Atomicmom Reads

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl

2009-03-24T10:46:00.001-07:00

Genre: Contemporary Romance, lawman, small town

Spoiler free description: Molly is a super secret successful erotica writer. She uses a pen name to publish her stories and keeps everyone she knows in the dark about what her occupation is. She's inherited an house in her small hometown and decides to move there to get away from her creepy and annoying ex-boyfriend. And she's looking forward to finding old friends... like her big brother's BFF and her longtime secret crush (and star of her dreams) Ben. The thing is, Ben is happy and living a scandal free life, and he'd like it to stay that way. And did I mention that Ben does NOT want any scandal in his life? And Molly, she's got scandal written all over her, yet Ben can't keep himself away.

The best: Molly's self confidence. I liked how she was happy going after Ben. I loved their scene in Ben's police truck. And the suspense plot that normally would have totally annoyed me had enough twists and turns to be really enjoyable.

The worst: I really liked it all.
Grade A

Nightkeepers by Jessica Anderson

2009-03-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

Genre: Paranormal (contemporary) romance
Spoiler free description: I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if it had been billed as a sci-fi rather than romance. I have certain expectations of a romance novel - including have the h/h actually spend quite a bit of time together in the first half of the book, and also including not being overwhelmed by a cast of characters. Leah is a police officer looking into a string of murders - including the murder of her brother - that have ties to a Mayan cult. In the course of the investigation she winds up on an altar tied up like a sacrifice in the middle of some sort of magical ceremony. Just when things are looking like death, she's saved by Jaguar-Strike (no, really, that's his name, but you can just call him "Strike") and then he disappears - AFTER her brain is wiped so she has no memories of him OR the bad guys she's in danger from. That's just he beginning of big scale story about the coming end of the world and the Mayan warriors who will protect us all from the bad things that are coming. As I mentioned there is a LARGE cast of characters and tons of threads left hanging for next books. Very good, but light on the romance for me.
The best: An interesting premise.
The worst: I'm still not completely sure what happened on a magical level that resolved everything. It was a little vague.
Grade C-

To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt

2009-03-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Genre: historical romance
Spoiler free description: This is the first of Elizabeth Hoyts four "The Legend of the Four Solidiers" books. It follows Samuel, an American vetran of the French-Indian war. It's several years after the war and Samuel, now an extremely successful businessman, is visitting London with his younger sister. He asks his neighbor, Emeline, to help his sister "come out" in society. Emeline agrees to help. Samuel and Emeline are very attracted to each other, but she knows she cannot act on it. Especially since she's engaged to a mutal friend of theirs. Samuel is suffering from PTSD after the war and struggling to live as a normal person. This book is a great look at how that played out after the war, given the class and culture of the time. The future books look promising as well.
The best: Great tension. I liked how Emeline's son and Samuel's daughter played into the story. I liked how the possibility of pregnacy was addressed and handled.
The worst: For some reason the mocassins really bothered me.
Grade B+

The Ideal Wife, by Mary Balogh

2009-03-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Genre: historical romance, marriage of convenience
Spoiler free description: Miles is a newly made earl under pressure from his extended family to marry and produce an heir. His family has set up a marriage for him and is on their way to steamroller him into it. Then in walks Abigail, asking for - not money - references to get a new job. She's claiming Miles is a distant relative and has humbled herself to ask for help. She's on her best behavior and nothing like her normally outspoken, rambunctious self. Just like that, Miles proposes, excited to get the quiet and boring bride he can tuck away into the country and continue his life as is. Abigail accepts, feeling a bit guilty that he has no idea what she's really like. Then the fun begins.
The best: I loved how there were no huge misunderstandings. They talked through a lot of things. And each of them with their friends discussed what they were hiding from the other. I loved the pacing of their relationship and how everything built slowly and steadily, and how they worked it all out. Best scene - when his family comes and meets Abigail.
The worst: A little too much drama about the "big" secret she has, considering what it turns out to be.
Grade B+

The Book of Scandal, Julia London

2009-03-24T10:17:00.001-07:00

Genre: historical romance, already married.
Spoiler free description: I think my favorite romance gimmick is marriage of convenience, but a close second is the already (unhappily) married. This book starts with unhappily married Nathan and Evie having lived apart for 3 years. Though it's not clear on the back cover blurb, the death of their infant son caused the breakdown in their marriage, which just wasn't strong enough to survive their grief. However, a scandal brewing in London has Nathan bringing Evie home, whether she likes it or not. How they work through things from there is a great story, though more of a tear jerker than I normally like to read.
The best:A very good look at the grieving process and what can tear people apart and what can bring them together. Not rushed, good pacing.
The worst: Actually, a little too much history for me, though that would probably be a strong point for someone else.
Grade B

Hot Mail, by Janice Maynard

2009-03-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Football!, marriage of convenience
Spoiler free description: Jane and Ethan were best friends for years until they split when Ethan got engaged four years ago. Though he never married and they never renewed their friendship, Jane still has a huge crush on Ethan, and he still considers her a best buddy. She decides to send him anonymous hot mail - erotic poetry - to see if that will bring them together.
The best: It was fun to see them come together and tip toe around each other trying to figure out where they stood. The secondary storyline of Ethan's sister and his co-worker was just as good as the primary HEA.
The worst: The Super big Super Secret of WHO was sending the erotic valentines had me wanting to bang my head on the wall.
Grade C

The Price of Pleasure by Kresley Cole

2009-03-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Genre: historical, romance, island romance
Spoiler free description: I picked this one up because I love Kresley Cole's paranormals. She didn't disappoint. Once again, I started with the 2nd in a series, but that wasn't a problem with following the story. Tori was 13 when she and her governess are shipwrecked on a desserted island. Eight years later - and after a few unsavory attempted "rescues" - Grant shows up looking for her on a commission from Tori's grandfather. Grant doesn't give up and is determined to bring her home and earn the reward he was promised. Unfortunately for him, Tori is just as determined and even more resourceful than he is, and she's not quite sure she wants to leave with him.
The best: Another strong heroine. I enjoyed that Tori always had an ace up her sleeve and didn't ever give up and faint away, even when she really wanted to. I also thought Grant did an admirable job of winning her over.
The worst: The conflict in the book is caused by Grant being stupid, for reasons I really didn't understand.
Grade B

The Dragon Queen by Shana Abe (The Drakon, book 3)

2009-03-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Genre: Paranormal, para-historical, romance, shapeshifter
Spoiler free description: Maricara is the very young princess/queen of the Carpathian mountain drakon. Kimber is the prince of the English drakon. The Carpathian and English drakon have long been lost to each other. When Maricara sneaks into Kimbers home and they finally meet, they are instantly attracted. But Maricara is much too strong and intelligent to be the subservient wife that the English drakon culture demands. And she's come to warn them about an age old advesary on the rise again. In battling this common enemy, they draw closer and closer, but struggle to work things out. I was a little frustrated with the story as a whole, but didn't want to put it down - and definitely want to read the next one after seeing it will be about Kimber's brother Rhys.
The best: I love how strong Maricara is. I saw her as having much of the power in the this story and it worked well.
The worst: It's just not my favorite writing style. I get a little lost sometimes as to what motivates the characters. It's stronger on the fantasy side than the romance.
Grade B-

It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

2009-03-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Football!
Spoiler free description: Phoebe's father dies that's ok with her - he's always treated her like crap. And that doesn't stop with his death - in his will he leaves her ownership of his football team, The Chicago Stars. Phoebe may look like a blonde bimbo, but she she's got brains to spare, and she's not interested in playing her father's games. The coach of the Stars needs her to play, without her help, his team is stranded. And then there's this unexplicable attraction they have to each other...
The best: I love the pacing of this book! It takes it's time - there's no HEA overnight here. The story is complex and very believable. This is one I'd go back to again and again. Best of the best - opening scene with the poodle. And so many others...
The worst: I didn't really enjoy the storyline with Dan's ex.
Grade A

Dream Warrior, by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2009-03-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Genre: Paranormal Romance, part of the Dark Hunter series

Spoiler free description: Cratus is a long abused god, Delphine is a half blood dream hunter. She's the first person to show him tenderness and compassion... ever. Will they be able to stop the end of the world?

Other comments: OK, so this is about the 37th entry in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. And on one hand, it's so similar to many of her other works that I had a feeling of deja vu while reading it. On the other hand, there's a reason why she's written so many books... she's good! It catches your interest and drags you in. Even more fun is visitting with old friends and seeing how she's changing the Dark Hunter world. However, there are so many changes that it's a bit hard to keep up with!

The best: Standard Kenyon - enjoyable dialog. Fun to see Ash and Tory, Zarek and Astrid.
The worst: I seriously need a guide to keep up with all this stuff. And it kind of got to the point that I just didn't care much any more.

Grade C+

The Courtesan's Wager, by Claudia Dain

2009-03-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Genre: Historical Romance

Spoiler free description: Amelia is not stupid. She sees that Sophia has arranged marriages for 3 ladies in 3 weeks and she wants in. So she asks
Sophia for help attaining her heart's desire - marriage to a duke. Sophia is happy to help. And happy to inform a horrified Amelia that EVERYONE knows Amelia wants to marry a duke. Sophia decrees that the best course would be to go public with that knowledge and start holding interveiws. And you know what? Sophia is right! The only one more horrified than Amelia is Lord Cranleigh, younger brother to Iveston - next in line to be a duke. Cranleigh will not stand for this and he gets himself in way of Amelia.

Something I found annoying, though, was a big reveal half way through the book. And then I thought the hero was almost TSTL (too stupid to live) given the big reveal. So, really the only obstacle left was some pride, ego, and stupidity. That detracted from an otherwise good book.

The best: Finally reading a Dain heroine who had a clue about what Sophia was doing. The chemistry between Amelia and Cranleigh rocked. And I'm still LOVING the ongoing story arcs with Sophia, Anne, Ruan, and Calbourne. I want more!
The worst: I felt like the ending dragged out. I was glad that Amelia held out to get the respect she deserved, but it really seemed like the whole thing would have been sorted out much quicker if they actually spoke to each other about anything!
Grade B

The Courtesan's Secret

2009-03-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Genre: Historical Romance

Spoiler free description: After seeing Sophia's success at arranging Caroline's marriage (The Courtesan's Daughter), Louisa plucks up her courage and approaches Sophia to ask for help getting her pearls back, as well as finally attracting the attention of Dutton. Louisa has been chasing Dutton for TWO years. He's been ignoring her just as long. Well, all she had to do was ask, and Sophia's on the case. But Sophia sees clearly that Dutton has no time for Louisa, and Blakesly has been chasing after Louisa for just as long as she's been chasing Dutton. Let the games begin.

One note to keep in mind, this story centers just as much on Sophia as on the HEA couple. There also appears to be an ongoing story arc with Anne Warren, which I'm really enjoying.
The best: I still say witty dialog. Nice double entendre. Layers and layers to the story! I love Sophia's brother and nephews. The scene where Blakesly gets permission to marry Louisa from her father... I think it will be an all time favorite of mine!
The worst: Louisa is pretty stupid and self absorbed. Too wrapped up in herself to appreciate what's goign on and read any road signs by herself. That got to be quite annoying.

Grade B

Zen and the Art of Vampires, by Katie MacAlister

2009-03-03T18:24:00.001-08:00

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampire

Spoiler free description: OK, first off, it's a Dark Ones novel by Katie Mac, which says a lot to me (like it says: READ ME!) Second, it's a two parter, which also says a lot to me (like it says: RUN AWAY!) How much do I HATE it when there's no HEA? I hate it very much. However, the 1st over-ruled the second. I have enough love for Katie Mac that I'm willing to try something new with her. But then, not far into the book there's a third. Let me back up a little bit and do the description thing.

So, Pia is nearly 40 and chubby (not that you'd know it by the cover, but that's a whole 'nother rant). And Pia, on a singles tour of Europe, currently in Iceland, finds herself in the middle of a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING. And then she finds two hot guys. And (here's the third thing) about 2 minutes later, apparently so excited that someone actually wants her, has sex with one of the guys. And here's the *fourth* thing, THEN, 24 hours later, she has sex with the other hot guy, best friend to hottie number one.

Honestly, I almost stopped reading. Up until the third thing, I was really identifying with Pia. I found the first sexual encounter (Alec) very abrupt and unbelievable. And when she's getting all into the best friend (Kristoff) she really hates him, and I kept thinking "Really?" "Really, she's doing this?" And they both hate themselves after... I just don't know.

Now, it's a Dark Ones story, so Pia is a Beloved (aka soul mate and savior) but the big question is supposed to be whose Beloved is she. Except she's not confused, she's sure she's Alec's. And *I* was not confused, I've read the other books, it's clear she's Kristoff's. The part I don't really get is how Alec and Kristoff don't know whose she is. And the other part I don't really get... HELLO! Read each other's minds! Duh. You have a bond, use it! Ugh.

But none of that explains how, once I was about 1/2 way through I just really needed to know how it ended. And I have to say, going in knowing this was just a pit stop on the way to HEA, I was really happy with how it ended. And, despite all the ranting, I can't wait to read the rest! Why, oh why wait until May???

The best: Hmmm. I guess just how addictive it was.

The worst: The third and fourth things. Plus I found Alec to be a little creepy. Actually kind of a lot creepy. And it was a BUSY book. Typical Katie Mac, hard to keep track of it all.

Grade C (I would say D, but I have to give credit because I DID want to read the whole thing, and I still want to read the next one!)

This Heart of Mine, by Susan Elizabeth Philips

2009-03-01T17:53:00.001-08:00

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Football!, marriage of convenience
Spoiler free description: Once again I've come in in the middle of a series. I don't think the book suffered at all for having missed the first ones. Molly, an author and football heiress (who's given away all her money), has long had a crush on Kevin, the quarterback of the Chicago Stars - the system her sister and brother-in-law own and manage. When they end up sharing a cabin for a weekend, the tension is there, but sparks don't really fly. Until Molly does something really stupid. And they end up in a quickie marriage that falls apart even quicker than it came together. And only after all that do they begin to see each other.
The best: Molly, Kevin, and all the secondary characters are awesome and believable. The road blocks to Molly and Kevin's realationship are believable. Everything in this story is believable. I got sucked in and found myself rooting for Molly and Kevin. Best of the best... the young newlywed couple concerned enough to give Molly and Kevin marital advice.

The worst: I really liked it all.

Grade A

The Dream Thief, by Shana Abe

2009-03-01T17:37:00.000-08:00

Genre: Historical Romance, paranormal, shapeshifter
Spoiler free description: Lia is the drakon (dragon shapeshifter) daughter of Rue & Kit from The Smoke Thief. Zane is Rue's old apprentice, a fully human man, who is aware of the drakon and what they are. Lia doesn't have the normal gifts of her kind, and is not even able to take her dragon or smoke forms. Although she lacks traditional drakon gifts, Lia does have the unusual gift of seeing the future. A gift so unusual, and giving of visions so dark and frightening (as well has hot and enticing) that she never tells anyone of her gift. Her dreams show tell her that she will find the long lost drakon diamond. Her dreams tell her that Zane will be her lover. And her dreams tell her of a dark, dark future.
The best: Dragons!!! I like Lia a lot, and Zane, too.

The worst: I really wanted Lia to tell Zane about her visions. I don't understand why she didn't. That was hard to understand. I'm also not a big fan of their first time.

Grade B

A Grand Passion, by Jayne Ann Krentz

2009-03-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary
Spoiler free description: Cleo knows he's the man for her the minute she sees him. He's also immediately attracted to her. And, yeah, there's suspense. I don't htink I've read much romantic suspense before, and I didn't really like it.
The best: Throughout the book, Cleo, as an author, talked about romance novels and erotica and what readers and non-readers think of it. That was cool. Also, the thing that kept the two apart, that was very believable
The worst: I just didn't really care.
Grade C - it was probably good for someone else

The Courtesan's Daughter, by Claudia Dain

2009-03-01T17:14:00.001-08:00

Genre: Historical Romance
Spoiler free description: Caroline is Sophia's daughter. Being Sophia's daughter has defined her for her entire life. See, Sophia used to be a courtesan, until she actually married one of her gentlemen. Now Caroline is ready to be married, but being a (former) courtesan's daughter has made her not a good match. But no worries, because Sophia has a plan... she'll buy a husband for Caroline. The plot thickens when Caroline decides she'd rather be a wanted courtesan than an unwanted wife. But never fear, because Sophia is a lady with plans. And Sophia always gets what she wants.

One note to keep in mind, this story centers just as much on Sophia as on the HEA couple. I think this would have annoyed me had I not known it going in. It also is the start of a series, and Sophia will have a long arc-ing story.

The best: Witty dialog. Nice double entendre. Layers and layers to the story!

The worst: Sometimes I felt a step behind - hard to keep up with Sophia's plans! I think the author intended it that way, though.

Grade B+

Magic Study, by Maria V. Snyder

2009-02-25T07:10:00.001-08:00

Genre: Sci Fi/Fantasy
Spoiler free description: Yelena, ex-poison taster to the Ixian Commander now goes south to her homeland of Sitia to be reunited with the family she doesn't remember. She'll also be trained to use her magical powers. But from the very first things don't go smoothly, and on top of everything bad that's happening, she really misses Valek.
The best: Well written! I didn't want to put it down. I kept trying to figure out what would happen next and who was behind it. I enjoyed this book even more than Poison Study, as Yelena is stronger in this book and not so crippled by her circumstances. I love a heroine who can learn! I also really enjoyed how realitic I found the emotional side of things. Problems don't just magically go away, and past hurts influence how the present is seen. Also, I enjoy being surprised by characters... especially when, after it happens, you can nod to yourself and say, "yes, that makes sense, I should have seen it coming" Great, subtle forshadowing. Wonderful!
The worst: Really not a worst. It got a little complicated at times.
Grade: A

The Spymaster's Lady, by Joanna Bourne

2009-02-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

Genre: Historical Romance
Spoiler free description: Robert is a spy, and so it Annique. They meet in a prison and Annique helps Robert and his partner escape. She doesn't realize his mission is to collect the secrets she keeps. But there is more to everyone than meets the eye... I read this based on awesome reviews it got online and how often I saw it at the top of the best of 2008 lists.
The best: Great writing! A real page turner. Annique is a great heroine. Roberts friends are awesome, and I really enjoyed their parts of the story and how they weighed in on the budding romance.
The worst: I felt bad for Annique. At many times in the story I didn't like Robert.
Grade: B

One Bite with a Stranger, Christine Warren

2009-02-25T06:47:00.000-08:00

Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Spoiler free description: Reggie and her friends started a "Fantasy Fix" for each other, where they set each other up with men who can fulfill their fantasies for the night. Reggie says she wants a dominant vampire. When her friends set her up, a real life vamp steps in to take over the Fantasy Fix
The best: I enjoyed the chick feeling to the book, especially when Reggie was with her friends. I thought the BDSM motivations were explained well, and it was hot.
The worst: For all the early work put in to explaining the BDSM side of things I didn't feel like it carried through consistently. I was dismayed by how easily Reggie turned her life upside down.
Grade: C

The Mane Attraction, Shelly Laurenston

2009-02-25T06:41:00.000-08:00

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifter
Spoiler free description: Third in this series. Mitch (lion) goes into hiding with his best friend Sissy Mae Smith (wolf). While in Sissy Mae's home town they realize they want to be more than just friends. But Sissy Mae has quite a history in town, and the bad guys Mitch is supposed to testify against want him dead. More of Laurenston's signature animal behavior in people form, which ROCKS!
The best: Mitch and Sissy Mae together, and Smithville. Laurenston paints a very entertaining shifter town.

The worst: Underdeveloped plot line with the wolf witches on the hill.

Grade: B

Playing Easy To Get - Anthology

2009-02-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Spoiler free description: This was a re-read for me - I had it long ago for the Kenyon story in it. Then once I read Kresley Cole I realized one of the stories in this anthology was the story of Mysty the Vampire Layer, but I couldn't remember it. So I re-read just for the Cole story. Overall, I think it was good, but there was at least one thing I found so off-putting that it really ruined the rest for me.
The best: Strong hero and heroine
The worst: You shouldn't be able to command someone not to feel pain.
Grade: C

Miss Wonderful, by Loretta Chase

2009-02-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Genre: Historical Romance

Spoiler free description: Alistair Carsington, Waterloo hero, pursues a countrified lady more interested in her responsibilities than her clothes. Witty dialogue and mischeif ensues.

The best: Awesome, strong heroine.
The worst: Too much canal.
Grade B-

Poison Study, by Maria V. Snyder

2009-02-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Genre: Fantasy
Spoiler free description: Yelena is given a choice - become a food taster/poison detector for the Commander, or be hung. She chooses to become a poison taster and the adventure begins. It's got a dark tone to it. Intrigue and mystery. And as the story moves forward you learn more and more about Yelena's past and her trainer, Valek.
The best: Great story! A real page turner to see what twist will happen next.

The worst: Somewhat open ended. The "romance" line didn't have the tension I love.

Grade B

Flat Out Sexy, by Erin McCarthy

2009-02-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

I think I've read some short stories by Erin McCarthy in some anthologies. I know I've heard her name before. I was curious when I read the good review for this book on http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/ so I got it from the library. Winner!

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, NASCAR

Spoiler free description: Two years after her famous race car driver husbands dies in a race, Tamara is finally ready to start dating again. She literally bumps into Elec, and though he is younger than her, the sparks fly. She figures she could do with a one night stand, he's looking for a relationship. Elec tries to convince her it's worth a try, but there are hurdles to cross - she's a single mom, the previous generation has a family feud, and she's a bit older than him...

The best: No unbelievable villians out to get anyone. Really, no villians at all. This felt like ROMANCE to me. They have issues, they work them out. I love Tamara! Sensible, logical, gets swept away, but still keeps up with all her responsibilities.

The worst: Elec was a little too perfect. I can't really complain about that.

Grade A-

The Immortals After Dark Series, by Kresley Cole

2009-02-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

Genre: Sci-fi/fantasy, Romance, paranormal,
Spoiler free description: Strong heroines and very Alpha heros. Vampires, Valkyrie, Demons, Lykae (werewolves) and more. Very contemporary - references to the Amazing Race and Survivor. Funny, funny, funny stuff. Quite hot, too. On my top 5 series list!

The best: I love the strong heroines! I love the families/support groups that the characters have. Witty banter. I love it all!
The worst: I wish there were more... now.

Grade A

Playing with Fire, by Gena Showalter

2009-01-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

Genre: Sci-fi/fantasy, Romance, paranormal,

Spoiler free description: Belle was a normal girl until an evil scientist spiked her coffee and she was transformed into a superhero able to command the weather. Luckily, there's a superhero watching over her who wants to help her get used to being a superhero. Even more luckily, he's really hot, too. Unluckily, the evil scientist team wants Belle on their team, so they can disect her and understand why their evil potion worked, and then force her to work for them, using all sorts of nepharious and dastardly ways.

The best: The highlight of this book is when Belle meets up with Tanner. He is the best. A 19 year old wanna be ladies man, looking for women who would love to ride the Tanner express. His interactions with the rest of the good guy team kept me rolling!

The worst: Eh. The fact that Belle and Rome weren't more interesting than Tanner. Actually, the worst was probably how, even sick, even when she thought he was going to kill her, she was all hot about him. Eh. Not so easy to believe.
Grade C+

Alpha & Omega AND Cry Wolf, by Patricia Briggs

2009-01-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

Genre: Sci-fi/fantasy, Romance, paranormal, shifter

Spoiler free description: These books must be read together. The short story "Alpha and Omega" is in the book On the Prowl, and it is really just the first few chapters in Cry Wolf. And wow do I love this story. Anna is an abused, newly made, undereducated werewolf. Charles is a 200 year old dominate werewolf who comes to investigate trouble in Anna's pack. He immediately recognizes Anna as a rare and valuable Omega wolf (not the submissive she thinks she is) and his "brother wolf" also sees Anna's wolf as his mate. Anna realizes that her wolf feels safe with Charles, and that lets her trust him. But the real story is how the human halves of Anna and Charles get to know each other and try to catch up with the bond their wolf halves have decided on. Awesome!

The best: Lots of show, not too much tell. I like how the book unfolds and we see things alternating from Anna and Charles' points of view. I like how it's not easy, but they keep trying, and how they don't always get it right. I loved watching Anna's self confidence grow.

The worst: Hmmm. Not much to complain about. I would have loved more Anna and Charles and less secondary storyline, but I'm sure there is more coming in future books, as this is the beginning of a series. (Hunting Ground is due out in August 2009)

Grade A-

Bet Me, by Jennifer Cruise

2009-01-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

Genre: Contemporary

Spoiler free description: Minn is an average looking, man-hating, logical actuary. Cal is a gorgeous womanizer runs from commitment. When Minn's ex bets Cal that he can't bed Minn (because, of course, since Minn wouldn't sleep with her ex in 2 months, she must be frigid...) and Minn overhears the bet, hilarity ensues

The best: Really well written! Just about the best sexual tension I've ever read. And laughter abounds in the secondary characters as well as Cal and Minn. Awesome.

The worst: Cal's ex. Cal and Minn's parents. Cold, almost non-human.

Would you recommend this book? Absolutely!!! To anyone
Grade: A

The Pride Books, by Shelly Laurenston

2009-01-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

Genre: Paranormal, shifter

Spoiler free description: The Mane Event is two stories, Christmas Pride: Mace(Lion) & Dez(human) and Shaw's Tale: Brendan(Lion) & Ronnie Lee(wolf) . The Beast in Him: Smitty(wolf) & Jess(wild dog) (no, really, wild dog).

Christmas Pride is the only one where all the characters are not aware of the shapeshifting. In this case Dez is a tough as nails human cop, who is surprised when her stringbean best friend from middle school shows up as a grown up Marine. Though the lion part is original, it wasn't the best story I've read. In fact, I almost didn't read the second story in the book, and I'm so glad I did. (C+)

I laughed from the beginning of Shaw's Tale to the end. It was a blast. And it made me curious as to what the author would do with a full length novel. (A-)

The Beast in Him was good. Laurenston does full length well. (B)

The best: Laurenston does an awesome job of showing animal traits in human form. The way a lion breed stares much like a cat would. A dog's gleeful smile and playful nature. There's an awesome scene early in Shaw's Tale where Ronnie Lee is trying to handle a playful and feverish lion, in lion form, that makes me smile just to remember it.

The worst: Sometimes the stories drag. Especially the secondary storylines, have the mystery/plot. The relationships are fun to watch unfold. The drama... eh.

Would you recommend this book? Yes, if you like paranormal/shifters, with lots of humor

Grade: B

Dance with the Devil (Dark Hunter Series #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2008-09-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

Genre: Romance, Paranormal

Spoiler Free Summary: Zarek is a Dark Hunter so out of control that he has been banished in remote Alaska for 900 years. Astrid is a nymph who is sent to judge whether Zarek should be killed. Zarek is one of my favorite characters of all time. And like Astrid, too. This book also described Blood Rite Squires, Simi, and details of Ash and Artemis' relationship.

The Best: Zarek's smart mouth comments.

The Worst: there are some hard to swallow plot points, but very forgivable...

Would You Recommend This Book? Absolutely! ***** (5!)

The Dark One, by Ronda Thompson

2008-09-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Armond and Rosalind - It was good -werewolf, abusive stepbrother, empowered and smart woman. Pretty cool. Did I mention it has werewolves? And it sets up stories for 3 other brothers??? :) ****

Night Embrace (Dark Hunter Series #3) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2008-09-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is Talon and Sunshine's story. ****(four atom bombs)

Educating Caroline, by Patricia Cabot

2008-09-15T12:28:00.001-07:00

Genre: Romance, historical

Spoiler free description: When Lady Caroline sees her fiancee having sex with another woman, she examines her options and decides the only thing she can do is learn enough about bedroom things to be both a wife and a mistress to her fiancee. After asking around a bit she realizes she wants to learn (theory, of course) only from the best. So she seeks him out and asks to teach her. Patricia Cabot also writes young adult books as Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries)

The best: Really well written and funny! This is not your typical historical. The irreverent stream of conciousness of Caroline especially is extremely entertaining. I especially like the scene where Caroline approaches Braden and the many misunderstandings that occur in that conversation!

The worst: Caroline's fiancee. I know she needed one for the plot, but he was kind of boring.

Would you recommend this book? Absolutely!!!

*****(5 atom bombs)

Midnight Pleasures (Dark Hunter short story) Multiple authors

2008-09-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Short Story collection

Spoiler Free Summary:

Darkfest, Amanda Ashley - werewolf, middle ages romance. Good.

Phantom Lover, Sherrilyn Kenyon - actually had a surprise I didn't see coming! First look at the dream hunter world. Very good!

Under Her Spell, Maggie Shayne - Witches. Magic. Eh. Ok.

A Wulf's Curse, Ronda Thompson - part of the Wild Wulfs of London series. Werewolf. I enjoyed it and will read the rest! Very good.

The Best: Kenyon's story really surprised me. Maybe her best short story I've read... And I really want to read more Thompson!

The Worst: Too much magic detail in Under Her Spell - get to the romance already!

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Very good overall!

****(4 atom bombs)

Night Pleasures (Dark Hunter Series #2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2008-09-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

Genre: Romance, Paranormal

Spoiler free description: The second novel in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. This one actually introduces the Dark Hunter world, and characters from the first book make an appearance. Funny book. This was a multiple re-read for me and I still enjoyed it! This is a HEA book, but you want to know more about the other characters you meet!
The best: You didn't know what would happen next. Well written and not predictable.
The worst: no worst for me!
Would you recommend this book? Absolutely! One of my favorites!
***** (5 atom boms)

Bollywood Nights, by Shobhaa De

2008-09-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Spoiler free description: A fictional inside look on what life is like for Bollywood stars. It follows the life of a small town girl who becomes a big star, and what happens to her during and after her rise to fame. Not a romance. Pretty gritty reality, I think.

The best: I liked getting to see a world I can't even imagine.

The worst I didn't like how awful life was. It didn't seem like anything was good, and it made me never want to see a bollywood musical. If this is truely what Bollywood (or Hollywood) is like... I never want to see another movie again! Also, the outbursts of Hindi language in it made it challenging to follow at times.

Would you recommend this book? No, not unless the person had an interest in Bollywood. It may be well written, and it was hard to put down, but in a car crash kind of way.

** (2 atom boms)

Fantasy Lover (Dark Hunter Series #1), by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2008-09-12T11:56:00.001-07:00

Spoiler free description: This book is the first in Kenyon's Dark Hunter series, though it doesn't contain any Dark Hunters, daimons, or other supernatural being that are in the rest of the series. Julian is a demi-god, though, and is also a sex-slave trapped in a book that Grace manages to summon. Julian and Grace do continue to appear throughout the series, though, and it's fun to know all the inside jokes that start in this book, especially Julian's driving skills!

The Best: That it's funny! And I kept reading and reading to find out what would happen. This was my 2nd time reading it, but the first was so long ago I couldn't remember details.

The Worst: Julian's "god" family. It's hard to believe his mother would have such a change of heart... to be so selfish and angry for so long... that required a little extra suspension of disbelief for me

Would you Recommend This Book? Yes! Definitely I don't like it as much as others in the series, but it is very good. And even though I didn't read it first, it probably would make the rest of the series better to read it first.

****.*(4.5 atom bombs)

Hidden Talents, by David Lubar

2008-09-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi

A nice quick read at an elementary school level, I think. The book jacket says fourth grade classes are reading it. An interesting look at super powers and using them. I really liked the writing style that drew my in right away. I will try to see if Z will read this one. I like how the friendships formed.

**** four atom bombs. :)