Several Authors - Kegs and Dorms anthology

The best time of a young man's life is when he hits the college scene. From figuring out the best way to meet guys on campus to testing untried limits, the men of Kegs and Dorms take university life and turn it upside-down. In Kiernan Kelly's "Secui Domus", clever Aidan thinks he has a solution for solving campus housing problems, and all he needs is a little help from his friends -- including the delicious Bobby Hatcher, who might just carry a torch for Aidan.
Stephanie Vaughan's "Another Believer" takes a look at the train ride of a lifetime in which two college-bound strangers find they have a chemistry that can't be denied. Tory Temple's "What It's All About", a rip-roaring adventure through Rush Week, tells the story of Max, who's out, proud, and confused. Last but not least, Jane Davitt's "Reading Between the Lines" tells the story of Seth and Gabe, the odd-couple-from-hell roommates who are either going to kill each other or fall in love, and it's anybody's guess as to which'll come first.

Comment: The last m/m book of the challenge and, obviously, of the year.
I decided to pick an anthology because it's different enough from a common book that would be a better "surprise" and because, well, I hadn't read any this year.
I chose Kegs and Dorms, edited by Jennifer B. because I had it in my TBR list for a long time and to be honest I'd rather go through something I had in waiting than to spend money in something more appropriate like with the christmas theme.
So, the only valid reason is the fact I had it already.
This anthology has 4 stories, all about the world of students, each one with a different aproach. Of them all, none was wow, but one of them I liked a bit more, and I read it faster too, because it was more interesting, I guess.
I've had read things by three of the authors and curiously enough, the one I preferred is by the one I didn't know, funny this.

So, in a few lines, here are the stories and my comment:

"Secui Domus" by Kiernan Kelly
This is the first story and it's very original. When the dorm where the characters used to be has problemas they are on their own, so Aiden has the idea of doing a strip show to finance a new place. With this comes the issue of the dean, who isn't very happy with Aiden's idea. The thing is, the dean used to have a relationship with the owner that has his gay bar near campus. hen there's the issua of finding people to participate in the strip...
The storyline is original yes, but I didn't find the end that interesting, it was predictable because of the way things went, although the author has points for putting on the redemption line in there. It was a nice story but it's not wow and to me it didn't really made an impression.

"Another Believer" by Stephanie Vaughn
In this one we meet two young students who start talking in a train. After some misunderstandings they see they have a lot in common and decide to finish the trip together.
I liked this one, the chemestry was obvious and I was very curious to know more about them and their personalities. I think it ends with a certain sense of hope because sometimes even what is unexpected can be good.

"Reading between the Lines" by Jane Davitt
My favourite of the lot and the only one by an unknown author to me.
I like the theme of hate turning to love and when they realize they're roomates, Seth and Gabe don't get along that much. But Seth is very curious about Gabe and the fact he seems to be hooking up with some of Seth's exs.
When they're together spaks fly and I liked to see them taking their relationship to the next level. Sometimes Gabe didn't look very approachable and I confess it made me a bit annoyed with him, but in the end his reasons made sense and I was happy to see him with Seth.

"What It's All About" by Tory Temple
This story is about Max, a young student who's gay and out but he hasn't met someone that makes his head spin, until Devin. However, Devin isn't very reliable and seems to be playing around a lot. Still, they hook up sometimes but there's never any serious conversation of what they're doing, which makes Max very confused.
I enjoyed the story but everytime things were looking up, Devin would act strangely, not showing up for dates, making excuses, even saying to Max college isn't about dating seriously.
I found exhausting this cat and mouse game and what saved this story for me was Max's standup at the end, when he tells Devin waht he really feels and goes away.
Of course I predicted Devin would come to him and try a relationship, but the best part of really Max telling him he was tired of being with him and then nothing.
It wasn't the one I preferred but it has some issues that left me thinking.

All in all, a good anthology. I'm aware I don't read that many and I could be missing some interesting things out there...I'll try to read more next year.
This one I read relatively fast and it had an appealing theme, so I recommend it.
And this is the conclusion of my participation in the challenge...I'll post soon the main ideas about this experience.

Shayla Black - Possess Me at Midnight

As a mysterious dark cloud drains the life of her beloved brother, Doomsday Brethren leader Bram, Sabelle Rion can think of little else. Still, every time she meets Ice Rykard's intense green gaze, her body aches with need for the sexy warrior. Their attraction is explosive, incredible -- and forbidden. As dangerous as he is unpredictable, Ice is her brother's sworn enemy. But as Bram weakens, a more sinister force is gaining power.
Evil Mathias and his ruthless Anarki army are on a bloodthirsty hunt for the Doomsday Diary. Sabelle must guard the potent book with her life -- and Ice vows to protect the beautiful witch with his. Duty demands that Sabelle deny her lover's fiery call of possession and mate with a man who can sway the magical Council against the impending rebellion. With the fate of magickind hanging in the balance, will she forsake the burning desires she can't ignore or turn her back on her people for the courageous man she can't resist?

Comment: When knew the 5th book in the series was only going to be released in 2012, I stopped my reading frenzy because I didn't want to be so long without a new book. So, finally I decided to read the remaining two books I have because the 5th one is close be released.

This book is #3 in the series and I loved it. I remembered why I enjoyed the other so much and how hopeful I am that this will remain a great series.
This is the story of Ice and Sabelle. He comes from a family not very proper so no one really welcomes him and if not for the fight against the Anarki, perhaps even in the Doomsday Btrethern he wouldn't be accepted. But he is wiht them and has feelings for Sabelle, one of the most important females in the Privileged families. It's a clear case of difference in the social status, btu from the moment they kiss, Ice realizes she is the one for him.
Sabelle feels the attraction and, with time, finds the feelings too but she has the fate of the magickind to consider because her mating might be part of the solution to help others understand how dangerous Mathias is and how deceitful he is acting.
The best think like about these books is how fluid they go, and how easy is to keep reading. I've had difficulties reading some books because things didn't seem to evolve from one point to another but in this case, I think this is well done and makes the story easier to go through. Congrats on the writing style.
About the story itself, I liked seeing Sabelle and Ice together and how well they suited each other. It's not so much a matter of chemestry, they have it yes, but it's the whole situation, the fact they seem so different...I can't explain it, but if makes sense to see them together.
Besides, the story moves along, we see some politics taking place but all in a very clear way and we also see Ice making up with Bram, yay. The bad guy keeps being awful and I can't wait to see him being defeated.
We also get glimpses of other characters, old and new and little tidbits that might be important for future books.
All in all, a great book. an't ait for more. It's not the best series in the world, no, but it delivers and I'm very happy with the way things are.

Deborah Smith - Blue Willow

There had always been Mackenzies and Colebrooks at Blue Willow, their histories entangled like the graceful branches of the rare willow trees that thrived there. Artemas Colebrook and Lily MacKenzie shared more than that history, their souls bound to each other and to the land the day the boy held tiny Lily minutes after her birth. But the tragedy that has brough Lily back to the small farm where she spent her childhood has also made Artemas's brothers and sisters her bitter enemies. Torn between family loyalties and their shared sense of destiny, Artemas and Lily must come to terms with a childhood devotion that has turned to bittersweet desire, a passion that could destroy all they have struggled for--even Blue Willow itself.

Comment: I'm almost out of books by this author to read. I know she has many more, including the ones by her pseudonyms, but to be honest I don't want to try them, I don't want to risk the chance I might hate them and thus ruin part of the experience that has benn reading such great stories. This soubds rather silly, but when we like something isn't it valid to want to hold it in our hands?
Anyway, this month I've read Blue Willow. I was told it was sweet and I thought it would be the best for christmas time. I liked the story and some scenes stay with me yet, like in most of her books, but it had a certain heaviness that stopped it from being too sweet.
Lily and Artemas know each other since they were kids. They've been in love for a long time, but their lifes aren't that free and they have to deal with waht they have. Life keeps them apart even when they are together. I think their lives combined have way too much tragedy, but at the same time...we only value things when we loose them or when they are taken from us, so I don't think it's that ludicrous to think it could happen.
Strong points in the story: the relationship between the brothers and sisters and their personalities. They are unique but they care deeply for each other and it shows. I liked this a lot. Artemas and Lily are a good couple, I liked reading about them, and wanted them to be happy. The book has some amusing moments and that made it easier to go through the worst things. I think it's a pretty much balanced story, it feels balanced, not like other books where the bad things overshadowed the good ones.
Weaker points in the story: The author insists on showing the main character's childhood to make ther point. Ok, I get that. But in so many pages? I don't think it was that necessary. All the stories are a bit repetitive if one thinks clearly....good thing they're great stories.
I liked it, it's what matters, so far I'm not disappointed with the books, I have one to go and I left it for last because I hope for a wonderful book. I hope I'll end my list of the author's work with a smile...
This one is a winner, not the very best to me, but wonderful and well written, full of feelings and dialogue. It's great to spend some time in a different "world" as entertaining as this one.

Betina Krahn - The Mermaid

If Celeste Ashton hadn't needed money to save her grandmother's seaside estate, she would never have published her observations on ocean life and the dolphins she has befriended. So when her book bursts upon the London scene, making her an instant celebrity, she is unprepared for the attention...especially when it comes from handsome scientist Titus Thorne. While Titus suspects there is something fishy about her theories, Celeste is determined to be taken seriously. Soon their fiery clashes create sparks neither expects, not least when Celeste dares Titus to let her give him a personal tour of the world she knows so well. But when a shady entrepreneur takes too close an interest in Celeste's work--and Celeste--Titus must decide if he will risk his credibility, his career--and his heart--to side with the Lady Mermaid.

Comment: I decided to read this book because I saw somewhere that the heroine wasn't perfect and was poor. I said many times I like this premise because of the possibilities it allows in terms of plot.
Anyway, I bought the book and this month gave it a try. The story is about Celeste, a young woman dedicated to the study of dolphins, she has made friends with a group of them, near the place where she lives and to earn some money seh published her theories. However, this a time of science only for men and she is invited to talk about her work but only because the gentlemen hope to mock her. Enters Titus, a scientist too, and in a debate he provokes Celeste but she strikes back and demands he sees for himself that everything she wrote is true.
Then he goes to her house and learns that not only her theories were correct but her personality and heart are much more beautiful than just her appearance.
I liked the story enough. I don't think it has spark, that sense of recognition between characters, although some scenes with them seem to be rather well done. I think a little bit more of passion would be welcome, especially if they would care for the society rules of that time...the thing is, celeste is a bit of a free spirit, even if a sweet, caring one. She takes her clothes in front of anyone when she swims to be with her dolphins..I find this a bit too much to accept in an historical...
Apart from little details, I actually enjoyed reading the story and couldn't wait to read more. I confess it wasn't either the best romance or the best historical, but it entertained me enough. I recommend it but only if you're not looking for historical accuracy.

Rosamunde Pilcher - The Shell Seekers

THE SHELL SEEKERS is a novel of connection: of one family, and of the passions and heartbreak that have held them together for three generations.
THE SHELL SEEKERS is filled with real people--mothers and daughters, husbands and lovers--inspired with real values.
THE SHELL SEEKERS centers on Penelope Keeling--a woman you'll always remember in a world you'll never forget.
THE SHELL SEEKERS is a magical novel, the kind of reading experience that comes along only once in a long while.

Comment: I read this book for a book club I participate in. I've heard of the author before but her books never appealed to me and I was never curious to read them, and if it weren't for the club I surely wouldn't try it on my own.
The story follows the lives of Penelope and her children. Penelope has had a rich life in terms of things happening to her and her family and she raised three children that now see her in their own way. Throughout the book we get to know everyone involved in Penelope's life and in the things she deals with and most of all, in her father's paintings, which are now very valuable.
Penelope's children have different lives and expectations and two of them see in the paintings a way of continuing that life or improving it. Even foreigners show up and have decisive presence in Penelope's life.
I didn't like this book that much. It was told in a very confusing way, always changing times, one moment it was the present, another the past and so on. Plus I thought the writing boring. I couldn't find the eagerness to keep reading. I had to do it out of duty. The POV changes all the time, depending on who's in the chapter's spotlight and I wouldn't mind if tha narrator was the same but it changed so...very annoying.
I didn't like most characters. The important ones, I mean. There are quite a few secondary ones, too bland to be noticed even if important for something in the plot. The important characters all have something that annoys me or makes me want to puch them. Penelope isn't one of them, in which case I'd have cursed the book the whole time. Penelope is interesting and to be honest one or two passages about her moved me. The rest was...just barely tolerable.
I didn't like most characters because of their attitudes towards Penelope. Obviously, that was the purpose, but that doesn't mean I'd have to like it.
I don't find the will to try anything else by this author. Not currently anyway. Who knows in several years...

Drew Zachary - Once Upon a Veterinarian

Ben has a good life. Partner in a thriving veterinarian clinic with his best friend Stacey, he has a great dog, a favorite Chinese take-out place and a great DVD collection. The only thing he doesn't have is a special someone to share his life with. When Ben has a number of poisoned animals come through his clinic, he call in the police, suspecting that these aren't random tragedies, but deliberate killings. Enter Constable Tim Geary. Dog and cat poisonings are fairly low on the priority list, but Tim decides to look into them. The attraction between Tim and Ben is immediate and soon Chinese food and more is on the menu. Life has a way of trying to keep the boys apart, though. Can they find a way to overcome their busy lives and be together?

Comment: This is a sweetstory by Drew Zachary. While looking for a blurb that I'd lie to read more about, I've decided to pick this one. This is the story of Ben, a veterinarian who has a clinic and some animals have been showing up poisened. When he calls the police, Tim is the officer who appears and there's an instant attraction between them. Ben risks calling Tim and they hit it off and start dating. However, everytime they start something more intimate they're interrupted, so often that Tim starts wondering if they have what it takes to build something together.
Well, I have to say the story is full of clichés, things that should work but for some reason don't. The couple starts slowly to get to know each other, they avoid intimacy until well after knowing each other, something I liked because these aren't player characters, they wanted something stronger, more definitive. But they were interrupted all the times they tried to take things further and I think it was a bit too much. Of course, one could say this was because sometimes things aren't meant to be, or that we let so many outside things interfere in out personal lives, ok, but I simply think it was done just to annoy the reader.
When they finally get together and things start to look fine, Ben misunderstands something and they fight. Once again, I got the feeling this happened just to create a stronger angsty moment before the HEA in the end.
In terms of plot I can't say it's the best thing I've read, but I liked reading the story and the romance is sweet, not hot or lame, just sweet. Could be better, yes, more heartfelt, but for the type of story it works out.
Still I recommend it, especially to read between heavier stories...

Kerrelyn Sparks - Forbidden Nights With a Vampire

Vanda Barkowski is in trouble.
As the owner of a hot nightclub, she's more unconventional than most of her fellow vampires, and if some think her a little out of control, then so be it. But after three former employees filed a complaint about her temper, Vanda is sentenced to an anger management class. Worse, Phil Jones agreed to be her sponsor. Phil, the mortal who is forbidden to her . . .
If Vanda knew who--or what--Phil really is, she'd reconsider her attraction to him, for his true nature is wilder than anything she'd ever imagined. He has tackled the beast within and now is the perfect person to help Vanda with her rage . . . if only he can keep his cool when she makes him so undeniably hot. But with rogue vamps on the loose, will they ever have their forbidden nights?

Comment: I like this author's series a lot. I mean, books #1 and #2 aren't my favourites and I stopped reading them after those, but months later I went back and read at once, books #3, #4 and #5. All great reads and much funnier and interesting than the first 2.
In this book, we have the story of Vanda and Phil, two characters we've known for a long time. We knew they were attracted to each other but never acted on it, so now it's finally their turn.
Vanda has had a terrible past, both right before and after she became a vampire, and she is frightned of wolves, something Phil can't help but...being.
I think this isn't the strongest book in the series in terms of romance,. I that area I think books #3 and #4 are best, but in terms of plot, this is it. In this book, things happen and the war against the bad vampires takes a deadly turn and I think this will be the starting point in new plot possibilities. At least, it seems so.
I think the best thing about the series is the humour and the funny, cool characters in it. This isn't a serious series, it's not about perfection. The series focus on romance and vitality and sometimes we just want to forget things and be immersed in an impossible world, but full of joy. I think it's perfect to decompress from bad things, to empty one's mind of problems. Sometimes this is as important as a strong book.
I'll keep reading and in the next months will be up to date with the series.

Sandra Brown - Smash Cut

When millionaire Paul Wheeler is murdered, his family retains renowned lawyer Derek Mitchell to defend the victim’s nephew Creighton -- although the police have not charged the young man with the crime. Wheeler’s mistress, Julie Rutledge, who is also a suspect, believes that Creighton is the killer, despite his rock-solid alibi, and she’ll do almost anything in her quest to prove his guilt -- even ruin Derek’s career. But the more Derek learns of Creighton’s darker side, especially his bizarre fascination with movie murders, the more he comes to believe Julie is right. The clock ticks down to a shocking ending as Derek and Julie join forces to find the truth. Has Creighton begun reenacting cinema’s goriest scenes? And who will be his unwilling costars? They won’t know until the final SMASH CUT.

Comment: Like I said somewhere before, I like Sandra Brown's writing style a lot. Her villains don't scare me but they repulse me because eve if they're killers, it's their lack of morality that makes me angry. Because it's so much more easier to picture somone like that in real life...
Anyway, I've read this book by her and I enjoyed it a lot. The suspense part is interesting but not too complicated or difficult to imagine it happening like in other of her books. It helps that we get the villain's identity so soon but even if we didn't, I don't think it would be hard to picture things.
I liked the fact we have some movie references, it's cool to see some of the author's influences and - perhaps - reasons of why to put it on the plot.
The relationship between the two protagonists is full of sexual tension, author's trademark, and a HEA. I usually like her HEA's but I'd like to see a bigger epilogue or, instead, an epilogue with a future with them, but I guess being this suspense, it would be a bit too much. Still, personally I'd like to have it.
There's also a hidden mistery in the story and it's a surprise in the end, although during the story we get clues it migth not be what it looks like. To me things didn't sound that predictable and I was glad to see I was right. I suppose I can say this isn't my favourite book by her (nothing beats Where There's Smoke still) but it's a very good read, considering.
I still have some of her books to read, I don't have them yet, but I'm pretty sure I will someday, this author has some books I don't like that much (Hello, Darkness, can't stand this one), but most things by her are favourites in my lists.

Catherine Anderson - Comanche Magic

Handsome and powerful, with enough Comanche blood coursing through his veins to make him a little bit dangerous, Chase Wolf was used to getting what he wanted. So when Chase saw Franny--a golden-haired angel with deep green eyes, delicate features, and the sweetest smile--he set out to make her his.
As tempted as Franny was, she had too many secrets to let someone enter her world--secrets that would send any reasonable man packing. But Chase was far from reasonable, and despite her desperate attempts to push him away, he would not let her past destroy their future. For his Comanche heart knew that no price was too great to pay for love, happiness, and most of all, magic.

Comment: The last book in the Comanche series.
I liked this one a lot and I think the author has treated the subject with finesse.
Frannie is a prostitute and Chase, after a while, decided to win her because he sees in her eyes she isn't a prostitute like the others, he sees her and believes she deserves to be happy...with him.
I think the book was a very romantic story, I liked how Chase wouldn't trust Frannie at first but after knowing her better, he realized she isn't what he expected and he starts to court her. Frannie doesn't think she is worthy of love, she must make penance for something in her past and has to help her family, so prostitution it is. Chase makes her want things different and that is the beginning of her change into happiness.
I loved the fact things aren't perfect in the protagonist's life but with some love and understanding things can be solved. I loved how romantic the story was. I was also a bit shocked to see how Frannie ended up at prostitution but I believe forgiveness is also a strong motivator to joy and true happiness.

The author has done a great job in the protagonists' characterization, I think. I believed their reasons and their changes into people who loved and who wanted to protect others. I liked this a lot.

After having read the 4 books, I have to say I prefer the last two and will probably re-read some favourite scenes. The first two, however, are too sad, too filled up with good characters dying or being forgotten and I can't stand the emotional depression it beings to my mind while I was reading them. I like knowing the protagonists ended up happy, but it's still not the way I wanted things to happen. So, all in all it is a good series, but for me, it's worth mostly because of the two last more romantic and sweeter stories.

Gail Carriger - Heartless

Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines and Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant.
Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?

Comment: The next adventure of Alexia Tarabotti brings us a very pregnant Alexia still trying to solve many things at once. She has to deal with her sister's new look at life, her husband's pack issues, poor Biffy's state of mind, the vampire's attacks, the giant octopus destroying London and a warning from a ghost. All this while 8 months pregnant.
In this 4th book we have many surprises. We finall see who was behind the Kingair plot to kill the queen, and the revelation coming from there is a shock. Besides Biffy and the pack are still having issues and Alexia feels the need to help. Then she finds out who wants to kill the queen and because of knowing that she takes a decision that will affect the state of her house.
I was very surprised with so many interesting information that shows up in the book, I loved it. Everything has a reason and the whys of those seemed credible to me. We have some more insight into some of the secondary characters, some things I didn't expect but I was so much more happy for it, because things aren't as predictable as they might look.
Then there's the author's subtle ways of dealing with serious things, although many parts of the story are filled with comic tidbits or situations, all things are serious and are treated with true feeling, in a very subtle way. I liked this a lot.
We also see her child being born and this also brings some shock, something I can't wait to be adressed in the next book.
It's obvious the author is tidying things to end the series in the next book. But she's doing it well, in a sensible way, and it feels like she's coming to a perfect end, let's see. I'll be sorry to see its end, but she will publish a new series in the future connected to this one, so it won't be a final goodbye. So far, the series is close to perfection, so I'm happy.

Tess Gerritsen - The Mephisto Club

PECCAVI
The Latin phrase is scrawled in blood at the scene of a young woman's brutal murder: I HAVE SINNED. It's a chilling Christmas greeting for Boston medical examiner Maura Isles and Detective Jane Rizzoli, who swiftly link the victim to the sinister Mephisto Club, a cult of scholars who aim to prove that Satan himself exists among us. Then, with the grisly appearance of another corpse, it's clear that someone--or something--is indeed prowling the city. Soon the members of the club begin to fear the very subject of their study. Could the maniacal killer be one of their own--or have they inadvertently summoned an entity from the darkness? Delving deep into the most baffling case of their careers, Maura and Jane embark on a terrifying journey to the very heart of evil.

Comment: Another book by this author. In this one we follow Maura and Jane in the world of devil. Someone is leaving messages about evil things in murder's scenes and somehow all leads to Mephisto Club, a kind of soociety that wants to look for and banish evil.
I think this was a very crerpy book, not just because of the theme itself but mostly because of the air around the story, there's this sense of fear in the air. There were times I wouldn't want to be alone just thinking bout the story. I think this was quite well done by the author.
Another thing I liked was how good and continuous the characterization is, even after so many books. From book #1 we have details about the characters and how they think, their motivations and thoughts and one would say it didn't have to go on, but as their lives change, so does their inner emotions. there's always something new to learn about them and what hapens around makes them react. I think the author does a great job in her characterization.
Of course, blending this with interesting plots and suspense...it makes her books great ones.
Then we have the personal lives of the two main characters..there's always something happening to them and to those around them. In this book, Jane faces her parent's trouble in marriage and Maura starts a relationship with someone unsuitable. I think both themes are very good and provoke feelings in the reader, which makes us think. We can see things from out pov's and perhaps disagree or we can see it from the character's pov and feel it. I love how anything is black and white in this author's writing.
I liked this book a lot, not my favourite in the series, but it's very good. can't wait to read the next one.

Judith Ivory - The Proposition

No man, gentleman or otherwise, has ever looked at Lady Edwina Bollash the way the brash, handsome man standing before her is doing now. Edwina has accepted the challenge to transform incorrigible Mich Tremore into a gentleman in just six weeks. And although the linguist is sure she can rise to the task, she isn't at all certain she won't swoon under his frankly sensuous gaze before her job is done.
Mick has lived outside of London society long enough to know that appearances can be deceiving. Edwina might look all buttoned up--the perfect English lady--but there is unleashed passion existing just below her placid facade (not to mention a great pair of legs!). And as she prepares him to take his place in society, Mick prepares Edwina to take her place in his heart...and in his bed.

Comment: This book was recommended to me by several people. They all said the story was good and then I saw the heroine didn't think much of herself and I was sold.
I love stories whre the heroine doesn't think she's good enough but with the hero's love she is proven wrong (oh the miracles of romance).
In this story we have Edwina, she's tall and has freckles and is getting old and is officially a spinster. Then there's Mick, he's poor, a ratcatcher and has several brothers and sisters to help feeding. At first they didn't think they could fall for the other but as time goes by they start seeing in each other the perfect person... Despite they start working together because of a bet, "My Fair Lady" style but in this case she teaches him, the feelings they start developping for each other are serious and ring true.
I have to say, this is such a romantic story. I loved the dialogue and the situations where the protagonists got themselves into and their thoughts felt real, I even felt like crying over a passage of two, such was the sentiment. Some sentences were very emotional, I believe the author has accomplished a great work in the protagonists characterization. There was plenty sexual tension and it was beautiful too.
I also loved the fact the man is the poor one, (although I prefer the opposite) and that his intentions were the best and he was a good person, happy with his life but happier with the heroine. Wonderful.
The end was rather huh? but didn't ruin the book for me, actually the last chapter made me smile because they were happy.
I spent a great time reading this and already recommended to many other friends as well.
It still makes me smile.

Larissa Ione - Immortal Rider

Arik Wagner, a soldier with the U.S. Army's paranormal unit, the R-XR, kissed a girl and liked it. And then he went to hell as punishment. Where he's spent weeks being tortured…and plotting revenge.
Limos, Horsewoman of the Apocalypse, isn't your average girl. She's immortal, dangerous, and her fiancé is Satan himself. In a moment of weakness, she gave in to her desire and kissed Arik, triggering her fiancé's wrath -- and his claim on her. In order to save Arik, and the world, Limos must make a dangerous pact with her recently turned evil brother, Pestilence. A deal that might just cost her her soul…and her heart.

Comment: When this book finally arrived I was very happy because I wanted to read for quite some time now. I like the author's style a lot, and even more so the world she created. I like impossible things done in a credible and sexy way.
In this second installment of the deliverance series we follow Limos, the second horseman (woman), who is promised to marry Satan. And Arik, the guy who dares to kiss her and who goes to hell because of it.
Then he runs off and she helps him after his ordeal and from then on things start to get really dangerous. Plus Thanatos, (Death) also has his storyline initiated.
I think this was a very nice continuation of the spin off. Things are all connected in a way and it's fun to see what happens next, sometimes explaining things that happend before, sometimes setting what's to come.
The romance wasn't as interesting as the first tough. I mean, in my opinion. Limos and Arik didn't seem to have as much chemestry as Ares and Cara from the first book. Also Limos had to deal with some bad choices from her past and some emotional stuff that, I think, were too serious to be treated fast, I think some of the things mentioned here should have started in the other book.
The storyline will continue with Thanatos book and in this case things are already set, which I believe to be good. It would have been good to have the same thing with this one, oh well.
The storyline still focuses on Pestilence and his actions, which seem almost unlikely to have any redemption but he will be, and that will be a challenge to the auhtor to do in a credible way. I can't wait. Also can't wait for Reaver's story, the author has said the angel will have his own book.
This book is stronger in its plot and advances than the romance, like I said. I've heard some people talk about negative things they saw happening in the book, including a rape and after having read the book, it's obvious things aren't black and white. I guess we can say there's rape in the book, but in no way I think it was evil intended and will surely be "solved" int he following book. I say this because to me, it wasn't evil, the author has done it well I think. Plus it's rather unusual...
This is an auto buy author to me, I really can't wait for next year to read Lethal Rider, Death's story.

Challenge in the end

The challenge is pratically completed and finished.
I only have two more books to reach the end of my 30 books mark.
I'll post my final comments after I read the two remaining books, probably by the end of december (or in the beginning of january) but this has been the most interesting experience, I'm very happy with the way things worked out for me.

This month two letters remain:
Z from Drew Zachary
and the surprise letter I haven't posted yet. Well, I wasn't sure which one to pick or which author, so I decided to choose an anthology instead. Yes, an anthology.
I'll post it whan I read it, I think it will be the perfect end although it's not christmas related.

Anyway, this is it. After the two remaining books I'll post a little something here to announce it officialy, but I'll put my comments about the whole challenge in the challenge's page in order to make things tidy.
It has been fun, that's for sure...

Julie Garwood - Killjoy

Her razor-sharp mind and ability to decipher evidence have made Avery Delaney an expert crime analyst for the FBI. Now she will have to use every one of her skills on a case that hits painfully close to home.
Avery's beloved aunt Carolyn was on her way to a posh spa in the Colorado mountains. But she never arrived. Now, with scant clues and fewer resources, Avery must track down Carolyn -- and outmaneuver a brilliant killer named Monk who is part of an elaborate plot of madness and lethal vengeance.

Comment: This is another book in the suspense series by the author. I've said before that this isn't the strongest or the best romantic suspense I've read, but I keep trying because sometimes we find interesting things where we least expect it.
This story is about John Paul, the brother of the protagonist from the previous book. In this book he keeps following Monk, the killer who escaped from the previous story. It's interesting that the author kept the same plotline in this book. The female protagonist is Avery, a young woman who had bad experiences in her childhood because of her mother.
At first these two didn't want to acknowledge the attraction between them but then they stopped. I think this was done too fast, one minute they wouldn't admit it to themselves, then they were already falling in love? Romance in stressful situations isn't impossible but it has to be well done (I always remember Diana Duncan's Truth or Consequences where this situation was done perfectly, in my opinion).
The story was interesting enough, I confess somewhere in the middle I read quite fast in order to know more.
One thing bothered me a bit, the villain's POV. Usually this is something I can do without. I don't need to read from their pov's in order to be satisfied with their reasonings or actions. I'm the kind of reader who's happy enough with knowing things secondhanded...but as always it depends on the story, style, emotions, many things but in this book especifically I could do without. To be honest I don't understand why we had to read from their pov's so many times, with only one time it was pretty obvious what they were up to.
In the end I liked reading it, it's not the best book I've read but it's definitely not the worst either.

Nora Roberts - Tribute

Cilia McGowan, a former child star, has found a more satisfying life restoring homes. So she comes to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley to save the dilapidated farmhouse that once belonged to her grandmother -- a legendary actress who died of an overdose more than thirty years ago.
Plunging into the project with gusto, Cilia's almost too busy and exhausted to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer. Determined not to carry on the family tradition of ill-fated romances, Cilia steels herself against Ford's quirky charm, though she can't help indulging in a little fantasy.
But it's reality that holds its share of dangers for Cilia. A cache of unsigned letters found in the attic points to a mysterious romance in her grandmother's life -- and may be the catalyst for a frightening, violent assault. And if Cilia and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may, like her world-famous grandmother. be cut down in the prime of her life.

Comment: Once in a while I have the need to read a book by Nora Roberts, the author who set me up in the world of romance (before her I'd read anything but didn't look for romance per se).
This time I've decided to read Tribute, a book some friends had read before and enjoyed. It also helped they said the hero is very likable.
So, in this story Cilla is restoring, flipping, her grandma's old house because she wants to live there. While cleaning some things she discovers some letters and finds out her grandmother was pregnant when she died but there's nomention of the baby's father in the letters. However, with workers gossip, somehow, someone knows about this and wants to keep things a secret...
I think the mistery part was interesting but not the best thing she's done. I mean, I'm pretty slow in finding out who the bad guy is, in any suspense, but in this book is became rather obvious. Besides the reasons behind all seemed very selfish, but well being selfish is human right?
The romance between the protagonists was good, I liked how slow paced it was, they took their time and the dialogue was very good. I think Ford is really a good guy, I didn't find anyhting about him I didn't like. But perhaps he was a bit too happy, he was always in a good mood. I can't help but compare him to Simon, the hero from The Search, the latest book I had read read by the author, someone moody and sarcastic. I don't know why but I liked him more.
I was surprised to see there wasn't a secondary romance, one of the author's trademarks...I confess I was expecting it.
Of course it's interesting that everyone who matters is professionally accomplished in every way, but I guess that no one would like to read about lazy people...
All in all, it wasn't the best book but it wasn't as bad as some of the ones I really disliked. This is still an auto buy author to me, so I can't wait to get my hands in more of her stories.

ML Rhodes - Fires Of Ballian

A hundred years ago, the high sorcerer of Velensperia launched a swift and deadly attack against the draegans—a race of dragon shapeshifters who’d always lived in harmony with the humans. The draegans were all but destroyed, with the few who remained, scattered and in hiding. But after a century of cruel repression, a group of them have united and begun to fight back. Their leader, Keiran Hareldson, is determined to free his people from the high sorcerer’s tyranny. For years he hid the secret of his heritage, knowing the truth would make him and those around him a target of the sorcerer’s wrath. But the time has come to fight the sorcerer in the open, and once the news spreads that Keiran is the sole surviving draegan lord, draegans and humans alike begin to flock to the draegan camp for protection.
Gaige Rizik used to be the captain of the sorcerer’s High Guard. His last assignment was to infiltrate the draegan rebel’s camp, identify the leader, and eliminate him. No one, least of all him, expected him to fall in love with the very man he’d sworn to kill. Gaige defects to the draegans’ side, and he and Keiran bind themselves to one another not only by love, but by blood when they go through the true mate ritual. With their blood merged, it allows Gaige to inherit the powerful magick of the draegan lords. But inheriting it and using it are two different things. Gaige has trouble tapping into the magick because he feels unworthy of the gift. Only half-draegan, he fears his human side and his past as the high sorcerer’s right hand will forever tarnish his future as Keiran’s mate and second in command.
When Keiran is stolen by an ancient demon from the shadow world, Gaige is left with the fate of the draegan people in his hands. They turn to him as their new lord, and he’s torn between his duty to them, and his desperate need to find his mate. Through shadow and torment, fire and darkness, Gaige and Keiran struggle to hold back the tide of the sorcerer’s ever-expanding war and stop the new and even deadlier evil that threatens their lands. In their darkest hour, only their fierce love for one another, and Gaige’s acceptance of his power, stand between them and the destruction of all they know.

Comment: The third book in the draegan series.
I think this book wsn't the strongest one and it didn't have the deep emotional level the previous book had. Sure it presented things without Kreiran and how Gaige suffers because of it, but I felt this book was more about solving some issues, tiding some loose ends in a certain way and of course, saving Keiran. I guess it's also an important book, and it is, but it didn't have the same feeling as the others.
I was happy Keiran could be saved, this couple deserves to be happy and their devotion and love is very strong, the writing is perfect when portraying their feelings for each other, great job, author!
We also see some developments on Jax's presence, on Wes's love for someone, on Gaige's increasing abilities as a draegan Lord...it's a very rich book, but as it doesn't have Keiran and Gaige together all the time, I felt it lacks the same emotion the other one had, but it doesn't mean it's bad, I don't think anything in this world would be bad.
I can't wait for book #4, I really hope it doesn't take too long to come out.

Kristen Painter - Blood Rights

Gothic fantasy meets vampire fiction in Kristen Painter's debut series -- full of politics, intrigue, and blood.
When her wealthy vampire patron is murdered, Chrysabelle, becomes the prime suspect. Her body bears the telltale marks of a Comarré, a special race of humans bred only to feed vampire nobility, but Chrysabelle has far too many secrets and she's about to learn that her rebellion has a price.

Comment: The first thing that caught my eye in this book was, obviously, the cover. It's beautiful and the author was quite lucky to have such amazing covers for her books, considering she's relatively new.
The story is set in 2067 and focuses on Chrysabelle. She's a comarré, a human bred to feed vampire nobility, which means she belongs to the vampire who purchases her blood rights. However, the relationship only turns sexual if desired, it's not expected and Chrysabelle doesn't have that agreement with her master.
One night her master is murdered and she flees which allows other to consider her guilty. She looks for help and then comes Malkom, an anatema vampire, someone who was expelled from vampire nobility and society.
Together with some other characters, they will look for the real guilty of murdering Chrysabelle's master but unfortunally things from their pasts are on their way and nothing is as simple as it looked like.
I liked the story because it's new and different. It's not tha same vampire stories we're used to. The writing flows and most characters have something misterious about them that makes us want to read more.
The romance is very subtle, it's in the small things and they don't have sex in this first book, which increases the sexual tension. I liked the steady but slow developping of feelings between them.
The world the author created is very similar to ours but as it centers on the vampires, it can be read more like a fantasy, although I'd say it's more paranormal at this stage.
I'll read the others too, when my TBR list has a few less books in it. So far, I'm quite happy to have read and met this series.
There are five books to be released, according to the author. Three are already out.