Books Read in June, July and August

I need to shake it up a bit since I haven't been motivated to post here lately. It's not you, it's definitely me. Anyway, I'm combining my books read in June, July and August. There are a lot of good books in here, so please, bear with me and read to the end. Who knows, there may be a book or two in my list you may enjoy.

Madhouse and  Deathwish by Rob Thurman -- books three and four of the Cal Leandros series. Wow, the twists and turns this series took. Deathwish was specifically a mind bender. There is another book in the series out now and I have to read it soon or I'll go nuts trying to figure out what happens next.

Darkfever, Bloodfever, Faefever, and  Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning -- the first four books in KMM's Fever series have been a reread for me this summer. Her fifth and final book is coming out in January 2011. Too long to wait!

Love is a Four-Legged Word by Kandy Shepherd -- a cute story that has a little intrigue and a lot of laughter. If you're looking for a fun and sexy contemporary romance, this book might do the trick.

Infamous  by Suzanne Brockmann -- her first original contemporary romance in years, this book was everything I love about Suzanne's early books. A definite treat.

Forsaken by Shadow by Kait Nolan --  A debut short story  in the paranormal romance genre by self published author Kait Nolan. I'm jealous of her storytelling ability and her moxie. I predict we will see a lot of Ms. Nolan in the future.

Love and War by John and Staci Eldridge -- I really enjoyed this book. A non-fiction look at marriage, spiritual warfare and building a love that lasts.

Liberty Starr  by Rebecca E. Grant -- This was the summer of debut authors for me. This was a solid erotic romance by Ms. Grant and I'm looking forward to what she writes next.

Chasing Perfect and Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery -- Books one  and two of Susan's Fool's Gold series, where men are a hot commodity and community is everything. This is a great contemporary romance series, book three is out now so you can read all three if you don't like to wait. *grin*

The White Queen  by Phillipa Gregory -- Before the Tudors there was the royal house of Plantagenet, consisting of the Lancasters and the Yorks. This is one interpretation of the beginning of the War of the Roses or the Cousin's war and tells the tale of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen. A quick historical read that poses a lot of questions and promises much adventure.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah --  A reread of Kristin's first women's fiction novel. Even better the second time around. Have I mentioned how much I love Kristin Hannah?

A Wild Light by Marjorie M. Liu -- Wow. I have no words for how amazing this story is and what it does for the world Ms. Liu has created for her Hunter Kiss urban fantasy series. If you like rich and lyrical storytelling and you haven't read this series, I highly recommend you try it!

Dreamveil by Lynn Viehl -- Book two of Lynn's  Kyndred series is amazing. I bow to a master and want her to write faster so I can read more!

If Angels Burn  and Private Demon by Lynn Viehl -- I started a reread of Lynn's Darkyn series. The books are a study in finely woven plot lines and superb character development. They have almost ruined me for other paranormal romance novels. Almost.

Beyond the Night, Embrace the Night Eternal and Abandon the Night by Joss Ware -- Joss, aka Colleen Gleason, writes  a terrific post-apocalyptic the Envy Chronicles romance series. The series does not end. Look for at least another book coming in 2011. And if you like vampires and the Regency era, you may enjoy Joss' alter ego, Colleen Gleason.

Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh -- Book 2 of Nalini's Guild Hunter series. I enjoyed the story and the continued world building and I hope the next book goes into even more depth of the politics and hierarchy of the archangels.

Spider's Bite and  Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep -- Ms. Estep is known for her tongue-in-cheek superhero series. She proves she's a master of the dramatic as well as the comedic. Her Elemental Assassin series takes an unlikely heroine - a professional assassin - and turns her into a heroine you want to root for. There are at least 3 more books forthcoming in this series and I can't wait for the final showdown.

Hush by Kate White -- this mystery was a quick read and just what I needed in between all the paranormal romance and urban fantasy I've been reading. Kate White is the editor-in-chief of Cosmo magazine and still manages to write entertaining mysteries. There is hope for the rest of us!

Finding the Dream  by Nora Roberts -- Since getting my nook eReader I've been collecting some books in electronic format and clearing out bookshelf space. Barnes and Noble need to get on the ball and offer the final book in Nora's Dream trilogy. I have the first two and had to get the final one from the library. Don't worry, I still enjoyed the end to a great trilogy.

The Search by Nora Roberts -- a stand alone novel about a woman, a man, a dog and a bad guy. Okay, it's not quite that simple. In fact, the story is very rich in character and setting, as only Nora Roberts can do. As a dog lover, reading a story about a search and rescue team and dog trainer was a treat. One of the best single titles she's written lately.

Destiny's Star  by Elizabeth Vaughan -- The final book in her Epic of Palins series takes us back to her beloved Plains (Warprize, Warsworn, Warlord). Each book in her Epic of Palins series was better and better, bringing us to the place where several of Elizabeth's worlds meet and gives fans of her Warlands series hope that she is not finished with Lara and Kier. Well done.

Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen -- This is book 8 in Tess's Rizzoli and Isles series and the thrillers are getting better and better. This story had twists and turns that had me jumping up in surprise. It's not often a plot twist blindsides me but Tess did it not once but three times!  I read this on vacation in Canada. I bought it for my nook and read it on the plane. What a joy it was to not have to carry a million books with me and yet have around 30 on the nook I could choose from.

Books Read in May

May was a productive reading month, both in quantity and in the number of books I read that I truly enjoyed.

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts - Book 3 of Nora's Bride Quartet was nice. No huge external conflict, some interesting internal growth and a wonderful story of friendship. Sometimes that's what a girl needs to fill her reading hours.

Lois Lane Tells All by Karen Hawkins - A fun contemporary read that builds on Karen's Glory, North Carolina series. Quirky, funny, with strong characters and some interesting twists and turns and a satisfying happily ever after

Demonkeepers by Jessica Andersen -- This is book 4 in Jessica's 2010 Doomsday series. I really enjoyed Lucius and Jade's story and the twisty turns the plot is taking as the Nightkeepers race to save the world. I think to date, this is Jessica's best book.

The Secret of Everything by Barbara O'Neal -- I really enjoyed this story of second chances. Less a love story and more the journey of forgiveness and self-discovery, this book combined secrets, sins and the family in a unique way that left me not wanting to say good-bye. A definite must if you enjoy the journey a soul takes to find healing and purpose.

If Angels Burn by Lynn Viehl -- The first book of Lynn's Darkyn series. It was my first time rereading it, and that's mostly because I finally broke down and bought a copy. The series is great and I had enough questions in reading her Kyndred books I had to purchase her first series. If you haven't read this series, do. It's not your typical vampire tale. Not at all. In reading these books I can almost believe immortals exist due to a twist of fate and genetics.


Dreamveil by Lynn Viehl -- Book 2 of the Kyndred series, this book takes us deeper into the world of the Darkyn from the point of view of those souls who have been altered in some way to make them "different" and potential candidates for turning into the Darkyn. I really enjoyed the love story in this book along with the special appearance of Michael and Alex from the Darkyn series.

Instant Tempation by Jill Shalvis -- The last book, and for me the best book in Jill's Wilder Brothers trilogy. I loved the characters, the setting, the integrated mystery and the resolution of the series. That said, Jill, can we please have more of the Wilders? I don't care if they are all married and happy now. I want to see the boys in this next phase of life. Pretty please? I'll send you cookies!

Something About You by Julie James -- This was a fun read with some great characters and a plot that is both outrageous and believable. Julie is on a role and I can't wait to read what she comes up with next.

Books Read in April

I'm quite late with April's books post. It was not an oversight, it was Blogger having a hissy fit. Fit is now over and I finally bring you the books I read in April. 


Daring to Dream and Holding the Dream by Nora Roberts - I am the proud new owner of a Nook, which is Barnes & Noble's eReader. Since I have the Nook I decided to buy some of my favorite books and NR's Dream Trilogy is one of my favorite trilogies. Sadly, B&N doesn't have the third book as part of their ebook collection so I'm still waiting to complete my collection. 


Moonshine by Rob Thurman -- book two in Rob's Cal Leandros urban fantasy series. I thought the book was richer then the first in the series. I'm looking forward to the third book to see how things turn out for Cal and Niko.

Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle -- I seem to be reading a lot of series lately. Cleo Coyle writes the Coffeehouse mystery series set in NYC. Marjorie Liu recommended this author and series on her blog this past winter. It's an entertaining series with some solid character development. Thank goodness there are still quite a few books for me to read!

BoneMan's Daughters by Ted Dekker -- Ted Dekker used to write this amazing Christian fiction. He's now writing darker mainstream books. I picked up BoneMan's Daughters on a whim at the grocery store and I'm so glad I did. the story was dark, rich and emotionally moving. The twist at the end was nothing short of inspired. Ted has not lost his touch as an author. I'll be seeking out his more recent backlist this summer.

Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis -- Book two in Jill's baseball series. I have no idea if there are going to be more books in the series or not, but the first two had me laughing and sighing alternately. Jill knows how to write a great contemporary romance.

The Taking by Erin McCarthy -- Erin is known for her light and funny paranormal and contemporary romances. She has a darker side with her Seven Deadly Sins series. The Taking is the third book in this series and it focuses on demons and voodoo and lost love and second chances. I love the theme of redemption that sweeps through the entire series.

Books Read in March

High Noon by Nora Roberts - this was a reread for me. I saw the Lifetime movie in February that was based on the book and wondered exactly how much they had changed in the story so I pulled out my copy of High Noon and wow, they took out a lot! While the movie was okay, the book was better. Still not my top 5 Nora novels, but a nice way to spend a weekend.

Nightlife by Rob Thurman -- A new to me series that was recommended on Marjorie M. Liu's blog a month or so ago. I enjoyed this first novel. The premise was different and the voice of the novel was compelling. I don't know if it's a must read series yet, but I'm looking forward to reading the second book.

Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle --Book two of of her Coffeehouse Mystery series had me falling in love. Then the book hit me with a twist I wasn't anticipating. I do enjoy this series, not only because it takes place around a coffeehouse and the books include recipes, but also because I never seem to be able to figure out who did it early on. This is a mark of a good mystery.

Must Love Hell Hounds anthology -- I got this book from the library so I could read the novella but Nalini Singh but kept reading for stories by Meljean Brook, Charlene Harris and Ilona Andrews. Entertaining stories that are like crack for the voracious reader such as myself. I tell you, anthologies are the gateway drug to adding more authors to your must read list.

Inked anthology -- another anthology. I read this initially for the story by Marjorie M. Liu because it was an installment in her Hunter Kiss series. I keep reading and have added Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance and Yasmine Galenorn to my list of authors to try. Anthologies, they are gateway drugs, I tell you!

Criminal Deceptions by Marilyn Pappano --Book 6 of MP's Copper Lake series is category romantic suspense done right. Despite a shorter word count than Silhouette's Intimate Moments line used to have before it became Romantic Suspense, this book has solid plotting, pacing and character development. I usually read category romances and feel like something was missing but with Marilyn Pappano, I feel completely satisfied.

No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy -- I read this for bookclub and while I was initially skeptical, I really ended up enjoying it.

Books Read in February

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield -- I don't remember this book. I guess that's not a good sign. I know I read it because it was for bookclub. I do recall I enjoyed it. Hmm, maybe I'll need to do a reread so I can post something intelligent about it. :)

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah -- I. Loved. This. Book. It made me cry. Seriously. Bawled at the end like a little baby. Actually sniffled through the last third. If you like reading about families and have an interest in Russia, you will love this book. It tugs the heart, sucks you in and doesn't let you go even after you read "the end."

Lake Magic by Kimberly Fisk -- This debut novel reminded me what I used to love about contemporary romantic fiction. This book was tender and bright and a lovely read about loss and love and the power of connection. Kimberly is an author to watch!

Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl -- Victoria's third contemporary romance is her best yet! Seriously. I actually read it from the library and then went out and bought it. It's sexy, poignant and fun. The heroine is complexed, flawed and every woman without being boring or melodramatic. The hero is yummy and equally as complex. This is a great story.

Ghost Moon by Karen Robards -- I enjoy a good tale by Karen Robards but wasn't connecting with this story. It felt sluggish to me, but that could have been because I was dealing with a cold when I was reading it. It was suspense lite and paranormal lite with a good romance in an interesting setting.

Sea Swept, Rising Tides & Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts -- I love the Quinn brothers. Nora does an amazing job writing men and writing family dynamics. Have I mentioned I want to be her when I grow up? It was a great treat to revisit the Quinns of Chesapeake Bay. I haven't reread the series in years and as part of my downsizing efforts I am trying to find new homes for many of my books. This means rereads of books I've been holding on to for years to see if I can stand to part with any. I just can't part with the Quinns. If you haven't read this trilogy, do so. Now!

Tempting Faith by David Kuo -- I like biographies and autobiographies. I enjoy understanding what makes people tick. I think learning about different social issues is important. I thought this book would be one of those tell alls that's more about sensationalism than really trying to understand what really happened, at least from one man's point of view. I was entertained reading this book. I think I understand the religious movements within the last 10 years of politics. I don't think I've heard the entire story, nor will I. I'm not sure if I recommend the book or not. I think if you're willing to read more than one side of the issue, I am. But if you only want to read things that will support your point of view and can't keep an open mind, skip this book.

A Lick of Frost & Swallowing Darkness by Laurel K. Hamilton -- I used to be a huge fan of Laurel's Anita Blake series but the series kind of strayed off the path too much for me. Then I found her Merry Gentry series and have loved every book so far. This weekend I read two of her latest in the series, thanks to a co-worker who was kind enough to loan them to me. Questions are answered, court intrigue escalates, and storylines come together to form an amazing whole! More questions are asked and the series takes a turn, but it's a turn that makes complete and total sense to the world LKH has created and the characters who reside within it. I have the latest book to read. I can't wait!

Books Read in January

Riptide by Margaret Carroll -- Creepy, full of secrets and sins, this book is not what I would consider a romantic suspense but hits my suspense genes in all the right places. A wonderful book full of twists and turns and desperation that coalesces in a spine tingling ending that satisfies and left me asking for more.

Walking Dead by C. E. Murphy -- Book 4 of The Walker Papers picks up almost after Joanne Walker, urban shaman and Celtic wise woman, received her calling. Joanne has grown and has a surety about her that was missing in the previous three books. She's still learning and still rushes in head first, but she realizes she needs her friends, needs her guide and can't do it all alone. I enjoyed the mystery and was intrigued by the urban fantasy aspects of the story. I think we're getting closer to understanding who The Master is. I can't wait!

What Remains of Heaven by C. S. Harris -- Sebastian St. Cyr fans, look out! Another gripping mystery leads our hero through the political intrigue, treason, and the lies that threaten to tear his soul apart. I'm not sure when the 6th book will come out, but I do hope it's soon. The suspense at the end of this book is going to kill me!

What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips -- a reread of SEP's latest novel. I try to reread one SEP novel a year and since I devoured this book the first time and could hardly remember what it was about, I decided this would be a great January read. It's delightful and while it doesn't delve deep into the human psyche or into issues that threaten to tear the fabric of our world apart, it does show that people can change and that love makes us strive to be better, to be whole. I like books that entertain and remind me that love is a critical element in our lives.

Unclutter Your Life in One Week by Erin Rooney Doland -- My nonfiction pick of the month is a book on, you guessed it, simplifying and organizing. Another theme from my life in 2009 that's carried over to 2010. This book is one I now need to read and do at the same time. It has concrete suggestions on how to tackle the physical, mental and systemeic distractions in all areas of our lives that cause us to be disorganized. I'm still attempting the Office Downsize Project and believe this book hold some answers.

That's it January was not a huge book month for me. February is shaping up to be a better book month. We'll see. Things are kicking into high gear with kitchen renovations so I may not have as much time as I would like to read. And that, my friends, is a scary, scary thought.