On What Grounds (Coffeehouse Mysteries, Book One) by Cleo Coyle

Book Description

Clare Cosi used to manage the historic Village Blend coffeehouse . . . until she opted for quieter pastures and a more suburban life. But after ten years and a little friendly cajoling from the owner (a fresh pot of Jamaican Blue Mountain was all it took), she's back to the grind, serving coffee and solving crime - one cup at a time . . .

With a sprawling rent-free apartment directly above The Village Blend, her cat Java by her side, and plenty of coffeehouse redecorating ideas, Clare is thrilled to return to work. Until she discovers the assistant manager unconscious in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere. Police arrive on the scene to investigate. But when they find no sign of forced entry or foul play, they deem it an accident. Case closed. But Clare is not convinced. And after the police leave, there are a few things she just can't get out of her mind . . . Why was the trash bin in the wrong place? If this wasn't an accident, is Clare in danger? And . . . are all detectives this handsome?

***

June 30

On What Grounds is a good start to this series, but not great by any means. The mystery was lacking and there weren't enough clues for the reader to even get close to figuring out whodunnit or why. The explanations about the different types of coffee are very interesting, but come close to taking over the storyline. Some of the things I did not like about the writing style, were that, at times, the writing could be condescending, such as a Tanya Harding example that didn't sound natural and seemed to imply that the reader has been living in a cave for the last twenty or so years, then there's the backtracking into past events for around twenty pages and then returning to the cliffhanger which is where we left off of and then trying to remember where that was exactly (ugh! Sorry, but doing that three or four times is unnecessary and annoying), and the end was way to preachy about Anabelle's life and choices - this isn't an after school special or a Lifetime movie, get over yourselves (the authors that is :P). Another thing (yes there's more!), I don't like the love triangle aspect. For the most part, an ex should stay an ex (I know there are some exceptions, but that's just my preference in this case), and I much prefer Quinn, who I really hope isn't married.

Oh, and one more thing... I took a little offense to the disdain of decaf drinkers. I just don't handle caffeine that well - yes, I might be an anxious person, but I don't have imagined allergies or neuroses or whatever else she describes most decaf drinkers as. Not to mention, it makes me very shaky, in a bad way, and I cannot fathom drinking as much coffee as she does all the time - I need sleep! LoL Yes, I'll imbibe in coffee that isn't decaf, but for the most part, I'd rather have decaf. Gotta problem with that?! :P

What I did like...
Clare - some other reviews I've read have been iffy about her, but I blame how the authors wrote the book.
Java - I know it's a cozy mystery cliche, but I love cats in books. :)
Learning about coffee - it's really rather interesting.
Recipes - gotta love those!
The promise of a good series - the writing overall is good and I hope that now that most of the history has been written about, the next books will flow better.

4 stars

Book Review - Stay With Me by Beverly Long

Book Description

Something strange has happened to Sarah Jane Tremont...

One moment, she was walking along a beach outside Los Angeles, contemplating her future. The next, she was wandering through an unfamiliar wilderness...

Confused and exhausted, she stumbles upon a small farmstead, where she's taken in by a handsome, rugged man who behaves as if he knows her - and isn't exactly her number one fan. Soon Sarah learns not only where she is, but also when she is: Wyoming Territory, 1888. Her host's name is John Beckett. He's an authentic cowboy - but there's clearly a case of mistaken identity going on, because even though he's agreed to help her, he's holding on to one mighty big grudge.

Sarah believes that the reason she was sent back in time is to heal John's wounded heart. But first she much convince him to see her for who she truly is...

***

June 23

Stay With Me was a lovely romance, with a likable hero and heroine. And also a nice secondary romance that almost rivals the main romance. I don't understand exactly why Sarah became the 'first' Sarah, and why she didn't just say that she's a different person entirely, but it doesn't matter much. I liked the reason why she was sent back and thought that was a nice touch. The story as a whole was very well executed and I can't wait to read the next. :)

4 stars

Book Review - Silver Tomorrows by Susan Plunkett

Book Description

Colorado, 1882. Royal Tremaine's family had been torn apart by the Civil War. But he'd vowed to restore their place within Virginia's elite society -- and he wouldn't let anyone alter his plan.

COLORADO, 1996.
A wealthy socialite, Emily Fergeson never felt like she fit in. But when an earthquake thrust her back in time, she knew she'd landed right where she belonged...

Emily Fergeson had spent her life trying to please others. But the day she decided to start living life for herself, an earthquake sent her back to a simpler time. Trapped near a Colorado silver mine, she was forced to rely on a total stranger for her survival. Handsome Royle Tremaine could be arrogant and stubborn, but Emily felt at home in his rustic cabin -- and in his life. Like Emily, Royle battled demons from his past -- a past that seemed destined to keep them apart.

Royle had his whole future ahead of him.
But for Emily, true happiness lived in the past.

***

June 23

Silver Tomorrows was a beautiful romance with wonderful characters. Emily is a modern day woman who's never felt at home in her time and is sent back to 1882 Colorado. She meets two men, Teigue and his nephew, Royle. While Teigue adopts her as his daughter and believes she's a good person, Royle refuses to see the good in her and is suspect.

I picked this up after reading a Civil War time-travel and wanted another set in the same era. Even though I'm somewhat organized, I still have books scattered around and the only time-travel romance I could find was set in post-war time, so it would have to do. I am so glad that I had this around to read!

The story unfolds marvelously and I love how logical Emily is, it's really refreshing change from a lot of romances. She doesn't try to convince them she's from the future, and really, the time-travel plays a very little part in the book. Royle is pigheaded in ignoring his feelings for what he thinks he has to do, but of course he can't fight forever (although it might seem so at times) and the chemistry between him and Emily is sizzling. I loved what Teigue added to plot and the direction the story went. I don't want to give too much away but I loved every second of it - a lot was covered, from mining in Colorado to a bit of society in post-war Williamsburg, Virginia over the course of six or so months.

For some reason I'm holding back on a perfect rating, the only thing I can think of is that I didn't get to read it in one sitting. The more I think about it though, the more I appreciate the book and how the author brought everything to life. Even if you don't like time-travel, I would recommend this because it's not an issue in the book, except for Emily finding a home and her logic. The romance is just lovely and that's why romance lovers should read it.

4.5 stars

Book Review - The Last Cavalier by Heather Graham (Pozzessere)

Book Description

Silhouette Shadows #1 - The Last Cavalier
by New York Times Bestselling Author Heather Graham Pozzessere

From the back cover:

Timeless...

The battle was raging, the air hot with smoke, loud with rifle fire. Then the air turned dim with an eerie mist, and for Jason Tarkenton, captain in the Confederate cavalry, the true nightmare began.

Vickie Knox was today's woman dressed like yesterday's, wearing Yankee garb to play a part. But playacting ended when a Reb stepped out of the mist and took her prisoner - for real.

They never should have met, never should have battled - never should have loved. But something had gone wrong with time itself, weaving together past and present like torn threads of a tattered tapestry. Something had gone wrong, and in mending such shredded silk, their loves - and their lives - might be the final sacrifice.

***

What a lovely book! I started this a few hours ago and couldn't put it down. I always love to read a time-travel and the romance is lovely between Vickie and Jason. So I thought the love scene came a bit early on, but I must not be in a picky mood so I won't quibble about it. I really didn't know what the outcome was going to be exactly, except the typical HEA, so that kept me turning the pages. All in all, it was a wonderful book to pass the time.

4 stars

Book Review - Dark Defender (Paladins of Darkness, Book 2) by Alexis Morgan

Book Description

Alexis Morgan continues her dazzling paranormal series about larger-than-life warriors and the women they love....

As a Paladin warrior, Blake Trahern fights and dies again and again to keep mankind safe from the Others. Sensing his humanity slipping away with each battle, he retreats from the world...until the one person who still has a claim on his soul needs his help. It's been twelve years since Blake vanished from Brenna Nichols's life, years that have turned her from a love-struck teen into a headstrong, sensual woman. He'll fearlessly give his life to protect her -- yet he dare not risk his heart.

Brenna is stunned by Blake's reappearance, and by a shocking discovery about her father. Everything she has ever believed is thrown into question -- everything except the desire that Blake still ignites. But as they search together for a traitor among the Paladins, danger looms: the next battle could tip Blake into madness, destroying his life, his soul...and the only woman he has ever loved.

***

June 21

I enjoyed this book even more than the last in the Paladin series. Everything was fleshed out more and there weren't as many spots that needed some editing.

I loved Blake, he was wonderful, and I liked Brenna too, after she got over her having to argue over every little thing in the beginning of the book. I get that people grieve differently and it took her a time for the death of her father to hit her, but I do not like romances where the heroine argues against everything the hero asks (or sometimes demands) she do, especially when it's for her own good - you know like living. I actually felt their love for each other in the book, where Dark Protector was lacking, and I liked how there was more background on the Paladins, so the book was wholly enjoyable.

The end was nicely done without being too sappy, and I ended up reading the excerpt at the back for the next book, which I cannot wait to read! I hadn't looked up the books at all and didn't know Barak was getting his own book (and then Cullen, yay!). It's going to be hard for me to wait, but I don't have the money to get either of those books (poor me :P) right now. I guess I'll just have to impatiently wait with other paranormal romances.

4.5 stars

Some of my first crochet projects...March '08

My best friend, Jodi, taught me how to crochet in March and here are a few of my first accomplishments.

No pattern for the hat; I just learned how to make it from a video on youtube.

Asked Jodi for advise on how to make fingerless gloves (after she made some) since I couldn't find a good pattern online. They turned out pretty good, but since I know more now, I'd do a better job at this time. Oh well, they're good for a beginner I guess.

My mom wanted a pair for when she drives and shovels snow in the winter. That won't be for a while yet. :P

Book Review - Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Book 1) by Alexis Morgan

Book Description

Devlin Bane: Born a Paladin, he is a member of an ancient band of warriors locked in a centuries-old war against evil.

His destiny: To die over and over again to protect mankind from the Others, only to be revived each time by his mortal Handler.

But his fierce strength and courage cannot save him from gradually becoming one of the monsters he was born to destroy.

Dr. Laurel Young, who has spent years training to become a Handler, must remain detached from her patients. But each time she revives the darkly compelling Devlin Bane, he claims a little more of her soul and incites in her desires that grow wilder and wilder -- even as he inches closer to losing his humanity. As the war against the Others grows more desperate, Laurel and Devlin can't help but give in to the fierce hunger that's sizzled between them for so long. Now they'll face the ultimate battle together -- to save a dark, passionate love that goes against every rule as they join forces to fight an enemy who is closer than they ever imagined....

***

June 18

Dark Protector introduces an interesting new concept in the paranormal romance field. If there are other books that deal with something like a paladin and this sort of plot, I don't know about them and haven't ever come across anything similar.

Laurel and Devlin were nice characters but that was about it; there wasn't much depth to them or back story. I would have liked to know more about Devlin and how he came to be a paladin exactly (at least I don't think it was mentioned). I mean he was about three times Laurel's age, so he had to have lived some outside the paladin world. You don't just start fighting in diapers. What is the whole history of the paladins and how do they come back? Also, I'd love to know more about the Others, which I suspect is to come, but they sound so intriguing! Why do they cause chaos to the human world? Why are they on the other side? What are they like? Were they really humans long ago but were sent/punished/whatever to be on the other side?(My hypothesis) I hope Ms. Morgan answers these questions in the future!

I still can't help but feel that there was something missing (besides my before mentioned questions :P) - I'm not sure what it was, maybe because the whole book was an introduction to the paladins and the rest of the series, but I don't know. Or it could be the relationship itself, which wasn't quite believable - nice but not something I'll remember. Still, I will read more in the series, especially Trahern's and Cullen's books, and hope they progress nicely in the future.

*note
Excuse me if I've missed things mentioned in the actual book but I had started it a couple months ago, couldn't concentrate on reading at all, and just picked it back up yesterday.

4/5 stars

Update (Taken from my MySpace Blog)

Some of you may have noticed how anti-social I've been lately. Or not. That's perfectly fine too. :) My mom and I have recently found out that we have a very high rating of mold in our apartment. The landlord has been pretty much ignoring it but finally said that they'll replace the carpet in the living room and fix under the sink where it's the worst. However that's not going to get rid of the mold. It's a temporary fix and unless they do something to the subflooring too, we'll still have mold and it'll come back. But until we can move and get legal aid involved, it'll have to do. We don't have the money to move and there aren't many places available around here right now either. Mom just found out she has an immune deficiency, which isn't helping, and since it's genetic, I'm going to have a blood test to determine if I have the same thing.

We've lived here for almost nine years and I don't know how long we've had the mold exactly, an area in the living room has been mildewy smelling for probably five or six years. I've never had much energy and always thought it was allergies, but since I've been having shots, it really hasn't helped and I am allergic to the two molds we do have. So no wonder. Then I was diagnosed with depression and now my instinct is that I don't have depression, which would explain why Cymbalta hasn't been working for me and if I take a higher dose, it gives me side effects.

In the last year, year and a half, my attention has deteriorated, I find it hard to concentrate on stupid television shows it's so bad, I can't read (which is a nightmare since I've always been a bookworm), I can't remember words, phrases, what I was going to say a second ago, what I was going to do a second ago, even my long-term memory has been affected, I'm tired all the time, have lack of energy, sleep problems where I stay up for long periods of time, sleep for a couple hours, stay up for hours again and then after a few days just crash for close to a day. I've had other things too but I can't remember them either. All these can be caused by many things, so it's no wonder I was diagnosed depressed. But my gut tells me it's the mold. Right now I'm dizzy and that's happened a few times these past few days. Has to be the mold because there's nothing else it could be. The sad thing is I'm too tired to go out and by staying in I'm getting worse and worse. It's a lose-lose situation. I think it's also affected my trichotillomania too. Ugh.

It's just so sad how it's caused so much trouble in my life. I had to drop so many classes that my financial aid was almost taken away. So I have to be sure that I'm up to taking classes when I finally get better because I'm going to be watched closely, which is close to how they put it. My education has been put on hold indefinitely for now. Gosh, I'm twenty-five and I feel like I'm never going to get anywhere in my life. It makes me wonder if we had lived somewhere else in the last few years if I would be done with college by now and have a job. Or at least be close to it. Sometimes I just want to lie and say I'm nineteen when someone asks. lol Then I won't feel so bad about where I am in life. My best friend is going through a mid-twenties crisis, and I think I am too. Although I've felt this way since I was twenty, although it wasn't as bad then. I felt I still had time, now I don't know.

I wonder if it has anything to do with my two cats' deaths. Who knows? Nothing I can prove or even do anything about. I do feel guilty though. It's not only affecting our lives, but also our cats. I want to move so badly. I hate it here. It's a low-income apartment complex and the people moving in have been getting worse and worse. Not to mention there have been more kids too, and no offense to those with children, but I really dislike them. At least the loud, obnoxious, nosy kids. I know if I live long enough, I'm going to be that scary, witchy, cat lady that the children dare each other to go and knock on the door. lol I'm serious though, they are really nosy, but so is everybody here. Mind your own d@mn business will you? Like I want or need to be watched taking out my darned trash?! Drives me nuts.

On a completely different note, I've been really interested in crafty things. Crochet is one of the only things that can keep my attention and it does keep me from pulling my hair out. Not that I've stopped doing that since the top of my head is almost completely bald but I know I'd be even worse without yarn and a hook. So anyway, I've wanted to expand doing other things too and have been finding some really interesting projects. The only problem is with the ones I most want to do, I don't have the money to buy things for 'em. Luckily I do have some things to do other crafts and I'm really enjoying looking at recycling crafts people have done. They are so creative and it reminds me how I used to be. I used to love to draw, write poetry, make crafty things, and all this other stuff I haven't done for years, (and back to the mold again), makes me think that the mold has zapped my creativity too. Arglebargle, what a nightmare. At least I think by looking at what others have done, that it'll help my creative juices maybe not flow, but trickle a little. :P One can only hope!

Okay, well I guess that's all I really have to say right now. Hope everyone else's life is better than mine, I really do.

Flowers!