SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas
Week: #7
Space: Yellow
Date: 14/3/13
Rating: ★★★★★

Lady Holland has just come out of her grieving period over the death of her husband three years ago. She attends a ball in order to take her first step back into society, but things don't go quite as planned when she's suddenly kissed by a stranger. Frightened by the feelings this stirs in her, she flees the ball.
Zachary Bronson is a very wealthy, but self-made man who originated in the lower classes. Aristocracy doesn't accept him in their ranks and so he offers Lady Holland a position that would have her teach him the proper manners and etiquette to make his entrance into society smoother. Little does he know that fitting into society is soon the very last thing on his mind.

This was a very sweet story, that just concentrated on the slow building love story between the two characters, without any intrigues or big dramas, which I really enjoyed for a change. Holly and Zachary were both lovable characters and I adored every single page of this book.

Per Sandra It is both red & yellow. I remember checking it out on CF's website. post #253

Which is a good thing as I'll be finished it today and don't have another yellow book on tap for a few weeks.

That's OK Barbara. I remember Sandra approving the book for yellow.

I've heard mixed reviews about this series and it is also so long I'm a bit hesitant about starting it. Looking forward to your review.

Week #6
Card: 4 of Diamonds
Space #: 98
Color: Yellow

Finished: March 16th
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Kiss of Midnight was a great book, reminded me of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which is complement. I personally found this book to be better then the first BDB.

I really enjoyed this story, there was an *eye-roll* moment close to the end that got me thinking, "oh yes the typical such and such scene" but I can over look it, the book was never claiming to be an original in the genre. Lara Adrian's take on the history of vampires is the twist gives it its own uniqueness that makes it stand on its own two feet from the others. I had many "oh shit" moments and many surprises where I thought I knew but I didn't, I was close but completely shocked.

Great review, Carrie.
The Midnight Breed is one of my favorite series and I prefer it to BDB. I read the first three BDB and couldn't continue - the villains were just not scary enough and the women were too submissive as compared to Adrian's books.

Here are our reviews as of this moment.
It is past midnight here and I have to get up early tomorrow. Hopefully Barbara will post her review soon and I will be able to draw our card in the morning. I've sent her a PM reminder.

Week #7: Yellow
✔Barbara ★: Dark Predator by Christine Feehan (Mar 11, 2 Stars) - Review
✔ Lauren: Upon the Midnight Clear by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Mar 11, 2 Stars) -Review
✔Carrie: Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian (Mar 16, 4 Stars) - Review
✔Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu (Mar 13, 3 Stars) - Review
✔Kerstin: Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas (Mar 14, 5 Stars) - Review

Sorry I'm so late. I'm posting now.

Week #7
Card: 4 of Diamonds
Space #: 98
Color: Yellow

Finished: March 16th
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Thousand year old Zacarias De La Cruz is on the verge of turning vampire and has no emotions and feels absolutely nothing for anyone, even his family and rather than force his family to hunt him down and kill him, he has decided to do the honorable thing and face the dawn. Unfortunately Marguarita Fernandez (his property manager, of a sort) is compelled to save his life. Afterward she mistakenly assumes he awoke vampire and calls in the hunters to kill him, while running for her life. Of course, he is not vampire but merely pissed off at her effrontery in disobeying his wishes. After all, how dare she disobey the great Zacarias! He doesn't realize Marguarita is his lifemate and proceeds to chase this annoying female down - she will obey him! or else...

Zacarias is more caveman than human. He's old as the hills and really has no truck with humans or heck even reality for that matter. He's been in his own little world for way too long and it is extremely difficult for him to adjust. When the other Carpathian males meet their lifemates, they instantly get color and emotions back, not so with Zacarias. And this is the reason it takes him so long to realize she actually is his lifemate. He is so far gone that even then he only has color and emotion when she is physically beside him or psychically inside him. I loved that he called her my beautiful lunatic as if it were an endearment. Marguarita is the perfect female for him. She's strong and stubborn and refuses to listen to his ridiculous demands. I loved the dialogue between them and her little digs were rather amusing. I hope that Zacarias gets to bring Marguarita to his brothers and get that celebration that the others have enjoyed. After his long service to the Carpathians, he deserves to be happy.

Thanks Barbara. Off to post our reviews and draw the card now.

The luck of the draw is with us this week:

Week #8
Card: King of Spades
Space #: 126
Color: Free Read

That's a nice jump for us this week! I'll be reading this week.

Nice leap indeed! I'm not sure what I'll finish first but this week's book will be either or .

On a side note, I did not read but last week.

Thanks Val. I will fix it.

Week #8
Card: King of Spades
Space #: 126
Color: Free Read
Read: March 19, 2013
Rating: ★★★

Review:
I found it unbelievable that a seasoned detective would allow a complete stranger to basically take control of his investigation on the day after the crime was committed. Alistair Sinclair appears out of the blue and declares he knows who did it and why and proceeds to drag Ziele into his camp. Our detective, Simon Ziele basically moves into Sinclair's office and uses his people for investigation into a crime that has obviously (view spoiler)[been committed by one of Sinclair's people (hide spoiler)]. It isn't until over half (maybe even 2/3) of the way through the book that Ziele realizes (well actually he is told) that something is wonky. And even then, he continues to use these same people for everything, including interviewing suspects. That is beyond ridiculous. This entire situation didn't ring true, even in 1905 I would think someone inserting themselves into the investigation would have been suspect.

Regardless, I did like Simon but a touch more personality would have been a plus. He really was just emotionless (as were all the other characters). Oh sure he had problems (which was why he was in that small town in the first place) and his troubles were alluded to once or twice but his history was basically hidden until the end and by then it was too late to connect with him or his pain. I didn't find anyone to be likable and it was hard to get involved with any of them. I did find the beginnings of criminology and scientific techniques to be interesting though Sinclair was a know-it-all and a bore.

Week #8
Book: The Eldritch Conspiracy by Cat Adams
Color: Free Read
Read: 18/03/2013
Rating: ★★★

Review: I’m not totally sure what to think of this instalment. While action-packed, I had so many issues with it.

There is no way to vent without spoilers so I’m hoping you know all the events that happened up into book 4.

From the beginning we have critical events occurring off screen about Celia and John Creede’s relationship. It is obvious that a closer involvement of Bruno with Celia was necessary to the plot but this shift was poorly handled, such is the difficulty of keeping a dynamic love triangle over so many books in a series. In the instance the authors took the easy way out leaving the backstory very sketchy to the point of being down right annoying. I’m pretty sure that everyone would really like to know what happened in Mexico since it impact Celia emotionally over the entire book.

Another aspect of the series that I like is that Celia is part human and siren while being a half-turned into a vampire makes for an interesting character. It appears that some time has passed but Celia still struggle with getting all her abilities and vampiric tendencies under control. It is very sad to see that little growth happened with this character and she still have problems shielding her mind to other sirens since she did nothing to learn about it. She needs a shrink in a very bad way but still does not pencil it in her calendar. All those aspects are annoying because they are unresolved issues from the rest of the series, some progress would have better served the plot.

As for the villain, he was nice and the multitude of unrelated incidents was fun to read about. There are enough loose ends for another book for sure. It was a quick read but not as pleasant as the previous books.

Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues by Diana Rowland
Week: #8
Space: Free Read
Date: 21/3/13
Rating: ★★★★

This was another great story, starting only a couple of weeks after the events of the first book. Angel is getting her life on track, her confidence and self-worth are growing and she starts to plan her future. But of course life doesn't stop in order to make it easy for her, and soon she finds herself involved in a handful of not so nice situations involving a murder in a science lab, finding out that Marcus may be involved with the Zombie Mafia and her felony record is also catching up with her.

I enjoyed this book as much as the first in the series. The pace was a little slower throughout the first half of the book, but then the action started and didn't let up. There is great character development for all characters involved and the story is developing nicely. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book, after the rather epic finale in this one.

Week #8
Card: King of Spades
Space #: 126
Color: Free Read

Finished: March 20th
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: I liked Nightwalker it was a good start to what looks to be an interesting series. I'm not going to lie, for the first part I couldn't keep focus on it. I'd pick it up read for a bit and find my mind going elsewhere. It was slow starting for me and I feared that it wasn't going to be as good as I had hopped it would be. But like little trooper I am and yes as soon as I typed the words trooper I put on Iron Maiden. But anyways back to the book :P

Mira is a nightwalker, a vampire, but she's not like the others, she can set things on fire. There isn't anything light and fluffy about Nightwalker it is a much darker story, reminding me of some books that was written in the 90s, Tanith Lee's Blood Opera Series comes to mind. What I liked about this is it's not the normal vampire story. We have vampire hunter(s), and well vampires but the thing is they are not the big bad so to speak, there is something worse out there that humans and all other need to worry about, the Naturi.

Also, I laughed for real at the very last line in this book, it was perfect.

3.5 Stars

Will I read the next book?

Yes!!! Very much looking forward to continuing this story.

Carrie, it's a very good series and the best part is that it's finished so no waiting needed.

Week #5: King of Spades
Space: Free Read
Book: Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Finished: March 23rd
Rating: 5★
Review: The episodic nature of this series is particularly entertaining as it provides the unique opportunity of creating a detailed world combining elements from diverse mythologies. The focus in Magic Strikes is on Hindu mythology with a little Greek and Norse thrown in for good measure. Somehow it all manages to come together so seamlessly, thereby ensuring originality and avoiding the tiresome repetition that sometimes plagues the Urban Fantasy genre.

Kate's humanity becomes more evident with each installment as more information is revealed about her past and the origins of her power. In this book, she opens herself up to the highs and lows of friendship when her former sidekick, Derek, is attacked and Kate must join forces with the Pack to fight against powerful enemies in the Midnight Games, a Gladiator-style tournament whose ultimate prize is a legendary Topaz with the ability to subjugate the shapeshifters. The action scenes are well-written and exciting but readers should note that the tone is dark and gritty, and their are numerous gory descriptions as well as references to incest and cannibalism.

The supporting cast is fantastic from Andrea the reluctant were-hyena to Raphael the amorous Bouda Scion, not to mention Dali the vegetarian were-tiger and Jim the Pack security chief who must finally decide if Kate can truly be trusted. However, the best aspect of the book is the developing relationship between Curran and Kate. Their chemistry simply sizzles on the pages and their banter is hilarious.

In sum, the Kate Daniels series has taken the top spot on my list of MUST reads and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Here are our reviews for the week. We are all set for the next draw:

Week #8: Free Read

✔Barbara ★: In the Shadow of Gotham by Stefanie Pintoff (Mar 19, 3 Stars) - Review
✔Lauren: Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (Mar 23, 5 Stars) - Review
✔Carrie: Nightwalker by Jocelyn Drake (Mar 21, 3.5 Stars) - Review
✔Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: The Eldritch Conspiracy by Cat Adams (Mar 19, 3 Stars) - Review
✔Kerstin: Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues by Diana Rowland (Mar 21, 4 Stars) - Review

Week #9
Card: 5 of Diamonds
Space #: 131
Color: Purple

I'll be reading

I will read either or

I'm looking at the board and we really have a chance to win here. Granted we are neck to neck with a few teams.

I'll read

I'm not too sure what to read yet. I might go for

I'm going to be reading

The Secret is a lovely book, Carrie. Hope you enjoy it.

This week's books:

Week #9: Purple
Barbara ★: The Pleasure of Your Kiss by Theresa Medeiros
Lauren: How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn
Carrie: The Secret by Julie Garwood
Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: Undead to the World by D.D. Barant
Kerstin: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Week #9: 5 of Diamonds
Space: #131: Purple
Book: How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn
Finished: March 25th
Rating: 2★
Review: Drawn out and tedious with the occasional moment of emotional depth and intensity indicative of Quinn's future brilliance.

The underlying premise of a the heroine discovering a manual for finding a husband is ridiculous and the silly misunderstanding that characterizes the last 25% of the book is trite. The heroine's reaction is blown completely out of proportion.

Elizabeth and James have potential as a couple but their bantering falls flat. The only stellar moment in their relationship is when they confide their difficult pasts and reveal a captivating depth of character. Unfortunately this is ruined by the ending.

It is a good thing I read the Bridgertons before Quinn's earlier works because I would never have picked up another if I had read this first.

Week #9
Book: Undead to the World by D.D. Barant
Color: Purple
Read: 25/03/2013
Rating: ★★★★

Review: The Bloodhound Files series has always been a favorite of mine. Each books always had a little twist to them with the alternate reality aspect. The problem of any series is to keep it fresh and interesting. This book (which is supposed to be the last of the series) is not the ending I would have liked.

I liked the convoluted plot-lines and the moral issues addressed in the series but this one took time to get into and finally like. I expected to find Jace in the world D.D. Barant constructed but it's so askew it's almost recognizable and yet not. All the preconceptions of the series are thrown to the wind and turned upside down. It's a fresh take on the characters with old favorites re-emerging from the woodwork. I especially liked an old loose end being tied up (view spoiler)[ (the Tair/Dr Pete issue) (hide spoiler)].

Jace's sarcasm is what I loved about this series but at the beginning it was smart ass remarks every other pages for no good reason (which reminds me why I hate that aspect in the Charley Davidson series) but it does correct itself when Jace realizes what is going on so the story got a whole lot better.

It is unfortunate that the book (and the series) ends (view spoiler)[on a abrupt cliffhanger (hide spoiler)]. I would nevertheless recommend the series.

Glad you ended up enjoying it, Valerie, despite the not very satisfactory ending. I felt exactly the same way about this book.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Week: #9
Space: Purple
Date: 27/3/13
Rating: ★★★★

Review: This is a collection of 12 short stories, that were quick and fun to read. I enjoy Watson's point of view, the friendship between him and Holmes and felt rather proud of myself when I figured out the mystery on a couple of occasions before Sherlock did. The stories are fun, interesting and sometimes a little eerie and I can't quite pick a favourite.

Week #9
Color: Purple
Date: March 26, 2013
Rating: ★★★

REVIEW:
Again I'm in the minority. I just didn't like this book. I greatly dislike sultans and harems so had I realized this book had both I probably would have skipped it. Don't get me wrong, I love Teresa Medeiros' writing style and her heroes and heroines are usually topnotch but not this time. Though I liked Ashton Burke, his cavalier attitude got on my nerves. And don't even get me started on Clarinda. I just didn't like her at all. I can honestly say that I was more interested in the secondary characters - Farouk and Poppy. Now they had a real courtship especially since it was clandestine. Farouk was a much better character than Ashton and Poppy was much more interesting than her friend Clarinda. All in all, not a bad book if you like the whole many wives and concubine thing. All's well that ends well I guess. I think Max's story will be much better. (view spoiler)[He's now a bitter bitter man and has totally left off all sense on chivalry and honor. Clarinda's defection and Ashton's betrayal have set him on a path that will be interesting to see a woman turn around. I can't wait. (hide spoiler)]

Week #9 Card: 5 of Diamonds
Space #: 131 Color: Purple

Book:
Finished: March 30th
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: I knew from the very first line, that I was going to treasure this book. There are many books that I have loved and cherished, and have put on to my favorites list. But then everyone once and awhile a you stumble up on a book that you want to hug into yourself, this was one of those for me.

This was my first Julie Garwood book and I don't think I could have started with a better one. I am looking forward to many more adventures with her.

So glad you enjoyed it Carrie. It is a fantastic book.

Here are this week's reviews:

Week #9: Purple
✔Barbara ★: The Pleasure of Your Kiss by Theresa Medeiros (Mar 27, 3 Stars) - Review
✔Lauren: How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn (Mar 26, 2 Stars) - Review
✔Carrie: The Secret by Julie Garwood (Mar 30, 5 Stars) - Review
✔Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: Undead to the World by D.D. Barant (Mar 26, 4 Stars) - Review
✔Kerstin: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Mar 26, 4 Stars) - Review

I just wish I had the next book in the trilogy, I have book 3 in my bookcase.

I'm going to read book #2 this month for a challenge. Really looking forward to it.

Maybe your library has it?

I'm going to keep checking the used bookstores, I live near two that are only a short walk for me. :) Some books/series you just need to actually have on your own bookcase.

Carrie wrote: "I'm going to keep checking the used bookstores, I live near two that are only a short walk for me. :) Some books/series you just need to actually have on your own bookcase."

Too true. I have a shelf of every book Sandra Brown and Judith McNaught have ever written :0)

Week #10
Card: 3 of Hearts
Space #: 135
Color: Green

I'm going to be reading for my green book.

I'm in for for green.

I'll try for green.

I'm going for

I will read

All set for this week:

Week #10: Green
Barbara ★: On Stranger Tides by Tim Powers
Lauren: Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews
Carrie: Murder on the Rocks by Karen MacInerney
Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: For the Love of a Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk
Kerstin: Stalking Tender Prey by Storm Constantine



Happy Reading!

Kerstin, you remind me that I once tried to read a book by this author. It was unfortunate that the library has the trilogy in one tome. It was so thick that I gave up after too many renewals. Maybe I should try it again. The first book was

This will be my first book by the author, Valerie. It's been sitting on my Kindle for ages now and I finally decided to read it.
I've heard of the 'Wraeththu' series and a few of my friends gave it high ratings. If I enjoy this one, I might give it a try as well.
And I'm glad I'm not the only one grabbing massive tomes from the library and returning them unread because I've run out of renewals :)