Good but boring VS. Plain but captivating

I was "talking" to a friend on goodreads the other day and we were discussing some recent books we've been reading. She said she had read the first book in Kim Harrison's books with Rachel Morgan. I told her I've read the first one too but it didn't captivate me enough to keep going and she said she was discouraged by the heroine's attitude towards things and how she seemed a too reckless and distracted. I agreed but the series is quite known and well liked by so many but taste is not my point here and then I thought about something else.

How much do we hold on to a book or a series in the long run?

I mean, when books aren't the best, aren't favorites or DIK's or 5 starts or really good, how do we measure their life expectancy?

I always try to finish all books I read, even when I'm not enjoying them that much. In a way I feel I'd be cheating if I gave up on them. But I get why some people would move forward.

Then there are some series that are so normal, already seen too much and too predictable but still there's something there that catches the eye, even when you know how it's going to be and end and you just know it will be simple and easy to finish the last page and almost without a care to start a new book right after. But still some part of us enjoyed it a bit and it had something to make us read the following one just for that little clue or thing.

So, my question is, is it harder or easier to give up on well written, respected/acclaimed books that you're not enjoying or to keep reading a plain book or series you know it's not giving you thrills but still make you curious enough?

To stop a book you see it's structured and well written, with beautiful prose but you can't enjoy that much?

Or a plain, almost predictable one that it's just satisfying enough but not amazingly done?

I'm still a bit confused about this but I see myself doing the second...I guess no matter how beautiful a book is if it's not that appealing there's no going back, while a more OK one can be saved for it's interest even as small as it can be...

What do you think? Have you been conflicted about this? Has it ever crossed you mind? lol

:)

Richard Yates - Revolutionary Road

From the moment of its publication in 1961, Revolutionary Road was hailed as a masterpiece of realistic fiction and as the most evocative portrayal of the opulent desolation of the American suburbs. It's the story of Frank and April Wheeler, a bright, beautiful, and talented couple who have lived on the assumption that greatness is only just around the corner. With heartbreaking compassion and remorseless clarity, Richard Yates shows how Frank and April mortgage their spiritual birthright, betraying not only each other, but their best selves. 

Comment: This was a book I picked, once again, for one of my book clubs. I've hard about it before, of course, in particular after the movie adaptation but there's been ages since I last saw a movie in the cinema, I don't live near one and the closest one is too faraway so I don't mind waiting. Still, this one never seemed that appealing to me. But the book was suggested to the club and it was the chosen one for February.

This is the story of Frank and April Wheeler, they're a young couple, with two children, living in the suburbs, in Revolutionary Road back in the 50s.

Frank has a dull job, April is a housewife with unfulfilled dreams and they have two couples as neighbors who are also part of their lives.

I can't say I was impressed by this book. It took me quite a while to get into it and the first pages were extremely boring to me.

The story wasn't very captivating. I guess it was more about the dullness of their lives although they were young than about what they were doing, but it was boring to go through all that. Then, Frank behaved like a man from the 50s here it was accepted that he could cheat on his wife. From that point of view, the fact he was doing something that was part of the culture of that time, that a married man could lead that life style, and he also said that somewhere in the story, from that alone the book was a portrait of how people would see life back then. And even more examples, of behavior many characters had and ways of thinking and acting were a close evidence of how things were. But to be honest, for me personally, infidelity and adultery in books isn't something I expect to enjoy or want to. In fact I stay away from those as much as I can. But the harm was done and I kept going because despite Frank's despicable character he was so unbelievable unlikable he bordered on almost comical for me, at times. Like when he tried to justify to himself it was OK to do as less as possible at work because it served him better...like, was that guy for real?

April I liked more because she seemed stuck in a position she couldn't get away from and when she did, rank went behind her back and in a way got it from her. Still, this didn't excuse her attitude towards Shep, one of their neighbors. But in the end the scale balances positively for her side because she had to deal with things the way she was supposed to and Frank, once again, was the catalyst to her last action in the book, which made me quite sad because I know it happened a lot in real life back then, and even nowadays.

The secondary characters weren't that fun to follow. One or two might look like they showed some promise but the limits of what was expected in the 50s would stop them from a more radical attitude and despite understanding that, still it all looked rather slow.

In the end, I think the book was OK for me. It had a thing or two good enough to be interesting but balancing that with the rest of the book and the melancholy and the unmet expectations made the book seem too boring and unappealing overall.

After reading it, someone I know told me it was #47 on a list for the most depressing books. Well, I certainly understand why, after what looked like a promising life picture, how it all crumbled it's almost to unbelievable, thus quite depressing to look at.

Song #6

This is another of the most known songs by Portuguese group Silence 4.

While they were together, they were the pioneers of singing in English for a public that before them wouldn't listen or buy much Portuguese pop music. To this day, this remains one of my favorites ever. I used to sing it aloud while it played on the radio...I still sing it, thankfully all by myself so I won't scare the neighbors.

Jennifer Ashley - Pride Mates

To most, they are animals -- even when in human form. They are to be collared and kept on the fringes of society, scorned because they are feared, hated for their extraordinary powers. And attorney Kim Fraser has to go right into the heart of their lair.
It's her job to defend those in need. But there's absolutely nothing defenseless about Liam Morrissey. His soft Irish lilt and feline grace can't disguise his sheer strength. Nor can the silver chain at his throat, designed to control the aggression of his kind, completely reassure her that this man has been tamed.
Yet when a feral shifter begins to stalk them both, Liam is the only one she trusts with her life. She'll let him claim her -- for her protection, for her pride, and for a passion that knows no bounds.

Comment: I've had this book to read for a long time, I don't know exactly how long. I've been putting aside the reading of the book for one reason, if I ended up enjoying it, I'd want to have as much released books possible to keep reading the series without waiting months and months for the next one.

Well, after reading this one, I have to say I wasn't as dazzled as I thought I might be, but I'm curious enough to keep going.

This story shows us a new world, where shifters are recognized in the law. They wear a collar that represses their aggression and fighting instincts, something humans think controls them and  makes them safe to be around. However, there's still much prejudice and shifters live in communities, in cities that are made of only shifters or mostly.

Kim is a human lawyer, she's never been around shifters before but goes to a shiftertown to meet their representative and to discuss Brian, a shifter that has been charged of murdering his human girlfriend. When meeting Liam, the wild cat shifter, Kim feels very attracted but she's also afraid despite his collar. Still, in order to have help she agrees to visit the town and Brian's mother and that first step is just the beginning of many.

Liam is a pretty relaxed guy but his attraction to Kim starts a change in his life and the life of his town, something much more deep than what he might think...

I thought the blurb was very convincing. I love stories with shape shifters, and well done, it's such a magical way of seeing people that are different achieving happiness. I like the changing shapes, the idea of just a mate for each shifter, and more important, the pack mentality, where everyone feels safe with the rest of the pack, where family and friends enjoy a common community that supports and helps everyone. It's a very magical ideal, I think.

In this case we get this idea and for that alone I'd have loved the book. But it's not enough to build a good story or should I say, a good romance. The main couple has to have some sort of appeal and chemistry for the book to work. In this aspect I was also happy to see them get along, loved the fact Kim asked a lot of questions about shifters not only to help Brian but also to know Liam better too. Still, a thing bothered me a little bit. She accepted everything quite fast, fine with that, it's a book with a deadline she has to deal with things. But I don't know, I feel she could have taken a bit longer to say yes to everything, to accept those new things as a fact set on stone. She was new to that culture, she was afraid at first. I get she's a strong and determined person, but it would feel a bit more natural for her to feel some more resistance to everything, specially when thinking about the time frame, 3 weeks, I think, that took her from not knowing anything specific about shifters to be deeply engrossed in their lives.

Despite this, I liked the book a lot. It has many details I enjoyed reading about, like the way a shifter family works, some culture facts about mating and power struggles and even individual recognition in the pack structure. It had a lot of information but usually first books do and this actually didn't bother me because I found the information interesting. And most times it was given in conversation so it seemed more part of the story than just dumping it somewhere.

The secondary characters were fun to know about, most of them. I'm curious to see them in future books.

I liked how it ended, it had some great scenes and overall, a good story, a mostly different take on the whole shifters concept but still good enough to enjoy. I'm certainly going to read the next one.

Jacquelyn Frank - Drink of Me

In a world where emotion can be a deadly weapon, one slight, battered runaway holds the key to a dark and twisted enigma...
Drink of me, she whispers, her silver eyes trusting, pleading. What female dares speak such words to one of the Sange? His people are scorned by every race for their fierce sensuality, their fearful rituals. And as Prime, Reule is the most telepathically gifted of them all.
But nothing has prepared him for the intensity of emotion radiating from the outlander rescued by his Pack. Terrified, tormented, but beautiful beyond measure, Mystique shatters his legendary control. As she reaches for him in the steamy heat of the healing baths, he knows this blind need can have but one end...
In blood, in knowledge, in ecstasy.

Comment: I've read this book for a book club, simply because it was a stand alone..so few of these nowadays, right?

I've previously read a series by the author and my overall opinion was good, although not in a straight line, I mean, some were great, others not so, but if I were to talk about averages, then it's good. Still, I wasn't planning on reading any more books by Mrs Frank but the opportunity was there and I decided to try this one.

This book tells the story of a group pf warriors, the Sange, who are going to attack a pack of jackals, beings whose main interest is to destroy things around them. The leader of the Sange hears a psychic cry for help and feels immense sorrow through that cry. The group rescues a woman whose race isn't known to them but while the leader is carrying her she says to his ear something only Sange are known to say and he feels intrigued.

The woman has amnesia and she doesn't remember anything but her powers start slowly to show up and she ends up helping the warriors and soon she and Reule, the Sange leader, start developing serious feelings for each other...

I liked the book but it wasn't the most amazing thing ever. It was a solid story but it could have been better.

The story is about a group of men, the warriors of the race and they share a sort of mental link, call themselves pack but drink of their mates like a vampire although not living in the dark...it was strange to picture because of the so many influences of paranormal worlds out there I couldn't stop thinking about all things apart and that slowed me down a bit. However, the character's role and their powers and their relationship was intriguing to see and the main reason I liked the book. I also think it could have been more explored and in the end things could have been better done and the story wouldn't feel rushed or too long...but it's just my opinion.

The romance was fine...very hot and with interesting scenes. It happened fast but in a way I didn't feel it was such a bad thing in this case.

The main female character was a mystery from the start and I was curious about her and her origins but in the end the way we finally know about her life before being rescued was a bit too obvious, I'd have liked to see a different way for us to know about her. But her character was intriguing from the start and it was also fun to see her behave with Reule. Plus, her powers were useful and it allowed more intrigue development.

Like I said, overall, it felt like a solid read and allowed for a good reading, entertaining and intriguing in many moments. But my reading experience wasn't the best, I on got the story as an ebook and the format was only readable in my PC with Adobe Digital Editions. This reduced a lot of my time for reading and it became troublesome and boring to read like that, so it took me  much longer to finish than what I usually take for a lighter but entertaining book. I've tried to overlook that but in a way, it was all part of the reading experience and after reading ebooks in my ereader, going back to PC was a struggle.

Still, a good solid book, could be better, but intriguing enough to keep reading, although missing some sparkle.

TBR Challenge: Jennifer Crusie - Bet Me

Minerva Dobbs knows how to work the odds.
Calvin Morrisey always plays to win.
But when they face off, neither one is prepared.
Because when real life meets true love, all bets are off. . . .
Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet, even if he is gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey. Cal knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs, even if she does wear great shoes and keep him on his toes. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.
But fate has other plans, and it's not long before Min and Cal meet again. Soon they're dealing with a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a freakishly intelligent cat, Chicken Marsala, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of. Including the biggest gamble of all---true love.

Comment: Following this month's theme for the challenge I've picked a book that was recommended to me. It was a recommendation by a couple of friends last year, actually. I mean, I have read books by the author but like so many others whose books I've enjoyed, this one got a little bit "forgotten"...*shamed face*. So, last year those friends were talking about her books and I said I've read 4 of them, not this one. They said I should though, so I bought the book and decided to read it. I got in June.

So, this is February and I finally decided to get into it and it would serve this month's theme as well.

Bet Me is the story of Min Dobbs and Cal Morrisey. 

Min is an actuary and a bit overweight, a fact her mother doesn't let her forget. The book starts with Min being dumped by her boyfriend and later she's the target of a weird bet, which she hears about and decides to get revenge on the poor guy who accepted to get her to bed for ten dollars.

Cal didn't really accept the bet but he went with it just to end the conversation with David, a client. He goes with Min and they have a witty conversation but don't think there's any point in keeping up the pretense so they say their goodbyes in the end.

However, fate seems to hammer them with clues on how they're meant for each other and in the following weeks, Min and Cal get themselves together very often until it becomes clear they should get each other a try.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I think it's bigger strength is the dialogue. I loved the way everyone talked and all the comebacks. It was quite the fresh story on dialogue because it didn't seem forced or rehearsed, it was almost like it just popped to the character's mouth although I know the author has certainly spend time on it. But it did feel real and funny.

I liked the overall story too. I'm not a huge fan of contemporaries but lately I've been reading some interesting ones. This was fun and cute and with great scenes, loved the one with Min having diner at Cal's house. I always fear contemporaries might degenerate into chick lit, which usually annoys me a lot, I'm not into the whole idea of whining about a boyfriend or the drama of fighting with one's mother, its just not something I enjoy and when starting a light contemporary I get the idea I might see it and automatically prepare myself. This means I was overjoyed to read as fast as I could because the story and the characters weren't anything of what I expected. Sure, I've read before books by the author, but one never knows, a book is a whole new world we must set ourselves to find out about.

Like I said, the characters were a great surprise. I liked knowing them and understanding their motivations. I liked Min and the fact she knew she was overweight and still let her mother make her feel guilty. I understand why she did it because it's not so easy to put aside things family tell us, in everyone there's the need to feel acceptance and Min was surely trying to get hrs even at the cost of her self esteem. Although, she was smart enough to understand things and she managed to feel happy and glad at times, especially when around her friends. Nothing like a support system to help us. 

Cal was intriguing, he was described as a ladies man, never to commit but he seemed taken by Min pretty soon even when they agreed not to extend their relationship further than their first date. But during the book we saw him and more of his personality come forward and I liked him and even more because he didn't see Min's problems, to him, she was overweight but lush, she was angry but witty, she was perfect for him.

So, the romance was great, and with so many steps to the big finale it didn't seem rushed either.

The secondary characters were fun too and I liked most of them too. I think the author really knew how to "built" a cast to this story and it's almost like everything just goes with the flow, it seems easy.

I think the book is a winner for sure. It has some hidden lessons for us to think about and interesting tidbits about several subjects, from how to cook, how to feel worthy, how to deal with dyslexia and how to stand up for yourself, and even how to defend your loved ones from bad influences in his/her family :)

I was very glad to have read the book, I couldn't out it down and to be honest I was up until 3pm just to finish it. It's a very easy read, but cute and addictive. I think anyone would enjoy it and despite having being released back in 2004, look at me, I just read it and it was great, and it won lots of prizes in its year.

Anyone else should try it too, it's never too late to read a good book.

Jessica Bird - Heart of Gold

Her intense passion for unlocking the secrets of the past is what made Carter Wessex an archeologist. Now she's been given a chance to dig on Farrell Mountain where a doomed party of minutemen lost their lives--as well as the gold they were carrying during the Revolutionary War. Carter refuses to let the mountain's owner, Nick Farrell, rattle her, even though she's all too aware of his sexy yet sardonic presence. Her work on the mountain could be the most significant find of her career . . . if she can pull herself away from the smoldering attraction that is undeniably growing between them.
Beneath the steely facade Nick Farrell wears like a well-cut suit, he is a man of hidden tenderness. From his first meeting with Carter, there's an immediate flare--hotter than he has ever experienced before. But no one is more surprised than Nick when his desire for her deepens into something enduring. Now Nick must find a way to convince Carter that the real treasure to be found on Farrell Mountain is a true and lasting love. . . 

Comment: I've decided to read this one because after reading An Unforgettable Lady I realized this one is set before the other one and I didn't know that before reading it, so I got this one now to balance the reading order before reading the 3rd one in a following month.

This is the story of Carter, she's from a rich family but got angry with hr father and they sort of had a break up and she stopped seeing him. Carter is an archaeologist and wants to dig in Nick Farrell's mountain for a treasure. At first he says no, but there's a strong attraction between them and he changes his mind when he also finds out she and her father don't talk to each other and he figures her father can own him if he gets them together.

Nick is a business man and wants to control everything around him, including his orphan nephew. He sees in Carter someone he wants and sets up things in order to get her but he didn't count on having real feelings for her.

I liked this story much better than An Unforgettable Lady, simply because this one didn't mention the rich world as much and the characters seemed more likable too. I mean, it's more believable and interesting than to keep hearing about how wealthy someone is, and so on. This book wasn't as focused on the things around the fact the key players were rich and that didn't seemed as important in this book as it looked like in the other. For a poor person, in a way, it kind of feels better to like a character apart from his or her richness and in this book this happened for me. It sounds silly said this way, but after reading the books and being poor myself I felt closer to the characters in this book because the fact they were rich wasn't as mentioned or as obviously part of the plot.

The characters were also more fun to know about and their personalities more lovable for me and I liked knowing them. The dialogs were also funny and interesting. Some of the secondary characters were great and allowed for the story to feel more cozy and warm, just because they were there.

I liked the romance better too. Carter and Nick made a great couple and I liked how they both dealt with their fragilities concerning relationships before saying I love you or even before getting to a more advanced point in their relationship.Their attraction was believable and there was chemistry between them, I liked seeing them happy and was eager to see their HEA.

The writing as good, the plot was funny and interesting and apart from a cliché plot line almost in the end, the book run smoothly and in a balanced way. I liked it and I think it was quite strong. Many good scenes and reliable characters I truly wanted to see get their happiness.

I'll be reading the others in the future.

S. W. Vaughn - Unforgiven

After serving four years for a murder he didn't commit, ex-cop River tries to avoid the human race. He runs street cons to make enough money for the dilapidated room he rents and the booze he drinks to stay numb. But when he tries to scam a gorgeous stranger who's robbing an ATM, he soon realizes he's tangled with the wrong man.
Braelan is the prince of the Seelie Fae, just arrived in the human realm to avoid becoming King. He also has unfinished business with his half-brother, who he owes a debt that may be impossible to repay. When a scruffy, unkempt human attempts to take the money he's stealing, Braelan offers to pay him in exchange for spending the night with him--though he has no idea why he's attracted to the man.
Despite himself, River agrees to one night only--and after the most incredible sex of his life, he realizes there'll be no getting over Braelan anytime soon. But River doesn't want to feel anything, and Braelan feels too much. While neither can deny what might be love, River's past is coming back to haunt him...and it will drag Braelan down with him. 

Comment: I've picked this book because I've read the previous two and was curious to know what was going to happen with the third brother. I've read the first two books Skin Deep and Heartsong and I lied them quite much, although they're not the most amazing thing in the world. But they both had interesting characters and situations that pulled me. It's a world about humans and Fae, all in a very practical way, which means there's not much detail about the Fae and the action takes place in the "human" world.

This Unforgiven is the story of Braelan, he's the brother of Cobalt and Uriskel, the brothers from the other books. Braelen is the only legitimate brother of the bunch, as the others have been exiled to the human world and everything. Braelen always lived a life of privilege and knows it. When he finds out Uriskel is his brother and thinks about all the awful things he said to him and made him do, he regrets it and fears his brother won't forgive him, ans with reason. However, the real guilty is his father and Braelen decided to live in the human world like his bothers because he's finally tired of the way his father rules the Fae world.

River is an ex cop, he was considered guilty of murdering his partner, who also was his lover. He suffered a lot in jail and when he got out, he become another poor, ignored person in New York. He tricks people into getting him money for drinking and he doesn't regret it because he just wants to forget his past.

River and Braelen meet when Braelen is in the process of stealing money. From then on, their lives get entwined and Braelen actually helps River when he needs the most...

I had read the previous two books a long time ago. Obviously before I started the blog, otherwise I'd have some comment about them here. To be honest there wasn't much I remembered, besides the character's names and overall feeling about them. This book made me remember more things, so it's clear you can read the book as a stand alone although I think it's another of those cases where you can feel the story is better after having more knowledge from before.

This book tell us the story of Braelen, he's a prince and has done some bad things in his past because he didn't know better. Once he found out about his bother he understands it's best to be near people who really care about you instead of duty people. I thought it was credible of him to look for his brothers and to feel regret over the way he mistreated one of them and yo ask for forgiveness. His character was one about how to learn to treat people better and to accept some people are truly good ones and not envious or deceitful ones.

River is human and was framed foe a crime he didn't commit. He feels awful both in spirit and in mind. He feels he's lost all his worthiness and doesn't care about anything else but his next drink. He's almost homeless and tricks people into giving him money on the streets. After meeting Braelen he starts to care again for someone else and after many years he feels sexual attraction too, again. I liked how these two were together, how slow and apparently easy it started between them and how it grew into something more.

While their relationship wasn't bad or wrong, I also felt it could have used a bit more of thinking. They both seemed to accept many things quite fast. I guess I could use a bit more of text to set them up before they got more intimate, and I don't mean sex, although that could have waited a bit more too. Anyway, it wasn't that badly done, just seemed too average and it's not the kind of story to be memorable after a while.

This is also my overall opinion of the book itself. It's average. I think it could have used a bit more well placed character development. But as it is it's not bad, just could have been better.

I liked how it ended, how it showed them solving their issues and trying to achieve a happy ending, which they did, as unlikely as it was. Anyway, entertaining read and I was really curious to see how the trilogy would end so...not such a wasted effort.

Alexandra Ivy - Fear the Darkness

Beautiful Cassandra is a Were, a prophet both vulnerable and defiant, blessed with visions that portend the fate of the world. A rare and delicate creature, Cassie must be protected at all costs. Enter Caine, a powerful cur turned pureblooded Were whose recent tangles with a demon lord have left him in serious need of redemption. Caine is duty-bound to keep Cassie out of danger—and that means resisting his potent urge to seduce her.
As Cassie's mysterious visions lead them in and out of danger, Caine believes he has found his true mate, the woman with whom he is bound for all eternity. Cassie is both charmed and frightened by Caine's magnetism, and unsure if he—or her feelings for him—can be trusted. But Cassie can't afford to doubt Cain now. A deadly enemy bent on destruction is closer than they realize—and only they can keep chaos from ruling the world.

Comment: This is the 9th novel in the Eternal Guardians series. The adventures of a mixed group of supernatural beings and their fight against evil forces goes on in this story where the main couple is a pair of Weres, where the girl, Cassandra, is a prophet.

This book features Caine and Cassie. 

Caine was a bad guy before, he tried to use magic to become a real werewolf instead of a cur, someone human changed into a werewolf. He also used violence and not so good methods to get his way. However, he was deceived too and learned from it. He decided to protect Cassie not only because something in her calls to him, but also because he feels it's the right thing to do after so many bad deeds.

Cassie is another of the four werewolf twins born. She is know for being a prophet and has been recently rescued from one of the villain's clutches. Se often goes anywhere her visions take her but she doesn't really know how interpret them. She isn't the best with social behavior but leaned to lean on Caine and her feelings for him have developed since they got together.

 So, this book keeps up with the things happening since the first books. It had many sub plots added but finally the 4 sisters are rescued and happy with mates they love.

In this book the really bad guy on the scene since the last books has been beaten and by an unsuspected rival, no less. It will be quite the surprise, I'm sure.

This means the author has been tidying up plot lines and is now ready to keep the main storyline of wining fights against evil in a more larger dimension, I mean, the villains we knew are gone so I assume someone new will show up in order to keep the pace for the remaining characters - that we know must be next to have a story - to have something to fight against. I'm a bit curious about how that will be and thinking about who's next I assume some bad vampires, but let's see...

The romance in this book wasn't so bad I thought. They knew each other from books before, we knew they felt attracted, that they had a connection but they didn't take that next step until this book, so this means it didn't look rushed. I liked them, although some scenes between them were quite the cliché, but oh well, it's to be expected.

What I think was the best thing about this book is the way all the previous characters showed up to the final battle. Their books weren't just to get things over, it suited their power plays and abilities and it was fun to see them all together now despite the differences and the animosity among some of them in the past. Now they're joined in a common cause and goal and I liked how they all seemed important in a way, and their presence meant something even fr those with smaller tasks.

This isn't a book to think about or to origin philosophic thoughts.It's also not big on plot twists so people should read it thinking that. It's pure entertainment and it has to be seen like that. I liked it and it's part of a series I didn't think I'd like to keep up with but now I'm glad I did because it did offer many hours of fun reading.

GL Roberts - Light and Shadow

Award winning architect Cody Andrews was in a relationship moving out of control. Although his partner loved the fast life in LA, Cody wanted to slow it down and try to enjoy life with his partner. After two years of fighting, Cody found that all he could do was leave the relationship to save his sanity and self respect. Moving out of LA seemed to be his best bet, so he bought an abandoned lighthouse in the Pacific Northwest and left his high powered life behind. Fixing up the lighthouse is enough to keep Cody’s mind occupied enough to forget everything he’d left behind, then he meets Nick Stanton.
Nick Stanton and his partner Ray leave Chicago for a relaxed vacation on the Oregon coast. For Nick, it’s a time to reconnect with his partner and mend their ailing relationship; for Ray, it’s a tiresome getaway with little-to-no excitement. While Nick tries to enjoy the coastal surroundings, Ray begs to go someplace with a hopping club or a circuit party. And then they meet Cody.
When they meet, Cody finds Nick and Ray to be a reminder of his own failed relationship. But Cody misses interacting with gay men, and finds Nick enjoyable and Ray to be tolerable. But the more time he spends with them, the more volatile Ray becomes. For Ray sees that Cody has everything Nick longs for, and everything Ray does not want. On a rain soaked and windswept highway a decision is made, and the lives of three men are tossed about like a tiny boat on an angry sea.

Comment: I've decided to read this story because I saw a review of it in Hilcia's blog and it seemed the kind of story I'd like to read, so I didn't think twice and bought it last month so I could get to it in this one.

This is the story of Cody, as we see most things from his point of view although the story isn't in the first person narrator. Cody Is now renovating a lighthouse in the pacific northwest after leaving LA because of the end of his two year relationship with his partner. They wanted different things and Cody felt he couldn't take it anymore, so he left.

While thinking his life is quite good as it is, one day he meets Nick and they seem to feel attracted to each other right away. But Nick isn't single, in fact he has a boyfriend much like Cody's ex partner and it looks like things are rocky but he doesn't want to be the one to break them. Still, they ave so much in common, could it be possible to change the way things are?

First of all, this is a short story and it focuses more on feelings and decisions than sex or romance. I was quite glad that they didn't jump into sex because the tone of the story is more thoughtful, emotionally driven and it would be "wrong" to mix sex in there.

This is the first story by the author I tried so I can't compare it to other things, but from a relatively delimited point of view, I thought it was a strong story, very introspective and touched one or two issues I was quite interested in.

First, the theme, lighthouses, I like stories about them and the history part combined with the coincidences - or not - of both main characters connection to the lighthouse in cause was a huge interesting part of the story for me. It was obvious the author knew or researched lighthouses and how they are supposed to work to make Cody's work as an architect seem more realistic. I liked this a lot.

Then, there's the take on how relationships should be balanced and communicative. It was obvious Nick and Ray didn't have that much in common anymore, their goals were different, their temperaments, their ways of seeing how life should be lived...it was the same with Cody and his ex partner, the same kind of challenges and situations.. I guess this was done on purpose by the author so the reader could see the perfect connection between Nick and Cody? I don't know, in a way I don't think it was necessary, but I get it, it certainly made things easier. Still, the issues on how to deal with a relationship, the hard times when someone gives something up and how far can someone go on limiting their own wishes...it was very interesting and it made me eager to keep reading. Then something happens with Ray and from then on I think the story kind of lost some strength, but the point was taken.

In the end, I liked it yes, very good in the explanations and the descriptions, but I think it could have been a bit better in terms of action. Still, a good characterization for me and I'll look the author's work in the future, for sure.

Robyn Carr - Shelter Mountain

John "Preacher" Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of the wet October night. A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one--the woman is covered in bruises. He wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her, but he knows immediately that this inclination to protect is something much more. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man--emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel.
But when Paige's ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there's one thing the marines' motto of Semper Fidelis--always faithful--has taught him, it's that some things are worth fighting for.

Comment: This is the second book in the Virgin River series by the author. It's small town contemporary and usually I love these stories because of all that feeling of friendship and help among the people living there...Obviously not everything works for everyone because Jill Shalvis and Sherryl Woods' books I've read so far in small town setting weren't that good for me, but this one still makes my day.

This is the story of John "Preacher" Middleton and Paige.

John is a quiet man, very calm and respectful and he cooks in the bar Jack owns. He's very happy with the way his life is going and even more so to see his best friend marries and almost a father.

Paige is running from something when she stumbles on Jack's bar. John is there and serves her and her small son food and gives her a safe place to rest.

While these two treated each other very correctly and respectfully at first, as times goes by their feelings get deeper although none take a first step to change such a perfect friendship, but in the end isn't it best to try to be even more happy?

I thought this book quite good. A great follow up to the first one. I especially liked how the author didn't forget the previous characters and how the community pretty much shows up all the time, making the book feel more alive, more complete and full. It's a nice feeling.

I think there are three main subjects in this book, the main couple's romance, the continuity of Jack and Mel's story and the setting up of the next story. All these three things have considerable air time, plus the sub plot of Rick and Lizzie, the town's main teenagers characters.

Concerning the main couple, it was so sweet to see them going small step at a time towards a stronger relationship. It was good to see Preacher falling not only for Paige but for her son as well, and all the help he gave her to solve the issues from her past. I thought is was quite balanced and they took their time and it felt right. What I'd change is how they finally got intimate. I thought it was too rehearsed. I mean, they both talked about how they didn't know how to change things and after some advice they went for it. It didn't have spontaneity which I think would have been good. The romance overall was tender but I wished we could've seen a bit more of strength in their wanting each other.

The parts about Mel and Jack were great, their relationship is strong and it's so good to see them happy and together. It brings a very nice feeling to the reading of a book when e know at least a couple is well and it shows. They're going to have a baby and I enjoyed all the scenes where they discussed their baby and I loved the scene where the baby is born, it's really my favorite part of the book.

We also have the setting of the next book and although it didn't seem that interesting this time for me, I know the 3rd story is one people love the best so I'll keep my faith until next month when I'll get to it.

Several more characters make an appearance which is great for the unity idea I have of good small town books and I'm sure all of them will have a special role in th future.

So far, this world is working for me and it's such a good story to relax and spend some good time...Very good.

Elisabeth Naughton - Tempted

Demetrius -- He's the hulking, brooding warrior his fellow Guardians avoid. Too dark. Too damaged. And given his heritage, he knows it's best to keep everyone at arm's length.
Isadora is missing. The words pounded through his head like a frantic drumbeat. For her own protection, Demetrius had done all he could to avoid the fragile princess, his soul mate. And now she was gone -- kidnapped. To get her back, he'll have to go to the black place in his soul he's always shunned. As daemons ravage the human realm and his loyalty to the Guardians is put to the ultimate test, Demetrius realizes that Isadora is stronger than anyone thought. And finally letting her into his heart may be the only way to save them both.

Comment: This is the third book in the Eternal Guardians series and the main couple has appeared before, actually they couldn't stand each other, something that made me quite eager to try it because I usually love these type of stories and can't wait to see how they stop hating each other and start on the love.

This is the story of Isadora and Demetrius. Isadora is the heir to the Argolean throne but rules say she's got to be married and her father has pressured her before to bind herself to one of the Argonauts but it never worked out for a reason or another. Now she's changed, she stopped being the weak and shy girl and tries to be fierce and strong to be worthy of the throne. After some doubtful decisions in the past she is ready to be queen but right at that point she gets kidnapped.

Demetrius is a good warrior but he has tried his best to stay away from Isadora and says it's because he can't stand her. The real reason, obviously, it's much more meaningful and predictable but he does try to stay away until secrets from his past come to light. Now he is the only person around to help her but it means to be closer and everyone says there's nothing better to communication than complete loneliness in a desert island.

I liked this book best of the three I've read. I think the author has done well this idea of couple hating each other. Of course they really don't, but their reasons, behavior and fears were well played into it. I really enjoyed their path to happiness.

Isadora has always been considered weak by her father and many others but since she found out about her sister, she decided to step up and become a stronger person to be considered worthy of ruling. I thought her personality was very interesting because she had a strong mind and will, just because she was shy she wasn't considered good enough. In this book we get to see many of reasons behind her actions lately - some we've seen in the previous books - and I ended up liking her more. She has a good heart and she isn't stupid although sometimes she can do some less advised things. But I don't think she does that out of intelligence, it's really her heart leading and to be honest it's not that bad, she just could a little bit more cautious. She is attracted to Demetrius but thinks he hates her so when they get alone on the island she finally starts understanding him, something she claims was the hardest thing. And I liked that, once she made her mind about him, she took a very strong step to get after him.

Demetrius has secrets and by the end of the book we see them and wow, how plot interesting they are. I can see how that would play a part in future books too, especially one of those secrets.

Demetrius also feels attracted to Isadora but despite not considering himself good for her, that wasn't the main reason to stay away and he seemed rude all the time, but throughout the book we get to know him better and his characterization was quite well done by the author.

The romance between them was good, I liked how they took their time and how in the end Isadora proved she's regal and saved Demetrius from a cruel fate and pursued her HEA. Go, girl.

I thought this was a strong book, good characters and good plot, which made me very curious. Some secondary characters also played an important role in all that and I feel eager to know more about them and about what will happen next. Hopefully I'll be able to get the other books soon. But what a great solid story this one was for me.

Ilona Andrews - Fate's Edge

Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...
Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help...

Comment: This month I read this book along with two friends because we're all fans of this series and the authors' too.

It's the third book in the Edge series and it's the story of Kaldar, a cousin to Cerise who was the protagonist in the previous book, Bayou Moon.

Like I said many times, the strength these two authors have in writing is incredible, they write things quite well and in a way that it looks like easy but I'm sure it took a lot of work and talent.

This second book follows Kaldar as he tries to do a mission for The Mirror, the sort of spy army he works for now. He is going to retrieve a stolen device originally meant for the Hand, the enemy. However, Kaldar hates the hand because of everything done to his family and he wants revenge.

Audrey comes from a family of tricksters, con men. Her father is a thief and all her family worked at least once in the business including herself as she has the magic predisposition to pick any possible lock. She didn't know her last work was that huge and now her conscience forces her to join forces with Kaldar in trying to stop the Hand to get the device.

This book was great. I still think it doesn't have the same feeling of discovering a new perfect thing like I did with the first book, but it's a world so well done, the writing so addictive and interesting I have no problems returning here.

The story was done in a good pace, nothing too fast or too slow, except foe the romance that, despite being a good one and quite sweet at times, could have used a stronger evolution. I mean, it was fine but it was slow during the book because Audrey was cautious and almost in the end, there you go all is clear. It was rushed I think. With so many pages what would be wrong with ten or twelve more just to keep things more balanced? Anyway, but this didn't ruin the book for me, quite the opposite.

The plot was very interesting as always. It amazes me the imagination and thought processes the authors have to come up with to write this, and with so many different tones of scenes, we have funny ones, romantic, ones sad ones, thrilling ones and so on...talent indeed.

Obviously the good guys win although a certain scene in the end let's us know the bad guys might have another word to say, perhaps in the next book...

Another thing I liked a lot was one fighting scene in particular...I usually just take a peek at those because it's to much mess for me but there was one here so amazing and with all the "good" characters fighting I loved it.

One thing got me thinking...Audrey's family is quite the dysfunctional, it's explained why and why they don't change but one fact in particular caught my eye. Audrey's bother is an addict and we get to know how he started doing drugs. I was left moved by this because he was described as sweet despite aloof young man and drugs changed him completely. We get to know the reasons why he started and it amazes me that this could happen in real life, it's so...stupid, so incomprehensible but it can happen, it breaks my heart. 

In the end I was quite happy to have read it because the plot and the character's development is strong enough to keep me interested and eager to know more. Really god writing style.

I can't wait for the next and final one!

Linnea Sinclair - Gabriel's Ghost

After a decade of piloting interstellar patrol ships, former captain Chasidah Bergren, onetime pride of the Sixth Fleet, finds herself court-martialed for a crime she didn't commit -- and shipped off to a remote prison planet from which no one ever escapes. But when she kills a brutal guard in an act of self-defense, someone even more dangerous emerges from the shadows.
Gabriel Sullivan -- alpha mercenary, smuggler, and rogue -- is supposed to be dead. Yet now this seductive ghost from Chaz's past is offering her a ticket to freedom -- for a price. Someone in the Empire is secretly breeding jukors: vicious and uncontrollable killing machines that have long been outlawed. Gabriel needs Chaz to help him stop the practice before it decimates Imperial space. The mission means putting their lives on the line -- but the tensions that heat up between them may be the riskiest part of all.

Comment: This is the second book by the author that I've tried. I'm quite happy to say I enjoyed this as much but I do admit it took me some time because I started it on a Friday and Fridays are days of house cleaning (arghh -but ha!, today I managed to find time to be on line), then Saturday I had to do the ironing and Sunday I had family visiting...a really poor weekend in terms of useful reading time.

But then I've read it all practically in 2 days, which only proves time is, indeed, everything.

So, this book is apparently one of the author's best, it won a prize and everything. It's the story of Chaz, she was wrongly accused of a crime and was sent to a planet prison and had to survive by herself. In comes Sully, a guy she felt attracted one time but things never progressed further than kissing, and he helps her out of the planet. While she feels doubtful as for the reason he got her out of there, she doesn't say no and from that moment on she sees herself in the middle of many new challenges like stopping an awful breeding program, a possible love life, the need to stop seeing things as she thought and actually as they are and how to convince herself her fears aren't stronger than love.

So, this book has several things to think about, mostly about character development, specially Chaz's but also in other characters.

But first of all I have to say I liked the romance a lot because it wasn't rushed and stupid. So many romances are, so this one has points for looking well structured. The main couple, Chaz and Sully, met before and they felt attracted to each other, but then they were different people and circumstances stopped them from taking things further. But stuff happened and Chaz thought Sully was dead. Now they have new experiences and time behind them and despite their differences, the attraction is still there. I liked how they both took baby steps to a relationship...I don't think to find someone and being with him would be that easy and in this book I liked the author made the characters take their time.

Now, onto the mentioned character development...one of the things that happen  - I imagine that is, after only two books - a lot in these books is the talk about prejudice. It's sci-fi but like in everything, different races and beings and things make prejudice possible. It happens, even if not maliciously intended. It's the way you deal with it that matters. I thought Chaz felt very prejudiced towards some of the characters, namely one of them that ends up becoming her friend. I think it's quite humanely beautiful to see this in fiction, it's almost like we could see Chaz realizing she's wrong and she treated someone in a way she wouldn't like to be treated herself and despite her fears of being close to the other person, she learned things about him and started to see him differently. Wouldn't it be awesome if in real life it could be that simple? I liked this part, where I can relate to a character by liking how she dealt with her prejudice and embraced a new friendship because of that.

The book has a lot of action and good scenes. I especially liked the ones about emotions, where characters had to deal with what the others meant and their reactions afterwards. I won0t forget the scene where Chaz risks her heart by going to Sully after discovering something she thought impossible about him, it's such a tender moment, loved it.

In the end, I really liked the book not only for it's great pace and action and scenes but also for the emotional parts that seemed very well placed.

I recommend it!

Donna Grant - Midnight's Master

Gwynn Austin has no idea why her father has disappeared on a mysterious trip to Scotland. When she goes on a desperate mission to search for him she finds more than she bargains for in a ruggedly handsome, wickedly exciting Highlander who exudes danger and mystery. And when she discovers her own link to Scotland, she’ll have to trust her heart to help lead her...
Propelled through time by powerful Druid Magic, Logan Hamilton uses his immortality and powers of the god inside him to help prevent the awakening of an ancient evil in the modern world. He never expects to find help in the form of a beautiful, alluring, and all too tempting woman whose passion and strength matches his own. Together, Logan and Gywnn must fight for their love -- before a demon from the past destroys them both…

Comment: This was another book given to me for my birthday. A friend of mine knows how I like paranormal romance and it's almost a game between us, when the time approaches for our birthdays (we both celebrate the joyous day ah ah in September, hers is 4 days before mine) we do some research and find a book to offer. It's fun, just to browse books everywhere to find something suitable..this year with goodreads I'm sure my "hunting" will be funnier.

So, she got me this book and she's like me, we're very keen on picking the first book of a series if it's the case, because we like to read things in order.

This is the first book in a new series by the author, someone whose website I've checked and she has written lots of books, wow. 

The story is about Logan, he's a warrior from Scotland and wants to retrieve an artifact a bad druid also wants. Somehow he and other warriors are carried to the present and must try to find that object.

Gwynn is looking for her father. Their relationship has never been good but she can't find the conscience to leave him so goes to Scotland to find him.

Gwynn and Logan join forces because it becomes clear she's a druid who isn't aware of her powers and he seems to know a lot about what's it like to be a druid as many of his friends married one.

The book was interesting at some points. It provided a lot of interesting subjects and the legends mentioned, the parts about History talking were small enough not to seem too informative but the right amount to make it all look pertinent to the story.

Still, I can't say I loved it. It was a good story but not something that amazing. My biggest problem was the writing style but the clichés used weren't that great either, although with another author they might work.

The biggest cliché was the romance itself. It was rather obvious Logan and Gwynn would be mates and that she would be a druid, that was to be expected after reading the first pages. What I could do without was that same old thing about the guy thinking he wouldn't be good for her because of his dark past. I get that everyone feels low sometimes and the lack of confidence is quite common and I wouldn't want my heroes to be conceited all the time, but it gets boring to keep seeing heroes who know their fighting worth but guilty all the time over something that wasn't that despicable...oh well everything is relative but in this book it bored me a lot.

However, many of my issues could be forgotten if the writing style could be captivating but to me it wasn't. The writing seemed so superficial like she had the story she wrote it but even with metaphors and descriptions it sounded to pre arranged to be entertaining. I really thought I was reading a story without fluidity because it seemed that everything had a place and the author limited herself to put it there..I don't it's a strange feeling.

Overall, it wasn't that bad really, but it had many not so good points for me. Besides, it's said to be the first of a series and yes it can be read and understood well, but it has tons of references to the previous series as this one is a spin off of another and despite the stand alone status it's certainly much better to have all the knowledge because some things were understood but still there was a lot I think with having read the other books would mean something different, it would be more explained.

Anyway, it was a good read but with so many things against it for me I can't say it was one of the best things I've read...

Jeffrey Archer - As the Crow Flies

When Charlie Trumper inherits his grandfather's fruit and vegetable barrow, he inherits as well his enterprising spirit, which quickly lifts him out of poverty in London's East End. Success, however, does not come easily or quickly, particularly when World War I sends Charlie into combat and into an ongoing struggle with a vengeful enemy who will not rest until Charlie is destroyed. Charlie Trumper's epic journey carries him across three continents and through the triumphs and disasters of the twentieth century, all leading toward the fulfillment of his greatest dream.

Comment: I was given this book in my birthday last year. As this happened in September the book wasn't in the to read pile for that long. When I first read the blurb it didn't seem that interesting but I have to admit it, the friend who gave it to me knew what she was doing...

The book is all about Charlie and his humble origins. He was very poor as a child and worshiped his grandfather, an honest fruit and vegetables seller in Whitechapel. Then Charlie went to the great war and started a business after the end of it, he kept on until he reached success, he married and increased his profits. His life was surrounded by people and their actions and the book also shows us how his wife and employees and everyone around him would be part of his dreams and hopes.

While reading this book, Colleen McCullough immediately came to mind because I thought this book was so similar to her way of writing, especially the division to time lines and the focus on one main character at a time. Plus, the story also had some similarities to her almost fateful destinies motto. At least it sounded like it in her books I've read.

Anyway, this book tells Charlie's story and how he grew up from a poor nobody to a millionaire. The best thing and I mean it, about this book is how Charlie wasn't stupid, he was ambitious yes, but he NEVER lost his goodness, he never stopped being humble and caring. I loved this because it proves for someone to change it doesn't mean your personality has to.

Charlie's live had many setbacks. He was a giving person and tried to help several people and there were times that, indirectly, those good actions would have consequences, although never anything bad. Still, I wish there wasn't as many angst as that, but I have to say that there were many victories too and I loved ending a chapter where Charlie would have the upper hand.

Some things happen, in terms of fate, that left me sad. I guess that's to be expected, after all in such a long book about someone's whole life that has to mean some heartbreak as well as good things, but what I meant about fate is that one or two things were to much of a coincidence to be realistic. Of course, this is fiction, and sometimes strange things happen to people, but I thought it was a bit too much...

Still, it was a great read. I've learned quite much about some subjects and the writing never seemed dull to me. By the end, things happens real quickly and I found myself in a frenzy to know if the good guys would reach it and the way they did was to great to be missed. 

I recommend this book to everyone who likes fiction. It has many things to think about but the style and the way the story is told is mostly fiction oriented so anyone would like it.

I got quite happy to have read it. I just don't think it's perfect over two things or three, things pertinent in the storyline but overall, not that bad to ruin the book. I never guessed this gem was hidden there because I haven't read anything else by the author and I believe most his works are in the suspense area? So, a hug to my friend and hopefully someone out there might want to read it too.

Anne Bishop - Shalador's Lady

For years the Shalador people suffered the cruelties of the corrupt Queens who ruled them, forbidding their traditions, punishing those who dared show defiance, and forcing many more into hiding. Now that their land has been cleansed of tainted Blood, the Rose-Jeweled Queen, Lady Cassidy, makes it her duty to restore it and prove her ability to rule.
But even if Lady Cassidy succeeds, other dangers await. For the Black Widows see visions within their tangled webs that something is coming that will change the land-and Lady Cassidy-forever...

Comment: I love this series, it's so magical and full of wonderful details that you can't help but be immersed in them, can't help wishing things go right for the characters you love but mostly, you can't help enjoying tr ride until they do because you know they will be alright.

This is the 8th book in the Dark Jewels series. In each book we get to see a little bit more of all the characters we love and how their lives are progressing.

This book follows the action from the previous book, Shadow Queen. In this 8th book the queen Cassidy has to deal with people from her past, people who mistreat her and still find the strength to help her new court and find the courage to stand by it even when she's afraid she'll lose everything again.

Why I loved this book? Because it's the same familiar writing, the same writing style that makes me eager to keep reading, I can't stress enough the fact the author writes about a fantasy world but she puts in so many domestic scenes, so many apparently unimportant things that make the story closer to the reader, make us want to know more about their lives and even what they're laughing or fighting about. It's addictive and passionate, in my opinion.

This story has a bit of a lesson which is, even if something bad happened to you and now the same thing looms ahead, perhaps it's time to try a different tactic to deal with it and perhaps it's time to trust in the people who stand by you. Cassidy had to gain trust in her new court in order to deal with what happened before and thus, being a better queen, with people who really want and like her.

Of course, we get to see all the beloved characters we love since the first book and that are still part of the world. I admit it's one of the best things.

In the end, I was left happy because things happened in the best way and there was a note of hope to, which makes me glad to think things will work out even for the characters who weren't as lovable. It's really such a pleasure to read a book by this author.

-> Now...and this doesn't relate to this book, but I have to mention it...

There's a book after this one, released last year. It's one of those books with a collection of stories in the Blood world. In those stories we get to see a chapter end and some characters don't make it. I get why, the author has her reasons and she wanted to find closure, I guess, for a series that she gave to us. However, I feel so bad about this but I don't think 'll read it, at least not in the near future. I know some things will happen that I can't deal with right now and in a way, putting it aside is a kind of defense mechanism, like it's not there...You can guess that some deadly things will happen and I liked this world so much, I felt connected to the characters so much too, it pains me to think of them like that.

Isn't this stupid? But yes, I'm one of those who cries over the death of a fictional character...I won't spoil anything more, but part of me feels pretty stupid to not be able to just get it over with, I mean, it's not like I'd hate the writing, but...

So, this to say I'll stop this world here. I hope I can find the will to read the last one, perhaps when my memory isn't as good or as fresh.It's a world of magic and it's so hard to pretend magic doesn't exist anymore even in a wonderful book...