Book Review - Marked (House of Night, Book 1) by P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Book Description

The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire--that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. It’s tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

***

December 6

Admittedly deeper than my last read (Glass Houses by Rachel Caine), it's still in the same basic genre that I felt like reading at this time. Even though Zoey is a bit of a Mary-Sue character (practically perfect in every way), I still liked her, and it probably helped it was written in first person so that I could read her insecurities and such. I loved the basic plot and the side characters, Damien and Stevie Rae (oh, and Nala!) were great. On the other hand, I could probably do without the 'Twins,' but beggars can't be choosers. :P If I had read this as a teenager, I know I would have loved it even more than I do. The book reminded me of Laurie Faria Stolarz's books; it had the same basic feel to it as those do, even if it's totally different in concept.

The book could have done another editing sweep. I had to reread many sentences so they would make sense to me. Now, I don't know if it's because I'm not that up on teenage slang. Now, I'm not that old, but old enough to not know every slang word or phrase. For example, there is a sentence that reads: "Just please with the taking so long." Now what is that supposed to mean? To me it sounds like it's two unfinished sentences stuck together. Hopefully, there won't be too much pop culture thrown into the series, because more often than not, it dates the book and doesn't really add anything. Nitpicking aside, I honestly can't wait to explore more of this world.

4.5 stars

Book Review - Glass Houses (The Morganville Vampires, Book 1) by Rachel Caine

Book Description
From the author of the popular Weather Warden series. Welcome to Morganville, Texas.

Just don't stay out after dark.

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero.

When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

***

December 6

Fast, fun, and thoroughly absorbing. I loved the main characters and thought the story was done well. I have a bit of an issue with the cliff-hanger, but luckily I'll get to the next book soon. This isn't what I'd call a 'deep' book, but I had fun reading it and look forward to the others in the series. :)

4.5 stars

Book Review - Girl in the Mirror by Mary Alice Monroe

Book Description
Charlotte Godowski was used to the horrified stares she received from strangers. She'd learned to accept her facial deformity, until one cruel incident compelled her to have the surgery that changed her life forever.

Charlotte Godfrey is beautiful beyond compare. In Hollywood, where such beauty is power, her rise is meteoric. Suddenly she has everything she could want: acceptance, a future and a love she believes can see to the true beauty within.

Charlotte Godowski and Charlotte Godfrey are two sides of the same women -- a woman who can trust no one with her secret. But when fate forces Charlotte to deal with the truth -- about her past, about the man she loves, about herself -- she discovers that only love has the power to transform a scarred soul.

***

November 19

"Girl in the Mirror" is one of those Jackie Collins-lite books; a mixture of Lifetime movies, soap operas and Jacqueline Susanne. I occasionally have an urge for such type a book and I have to say that this was an entertaining one! The story was rather engaging, the characters were just about as good as they could be for this type of book (I don't mean that disparagingly in any way), and it was an easy, breezy read. Yes, a lot of it is implausible and the surprises really aren't, but it's pure fun and fluff! :)

3.5 stars

Book Review - Slightly Married by Mary Balogh

Book Description

Meet the Bedwyns…six brothers and sisters—men and women of passion and privilege, daring and sensuality…Enter their dazzling world of high society and breathtaking seduction…where each will seek love, fight temptation, and court scandal…and where Aidan Bedwyn, the marriage-shy second son, discovers that matrimony may be the most seductive act of all.…

Like all the Bedwyn men, Aidan has a reputation for cool arrogance. But this proud nobleman also possesses a loyal, passionate heart—and it is this fierce loyalty that has brought Colonel Lord Aidan to Ringwood Manor to honor a dying soldier's request. Having promised to comfort and protect the man's sister, Aidan never expected to find a headstrong, fiercely independent woman who wants no part of his protection…nor did he expect the feelings this beguiling creature would ignite in his guarded heart. And when a relative threatens to turn Eve out of her home, Aidan gallantly makes her an offer she can't refuse: marry him…if only to save her home.

And now, as all of London breathlessly awaits the transformation of the new Lady Aidan Bedwyn, the strangest thing happens: With one touch, one searing embrace, Aidan and Eve's “business arrangement” is about to be transformed…into something slightly surprising.

***

November 13

I don't have too much to say about this first (actual) entry into the Bedwyn/Slightly series. The pacing was good, the hero and heroine were nice and likable characters, and their romance was sweet and charming. The only thing I had a problem with were the loves scenes, they just felt 'off' and didn't quite fit into or with the flow of the storyline. Especially the second one, which struck me as odd. Otherwise it was a nice and easy story to read.

I don't dislike Freyja as much in this book, but for setting a series on a whole family of six, why did Ms. Balogh write them so unlikable? Or at least, they don't make me want to read the next book immediately, as I feel it should be. I am interested in Wulfric's intended and how she is able to break through to him. That ought to be something! :P

Now that I've read three in a row in the series (this and the two 'prequels'), I think I'll take a break. I've heard that there is a bit of repetition and it's better to break them up. :)

4/5 stars

Book Review - A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh

Book Description

"Matchless storyteller"(Romantic Times) Mary Balogh weaves a tantalizing web of wit and seduction in her new novel—an irresistible tale of two unlikely lovers and one unforgettable summer.

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER

Kit Butler is cool, dangerous, one of London's most infamous bachelors — marriage is the last thing on his mind. But Kit's family has other plans. Desperate to thwart his father's matchmaking, Kit needs a bride...fast. Enter Miss Lauren Edgeworth.

A year after being abandoned at the altar, Lauren has determined that marriage is not for her. When these two fiercely independent souls meet, sparks fly — and a deal is hatched. Lauren will masquerade as Kit's intended if he agrees to provide a passionate, adventurous, unforgettable summer. When summer ends, she will break off the engagement, rendering herself unmarriageable and leaving them both free. Everything is going perfectly — until Kit does the unthinkable: He begins to fall in love. A summer to remember is not enough for him. But how can he convince Lauren to be his...for better, for worse, for the rest of their lives?

***

November 12

In a lot of ways I liked A Summer to Remember better than it's predecessor, One Night for Love. Lauren turned out better than I had hoped (or feared, rather :P), and the love story between her and Kit was very sweet, realistic, and lovely. I couldn't ask for more! I loved how Lauren gradually opened herself up and became a whole person - it was just wonderful. Pure magic in this book. That's all I have to say - definitely a keeper for me. :)

Now...I'm not sure how I'll be able to like Freyja with how she is written in this book. I wish her book was the first in the Bedwyn series so I can get it over with. I'll just have to have faith in Ms. Balogh and how she writes her and her story, because I didn't like her in the least here. I'll cautiously go in. :D

5/5 stars

Book Review - One Night for Love by Mary Balogh

Book Description

One reckless man . . . One passionate woman.

Enter the world of Mary Balogh—the glittering ballrooms and vast country estates of Regency-era England, where romance, with all its mystery, magic, and surprises, comes vibrantly alive.

IT WAS A PERFECT MORNING IN MAY . . .

Neville Wyatt, Earl of Kilbourne, awaited his bride at the altar—when a ragged beggar woman raced down the aisle instead. The cream of the ton saw him stare, shocked, then declare that this was his wife! One night of passion was all he remembered as he beheld Lily, the woman he'd wed, loved, and lost on the battlefield in Portugal. Now he said he'd honor his commitment to her—regardless of the gulf that lay between them.

THEN LILY SPOKE HER MIND . . .

She said she wanted only to start a new life—wanted only a husband who truly loved her. She had to leave him to learn how to meet his world on her terms. So Lily agreed to earn her keep as his aunt's companion and study the genteel arts. Soon she was the toast of the ton, every inch a countess fit for the earl, who vowed to prove to his remarkable wife that what he felt for her was far more than desire, that what he wanted from her was much more than . . .

ONE NIGHT for LOVE

***

November 11

One Night for Love was a lovely book, with a touching love story. Yes, I'll admit the story is a little heavy-handed, but Ms. Balogh did a nice job of anchoring it with believable, and likable, characters. I especially liked how she let the heroine be her own person, had her find herself, and had the hero accept her the way she was before any of it! That in itself is unique in the romance genre, in particular in historical (Regency) romances. I felt for everyone - Lily and Lauren, mostly. I'm not sure how I feel going into A Summer to Remember right after this, but hope Mary Balogh can work her magic and I'll grow to love Lauren as I do Lily...just in a different way. :) I know how Lily felt, never feeling like she was home, so I'm glad she was able to become a whole person with a new and extended family. :D

4.5/5 stars

Book Review - The Return of the Earl by Edith Layton

Book Description

PASSION COMES HOME
After fifteen years in cruel exile, Christian has finally returned to England to claim his rightful title. The new Earl of Egremont was a mere child when he was banished. Lovely and charming Julianne Lowell, who knew him then, must now determine if this suave and handsome mystery man is who he claims to be.

But why would she not remember those eyes that sparkle like flawless gems? Christian is like no man she has ever met - elegant and well-bred, but secretive and quite possibly dangerous, and seething with a sensual fire that steals her breath away. To trust this dashing stranger could place Julianne in grave peril if he is, in fact, playing a game of deception. But with her heart leaping madly at his slightest touch, how can she deny Christian the love and passion they both fervently desire?

***

November 11

The Return of the Earl was an enjoyable book, but I felt that the romance wasn't as developed as it should have been. The first half itself, was incredibly slow and a tad boring, so not until the halfway point was I hooked. I liked both the main characters, but even by the end, I didn't totally believe they were so much in love with each other. If some of the blather and other pointless moments in the first half had been condensed and in it's place some more time with Julianne and Christian, it would have much better. However, I did enjoy the story, even if I did figure out the whole 'scheme' ahead of time, and it was a nice way to pass some time.

3.5/5 stars

Book Review - Even Vampires Get the Blues (The Dark Ones, Book Four) by Katie MacAlister

Book Description

Paen Scott is a Dark One: a vampire without a soul. And his mother is about to lose hers too if Paen can’t repay a debt to a demon by finding a relic known as the Jilin God in five days.

Half-elf Samantha Cosse may have gotten kicked out of the Order of Diviners, but she’s still good at finding things, which is why she just opened her own private investigation agency.

Paen is one of Sam’s first clients and the only one to set her elf senses tingling, which makes it pretty much impossible to keep their relationship on a professional level. Sam is convinced that she is Paen’s Beloved -- the woman who can give him back his soul...whether he wants it or not.

***

November 7

A good stand alone book in the Dark Ones series, but I felt as if something was missing. The relationship was nice and I liked the two main characters, Sam and Paen. I loved the idea of a Scottish Dark One, and even though some of Paen's dialogue was stilted, I still thought he was a good character. However, Sam's cousin, Clare, was trying and she didn't add any comedic value, she was just a self-absorbed nuisance. The ending was a little dumb, but not the worst I've read. I liked how Katie MacAlister expanded the Dark Ones universe, but wished there had been at least one character from previous entries so it felt as if it were part of the series. Overall, it was a nice way to spend some time, but not much is memorable and not a keeper for me.

4/5 stars

Book Review - Sex, Lies And Vampires (The Dark Ones, Book Three) by Katie MacAlister

Book Description

CHARM SCHOOL 101

Instructors: Nell Harris, Charmer
Adrian Tomas, Dark One

Class Desc.: Are you responsible for lifting a centuries-old curse from the sexiest vampire you've ever seen? Does a demon lord want to destroy you? Have you somehow inadvertently bound several mummies to your soul? If you answered yes ... well, you're in big trouble. Let us show you how the power of love can salvage even the worst of situations ... not to mention the most tormented of men.

Duration: A lifetime

***

November 7

Definitely my favorite of the series thus far. Nell was a practical, yet stubborn and light-hearted match for the tortured (and nummy LoL) Adrian. Sex, Lies, and Vampires is a slightly more serious entry into The Dark Ones series. Seems to me that Katie MacAlister's writing has gotten better through the years (as one would hope) and I hope to see more Dark Ones in the future! She's the only one that could have thought up Mummy followers. LoL :P I love the zaniness and cheesiness, along with more serious moments within the romance. The only gripe I have is that I have no clue what Nell looks like. Besides her left side being either weak or slackened, the only other clue is that she's tall(ish). I do like to have a picture in my head as I read. Oh well, I'll live. :)

5/5 stars

Book Review - I Went to Vassar for This? by Naomi Neale

Book Description

How exactly did a microwave mishap blast a hip and sassy modern-day Manhattanite back to 1959? Cathy Voorhees has no idea. But even without her trusty PalmPilot, she can still manage to sort through any trouble with a list.

Reasons to Stay Reasons to Go

1. These clothes give me a killer figure. ----> Two words: granny panties.
2. I can change history - save JFK, end racism, break the glass ceiling! ----> The only history you know is from VH1.
3. At least here I don't have to work for a short-sighted fuddy-duddy anymore. ----> Yes, now you have a boss who thinks goosing is appropriate office behavior.
4. I wish our landlord would goose me. He's dreamy. ----> Maybe if you wow him with predictions of the future, he'll at least ask you out.
5. Or commit me to an institution. ----> Oooh, padded walls could be fun...
   

***

July 5

My mind is dead right now so I'll just note that I enjoyed the book, didn't quite like the ending, and thought overall it was a fun ride through time. I'll write more (and more intelligently [I hope!]) at a later date. :)

July 22
Let's see... I'll start at the end, which was way too rushed and I thought that there was another opening for a specific time travel element, something to do with being lost. I know nobody will get what I mean w/o reading the book but hopefully it'll be clear after it's read. Otherwise, just comment and ask what the #$%! I mean. :P I just don't want to give anything away. Suffice it to say that the ending was abrupt and it should have been better.

I didn't mind Cathy at first, but then she began to grate on my nerves at times. What the heck does she think she's doing? Like she's really going to help end segregation and racial issues with her stupid actions? Just act normal for goodness sakes! And what did she think (man I sound like a broken record) with sending letters to JFK and Martin Luther King, Jr.? What an idiot, I swear!

On the second Cathy... You would think she might have learned something being in present times. It would seem from her letters that she did not.

Seeing as I read this over two weeks ago, that's about all I can remember about it. I can't even remember the things I liked, although there were probably some to give it a decent rating. Sorry this is a piss poor review, but that's the way it is. :P

3. 5 stars