What I've been reading lately - part 1

Although I haven't had the time to write reviews I have been reading. It the seem the more stressful the period the more books I grab to read. I have been updating my Goodreads account but I thought of posting them here too.

So here's what I have been reading:

Once Upon a Tower - Eloisa James

One can always depend on James for a nice story and this was no exception. Nothing memorable but nice.

Forbidden Falls- Robyn Carr

The latest books in this series feel a bit like more of the same but I have keeping up and that means they are still working for me.

The Sins ofthe Wolf - Anne Perry

I don't know why it takes me so long to grab Perry's books because by now I know I am going to love them. This one was very good especially because Hester was in the spotlight and not in a good way. I guess it because they are full of susbstance and make think that I can' t manage one after another. I like to have some time between reads so I can keep savoting them after closing the last page.

Rainshadow Road - Lisa Kleypas

I decided to give another try to Kleypas contemporaries and while did not love them completely it made for an intereting read. (it's the paranormal element that's holding me back I think). After this one I grabbed Dream Lake and Crystal Cove and felt the same. My favourite ended up being Alex Nolan because I felt he had the most difficult path ahead of him and quite liked his girl. 

A Very Long Engagement - Sebastian Japrisot

A great premise but a not so great execution. I never warmed up to the main character, thought that a more substantial eplanation was needed for what had happened and felt the ending was a bit meh.

Shield of Winter - Nalini Singh

Loved this one. Yes it's similar to Heart of Obsidian but I quite enjoyed it nonetheless. Looking forward to the next book!

The Escape - Mary Balogh

It is not a good thing that a few weeks after having read it I can barely remember the story. I am a bit Balogh fan and I haven't enjoyed her latest books as I used to I'm afraid. Gone back to me notes and I can say it was an ok read (much like the James I mentioned earlier) but I am always hoping for more from her.

Haven - Kay Hooper

I really disliked this one. The main characters change in the middle of the book ( or at least that how I saw it) and I felt a bit manipulated by what happened.

Angel's Peak - Virgin River

A really good one with a secret baby plot. Not my usual favourite but it worked out ok.

There's more to come but I'll save it for another day. The fact that I organise my reads wth Fictfact has made me read more series books than stand alones and I still have lot's of them to catch up with.

Turn My World Upside Down - Maureen Child

Josefina 'Jo' Marconi's world just shifted out of orbit. Both of her sisters are pregnant, she's facing finals in her quest to at last get her college degree, the man who traumatized her in college is running for a Senate seat, and she has to move back into the family home and watch over the boy whose very existence shattered her nice little world. Ten-year-old Jack is the product of an affair her father had while her mother was dying of cancer. Ever since Jo found out about this, she and her father have been walking a wide berth around each other. As if that wasn't enough complication, Cash Hunter--the man known as "The Woman Whisperer"--has moved back to town. He has a reputation: once a woman sleeps with him, she's completely satisfied, and she immediately heads off to save the world. As Jo becomes more and more interested in Cash, she learns that he's determined not to sleep with any woman he wants to stick around--especially not Jo. And Jo becomes just as determined to seduce him and prove that she's the one woman who will stay by his side. Together, Jo and Cash have to teach Jack and each other the true meaning of family and trust.

I have to admit I was a bit worried about reading Jo's book because reading the blurb Cash didn't seem the least bit appealing (woman whisperer???) but I have to give it to Child. Despite a few problems I really enjoyed reading this. In fact it may well be my favourite.

There was a lot going on in this story. Jo's past for one. We finally find out what happened to her that shaped he in who she is today and it is not pretty. While I cheered when she finally dealt with it I am not sure all that bonding is totally believable.

That she is the way she is is what keeps her from forgiving her father as fast as her sisters and what keeps a barrier between her and her half brother Jack. I did like it when she finally addresses those situations and feels free to move on.

Seeing as Jo had so many baggage I really don't think we needed a hero with the same amount of problems but there you go, that what Cash was. I loved how he bonded with Jack and how despite their sparring he and Jo manage a friendships of sorts over the boy. That he was there to support her when she needed was really well done and while I think it took him almost to long to see reason it didn't bother me too much because I knew he would turn up eventually.

I read somewhere that Child is Irish. That is funny because these books feature a very loud and proud Italian family. Sometimes I felt they were a bit too loud and proud but, not being Italian, I hesitate to say if it's overdone or not. That they love each other and fight with and alongside each is a wonderful testament to any family and I couldn't help appreciating that.

Grade: 4/5

The Countess Conspiracy - Courtney Milan

Sebastian Malheur is the most dangerous sort of rake: an educated one. When he’s not scandalizing ladies in the bedchamber, he’s outraging proper society with his scientific theories. He’s desired, reviled, acclaimed, and despised—and he laughs through it all.
Violet Waterfield, the widowed Countess of Cambury, on the other hand, is entirely respectable, and she’d like to stay that way. But Violet has a secret that is beyond ruinous, one that ties her irrevocably to England’s most infamous scoundrel: Sebastian’s theories aren’t his. They’re hers.So when Sebastian threatens to dissolve their years-long conspiracy, she’ll do anything to save their partnership...even if it means opening her vulnerable heart to the rake who could destroy it for good.

It took me a long time to write this review because I really had a hard time collecting my thoughts about this book. I wanted to love it. The idea of female scientists in the past appeals to me and I would love to see them recognised. I also liked the idea of someone as steadfast in his feelings as Sebastian apparently was. The thing is, I didn't really like Violet!

I'm thinking that it might be because I felt little empathy with her character. I couldn't help feeling sorry for her and her past but I never warmed up to the character.

On the other hand I loved Sebastian. I loved his sense of friendship, how strong his love for her was and how that made him  better person. I couldn't understand why he had fallen in love with her but I liked him.

Surprisingly I also liked Violet's mom very much. I only realised it more than halfway through the book but she was  very intelligent lady and with the courage required to save herself and hr daughters.

I am curious about the next book but I am not sure if I will be in a hurry to get it as Milan's heroines don't seem to work well for me.

Grade: 3/5

Three Weddings and a Murder - Anthology

"The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright" by Tessa Dare
Because of a foolish mistake in her youth, Miss Eliza Cade is not allowed "out" in Society until her three older sisters are wed. But while she's trying to be good, Eliza keeps bumping elbows--and lips--with the notorious rake Harry Wright. The passions he stirs in her are so wrong...but she just can't resist Mr. Wright.
"The Misbehaving Marquess," by Leigh LaValle
Having awaited the return of her husband for half a decade, Catherine Raybourne, the Marchioness of Foster, has no intention of reconciling with her misbehaving marquess. But when he insists he needs an heir--immediately--she must confront her own lingering desires. Can she protect her heart while attempting to win his once again?
"The Lady Always Wins," by Courtney Milan
Railway financier Simon Davenant has waited seven years for a second chance with his childhood sweetheart and best friend. He isn't about to let his impending financial ruin destroy the opportunity. This time, he'll do anything he can to secure her hand in marriage--even if it means losing her heart for good.
"Solomon's Wisdom," by Carey Baldwin
Bad-boy-turned-pediatrician Charlie "Drex" Drexler returns to Tangleheart, Texas hoping to reconnect with his old flame--but Anna won't cooperate, his dark past resurfaces, and his best friend's baby disappears. How will Drex and Anna mend their broken hearts while dodging bullets and racing to bring baby home safely?

Another anthology I had in the TBR pile and decided to pick up when I had an afternoon free. My favourites were Tessa Dare's and Courtney Milan's. They were both interesting with developed characters and while none were characters I liked they were readable stories.

The other two weren't as interesting to me and, especially, the last one felt  bit disjointed.

Night Broken - Patricia Briggs

An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from her new boyfriend. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right.Soon, her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the farthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy.Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s ex is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.

I was looking forward to this book ever since I first heard about it. I haven't been tempted by the other Briggs series but this one and the A&O set in the same world are real favourites.

This story follows closely the same plot lines that has been developed in the previous books: Mercy is living with her mate and his pack but the pack, or at lest certain members have a hard time adjusting to Mercy and she is given a hard time. While it didn't stop me from enjoying the book I think it's time to give it a rest.They should either accept Mercy or go away before this starts to be boring instead of just annoying.

Besides said pack members in this story Mercy has to deal with Adam's ex-wife who is on the run from a monster. I didn't much like Christy. She is manipulative and self centered. But I never really felt Mercy was threatened by her because Adam did a good job of not allowing her to play him like she did some of the others. I wouldn't have minded to see live elsewhere though.

The monster Christy is running away from is based on an interesting mythology and I really liked that. I also liked the new character - Gary - and was a bit disappointed in Coyote. He and Christy would have made a good match.

I was sorry not to see Bran though...

Grade: 4/5

That Holiday Feeling - Anthology

Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber
In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says "I do."
The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods
Will bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime? He sure will ... if Savannah Holiday's aunt Mae as anything to do with it.
Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr 
When the folks of Virgin River discover a box of adorable puppies under the town's Christmas tree they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it's his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues --- and tails --- wagging!

I usually save my Christmas books to read during the Holiday Season but I wanted to continue with the Virgin Rover series and this one included one of the short stories.

I did read the other two stories but the one I enjoyed the most was the Virgin River one.

Silver Bells, by Debbie Macomber

This was an OK story but it is part of a series and I feel that if I had read the series I would probably have enjoyed it more. As it is it was just ok and a bit too short for me to actually get to know and root for the characters.

 The Perfect Holiday, by Sherryl Woods

Owning a B&B is one my oldest dreams so this had an added interest for me. I did feel that I had to suspend my disbelief for a while as I don't thinks I would have stayed in the same house as someone I didn't know but other than that it was sweet and christmasy.

Under the Christmas Tree, by Robyn Carr

As I've mentioned this was my favourite from this books. Most of it is not really set in VR but some of the characters and Jack's bar do appear and I did like the cosy atmosphere Carr manages to show in her books. I really liked Nate's interaction with Annie's family and she seemed like a real nice and grounded person.

Overall grade: 3.5/5

Inês de Portugal - João Aguiar

The story of the love of Pedro and Inês is one of the most famous and tragic love stories in the history of Portugal. There are several books on the subject - last year, for this challenge, I read one other - and since João Aguiar is an author I have been meaning to try I couldn't resist picking this one up.

I really enjoyed how the author chooses to approach the legend. When the story begins Inês is already dead and Pedro is king! His search for her murderers has ended and he is about to sentence them. It is through the eyes of  Alvaro Pais that we get to know the king and through the kings memories that we get to know his affair with Inês.

The story doesn't follow a chronological order as it goes back and forth depending on the events being related or remembered. I quite liked Pedro's description as an obsessed man and found this a very intense reading.

I really enjoyed it!

A Crazy Kind of Love - Maureen Child

Lucas Gallagher is the geek who bought the land Michaela "Mike" Marconi wanted for her dream house. She thinks he's infuriating, annoying and totally rude. Yet, he gets to her more than any other man ever has. But though Lucas may be a scientist, he's the rock star of scientists. His inventions have made him millions, his research is reshaping the study of medicine and he holds patents for numerous technological marvels. But now, when it means everything, he's failed. His younger brother, the family's 'golden child' is dying of cancer and Lucas, despite his brilliance, can't help him. In Chandler, he tries to hide from the world he knows. 
Mike tried running away from her problems when she was a kid. When her mother lay dying, Mike ran. When her world crumbled, Mike hid. And she's learned that the only way to win is to stand your ground and keep trying. She doesn't understand what Lucas is talking about half the time, but she knows exactly what he's feeling. And while criticizing his complete lack of architectural ability, and remaking the house he's trying to build, Mike finds herself slipping into Lucas Gallagher's life. 
She wakes him up and he shakes her up: the two of them are complete opposites, and nothing can keep them apart. Until Lucas's brother Justin comes home to die.

A few years ago I read the first one in this series and really enjoyed it. Recently I had the opportunity of grabbing book number two and I couldn't let it pass. I am happy to report that I did enjoy it although I was a bit worried in the beginning.

Mike is the youngest Marconi sister. She is saving money to buy her dream property when suddenly someone else  comes along and buys it. My problems with the beginning of the book was precisely because I couldn't understand Mike and Lucas's relationship. If he was the new owner why did she keep changing his orders for the house and why didn't he do something about it? They supposedly had a business relationship only and it's not very sound for business if you keep thwarting the one who is paying you no matter how much you think you have better ideas.

Once I got past that - meaning once I felt they had more than just a business relationship - I was OK  with how they dealt with each other. I could totally see how Mike was good for Lucas!

But they both have events from their past who threaten to shadow their lives and their relationship. Once again I enjoyed how they supported each other and helped each other processing what was happening. I think the final twist was unnecessary as I could totally get a HEA without it but it also didn't bother me so all is well.

This is only my second Maureen Child book but I find that I really like her writing style and that she portrays the relationships in a very realistic way. I can't wait to get my hands on the third book of this series and I'm thinking I must check out the rest of her back list.

Grade: 4/5

The Heiress Effect - Courtney Milan

Miss Jane Fairfield can’t do anything right. When she’s in company, she always says the wrong thing—and rather too much of it. No matter how costly they are, her gowns fall on the unfortunate side of fashion. Even her immense dowry can’t save her from being an object of derision.
And that’s precisely what she wants. She’ll do anything, even risk humiliation, if it means she can stay unmarried and keep her sister safe.
Mr. Oliver Marshall has to do everything right. He’s the bastard son of a duke, raised in humble circumstances—and he intends to give voice and power to the common people. If he makes one false step, he’ll never get the chance to accomplish anything. He doesn’t need to come to the rescue of the wrong woman. He certainly doesn’t need to fall in love with her. But there’s something about the lovely, courageous Jane that he can’t resist…even though it could mean the ruin of them both.

I thought I should continue another series and decided to pick this one up. Considering my reading choices so far this year will be the year I catch up on most series...

I really enjoyed The Heiress Effect! It had strong, interesting characters, both the main and the secondary ones. An unusual story with some really interesting themes in the background. Clearly something out of the ordinary!

Miss Fairfield is doing her best to avoid marriage. She wants to remain unmarried so she can protect her sister from the misguided good intentions of her guardian. So she behaves and dresses in a way as to repel everyone. Oliver Marshall is trying to rise in politics and to do that he needs to court the favour of some titled men. That and somewhere down the road a wife who can help him gain the favour he needs to succeed.

You can see how Jane and Oliver seem to be total opposites in terms of what they want and / or need. But Oliver sees something in her he recognises and thus they begin a friendship of sorts.

This seemed to have everything I enjoy. However, I didn't fall in love with it. I think my main complaint is that I felt, in the beginning, that Jane was acting, playing a role. And then it turns out that she becomes the character she is playing so that Oliver may have an obstacle to face. I felt she became a bit of a caricature while Oliver, with his behaviour, only felt human, with frailties and faults.

So, I enjoyed the first half of the story a lot more than the second one which lowered the grade I was intending to give to a 4/5.

Crown of Crystal Flame - C. L. Wilson

A Song of Love won her heart.
A Song of Darkness haunted her soul.
A Song in the Dance would seal her fate.
Seers had long foreseen an extraordinary destiny for Ellysetta Baristani. Already she had won the heart of the Fey King--the magnificent Rain, ever her ally, eternally her love. She had saved the offspring of the magical tairen and fought beside her legendary mate against the armies of Eld. But the most powerful--and dangerous--Verse of her Song had yet to be sung. As the final battle draws nigh and evil tightens its grip upon her soul--will Ellysetta secure the world for Light or plunge it into Darkness for all eternity? As she and Rain fight for each other, side by side, will they find a way to complete their truemate bond and defeat the evil High Mage of Eld before it's too late, or must they make the ultimate sacrifice to save their world?

I was checking my notes and I realised I read the first book in this series back in 2008. It is a wonder I never needed to go back and reread before starting each new book. This is the final novel and we finally get to the big confrontation between Ellie and the High Mage of Eld. I wasn't sure what to expect as Ellie and Rain have faced so many challenges before. And I am quite happy to report that in term of story development I was quite happy with this one.

It is not and easy book to read as it has much violence and quite a few known characters die but I was happy with Ellie and Rain's development and how they deal with obstacles they find on their way to fighting the war. Their confrontation with the High Mage is also painful to read and Wilson manages to keeps us guessing about their fate for a while. Ok maybe not so much guessing (this is  romance after all) but I was reading sitting on the edge of the couch for a while. This is definitely a book filled with tense emotional scenes, some for the good and others for the bad. 

I had a few problems with the pacing of the story. I think at times it was a bit slow and I just wanted to move on and get to the interesting bits. I also think this book left almost as many threads open and closed ones so I'll definitely be reading her next book set in this world. I really want to know more about the girl that helped Ellie's parents - Melliandra, about all those Dahl'reisen and their families, about Ellie's sisters and about Gaelen.

Since the author has a new book coming out soon but of  different series and I can only urge her to write faster!! And I'll be getting that book too.

The Scarpetta Factor - Patricia Cornwell

It is the week before Christmas. A tanking economy has prompted Dr. Kay Scarpetta-despite her busy schedule and her continuing work as the senior forensic analyst for CNN- to offer her services pro bono to New York City's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In no time at all, her increased visibility seems to precipitate a string of unexpected and unsettling events. She is asked live on the air about the sensational case of Hannah Starr, who has vanished and is presumed dead. Moments later during the same telecast, she receives a startling call-in from a former psychiatric patient of Benton Wesley's. When she returns after the show to the apartment where she and Benton live, she finds an ominous package-possibly a bomb-waiting for her at the front desk. Soon the apparent threat on Scarpetta's life finds her embroiled in a surreal plot that includes a famous actor accused of an unthinkable sex crime and the disappearance of a beautiful millionairess with whom Lucy seems to have shared a secret past.

I was bit confused while I was reading this. There seemed to be a lot of bad guys and I sometimes had a hard time keeping up with "who's who " and the "what are they doing and why". There was too much going on I felt - Benton's patient and former colleague, Lucy's relationship, Scarpetta's relationship with the TV channel... I'm finding hard to recognise them as the characters I enjoyed from previous books.

The only one that I enjoyed reading about was Marino. He seems to be closer to what he used to be in the beginning than in the latest  books of the series. I'm not sure where Cornwell is taking us next though. The crimes have ceased to be interesting for me and the main characters I'm not sure I wan't to continue with them if they are continuing as in this one.  Besides there seems to be less and less forensic issues and analysis with each books and that was one of the things that I enjoyed.

Will I read the next one in this series? I have a few doubts, especially as what I read about it is that someone is targetting Scarpetta again. She seems to have so many enemies that it has turned into a boring affair.

Grade: 2/5

Blood Ties - Kay Hooper

A  series of grisly murders has left a trail of blood across three states, bringing the Special Crimes Unit to a small Tennessee town. There, two more brutal killings lure Noah Bishop and the SCU into what may be the ultimate trap, and lead Special Agent Hollis Templeton into a dangerous attraction—and a serial murder investigation that turns very, very personal. In her time with the SCU, Hollis has shown an uncanny ability to survive even the deadliest attacks. But what she can’t know is that this killer intends to destroy the team from within. As the body count climbs, and Bishop and his agents race to uncover the true identity of their enemy, not even their special senses can warn them just how bloody, and how terrifyingly close, the truth will be.

Another Kay Hooper book, another installment in the Bishop series. I think her latest books have all been connected to one another and I wouldn't suggest reading this one without reading the others. Although the back blurb only mentions Holly I felt Diana was as much a main character here. And since they are both recurring characters I really enjoyed seeing them find center stage in this story.

Hooper does manage to keep the suspense going on two fronts. Who has been trying to harm Bishop and his work and who is the serial killer at work in a small town, that seems connected with the main villain they have been searching for.

I did like the story as a whole and indeed I read it almost in one sitting but I think Hollis love interest came about a bit too sudden and I would have liked to see more interaction between them. I was very much surprised by the "who wants to discredit Bishop?" twist and I found the final twist a bit worrisome - Although I enjoyed this trilogy I am ready to move to the next one.

By the way has anyone read the next book in the series? Haven? What I have been reading about it hasn't exactly thrilled me but I'll give it a go one of these days.

Grade: 4/5

The Sum of All Kisses - Julia Quinn

He thinks she's an annoying know-it-all...

Hugh Prentice has never had patience for dramatic females, and if Lady Sarah Pleinsworth has ever been acquainted with the words shy or retiring, she's long since tossed them out the window. Besides, a reckless duel has left this brilliant mathematician with a ruined leg, and now he could never court a woman like Sarah, much less dream of marrying her.
She thinks he's just plain mad...
Sarah has never forgiven Hugh for the duel he fought that nearly destroyed her family. But even if she could find a way to forgive him, it wouldn't matter. She doesn't care that his leg is less than perfect, it's his personality she can't abide. But forced to spend a week in close company they discover that first impressions are not always reliable. And when one kiss leads to two, three, and four, the mathematician may lose count, and the lady may, for the first time, find herself speechless ...
New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn's enchanting third novel in the Smythe-Smith quartet is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and tug at your heartstrings in equal measures.

It's so good when Julia Quinn is at her best. I think this TSOAK may well be my favourite book in the Smythe-Smith series so far. Lots of banter between the h/h but especially I liked the enemies to friends to lovers plot line (I guess several of my favourite books do have this plot line).

I liked both Hugh and Sarah, I liked that they are both given some depht of character. Especially Hugh who has had a lot going on in his life ever since the duel with Daniel Smythe-Smith. It was interesting to see the events through his eyes and how guilty he felt about his, and his father's actions. No wonder he felt he had to do everything Daniel asked of him.

Sarah was a trickier character to like in that sense because, although she feels Hugh ruined her life, it never seems something as serious and the life threatening events that befell both on Hugh and Daniel. Although I do understand that a good marriage may as well be that important for a young lady in that period.

Sarah makes no secret of her dislike for Hugh and he doesn't much like her character (obviously) so it is quite entertaining to see them evolve to a friendship of sorts and then on to something more.

The scene with Hugh's father, near the end, was one of those funny scenes by Quinn that makes us laugh out loud even after closing the book. A really good one on my opinion.

Grade: 4/5

Watch Your Back - Karen Rose

Baltimore Homicide Detective Stevie Mazzetti has suffered losses no woman should have to endure. And, despite it all, she’s still a fighter. When she learns that her ex-partner might have miscarried justice, she’s determined to put the past to rights, even when she becomes a target.It’s former Marine Clay Maynard’s job to see the risk in every situation, but he doesn’t have to look hard to find the danger surrounding Stevie. Since the minute he first saw her, Clay has wanted to protect the wounded officer, and he started loving her not long after that. So when Stevie attracts the attention of a vicious psychopath, Clay will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. That is, if he can stay ahead of a killer with everything to lose—and something terrifying to hide...

Keeping up with Karen Rose's books I was quite happy when I grabbed this one as Clay and Stevie's story is one we have been waiting for since reading about them a few books behind. Although some of her books can be read as stand alones that is definitely not the case here as this story wraps up the plot line started several books ago.

There's a lot going on in this story and it would be unfair to reduce it to the romance bit. The truth is that there is an engaging mystery to solve. The story features a lot of already known characters but we also see the appearance of several new ones and at times it even gets confusing trying to get who's who and what are they planning.

There also plenty of suspense as not all is what it seems. I really liked how Rose brought the events from the past to connect them with what was going on with Stevie's life. It never feels over the top or reality stretching. We know from the beginning that Stevie is bent on making up for Silas's wrongs but things are way bigger than I thought.

Two things annoyed me though. Yes Silas was a bad guy but he, and a lot of other people it seems, did what they did because their loved ones had been threatened. Considering Stevie's love for Cordelia would she really have acted differently had the little girl been threatened? Not that she shouldn't have protected Cordy better at times and that he shouldn't be condemned but it was too much at times. And by the way did his wife and little girl survived the last book? The other this is that Stevie is just too damn stubborn in what concerns Clay. The poor guy was so obviously a good guy and right for her and she kept fighting her own feelings in the name of God knows what.

Well, have said that it was a pretty good story and I look forward to the next one.

Grade: 4,5/5

Blood Sins - Kay Hooper

Young, vulnerable, attractive, Tessa Gray made the perfect victim. Which was why Noah Bishop of the FBI's Special Crimes Unit recruited her to play the role of grieving widow. As the supposed new owner of property coveted by the Church of the Everlasting Sin, she'd be irresistible bait for the reclusive and charismatic Reverend Samuel. His fortified compound in the mountains near Grace, North Carolina, had been the last known residence of two women murdered in ways that defied scientific explanation. Though hardly as naive or as vulnerable as she appears, Tessa knows she has a lot to learn about using her unique gift. She also knows that Bishop and the SCU have to be desperate to rely on an untried psychic agent in an undercover operation so dangerous. And desperate they are. For the killer they're hunting is the most terrifying they've ever faced and shakes even the most seasoned agents: a soulless megalomaniacal cult leader who can use their own weapons, talents, and tactics against them. By entering the cult's well-guarded compound, Tessa will be exposing herself to the dark magnetism of a psychopath on an apocalyptic crusade of terror that spares no one, not even the youngest victims. And Samuel has protected himself within a fanatically loyal congregation, many of whom occupy surprising positions of power within the community. Even Grace's chief of police, Sawyer Cavenaugh a a man Tessa will have to trust with her life a may be unable to protect her. Because no one, not even Tessa herself, can guarantee she's strong enough to resist a or powerful enough to battle a a killer who's less than human.

I really enjoy this Bishop series. The book I have enjoyed the less are those with a higher lever of ghost and paranormal activities and with little romance. So, this story, shouldn't really have been a favourite for me. But I have to admit that I read it almost in one sitting and couldn't wait to reach the end.

This is single handedly the investigation into a religious organisation and it's preacher - a psychic who keeps his flock under strict control and can actually kill without touch. Hooper keeps us on the edge if our seat following the activities of the FBI agents and those within the flock who fight against the preacher and are exposed to great danger. There is a sense of urgency in most of the plot that I enjoyed. 

The action is fast and goes so smoothly that I really didn't notice the lack of the romantic aspect. One can guess that two of the main characters will eventually be a couple but nothing happened in this story. I do have a few complaints however namely that Bishop doesn't appear as much as usual and that there is a sub plot about someone who is trying to discredit him that isn't closed in the final chapter. The ending also felt a bit rushed.

The story is connected to the previous book in the series as the preacher here is the mastermind behind the killer they caught in that book and one guesses that it is strongly connected with the next book as I'm sure we won't be left in the dark long about who wants to harm Bishop and his unit.

Grade: 4/5

A Fatal Grace - Louise Penny

Welcome to winter in Three Pines, a picturesque village in Quebec, where the villagers are preparing for a traditional country Christmas, and someone is preparing for murder.No one liked CC de Poitiers. Not her quiet husband, not her spineless lover, not her pathetic daughter—and certainly none of the residents of Three Pines. CC de Poitiers managed to alienate everyone, right up until the moment of her death. When Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, of the Sûreté du Québec, is called to investigate, he quickly realizes he's dealing with someone quite extraordinary. CC de Poitiers was electrocuted in the middle of a frozen lake, in front of the entire village, as she watched the annual curling tournament. And yet no one saw anything. Who could have been insane enough to try such a macabre method of murder—or brilliant enough to succeed?With his trademark compassion and courage, Gamache digs beneath the idyllic surface of village life to find the dangerous secrets long buried there. For a Quebec winter is not only staggeringly beautiful but deadly, and the people of Three Pines know better than to reveal too much of themselves. But other dangers are becoming clear to Gamache. As a bitter wind blows into the village, something even more chilling is coming for Gamache himself.

I really enjoyed the first book I read in this series and I was quite happy when I found this title. I did enjoy reading it but, in the end, not as much as the previous book.

I loved meeting Gamache again. I really enjoy how he works and how he deals with those subordinates of his. How ever it feels like something bad is about to happen to him and we have some sort of impending doom feeling from beginning to end of the story. I also would have enjoyed to see more of his wife.

I did like revisiting the same little village - even if I am asking myself how many murders can take place there -  and reading again about Gabri and Oliver, Ruth, Clara and her husband, Myrna... All those unique characters I had previously met in book 1.

I didn't much like the mystery in it self. The victim was an odious woman, I did not feel I got to know her well enough and I was hoping the murderer would be someone else. The resolution of this case had a very bittersweet feel to it as one is left to wonder who the real victim was.

And my attention was mostly focused on what was being said and done in Gamache's back. In a way this felt like laying the ground for the next book nowhere he will have to face some troubles. It's a book that won't stand long in my kind but that left me curious for the next  one.

Grade: 3/5

Paradise Valley - Robyn Carr

Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq--his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart?As the people of Virgin River rally around Rick, another recent arrival tests the tightly knit mountain town's famous welcoming spirit. Dan Brady has a questionable past, and he's looking for a place to start over. He'd like it to be Virgin River...if he can find a way in. But he never expects to find it in the arms of a woman who was as much an outcast as himself.
For a favorite son returned from war and an outsider looking for a home, Virgin River offers them a chance to make peace with the men they once were...and to find the dreams they thought they'd lost.

This story left me a bit annoyed with Carr. I think Rick and Lizzie deserved their own book after all they went through in the previous stories. And the same goes for Dan Brady which she had  lead me to believe to be some king of undercover cop. I was still a good story but considering the baggage all those characters carried with them I think, like this, we never got as deep as we could have in knowing them and watching them heal.

In the Rick and Lizzie story I especially liked Lizzie, she did a lot of growing up since the first time she appeared in these stories and considering Rick's behaviour she was the sensible, grown up one in this story. I had a good laugh that they shared the same therapist without knowing it. And I was very happy when things finally started to get on the right track.

Dan and Cheryl's story I felt really deserved more time. And maybe we get that in the future because here they mostly get to know each other as friends. But I felt they had built a strong foundation so maybe Cheryl can heal and make a good life for herself. Their ending felt a bit like a cliffhanger...

Grade: 3/5

Fireproof - Alex Kava

When a building bursts into flames on a cold winter night in D.C., investigators see a resemblance to a string of recent fires in the area. There is one difference, however: This one has a human casualty. The local team insists they're looking for a young white male, suffering from an uncontrollable impulse to act out his anger or sexual aggression. But when special agent Maggie O'Dell is called in, everything she sees leads her to believe that this is the work of a calculating and controlled criminal.
Jeffery Cole, a reporter looking for his big break, is also at the scene of the crime and decides to make Maggie part of his news piece, digging up aspects of her past that she would rather forget. Maggie's brother Patrick is also back in DC where he is working for a private firefighting company and is frequently called in as these fires continue to light up around the city. 
As the acts of arson become more brazen, Maggie's professional and personal worlds begin to collide dangerously. The killer may be closer than she imagines.

It had been a while since I had read one of Kava's Maggie O'Dell's books and I was looking forward to it. I did enjoy very much the fire aspect and the investigation that leads Maggie and her friends/colleagues to the answers they seek. I enjoyed less all the troubles that Maggie keeps facing from her mom or her boss. All that personal baggage keeps distracting me (and Maggie) from the crimes she should be investigating and the criminals she should be profiling.

Maggie is also recovering from a head wound in this story and I think it's time for her to get over being do independent and start seeking help. I was hoping Benjamin Platt would have more space in this story, and I was figuring his medical background could help Maggie, but that didn't happen either. The only romance in the air is Patrick's crush and I have to admit I would like to see more of it and more of Patrick.

The ending is a huge cliffhanger and I am divided, part of me doesn't really like cliffhangers but at the same time I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.

Grade: 4/5

Dirty Secrets - Karen Rose

For months Emma Townsend has avoided her old house, haunted by its memories of her dead husband. Finding the courage to sort through their possessions, she's astonished to find an old love letter from friend Chris Walker, and determines to make amends for the past. 
Chris, now a college professor, is trying to deal with the tragic death of a graduate student. Seeing Emma again brings back a flood of memories, re-kindling a long-lost passion. But with police investigating the student's death, Chris cannot act on his desires. 
But is it too late? Because now someone's watching Emma and Chris. Someone who's nursing revenge. And they are about to be plunged into a nightmare where no one can be trusted and every dirty little secret is sealed with a kiss.

Another short story by Karen Rose. I decided to read this one because I was planning to read her latest book and discovered that some of these characters would appear there. I did enjoy the mystery part, even of I did discover the culprit fairly soon, and I did like Emma and Chris a lot.

The action bits I wasn't as enthusiastic about. I think Rose's writing nowadays is smoother and better at mixing romance, suspense and action. I was annoyed with Megan and that personal aspect of Chris's life but in the end everything went well, mostly because Emma was such a good character.

Good read for a Rose fan who needs a taste of her stories in between books.

Grade: 3.5/5

Temptation Ridge - Robyn Carr

At twenty-five, after five years as her mother's caregiver, it's time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly "not" whom she has in mind. A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he's tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance.
Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you want and what you need are two different things...two very "good" things.

Although I am a series lover it is not always that I feel like (or get the chance to) reading them all in a row as it is happening with this series. I have been pondering about what attracts me to it. I think it is about the fact that I seem to be watching the community being built. Not just grow... I actually feel that with each book that something is still missing and I think that is what keeps me from giving higher grades.

I keep reading because I know that when it feels completed it will make a great story.

Two things annoy me though. One that, especially in the first books, they keep mentioning that Jack was too old to have kids. That is just silly! And second that each newcomer seems to have to point out that the women are all stunningly beautiful. That is just as silly not to mention unrealistic. And since in every book there's a newcomer it's also boring.

Having said that I quite enjoyed Shelby's book. I liked both the main characters, that they had some baggage but managed to get into a healthy relationship and I did like it that, with a little help from friends and family (which I'm sure we will see in later books) Luke managed to overcome the bit of baggage that was stopping him from making a commitment. And that Shelby was wise enough to come back when he was ready for her! They felt like sensible people with real worries and expectations.

One of my favourites so far!

Grade: 4/5