SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Expired Challenges
>
Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2013
July Update:
Title/Author: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Prince
Read: 7/23/12
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Heck yes.
Review: I liked the new spin-off series of Vlad and Leila. The only thing I was curious to see is the series written on Vlad's POV. Also, I would love it to be a little more mature as the series progresses. I would love to see Leila maturing over time. Really excited for the following books.
Title/Author: Blackstone & Brenwen - The Mirror & The Meretrix by Andrew D. Mellusco
Series: Blackstone & Brenwen
Read: 30/7/12
Rating: ★★★ 1/2
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I read Blackstone & Brenwen for review and thoroughly enjoyed the highly imaginative cast of fairy tale characters and lawyers. It was however difficult to get into because of technical legal talk and info dumps here and there. I'd want to continue though to support this author and see what happens next. There's some interesting personalities in here!
Full review.
Title/Author:If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay
Read: 16/7/12
Rating: ★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: This being highly recommended and acclaimed with awards actually came as a disappointment to me. There wasn't anything unique about it, it follows the same format of The Lovely Bones. Perhaps my enjoyment of the story was affected by the likeness to a book which I didn't enjoy due to some disturbing themes, although this one focused on happy memories more than anything. The language of this book is also particularly young. That being said, I may pick up the sequel but probably not anytime soon.
Full review.
Hi Everyone,I'm new to the group and would love to join this challenge! Here are my picks so far...
July '12 - "Halfway to the Grave" (Night Huntress) by Jeaniene Frost
August '12 - "Pleasure Unbound" (Demonica) by Larissa Ione
September '12 "Unholy Ghosts" (Downside Ghosts) by Stacia Kane
October '12 "Ill Wind" (Weather Warden) by Rachel Caine
November '12 "Iced" (Fever World) by Karen Marie Moning
December '12 "Kiss of Midnight" (Midnight Breed) by Lara Adrian
January '13
February '13
March '13
April '13
May '13
June '13
Title/Author: "Halfway to the Grave" by Jeaniene FrostSeries: Night Huntress
Read: July 30, 2012
Rating: ★★ 1/2
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I was really looking forward to starting this series because of all the great reviews it's gotten, but I'm actually pretty disappointed in it. I listened to the audiobook, and just couldn't get into the story. I found Cat annoying, and didn't find Bones very "sexy" at all. The plot and action scenes were thin at best, and didn't engage me at all. I thought the humor was sophmoric, as were the love scenes.
I may move onto Book 2 and actually read it, instead of listen to the audio version. (When I started the Fever series, for example, I listened to the audiobook of Darkfever and thought it was only okay, but when I read the print version of the other 4 books, I absolutely LOVED them. Hopefully, it'll turn out the same with Night Huntress for me.)
Also, maybe it's because I just spent the past month reading the first 8 books in the BDB series, and loved, loved, LOVED it ... and prior to that, I'd read the Fever series ... so, after 2 awesome series, I'm having trouble finding a 3rd that measures up. Either way, I'm bummed, because I really wanted to like Night Huntress ... but it just isn't doing it for me so far.
Title/Author: Seduce Me In Dreams by Jacquelyn FrankSeries: Three Worlds
Read: 17/7/12
Rating: ***
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Probably not
Review: Nice introduction to a new world but I just didn't care enough about any of the characters to really get involved with the story. Worth a read but doubt I'll read the next one.
Also Read:
Welcome to SOS and the challenge Vanessa :)Night Huntress is a great series, maybe you're right and you should read it rather than listen.
Hey Vanessa, I actually thought Halfway to the Grave was just ok, and like you I felt disappointed due to all the raves about the series. However, after the 2nd one it gets REALLY good and you'll be hooked!
Title/Author: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Series: The Body Finder
Read: 7/11/2012
Rating:
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: This book was very enjoyable. I liked when the story switched to the killer's POV - it was very creepy. I thought this was a great start to the series and I am looking forward to reading more.
Also read:
Title/Author: If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Series: If I stay
Read: 31st July
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? - Yes
To-Be-Continued? - If I can get it REALLY cheap
Review: Had a lot of potential, but just didn't quite deliver for me. It was a really quick read though. Don't read it if you're feeling super happy - it will bring you down very quickly!
SOS: ~ Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2012/2013 ~ July Update Post #32
1/12
Title/Author: The Restorer, by Amanda Stevens
Series: Graveyard Queen, #1
Rating: ★★★★½
Read: July 20, 2012
First-time author: Yes
To-be-continued: Yes! Wish I could start it now!
Review: my goodreads review
Pictures of Oak Grove Cemetary, from Amanda Stevens’s website: www.thegraveyardqueen.com
Book Quote:
An old live oak guarded the darkest corner of the garden, and a swing hung like a childhood memory from one of the gnarled branches.
★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Oh, this one is excellent! The first thrilling mystery in the Graveyard Queen series is narrated by the wonderful Khristine Hvam , who is perfect for this first person POV telling of a Southern gothic. She doesn’t miss a beat in maintaining the eerie, ghostly ambience of Ms. Stevens’ story. Really, I’m such a wuss, I didn’t even try to listen to this one, except in the safety of broad daylight.
While I enjoyed this audiobook, I also had to refer to my Kindle copy occasionally; the words are beautiful, lyrical, haunting, making it very atmospheric. Sure, I loved hearing them, but I also wanted to feast my eyes upon them. Such a dilemma! Such a delight! This one will prickle your flesh to goose pimples – the slow rising kind! Nevertheless, you’ll enjoy the shiver all the more with the knowledge they are crawling up your arms and down your spine.
Amelia Gray, as a cemetery restorer and blogger catering to taphophiles*, also happens to see ghosts; and there are certainly plenty in the old Charleston graveyard where a young woman is found brutally murdered. Then there is the yummy John Devlin, police detective with the Charleston PD, who needs Amelia’s expertise with headstones, epitaphs, and graveyards. He’s oozing irresistible Southern gentlemanly charm and masculine protectiveness from every pore; however, as attractive as he is, he has two intriguing ghosts of his own shadowing him. That certainly counters her father’s third rule! But the killer is communicating through Amelia’s blog and the murders keep mounting, so Devlin’s not keeping his distance. Throw in Southern politics, manners, and cover-ups and you have an edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Is this a “Paranormal Romance”?
Hmmm…good question. It certainly is a deceptively gritty thriller with romantic overtones. While Devlin and Amelia’s complex relationship is a slow burn, it is more of a hot, languid smoldering – that you just know is going to be incendiary – than a quick brush fire. I can only hope the series as a whole can be called a “romance” with a Happily Ever After, but that certainly isn’t divulged in the first book. Can’t wait for the next installment; I already have it in my audible.com “wishlist.”
*taphophile: “lover of tombstones”
Music to go along with Ms. Steven’s book, from her website.
Thanks @Sandra and @Jean. I plan on giving at least Book #2 of the Night Huntress series a shot ... but I have about 100 other books in my TBR pile that are a priority!Yay, it's August ... time to update with my next book in the challege!
AUGUST REVIEW
Title/Author: Silk is For Seduction by Loretta Chase
Series: Dressmakers
Read: 8/3/12
Rating: ★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Loretta Chase writes some amazing banter! I enjoyed this, but I don't know...it left me wanting something. I have to say that the main characters first kiss was swoon worthy, and it was from HIS pov. I'll continue the series cause I do love this author and I love historical romances. I just may not read it any time soon.
SOS: Serious Overload of Series[NEW] Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2013
Duration: 7/1/2012 - 6/31/2012
Progress: 12 out of 12
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Series: Across the Universe #1
Read: 7/24/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author?: Yes
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: This was awesome! I loved the twists and turns and did not feel like a YA at all! I'd compare this to Hunger Games, very intense!
First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress World #1
Read: 8/4/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author?: Yes
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: This book was really good! I enjoyed the dialogue and the story was really good as well! The Cat and Bones appearance was nice too, I've only read the first 2 books of that series. I wonder where this book fits in with that series? It didn't really matter, this book was it's own story and you didn't really need to know anything from the other series inorder to enjoy this one. Will definately be reading the next book!
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #1
Read: 9/4/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author?: No
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: I loved it! It's nice to see a different story in the same world as Mercy Thompson!
Skinwalker by Faith Hunter
Series: Jane Yellowrock #1
Read: 10/1/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
First Time Author?: Yes!
To Be Continued: Yes!
Review: Loved this book, kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I've found my next favorite series!
Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy
Series: Walker Papers #1
Read: 11/7/2012
Rating: ****
First Time Author?: Yes
To Be Continued?: Yes
Review: I liked this book a lot but it was DAMN hard to get into. I had a really hard time following the storyline. This is the second or third time I've tried to pick this book up and finish it and it was just difficult. I didn't really understand what was going on (but neither did the main character) and it just seemed choppy. I'm willing to give the next book a try because I did like the ending (which I finally understood) and who doesn't love a Native American auto-mechanic turned cop? Will see how this series goes...
The Inn At Eagle Point by Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #1
Read: 12/9/2012
Rating: ****
First Time Author?: Yes
To Be Continued?: Yes
Review: I liked this series and this book, but my only complaint was that too much was blamed on ADD and I have ADD. 99% was pride but she did capture the essence of the frustration that goes along with ADD.
Undone by Rachel Caine
Series: Outcast Season #1
Read: 1/8/2013
Rating: *****
First Time Author?: Yes
To Be Continued?: Yes
Review: I have never read a Weather Warden book and I didn't know this was the first spin-off book. I really enjoyed it even though I felt like I was behind trying to figure out the rules of the world. I'll have to start the main series before I read the next one. The main character was very cold and distant and it took me a long time to get used to her, but I enjoyed the story very much!
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Series: Seraphina #1
Read: 2/11/2013
Rating: *****
First Time Author?: Yes
To Be Continued?: Yes
Review: This book was very good, but it took awhile to get into the rules of the world. Very well written for a first time author!
A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #1
Read: 3/5/2013
Rating: *****
First Time Author?: Yes
To Be Continued?: Yes
Review: I liked this book, even though it took me awhile to warm up to the main hero. The main female character has a personality that I can relate to and I enjoyed the Gaming Hell and the other owners. The next book is on the way!
The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe
Series: Drakon #1
Read: 4/2/2013
Rating: *****
First Time Author?: Yes
To Be Continued?: Yes
Review: Very enjoyable book! I liked how the main character was very crafty in her negotiations but the love story was sweet.
Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
Series: Chocolate Lovers #1
Read: 5/6/2013
Rating: *****
First Time Author?: Yes
To Be Continued: Yes!
Review: Funniest book I've read in a long time! It was like Bridesmaids meet Hangover! It was awesome!
Unclean Spirits by M.L.N. Hanover
Series: The Black Sun's Daughter #1
Read: 6/2/2013
Rating: *****
First Time Author?: Yes
To Be Continued: Yes!
Review: This book was awesome! I locked myself in my bedroom for the last 100 pages so that I could finish reading it! Very suspenseful!
Is it too late for me to join!? *pouts at Sandra* I actually did read a could New2You series books last month that I could count for this without knowing it. :-)
Of course you can join in Alyssa ;)
Updated post #8
Title/Author: Ascension - Sable Grace
Series: Dark Breed
Read: (Date)
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? yes
To-Be-Continued? yes
Review:
I liked Kyana from the first chapter. She's one of those people who even though they fight to save humans from demons, couldn't care less about humans and it shows. She has trouble showing her emotions but she does the right thing so in my book, she's an okay chick. I also really liked Ryker, son of Ares. Now Ares is an ass but Ryker, he's a horse of a different color and a yummy horse at that. This is a unique mix of urban fantasy, paranormal and mythology. It takes a while to figure out who's who and what's what but definitely worth the effort.
Post #18 Updated. 
Title/Author: The Chief by Monica McCarty
Series: Highland Guard
Read: August 4, 2012
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Compelling premise and brilliant execution. The historical research is simply fascinating and the medieval setting realistic and believable. Tor and Christina's romance is riveting - Their chemistry is intense and passionate. The secondary characters are intriguing - each has a unique skill but they must all come together as a unit despite their differences both political and personal. An incredible beginning to a promising series.
Title/Author: Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
Series: Demonica
Read: August 5, 2012
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Probably
Review: I liked this book but didn't LOVE it. Overall, I thought the main couple (Tayla and Eidolon) were good together and very HOT. I liked the secondary characters, especially Shade and Gem, and I liked the plot twist that (view spoiler). There were some points that the plot and dialogue seemed a bit choppy and forced, but for the most part, it was a solid story. Since I liked Shade, I'll plan on reading his book, which comes next in the series.
Also Read:
★★★✩✩
★★★★✩
★★★✩✩
Title/Author: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Series: All Souls Trilogy
Read: 7/8/12
Rating: ★★★ 1/2
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I liked the beginning, it was evocative, intellectual and interesting. However, when the Oxford professor meets Matthew, a vampire who stalks her, it soon descends into a romance that takes heavy inspiration from Twilight. Throughout the whole book, I was waiting for the awesome historic parts to come back but the plot ran away with the romance. I'll continue though because this series has so much potential to be better. It's a huge nearly 600 page mammoth read but I didn't get bored at all.
Full review here.
Title/Author:Intrinsical by Lani WoodlandSeries: Yara Silva Trilogy
Read: 8/7/12
Rating:★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: It was an enjoyable read. A lot freakier than I thought it would be. No cliffhanger, no triangle, complete awesome.
Title/Author: Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer
Series: Arkadien
Read: 8/9/12
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: The book was great. It was a great mix of paranormal shape-shifters, greek mythology and mafia all rolled into one book. A lot of deaths tho and at first (to me anyway) Rosa was not a well liked character. She grew on me though. Was a little slow at first but since its the beginning a trilogy, it gave a lot of background. There was some decent action as well.
July Update 2012
Title/Author:Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
Series:Elemental
Read:July 7th 2012
Rating: 4♥♥♥♥
First time author: Yes
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review:I must say that I really enjoyed this book. I found it intriguing and was set at such a fast pace that the story flowed constantly and never lacked for action.Great start to the series :)
Also Read:
4♥
5♥
3♥
5♥
3♥
Title/Author:Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
Series:Elemental
Read:July 7th 2012
Rating: 4♥♥♥♥
First time author: Yes
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review:I must say that I really enjoyed this book. I found it intriguing and was set at such a fast pace that the story flowed constantly and never lacked for action.Great start to the series :)
Also Read:
4♥
5♥
3♥
5♥
3♥
August:
Series: The Disillusionists
Read: 08/03/2012
Rating ****
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Definitely
Review: First of all I adored this book. I loved all of the neurotic characters. It really felt like being IN the book, rather than just reading it. I also like the idea of disillusioning criminals so that they reform on their own. Its clever and original, especially in the dense forest of Urban Fantasy/PNR plots.
I've already put the rest of the series on my TBR list. I can't wait to read them.
August Update
Title/Author: First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress World
Read: 11th August
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I really liked it. Denise and Spade make a great couple (once she'd got over all the whinging). But the thing that really made it for me? Ian, he was so much fun.
Duration: 1 July 2012 - 30 June 2013Finished: 0/12
July:
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
Title/Author:Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr
Series: N/A no title yet
Read: 7/8/12
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Wow this is my first novel I've read of Melissa Marr's and it was amazing! Rich descriptions, incredibly imaginative, complex characters and politics between daimons and witches. I loved this so much I could read it over and over again. I'll definitely be checking out more of her works because the whole dark fantasty aspect blurring the lines between typical conventions is amazing.
Full review here
August update Updated List
Title/Author: Mark of the Witch by Maggie Shayne
Series: Portal Series
Read: 4th August
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? 1000 times Yes!
Review:
I am a latecomer to Maggie Shayne's books and I must admit starting a 20 book series is a little daunting but I did and I am working my way through them. When I heard she was starting a new trilogy changing her focus from vampires to witches, I was intigued. Even more so when I discovered that Maggie herself is a Wiccan High Priestess. I went in to this book with high expectations and even then Maggie surprised me.
Indira is a multi-faceted character, she is a strong woman who has suffered a lot in her past both physically and emotionally. Having recently had a lapse in faith and turning her back on her religion she has no choice but to go to her former High Priestess for help and advice when life suddenly takes a surprising turn.
Father Tomas belongs to a secret sect of Gnostic Priests and he provides us, and Indira with a delicious distraction. However, Father Tomas is beginning to question his faith and the actions of his superior, leaving him unsure of his future in the priesthood.
When Indira and Tomas are together the sparks fly, you can almost feel the passion leaping from the pages. A forbidden romance that had both them and me in knots.
I loved the history involved, the intensity and intricacies of the plot, the twists and turns, character development. All in all I found this an amazing read and I can't wait for the next part!
Title/Author:Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Series: The Sweet Trology
Read: 8/18/12
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: What I enjoyed most were the angels, demons and nephilim and their roles on Earth. I loved the Dukes and legionnaires. I also liked Anna. She is such a genuine and kind heroine. I will be interested to see how she can continue to stay true to herself while having to play the role of the tempting nephilim.
Title/Author: Matched by Ally Condie
Series: Matched
Read: 8/18/12
Rating: ★★✩✩✩ 1/2
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I found this book to be rather boring for the first 80-90% of the book, just not much happened. It probably doesn't help that I have read The Giver in the past year and it has a lot of similarities. I'm sure I will eventually read the last 2 books (since it did start picking up towards the end, so hopefully it will continue that in the 2nd book), but I won't go out of my way to do so.
August:
Title/Author: Halo / Alexandra Adornetto
Series: Halo
Read: 19.08.12
Rating: ★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? maybe not, but i got the first and the second book together so i think i'll read it just because i have it at home.
Review: Well this was big disappointment...What is it with books that have gorgeous covers, but the story is never good. When i start a new book i usually dont read what its about. I like surprises :D well this time i just read a little, part that said angels are coming to earth to fight evil forses, of course i was thinking young angiel kicking some evil ass, but this book was more about puppy love. The main character was more obsessed about her guy then anything else and i think when demon comes and bite her from the ass she wouldn't notice it.
Title/Author:Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Series: The Sweet Trilogy
Read: 8/18/12
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Wow this must be one of the best YA books I've read all year! Sweet Evil was a pleasant surprise, I absolutely loved the blend of romance, sin, and setting with the different Dukes of Hell having Nephilim children who do their evil bidding. Anna is a pure, innocent, incredibly good Nephilim who slowly finds herself sinning through the influences of other Nephilim, growing up, and meeting Kaiden. I liked how this book dealt with complex relationships, and it wasn't just a HEA with all of the characters. I especially adored the powers that the Nephilim had and all of that supernatural goodness.
I was really enamoured with the book and read it quickly until the end. Definitely want more and can't wait until the sequel!
Full Review here.
I am in. I did start a new series in August. I'll post my review in a while. This will be my master post.
August
Title/Author:Dark Descendant by Jenna Black
Series: Nikki Glass
Read: 03/08/2012
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I was pleasantly surprised by this book, granted it is my first book by this author. I was puzzled a bit by the characters in this story, while the 'bad' guys are definitely evil, the 'good' guys are really different shades of grey. Nothing is plainly 'good' and Nikki is quite mundane for a goddess-touched heroine. She may be good at finding things (as Artemis is the goddess of the hunt) but no super, freaky power skills. It was fun to have a UF heroine that does not have to rely on over the top supernatural skills to save herself.
August Update:
Title/Author: Tomorrow when the war began by JOhn Marsden
Series: Tomorrow
Read: 23/08/2012
Rating: ★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: A good start to a series, about a bunch of teenagers returning from a camping trip to the Australian bush, to find the country invaded and their families POW. They have to decide whether to hide out, fight back or surrender. Action and survival scenes are plenty, but a bit too many boyfriend issues.
I gonna start late....August
Title/Author:Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James
Series: Fifty Shades
Read: (8/7/2012)
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued?Yes
Review: I loved it. So much that I read the other two...
Sue, don't forget to do a master list ;)
1/12August Update:
Title/Author: Banshee Charmer by Tiffany Allee
Series: From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency
Read: 17/08
Rating: ★★★
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review:
Hmmm not bad for a first book. I'm hoping that the series improves. Liked reading about a female lead who was a Banshee!
Excellent Midu, don't forget a master list :)
Master ListAug 1,2012-July 31,2013
August:Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James ★★★★★
September:Raphael bt D B Renoylds ★★★★★
October:Read-headed Stepchild by Jayne Wells ★★★★
November:First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones★★★★
December:Hyde,an urban Fantasy by Lauren Stewart★★★★
January:The Becoming by Jeanne C Stien 3 stars
February: Eve by Anna Carey 3 stars
March:-MadlybyM. Leighton3/6/2013 3 star
April:Once Burnedby Jeaniene Frost4/6/2013 5 star
May:Kristen Ashley2/26/2013Shadow of the WolfbyMac Flynn5/10/2013 2stars
June:.Wildest Dreamsby Kristen Ashley6/13/2013 4 stars
Title/Author: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Prince
Read: 8/26/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? no
To-Be-Continued? yes
Review: I really enjoyed this book about Vlad and Leila. Vlad is my kinda man an alpha male who is very domineering. I look forward to the next book because the ending left a lot of unresolved issues.
I'm starting late but will back track for July.Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2013
Duration: July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013
Completed: 2/12
July: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ***** 7/15/12
August: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz ** 8/26/12
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
READ:
July Book
Title/Author: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Series: Hush Hush
Read: 7/15/12
Rating: 5 stars
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:This renewed my reading spirit! I have been in a slump for months now but Hush Hush kept me thougherly entertained with all the mystery and twists! I am totally pro Patch (Love Love Love Patch)! I really didn't fall for him at first because like Nora I felt he was a bit of an "arse" and full of himself but on the other hand his mysterious nature is what held me wondering what he was up to because every since he came into Nora's life it has been turned right side up and it appears danger is on every corner....
This was a really suspenseful story because even when the truth was before me I didn't want to believe it. I never dreamed I would enjoy Hush Hush as much as I did because I am not usually into Angelish books and I suppose that is why I held off so long on starting this series but oh my gosh Patch terrified me and made me want to swoon at the same time so I can only imagine the spell Nora was under for him.
And the ending....ohhhh (clutching heart) More Patch Please. I am totally going to be diggin up the next book!
August Book
Title/Author: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
Series: Blue Bloods
Read: 8/26/12
Rating: 2 stars
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:I almost put this book down several times because usually if I'm not into a book within at least the first 100 pages then I never will be but I have heard such great things about this series that I stayed with it and Blue Bloods redeemed itself in the last few chapters somewhat. I gave it two stars sadly just for laying the groundwork to hopefully a more meaningful adventure in the second book.
The characters never came to life for me and were just drab and boring. The only one with any finess at all was the evil minded Mimi who basically single-handedly kept the story alive with her jealousy and bad attitude. I kept waiting on Jack to break out of his shell and show me something but even though he had a few spurts of life and interest in Schuyler he always let his father and twin (Mimi) rule his world.
Bliss and Dylan was a relationship that I saw potential in and just when I was becoming involved (FINALLY) in the story, chaos and mystery break out and the book ends.
Schuyler who I would think should be a main character is just flat and at first I was hoping her and Jack would become a team/couple but Jack acts as though he has no mind of his own so then their is Oliver but one minute he is acting like a child and the next he is all knowing so I just easily got disgusted with the characters.
Another thing that just bugged me to no end was it was almost midways before any mention of vampires and angels ever came into play. The first half was merely high school kids on their day to day crisis
Added you to the list JenniferJ :)
September
Title/Author: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Prince
Read: 03/09/2012
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Vlad was super hot in this book and it was so interesting delving into his world! Leila is also perfect for them, she's got lightning powers and the powers of premonition and he's got his fire hands and mind reading.
Cat and Bones did make an appearance too which was also a treat. Leila made some interesting observations about them, worth reading if you're a Night Huntress fan.
Full review: http://happyindulgence.wordpress.com/...
2/12September Update:
Title/Author: The School for Brides by Cheryl Ann Smith
Series: The School for Courteans
Read: 03/09
Rating: ★★
To-Be-Continued? Yes!
Review:
I rated it 2 stars, not because I didn't like it but because I've read similar romances. Also because Heyer has spoiled me forever!
Edit:
And I hated the hero! And I should stop adding to this mini review!
August update:
Title/Author: Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble
Series: Hope Beach
Read: 8/12/2012
Rating:
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Probably
Review: Tidewater Inn started off great, with a kidnapping in the first chapter! The story had some very intriguing parts: the kidnapping (of course), a long kept secret that changes Libby's life forever (not saying what it is, but it was very surprising J), Hope Island itself (it sounds SO beautiful), and the sparks between Libby and Alec, the Coast Guard lieutenant.
However, almost as soon as Libby got to Hope Island, some parts of the story began to be a bit repetitive. One example of this: Libby would say she would love to keep the inn, but she doesn't know how she could afford the upkeep - I lost count of how many times this was said, but it was a lot! I found this to be very unusual for this author's books - I don't remember her other books doing that, but I did read them quite a long time ago, so maybe they did?
Besides the repetitiveness, the story kept me interested throughout almost the whole book, but the ending was a bit sudden. I am hoping that in the next book, Rosemary Cottage, there will be more about Libby.
To fans of Colleen's Rock Harbor series, I want to let you know that Bree and Samson make an appearance in this novel. I loved being able to reunite with Bree - it has been awhile. I completely enjoyed her parts in the story.
I have to say the cover kind of annoys me. It's beautiful and everything, but I hate when covers don't match the story. In the book, the inn is a Georgian mansion with over 2,000 sq. ft of decks and balconies alone! Yet the cover shows a house that looks very much like a Victorian and doesn't seem anywhere near the size of the house in the story, which sounds huge as it has 15 bedroom suites - if I am remembering correctly. The cover not matching doesn't hurt the story, it is just a pet peeve of mine and so this doesn't affect my rating.
Overall, while this is not one of my favorite books by Colleen, it was still enjoyable. If you love romantic books with suspenseful aspects to it, you will probably like this book more than I did.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
Also read:
Doctor Who: The Clockwise Man by Justin Richards ~ 8/6/2012
The Marshal Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan ~ 8/13/2012
Dying to Read by Lorena McCourtney ~ 8/27/2012
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Stray (other topics)The Name of the Wind (other topics)
Backstage Pass (other topics)
Blood Oath (other topics)
A Blood Seduction (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jocelynn Drake (other topics)Patrick Rothfuss (other topics)
Olivia Cunning (other topics)
Karina Halle (other topics)
Sylvia Day (other topics)
More...
1st July 2012 - 30th June 2013
July -
If I Stay by Gayle Forman- 31st JulyAugust -
First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost- 11th AugustSeptember -
Grimspace by Ann Aguirre- 12th SeptemberOctober -
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake- 9th OctoberNovember -
Quiet As a Nun by Antonia Fraser- 25th NovemberDecember -
Vampire Shift by Tim O'Rourke- 20th DecemberJanuary -
Touch the Dark by Karen Chance- 4th JanuaryFebruary -
Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin- 4th FebruaryMarch -
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia- 12th MarchApril -
Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben- 14th AprilMay -
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle- 13th MayJune -
Bared to You by Sylvia Day- 11th JuneFINISHED!!!!!