty and HI-larious!?! Plus, I am sooo damaged! Yay!" Good for you. Another thing that had me confused, mostly because I it was a bold move but they way the author did it it came off as a little ridiculous: The heroine has lived by herself since the age of 13. Oh-kaaay. Insert a little whining, and exclamations of 'I'm sooooo brave!" Mummy died and Daddy is...mysterious.

Of course there is a guy. And Maddy is equally disturbed by and hungry for the attention he gives to her. And of course he is a specimen of perfection. Yawn. I always have to question the heroine, "Why would a man possessing all the beauty and perfection of a god want to be with you, you and your bad, immature attitude?" I wanna know. So far I have just been introduced to fantasies. "Hello, this is my fantasy. Shake its hand and say 'howdido.'" That is the only excuse or explanation, if you can call it that, given.

I read a good 15 pages, but I was sludging through it. And every time I put it back down I didn't feel like picking it up again. Because I felt no enthusiasm towards the book I chose to quit.

Recommendation: Library/used book read

Rating: Did Not Finish

Reminds me of: A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang

Other book(s) in the series:

Book Review: A Brush of Darkness (Abby Sinclair, Book 1) by Allison Pang

2011-03-11T11:01:00.004-05:00

Title: A Brush of Darkness

Author: Allison Pang (Official Website)

Series: Abby Sinclair

Book Number: One
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: Pocket; First Edition (January 25, 2011)

Excerpt: Yes

Description: The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmares.

Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage. But despite her growing knowledge of the OtherWorld, Abby isn't at all prepared for Brystion, the dark, mysterious, and sexy-as- sin incubus searching for his sister, convinced Abby has the key to the succubus's whereabouts. Abby has enough problems without having this seductive shape-shifter literally invade her dreams to get information. But when her Faery boss and some of her friends vanish, as well, Abby and Brystion must form an uneasy alliance. As she is sucked deeper and deeper into this perilous world of faeries, angels, and daemons, Abby realizes her life is in as much danger as her heart—and there's no one she can trust to save her.

My Thoughts: This is one of those books that I am not sure how I feel, or felt, about it until I pick it up and read it. I wasn't sure if the genre was going to be strictly urban fantasy, with limited romance. But being that the book contains an incubus and some succubi I figured that wouldn't be the case. I think it was when I read about that adorable scamp of a horny unicorn that I thought to myself, "This could be a good book/series!"

However. I. Just. Could. Not. Read. It. It was just too...I am at a loss. I am unable to articulate. I just didn't want to read something I was not completely into. Especially with my (new and inconvenient) busy schedule. The character's emotions annoyed me. It was bipolar and there were constant internal screams of, "Help me! I am sooooo damaged." I just didn't want to deal with a character who expressed three different emotions in quick succession. Anger, embarrassment and, OH GOD, sorrow. All in the same paragraph.

The romance was the kind, if you want to call it romance, that is sort of love (or EXTREME LUST!!!) at first sight. And then we are supposed to believe that some kidnapping will bring the two together, thoroughly and oh so truly.

After putting down the book, and making sure there was a week or so distance between me and my initial opinions, I found that I feel like I should have liked the book a bit better. It does have its moments, and the mystery had me mildly intrigued.

I think I will try more by this author in the future.

Recommendation: Library/used book read.

Rating: Did Not Finish

Book Review: Poison Kissed (The Shadowfae Chronicles, Book 3) by Erica Hayes

2011-03-08T16:44:00.001-05:00

Title: Poison Kissed

Author: Erica Hayes

Series Name: The Shadowfae Chronicles

Book No.: Three

Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy Romance

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks; First Edition (September 28, 2010)

Book Excerpt: HERE!

Description: Beyond the veil of magic, a fairy otherworld pulses with glamour and dark beauty. It's a place where passions run deep and dark — and death is just one kiss away...

Mina is a banshee whose greatest power lies in her siren song. She's beholden to her boss Joey, a snake-shifter who once saved her life and now employs her as a gang enforcer. She refuses to upset the fragile balance between them by admitting that she longs for him, that his embrace is the only thing she craves more than revenge for her mother's death...

When Mina learns that Joey may have been involved in her mother's murder, fury threatens to spill out of her, note by vicious note. She and Joey have always trusted each other to stay alive, but now she's not sure what to believe. The evidence stacked against him — or the one man who haunts her dreams and burns in her blood...

My Thoughts: Whoa, this book was dripping s3x. I just had to get that out of the way, I had the compulsion to declare this statement with loud words. Damns. Okay, okay...focus Anna. Deep breaths. Well, I was putting off reading this series because I had assumed that it focused on one heroine, which it does not. I actually won this book in a contest, which I was thrilled about. The color scheme of the cover is just too eye catching to resist.

I think the word choice of the book is both one of its big draws, but also a big weakness. I was entranced at times, I really felt as if I was put under a fairy's spell. The words, the unique descriptions of colors, textures, etc, really enhanced this world. One of flashy, colorful, magical beings that also have a hard and dangerous edge. The downside, is that I felt as if my reading was slowed down by the excess of very lengthy and very descriptive adjectives. Some of which did not make all that much sense. I think these characters have a glandular, because they seemed to be sweating all the time. But this overabundance in sweat did lend nicely to the reader imagining that we were taking a peek at a very warm part of the globe.

I loved reading about Joey and Mina, however, the focus very often shifted to other characters. And ultimately I believe that the two main characters got cheated development wise. So what could have been a tension filled, angsty situation with well rounded characters was kind of ho-hum.

I am giving this series a higher mark because despite my moderate dissatisfaction this was definitely one of the more unique reads I have had the chance to encounter in quite a while.

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Red (Dead World, Book 1) by Jordan Summers

2011-03-04T13:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Red

Series Name: Dead World

Author: Jordan Summers (+)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Book Number: One

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: Tor Paranormal Romance (November 4, 2008)

Description: War is brewing in a near-future world where murder is all but unheard of and the existence of creatures known as the Others has yet to be proven. In the end, one woman will face her fears to stand and fight.

Gina Santiago is a member of an elite tactical team in charge of protecting the world. She’s devoted her life to apprehending the most heinous criminals that prey on society—and now she’s after the worst one yet.

On her own, with no backup, the trail takes her to a dusty, tight-knit town on the fringes of society, where everyone’s a suspect. Even the sexy sheriff, Morgan Hunter, isn’t telling her everything. Gina knows he’s trouble, but she’s inexorably drawn to him.

The closer Gina comes to finding out the secret of this sleepy little town and its big bad sheriff; the closer she comes to catching the predator, the more scared she gets—because she’s beginning to realize that she has a secret too. A secret that will change Gina’s life… and make her the killer’s prey.

Read an excerpt HERE!

My Thoughts: The main reason I became interested in this book was because of Chris McGrath's awesome, awesome art. I can't resist a pretty cover! I can't! I wasn't too sure what I would think of the book, but I was eager to try it. The first chapter and the set-up of the world was pretty good. I was actually excited about starting this series. However, it kind of went downhill after that.

First off I wasn't a huge fan of the characters and their supposed attraction. Sure. There just wasn't enough meat, enough depth. We were just told that this characters are madly in love, or lust, with each other. But I don't think we got much in the way of proof. The characters were okay, but I didn't fall in love with any of them. I did like the tough broad that was the proprietor of the inn where Gina/Red stayed.

Now, I say it all the time, to anyone who doesn't run from the sight of me: I cannot, ever, guess correctly who the bad guy is. I think I have gotten better with guessing from my Law and Order: SVU marathon, but I still get it wrong more than right. With this book, omg, I had the baddie pegged from the moment he was introduced. And the author pretended it wasn't obvious. I was dying. And then for the reveal!!! And BAM! Aren't y'all surprised? Nope. No, I wasn't. It was frustrating to say the least. I like it when the baddie is a total surprise. If that can't be the case then I like when we get a inside look, full disclosure. Sure, with this book we got the crazed inner monologue of a serial killer, but we were not supposed to have known who it was. The big betrayal, the ending reveal just wasn't shocking or heartbreaking. BECAUSE there was no suspense.

An okay book, that had potential, just not my cup of tea.

Recommendation: Library read/used book read.

Rating: 2.5/5

Book Review: Flashpoint (Troubleshooters, Book 7) by Suzanne Brockmann

2011-03-04T11:45:00.000-05:00

Title: Flashpoint

Author: Suzanne Brockmann

Genre: Action Romance

Mass Market Paperback: 480 pages

Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 26, 2004)

Description: Jimmy Nash has already lived two lives and he can't talk about either of them. Formerly an operative of a top secret government agency, he has found a new job with a shadowy company called Troubleshooters Inc. Created by a former Navy SEAL, Troubleshooters Inc. helps anyone in desperate need which provides a perfect cover for its other, more perilous objective: covert special operations.
Now Nash and a quickly assembled team of expert operators have come to the earthquake-ravaged country of Kazbekistan in the guise of relief workers. There, amid the dust and death, in a land of blood red sunsets and ancient blood feuds, they must track down a missing laptop computer that may hold secrets vital to national security.

To get it done, Nash does what he does best: break every rule in the book and manipulate those who can help him get what he needs. But this time, Nash may have met his match in Tess Bailey, an Troubleshooters operative with all the right instincts and zero field experience. The deep attraction between them is immediate . . . and potentially explosive, with risk at every turn. Now these two professionals must play out their dangerous games in the world's most dangerous place cut off from their own government, cutting deals with people they can't trust, and guarding forbidden passions that threaten to compromise their crucial mission.

My Thoughts: I have a tendency to read some books when I have not slept at all. It can skew my judgment a bit, because of my diminished brain function. However, I did finish this book rather quickly. I didn't fall asleep while reading it. I actually had to tell my silly brain to put it down and get some shut eye. Not sure if I listened...it is all a bit hazy.

I was in the mood for an action/fast-paced read. I can't say that it is terribly action-y. It was a little repetitive. But I found it interesting. And I liked the tension between the main characters, Nash and Tess. I liked that the initial hook-up was off-stage. I liked that it was slowly revealed in flashback, etc. It gave it a little more tension than it would have had if everything of that night was disclosed. I enjoyed that the two mains, especially Nash, were trying to deny their feelings. My favorite (among many) combo: tension and denial. Ha ha ha. I enjoy it a little too much you say? Oh, well.

Sophia and Decker... I liked Decker much more than Sophia. I am sure I was supposed to feel a form of sympathy for the girl, but I didn't. Decker, on the other hand, I sometimes liked much more than Nash. Nash was just so, you know, frustrating. He was the type where the heroine would exclaim, "Oh! He is such a big 'ol jerk! Yet...I love him so!" I am sure half the jerkiness was just sexual frustration. Ha.

The action was okay. Lots of, sort of, explosions and dust storms. The romance was cliche-ish, but I did enjoy it, despite its repetitiveness. I'd say give the book a shot.

Rating: 4/5 (still not too sure on a fixed rating, maybe when I have a chance to read it again I'll have a better idea)

I know, I know

2011-03-01T16:43:00.001-05:00

I know I have been ignoring this poor little blog, of late. But I really don't have much time anymore with a job and school competing for my attention everyday. I promise to do better. But I really haven't read much of anything lately, either. So it would be a logical conclusion I would have less to write about.

I know, blah blah blah...I am going on about nothing. Happy March by the way. March means spring break for us college students. Soon. But not soon enough.

Mini Book Review: To Beguile a Beast (Legend of the Four Soldiers, Book 3) by Elizabeth Hoyt

2011-03-01T16:37:00.001-05:00

Title: To Beguile a Beast

Author: Elizabeth Hoyt

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: Forever; First Edition (May 1, 2009)

Description: CAN A WOUNDED BEAST . . .

Reclusive Sir Alistair Munroe has hidden in his castle ever since returning from the Colonies, scarred inside and out. But when a mysterious beauty arrives at his door, the passions he's kept suppressed for years begin to awaken.

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST . . .

Running from past mistakes has taken legendary beauty Helen Fitzwilliam from the luxury of the ton to a crumbling Scottish castle . . . and a job as a housekeeper. Yet Helen is determined to start a new life and she won't let dust-or a beast of a man-scare her away.

TO TAME HIS MOST SECRET DESIRES?

Beneath Helen's beautiful façade, Alistair finds a courageous and sensual woman. A woman who doesn't back away from his surliness-or his scars. But just as he begins to believe in true love, Helen's secret past threatens to tear them apart. Now both Beast and Beauty must fight for the one thing neither believed they could ever find--a happy ever after.

Read an excerpt HERE!

My Thoughts: I really liked Hoyt's other book, The Raven Prince, which had a hero with facial scars. I thought that aspect of the story was great. It was funny. I know other people's hang-ups aren't supposed to be funny. But the dude was CONSTANTLY bringing it up and saying the heroine had a scar fetish. It was rather entertaining. This book once again is about a literally and figuratively scarred hero. There is some little girl screaming, done by an actual little girl. But otherwise...I mean come on...the picture painted of him was that he was am extremely handsome man, but all that was overlooked because of the obvious scars...and missing eye. Not as refreshing as the two plain characters were in TRP.

The story was fine. Nothing too dramatic, too meaty. A nice light, romantic read. I would recommend this book for Hoyt fans, definitely.

Rating: 3/5

Book Review: Chi's Sweet Home (Volume, 1) by Kanata Konami

2011-02-21T13:49:00.002-05:00

Title: Chi's Sweet Home

Author: Kanata Konami

Series Name: Chi's Sweet Home

Volume Number: 1

Paperback: 168 pages

Publisher: Vertical; First Edition (June 29, 2010)

Description: After getting lost, Chi has to adjust to life in her new home with Mommy, Daddy and Yohei Yamada. There she discovers the fun of bouncy balls, plastic bags and dad’s vintage jeans! She must also overcome the trials of potty training, baths and…the vet’s office.

My Thoughts: The title really says it all. This manga series is beyond sweet. I could get a sugar overload from just perusing the pages.

The small stories are truly adorable. Little doses of "aaawww!" The humor is light. And Chi's ADD persistence is endearing. This is the kind of book you would love to read to your kids or, in my case, my little sisters. My sister Sarah was reading this over my shoulder, and the warm fuzzies just get multiplied when you read something with a loved one. After I finished reading I eagerly thrust the book at my sister...who said, "I am already reading two books." Okay...maybe I should stick to reading to her.

Sweet, light, cotton candy reading. If you love cute, chibi-style manga then you'll probably fall in love with this series.

Rating: 4/5

Other book(s) in the series:

Chi's Sweet Home: Volume 2

Chi's Sweet Home: Volume 3

Chi's Sweet Home: Volume 4

Chi's Sweet Home: Volume 5

Chi's Sweet Home: Volume 6

Watch the animated TV show HERE at Crunchyroll!

Book Review: Textual Healing by Eric Smith

2011-02-18T14:26:00.004-05:00

Title: Textual Healing

Author: Eric Smith

Genre: Fiction
Paperback: 280 pages

Publisher: AuthorHouse (November 19, 2010)

Description: Few people have to deal with a haiku-speaking flower-shop-owning ninja every day on their way to work. Unfortunately for Andrew Connor, he is one of those people.

And poor Andrew, his week has been a rough one. His former bestseller, Chasing Fireflies, is on clearance at Barnes & Noble for $1.37, his girlfriend left him for a corporate America action figure, and he's been tricked into joining Textual Healing, a support group for writers who can't seem to write anymore.

Dealing with his employees at his failing used bookshop, a strange new love interest from the Midwest, and a pet sugar-glider that has somehow managed to destroy his entire apartment… when will he ever find the time to put pen to paper again?

A quirky comedy set in present day New York and New Jersey, Textual Healing follows the story of Andrew, a self-deprecating, once famous author, his small bookstore in Hoboken, and the colorful characters that surround him.

My Thoughts: I suppose I think of this book as a romantic comedy. When I was reading I kept imagining that this easily could translate into a sitcom for TV. The set-up just seems so right for TV. The story and characters all seem to be the perfect for a weekday night's viewing. Whenever one of the side characters would get a chance to spout dialogue, or event engage in altercations, I just was dying to have this book become a show.

The best thing about this book is the humor. Maybe, it wasn't my type of humor all the time, but I still enjoyed myself. My favorite bit was when Andrew starts talking to his stale package of Pop Tarts, pleading with them to be kind and take him back. I am a fan of giving life, or meaning, to inanimate objects...for the sake of comedy. So I was more than delighted with that gem of a scene.

This book reminds me of a RomCom for more than one reason...and I am thinking that some readers may be hesitant in giving this a try because of it. Yes, the book is a about a man getting over a bad relationship and ultimately finding love. But this book is not strictly romance and kissy faces. It is comedy. We have the funny buddies. We have the hilariously awkward and awkwardly hilarious situations. We have some sad, or perhaps "poor me," bits, but this book is far from depressing. This book is all about humor and happy endings.

Rating: 3/5

A good book for a good laugh. I need to see this as a TV show, I must stress that! This book, I feel, is the "pass along to a friend and let them have a good laugh" type. After reading it I wanted someone, anyone to read it. I had the urge to thrust it at someone and yell, "Read this damn-it!" With all kindness, of course.

A BIG thank you to Eric Smith for giving me a copy of his book for review!

Book Review: Silent in the Sanctuary (Lady Julia, Book 2) by Deanna Raybourn

2011-02-18T12:17:00.000-05:00

Title: Silent in the Sanctuary

Author: Deanna Raybourn

Genre: Mystery

Paperback: 552 pages

Publisher: Mira; First Edition (January 1, 2008)

Description: Fresh from a six-month sojourn in Italy, Lady Julia returns home to Sussex to find her father's estate crowded with family and friends— but dark deeds are afoot at the deconsecrated abbey, and a murderer roams the ancient cloisters. Much to her surprise, the one man she had hoped to forget—the enigmatic and compelling Nicholas Brisbane—is among her father's houseguests… and he is not alone. Not to be outdone, Julia shows him that two can play at flirtation and promptly introduces him to her devoted, younger, titled Italian count.

But the homecoming celebrations quickly take a ghastly turn when one of the guests is found brutally murdered in the chapel, and a member of Lady Julia's own family confesses to the crime. Certain of her cousin's innocence, Lady Julia resumes her unlikely and deliciously intriguing partnership with Nicholas Brisbane, setting out to unravel a tangle of deceit before the killer can strike again. When a sudden snowstorm blankets the abbey like a shroud, it falls to Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane to answer the shriek of murder most foul.

My Thoughts: After finishing the first book I had to get my hot little hands on the next book, as soon as I possibly could. I was very happy to see this book looking up at me on its place on the bookshelf at the library. Just like last time, I found the pages turning on their own volition and at a rapid pace. Magic...oooh.

I enjoyed the murder, mystery and mayhem much more with this book. And the setting was fun. I probably should have saved this book for the big snowstorm that hit recently, the evidence is still on the sidewalks, piles of gritty persistence. Nothing beats having some real life props to get your mind drawn into a book. Anyway...the setting. I just love the isolation and the claustrophobia the snowstorm brings to the story. I think the author could have fallen back on it even more.

The romance aspect is getting on my nerves. Too much denial and avoidance can be no fun. And Brisbane doesn't want Julia anywhere near his brooding self.

I think one flaw of the book is that stuff can seem a little unnecessary to the plot and story. Filler is never nice. In the end it did not bring down my overall opinion of the book too much.

Rating: 4/5

Nice murder mystery. The engine of love has stalled, though. More running than loving.

Other book(s) in the series:

Book 1 (my review)

Book Review: Blankets by Craig Thompson

2011-02-15T13:39:00.001-05:00

Title: Blankets

Author: Craig Thompson

Genre: Graphic Novel

Paperback: 592 pages

Publisher: Top Shelf Productions; (August 5, 2003)

Description: Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, Blankets explores the sibling rivalry of two brothers growing up in the isolated country, and the budding romance of two coming-of-age lovers. A tale of security and discovery, of playfulness and tragedy, of a fall from grace and the origins of faith. A profound and utterly beautiful work.

A preview can be found HERE!

There is also a soundtrack created for the graphic novel!

My Thoughts: The first thing I read/heard about Blankets was that it dealt with abuse. Being that I was young, at the time, I was very hesitant to read anything that danced around the subject of sexual abuse, I stayed clear of it. As it tends to happen, reports are always exaggerated (which reminds me of a scene in this book where someone claims drawing nude figure models leads to homosexuality, lol). I see this book as one man's telling of how he survived life when he was a kid.

The art is lovely. The story is pretty relatable. I liked the parts of the story when he was young. The teenager bits...meh. I am not a big fan of teenagers, even though I only just recently escaped the age at which I would be considered one (I still secretly see myself as a teenager at times). The thing is...I don't really enjoy reading about teenagers, especially ones who think they've got it all figured out (not that any of that was happening in this book). It just gets tiring. It is hard to look back at those times, the awkwardness and all. The strong held opinions that almost seem foolish now. Being a teenager is all about surviving on limited brain capacity. It is more often than not an ugly sight to behold. The book isn't excessively awkward. But the author definitely portrays his less than perfect moments, ones of weakness and temptation.

Raina...I have an issue. I think I was supposed to like her. But I don't like people who use others just to make themselves feel better, people who use others to forget life and their troubles. And that was the vibe I got. Now that I think of it maybe they both used each other (that makes sense...).

Rating: 3.5/5

A good graphic novel. A hefty book that was easy to read, it took me only a few sittings. If you like biographical graphic novels (or if it sounds like you would like one...) then you might like this. Of course, for those people who would die if their wasn't romance in their book of choice there is some of that here too.

Book Review: Barely a Lady (The Drake's Rakes, Book 1) by Eileen Dreyer

2011-02-14T15:06:00.000-05:00

Title: Barely a Lady

Author: Eileen Dreyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages

Publisher: Forever (July 1, 2010)

Description: Olivia Grace has secrets that could destroy her. One of the greatest of these is the Earl of Gracechurch, who married and divorced her five years earlier. Abandoned and disgraced, Grace has survived those years at the edge of respectability. Then she stumbles over Jack on the battlefield of Waterloo, and he becomes an even more dangerous secret. For not only is he unconscious, he is clad in an enemy uniform.
But worse, when Jack finally wakes in Olivia's care, he can't remember how he came to be on a battlefield in Belgium. In fact, he can remember nothing of the last five years. He thinks he and Olivia are still blissfully together. To keep him from being hanged for a traitor, Olivia must pretend she and Jack are still married.

To unearth the real traitors, Olivia and Jack must unravel the truth hidden within his faulty memory. To save themselves and the friends who have given them sanctuary, they must stand against their enemies, even as they both keep their secrets.

In the end, can they risk everything to help Jack recover his lost memories, even though the truth may destroy them both?

Read an excerpt HERE!

My Thoughts: I love a good story about amnesia, so this sounded good (plus I got the book for free from the publisher). I was disappointed when I found out that Jack only had partial amnesia and he still remembered his ex-wife. Okay, I was going to try and be satisfied with that. But in the end it didn't really matter to what extent Jack's brain was addled. The fact was that I never really became absorbed into the story, nor did I love the characters. Both were okay aspects, easy to read and all, just not very stand-out.

I also did not like that characters from an upcoming book got a say. I wouldn't have minded the extra voices if the main characters had more depth. I ended up liking the side-characters more than the main characters, their story was more appealing. However, by the end of the book I was not too keen on reading the next book in the series, even when I did kind of-sort of like the characters that were to be featured. That is not a good result.

Rating: 2/5

An okay book. I would recommend you get this through the library, though. If you are a big fan of the author, then feel free to buy away.

Book Review: Silent in the Grave (Lady Julia, Book 1) by Deanna Raybourn

2011-02-11T12:58:00.000-05:00

Title: Silent in the Grave

Author: Deanna Raybourn

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

Hardcover: 512 pages

Publisher: Mira; First Edition (January 1, 2007)

Description: "Let the wicked be ashamed. Let them be silent in the grave."

These ominous words, slashed from the pages of a book of Psalms, are the last threat that the darling of London society, Sir Edward Grey, receives from his killer. Before he can show them to Nicholas Brisbane, the private inquiry agent he has retained for his protection, Sir Edward collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of dinner guests.

Prepared to accept that Edward's death was due to a longstanding physical infirmity, Julia is outraged when Brisbane visits and suggests that Sir Edward has been murdered. It is a reaction she comes to regret when she discovers the damning paper for herself, and realizes the truth.

Determined to bring her husband's murderer to justice, Julia engages the enigmatic Brisbane to help her investigate Edward's demise. Dismissing his warnings that the investigation will be difficult, if not impossible, Julia presses forward, following a trail of clues that lead her to even more unpleasant truths, and ever closer to a killer who waits expectantly for her arrival.

My Thoughts: I actually picked up this book because I read somewhere, from someone that this book had some paranormal elements and!---it was a mystery...and a historical one ta-boot. The characters are fun to read, even if they aren't all that original. A stubborn, but at the same time quiet/timid, heroine. A tall, dark and brooding hero, with lots of secrets and heaps of brutish charm. Of course, both characters are unique for their time period, exhibiting qualities rare for their gender and class. Oh-kay. Not completely new, but I can read that stuff. I do tend to get annoyed when the characters are portrayed from the opposite part of the spectrum and they rigidly adhere to societal views of men and woman of the time. I like a more realistic mix, a person with deviating ideas and hopes, but they still, almost unconsciously, follow the norms of society, and act like how they are "supposed" to. Historical novels nowadays like to stick modern characters into historical settings. That can be fun if the book involves some time traveling, but it gets annoying and pathetic if the book is supposed to be set in a certain date in time were people didn't think much of changing the way they and others were viewed or treated. With this book the characters are labeled as eccentric, so I didn't mind all that much when they flashed me some modern sensibilities.

The mystery wasn't all that bad. The book did dance around and did not delve into it as much as I assumed it would. The end result, and the reveal of the baddie was kind of a let down. The conclusion was interesting, but not mind blowing or fantastic. I would have liked the heroine to have suspected something, because it seemed like everything was a surprise to her.

Brisbane, oh Brisbane. Sure, I like a brooder. The mysterious man of many secrets can be fun. But I think Bane-y was just being contrary. "Stay away. I is a man with a past." Lordy-me, I did like the boy. But after awhile he resembled a coat rack, standing in the shadows at the corner of the room. And every so often a breeze would come along and rustle the dark overcoat hanging there, giving the illusion of movement and life. That being said, and I feel like a meanie-head hypocrite...I did want more of Brisbane. I wanted him to have a chance to be a deeper character. Plus I wanted more romance. The romance was a little too Pride and Prejudice for my liking. Meaning no hanky-panky present. Not that I was in demand for any, I do prefer tension. And Julia and Brisbane do have a little tension, but it all seemed a little fabricated and false. I was waiting for some violence of the domestic variety, being that it was that kind of tension. "Didn't I tell you to stay away, woman?!?"

The high point of the book, for me, was that Raybourn somehow got me to read her lengthy book. Okay, okay it was only 500 pages, but they quickly turned themselves, seemingly without my assistance. And I always appreciate a writer who can make page numbers an inconsequential issue. Another thing that made this a special read was my level of interest in the time period. I am not huge on history. History and all those dates and supposedly important facts scare me with their endlessness. Reading essentially makes learning about history fun. This book wasn't a mystery hidden within a textbook, but it did have enough props to make me feel as if I was learning something. And I liked that. I like to find nuggets of info within my fiction.

By the by, the paranormal aspect I was anticipating wasn't all that big. So if you don't like fantasy in your historical mysteries, do not fear, there is only a tiny-isn flash of it. Sorta.

Rating: 4/5

A good, meaty book. I would recommend it to mystery fans and/or historical romance lovers who enjoy a light romance.

Book Review: Bliss by O.Z. Livaneli

2011-02-08T12:49:00.001-05:00

Title: Bliss

Author: O.Z. Livaneli

Genre: Fiction

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Firsts Edition (September 4, 2007)

Description: Meryem, a fifteen-year-old girl, lives in a rural village on the shores of Lake Van in Eastern Turkey. Her simple life changes dramatically after her uncle, a sheikh in a dervish order, rapes her. She is considered an outcast for shaming her family. When she is locked in a shed and left alone for days, she comes to the painful realization that her family expects her to hang herself with a length of rope left on the dirt floor. But she is defiant.

As tradition still has it, a judgment must be made in the name of honor. She is told she is to be taken to Istanbul, a shining city she envisions being just over the nearest mountain. Many girls from her village have 'gone to Istanbul,' and she assumes it must be a wonderful place since not one has returned. In fact, those girls have been the victims of 'honor-killings.'

Cemal, Meryem's cousin, a commando in the army, has been fighting in the mountains against the rebels. On his return home, he is welcomed as a hero though he has been severely traumatized by his war experiences. His father, who had violated Meryem, charges Cemal with the task of executing his cousin's punishment. As he and Mereym begin their journey, they proceed through the marketplace where the townspeople have gathered, some weeping and others mocking her.

In Istanbul, a Harvard-educated professor named Irfan lives an elite existence. He has published many books, hosts a radio show, and seems to enjoy success and jet-set freedom. He revolts against the routine of his soulless life, deciding to leave his wealthy wife and Istanbul. He charters a boat to sail the Aegean. By coincidence, his path crosses with that of Meryem and Cemal. They embark on a journey together that fills their hearts with hope and sets them free.

My Thoughts: I decided to read this book after watching the movie. I loved the movie, it was sad, a little dramatic, there was some sorta-romance (albeit between cousins...not that they really hook up, but Cemal was all having dreams and getting jealous, heh heh heh) and the ending was satisfying and slightly violent. The book is different. The ending was different. And there wasn't any romance/sexual tension going on between Meryem and Cemal. And there wasn't any hint that Irfan might have been gay in the movie either.

The book is told from all the perspectives of the characters mentioned above: Meryem, Cemal and Irfan. I didn't enjoy hearing from Irfan all that much, I didn't feel as if it really was his story. But his hidden, or rather denied, sexual orientation ties into the whole issue of honor killings and being defiled because of sex and how you have it. The woman is blamed if she is raped, she is the one that has to be killed. So one can only imagine this society's, especially the poor, rural communities, what their views are of people who are gay. The author doesn't discuss homosexuality outright, nor does he extensively present Turkish society's view of it either. But Irfan's distress, his dissatisfaction with life, his undoing is because of a man. He leaves his wife and wanders about hoping to find what he lost when he didn't join his friend.

Meryem is probably the most stable of all the characters, but they are all still messed up. Cemal has PTSD (I am guessing, not that it is stated). He takes out all his frustration on Meryem and basically abuses this already fragile girl. But what is heartening is how Meryem overcomes all. Even though revenge isn't sought for at the climax of the book, unlike the movie, it was an ultimately satisfying end. Their lives aren't completely fixed, they don't have a happy-happy end, but they move on. Meryem finds hope, and possibly love.

Rating: 4/5

The book does ramble on a bit, and the focus shifts to Irfan a lot (when I would have liked it on Meryem), but the book is still very interesting and full of hope (and maybe change). I recommend both the book and the movie.

Movie Trailer:

Book Review: Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

2011-02-07T11:58:00.002-05:00

Title: Maid to Match
Author: Deanne Gist
Genre: Historical Christian Themed Romance
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (June 1, 2010)

Description: From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled--by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in proper servant etiquette, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid. After all, the one rule of the house is no romance below stairs.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs, their aspirations ...and their hearts.

Read an excerpt HERE!

My Review: My favorite thing about the book was the sweet romance. There is a little tension, a little resistance. Despite this book containing a romance that I actually really enjoyed reading about, my liking of the book, on whole, was brought down by some unfortunate things. My big problem was with the cliches. They weren't glaringly "Hello y'all I am a cliche, I am going to entertain y'all for a while. M'kay?" They were more the types that you tend to gently chide while looking fondly down at the page, "Now, look here bookie, you didn't need to go and do that!" They annoy, but they aren't pull-your-hair-out-by-the-little-white-roots bad.

The second issue falls upon the head of the publisher/etc. The synopsis, or description, of the book is all, "We have sneaky evil people involved in a tangled web of deception, abuse and other really, really, REALLY horrific things. M'kay?" It was not a huge part of the story. Sure it was going on. Sure it added a little action to the climax. Sure it was...interesting, I suppose. It just really gets my goat when a little side-story within the main story is blown up to be this epic thing, when it isn't. I hate being misled.

Rating: 3/5

I enjoyed reading about historical tidbits. And the romance was lovely and belly tingling. However, the above mentioned things really made the story less than perfect...it really brought the potential down. If you like mild (read: no graphic stuff) romances with an easy story then I would say give this a try. I am definitely going to read more from this author.

Book Review: Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane, Book 1) by Elizabeth Hoyt

2011-02-01T13:03:00.000-05:00

Title: Wicked Intentions

Author: Elizabeth Hoyt

Genre: Historical Romance

Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; First Edition (August 1, 2010)

Description: A MAN CONTROLLED BY HIS DESIRES

Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows the area like the back of her hand—she cares for its children at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk…

A WOMAN HAUNTED BY HER PAST

Caire makes a simple offer—in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as a cold bargain soon falls prey to a passion neither can control—and may well destroy them both.

Read an excerpt HERE!

My Review: I have read and liked quite a few of Hoyt's books. With this book I enjoyed the setting. The characters were good. The story was meh. Not as suspenseful or action-y as I would have liked, however.

Okay, there was something about the story that had me annoyed, and it is probably due to the way the publisher described the book. I hate misleading summaries, in general. Caire is painted as a sexual deviant. A man whose desires control his every action. A man consumed by lust. Blah, blah, blah. Not as far as I could tell. The man just liked to visit a brothel or two and get tied up...or do the tying. The thing is...we don't get much evidence of his supposed deviant behavior. And when the lovers do get around to doing anything, it was all very tame. I am assuming that the author didn't want to scare any old ladies who thought they were reading a sweet little romance story. BAM! Suddenly they are in uncharted territory. So, to the readers out there who are wary of hardcore BDSM stuff this is all very safe for you.

Supposedly there is some passion going around, too. But the characters just seemed...not so passionate. Temperance had a little dead fish syndrome. And Caire was stalker-y. Don't get me wrong, I have a squishy part in my heart reserved for all of Hoyt's characters.

Anyhoo, agian Hoyt did her little trademark story within a story. A fairy tale was told, in fragments, at the beginning of each chapter. It was a cute story about a king who is doesn't know what love is. Which coincides with the general story. Of course the little tale ends with a "...happily ever after." I am a fairy tale addict, so it boosted my opinion of the book. I even wanted to skip ahead and just read the fairy tale. That is how much I liked it. Maybe Hoyt should get into the fairy tale genre. I would pounce all over every fantastical word she writes.

Rating: 3.5/5

A nice romance with a vivid setting. I would recommend it to Hoyt/romance fans.

Book Review: The Red Diary by Toni Blake

2011-01-31T15:59:00.002-05:00

Title: The Red Diary

Author: Toni Blake

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages

Publisher: Warner Forever (September 1, 2004)

Description: When Nick Armstrong finds the red diary, he’s shocked…and aroused. Here, in intimate detail, prim and proper Lauren Ash records her most secret fantasies. He knows he should never read it again, but the temptation is too hard to resist. Never before has he come across anything so private—or so sensual. Never before has he found such a potent weapon for righting an old wrong.

His strategy: seduce her, make her fall in love, then break her heart. He’ll be her dream lover in the flesh, weaving an erotic spell to free the passionate woman inside her. But Lauren is casting her own tantalizing magic, forcing him to let go of the past and surrender to her body and soul.

Read an excerpt HERE!

My Review: Being that I liked Blake's One Reckless Summer, I decided to give this book a try. The story was okay. It was a "pretty rich girl/hot, disadvantaged guy, from the wrong side of the tracks...who has a grudge" kind of story. I can't say it went much deeper. There is a lot of hanky-panky in this book, but it is all fantasies made up by the heroine. If there has to be s3xin' I like it to have a purpose, and I feel as if it really didn't in this book.

The disappointing thing about this book is that you know what is coming. To a degree all books are like that. But when the story is simple and the events not overly dramatic or exciting, it is nice to see some twists or real suspense. You knew from the beginning that the hidden secrets (oooh) would eventually come up (sigh) and that a BIG fight would ensue (sigh) and then they would s3x and make up. The whole thing was way too dramatic for my taste. They heroine flinging her body about, swooning, moaning. I get it. He lied. Must we act like a two-year-old? What annoys me about these cliche situations is that the person lied to always acts the same. They are betrayed, and then they ignore the betrayer. They ignore the situation until it is unbearable. They never can immediately talk about it with the person they supposedly love unconditionally. They just stew. Stew is yummy to eat, but not fun to read about.

The book was easy to read, and it was sweet, lots of s3xing. It just wasn't fantastic. I would say make this a library/used book read.

Rating: 2/5