November 2009 Reading List

Still in my reading frenzy at the beginning of the month, I have a respectable 14 reads for the month that was November. I'm surprised to see how many of the books I read this month are still with me and rattling around through my thoughts.

Heart Change by Robin D. Owens

This is the 8th installment in her Celta series. Still enjoying the series although this was not a couple I was particularly anticipating a story about.

My Grade = B

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

I've seen a myriad of reactions to this series out there in Romancelandia, but it's still in the plus column for me. I love the idea of four friends being able to stay friends and be in business. I'm looking forward to each installment of this series.

My Grade = B

Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran
See my review of this one. Sublime.
My Grade = A

Ain't Too Proud to Beg by Susan Donovan

On many days this read might have been a solid C. As a general rule I like light fun fare for my Sunday afternoons and this fit the bill perfectly. The right book at the right time. Since a doggie is a part of this story having my Emily snuggled up next to me for most of it didn't hurt.

My Grade = B-

Rainwater by Sandra Brown

This one packed an emotional punch. I reviewed it here. After a few weeks to think about the book and absorb its impact I think I'm ready to grade it. What holds me back from an "A" grade is my belief there is conscious emotional manipulation of the reader.

My Grade = B+

Ice by Linda Howard

I talked about this one here. To sum up? Meh read for me. Although I readily admit I always have high expectations when it comes to Linda Howard.

My Grade = C?

A Bride in the Bargain by DeeAnne Gist

This historical gave a fictionalized account of one of Asa Mercer's brides coming from New England post Civil War to Washington Territory. Well done and steeped with history and true to life characters. Don't be afraid to try this romance just because it's in the inspirational line. Very well done.

My Grade = B

Love Under Seige by Samantha Kane
At Love's Command by Samantha Kane

While I have these two books in e-format I couldn't resist picking them up at my local UBS when I saw them. It was great to revisit the somewhat idyllic world of menage Ms. Kane has created.

My Grade = B

The Marriage Bed by Laura Lee Guhrke

I grabbed this one out of my tbr and every time I do that I think of Keishon's challenge. Alas I didn't get a review done, but I'm one less book in the teetering tower of tubs.

My Grade = B

Wild Instinct by Sarah McCarty

Like its predecessor RUNNING WILD there are 3 chapters about three linked but different couples. While much better than my recent western reading of Ms. McCarty I found myself wishing this story was more fleshed out. I also can't help but hope this is leading up to a single title full length book wrapping up this storyline.

My Grade = C

Beyond the Rain by Jess Granger

I saw several good things about this futuristic debut book by Ms. Granger. While I found the story premise intriguing I was never fully engaged with these characters. For me, I'm afraid this was a bit too much of same old, same old.

My Grade = C

One Cowboy, One Christmas by Kathleen Eagle

This is a Silhouette Special Edition #2011 and is about broken down cowboy Zach Beaudry, brother to Sam Beaudry featured in the May 2009 SSE by Ms. Eagle. Neither of these books packed the emotional punch I've come to expect from Ms. Eagle, but as it contained elements of redemption in it, I graded a bit higher than Sam's book. There is a third SSE due out in February 2010.

My Grade = B-

Her Colorado Man by Cheryl St. John

When Mariah finds herself pregnant she gets help from an unexpected corner when her grandfather sends her away to have the baby. When she returns to Colorado to the bosom of her large extended family and their brewery business, Mariah is separated from her "husband" who has taken off to the Alaska gold fields. I really enjoyed the family dynamic in this story and the how well Ms. St. John handled the realities of what Mariah had to cope with.

My Grade = B-