Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter

Genre: YA Fiction

Publication Date: July 2009

One Word Review: Entertaining

Author Website: www.allycarter.com

First Line: “We’re moving.”

GoodReads Synopsis: When Cammie "The Chameleon" Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves trapped in a kidnappers' plot, with only their espionage skills to save them. As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions, Who is after Macey? And how can the Gallagher Girls keep her safe? Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth...

Kathy’s Review: This is such a fun series. I thought this book really got back to its original charm. Cammie seemed more like herself, was smart, tough, and of course constantly breaking rules. I was very glad to see the whole gang back together again. I really like the interactions of Cammie, Macey, Bex and Liz. They work well together and their personalities are all unique, but complimentary. The story, setting and mystery are all fun and original. I like reading about all the spy stuff, gadgets, missions, and this installments added disguises. While I enjoyed the story, it did feel like the book was a set up for the next book, there was still mystery and excitement, but felt more like it was gearing up for the next adventure. My only complaint is that I wish there would have been more Zach (or even a little love triangle with Josh-Cammie-Zach), a little romance adds a lot, in my opinion. I like Zach, but I’m still a little unsure whose side he’s really on?? I look forward to reading the next book, which comes out in June!

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Reading Order:
Book One: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You
Book Two: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Book Three: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover

Book Four: Only the Good Spy Young (June 2010)

The Heavenly Surrender by Marcia Lynn McClure

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication Date: 2001

One Word Review: Okay

Author Website: www.marcialynnmcclure.com

GoodReads Synopsis: Genieva Bankmans had willfully agreed to the arrangement. She had given her word and she would not dishonor it. Yet when she saw, for the first time, the man whose advertisement she'd answered...she was desperately intimidated. The handsome and powerful Brevan McLean was not what she'd expected-he was not the sort of man she'd reconciled herself to marrying. This man-the stranger whose name Genieve now bore-was strong-willed, quick-tempered and expectant of much from his new wife. Brevan McLean did not deny that he had married her for practical reasons only. He merely wanted any woman whose hard work would provide him assistance with the brutal demands of farm life. Still, Genieva would learn there were far darker things, grave secrets held unspoken by Brevan McLean concerning his family and his land. Genieva Bankmans McLean would find herself in the midst of treachery, violence and villainy-her estranged husband deeply entangled in it.

Kathy’s Review: I think my expectations may have been a little high for this one. I thought the plot sounded fun and I’ve grown to love the old western setting. I just couldn’t get past the (sorry to say) awful Spanish and Irish accents. Brevan (as well as Brian & Brenna) sounded like an Irish Yoda. Their way of speaking just distracted me from the story, as well as Lita (and her brothers) Spanish accents. While I did think the story was sweet, I thought it was missing some of the tension that really captures your attention. I was a little tired of Brevan and Genieva both being in love but doing nothing about it. When Genieva went to bed exhausted from all the farm labor, I felt exhausted as well. I know I wouldn’t have been a very good rancher’s wife. I admired her coming from the busy city life and adjusting so well to the frontier life. However, looking back on it, I don’t think her need to “run away” was really fully developed, and was a little disappointed with how things played out with her family. The secrets that Brevan were keeping also ended up being a little lackluster; I couldn’t see any reason why he would have kept them from Genieva. Anyway, I would have liked a little more tension between Brevan and Genieva, as well as a little more build up with the “bad guys”; I never really felt any real fear of them or the situation. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys McClure’s novels.

Bookworm Rating: 3

A Tapestry of Spells by Lynn Kurland

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Publication Date: January 2010

One Word Review: Okay

Author Website: www.lynnkurland.com

GoodReads Synopsis: Sarah's brother has embraced the dark arts, vowing to destroy the Nine Kingdoms, and she doesn't have the power to stop him. Now she must risk everything to thwart his plans, even though she fears the quest will reveal the secret she's kept all her life. After seeing his entire family slain by magic, Ruithneadh swore never to use his power again. But when Sarah pleads for his help, he's thrust back into a life of enchantments and peril, and a quest capable of unraveling the entire fabric of the Nine Kingdoms.

Kathy’s Review: I was excited when I found A Tapestry of Spells, since I enjoyed the Nine Kingdoms trilogy I had read before. I knew it was set in the same place, following new characters. After I began reading I realized it wasn’t only the same place but the same time. The story runs concurrently with the Nine Kingdoms trilogy. To be honest, I didn’t like that it was almost the same story, just told from a completely different perspective. It kind of felt like a lot of re-hash and some of the mystery was gone since we know so much from the first trilogy. Although, it has been a while since I read the trilogy so I don’t remember a lot of the specifics.

Anyway, this story fallows Ruith and Sarah. I admit, I didn’t like them as much as Morgan and Miach from the original series. I did like Sarah, she is definitely tough in her own way, stubborn and once she sets her mind to something she will see it through. As for Ruith, I liked him okay. I got a little bored with how tired he got, how he kept his magic under lock and key, and how he never really made any “moves” on Sarah. I guess the lack of romance in the whole story was a little disappointing. It’s hinted at, and maybe Kurland is just saving it for the next two books, but I wanted more. Again, the story felt too similar to the first series, a lot of traveling and contemplation going on, with little else. I’m still deciding if I’ll read the rest of the series, I probably will because I do enjoy the setting and a bit of me is still curious how Ruith and Sarah’s story will end.

Bookworm Rating: 2.5

Nine Kingdoms Reading Order:
Book One: Star of the Morning
Book Two: The Mage’s Daughter
Book Three: Princess of the Sword

Book Four: A Tapestry of Spells
Book Five: TBD
Book Six: TBD

The Visions of Ransom Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication Date: July 2002

One Word Review: Comfy

Author Website: www.marcialynnmcclure.com

First Line: “Oh, Vonnie…this is so exciting!”

GoodReads Synopsis: Youthful beauty, naïve innocence, a romantic imagination thirsting for adventure-an apt description of Vaden Valmont, who would soon find the adventure and mystery she had always longed to experience-in the form of a man. A somber recluse, Ransom Lake descended from his solitary concealment in the mountains, wholly disinterested in people and their trivial affairs. And somehow, young Vaden managed to be ever in his way-either by accident or because of her own unique ability to stumble into a quandary. Yet the enigmatic Ransom Lake would involuntarily become Vaden's unwitting tutor. Through him, she would experience joy and passion the like even Vaden had never imagined. Yes, Vaden Valmont stepped innocently, yet irrevocably, into love with the secretive, seemingly callous man-Ransom Lake. But there were other life's lessons Ransom Lake would inadvertently convey to her as well. The darker side of life-despair, guilt, heartache. Would Ransom Lake be the means of Vaden's dreams come true? Or the cause of her complete desolation?

Kathy’s Review: Marcia McClure is quickly becoming a favorite author. I’ve read a couple of her eBooks and two of her novels, all have been a pleasure to read. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, I had read a few reviews that said this was their favorite McClure book so I gave it a try. I really enjoyed the story, the romance and the setting. Vaden starts off very naïve, young and full of life. I actually wondered how old she was because she was acting so young, but her character does grow throughout the story. I think she was a bit hung up on Ransom, I would have liked a little more independence, but it is a “romance” novel so o-well. I also really liked Ransom, he is a great leading man, full of troubles, grumpy and you know deep down he’s a teddy bear. I liked that Ransom and Vaden brought out the best in each other and of course they had great chemistry. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and will definitely be reading more McClure books in the near future!

What kept this from being a “five star” rating was first, the names. I am not a fan of weird character names (Ransom and Vaden??). Second, it also bothers me when authors use a characters full name throughout the entire book. The whole book we hear Ransom Lake this and Ransom Lake that. I think we know his name; Idon’t need to be reminded of it all the time. Just a personal pet-peeve. And lastly, the majority of the story takes place in winter and yet Ransom seems to be running around with his shirt off an awful lot (not that that is a bad thing, just not consistent with the weather, IMO).

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain

Genre: Regency Romance

Publication Date: February 2009

One Word Review: Fun

GoodReads Synopsis: The Honorable Mr. Malcolm has a secret. This elusive matrimonial prize, long the target of desperate debutantes and their matchmaking mothers, is well known for his fastidiousness. What is not well known is that he has a list of qualifications for his future bride. Can any woman hope to win the heart of such a hardened critic? Selina Dalton can only try her best. And when she begins to succeed, Jeremy Malcolm is not sure whether he has discovered the perfect woman... Or the perfect hoax.

Kathy’s Review: After reading Ingocnito by Allain I had to see what other books she had written, which is how I found Mr. Malcolms List. This was probably just as fun as Incognito, both are lighthearted regency novels. I thought the story idea was fun, the characters likable and of course I love the regency setting. I admit, I did not love Mr. Malcolm, but he did grow on my throughout the story. I definitely think it’s a good idea to have a general idea of what qualities you look for in a spouse, I just didn’t always like how he went about things or the items on his list (but, to each their own). Selina was really likable though, I liked that she was honest (for the most part) and held her own. They have good chemistry together and was not only happy for them, but for all the side characters as well. If you’re in the mood for a fun, light read then I’d give this one a try!

Bookworm Rating: 4

A Wanted Man by Nancy Parra

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication Date: December 2002

One Word Review: Fun

Author Website: www.nancyjparra.com

First Line: “The boy is mine, bought and paid for fair an’ square.”

GoodReads Synopsis: Brianna McGraw ventures out West to find and rescue her brother from bandits who will sell him illegally to the highest bidder. Separated after they were orphaned a few years ago, Brianna has worked hard as a librarian to save money for the trip. But when she arrives, she realizes she has to somehow come up with a thousand dollars to buy him back. She then sees a wanted poster with a sufficient reward and decides to become a bounty hunter, accomplishing two good deeds at once--bringing a criminal to justice and saving her brother. Trey Morgan's renegade days are long over. He is at home on his ranch, tending to his cattle, when Brianna appears and arrests him. He is more amused than concerned, wondering how she thinks she's going to drag him 900 miles through the mountains. To his surprise, Brianna proves over and over again that she is intelligent and strong enough to make the long and grueling trip. While he quietly observes his beautiful captor, his discomfort grows when she begins to win more and more of his respect and admiration. Soon, the threat his beautiful captor holds over him is not so much in the pistol she wields, but the lasso she has firmly fastened over his heart.

Kathy’s Review: Parra certainly creates some very likable characters. Brianna was a hoot, I liked her right from the start. Her interactions with Trey were fun and left a smile on my face. I’m not sure about the historical aspects of the story, but she finds herself in a tough situation and really takes her problems head on. With all of the Parra novels I’ve read so far she takes these interesting plot ideas and makes them very believable. I thought Trey was great, I loved that he just “gives up” right at the beginning because he is so curious about what this “little chit” was up to. The more time they spend together they more they fall for one another, and it was fun to be along for the ride. Again, like her other books, I wish it had been a little longer. It kind of feels like things get wrapped up a little too quickly and I would have liked a few more chapters, at least. I still really enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend it.

Bookworm Rating: 4

Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Publication Date: March 2010

One Word Review: Captivating

Author Website: www.donnahatch.com

GoodReads Synopsis: Rumors of war hang over Princess Jeniah's peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telpathic bond with a revered creature called a chayim, who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.

Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people, storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim, Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people from tyranny.

On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen of Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.

Kathy’s Review: Donna Hatch is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. I’ve read all her regencies and was excited to see what her fantasy world would be like. I wasn’t disappointed, it was clear that Hatch put a lot of thought into creating her world of Arden and the surrounding countries, as well as all the new and interesting creatures that roamed the land. Princess Jeniah was very believable and consistent. While her character did grow throughout the story, I still felt like she stayed true to herself, she was just given more opportunities to show her character throughout her trials. I liked that she was smart and could take care of herself, and was also still vulnerable and wasn’t afraid to get help. I am definitely a fan of Kai (Team Kai), he was a great hero and I loved watching him fall in love with Jeniah, they had great chemistry together. I really enjoyed their story. I’m pretty sure this is a stand-alone novel, which I liked. It was nice entering their world and having some satisfactory conclusions at the end. However, it also would have been nice if it had been a trilogy and some things dragged out a little more, either way it’s a great read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romantic fantasy.

Content Warning: There is a lot of war, battle scenes and some violence. Otherwise, it’s pretty clean.

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Of Paupers and Peers by Sheri Cobb South

Genre: Regency Romance

Publication Date: September 2006

One Word Review: Cute

Author Website: www.shericobbsouth.com

GoodReads Synopsis: Overworked and underpaid curate James Weatherly is resigned to a life of genteel poverty, never suspecting he is heir to a dukedom until a solicitor appears on his doorstep. Alas, on the way to claim his inheritance, James is set upon by footpads whose handiwork deprives him of his memory. Margaret Darrington is no stranger to genteel poverty herself, since the death of her father has left her in charge of her two younger siblings and feather-brained aunt. But the decisive Margaret has a plan: to salvage the family's finances, she has only to put her beautiful younger sister, Amanda, in the way of marrying a wealthy man --- perhaps the new Duke of Montford, who is expected to arrive any day. When Margaret finds a beaten and bloodied young man on the road, his shabby attire and collection of secondhand books lead her to mistake him for the tutor she has hired for her younger brother. Still reeling from the attack upon his person, James is relieved to have the mystery of his idenitity so easily "solved," and accompanies her home. As James's bruises fade, Margaret discovers that he is, if not classically handsome, undeniably pleasing to look upon, with an appealingly self-deprecating wit. Suddenly Amanda's brilliant marriage is in jeopardy, for how can any impressionable female resist such a paragon? But nothing about the penniless pedagogue is quite as it seems, and Margaret would do well to forget about her sister's prospects, and look to her own heart instead .

Kathy’s Review: This wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. For some reason it took me awhile to get into this one, and by time I got around to enjoying it, it ended. I thought the story was cute and the characters were nice. I liked the side story of Amanda and her love interest. I also thought the relationship between Margaret and James was really sweet. I was actually kind of hoping it had been a little longer; I would have liked to see a little more tension between with Margaret and James, when Margaret finally discovers the truth, it felt like things were a little rushed towards the end. Overall, I still enjoyed it and thought it was a cute story.

Bookworm Rating: 4

The Lovin' Kind by Nancy J Parra

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication Date: April 2006

One Word Review: Cute

Author Website: www.nancyjparra.com

First Line: “It was the most humiliating day of Beth Morgan’s life.”

GoodReads Synopsis: Beth Morgan has never met a man she couldn't love. All her life the Wisconsin beauty has been happily surrounded by beaus. It isn't until she starts down the aisle that she realizes it's the attention she loves and not the actual men. So, Beth does what any self respecting socialite would do. She turns on her heel and runs. Quaid Blair hunts down the runaway bride, drags the spoiled willful girl home, dumping her ruined wedding dress and all in her father's study. She has to get out of town now, even if it means going all the way to Wyoming with none other than Quaid Blair. Quaid agrees to take the spoiled vixen to her brother in Wyoming. He figures it will take one maybe two days on the trail before Beth Morgan caves to the hardship of pioneering and demands to be taken back home. The trip becomes a battle of wills and Quaid learns there is more grit to this stubborn woman than he first thought. Admiration turns to love, but once back in civilization, will this fickle woman go back to gathering beaus? Beth comes to understand the difference between infatuation and true love. But Quaid has seen her at her worst. How could any man forget the spoiled girl she once was?

Kathy’s Review: I actually think I liked this one more than The Bettin’ Kind, which is saying a lot since I really enjoyed The Bettin’ Kind. I guess I just really liked Beth and Quaid. Beth is so stubborn, she totally reminded me of me. I have a pretty strong stubborn streak and could totally see myself in Beth’s shoes, although I think she probably handled things a lot better than I would have. Quaid was just great, I liked that he tried to get under Beth’s skin, but was also really protective of her and deep down really cared about her. The setting was a lot of fun as well and the different struggles they have to go through. The romance is sweet and grows stronger throughout the story; I was enjoying myself so much I didn’t want the story to end. I do wish it would have been a little longer, but again its probably just because I liked the characters so much. I look forward to reading more of Nancy’s books!

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Morgan Sister Romance:
Book One: The Marryin’ Kind
Book Two: The Bettin’ Kind
Book Three: The Lovin’ Kind

Morgan Brothers Romance:
Book One: Wyoming Wedding
Book Two: A Wanted Man
Book Three: Loving Lana
Book Four: Saving Samantha

The Bettin' Kind by Nancy J. Parra

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication Date: October 2005

One Word Review: Cute

Author Website: www.nancyjparra.com

First Line: “I’m in big trouble.”

GoodReads Synopsis: Amelia Morgan dreams of a handsome prince who would take one look at her and fall in love. Together they would find a dynasty of magnificent horses and live happily ever after. What she never counted on was her baby brother losing her beloved stallion to a slick card shark. Desperate not to lose her dream, she gambles that the threat of marriage would cause the card shark to cut and run rather than go through with a hasty marriage to a total stranger. Alex Laird is no dummy. He calls Amelia's bluff, fully expecting her to jilt him at the altar. Then the question of the horse's ownership would be indisputably his. These two stubborn foes go through with a hasty marriage, neither willing to let go of their claim to the horse. Stuck with each other for the time being, each comes up with a plan to secure their future. Unfortunately, their goals are once again at odds. For a while, Alex decides an annulment is the answer to their predicament. Amelia takes a different tact. She believes the only way to see her dream come true is to make Alex fall in love with her. The struggles that ensue become more than a battle of wills. It becomes a battle of the heart where dreams are won and lost at the turn of a card.

Kathy’s Review: This was a fun quick read. I liked Amelia right from the start, she is stubborn and fun. After reading the synopsis I wondered how the whole wedding thing would play out, and I wasn’t disappointed. It was actually somewhat believable after you get to know the characters. Both Alex and Amelia thought they other would back down, but both are too stubborn to back out. I admit, I thought Amelia seemed a little naïve once they were married, almost immediately she set out to make Alex fall in love with her, which was fun, but still seemed a little unrealistic. Alex deep down was a decent guy, never tried to take advantage of the situation…even though he wanted to. They had good chemistry though and it was a very entertaining read. I wish it were a little longer and maybe a little more added to the ending. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a nice lighthearted story.

I accidently read this out of order; I’m looking forward to going back and reading the first book, The Marryin’ Kind. It doesn’t seem to make a big difference, each book follows a different sisters’ story. Oh, and don't judge the book by the cover (hated the cover), I didn't think the cover really did it justice.

Bookworm Rating: 4

Reading Order:
Book One: The Marryin’ Kind
Book Two: The Bettin’ Kind
Book Three: The Lovin’ Kind

The Importance of Almacks by Denise Patrick

Genre: Regency Romance

Publication Date: May 2008

One Word Review: Entertaining

Author Website: www.denisepatrickauthor.com

First Line: “The stranger lay completely still as Pamela approached the stream.”

GoodReads Synopsis: In Regency England, lineage and vouchers to Almack's are everything, but Pamela Clarkdale has neither. After her father casts her out, she considers herself fortunate to have obtained a position as a companion to an elderly widow. Kitt Covington has sworn off Almack's and marriage. Why attend one when he has no interest in the other? Guilt, however, is a powerful motivator. Knowing he caused Pamela to be thrown out of her home, he proposes a sham betrothal between them to ease his conscience. Kitt's offer is tempting and Pamela agrees, with the caveat that the betrothal will disappear at the end of the season. But not only is Pamela refused vouchers to Almack's, her family is scheming to destroy her to protect a secret she doesn't realize she knows. When the twenty-year-old web of lies and deceit begins to unravel, will Pamela and Kitt discover that Almack's isn't really that important after all?

Kathy’s Review: I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but I was pleasantly surprised. I obviously love the regency setting and it seemed this book went a little deeper into the culture, especially that of Almack’s (which is mentioned in so many regency novels). I really enjoyed that part of the story. I also loved our leading characters, Pamela and Kitt. I was a little wary of Kitt in the beginning, but he really ended up being a great leading man. I thought they had great chemistry and I loved the scenes when they were together. Pamela was a likable enough heroine, I sometimes wished she had a little more spunk, but even so she still managed to hold her own and at those times I was really proud of her. Oh, sometimes her reactions seemed a little…dull. Something startling would happen and instead of getting mad/hurt she would just think about it and then go about her way. There were a couple instances that I would have liked a little more action. Overall, it was a really fun read and one I would definitely read again.

Bookworm Rating: 4.5