Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A Crimson Frost by Marcia Lynn McClure

Genre: Romance

Publication Date: May 2009

One Word Review: Okay

Author Website: www.marcialynnmcclure.com

GoodReads Synopsis: Beloved of her father, King Dacian, and adored by her people, the Scarlet Princess Monet endeavored to serve her kingdom well-for the people of the Kingdom of Karvana were good, and worthy of service. Long Monet had known that even her marriage would serve her people. Her husband would be chosen for her-for this was the way of royal existence. Still, as any woman does-peasant or princess-Monet dreamt of owning true love-of owning choice in love. Thus, each time the raven-haired, sapphire-eyed, Crimson Knight of Karvana rode near-Monet knew regret-for in secret, she loved him-and she could not choose him. As an arrogant king from another kingdom began to wage war against Karvana, Karvana's king, knights and soldiers answered the challenge. The Princess Monet would also know battle. As the Crimson Knight battled with armor and blade-so the Scarlet Princess would battle in sacrifice and with secrets held. Thus, when the charge was given to preserve the heart of Karvana-Monet endeavored to serve her kingdom and forget her secreted love. Yet, love is not so easily forgotten

Kathy’s Review: I’m still wavering between a 3 or 4 star rating. I enjoyed that this book had more of a story to it then some of her other books. The plot was well paced and was entertaining. The characters were just okay for me, they fall into their typical “McClure” roles for males and females. The males being very manly, extremely handsome, and of course the perfect gentleman. While the women are very feminine, pretty and a little lacking in backbone (IMO). At times the story seemed a little long or overly wordy, but overall it was enjoyable read and I plan on reading the companion book Saphyre Snow.

Bookworm Rating: 3


Reading Order:
Book One: A Crimson Frost
Book Two: Saphyre Snow

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A Brilliant Deception by Kathleen Fuller

Genre: Mystery, Romance, Regency

Publication Date: February 2008

One Word Review: Fun

Author Website: www.kathleenfuller.com

First Line
: “Another robbery!”

GoodReads Synopsis: Lily Thornton, daughter of the Duke of Breckenridge, unwittingly finds herself a suspect in a rash of jewelry thefts. In order to clear her name, she teams up with her best friend Emily's brother, the handsome Colin Dymoke, to find the real thief. To make matters worse, Lily's scheming former fiance keeps turning up and causing trouble while making Lily question her own self-worth. Thankfully, she has Colin by her side to help and protect her. As they work to solve the mystery, Lily fights her growing feelings for Colin, who is considered one of England's most eligible bachelors. Having been hurt in the past, she's reluctant to entrust her heart to someone again. Before long, the two of them are caught up in a web of intrigue and deception. They need to clear Lily's name before she and her family are ruined and all hope for romance with Colin is lost.

Kathy’s Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, lighthearted mystery with a touch of romance thrown in. Lily comes from a very wealthy family and is surprised when someone begins to frame her for the mysterious robberies that have been going on throughout the Ton. Colin is there from the beginning and comes to her rescue; soon they start working together to figure out who is framing Lily. I thought they had good chemistry, I’m not sure how believable it was that someone like Colin (who is supposed to be drop-dead gorgeous) would fall for Lily (who is supposed to be more than plain). I guess after getting to know each other they are able to look past his good looks and her plain ones? The mystery could have been developed a little more, like the reason why the burglar was stealing the bracelets could have been explained further and the end suspect was a little predictable. Overall, it was a fun read and I look forward to reading the other two books in the series.

Bookworm Rating: 4

Reading Order:
Book One: A Brilliant Deception
Book Two: A Clever Disguise
Book Three: A Daring Return

Monday, September 20, 2010

Loving Lana by Nancy J Parra

Genre: Western Romance

Publication Date: October 2003

One Word Review: Cute

Author Website: www.nancyjparra.com

GoodReads Synopsis: Lana Tate dreams of the day she can leave Wyoming and live in a more civilized place like San Francisco or New York. Since her mother died her father has been paralyzed with grief, and Lana must sing in the saloon just to earn enough money to make it through the winter. Taggart Morgan watches the reward for the capture of the legendary wild stallion grow until it reaches two thousand dollars. Taggart expects competition for the stallion, but he never suspected that a delicate but determined young gal would be the one to stand between him and his goal.

Kathy’s Review: I really enjoyed this one. The story was cute, lighthearted and fun. Lana and Taggart had great chemistry. They could be arguing one moment and totally caring the next, and it worked. The plot was cute, how they are both going after the same wild stallion and eventually have to work together. Both the Morgan Brother series and the Morgan Sisters are fun reads, I think I like the sisters a little more, but overall they are great and I would recommend to anyone looking for a nice romantic story.

Bookworm Rating: 4

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

Morgan Sisters:
Book One: Marrying Kind
Book Two: The Betting Kind
Book Three: The Loving Kind

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Wyoming Wedding by Nancy J Parra

Genre: Western Romance

Publication Date: October 2004

One Word Review: Okay

Author Website: www.nancyjparra.com

GoodReads Synopsis: Shay Morgan has never met a woman he can't charm---ever. When old Ben Edwards asks Shay to bring his stubborn daughter Jenny home for one last visit before he leaves this world, Shay is sure she'll gladly come home with him. Dr. Jenny Edwards has no love for the father who abandoned her and her sick mother when she was a child. When Shay rides into town he's taken aback by the beautiful, gentle doctor. He opts not to tell her why he is in town, knowing he must gain her trust before he can take her home.

Kathy’s Review: This wasn’t my favorite of the Morgan series that I have read. I enjoyed the story and like that it was quick and clean. Jenny Edwards was a good heroine. She overcame a lot of struggles and became a great leader in her community. She is a doctor, which was kind of rare at the time, but the town loved her and supported her. She had a big heart, but is very cautious of trusting men. All her beliefs get flipped upside down when Shay Morgan comes to town. I wasn’t a big fan of Shay’s, he was just a little too into himself and knew what his looks did to people and used it to his advantage. He just wasn’t humble enough for me I guess. Jenny did have a good influence on him and they had good chemistry. The story was a little predictable; I was a little disappointed with Jenny’s dad and wanted a little remorse and some explanations from him. Overall, it was an okay read. It worth reading if you read the other books in the series, which I recommend.

Bookworm Rating: 3

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

Morgan Sisters:
Book One: Marrying Kind
Book Two: The Betting Kind
Book Three: The Loving Kind

Monday, September 13, 2010

The Commander's Desire by Janette Green

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

Publication Date: October 2008

One Word Review: Good

Author Website: www.jannettegreen.com

First Line: “Peace. Are you sure it will work, brother?”

GoodReads Synopsis: Princess Elwytha wants revenge on the monster who murdered her brother. In a false exchange for peace, she offers herself in marriage to the enemy Prince. The plan? Kill the Prince’s battle-scarred Commander—the man who ended King Thor’s life with one filthy sword thrust through the back. To her horror, the Commander agrees to take Elwytha as his bride. Worse, the wedding date will be sooner than expected. Not all is lost, however. Now she has more opportunity to be alone with him—and exact justice. But the deed becomes difficult to carry out. Fighting her innate sense of honor, she begins to see the ironclad integrity of the man behind the scars. And with this knowledge comes doubt. Did he slay her brother? What exactly is the new king’s plan? Whom can she trust? Elwytha must decide well, for more than her life is at stake. Soon she must betray either allegiance to her kingdom—or the man who is quickly claiming her heart

Kathy’s Review: I saw this reviewed on another book blog yesterday and it sounded like something I would enjoy. I was in the mood for a nice Historical and a clean romance. The setting for the book was perfect, 714 AD Scotland, I love the medieval times for some reason. The plot was also something that caught my eye. I love the whole convenient-marriage storyline, and this was a nice twist considering she wanted to kill her betrothed.

For some reason I just didn’t care for Princess Elywtha, a lot of the times she came across as kind of a brat. I understand why she acted that way, being coerced into a marriage with her enemy countrymen, but she willing went and had a role to play and I guess sometimes her attitude bugged me. She did get better as the story went on, although the whole “will she, wont she” inner dialog got a tad repetitive. I did like the Commander, the author did a pretty good job of depicting him as a strong, smart warrior and at the same time as a compassionate, caring leading man. The author also does a good job of not rushing their relationship, she lets it develop at a nice pace and its believable when Elywtha starts to change her feelings. I thought they had good chemistry and enjoyed reading their story. I admit, I liked reading a book that wasn’t part of a trilogy. Overall, an enjoyable read and one I would re-read again.

Bookworm Rating: 4

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Luck of the Draw by Rachael Renee Anderson

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication Date: August 2010

One Word Review: Cute

Author Website: www.rachelreneeanderson.com

GoodReads Synopsis
: Four weeks. Three roommates. Two dates each. Brighton Andrews has never had a problem getting a girl to go out with him. So when his friends dare him to ask out three roommates at the same time, he figures this will be the easiest bet he'll ever win--even with the added clause that the girls can't find out they're all dating the same guy. And with a whole month free from laundry at stake, who could resist? Of course, that's before he meets the girls. Rachael Renee Anderson's charming Luck of the Draw puts a hilarious twist on a modern-day love story. Fast-paced, witty, and full of fun, the odds are stacked that this is one book you won't be able to put down

Kathy’s Review: This was a really fun read. The first half felt more light-hearted, almost silly. The second half got deeper and ended up being a really sweet story. I thought the book would be told mainly from Brighton's POV, but it really ended up being Dani (Danielle's) story. I liked the growth she went through and enjoyed her character. It was a fun read, cute cover and one I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a fun uplifting read, with a little romance. I look forward to reading Anderson's other book "Divinely Designed" soon.

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Saturday, September 4, 2010

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publication Date: August 2010

One Word Review: Good

Author Website: www.juliekagawa.com

First Line
: “Why should I trust you?”


GoodReads Synopsis
: Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Kathy’s Review: I liked this one a tiny bit less than the first. I’m not sure what it was, but it didn’t grab me like the first book did. I still really enjoyed the story and characters, but maybe it was just middle-book syndrome. I was a little frustrated with Meghan this time around, it was obvious who she was going to choose, but led the other guy on anyway. I really waivered between Team Ash and Team Puck this time. The thing I really like about Puck is that he’s a nice guy, all the pranks aside. He’s known and been friends with Meghan for a long time and they have a great foundation. I’m not sure what he sees in her romantically though, they seem more like friends or siblings. Ash has the whole brooding, handsome thing going for him. I think deep down he is a softy and has a good heart, but he has to put on a mean face. Which brings me to what really bothered me with Meghan. At the beginning she tells Ash that she trusts him, and yet when that trust is put to the test she totally doubts him. She’s spent enough time with him that she should know his motivations, but acts all confused when he acts different around his family. I can understand why she had some doubts, but when she made such a big deal about trusting him I was hoping to see that trust put into action.

The overall story was still entertaining and kept me reading. I liked seeing our old friend Grim and a few new ones. There is a scene near the end that seemed a little out of place with everything going on (high school prom), it was still a fun read and has me looking forward to the last book, The Iron Queen.


Bookworm Rating: 4


Reading Order:
Book One: The Iron King
Book 1.5: Winters Passage
Book Two: The Iron Daughter
Book Three: The Iron Queen

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Publication Date: April 2010

One Word Review: Entertaining

Author Website: www.mariavsnyder.com

First Line
: “A vibration rippled through my body.”

GoodReads Synopsis: I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

Kathy’s Review: I have been wanting to read this one for a while, I was a little nervous that it would be too similar to the Hunger Games trilogy, mainly because the main character is a teenage girl who helps lead a revolution, that is about all the two have in common. I have read a few great reviews of the book and was excited to dive in. I definitely had a hard time putting it down and stayed up way too late reading, I keep forgetting that I have a newborn that would be waking up a couple hours later. Anyway, the book sucks you in and each chapter ends with a pretty good cliffhanger and you can’t help thinking “just one more chapter.” I really liked our main character Trella, I liked that she was tough and that she also took the time to look inward and acknowledge mistakes she had made. Even though tons of things are going on, she never acts like a victim. She takes control and I liked that instead of just doing her part, she really takes charge to see things through. There is even a bit of a love story, which always makes me happy. The book did remind me of a few others I’ve read, but it’s still packed with surprises and totally unique. My only complaint was I had a hard time picturing everything and figuring out their time systems (maybe its just my pregnancy brain), I probably ended up imagining something totally different than the author had in mind, but owell. We’re left with a good setup for the next book, with enough closure to feel satisfied with finishing this one. A great read and one that I would like to read again.

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Reading Order:
Book One: Inside Out
Book Two: Outside In
Book Three:

Similar Reads:
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Santa Maybe by Aubrey Mace

Genre: Holiday Chick Lit

Publication Date: 2009

One Word Review: Cute

Author Website: www.aubreymace.com

First Line: “When I was younger, I fell in love like most people change their socks.”

GoodReads Synopsis: With a successful bakery to run, super cute nices and nephews to spoil, and plenty of good griends to keep her company, Abbie’s not about to start crying over the fact that she doesn’t have a boyfriend to spend Christmas with. But when her sister convinces her to write a note to Santa, Abbie has no idea that a little Christmas magic is about to land her the mad of her dreams. Or rather, that man is about to land smack dab on the floor in front of her Christmas tree—with no memory of how he got there. Now Abbie and Ben have to figure out where he came from, who he really is, and if he’s actually available.

Kathy’s Review: I’ve actually wanted to read this since last Christmas and was finally able to get my hands on a copy. I think it would be a perfect holiday book to curl up with next to a warm fire. Anyway, I thought it was a cute story, well written and had likable characters. Abbie and Ben were cute together, I’m not sure how realistic their whole situation was, she seemed to accept this stranger into her house rather quickly, even offering to make him breakfast. I guess if it we’re me the last think I would do is offer to make an intruder breakfast, even if he was hot. The only other thing that kind of bothered me was Abbie’s sister Grace, again her reaction to the whole situation just didn’t seem very real. It drives me crazy when married people suddenly forget how hard dating is and start giving single people the worst advice (especially things they probably never would have done when they were dating). Anyway, it’s a cute, lighthearted story and I can see myself reading it again once the holidays roll around.

Bookworm Rating: 3.5