July 2010 (33)

Stork Raving Mad (Meg Langslow, #12) - Donna Andrews ★★★ 320 pgs

It was cute to see Meg running around pregnant. It was also nice to not have Meg trying to actively solve the murder. She just kept learning new things without trying to. Little cozy mysteries get tiring when the authors have the same things happen over and over again. A little change is nice. Although, I did figure out who the murderer was very early on.

Dangerous - Kelly Armstrong ★★★

It was an online novella so I'm not sure how many pages there were in it. It's a short story associated to the Darkest Powers series and shows how the boys ended up in the home back in book 1. It was a fun read.

Waking the Witch (Women of the Otherworld, #11) - Kelley Armstrong ★★★★ 400 pgs

While Paige and Lucas are on vacation, an old friend of Lucas' shows up to ask for help in a murder investigation. Having wanted to lead her own investigation for a while now, Savannah jumps at the chance. She finds herself in a small town where everyone thinks they know who killed the girls, but no one has any proof, Savannah must sort through the drug dealer, the leader of a local commune (or one of his girls), and other suspects. In the middle of all this, Savannah makes new friends that are wonderful characters and has to deal with her powers randomly acting up.

I loved reading about Savannah. I didn't feel like this one had as much action in it as previous ones have, but maybe I'm mistaken. That's okay though, I enjoyed it anyway. I loved the little girl in the story and Micheal was great. I'm curious if there was less romance in this book because Savannah is still relatively young, or if Armstrong just got use to writing YA romance for the past few books. =) Either way, I thought it was cute and I look forward to reading the next story.

The Reckoning (Darkest Powers, #3) - Kelley Armstrong ★★★★ 391 pgs

I liked Chloe's choice in boys. I think she did the right thing.
I enjoyed this story. I thought it would be hard to get back into the story since I didn't remember much from the first 2, but it all came back to me right away, without Armstrong having to repeat a million facts to make me remember.

I'm the Vampire, That's Why (Broken Heart Vampires, #1) - Michelle Bardsley ★★★ 352 pgs

The story was a lot of fun. There are a few things that are different in this story that aren't in other vampire stories. Vampires can become "tainted" and turn crazy under certain circumstances. Plus, sex means that they're automatically matted for 100 years whether they wanted to be or not. I'm curious to see what's in book 2.

Heist Society - Ally Carter ★★★★ 287 pgs

I thought this is a great YA book. The story is about a girl who has grown up in a family of thieves who plan heists to steal jewels, art, and other valuables. It was a beautiful book and I liked how it was set up according to time and how there were insert pages between each chapter. I hope that there are plans for a second book because I would love to read more about the characters. I enjoy the authors Gallagher Girl series, but I found this one to be better written. The fact that it's written for Middle School-High School instead of Elementary probably plays a large roll in it being more interesting.

Undead and Unfinished (Undead, #9) - MaryJanice Davidson ★★ 296 pgs

I liked the second half better than the first. I liked learning about about Sinclair's past, but Betsy drove me crazy. At first she was funny, but now she's just becoming annoying and she needs to grow up. Which, she might - MIGHT - do a little bit, but I won't hope for it. I didn't like the last 2 or 3 pages.
Arrrgh! It took me 3 days to read. I should have had it done in 2 hours. I just couldn't keep myself interested.

Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2) - Jennifer Estep ★★★★ 400 pgs

4.5 I love Gin and I was so happy to be back in her world. I love the men too. I almost squealed at one part, which is very rare for me. It didn't feel as gritty as the first book since Gin is kind of working to pick up the pieces in her life (or trying to) and she's suppose to be retired, but I was okay with that. I can't wait for the next book. I'm glad that there are 5 books planned for this series and I hope that it gets extended so buy her books instead of using your library. They're good enough to reread later.

Sizzling Sixteen (Stephanie Plum, #16) - Janet Evanovich ★★★ 309 pgs

I was busting up at the end. It's flaky, but still entertaining.

Key Lime Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #9) - Joanna Fluke ★★★ 342 pgs

I love that we discover that Norman had an adventurous side back in the day. I want to hear more about it.

Carrot Cake Murder (Hannah Swensen, #10) - Joanne Fluke ★★★ 288 pgs

I figured out the murderer very quickly in this one. I got all excited when Mike said he was willing to help Hannah, but then felt like it was pointless for him to have done so when he really didn't share anything with her that she wouldn't have manipulated out of him anyway. I like that Norman is becoming more human and less Stepford wife. It makes me like his character more.
As for Deloris' surprise, I figured that out in the last book. I'm interested in what she wrote. This should be good.

Cream Puff Murder (Hannah Swensen, #11) - Joanne Fluke ★★★ 310 pgs

**spoiler alert** Norman was such a sweetheart in this book. The dessert was really sweet, but I actually "awed" when Hannah found the towel with an H embroidered on it. He's so kind.
Since she's technically still going back and forth between the men I think it would be nice if the reader could see Hannah spend time at Mike's and maybe have them do more together. He's always in the background and needs to be developed more unless Fluke is going to finally dismiss him.

Plum Pudding Murder (Hannah Swensen, #12) - Joanne Fluke ★★★ 448 pgs

Apple Turnover Murder (Hannah Swensen, #13) - Joanne Fluke ★★★ 304 pgs

Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World, #2)- Jeaniene Frost ★★★★ 361 pgs

Kira, a private investigator ends up being unexpectedly thrown into Mencheres world. She's feisty, stubborn, intelligent, and loyal. It was odd to read about Mencheres because for some reason I always pictured him as being older. Not the young, vibrant man in the story.

Mencheres has an ancient enemy who feels that he is entitled to Mencheres' powers. He's been waiting for millinnia to find a way to force the transfer of power. Now, Mencheres is showing emotions, and getting close to a female for the first time in centuries. His rival feels that this is time to force Mencheres' hand, putting Kira in danger.

I enjoyed this one. It's not as "sexy" as the other ones, but it was cute. I really wish Mencheres was more of a tease (although I get why he isn't). That's why I love Bones so much. It's the banter back and forth before anyone jumps into bed that I love. It's the double entendres and witty little comments that make you blush.... Those are the moments I love. Mencheres is a little too much like Eeyore.

Aphrodite's Passion - Julie Keener ★★★ 364

Amazingly cheesy, but cute. (I feel like I'm writing that a lot lately.)
It's a book about superheros and romance. Of course it's cheesy. =)

Aphrodie's Secret - Julie Keener ★★★ 384 pgs

Aphrodite's Flame - Julie Keener ★★★ 338 pgs

Red Hot Fury (Shades of Fury, #1) - Kasey MacKenzie ★★★★ 337 pgs

I liked it. I was nervous because of the cover, but it turned out to be entertaining. In the beginning I was worried because the author starts throwing around all these paranormal creatures and i felt like she was doing it just to throw stuff in there, but everyone ends up having a use by the end of the story. I'll definitely read book 2 when it's released.
The main character is essentially a cop figure, but her job is to solve magical crimes. She was once mortal, but was inducted into the furies, a group of paranormal beings who strive to protect both mortal and magical beings. She refuses to quit investigating the disappearance of her best friend, and a fellow fury, which causes those behind the disappearance to take drastic measures. Marrissa bands together with different species, and her ex, in an attempt to solve the case and prevent even bigger events from happening.

Practical Demon Keeping - Christopher Moore ★★ 256 pgs

I got very bored while reading this book. I'm surprised I finished it. There were a few good moments, but I just couldn't stay interested in the story as a whole.

Eldest (INheritance, #2) - Christopher Paolini ★★★★ 704 pgs

A great story. So far the series is amazing.

Biting the Bullet (Jaz Parks, #3) - Jennifer Rardin ★★★ 314 pgs

The series continues to be a lot of fun.

Bitten to Death (Jaz Parks, #4) - Jennifer Rardin ★★★★ 310 pgs

I loved Trayton. I'd like to see more of him.

One More Bite (Jaz Parks, #5) - Jennifer Rardin ★★★★ 400 pgs

Yay! If you read it, you'll know what I mean.

Inside Out - Maria V. Snyder ★★★★ 320 pgs

I feel stupid for not having figured a few things out earlier on. My imagination ran away with my ability to rationalize. I really enjoyed this story. Normally, it's nothing that would have interested me, but it drew me in. Snyder is good at getting me interested in things that I normally would shy away from.

Avenging Angels (Beaufort & Compant, #3) - Mary Stanton ★★★ 293 pgs

I really like the possibilities that this series offers. I love Bree and I'll definitely continue to read in order to find out what she will encounter next. What keeps me from loving it is the action sequences. As I said after book one, there is potential for action and Stanton starts to build the stress levels and draw you in, but then the action sequences themselves lack substance. You don't see the fight, or get a look into what's really happening. Although book 2 did much better in this regard...
I still feels like this could be being done intentionally so I'll keep reading for now.
I would have rated this one 4 stars, but the ending wrapped up a little too quickly for me. I didn't feel like there was a big discovery. Bree just figured it out and then let you in on the secret without you being along for the ride those last few minutes. I thought maybe I had missed something, but I reread the last 2 chapters and I don't think that I did.
On a more positive note - I love the dogs. I've already got a Napoleon, I'll name the next one Belli. Thank goodness I don't get yappy dogs, that'd be disrespectful to the name. I enjoyed the family dinner and how the guest (I'm not telling who) had to sit through it all. I'm excited to find out what's happening to Bree, even though I already have an idea. I do hope she gets more of a personal life in the future. The books don't have to turn into PR, but a nice clean, innocent romance as a minor subplot would be fun.

Discord's Apple - Carrie Vaughn ★★★ 299 pgs

Discord's Apple uses the story of Troy as a basses for a modern day tale. As the magic of old leaves the world artifacts from the gods and heroes end up in one place, a storeroom that is watched over by the same family throughout the centuries. The story brings in bits from different fairy tales, but the overall focus is on the Greek Pantheon and Hera's quest to finally gain possession of the apple of discord, despite the fact that it does not belong to her. Evie must protect the storeroom with the help of a few great characters from the past. It made me want to reread The Iliad. I liked it because of the myth structure, but it wasn't as good as I expected.

Stray (Shifters, #1) - Rachel Vincent ★★★★ 618 pgs

The story was a lot of fun. I didn't expect to like the story, but it forced it out of me. =) I'm curious to see what the rest of the series has to offer.

Rogue (Shifters, #2) - Rachel Vincent ★★★★ 394 pgs

Pride (Shifters, #3) - Rachel Vincent ★★★ 425 pgs

I guess I really should give it four stars, but all of the political maneuvering just made me sick to my stomach. I might change my mind in a few days and alter its score once I'm not so passionate about the issue.

**Spoilers**

I got very frustrated with both Malone and Faythe. Marc was right, Faythe needs to learn when to keep her mouth shut. However, I understand that when you're being judged by a system that is using your trial for political gain rather then to seek justice, you're going to act pissy. I'm tired of old me trying to play games the lives of others and it makes me sick to read about that particular theme. I growled at this book for about an hour and a half. And what happened with Marc... we'll just say I think Malone needs to be castrated and his manhood should be served up to him on a plate seeing how he's a... (Okay, apparently I'm really, really angry since I just started typing and I didn't realize that I was getting ready use a word I never use in reference to anything other than my kitten. For some reason I don't feel like deleting where I was going with that so I'm sorry if I offend.) I don't like that part of Malone's argument for Marc being expelled was that he couldn't be expected to protect Faythe. He was the one that showed up when no one else did to save her butt, once again. I get being punished over failure to follow the rules so I won't argue further.
I did enjoy the book despite my earlier comments. A good book elicits a reaction, even if that reaction makes your stomach churn. I love the bear. He seems like the only sensible one in the story.

50 Ways to Hex Your Lover (Jazz Tremain, #1) - Linda Wisdom ★★★ 364 pgs

3.5
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the 2 main characters. The dialogue was funny and entertaining. However, the title is misleading and I expected a different story because of it. Instead of her "hexing her lover" the story focuses on Jazz, a witch, who has to help prevent a villain who is responsible for a whole slue of missing vampires. She is countered by the lovable Nike, who Jazz wants to murder and jump at the same time do to their past history. I'm curious to see what's next in the series.

Hex Appeal (Jazz Tremaine, #2) - Linda Wisdom ★★★ 354 pgs

Wicked By Any Other Name (Jazz Tremaine, #3) - Linda Wisdom ★★★ 384 pgs

Very cute witch story. Although, Jazz is now a minor character. In this one the town turns against the witches because of a scorned mortal who's a ... well you know... as well as some outside forces. There's some heat to this one and a running joke between that the guys are in on, but the gals aren't that is entertaining.