No Rest for the Witches

Title: No Rest for the Witches

Author: MaryJanice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray, Christine Warren

Publisher: St. Martin's 2007

Genre: Paranormal (Witches)

Pages: 330

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon; Fantasy

Usually I have mixed feelings about anthologies.  This one surpassed my expectations.  I loved each of the four stories presented.

1. MaryJanice Davidson "The Majicka" -- I absolutely loved the crazy cast of characters in this story.  As usual, we have a strong heroine that can't necessarily see her own worth.  In the end, everything works out great, but what a ride.  My only issue: Micah.  Maybe it was because he wasn't as "out there" as the rest of the characters.  But overall a good story.
2. Lori Handeland "Voodoo Moon" -- A suspected serial killer, a voodoo king, a skeptical FBI agent, and a mysterious secret government agency.  A great mystery story with twists and turns.  The sex scenes were a bit intense for my tastes, but good.
3. Cheyenne McCray "Breath of Magic" -- Probably the least favorite in this anthology, but still really good.  Obviously this story goes along with a larger saga.  McCray did a good job of giving enough information that I understood.  But I'm sure it would be better after reading more of the saga.  Good mythology and characters.
4. Christine Warren "Any Witch Way She Can" -- Interesting love spell story.  I definitely saw the ending coming, but it was still enjoyable.  Great little story.

Notes from a Spinning Planet: Ireland by Melody Carlson

Title: Notes from a Spinning Planet: Ireland

Author: Melody Carlson

Publisher: WaterBrook Press 2006

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 256

Rating:  DNF

It’s pretty humiliating to admit, but I’ve never flown in a plane before today. So wouldn’t you think that I’d be feeling pretty jazzed right now? Instead I keep grabbing onto these armrests as I ask myself why on earth I ever agreed to come on this frightening trip.… Affectionately teased as a “country bumpkin,” nineteen year-old Maddie has never been one to explore new territory. Her first trip outside of the country with her Aunt Sid and Sid’s godson, Ryan, promises an exhilarating adventure. Northern Ireland is more captivating than she even imagined–and Ryan is offering plenty of intrigue himself.

As Aunt Sid researches peace camps, Maddie and Ryan explore Ireland’s rich landscape. During the journey, Maddie begins to discover more about what she wants from life, while developing a deeper friendship with her irresistible traveling companion.

When Maddie and Ryan dig for the truth about the IRA car bomb that killed Ryan’s father years ago, questions about the past accumulate. Unable to let go of growing suspicions in this mysterious country, Maddie finds herself on a dangerous journey, a journey that will lead her to the greatest discovery of all.

I ran into a huge setback today in Notes from a Spinning Planet: Ireland.  I picked this and the two sequels (Mexico and Papua New Guinea) thinking they would be an interesting "See the world" type of book.  I found many problems with the book and quit 60 pages in.

1. The book is written in a first person journaling style.  It got a bit annoying when it switched from a journal style to an almost 3rd person retelling, but happening currently events.  Does that make sense?  Every time it changed, I had to rethink how to read the book.
2. The main character was annoying.  Maddie has been asked by her Aunt Sid to travel to Ireland for a research project.  She tells us right off that she's never been "off the farm" (literally in her case).  Okay, I get it, she's new to this whole traveling thing, but the culture mistakes and intolerance annoyed the crap out of me.  Don't go to another country unless you really want to learn about and experience the culture.  In fact, before you go, read some guide books, prepare yourself to their way of life.  If you don't, you're not appreciating the peoples.  End of rant.
3. The Christian angle was baffling.  Is this a book about Maddie refinding Christ?  Is this a book about her witnessing to others?  I couldn't tell.  Maybe this was cleared up later, but I had absolutely no clue in the first fourth of the book.
4. Beer.  The entire third and fourth chapters Maddie's fixates on the fact that Ryan, Aunt Sid's godson, is having a pint.  She even makes nasty comments to him about it and then mentions to him that she thinks that all Christians should not drink.  I know some Christians do not drink, but her reasoning was that "Jesus didn't drink."  Ryan mentions the fact that Jesus and his disciples drank wine, to which she replies "I heard it was more like grape juice."  Her ignorance and naiveté really got me.  How did this girl live at all before now?  Fine it's her issue, but do I have to read about her whiny thoughts about beer throughout two chapters?
5. My last problem has to do with the targeted audience.  What age group was the book written for?  The library shelved it in Reader's Services (adult fiction), yet it read like a teen novel.  Looking at the back of the book, the book is listed as "Fiction/Young Adult."  Well that explains it.  The book should be shelved in the Young Adult section.

Maybe this book would appeal to me if I was 13.  As I am 29, I felt very over this type of coming of age story.  Maddie was too naive and intolerant for my tastes.  Therefore, I put it down after 60 pages.  I'm going to try another book by Melody Carlson, one that was written for adult audiences (I double checked it!).

Notes from a Spinning Planet

• #1 Ireland
• #2 Papua New Guinea
• #3 Mexico

Hungry for Your Love

Title: Hungry for Your Love

Edited By: Lori Perkins

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 2009

Genre: Zombie; Short Stories

Pages: 368

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon; Zombie

Finally finished!  I love zombie stories, but I really feel like I've been reading this book forever.  Like most anthologies I have mixed feelings about the stories.  Initially, I was concerned about the mix of zombies and romance.  Was I going to read zombie porn?  EWWW! Definitely not the part of the genre that I enjoy.  Thankfully only a few stories alluded to that activity.  There were a couple zombie (or zombie-ish)/human pairings and a few zombie/zombie pairings, but there were many classic survivors find love stories.  I am highlighting my top five stories (out of 21 total):

1. R.G. Hart "My Partner the Zombie" - A model private investigator, her zombie (but high functioning with unrequited love) partner, the circus, midgets, and a meglomaniac!  What a cast! Mystery, intrigue, and a great happy (if slightly improbable) ending. Really enjoyed this one.
2. Jan Kozlowski "First Love Never Dies" - A police officer stumbles into a grotesque compound owned by a former acquaintance. It has a happy ending in an appropriate conclusion kind of way.  Not happy, but satisfying.  Full of very relatable emotions, zombie infestation nonwithstanding.
3. S.M. Cross "Through Death to Love" - How can someone fall in love with a zombie?  Perhaps through speech therapy.  However it happens, you bet it's going to be slow and steady.  (hee hee get it?)  Ignoring my ridiculous puns, I liked the quiet emotions to this love story.
4. Jeanine McAdam "Inhuman Resources" - Aren't all office drones zombielike?  But what if they actually were zombies.  Could you spot the difference?  These are the questions our heroine must ask herself at the Shibboleth Insurance Agency.  And to complicate matters, she meets a mysterious, slightly geeky guy claiming to be a zombie hunter.
5. Steven Saus "Kicking the Habit" - Romeo and Juliet style story except R and J are now zombies.  I loved the subtle humor to this piece.  Zombies are hard to make humorous, but Saus definitely achieved a slightly funny, definitely engaging love story.

Coraline: The Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman

Title: Coraline: The Graphic Novel

Edited By: Neil Gaiman

Publisher: Harper Collins 2008

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 186

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon; YA

Very excited about this graphic novel!  I absolutely adored the book and the movie versions.  And this volume does not fail to satisfy.  The other mother is suitably creepy.  The place views were gorgeous.  And the action shots invoked movement.  All things that I would expect to see in a graphic novel.  Great quick read for a raining night!

Fables: Storybook Love by Bill Willingham

Title: Fables Vol. 3: Storybook Love

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: DC Comics 2004

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 190

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon

Definitely my favorite so far in the Fables series.  This series it really growing on me.  I just had to keep reading.  Since it's a graphic novel, I read it in less than an hour.

The main story focused on the lingering problems of an unrequited love of Bigby to Snow, a fugitive Goldilocks, a poor Prince Charming, and a devious Bluebeard.  I loved how they resolved (at least temporarily) some of the storylines set up in Volume 1.  We also meet Briar Rose, second wife to Prince Charming (turns out Cinderella, who we met in Volume 1, was wife #3).  And we encounter the mounted police made up of Fable rats and Lilliputians (you know, from Gulliver's Travels).

Beyond the main story, we got a story of Jack set in the Civil War, a two-parter concerning a noisy reporter, and the story of the Barleycorn vase.  All three were entertaining, but the Jack story was my favorite.  With an appearance and then disappearance of Death, Jack showed just how morally ambiguous he really is.  I imagine this will come up later in the series.

The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance

Title: The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance

Edited by: Tricia Telep

Publisher: Running Press 2009

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 468

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon; Fantasy

Twenty stories of time travel romance. What's not to love?  Overall this collection was a lot of fun.  Some stories were traveling back in time.  A few from the future back to our time.  And a few into the future.  I think I liked the into the past ones the best.  Instead of rating each story for the review (I did as I read them, just for me), I thought I would highlight my five favorite stories.  In order of best to a little less than best:

1. "The Walled Garden" Michele Lang - A tales of safety, mystery, self-exploration.  I couldn't tell if the story was a metaphor or meant to be taken literally.  Doesn't matter really.  The story is amazing.  And Lang's writing is so lyrical.  She doesn't give you all the answers, but that's the beauty of the story.  Definitely need to look up her other works.

2. "Stepping Back" Sara McKenzie - A mysterious house hidden under the water in remote Australia.  A woman escaping her old life (or is she?).  A mysterious photograph.  A receding reservoir.  And a rip in time itself.  A great story of self-discovery and romance.

3. "Iron and Hemlock" Autumn Dawn -- I have always loved gargoyles, shapeshifters, and faeries.  This story put them all together with a time traveling woman. I loved the surreal quality of the story.  I want to learn more about this mysterious world.

4. "MacDuff's Secret" Sandy Blair -- I connected to the main female character within the first paragraph.  A passionate history teacher trying to manage five teenage boys?  Sounds a lot like me.  But then the story turned on its ear with a travel in time, a hunky Highlander, and a mysterious glen.  I especially loved the ending to this story.  Usually happy endings slightly annoy me, but this one was done well.

5. "The Key to Happiness" Gwyn Cready -- A bridesmaid meets a strangely familiar man at the reception.  He tells her secrets, but she will only remember them as long as they keep their hands clasped.  What happens when she releases his hand?  A plot twist I saw coming a mile away, but the writing still made it enjoyable.

Fables: Animal Farm by Bill Willingham

Title: Fables Vol. 2: Animal Farm

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: DC Comics 2003

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 112

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon; Fantasy

Definitely not as good as Legends in Exile, but still a good graphic novel.  This story revolved around Fabletown's non-human inhabitants.  They attempt a takeover of control of Fabletown and hopefully the Homelands.  Of course, not everything goes as planned.  And Snow White and Rose Red are caught in the middle.  The twists and turns and intrigue weren't a surprise.  I felt like I had read this story before.  The plot was overdone and ol.d  The characters were fairy interesting.  However, Snow White was such a disappointment after her excellent debut.  Read this volume in about an hour.  It wasn't a wasted hour, but definitely not the best.  Here's hoping that Volume 3 is better.

Dreadfully Ever After by Steven Hockensmith

Title: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After

Author: Steven Hockensmith

Publisher: Quirk Books 2011

Genre: Jane Austen; Zombies

Pages: 320

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: April Read-a-Thon; Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and its prequel, Dawn of the Dreadfuls, were both New York Times best sellers, with a combined 1.3 million copies in print. Now the PPZ trilogy comes to a thrilling conclusion with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After.

The story opens with our newly married protagonists, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, defending their village from an army of flesh-eating “unmentionables.” But the honeymoon has barely begun when poor Mr. Darcy is nipped by a rampaging dreadful. Elizabeth knows the proper course of action is to promptly behead her husband (and then burn the corpse, just to be safe). But when she learns of a miracle antidote under development in London, she realizes there may be one last chance to save her true love—and for everyone to live happily ever after.

Great ending for an awesome zed filled trilogy.  I love the first Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and the prequel Dawn of the Dreadfuls.  This was a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Within the first few pages, Mr. Darcy is bitten by a dreadful.  The following story finds Elizabeth trying desperately to save him.  Lady Catherine attempting to thwart her plans while pretending to help (not really a spoiler if you remember the character of Lady Catherine).  Kitty taking a more prominent role in the family since Lydia's marriage to Wickham.  Mary becoming a self-assured woman.  Mr. Bennet trying to keep everyone focused.  And a host of new colorful characters.  Definitely my favorite character of the book had to be Bunny with his pet rabbit Brummell, comedic relief with in the presence of unmentionables.

The book is fast paced yet not too fast.  The writing is less Jane Austen than the other two books, but still retains the essence of her style of writing.  The illustrations are a joy to peruse.  I loved every minute of reading it.  I'm sad to see the series end, but it's a good ending.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

• #1 Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
• #2 Dawn of the Dreadfuls
• #3 Dreadfully Ever After

Unusual Suspects edited by Dana Stabenow

Title: Unusual Suspects: Stories of Mystery and Fantasy

Author: edited by Dana Stabenow

Publisher: Ace Trade 2008

Genre: Paranormal; Mystery

Pages: 320

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon

Interesting collection of fantasy and mystery stories.  Like all collections, I liked some and not so much for others.  Instead of trying to summarize the entire book, I thought I would list all the stories, share a few thoughts, and rate the stories.

1. "Lucky" Charlaine Harris -- A great Sookie Stackhouse short story.  A nice fill in between novels with some great characters (both new and old).  5 stars
2. "Bogieman" Carole Nelson Douglas -- Loved the plot.  Really want to read more of her work. 5 stars
3. "Looks are Deceiving" Michael Stackpole -- I got very confused very quickly.  His world sounds pretty interesting, but I obviously need to read some of his other works first. 2 stars
4. "The House of Seven Spirits" Sharon Shim -- Great ghost/mystery story.  I was definitely impressed. 5 stars
5. "Glamour" Mike Doogan -- Interesting world, but really couldn't get into the story. 3 stars
6. "Spellbound" Donna Andrews -- Witches, mages, gremlins, and origami?  Perfect crazy story.  Reminded me of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. 5 stars
7. "The Duh Vice" Michael Armstrong --Good sci fi story. 4 stars
8. "Weight of the World" John Straley -- Wow!  What an awesome story featuring Santa Claus, elves, and "the list." 5 stars
9. "Illumination" Laura Ann Gilman -- Good start to what looks like an interesting character. 4 stars
10. "The House" Laurie King -- Loved loved loved this ghost story with a twist. 5 stars
11. "Appetite for Murder" Simon Green -- Great mystical whodunit.  I really want to read more of his Nightside world. 5 stars
12. "A Woman's Work" Dana Stabenow -- Too many names and odd plot lines.  I couldn't even finish this story. 1 star

Fables: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham

Title: Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2002

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon; Fantasy; A to Z Authors: W

When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile. Disguised among the normal citizens of modern-day New York, these magical characters have created their own peaceful and secret society within an exclusive luxury apartment building called Fabletown. But when Snow White's party-girl sister, Rose Red, is apparently murdered, it is up to Fabletown's sheriff, a reformed and pardoned Big Bad Wolf, to determine if the killer is Bluebeard, Rose's ex-lover and notorious wife killer, or Jack, her current live-in boyfriend and former beanstalk-climber. Collects FABLES #1-5.

Another graphic novel to add to my growing comic addiction.  This one intrigued me because of the subject matter: fairy tale characters.  I love anything with fairy tale stories or characters.  And this one did not disappoint.  A pulpy detective story featuring the murder of Rose Red.  I loved the inclusion of all kinds of various characters (my fave: Prince Charming who married and divorced both Snow White and Cinderella).  Each had a very different personality than their original story, which is definitely a good thing.  I find most old versions of fairy tales very flat when to comes to characterization.  This volume had loads of personality.

As to the story line, I like the premise and most of the execution.  The only part I didn't like: the ending.  Having the killer of Rose Red be exposed during a party felt way too staged.  I wasn't buying the staged wrap-up of the story.  It was a bit of a let down after a great story.

Fortunately, this was volume one of the Fables series.  I didn't even realize it when I started reading.  Now I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

Title: The Amaranth Enchantment

Author: Julie Berry

Publisher: Bloomsbury 2009

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 308

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; YA; April Read-a-Thon

I really enjoyed this book.  It had dashes of fantasy, dashes of romance, dashes of a coming-of-age story, dashes of action.  I sped through the book loving most pages.  It really reminded me of Howl's Moving Castle... maybe that's why I loved it so much.  There was lots of parallels from the lost little girl to the witch.  Although in this case the witch was a good witch.  The only part that I just couldn't beleive was the ending.  The crazy twist wasn't so crazy.  In fact, it was downright deus ex machina.  And if we remember my previous Top 10 Tuesday: Bookish Pet Peeves, I hate stories that end with a deus ex machina effect. Annoying!  I would have prefered a much more belieavable conclusion to the story line.

Steamed by Katie MacAlister

Title: Steamed

Author: Katie MacAlister

Publisher: Signet 2010

Genre: Steampunk Romance

Pages: 332

Rating: 3 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Steampunk

I read another review of this book; one that didn't like the book very much.  I must say that I have mixed feelings about this book.  Some parts I loved, and others I hated.

The Good

I enjoyed the politics behind Octavia's actions.  That may be because I like politics in general.  I find it interesting to see how people get wrapped up in competing agendas.  It wasn't hard at all to keep all the different factions separate.  I loved the intrigue, the uncertain nature of various characters, the keeping secret of information.  It made the book at bit more than a steampunk romance.  I also enjoyed the descriptions of the steampunk world.  having Jack and Hallie come from the real 2010 world created a great way for the characters to explain the steampunk technology.  So the weapons and airships run on nuclear physics?  Interesting.  I liked the scientific side of the story.

The Bad

There were two big things wrong with the book: Hallie and the romance.  Jack's sister was a nonexistant character, simply a plot device.  The little we saw of her wasn't good at all.  She was stuck up and stiff and stupid.  I mean who gets herself captured while standing at a fountain.  Wouldn't you be a little cautious in a war zone?  Better yet, wouldn't you be a little cautious in a completely different world?  Instead she wanders over to look at a fountain and gets captured as a spy.  Seriously!  We could have done without her character all together.  The other issue I have is with the romance.  It just wasn't believable at all.  Jack comes off as a complete sex crazed chauvinist masquerading as a Quaker (really a Quaker?).  And Octavia comes off as a pretentious slut.  (I know harsh language, but that was my initial thought)  I wasn't interested at all in their "romance."  Just get to the action (fighting, no sex) scenes already.

Overall, interesting premise and background plot but boring characters and romance.

Date with a Devil

Title: Date with a Devil

Author: Anne Stuart, Cherry Adair, and Muriel Jensen

Publisher: Harlequin 2004

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 376

Rating: 3 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library

I'm really into the fun breezy reads lately.  (Actually I'm trying to read all the books that I've already checked out from the library.  I've banned myself from getting more.)  This one fits in nicely.  Three paranormal romance short stories featuring naughty dates.  Yes, I referred to them as naughty dates.  I liked the stories, but felt like they could have been turned into full length books with some time and effort.  They felt a little short.  The story was finished, but the characters could have offered a lot more to the reader.  Alas, they were short stories.  I'm still trying to decide if I should look into other works by these authors,  I think I'll go to the library and peruse the covers.  Good, fun read for the day.  Nothing too exciting or memorable, but that's okay.  I think I'll continue with the breezy fun reads and then get into heavier stuff next week.

Really Unusual Bad Boys by MaryJanice Davidson

Title: Really Unusual Bad Boys

Author: MaryJanice Davidson

Publisher: Brava 2005

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 240

Rating: 3 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library

Fun, breezy read featuring an alternate? universe, the Sandlands, and three princes.  Oh an by the way the princes change form into giant cats (think jaguar and not house cats).  A fun romp for a lazy Sunday.  Definitely nothing I would brag about or own.  But I did enjoy it.  Good little stories.  My one big complaint about the book: it felt too short.  Three stories, while related, not the same story crammed into 240 pages.  I felt like the idea and storyline could have been expanded.  Maybe that would have pushed my star rating higher.  Oh well.  It was a fun couple hours of reading.  On to something else.

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Bloody Valentine

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion 2010

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 147

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Vampires; 2011 - Slim Pickings

Vampires have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shapeshift and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even the strikingly beautiful and outrageously wealthy Blue Bloods, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz offers readers a new story about the love lives of their favorite vamps - the passion and heartache, the hope and devastation, the lust and longing. Combined with all the glitz, glamour, and mystery fans have come to expect, this is sure to be another huge hit in the Blue Bloods series.

Another companion novel to the Blue Blood saga.  This time we get three love stories: Oliver and a mysterious stranger, Freya, Allegra (Gabrielle) and Bendix Chase, and Schuyler and Jack.  The stories were a little more grown-up with sex scenes, albeit pretty PG-13 ones.  I was concerned about Oliver being left when Schuyler went to Florence with Jack.  Thankfully his heart has been healed.  And we get the introduction of a new character; one that will probably figure into Cruz's new series, The Witches of East End.  Then we get Allegra's story set in 1985.  We see her a real person, not just a sleeping angel.  I liked seeing the story of her and Bendix, but also the relationship between her and Charles.  Interesting take on the eternal bond.  Finally we get to see Schuyler and Jack.  I won't give away the details, but it's a nice classic love story.  Very enjoyable companion novel.

Blue Bloods (DNFed series)

• #1 Blue Bloods
• #2 Masquerade
• #3 Revelations
• #4 The Van Alen Legacy
• #4.5 Keys to the Repository
• #5 Misguided Angel
• #5.5 Bloody Valentine
• #6 Lost in Time
• #7 The Gates of Paradise

Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Misguided Angel (Blue Bloods #5)

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion 2010

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 265

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Young Adult; Vampires; A to Z Titles: M

After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler fled to Florence--with her forbidden love, Jack. Now the two of them must embark on the mission Schuyler was destined to complete: to find and protect the seven gates that guard earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silverbloods. As the Blue Blood enclave weakens yet further, fate leads Schuyler closer to a terrifying crossroads--and a choice that will determine the destiny of all vampires.

The mythology and story line took a very interesting turn in this installment of the Blue Bloods saga.  And a turn that I enjoyed.  I definitely didn't see the big twist coming until it was revealed.  I won't reveal any spoilers, but it's a good one.  Sets up the next book quite nicely.

I especially loved the inclusion of a relatively new character (she was mentioned briefly in a previous book) Deming Chen otherwise known as Kuan Yin, the Angel of Mercy.  I once did a paper on Kuan Yin in college, so it was nice to see an interpretation of her in vampire form.  I liked seeing the New York Blue Blood society through her eyes.  A definite change of pace.

Plus we got see more of Schuyler and Jack's adventure to find the Gates and Mimi's time as Regent.  My only problem with the book is that it made me want to read the next one faster.  Too bad.  I have to wait until October.  Boo hoo!

Blue Bloods

• #1 Blue Bloods
• #2 Masquerade
• #3 Revelations
• #4 The Van Alen Legacy
• #4.5 Keys to the Repository
• #5 Misguided Angel
• #5.5 Bloody Valentine
• #6 Lost in Time
• #7 The Gates of Paradise

Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter

Title: Surrender Bay (A Nantucket Love Story #1)

Author: Denise Hunter

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 2007

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 287

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Contemporary Romance

Samantha Owens' estranged stepfather has died, leaving her his cottage in Nantucket—a place she fled years ago, never planning to return. As a single mom, Samantha can't afford to pass up a financial windfall like ocean-front property. So she travels home to fix up the house and sell it . . . never suspecting that Landon Reed still lives two doors down.

As their long-dormant romance begins to bud again, Samantha must face a past that separated her from the God of her childhood. And she must tell Landon why she fled the island in the first place—a secret that could tear them apart.

Is Landon’s love really as unconditional as he claims? And will Samantha finally realize that the God she found all those years ago never abandoned her?

A heart-tugging tale of shattered trust, growing faith, and love that endures . . . all in a romantic seaside setting.

I have a bit of back story regarding this book.  I knew the author.  Back in middle school, Hunter and her husband went to the same church as my mother and I.  At the time they had two boys that I occasionally babysat.  We let the church when I was in high school and I lost track of them.  A few months ago I was talking to my mom about my reading challenges.  When I started to discuss my issues with Christian fiction, my mom remembered that Denise wrote Christian novels.  I didn't know that at all.  So I ran out to the library to grab one.  I read it in two days.

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the book.  I have documented my issues with Christian fiction, but this book wasn't like the others.  It was more like At the Scent of Water; a moving fiction story that happens to have Christian elements and background.  There weren't any multi page sermons or heavy-handed conversions.  I loved the characters.  Sam, the flawed female, and Landon, the caring lifelong friend trying to show her love.  The bringing together of the two people didn't seem contrived or forced.  It was natural.  I could understand Sam's reluctance to get closer to Landon.  I could understand Landon's pain over her refusals. I sped through the story, loving every minute.  I definitely need to read the rest of her books.  Guess I need to make another trip to the library.

Nantucket Love Story

• #1 Surrender Bay
• #2 The Convenient Groom
• #3 Seaside Letters
• #4 Driftwood Lane

Under Cover by MaryJanice Davidson

Title: Under Cover

Author: MaryJanice Davidson

Publisher: Brava 2003

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 294

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Contemporary Romance; A to Z Titles: U

I enjoyed this fun little read. Action adventure romance.  I've decided that I like this type of contemporary romance over all the others.  I want something besides the sex scenes.  Those are nice, but I need plot.  I need a conflict.  I need something else to be driving the characters.

This volume included three stories populated by the same large group of characters.  Like all short story anthologies, the stories appealed to me differently.

1. "Sweet Strangers" -- This story was okay.  I liked the main female character, Renee Jardin.  My only issue--Renee and Eric jumping into bed (metaphorically, as there was no bed involved) within ~two hours of meeting.  I know this can happen in real life, but this story felt a bit rushed.  On the other hand, the plot was interesting and did a good job of introducing the characters for the next two stories.

2. "Lovely Lies" -- Definitely my favorite of the three stories.  I loved Lori and Peter.  Lori felt like a real character.  Peter was enough of a thug for his background, but with a real soft spot inside.  Great characters, good plot, interesting dialogue.  I was really into this story.  Read it in one setting way past my bedtime.

3. "Delightful Deception" -- Dr. Jimmy Scrye was hands down my favorite male character.  But Dr. Thea Foster just didn't connect to me.  I know she was supposed to be IQ (the Ice Queen).  However, she was too icy.  I just couldn't see how Scrye could really fall for her.  I just didn't see it at all.  On the other hand (yeah I know back and forth and back and forth in these stories) I loved the dialogue in this story.  Snappy, imaginative, and full of sarcasm.

So far, I've read many Davidson books, and I must say I think she's really hit and miss for me.  I liked the Alaskan Royals trilogy.  I liked the Fred the Mermaid trilogy.  I liked the first Cyborg adventure and couldn't finish the second one.  I'll probably get around to the rest of her books soon.  They're short, they're fun, they have fun characters, they have good sex scenes.  Overall a decent author for a beach read.  (Now to find a beach to read on)

The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer

Title: The Black Moth

Author: Georgette Heyer

Publisher: Harlequin 1929

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 410

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Georgette Heyer; Support Your Local Library; 2011 - Way Back When

It tells the story of Jack Carstares, oldest son of the Earl Wyncham, disgraced six years earlier, who returns home and becomes a highwayman so that he is able to live in the land he loves without detection.

One day while out riding he foils an abduction plot mastered by the infamous Duke of Andover. Injured while rescuing the damsel in distress, he is taken home by the thankful Diana Beauleigh and her Aunt Betty, to recover. Mystery and intrigue continue to the melodrama's end...

My love for Jane Austen convinced me that I needed to read Georgette Heyer.  Heyer began writing in the 1920s and continued up until the 1950s.  Her works focused mostly on the Regency period with historical romances and mysteries.  Some of her books are set in adjacent times, but mostly it's the beginning of the 1800s.  So I picked up one of her first books (maybe her first book?  the dates get a little confusing)and dived in.  Side note: According to the introduction, this story as one made up for her brother, who was ill at the time.

The Good

I really liked this book.  It had the right amount of action/adventure and romance to suit my tastes.  I like a combination in my books.  The main male character, Jack, was likable, even when he was robbing the rich or putting on the Sir Anthony Ferndale persona.  The villain, Duke of Andover, was full of venom.  The right amount to hate him want to see him lose the girl.  The various side characters were interesting: Jim, Miles, Molly (my favorite!).  They added a depth to the book.

The Bad

At times, Diana felt a little flat.  She wasn't as much of a character as I hoped she would be.  Maybe that's the Jane Austen in me talking.  I'm so used to her complex female characters that I think I'm a bit spoiled.

The Ugly

This is more of a historical commentary than specific to the book, but it did affect my experience.  I have never been able to find men dressed in the late 1700s French style of powdered wigs, makeup, satin clothing, and high heels attractive.  They look very close to clowns for me (and I have a huge phobia of clowns).  Every time Jack was described in this style, I pictured the clockwork robots from Doctor Who.  Definitely not attractive in my book.  According to the various Heyer websites, her late books are set squarely in the Regency period, so hopefully no more clown men.

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Title: The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book #5)

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Scholastic 2009

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 381

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Young Adult; 2011 - Mind the Gap

All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

The boys and I started reading the Percy Jackson series a few months ago.  They were finally at an age where they were interesting in reading a "big book" but couldn't necessarily read it on their own.  So this series became our bedtime book.  We would snuggle under the covers and dive into a world where the Greek gods still exist and their children are the new heroes.

I must say that I came into their series with a bit of trepidation.  Would I, a grown adult, like a children's series?  I was pleasantly surprised.  I loved the series.  I love the characters.  They are relatable, but also age appropriate.  None of this "I'm 12, but I act 30" crap.  I loved the retelling of the Greek myths.  Often Riordan mentions part of a myth or we meet a character from the myths.  Every time that happened, my boys (especially N) would then want to hear the rest of the myth and story.  I love that this series inspired my boys to go and seek out more information.  Riordan gives us just enough to spark an interest.  I love it!  My only pet peeve: I couldn't read it faster.

The boys are bugging me to buy the first book of his next series, The Lost Hero, but it's still only in hardback.  I refuse to pay new hardback prices.  I'm waiting until I find it at Half Price Books or a really good bookstore coupon to use.  In the meantime, we've decided to read Ruyard Kipling's Just So Stories.  I'm excited to read it!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

1. The Lightning Thief
2. The Sea of Monsters
3. The Titan's Curse
4. The Battle of the Labyrinth
5. The Last Olympian