July 2010

After months of not getting my lists out on time I planned to have this one post while I was at RWA. What can I say, I'm a planner. Having been to the conference before, I was fairly confident I wouldn't have any books to add to the month of July. Unbelievably, I finished a book on the plane to Florida. Crazy, huh?

Like the month of June, I don't have many books here, only seven. July like June was incredibly busy at work and the fatigue factor made reading a slow process. Plus I was blogging and blog hopping more, and that always has an impact on my reading.

With fewer books, I have longer review-blurbs. It's a curse. A woman of few words I am not.

WELCOME TO HARMONY by Jodi Thomas

The first book of what appears to be the Harmony books, WELCOME TO HARMONY introduces us to the town, and our narrator from whose POV we view much of what's happening. Sixteen-year-old Megan climbs on a bus and heads to Harmony, Texas, with little money. She does, however, have the many stories told to her about Harmony by Miss Beverly. The two became fast friends while Megan worked in the nursing home where Ms. Beverly lived.

This story focuses on Alex McAllen the town sheriff who continues to be tortured by her brother's brutal murder and the volunteer fire chief Hank Matheson. Hank not only happens to be in love with Alex, but he was also her brother's best friend.

This is Ms. Thomas at her best. I'm already buying copies and giving them away to friends. I can't wait for the next book.

My Grade = A

LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON by Lisa Kleypas

Fifth and final book of the Hathaway series. This is the youngest Hathaway sibling, Beatrix's book. Bea finds herself falling in love with Christopher Phelan via his letters. Letter that were written to Bea's flirty and shallow friend Prudence. If Pru won't answer his letters, Bea simply must.

This was an enjoyable addition and final installment to this series.

My Grade = B

WELCOME HOME, COWBOY by Karen Templeton

Ms. Templeton continues to amaze me with how much power she can pack into a category romance. This Silhouette Special Edition (#2064 July 2010) was wonderful, and a top notch addition to her Wed in the West series.

Here we find country music star Cash Cochran returning home to face some demons. He arrives at his family ranch to find his best friend's pregnant widow in residence.

My Grade = B

THE TEMPORARY WIFE by Mary Balogh

Reviewed here.

My Grade = A

BONDS OF JUSTICE by Nalini Singh

While I like the H/H in this story very much. I really felt this book was a catalyst and excellent pre-shadowing for the rest of the series. Don't mistake me, Max and Sophie are powerhouses in their own right and very unique, but I really felt like there was a lot with the "world" in which they lived was set up for future stories.

Second, it was nice to have a break from the shifters (changelings) having the center stage. With the next book being Indigo's we will be back in the thick of things with the wolf pack.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This is one of the most solid and enjoyable series I've read. Ms. Singh continues to grow, change and build her world.

My Grade = B+

MISSING by Shiloh Walker

One of the highlights of last year's RWA conference in Washington DC was meeting the author Shiloh Walker. Back in 2003 when I first began finding other romance readers online, I frequented Lora Leigh's forum which Ms. Walker frequented. As it sometimes happens, I felt a little like I "knew" her when we actually met. She's a very nice lady and was part of a fun evening of readers and writers I had the good fortune to be a part of in DC.

This year I had the good fortune to have a wonderful, if brief, conversation with Ms. Walker about BROKEN and FRAGILE at the Literacy signing. That was so much fun!

It so happens, I'm a fan of her work. I've read all of her HUNTER series, and more recently the aforementioned BROKEN AND FRAGILE. Back to back and out of order I read them, but it didn't hurt my enjoyment of the books a bit. Anyway, I always have her on my radar for new releases and was very much looking forward to MISSING.

The characters she creates are Ms. Walker's strength. Cullen and Taige are no exception. Fascinating and intense, I wanted them in every scene, word, and page. The plot is not a new one, at least for me it wasn't. Competent to be sure, but it was all about the characters' personal journey in MISSING.

My Grade = B+

LADY ISABELLA'S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Jennifer Ashley

This is the second book in the MacKenzie quartet. While characters from its predecessor THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE appear in this book, the story isn't dependent on what's happened previously and I think could be easily read as a stand alone or out of order. Of course, once you read about the MacKenzies, you'll want to read the other books.

In this book we have Roland (Mac) MacKenzie a talented artist and notorious scoundrel who, years previous to the story taking place, married Lady Isabella Scranton within hours of meeting her. Now, once again residing in the same city, Isabella breaks her silence with Mac to let him know she believes his paintings are being forged.

I really liked the way the history of the couple unfolded with snippets from gossip rags at the beginning of each chapter and then in the character's own recollections in the present with the distance of their past behavior to look back on with a different and more mature eye.

It's not often we read about a separated couple who both admit to loving one another, but are sadly unable to find a way to live together. I don't think I've read a better example of that than in this story.

A very good read, even on an airplane.

My Grade = B+

June 2010

June was dismal. Not only did I have the reading doldrums, as witnessed by more than a half dozen books with bookmarks in them sitting on my nightstand, but I can't remember in recent history when I only read five books in a month. Unbelievable.

With that, here's the month that was June...

ONE DANCE WITH A DUKE by Tessa Dare
Spencer Dumarque, Due of Morland is a member of the Stud Club with the sole focus and purpose to gain all of the Stud Club coins and claim ownership to a prize horse. Lady Amelia D'Orsay knows she doomed to be unmarried and most certainly unloved but decides to try her luck with the very eligible, elusive and mysterious Duke of Morland. I enjoyed this book on many levels and was anxious to see where Ms. Dare was going to go with this trilogy.
My Grade = B+

SKIN TIGHT by Ava Gray
As anyone who (still) reads my blog knows I absolutely loved Ms. Gray's first book SKIN GAME. I loved it so much I bought multiple copies and gave them away every chance I could. Therefore I was beside myself with excitement to see where she was going to take us in SKIN TIGHT with two completely different people, the very mysterious Addison Foster and the cool and controlled Mia Sauter.

Who is Addison Foster? Did you have some idea of who or what he might be from SKIN GAME. My bet is you never expected what Ms. Gray reveals in yet another gritty and moving book. I found this story fascinating. Ms. Gray has a talent for making the unthinkable believable.

More please.
My Grade = B+

DREAMVEIL by Lynn Viehl
Another author that continues to surprise me with interesting twists and turns in her stories is Ms. Viehl. In this second book about the Kyndred, a people/species who have Darkyn blood, we have Rowan Dietrich's story. Rowan ends up working in a 4-star French restaurant and trying out some of her hidden cooking skills while fascinating Chef Jean-Marc Dansant. That doesn't mean that GenHance doesn't want to get their hands on her for a little experimentation.

These Kyndred books are a terrific follow up to the Darkyn series and present a whole new addition of possibilities in this world Ms. Viehl has created.
My Grade = B

JUST A HINT CLINT by Lori Foster
This is a re-read I pulled off the shelves when I saw it out in re-print. I remember enjoying this book when I read it, but without picking it up and fanning through it I couldn't remember a single thing. Weird, since it's a re-read too. I'm remembering "romp" and "predictable". Not the worst way to spend an afternoon.
My Grade = C

TWICE TEMPTED ROGUE by Tessa Dare

Rhys St. Maur decides to go home after the death of one of his friends in the Stud Club. No more putting off setting things to right. What he doesn't expect is to come face to face with his past his first night back. Meredith Maddox has done what she needed to do to provide for her family. Even though this meant marrying an inn keeper several decades her senior and working from dawn until dusk. Now widowed she never expects to come face to face with the man she's loved since they were both children.

This was a capable and solid read, it didn't have the same emotional punch for me the first book of the trilogy did. However, I will be buying the third book, THREE NIGHTS WITH A SCOUNDREL when it comes out the end of July.
My Grade = B

May 2010

A big reading month for me was May. Also a good one. I sometimes think I end up in a reading funk because it's hard to keep having really good reads back to back to back.

Since I'm writing this post in July, I think that may be what happened in June and July with my reading malaise. Well that and a big project at work. Eighteen books for May. Fifteen in reality since two were DNFs and one was an anthology of which I only read one story.

SINFUL by Charlotte Featherstone
Well this book was a surprise. I think mostly because Ms. Featherstone didn't take any shortcuts or easy roads for her characters. The quote that opens the book, "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." by Anais Nin, sets up this story perfectly.

Both shy nurse Jane Rankin and Matthew, the Earl of Wallingford are damaged and hiding in the only way they know how.
My Grade = B+

BLOOD BORN by Linda Howard & Linda Jones
I started this book two times and am no further than 30 pages into it. I'm keeping it for now to try again in the future because I'm thinking, maybe I'm burned out on paranormals?
My Grade = DNF

WILD FIRE by Christine Feehan
This is pretty standard shifter fare. But a solid entry into Ms. Feehan's series.
My Grade = B

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE by Rachel Gibson
On my spreadsheet I labeled this a sports rom-com in the hockey world. That about sums it up. An unsuccessful acting career sends Chelsea looking for a real job. She lands one as a personal assistant to injured hockey superstar Mark Bresslar. Chelsea is unorthodox and Mark is grumpy. He can't play hockey any more. Fun read and a perfect book for the poolside or beach.
My Grade = B

SAVOR THE MOMENT by Nora Roberts
This is cake baker, Laurel's entry into the Wedding Quartet. I must say I'm enjoying this series quite a bit, but have to give this one a "B" just for being so anti-climatic. I felt this book more or less moved the series along and set up the fourth and final book which is wedding planner, Parker's book.
My Grade = B

VAMPIRE MISTRESS by Joey W. Hill
An interesting addition to Ms. Hill's vampire queen series. Gideon Green is so damaged and has so much anger. Anwyn seems to see his pain. Gideon, a ruthless vampire hunter, is, understandably, deeply troubled and conflicted by his brother's relationship with a vampire queen. Erotic as all get out with lots of emotional conflict, this book is not light reading.
My Grade = B+

LOVE IN THE TIME OF DRAGONS by Katie MacAlister
This may be a case of it's not the story it's me, but there just didn't seem to be anything new or interesting here. I only read a third of the book and called it quits. When Ms. MacAlister began the dragon books I couldn't get my hands on them fast enough. This just seemed too much same old, same old.
My Grade = DNF

SEX, LIES & SECRET LIVES by Thea Devine
I haven't read a Devine book in what seems like forever. I enjoyed this twin story, where one sister assumes the identity of the other, to find out what happened to the missing twin. Very spicy, predictable, but a book I was in exactly the right mood to read at the beginning of summer.
My Grade = B

THE MAN WHO LOVED PRIDE & PREJUDICE by Abigail Reynolds
In this contemporary homage to Jane Austen's PRIDE & PREJUDICE, Ms. Reynolds has marine biologist Cassie Boulton and wealthy and politically connected Calder Westing meet in a small New England town and sparks fly. I picked this up on a whim and was charmed by the idea of a modern re-telling of P&P.
My Grade = B

MEN OF DANGER (Anthology)
Hannah's Luck by Lora Leigh
Ibought the anthology for this entry. Why, I don't know...
My Grade = C-

IN SHELTER COVER by Barbara Freethy
This is a part of Ms. Freethy's Angel Bay series and I feel that while the books all take place in Angel Bay they are completely stand alone stories. I enjoyed this book about Brianna Kane trying to make a life for herself and her son in her deceased husband's hometown of Angel Bay. A place where she comes face to face with her husband's childhood friend, Jason Marlow. The same man who sent her husband to prison.
My Grade = B

MANHUNTING by Jennifer Crusie
This was a re-read that was once again fueled by seeing the newer release in the bookstore. I've been doing a lot of that lately (see the Linda Howard below). A reasonably intelligent career woman decides to begin putting as much energy into her personal life as she does her career when she chooses to visit a swanky resort where successful, and eligible, businessmen hang out. This is such a fun book to read and being so short it's a quick fix for an afternoon.
My Grade = B

ALMOST FOREVER by Linda Howard
An old classic Howard that is a re-read. This takes place in the same world as SARAH'S CHILD. The one thing that stops me from giving this book an A is Claire's behavior when they are in England. It didn't make sense the first time I read it and it still didn't this time. I don't get why she would be so insecure so late in the relationship. It's not like the man hadn't gone to great lengths to show his feelings for her. Still a good book and a blast from my reading past.
My Grade = B

10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU by Julia Quinn
I had a great month reading historicals in May. I could make a list of the things I liked about this one. For instance, the list making itself within the story. The relationships, not just the H/H but theirs with others in the story. It was a fun read as well. The irony of Sebastian being the heir to the man who wants to marry Annabel and beget children so Sebastian can't inherit, was delicious. I found myself saying, "c'mon, fix it... fix it..." Nothing like a little a tension and conflict to move a story along.
My Grade = B

FADE TO MIDNIGHT by Shannon McKenna
Kevin McCloud has been mourned for years by his brothers and as readers we have read about how his death and loss affected Davy, Sean and Connor. In this book we find out what happened. I was very excited about finding out what Ms. McKenna had in store for us here. I'm not one to complain about a book being too long, especially when I've been waiting for it for so long, however, I think this could have been tightened up a bit and it would have been a better book.
My Grade = B-

MARRIED BY MORNING by Lisa Kleypas
Catherine Marks is the sand in Leo Huxtable's shoe. Surprised years earlier by inheriting a title, Leo Huxtable finds himself having to marry and produce an heir in order to save the family home. The sparks these two throw off one another is as age old as a young man dipping braids in an inkwell. Attraction pure and simple. Although it seems to surprise the two of them. This is a very competently written book by Ms. Kleypas and far from a disappointment, I just wanted Leo's heroine to be someone new.
My Grade = B

HIS AT NIGHT by Sherry Thomas
It takes talent to act dumb which Ms. Thomas' character Lord Vere does, but in my opinion in order to write and make it believable to the reader as well, takes some real writing chops. There are some moments in this book that are so poignant. Paging through it to do this blurb, I actually sighed aloud. The wedding night (pgs 154-169) my heart hurt for both Elissande and Freddy.

I loved reading this book.
My Grade = A

WHERE THE WIND BLOWS by Caroline Fyffe
This is a quintessential cowboy story. Chase Logan arrives just in time to keep the winter and starvation from Jessie Strong' s door. These are both two wounded characters and the powerful healing of love. While the premise was predictable, I found myself engaged in the characters. GG is a lover of westerns and I knew this one had enough grit and reality in it to be a good read for him too.
My Grade = B+

April 2010

I have to say that trying to write even a blurb about books I read almost three months ago wasn't easy. On the other hand, with books I really liked the words flow pretty easily. You'll probably be able to tell when that happens.

Whenever I hit 15 books for the month, I'm plenty happy. Since I'm writing this list and it's July, I can tell you that my reading after April really started to slow down. Funny, that's in direct proportion to the increase of stuff happening at work.

JARED by Sarah McCarty
After my less than pleasant feelings on CALEB, the first of the western vampire books by Ms. McCarty, it begs the question why I picked up this book. Plain and simple it's the desperate hope that I'll feel, read and find the gold I found in Ms. McCarty's early PROMISE books. Not here, but a better book than CALEB to be sure.
My Grade = C


SWEET TEMPTATION by Maya Banks
This book dives into the BDSM world in a big way. One of the things I like about Ms. Banks is her characters unapologetic sexual preferences. She breaks from that a bit with Micah's protective feelings for his friend David's younger sister, Angelina. I didn't have the emotional buy-in I usually do with her stories.
My Grade = C

A TOUCH OF SCANDAL by Jennifer Haymore
I had a HINT OF WICKED on my bookshelf and yet couldn't find where I've listed or reviewed it anywhere. Weird. However, what I do know is that this book is Garrett's story. Garrett is the husband who comes back from the dead in A HINT OF WICKED and arrives just as his wife is moving on with her life.

In this story, Garrett is trying to come to terms with the life he has which is not at all the life he expected. Into this walks Katie the sister/servant to a titled, cruel and selfish brother.
My Grade = B

SILVER BORNE by Patricia Briggs
I will never miss the chance to read a Mercy Thompson book, however, this story had a lot to do with the fae. Not my favorite, at all. What saves it for me is the consistently well written characters, each with their own story arc, and Ms. Briggs continued diligence in building this world and the people who inhabit it. She never forgets her readers, and yet continues to build Mercy's world keeping it growing and changing as Mercy does.

I'm ready for more and would love to read the next Alpha Omega book too.
My Grade = B

THE PERFECT POISON by Amanda Quick
This is a historical Arcane book. I hadn't read Ms. Quick in sometime and I can't say if it was the absence or if the book was just that good. Botanist Lucinda Bromley is no stranger to controversy having been suspected of poisoning people in the past, even her own father. Once she appears set up for another murder she decides to hire an Arcane Society investigator to find out why she's been targeted. Into her world walks Caleb Jones with secrets of his own. Very enjoyable read with the snappy dialogue we all have come to enjoy from Ms. Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz)
My Grade = B+

LION'S HEAT by Lora Leigh
Yes here I am back to my old tricks buying Lora Leigh books again. I HAD to buy this one. It was the long awaited Jonas Wyatt book. A bit better plotted than some of my recent Lora Leigh reads, I was still bummed this book didn't have more bite to it. No pun intended. Well... maybe a little bit.
My Grade = C

REVEALED: A PRINCE AND A PREGNANCY by Kelly Hunter
A couple of years ago I read a review of a Kelly Hunter category romance on Nath's blog and gave the Harlequin Presents book a whirl. It was an enjoyable little romp with a heroine who was a limo driver. Seeing this in the store and remembering that book I picked this one up. This time I found a predictable lost love story that was not as satisfying as my previous read.
My Grade = C

WHAT THE LADY WANTS by Jennifer Crusie
Another re-release of an older Crusie book that had me shuffling to my keeper shelf to pull my copy down and re-read. Mitch is finishing up a year long bet to make a $1,000 as a PI. Mae Sullivan saunters into his office looking for help. Each fascinated with the other, this book was so much fun to read and the dialogue is wonderful.
My Grade = B+

ON SHADOW BEACH by Barbara Freethy
This book is actually book 2 of the Angel Bay series. And, no, I didn't read book 1 which did not impair or impact my reading of this book at all. Here we find Lauren Jamison returning to Angel Bay to help her Dad out. Lauren's family was fractured several years prior when her sister was murdered. Her mother leaves Angel Bay, but her Dad stays, almost in homage to his dead daughter. One of the suspects in the unsolved murder was Lauren's boyfriend, Shane. Shane has returned to Angel Bay as well, only not for a visit, but to stay.

Good solid read and I am looking forward to further installments about the lives and loves of Angel Bay.
My Grade = B

MY FORBIDDEN DESIRE by Carolyn Jewel
A re-read of Ms. Jewel's paranormal series seemed in order. This is actually the second book, but I read them out of order the first time, so why not again as a re-read? Xia and Alexandrine are as wonderful the second time around as they were the first. One of my favorite things when I'm reading is when the author knows their characters so well there are wonderful subtle and seamless details making the story a full bodied read. Yum!
My Grade = A

MY WICKED ENEMY by Carolyn Jewel
Another good story. This is warlord Nikodemus and witch Carson Philips tale. After the second reading I really do think one can benefit from reading in order. *g* However, I gobbled up both of these books with the same enthusiasm the second time around as I did the first. I cannot wait for MY IMMORTAL ASSASSIN which is due out in January 2011. Chapter One of the new book is available on Ms. Jewel's website.
My Grade = A

FRAGILE by Shiloh Walker
Is a companion book to BROKEN. Again I read the books about the two Rafferty brothers out of order. I read BROKEN in March and FRAGILE in April. They were written in the opposite order. Again, these books stand very well on their own. While there are references to the brothers' relationships, this in no way impairs the story. Having read BROKEN first did not give away anything of Luke's story or spoil it at all.

Luke has turned in his combat gear for hospital scrubs. He's attracted to overworked Devon Manning who is a social worker. Both of these characters carry emotional baggage from their childhood and their adult careers.

While a born protector and care giver, Devon is struggling to find his place in the world now that he's not a soldier any more. Watching the evolution of Luke and Devon walking through the minefield of their pasts to find peace and love in their futures made for a good read.
My Grade = B+

OPEN COUNTRY by Kaki Warner
I reviewed this one for Book Binge here.
My Grade = B

EIGHT DAYS TO LIVE by Iris Johansen
I've been reading Iris Johansen books for almost 25 years. That's just mind boggling. This is another Eve Duncan book with the story focusing on Eve's adopted daughter Jane MacGuire. In EIGHT DAYS TO LIVE Jane gets mixed up with a cult who believes Jane is revealing their secrets in one of her paintings. You always know what you are getting with Ms. Johansen, the requisite mystery and continued ambiguity about Jane's love life.
My Grade = B-

WICKED BECOMES YOU by Meredith Duran
Gwen Maudsley has been jilted for the last time. Deciding not to conform to society's dictates any longer. Gwen asks her late brother's best friend to tutor her in how to flout convention and live her life as she chooses. Of course Alexander Ramsey believes he knows what's best for Gwen and it's definitely NOT him. Another wonderful historical from Meredith Duran that I thoroughly enjoyed and just picking it up again for this post, remembered how much fun it was to read.
My Grade = B+

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-

February 2010

Twelve is a perfectly respectable number of books to have read for February. I'm still working on my January list, but I more wisely was recording February as I read them, so you get this list more or less on time. Yay!

INTO THE FIRE by Anne Stuart

An oldie but a goodie, from 2003 that I decided on a whim to re-read. Jamie tracks down Dillon the bad-boy from the past to find out how her cousin, Nate, who was raised as her brother, died. The story takes place over a short period of time, but is quintessential Stuart.

My Grade = B+

THE CINDERELLA DEAL by Jennifer Crusie

This was a re-release that I hadn't found or read before. Daisy is a teacher who wants to be an artist but is finding it financially challenging. Linc wants a job at a small but prestigious college where the Board would prefer to hire a married man. As neighbors in the same building, Linc decides he'll strike a deal and ask Daisy to pose as his intended. Loved this book. The wit and dialogue were wonderful. It's so refreshing to read a book where the author counts on you having a brain and figuring somethings out on your own.

My Grade = A-

PRIDE MATES by Jennifer Ashley

This is the first book in a new contemporary paranormal series. I confess I bought this because I enjoyed THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE a recent historical by Ms. Ashley. There were a couple of new twists on ye olde shifter lore and I found myself enjoying this one quite a bit.

My Grade = B

NICE GIRLS DON'T LIVE FOREVER by Molly Harper

This is the third in a series of books about Jane Jameson, the somewhat reluctant recently turned vampire who is also a librarian/bookshop owner. I enjoyed this book for addressing in an amusing way some of the practical issues one might face living their life openly vampire. I like Jane's pluckiness and plucky isn't usually one of my favorite adjectives when I describe heroines. This was my first book of the series and I had no issues starting here.

My Grade = B-

SEALed WITH A RING by Mary Margaret Daughtridge

I've enjoyed the previous two books in this series so I was pretty happy when Toni from NEW & RECYCLED ROMANCES slipped this this ARC in with my UBS purchases after I had mooned over it during my recent visit.

This too is a marriage of convenience story, but it is written well with a lot of the obvious questions one might have if a friend came to you and said they were getting married for some purpose other than love.

My Grade = B

BACK IN BLACK by Lori Foster

This book is a part of the continuing SBC fighter series. I haven't read all of them, and had no trouble with this as a stand alone. This time out we meet SBC president Drew Black who is a PR nightmare for his partners with his brash no-holds-barred news conferences. Enter one Gillian Noode, PR expert to clean up his bad boy image. Gillian is one of those "too competent" heroines almost to the point I didn't like her much. I've been hit or miss with Ms. Foster and was in the mood to give this one a try.

My Grade = C

SCOUNDREL'S KISS by Carrie Lofty

I have Ms. Lofty's first book in my tbr, but picked up this one intrigued by a conversation with SL Wendy letting me know that the heroine is an opium addict. Talk about a hook... Ms. Lofty doesn't give her characters an easy time of it and weaves an interesting tale here. If you like a story rich with historical detail and complex characters, you'll love this one.

My Grade = B

BRIDE OF THE WOLF by Susan Krinard

I am rarely influenced by a cover. In fact if someone describes a book to me by the cover I'll never guess who wrote it or what book it is, even my most favorites. *glancing at keeper shelf to see what Carolyn Jewel's books look like* I've read Ms. Krinard's wolf books before and have had mixed luck and picked this up totally based on the beautiful green cover with the dual faces in the water reflection and the wolf.

Having said all that, this is a competent wolf shifter story set in the west and was appealing to me on that level.

My Grade = B-

NOTHING DENIED by Jess Michaels

Straight up erotic and a valiant attempt to have a real story intertwined with a man's need to be dominant and a shrew's need to marry. I didn't like the heroine in this book. She knows she's a shrew, admits she's a shrew and the author never gives us a chance to know her and understand, except in the most shallow and vague way, why her behavior is so extreme.

My Grade = C-

GUILTY PLEASURES by Laura Lee Guhrke

Daphne Wade, left with only the travel vouchers sent by the Duke of Tremore, travels to England after her father's death and is hired in her father's stead to help excavate a Roman camp site found on the Duke's property. I adored the opening of the this book where Daphne is unabashedly spying on her employer. With no aspirations and a self awareness of how far superior Anthony is in rank to her, Daphne adores him from afar. Ms. Guhrke does a wonderful job of introducing these two people to each other and in many respects we also see them come to their own self awareness as well. Very solid historical read from my tbr.

My Grade = B+

A BRIDE FOR JERICHO BRAVO by Christine Rimmer

Ironically I read THE STRANGER AND TESSA JONES which has siblings of the H/H of this book last month. I used to never miss a Christine Rimmer category and can't remember now what made me stop reading them. At any rate, I was happy to pick this one up and read it. Sometimes short and to the point is just the right thing and this fit the bill when I read it.

My Grade = C+

JUST THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE by Julie James

Do you ever pick up a book a second time and wonder why you didn't read it the first time you picked it up? I had that experience with this book. I really enjoyed Ms. James characters. With a sense of "realness" to characters most of us mere mortals would never meet, she finds a way to bring us in and care about these people through their flaws. Loved that. I'm anxious to read PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT which, fortunately, is in my tbr.

My Grade = B+

What have you done for me lately? Or the year that was 2009.

I'm doing some blogging housekeeping. This means I'm catching up on the stuff that I just can't leave undone while I get on with my blogging life.

For those of you without a feed reader, if you are interested, I finally posted my dismal December 2009 reading list and am currently working on my January 2010 list. Hey who knows maybe it will be posted before Easter.

I'm also posting some 2009 stats in this post. These are just for me. This is stuff I found interesting when I looked over my list. In all honesty, I have no format for my yearly stats, I just randomly post what jumps out at me each year.

Books read = 164

A Grades = 9 (yikes not even 10%!)

D Grades = 4

DNFs = 4

With the two opposing ends of my reading accounting for 17 of the total books I read, you can see that the vast majority of what I read falls into the wide range of B+ to C-.

I'm glad to see fewer low, low grades, because that means I'm not wasting my time reading stuff I really don't like. Better yet, I think I'm doing better about risking my hard earned dollars on books I won't like or read. In all honesty I also think this is due to having blogger buddies to help me chose well. Being able to read or contact someone you trust about a book you are interested in and getting the scoop about just plain rocks.

I bought most of my books new and had very few ARCs this year. That's probably due to my not reviewing and being as active a blogger as I used to be. I noticed that I bought quite a few trade sized books in 2009. It's always because I like the author, because frankly with my arthritis it's a huge pain holding them to read. Hmmm...let's pause for maybe-I-should-buy-an-e-reader moment...

Anyway, between trade sized paperbacks (23) and hardcovers (15) there's a whopping 38 books that I bought in a size that I don't really like to hold or read. Plus the cost. I'm mulling this over for 2010, something has to change. I've also been wondering if this is because publishers can get more $$ for trade and therefore put the books out in trade first as a compromise between hardcover and paperback? What do you think?

I think... that I'm amazed that I've actually posted twice in a single week.

January 2010

Here it is...finally! January 2010 list. It was an eclectic month with oldies, categories, historicals, westerns and little bit of paranormal, a touch of contemporaries, and a couple of military suspenses. Just about everything I think. It looks like 14 is the magic number for January.

A MATTER OF CLASS by Mary Balogh
This was a clever piece and one I enjoyed quite a bit. When an Earl's daughter besmirches the family name in a foiled elopement her parents fear she is ruined forever. Their neighbors, people the Earl has disdained since they moved in 12 years previously, are wealthy but not gentry. They do, however, have an eligible son and ambition enough to marry him to the hapless Annabelle.

I bought the book because I was interested in the premise and did enjoy it quite a bit. However, I don't see why it had to be released in the "mini" hardcover for $15.95.
My Grade = B+

TOO HOT TO HOLD by Stephanie Tyler
Book 2 of the series, this is Nick and Kaylee's story. Nick is a former SEAL who is constantly pushing the envelope both in his personal and professional life. While on a mission he stumbles across Kaylee a reporter who is investigating information with global political implications.
Still enjoying the series.
My Grade = B

PIECES OF SKY by Kaki Warner
A western more on an epic scale. I liked this book a lot for it's scope and depth. Jessica has come west all the way from England to find her brother and get his help to take back their ancestral home and assets from their younger sister's shady husband. On her way she meets rancher Brady Wilkins. Brady is tough, honorable, stubborn and one of the hardest working men Jessica has ever met.

It's obvious Ms. Warner is a lover of the western herself with the loving details she has in this book. This is the first book of of the Blood Rose trilogy and I'm looking forward to reading the next two installments.
My Grade = B+

SWITCH by Megan Hart
Suggestions. On notes. Notes not meant for her... Megan writes such interesting stories and always gives us a peak into ourselves in the process. If you received an open note in your mailbox that didn't belong to you, would you read it? If you did, do you think its contents could change your life?
My Grade = B+

COMING UNDONE by Lauren Dane
The second book in what I call Ms. Dane's "tattoo" series, this story is about oldest sibling Brody Brown. Brody is a tattoo artist, a talent that helped him support and raise his two younger siblings. Not allowing himself to become involved with anyone seriously while raising his younger brother and sister, he's surprised to find himself enmeshed in his neighbor Elise and her young daughter's lives. LAID BARE was such a great read for me that I was a little let down that Brody's story was so tame. At the same time it provides a nice balance to the overall arc Ms. Dane has. I'm looking forward to Adrian Brown's book.
My Grade = B

STREET GAME by Christine Feehan
Another installment in Ms. Feehan's Ghostwalker series. No new ground, standard fare, but it fits the bill if you know what to expect.
My Grade = B

THE MANE EVENT by Shelly Laurenston
Is it telling that when I came to write a snippet about his book I couldn't remember a single thing about it without picking up the book? Pretty standard shifter fare here. Competently done.
My Grade = C

TENNESSEE MOON by Norah Hess
Once upon a forever ago I read Norah Hess. I don't have any on my keeper shelf which should have been my first clue before I picked up this re-release. I did muddle through this and recalled parts of it as I read as being one of Ms. Hess's tamer (no forced sex) stories. Another case of not enough meat to the story for me.
My Grade = C-

THE STRANGER AND TESSA JONES by Christine Rimmer
SIM # 1945 January 2009. I've read several of the Jones Gang books over the years and it had been awhile when I picked this one up at at a UBS during our December SoCal blogger UBS crawl. Tessa Jones takes in a beat up stranger in a blizzard who isn't what he appears to be. This is a Jones/Bravo crossover book.
My Grade = B

THE WEDDING PROMISE by Carolyn Davidson
This story about a young woman abandoned with her two younger brothers by the wagon train she was traveling with is taken in by a stranger and offered a marriage of convenience. Another UBS find this was a sweet western and I like mine with a bit more grit.
My Grade = C

BEAST by Judith Ivory
This is another book that's been in my tbr for forever. I also know it's on a lot of people's "best" lists. It's a DNF for me. I am putting it back in the tbr and plan to give it another try someday to see if it was one of those right book at the wrong time sort of things.
My Grade = DNF

THE BOUNTY HUNTER by Cheryl St. John
Another western "lite" this is a story of a bounty hunter turned sheriff who try as he might can't stop thinking about one particular saloon owner. Lily Divine is a mover and shaker in her little community and involved in many aspects of its welfare.

This book worked for me when it concentrated on the characters. I had a tough time believing a woman could be as successful in business with all men (the other saloon owners) as Lily was.
My Grade = C+

SCENES OF PASSION by Suzanne Brockmann
Living at home with her parents at 29 Maggie Stanton's life gets a well deserved shake up when a friend from her past comes back to town. Another UBS find and an old Brockman Silhouette Desire I'd missed previously.
My Grade = C

HOLD ON TIGHT by Stephanie Tyler Book 3 of the series. This is Chris and Jamie's story. I was anxious to see where Ms. Tyler was going to take us with Chris and Jamie after introducing them to us in TOO HOT TO HOLD. I liked the story starting out with Chris so vulnerable, wounded and struggling to remember the details of a mission gone terribly wrong. Could it get worse when Jamie shows up to investigate what happened? My Grade = B

December 2009

I only read five books in December. That says it all. It was quite the busy month, but then it always is. You'd think after all these years I'd have a bit more perspective and acceptance, wouldn't you?

Here they are.

HARD TO HOLD by Stephanie Tyler
I picked this book up by accident. Of course once I noted it was a SEAL book it pretty much closed the deal on me buying it. This first book is about SEAL Jake Hansen who on one of his missions rescues Doctor's Without Borders physician, Isabelle Markham from a near death hostage situation. Well done and an enjoyable read. My only beef is wishing for a bit more character layering.
My Grade = B

CARNIVAL TAROT by Jory Strong
Re-read of a trilogy of stories in one trade paperback. Individually published by Ellora's Cave these three linked stories have Ms. Strong's own brand of vampirism and lore. It's on my keeper shelf and was a "lighter" vampire story and not as PC as some.
My Grade = B

STAND IN GROOM by Suzanne Brockmann
This is one of Ms. Brockmann's earlier works and one I hadn't read before so I snapped it up when it was re-released. This is a contemporary marriage of convenience story. Some interesting dynamics on this often used story device and your certainly see glimmers of the wonderful writer she is today.
My Grade = B-/C+

EARLY DAWN by Catherine Anderson
I hadn't read a Catherine Anderson book in ages but when I saw this was a western I decided to pick it up. Having read about Eden Paxton's siblings in earlier books I had no trouble jumping into this one and enjoying it.

After a horrible break up with her fiance in San Francisco, Eden decides to lick her wounds and move to Colorado to be near her loving and protective half brothers. On the way the train is robbed and Eden is kidnapped. Matthew Coulter is hunting the men who murdered his wife when he finds Eden their captive and has to decide whether it's more important to rescue Eden or exact his revenge.

This had the best things I love about westerns. Real people in extraordinary circumstances.
My Grade = B

SUMMER BREEZE by Catherine Anderson
This is an earlier book about the Paxton's that I had in my tbr and pulled out after reading EARLY DAWN. In this book Rachel Hollister has lived literally closed off from the world since the massacre of her family years earlier. When her only contact with the world, her hired man, is bushwhacked, her neighbor Joseph Paxton promises him that he will take care Rachel while he heals. But how do you take care of someone barricaded in their home?

I had some issues with the ending of this book, but if you like well written character driven westerns, you'll like this and who knows maybe the ending won't bug you.
My Grade = B

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-