March 2010

Wow, what a month March was. In memory I'm thinking of it as a very up and down month, but when you look at the grades, it looks like pretty even reading.

PRACTICE MAKE PERFECT by Julie James
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the by-play between these two competitive workaholic lawyers was just plain delightful. With lots of snap,sizzle and wit, this is probably my favorite of her three books. Loved the ending.
My Grade = B+/A-

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU by Julie James
This book has more sizzle than the previous two and was still heartily enjoyable.
My Grade = B+

HEART OF STONE by Jill Marie Landis
I've seen reviews of this book, actually I'm surprised at how many I've seen, and most of what you've already read about this mostly sweet western with spiritual overtones is right on. SL Wendy best captures my feelings so here's her review. I'll continue reading the series because like Wendy, I'm curious too.
My Grade = B

BROKEN by Shiloh Walker
I have about three of Ms. Walker's books in my tbr. Why? I don't know because I've always found her books to be good solid reads. Interesting dynamic here and a story with a twist, not a gargantuan twist, but a twist.
My Grade = B

BUTTERFLY TATTOO by Deidre Knight
There have been many great things said about Ms. Knight's book BUTTERFLY TATTOO, but all I can think to say is, "wow". The choices made in this story were brave and could have been a real bust if not handled as well as Ms. Knight did. Kudos for opening some doors with this and broadening minds.
My Grade = B+

DEFEAT THE DARKNESS by Alexis Morgan
So I looked back and see I haven't read any other Paladin books since the first two in 2006 and 2007. They received B and C grades respectively. I finished this book, but was never really engaged with the characters.
My Grade = C

DARK ANGEL by Mary Balogh
As book one in a re-release of two of Ms. Balogh's presumed older favorites, DARK ANGEL presents us with a young woman who is the unwitting pawn between two feuding men. While it takes almost too long for Jennifer Winwood to figure out what is going on, she finally does. This book prompted me to think a lot about what is forgiveable and how much can one overlook when they've hurt not only you, but your family as well.
My Grade = B

IGUANA BAY by Theresa Weir
I remember how much I loved this book when I first read it... 20 years ago! I've been meaning to re-read one (or more) of Ms. Weir's books for a while now. She currently publishes under the pseudonym Anne Frasier. She will be re-releasing her book BAD KARMA with Samhain Publishing on April 10th.

This book is tame by today's standards. A star witness and alibi for a crime boss is kidnapped by an embittered cop who wants the man put away for this and past crimes. The story holds up pretty well despite the missing technology (cell phones and computers) that we've come to take for granted.
My Grade = B

SLIGHTLY SINFUL by Mary Balogh
The 5th in the Bedwyn series, this book along with book 6 were languishing in my tbr. I happily pulled them both out and devoured them. This is Alleyne's book, one of the younger Bedwyn's. Alleyne is thrown from his horse during battle and awakens not knowing who he is. He's taken in by some "working" ladies one of who seems out of place. Ms. Balogh wisely has Alleyne heal and head for home. A solid and enjoyable read.
My Grade = B

SLIGHTLY DANGEROUS by Mary Balogh
I did remember when I started reading this book how much I wanted to have Wulfric's story after reading the first Bedwyn book. Here it is last but not least. I appreciated this story very much about the cold and autocratic Duke who spends his time watching a totally unsuitable young lady. Reminiscent of PRIDE & PREJUDICE in its tone, I really liked this one a lot.
My Grade = B+

HIS EVERY KISS by Laura Lee Guhrke
After last month's reviews Nath very helpfully told me that last month's read, GUILTY PLEASURES was loosely related to this one, HIS EVERY KISS. I, of course, recalled the mercurial and tempestuous composer Dylan Moore from previous books, and was happy to read his book. A gifted and talented composer who can no longer write music due to a head injury that leaves ringing (literally) in his ears, Dylan Moore despairs his life. Estranged from her family and widowed Grace Cheval needs a job, desperately. But is she desperate enough to accept employment from the profligate Dylan Moore?
My Grade = B

WILD RIDE by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer
There are some interesting and fun characters in this book none of whom I feel we, as readers, really get to know. The premise of the book and the location of a run down theme park were terrific. I just wish there was more meat to the story and the characters.
My Grade = C

THE FIRST SIN by Cheyenne McCray
Picked this one up on a whim. I haven't read any of Ms. McCray's books for a long time. I read a couple of her EC releases a few years ago. I loved the sizzle between the H/H and there's a decent storyline about two "special secret unit" cops trying to bust a sex ring each with their own personal reasons to do so. I wanted to like this book more because it had a lot of elements I like. The heroine Alexi was just missing something for me.
My Grade = B-

MIND GAMES by Carolyn Crane

I literally just finished reading this book and on many levels feel its too soon for me to try and quantify my feelings about the book. On the one hand, it's original and captured my interest and curiosity. On the other hand, it's a bit of a bizarre tale and not what I would classify as a romance, and yet there are most certainly romantic elements. What I will say is that I will be picking up the next installment, because, you know, there has to be one.

My Grade = B-