I realized spending seven days at the beach allowed me to read. A lot. Here is a round-up. Butterfly Tattoo by Deidre Knight Contemporary Blurb: Just when the darkness seems permanent, fate flips a switch. Michael Warner has been drifting in a numb haze since his lover was killed by a drunk driver. As the anniversary of the wreck approaches, Michael's grief grows more suffocating. Yet he must find a way through the maze of pain and secrets to live for their troubled young daughter Continue Reading
Recent DNF’s
A few recent books I couldn’t finish: Wickedly Charming by Kristine Grayson May 1, 2011 Wickedly Uncharming more like it. I read 170 pages of this book and was not charmed at all. The premise is cute – Meliie aka Snow White’s step-mother comes to the “real world” (from the Greater World) and wants to ban books. She is upset that the “evil” step-mothers and other creatures in fairytale lore get a bad rap. It is at a book fair where she is staging a protest she meets Prince Charming – Continue Reading
Mandi Rants About Invitation to Ruin by Bronwen Evans
First let me make it clear that I only made it 15% into this book. But something happens in the first 15% that made me unable to finish this book. Melissa and Anthony Craven, the Earl of Wickham meet at a ball. Anthony has the reputation of “Lord Wicked” because of the number of ladies he has seduced. He has his eyes set on Melissa’s cousin, Lady Cassie. But Anthony’s twin brother Richard wants to make a game out of it. They set up a wager, both trying to see who can get to Lady Cassie’s bed Continue Reading
A Few DNF (Did Not Finish) Reviews
Tori and I read a lot of books. Over the past month or two while we have had lots to squee over, we have also had several that were very disappointing. Against the Wind by Kat Martin Romantic Suspense January 1, 2011 Mira Reviewed by Mandi Several problems with this book, most stemming from the suspense part. Sarah is in danger – not just subtle vandalism, but people holding guns up to her head. Her husband was murdered and it is not just a random act of violence. First when Continue Reading
Two DNF Reviews
Mandi and Tori each had a book they couldn’t finish (DNF=did not finish) recently. And here is why. Mandi: His Darkest Embrace by Juliana Stone (Jaguar Warriors, #2) Paranormal Romance November 1, 2010 Paperback, 361 Pages Avon I heard such good things about book one, His Darkest Hunger, I was eager to try His Darkest Embrace. These characters from the start lacked chemistry. It is hard to explain why some heroes and heroines have this, and others don't but I did not feel Continue Reading
Review: Blood on Silk by Marie Treanor
Blood On Silk (Awakened by Blood #1) by Marie Treanor Paranormal Romance September 7, 2010 Trade Paperback, 336 Pages Berkley Trade Reviewed by Tori Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk is spending the summer in Romania researching historical superstitions for her PhD. While she is tracing local folktales, one subject in particular sparks her imagination. His name is Saloman, legend's most powerful vampire, a seductive prince staked centuries ago. Now, in the ruins of a castle Continue Reading
Crush On You by Christie Ridgway
Crush On You by Christie Ridgway (Three Kisses #1) June 1, 2010 Contemporary Romance Paperback, 304 Pages BerkleyReviewed by ToriThe first in a new trilogy by Christie Ridgway-Three Kisses- this is the story of Alessandra Baci and Penn Bennet.Alessandra Baci and her sisters are determined to save her family's vineyard-Tanti Baci-by making it the premier wedding destination. Alessandra has had some bad luck with weddings. Her own fiancé never showed up at the alter. Now Continue Reading
Dangerous by Diana Palmer – DNF
From Goodreads: Tall, lean and headstrong, FBI agent Kilraven lives by his own rules. And one of those rules includes keeping his hands off Jacobsville’s resident sweetheart, Winnie Sinclair, no matter the temptation. Shy and innocent, Winnie couldn’t handle a man like him – a merciless man with a haunted past. And this small town may hold not only the woman he fights to resist, but the answers to a cold case that is very personal to Kilraven…. Winnie has had her own share of sorrow and Continue Reading
Review: Patience by Lisa Valdez
Patience by Lisa Valdez April 6, 2010 Historical Romance Paperback, 360 Pages Berkley Reviewed by KatiI love an old school romance. I love heaving bosoms and throbbing man parts and dictatorial men and shy, and slightly too silly to live heroines. And when I read Passion by Lisa Valdez, I remember thinking, “This romance is old school, in a really good way.” So, when Mandi emailed to say she had Valdez’s long awaited second book in the series, Patience, I immediately emailed to Continue Reading
Smexy Cover, Disappointing Start
I received Jared by Sara McCarty for review, took one look at the cover and had a big smile on my face. It just looks so inviting. After chapter two I told myself I would give it until page 100 – I made it until 120, but this book just did not interest me. First of all, nothing happens in the first 80 or so pages. Jared, belonging to the Renegade vampires, discovers Raisa alone in the woods, surrounded by three of the bad vampires belonging to the Sanctuary. He rescues her and decides he is now Continue Reading