book mooches (part 1)
Going to the CLSC (free clinic) to get some blood work done and to be given a vaccine and then learning you need to call the Youth service to make an appointment is not what I had in mind when I woke up early on my day off. Not only that, but I had to make an appointment with my doc (I hate him) for the vaccination because the CLSC doesn't do those. And oh, for the blood/urine sample? They only do it from 7-10am, and I don't know how long the waiting is so that means another early morning next Wednesday because I can't afford to be late for work any other day :( I am not a morning person.
I've mooched 123 books (+11 pending) since I got my bookmooch account almost exactly last year.
Here's an overview, should you be interested.
Lauring Wittig, Charming the Shrew
I'd read her Highland Fling offering and it wasn't spectacular, but somewhat interesting, so I decided to give this one a try. It's inspired by Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, which I hadn't read at the time, and was enjoyable. Set in medieaval Scotland, Tayg is forced to step into his deceased brother's shoes and do right by his clan and marry Cat whose shrewishness is her defense against the men in her life who have always treated her like a servant and expect her to be one to her husband.
Karen Robards, Superstition
I've waxed poetic about Robards's contemporary suspense novels a lot already, but once again I recommend this author if you're into romantic suspense - the romance is just a product of the situation the characters are thrown into, so don't go thinking it's all swooning and all. Don't you know I don't have patience for that sort of thing? ;P Anyhow, the story is about a female journalist investigating the unsolved murder of a teenage girl that occurred fifteen years before. But another murder soon proves that the killer has unfinished business-and secrets to keep hidden. It's not my favourite Robards novel, but I did enjoy it.
Karen Robards, Irresistible
I believe this is one of her older novels - just wanted to check out her non-contemporary stuff. And honestly? Even as I'm reading the blurb from Amazon I'm... I don't remember this book. Hence, it didn't really mark me. Hence, probably, it's not worth the read. lol
Iris Johansen, The Ugly Duckling
"If fate suddenly made you more beautiful that you ever dreamed possible, would it be the beginning of a fairy tale, or your worst nightmare?" I can't remember much more than the whole Mary Sue-ish beauty the character suddenly has after an atrocious near-death experience and subsequent plastic surgery, but all in all I'm not a big fan of Johansen's writing style (stale) or her consistent use of child torture as a plot device. I'm really sick and tired of it.
Linda Howard, Almost forever
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. I sincerely love Howard's romatic suspense novels, but this contemporary was atrocious at best. It was merely written so she could sigh and pine over some blond Greek god type and write the worst type of romantic tripe I've ever read. Not only that, but the tough businessman suddenly turns into this wooing and "I love you so much" idiot? No way, man, no way. I think you only want to read this if it's the last book on earth. No. Wait. Not even then. God that was a waste. And the worst is, I couldn't stop the horror show.
Elizabeth Lowell, Death is Forever
Now this woman's romantic suspense/thriller, I love. She has it, and she's my favourite author in the genre. In addition, I believe this book is my favourite of hers. It's a rollercoaster ride in the Australian Outback where the diamond trail is an unforgiving and deadly trade. I'm serious, you will not be disappointed. Also, this book is an updated version of Ann Maxwell's (Lowell's alter ego in the mystery genre I believe) The Diamond Tiger, from the 80's I think.
Elizabeth Lowell, Jade Island
Second in the Donovan family trilogy (they deal in the gem trade). This one is obviously centered around the jade trade, in San Francisco. I've said this before (and this goes for Death is Forever, too) but this author researches her subjects down to the last detail. I'm serious. From gems to paintings to illumination. Reading her books is like attending a class on the subject she's dealing with. It's awesome.
Raymond Khoury, The Sanctuary
I've read him before (The Last Templar) and thought he was a fantastic historical thriller writer. This one delivered as well, though it left me in tears at the near end - let's just say there's a major character death - and even now I'm in denial about it. That is all. But otherwise it was awesome and for those who liked Da Vinci Code you'll find the style is similar but it's gorier.
Cecily von Ziegesar, Gossip Girl #1
I told myself I would never read this author again after this book, but I was wrong: I read the Chuck/Blair scenes in the last book. Nevertheless, the storytelling is atrocious and thank God the tv show happened because i much prefer it.
Linda Howard, Shades of Twilight
This one was... okay. The incestuous nature of the plot intrigued me because it reminded me of VC Andrews's Dollaganger series, but honestly it's not at all at the same level of OMG. In SoT, the characters are cousins (twice removed I believe). All in all, not so scandalous, but it was an okay read, just not a lifetime shelf resident.
Allison Brennan, See No Evil
I couldn't get into this book and, frankly, I don't even want to revisit the blurb to remember what it's about because it left me wholly underwhelmed on a whole.
Forster, Undercover Angel
I don't even want to research the author's first name (it's listed this way in bookmooch, possibly because no one even cared enough about her to search out her whole name haha) because I just want to say that this was a terrible read. I'm all for cougar-lovin' but... eck, this was terrible storytelling.
Mariah Stewart, Voices Carry
Hmm, I'm not sure I even received this book after all. If not, it just suffered the same fate as Brennan's book. Didn't care!
Monica McCarty, Highlander Unmasked
Male lead is a mercenary and has gone to court on a mission to protect his clan. He saved a young woman from outlaws, however, and he never dreamed she'd be there at court, botching his plans. She fantasises about him and blah blah blah. If you're into Scotland, it's a good read, but otherwise this whole trilogy left me very meh.
Neil Gaiman, Anansi Boys
A very cool and weird concept but I found out right then and there I'm not much of a Gaiman fan. Still, it was fun. Fat Charlie Nancy's normal life ended the moment his father dropped dead on a Florida karaoke stage. Charlie didn't know his dad was a god. And he never knew he had a brother. Now brother Spider's on his doorstep-about to make Fat Charlie's life more interesting . . . and a lot more dangerous.
Suzanne Brockmann, Out of Control
I really, really dig Brockmann's Troubleshooters series. Navy SEALs, FBI, CIA, PIs, etc. They're all there. Seriously awesome for a fan of military romance :)
Brenda Novak, Watch Me
The Last Stand series, book 3. Sheridan Kohl was just a teenager parked at the lake in Whiterock, Tennessee with a boy named Jason when a stranger wearing a ski mask shot them both. Sheridan lived but Jason died--and the stranger was never caught. Twelve years later, by working at The Last Stand, Sheridan has learned a thing or two about investigating crime. She returns to Whiterock, intent on achieving answers at last. But someone doesn't want the truth to come out. I liked this book, but it's a one-time read for me. It was very poignant, that's for sure, what with the subject matter, and the storytelling was very well-delivered.
Scott Westerfeld, Pretties
I didn't think I'd get into it with the first couple chapters where the main character is all "bubbly", but ooooh what a great read. And representative of what consumerism may turn society into in the future. A very bleak future, to be sure.
Laurin Wittig, Daring the Highlander
Another okay read from an okay writer. As penance for his older brother's treachery, Robert the Bruce bestows Assynt Castle upon Ailig for remaining faithful to him. The laird of the castle, his own father, is bitter at having to step down, and so Ailig enlists beautiful widow Morainn's help.
Cindy Gerard, Into The Dark
Part of the Bodyguards series. I wasn't overwhelmed, but it was fine. Typical "I can't offer you my love, I'm a loner, blah blah blah" from the tough type bodyguard.
Linda Howard, To Die For
Blair Mallory is a bloody ditz and if she'd been real I would have loved to wrap my hands around her pretty neck and twist. God, she was so... so... ARGH I wanted to kill her slowly she was such an annoying twit. I can't believe I toughed her out for two books. I think the first was more palatable but... Jesus I'm patient.
Linda Howard, Drop Dead Gorgeous
... and with no brains. This is the second book. This is the book I wanted to fling out the window, although the first one also came close.
Jayne Ann Krentz, Falling Awake
I believe this one was about dream analysis. It was very intriguing and very fresh and hey, if you're into something that's completely out of the ordinary, you might dig. Krentz is known for her unconventional paranormals (superpowers or rather enhanced senses and that sort of thing - popular paranormal has usually more to do with vampires and such) and this was right up that ante :)
Veronica Wolff, Sword of the Highlands
Did I read this one? Hmm, looking at the cover I'm pretty sure I never received the book. Hmmmmm...
Suzanne Brockmann, Into the Night
Again part of the Troubleshooters series. This one's a cougar fic, which you honestly don't see much of, so it was fresh. It's not my favourite, but it sets the scene for the rest of the series, pretty much, since in the next book Joe gets in doo-doo with the powers that be in the Navy and he'll make a decision that changes his life (that's hardly a spoiler, btw, it's in that book's blurb).
Karen Robards, Guilty
Ooh that was a rollercoaster ride. Single mother, attorney, her cell suddenly goes off in court, and her past catches up with her. That summary hardly does it justice, but it was a neat read.
Kinley MacGregor, Born in Sin
I have vowed never to read Kinley MacGregor or Sherrilyn Kenyon (one and the same, only the first is for her Scottish medieavals and the second for her contemporary cult paranormals). I seriously do not get the obsession with this writer, her writing's all the same: sexxxxxxy hunk, it's embarrassing really. Not to mention that her writing itself is bland at best.
Sabrina Jeffries, Let Sleeping Rogues Lie
Heeee for some reason I've fallen really deeply in love with the School for Heiresses series. Dunno why, it's just so fun and... yeah, I can't explain :D This series delights me haha. Very light reading though, but fun. I particularly enjoyed the bit where the "rogue" is teaching the girls what to watch out for when among men. Female lead is a teacher at the school, obviously.
Kinley MacGregor, Taming the Scotsman
Again, a very infuriating read by the queen of bland.
Linda Howard, Kill and Tell
As a nurse, Karen Whitlaw has seen more than the average person, but even she isn't prepared to identify the body of the father she hasn't seen since she was 13. The local detective on the case, Marc Chastain, informs Karen that her father, who was homeless, has been murdered. Still grief stricken over the recent death of her mother, Karen isn't prepared to examine her feelings about her father and his absence from her life. She is willing to accept that he was the victim of street crime until her home is burglarized and she becomes the target for some frightening "accidents." Whoever killed her father is after her, and the only hope she has for discovering why must lie in the notebook that Karen's father mailed to her mother shortly before his death. Good read, predictable but okay.
Sabrina Jeffries, Only a Duke Will Do
Louisa had Simon Tremaine sent far away from England (to India in fact) when he made a fool out of her (I can't remember all the details). He's now returned, with ulterior motives, and she likes her independence, thank you very much, so it's heated banter after heated banter (read: angry) between them and it's royal good fun actually.
Sherrilyn Kenyon, Devil May Cry
I think I liked this one. Sort of. However, as with all the rest of my MacGregor/Kenyon books, I gave it away. Good effing riddance.
Elizabeth Lowell, Pearl Cove
Part of the Donovan family series (about gems). Pearls from Thailand I believe. Excellent read as always :)
Marliss Melton, Don't Let Go
Oooh my love of all things military romance :) A rec if you're a fan of the genre. It's love that keeps teacher Jordan Bliss up at night: the lost love for a Venezuelan orphan named Miguel...and the memory of a Navy SEAL tearing him from her arms. Now in the U.S. and longing for her child, Jordan vows to somehow, some way, bring Miguel home.
Suzanne Brockmann, Flashpoint
Now Nash and a quickly assembled team of expert operators have come to the earthquake-ravaged country of Kazbekistan in the guise of relief workers. There, amid the dust and death, in a land of blood red sunsets and ancient blood feuds, they must track down a missing laptop computer that may hold secrets vital to national security. To get it done, Nash does what he does best: break every rule in the book and manipulate those who can help him get what he needs. But this time, Nash may have met his match in Tess Bailey, an Troubleshooters operative with all the right instincts-and zero field experience. Incidentally the side story about Sophia and whatshisname was perhaps more engaging to me.
Lara Adrian, Veil of Midnight
The vampire story that put Montreal on the paranormal romance map, baby! That was a very cool surprise, I gotta admit, but also I have to disappoint some readers: the brunt of the story didn't actually take place IN Montreal, but I suspect somewhere in the Laurentides which is more hilly country. But hey, I'll take a Quebec nod anytime ;) Erm, as for the storyline... I must admit I'm not much of a Breed series fan -- I have some reservations as to the whole "vampires are aliens and are all men who must couple with a Breedmate, a compatible woman that is". It sits weird in my head, honestly, and personally I prefer the more private society created by JR Ward. That said, the writing's okay, just a bit bland to me *shrugs*
Suzanne Brockmann, Gone Too Far
In his career as one of America’s elite warriors, Lt. Sam Starrett can do no wrong. In his private life, Sam-the king of one night stands-has done little right. Now, he’s waiting for a divorce and determined to stay active in his young daughter’s life. But when Sam shows up at the door of his ex-wife’s home in Sarasota, Florida, he makes a grisly discovery. His daughter is gone and the body of a woman lies brutally murdered on the floor.
Suzanne Brockmann, Hot Target
Someone apparently sent me this book, but I never got it. It's about a SEAL I'm really, really intrigued about!
Sabrina Jeffries, Never Seduce a Scoundrel
Lady Amelia Plume has many admirers -- it's too bad they're all fortune hunters and fops who can't provide the exotic adventures she seeks. But the ballrooms of Mayfair have become much more appealing since the arrival of Major Lucas Winter, an American with a dark past and a dangerous air. Lucas is brash, arrogant -- and scandalously tempting. .. and he has an ulterior motive. It's not my favourite of the bunch, but I rather liked it.
Suzanne Brockmann, Into the Storm
This one was really, really awesome in that all of the Troubleshooters and the FBI staff we know was there :D And I like snowstorms. Yay! In a remote, frozen corner of New Hampshire, a Navy SEAL team and the elite security experts of Troubleshooters, Incorporated are going head-to-head as fierce but friendly rivals in a raid-and-rescue training exercise. Despite the frigid winter temperatures, tension smolders between veteran SEAL Petty Officer Mark “Jenk” Jenkins and former cop turned Troubleshooter Lindsey Fontaine after an impulsive night goes awry. And then, suddenly, Tracy Shapiro, the Troubleshooters’ new receptionist, vanishes while playing the role of hostage during a mock rescue operation.
Elizabeth Lowell, Blue Smoke and Murder
It's a shame I can't remember this book, because I do have it on my shelf, to stay. Argh, that's annoying, not remembering something good. But if I remember correctly, it's kind of noir-ish, which is always cool.
Keri Arthur, Full Moon Rising
Hmm, I'm not much into the vampire-and-werewolf deal this girl's got going in her veins. Not to mention the whole sex thing reminds me too much of Laurel K Hamilton's Anita Blake books which are basically porn. But the vampire dude, I like him. The girl drives me nuts though.
Marliss Melton, Next to Die
I've said it before: I love this author. Rec rec rec. Penny Price dreads the sound of her ringing phone. She's convinced that the person barraging her with threatening calls is a man who got away with murder--her father's. Armed with evidence but branded a target, Penny's only salvation is the playboy nextdoor--Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Joe Montgomery. The sole survivor of the worst disaster in Special Forces history, Joe has been drowning his guilt in a potent mix of alcohol and isolation. Penny refuses to indulge his behavior and a tentative friendship begins, charged with desire. But as her father's killer sets his sights on Penny, all bets are off. The killer will do anything to protect his identity and Joe fears Penny is next to die.
Marliss Melton, In the Dark
Hannah Geary wants revenge. A rogue SEAL commander had her Defense Intelligence partner killed, he threw her into a Cuban prison, and he's still trafficking stolen weapons. But to catch a bad SEAL, she needs a good one. Lt. Luther Lindstrom is used to calling his own shots-in combat and in the bedroom. He just ended his engagement to his pretty-in-pink, cheating fiancée. The last thing he wants is a relationship, especially with a sexy, strong-willed woman like Hannah. Yet danger has a way of driving people together. With Hannah and Luther only a step away from one of the FBI's most wanted criminals, their attraction grows to explosive proportions.
Elizabeth Lowell, Amber Beach
Part of the Donovan family series (about gems). Honor Donovan needs help and she needs it fast. Her brother Kyle is missing, along with a fortune in rare Baltic Amber. Honor hires the lethally attractive fishing guide Jake Mallory to guide her through the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands where she believes Kyle to be. Little does Jake know the web of intrigue he has entered--or does he? Is Jake really the experienced guide he says he is or does he have his own agenda? And just how long can Honor resist the rugged charms of this mysterious fishing guide?
(part two coming soon, I gotta have lunch)
I've mooched 123 books (+11 pending) since I got my bookmooch account almost exactly last year.
Here's an overview, should you be interested.
Lauring Wittig, Charming the Shrew
I'd read her Highland Fling offering and it wasn't spectacular, but somewhat interesting, so I decided to give this one a try. It's inspired by Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, which I hadn't read at the time, and was enjoyable. Set in medieaval Scotland, Tayg is forced to step into his deceased brother's shoes and do right by his clan and marry Cat whose shrewishness is her defense against the men in her life who have always treated her like a servant and expect her to be one to her husband.
Karen Robards, Superstition
I've waxed poetic about Robards's contemporary suspense novels a lot already, but once again I recommend this author if you're into romantic suspense - the romance is just a product of the situation the characters are thrown into, so don't go thinking it's all swooning and all. Don't you know I don't have patience for that sort of thing? ;P Anyhow, the story is about a female journalist investigating the unsolved murder of a teenage girl that occurred fifteen years before. But another murder soon proves that the killer has unfinished business-and secrets to keep hidden. It's not my favourite Robards novel, but I did enjoy it.
Karen Robards, Irresistible
I believe this is one of her older novels - just wanted to check out her non-contemporary stuff. And honestly? Even as I'm reading the blurb from Amazon I'm... I don't remember this book. Hence, it didn't really mark me. Hence, probably, it's not worth the read. lol
Iris Johansen, The Ugly Duckling
"If fate suddenly made you more beautiful that you ever dreamed possible, would it be the beginning of a fairy tale, or your worst nightmare?" I can't remember much more than the whole Mary Sue-ish beauty the character suddenly has after an atrocious near-death experience and subsequent plastic surgery, but all in all I'm not a big fan of Johansen's writing style (stale) or her consistent use of child torture as a plot device. I'm really sick and tired of it.
Linda Howard, Almost forever
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. I sincerely love Howard's romatic suspense novels, but this contemporary was atrocious at best. It was merely written so she could sigh and pine over some blond Greek god type and write the worst type of romantic tripe I've ever read. Not only that, but the tough businessman suddenly turns into this wooing and "I love you so much" idiot? No way, man, no way. I think you only want to read this if it's the last book on earth. No. Wait. Not even then. God that was a waste. And the worst is, I couldn't stop the horror show.
Elizabeth Lowell, Death is Forever
Now this woman's romantic suspense/thriller, I love. She has it, and she's my favourite author in the genre. In addition, I believe this book is my favourite of hers. It's a rollercoaster ride in the Australian Outback where the diamond trail is an unforgiving and deadly trade. I'm serious, you will not be disappointed. Also, this book is an updated version of Ann Maxwell's (Lowell's alter ego in the mystery genre I believe) The Diamond Tiger, from the 80's I think.
Elizabeth Lowell, Jade Island
Second in the Donovan family trilogy (they deal in the gem trade). This one is obviously centered around the jade trade, in San Francisco. I've said this before (and this goes for Death is Forever, too) but this author researches her subjects down to the last detail. I'm serious. From gems to paintings to illumination. Reading her books is like attending a class on the subject she's dealing with. It's awesome.
Raymond Khoury, The Sanctuary
I've read him before (The Last Templar) and thought he was a fantastic historical thriller writer. This one delivered as well, though it left me in tears at the near end - let's just say there's a major character death - and even now I'm in denial about it. That is all. But otherwise it was awesome and for those who liked Da Vinci Code you'll find the style is similar but it's gorier.
Cecily von Ziegesar, Gossip Girl #1
I told myself I would never read this author again after this book, but I was wrong: I read the Chuck/Blair scenes in the last book. Nevertheless, the storytelling is atrocious and thank God the tv show happened because i much prefer it.
Linda Howard, Shades of Twilight
This one was... okay. The incestuous nature of the plot intrigued me because it reminded me of VC Andrews's Dollaganger series, but honestly it's not at all at the same level of OMG. In SoT, the characters are cousins (twice removed I believe). All in all, not so scandalous, but it was an okay read, just not a lifetime shelf resident.
Allison Brennan, See No Evil
I couldn't get into this book and, frankly, I don't even want to revisit the blurb to remember what it's about because it left me wholly underwhelmed on a whole.
Forster, Undercover Angel
I don't even want to research the author's first name (it's listed this way in bookmooch, possibly because no one even cared enough about her to search out her whole name haha) because I just want to say that this was a terrible read. I'm all for cougar-lovin' but... eck, this was terrible storytelling.
Mariah Stewart, Voices Carry
Hmm, I'm not sure I even received this book after all. If not, it just suffered the same fate as Brennan's book. Didn't care!
Monica McCarty, Highlander Unmasked
Male lead is a mercenary and has gone to court on a mission to protect his clan. He saved a young woman from outlaws, however, and he never dreamed she'd be there at court, botching his plans. She fantasises about him and blah blah blah. If you're into Scotland, it's a good read, but otherwise this whole trilogy left me very meh.
Neil Gaiman, Anansi Boys
A very cool and weird concept but I found out right then and there I'm not much of a Gaiman fan. Still, it was fun. Fat Charlie Nancy's normal life ended the moment his father dropped dead on a Florida karaoke stage. Charlie didn't know his dad was a god. And he never knew he had a brother. Now brother Spider's on his doorstep-about to make Fat Charlie's life more interesting . . . and a lot more dangerous.
Suzanne Brockmann, Out of Control
I really, really dig Brockmann's Troubleshooters series. Navy SEALs, FBI, CIA, PIs, etc. They're all there. Seriously awesome for a fan of military romance :)
Brenda Novak, Watch Me
The Last Stand series, book 3. Sheridan Kohl was just a teenager parked at the lake in Whiterock, Tennessee with a boy named Jason when a stranger wearing a ski mask shot them both. Sheridan lived but Jason died--and the stranger was never caught. Twelve years later, by working at The Last Stand, Sheridan has learned a thing or two about investigating crime. She returns to Whiterock, intent on achieving answers at last. But someone doesn't want the truth to come out. I liked this book, but it's a one-time read for me. It was very poignant, that's for sure, what with the subject matter, and the storytelling was very well-delivered.
Scott Westerfeld, Pretties
I didn't think I'd get into it with the first couple chapters where the main character is all "bubbly", but ooooh what a great read. And representative of what consumerism may turn society into in the future. A very bleak future, to be sure.
Laurin Wittig, Daring the Highlander
Another okay read from an okay writer. As penance for his older brother's treachery, Robert the Bruce bestows Assynt Castle upon Ailig for remaining faithful to him. The laird of the castle, his own father, is bitter at having to step down, and so Ailig enlists beautiful widow Morainn's help.
Cindy Gerard, Into The Dark
Part of the Bodyguards series. I wasn't overwhelmed, but it was fine. Typical "I can't offer you my love, I'm a loner, blah blah blah" from the tough type bodyguard.
Linda Howard, To Die For
Blair Mallory is a bloody ditz and if she'd been real I would have loved to wrap my hands around her pretty neck and twist. God, she was so... so... ARGH I wanted to kill her slowly she was such an annoying twit. I can't believe I toughed her out for two books. I think the first was more palatable but... Jesus I'm patient.
Linda Howard, Drop Dead Gorgeous
... and with no brains. This is the second book. This is the book I wanted to fling out the window, although the first one also came close.
Jayne Ann Krentz, Falling Awake
I believe this one was about dream analysis. It was very intriguing and very fresh and hey, if you're into something that's completely out of the ordinary, you might dig. Krentz is known for her unconventional paranormals (superpowers or rather enhanced senses and that sort of thing - popular paranormal has usually more to do with vampires and such) and this was right up that ante :)
Veronica Wolff, Sword of the Highlands
Did I read this one? Hmm, looking at the cover I'm pretty sure I never received the book. Hmmmmm...
Suzanne Brockmann, Into the Night
Again part of the Troubleshooters series. This one's a cougar fic, which you honestly don't see much of, so it was fresh. It's not my favourite, but it sets the scene for the rest of the series, pretty much, since in the next book Joe gets in doo-doo with the powers that be in the Navy and he'll make a decision that changes his life (that's hardly a spoiler, btw, it's in that book's blurb).
Karen Robards, Guilty
Ooh that was a rollercoaster ride. Single mother, attorney, her cell suddenly goes off in court, and her past catches up with her. That summary hardly does it justice, but it was a neat read.
Kinley MacGregor, Born in Sin
I have vowed never to read Kinley MacGregor or Sherrilyn Kenyon (one and the same, only the first is for her Scottish medieavals and the second for her contemporary cult paranormals). I seriously do not get the obsession with this writer, her writing's all the same: sexxxxxxy hunk, it's embarrassing really. Not to mention that her writing itself is bland at best.
Sabrina Jeffries, Let Sleeping Rogues Lie
Heeee for some reason I've fallen really deeply in love with the School for Heiresses series. Dunno why, it's just so fun and... yeah, I can't explain :D This series delights me haha. Very light reading though, but fun. I particularly enjoyed the bit where the "rogue" is teaching the girls what to watch out for when among men. Female lead is a teacher at the school, obviously.
Kinley MacGregor, Taming the Scotsman
Again, a very infuriating read by the queen of bland.
Linda Howard, Kill and Tell
As a nurse, Karen Whitlaw has seen more than the average person, but even she isn't prepared to identify the body of the father she hasn't seen since she was 13. The local detective on the case, Marc Chastain, informs Karen that her father, who was homeless, has been murdered. Still grief stricken over the recent death of her mother, Karen isn't prepared to examine her feelings about her father and his absence from her life. She is willing to accept that he was the victim of street crime until her home is burglarized and she becomes the target for some frightening "accidents." Whoever killed her father is after her, and the only hope she has for discovering why must lie in the notebook that Karen's father mailed to her mother shortly before his death. Good read, predictable but okay.
Sabrina Jeffries, Only a Duke Will Do
Louisa had Simon Tremaine sent far away from England (to India in fact) when he made a fool out of her (I can't remember all the details). He's now returned, with ulterior motives, and she likes her independence, thank you very much, so it's heated banter after heated banter (read: angry) between them and it's royal good fun actually.
Sherrilyn Kenyon, Devil May Cry
I think I liked this one. Sort of. However, as with all the rest of my MacGregor/Kenyon books, I gave it away. Good effing riddance.
Elizabeth Lowell, Pearl Cove
Part of the Donovan family series (about gems). Pearls from Thailand I believe. Excellent read as always :)
Marliss Melton, Don't Let Go
Oooh my love of all things military romance :) A rec if you're a fan of the genre. It's love that keeps teacher Jordan Bliss up at night: the lost love for a Venezuelan orphan named Miguel...and the memory of a Navy SEAL tearing him from her arms. Now in the U.S. and longing for her child, Jordan vows to somehow, some way, bring Miguel home.
Suzanne Brockmann, Flashpoint
Now Nash and a quickly assembled team of expert operators have come to the earthquake-ravaged country of Kazbekistan in the guise of relief workers. There, amid the dust and death, in a land of blood red sunsets and ancient blood feuds, they must track down a missing laptop computer that may hold secrets vital to national security. To get it done, Nash does what he does best: break every rule in the book and manipulate those who can help him get what he needs. But this time, Nash may have met his match in Tess Bailey, an Troubleshooters operative with all the right instincts-and zero field experience. Incidentally the side story about Sophia and whatshisname was perhaps more engaging to me.
Lara Adrian, Veil of Midnight
The vampire story that put Montreal on the paranormal romance map, baby! That was a very cool surprise, I gotta admit, but also I have to disappoint some readers: the brunt of the story didn't actually take place IN Montreal, but I suspect somewhere in the Laurentides which is more hilly country. But hey, I'll take a Quebec nod anytime ;) Erm, as for the storyline... I must admit I'm not much of a Breed series fan -- I have some reservations as to the whole "vampires are aliens and are all men who must couple with a Breedmate, a compatible woman that is". It sits weird in my head, honestly, and personally I prefer the more private society created by JR Ward. That said, the writing's okay, just a bit bland to me *shrugs*
Suzanne Brockmann, Gone Too Far
In his career as one of America’s elite warriors, Lt. Sam Starrett can do no wrong. In his private life, Sam-the king of one night stands-has done little right. Now, he’s waiting for a divorce and determined to stay active in his young daughter’s life. But when Sam shows up at the door of his ex-wife’s home in Sarasota, Florida, he makes a grisly discovery. His daughter is gone and the body of a woman lies brutally murdered on the floor.
Suzanne Brockmann, Hot Target
Someone apparently sent me this book, but I never got it. It's about a SEAL I'm really, really intrigued about!
Sabrina Jeffries, Never Seduce a Scoundrel
Lady Amelia Plume has many admirers -- it's too bad they're all fortune hunters and fops who can't provide the exotic adventures she seeks. But the ballrooms of Mayfair have become much more appealing since the arrival of Major Lucas Winter, an American with a dark past and a dangerous air. Lucas is brash, arrogant -- and scandalously tempting. .. and he has an ulterior motive. It's not my favourite of the bunch, but I rather liked it.
Suzanne Brockmann, Into the Storm
This one was really, really awesome in that all of the Troubleshooters and the FBI staff we know was there :D And I like snowstorms. Yay! In a remote, frozen corner of New Hampshire, a Navy SEAL team and the elite security experts of Troubleshooters, Incorporated are going head-to-head as fierce but friendly rivals in a raid-and-rescue training exercise. Despite the frigid winter temperatures, tension smolders between veteran SEAL Petty Officer Mark “Jenk” Jenkins and former cop turned Troubleshooter Lindsey Fontaine after an impulsive night goes awry. And then, suddenly, Tracy Shapiro, the Troubleshooters’ new receptionist, vanishes while playing the role of hostage during a mock rescue operation.
Elizabeth Lowell, Blue Smoke and Murder
It's a shame I can't remember this book, because I do have it on my shelf, to stay. Argh, that's annoying, not remembering something good. But if I remember correctly, it's kind of noir-ish, which is always cool.
Keri Arthur, Full Moon Rising
Hmm, I'm not much into the vampire-and-werewolf deal this girl's got going in her veins. Not to mention the whole sex thing reminds me too much of Laurel K Hamilton's Anita Blake books which are basically porn. But the vampire dude, I like him. The girl drives me nuts though.
Marliss Melton, Next to Die
I've said it before: I love this author. Rec rec rec. Penny Price dreads the sound of her ringing phone. She's convinced that the person barraging her with threatening calls is a man who got away with murder--her father's. Armed with evidence but branded a target, Penny's only salvation is the playboy nextdoor--Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Joe Montgomery. The sole survivor of the worst disaster in Special Forces history, Joe has been drowning his guilt in a potent mix of alcohol and isolation. Penny refuses to indulge his behavior and a tentative friendship begins, charged with desire. But as her father's killer sets his sights on Penny, all bets are off. The killer will do anything to protect his identity and Joe fears Penny is next to die.
Marliss Melton, In the Dark
Hannah Geary wants revenge. A rogue SEAL commander had her Defense Intelligence partner killed, he threw her into a Cuban prison, and he's still trafficking stolen weapons. But to catch a bad SEAL, she needs a good one. Lt. Luther Lindstrom is used to calling his own shots-in combat and in the bedroom. He just ended his engagement to his pretty-in-pink, cheating fiancée. The last thing he wants is a relationship, especially with a sexy, strong-willed woman like Hannah. Yet danger has a way of driving people together. With Hannah and Luther only a step away from one of the FBI's most wanted criminals, their attraction grows to explosive proportions.
Elizabeth Lowell, Amber Beach
Part of the Donovan family series (about gems). Honor Donovan needs help and she needs it fast. Her brother Kyle is missing, along with a fortune in rare Baltic Amber. Honor hires the lethally attractive fishing guide Jake Mallory to guide her through the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands where she believes Kyle to be. Little does Jake know the web of intrigue he has entered--or does he? Is Jake really the experienced guide he says he is or does he have his own agenda? And just how long can Honor resist the rugged charms of this mysterious fishing guide?
(part two coming soon, I gotta have lunch)