Katherine Allred - The Sweet Gum Tree

Sweet tea, corn bread, and soup beans—everyday fare for eight-year-old Alix French, the precocious darling of a respected southern family. But nothing was ordinary about the day she met ten-year-old Nick Anderson, a boy from the wrong side of town. Armed with only a tin of bee balm and steely determination, Alix treats the raw evidence of a recent beating that mars his back, an act that changes both of their lives forever.
Through childhood disasters and teenage woes they cling together as friendship turns to love. The future looks rosy until the fateful night when Frank Anderson, Nick's abusive father, is shot to death in his filthy trailer.
Suddenly, Nick is gone—leaving Alix alone, confused and pregnant. For the next fifteen years she wrestles with the pain of Nick's abandonment, a bad marriage, her family and friends. But finally, she's starting to get her life back together. Her divorce is almost final, her business is booming, and she's content if not happy—until the day she looks up and sees Nick standing across the counter. He's back…and he's not alone.
Once again Alix is plunged into turmoil and pain as Nick tries to win her love, something she resists with all her strength. Only one thing might break the protective wall she's built around her emotions—the truth about Frank Anderson's death. But when that truth comes out and those walls crumble, neither Alix nor Nick is prepared for the emotional explosion that could destroy as well as heal.

Comment: This is the second book by the author I picked. I have three more to read during the year. I chose the book only for its title, I haven't checked blurbs yet but the title seemed sweet and I thought I'd get a good romance...something to dream a bit.

This is the story of Alix and Nick. Alix has a family that loved and supported her all her life and her childhood was normal and full of hugs and smiles. Nick didn't have the same luck, but Alix kind of took him under her wing despite him being older. While they grew up, their feelings for each other change at the same time but despite they kept faithful to each other, things around them changed as well and other's choices helped shape their future in the end...

Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was interesting yes, and full of addictive details, mainly about living in the south, where things follow a certain pattern, a certain rityual related to a way of life.
I was really happy to read this and I admit it didn't take so long because I wanted to turn page after page just to know what would happen. The overall feeling about this book is positive, I don't know if it's a detail here and there or the main style of the story, the author's writing that compelled me to read more or something else, but when I think about the book as a whole, I really enjoyed reading it.

However, I also can't put aside my annoyance about two or three things in there...
If you haven't read the book and want to, please, bear in mind I'll approach spoiler areas....

The story follows Alix mostly because she's the narrator of the story. She is an amazing child, cute, funny, loyal, the epitome of innocence and friendship. I liked her a lot while she was a child, but since she grew up and adult themes were getting more focus, some things started to be a bit annoying, like the relationships among everyone. I thought Alix would become too angry and a little bit spoiled like at some times, especially when she knew about her father and how he and her mother separated. I mean, I don't think that she dealt with it in the most adult way. This wouldn't mean as much, I think, if she hadn't been described as adult for her years... then later her attitude towards her ex and her friend Jenna...I think the situation wasn't dealt the best way, even if one considers southern tradition and all that. I mean, sometimes Alix would act adult and serious and then she would say or do things really unlikely for the situation she was in...it was weird.

The author's style isn't new to me, but in the other novel I've read by her, I didn't have this same feeling...one thing would be really on my nerves, like usually int he end of each chapter we would have Alix say she thought something but then she didn't anticipate a determined outcome. Tis happened with almost all chapters, meaning we would always have the notion something bad would happen but then during the story we would realize, in perspective, it wasn't as bad or as disturbing as that. A few things were indeed serious, but most times I'd have the feeling I was being set up for a huge drama and after all it wasn't that bad. After a while this can be annoying...

Apart from these little things (only added up they can be perceived as a lot), I had a good time like I said and I didn't want to stop reading.
Still, despite the good things I can't help but feeling the hype around this story at GR for instance is a bit overacted in my opinion, it was good, but not perfectly polish to work out like it happens with other author who did the same, say Deborah Smith who wrote good southern dramas as well.
Nevertheless, I don't give on the author and will read her other works.
Grade: 7/10

Carla Kelly - Marrying the Royal Marine

Illegitimate Polly Brandon has never felt like more than an ugly duckling. So she's amazed when Hugh Philippe Junot pays her such close attention as they sail for Portugal.
Under ordinary circumstances she knows this distinguished lieutenant colonel of marines would never have looked at her, but having his protection for the journey is comforting--and something more that she's afraid to give a name to. Should she trust what she sees in Hugh's eyes--has she turned from an ugly duckling into a beautiful, desirable swan?

Comment: This is the third book by the author I've read. The previous ones I read were wonderful and I'm so glad I decided to try her stories because her writing is, indeed, special.
This third book is also the last in the Channel Fleet trilogy.

This is the story of Polly and Hugh. Polly is the younger sister to the protagonists of the previous books, Marrying the Captain and The Surgeon's Lady. Polly decides to help her sister Laura at Oporto, where she and her husband have a hospital sort of. During the trip, Polly finds out she isn't very keen on the sea and Hugh helps her, even when she's embarrassed an officer is changing her sweat clothes. The time allows them to know each other better and after their arrival at Portugal and the challenges they face, they still look at each other and their feelings are what aves them in the end...

Once again, I really enjoyed a story by this author. I thin she has a unique voice, and I like th way she tells her stories and how we get involved in that era. I also think that, despite her use of information and historical context, the story didn't feel too serious or strict, it was romantic and had enough elements to make this a good fictional entertainment.

I liked the historical context. The action takes place mostly in Portugal, during the Napoleonic war. I live in Portugal and I've studied this briefly during History classes...of course, real history doesn't get to be perceived as deeply into all the aspects of a war. And here we can see a little bit more detail in a centered in that place, as it happens with this book. I don't live in the north, where the action happens, I live closer to Lisbon than Oporto, but I know the challenges, the difficulties, the issues that even today are part of my country's History. To be honest, in school we mostly discuss the fact Napoleon was defeated here and not exactly the hows of it...but in this story we see that fiction, as with real life, can't depend solely on the big things, what about the people left behind, the lives of so many people who had to bear losses and terrible fates? In this book I couldn't help being sad things like the ones described happened and are today happening all over the world without us knowing I mean the way some people take the dignity of others. We are animals for sure...but this is another issue altogether, and not the point here.

I liked how true and how detailed things were because through loss and fear, the protagonists found love and feelings that united them in a way many people wouldn't know what it's like. Their romance was amazing and the age difference didn't strike me as such an important thing. They matched and I enjoyed seeing them together. Their social status wasn't the same either but I think they went past that quite well.

The plot took a path I wasn't expecting but it was good to see the two protagonists brave their choices and to still maintain their humility and soul, in a way.
The end was what one hopes for and there's nothing better than hope and the certainty of a happy ending. I liked the personal side of this story a lot too.

Overall, a sometimes sad read but full of hope and wonderful scenes, romantic and evoking. I recommend it to historical lovers.
Grade: 8/10

Erin Kellison - Shadow Bound

Death... Some people will do anything to avoid it. Even trade their immortal souls for endless existence.
Wraiths... Secretly, inexorably, they are infiltrating our world, sucking the essence out of unsuspecting victims with their hideous parody of a kiss.
Segue... Adam Thorne founded the Institute to study and destroy his monster of a brother, but the key to its success is held in the pale, slender hand of a woman on the run. There is something hauntingly different about Talia O’Brien, her unknowing sensuality, her uncanny way of slipping into Shadow.
Twilight... This is the place between life and what comes after—a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril, mystery. And Talia is about to open the door.

Comment: This book has been in the pile for years, three or four...well, to be honest I don't exactly remember. There was a time I was very much paranormal focused so I got many first books because I'm always on the lookout for the next great series. Obviously, time has gone...so I picked it up this month for a book club. I was hoping for a good story because after all this time I wasn't expecting perfection, considering the evolution of my taste, overall...but hope was there.

This is the story of Talia O'Brian, the book starts with her getting ready for a job interview but she sees her roommate being killed by something she can't describe. She only knows the only thing that can protect her are the shadows that have been with her all her life.
Looking for Tali because of her ideas about death is Adam Thorne, he has a research institute looking for ways to kill wraiths, beings that kill humans by stealing their souls. He has mythological clues about what could be done and Talia has wrote about it. When they finally meet and talk, things are already in a bad shape around the world but could they change that?

This book is really weird. I mean, first thing I have to say is how hard it was at time to follow the story line. Not that it ran from the point, but the issue was how spread everything was, the action seems to go a certain path and suddenly a new concept or sub plot seems to appear and we have to start to organize out thoughts again. It was a bit tiresome.
The story actually starts with a prologue that seemed really promising to the story but instead it was only a tiny bit of what was meant to happen. In the end we see more and apparently the next book might bring new things, but I don't feel like it right now.

The plot itself was interesting enough. There's a young woman unsure about what is happening and a confident guy looking for certainties, for a way to stop a problem that has caused him lots of grief. Understandable. But then things were quite darkish, meaning, there was this aura of darkness, of despair in this story that made the reading a bit depressing, many people die but looking at this as paranormal romance I was a bit disappointed, I guess urban fantasy is more like it, more so into the darker side of that also.

The main story line follows Adm and his mission to find a way to stop his brother, turned wraith - or so he thoughts - and how to finally gain peace. Of course we see a lot of guilt and martyrdom in the way as well.
The romance between Adam and Talia wasn't such a big deal, it felt more like an accessory than a main thing. Not that is such a bad thing, but I kind of hoped for more, more passion, more chemistry, more emotion in all that. In the end they get their HEA but honestly, everything else around them felt unsure, unfinished and not just because there's many wraiths left to kill...

Although I couldn't avoid the details that bothered me, there was still interesting points to focus on int he story, like how Talia's weapon sort of, is her voice and isn't ours as well? Or the debate between life and death, I loved to thin about this idea of how not everyone who lives is alive and how the ones who die aren't always dead (concept of a ghost, for instance). I mean interesting subjects to ponder, but the fictional story was a bit lacking in my opinion. The writing was ok I guess but I couldn't help feeling a sort of detachment in it, considering the darker aspects of th plot.

In the end, a good effort, but for me personally it wasn't what I thought would happen and I found it darker than what I imagined and although the surroundings of the story were interesting, I thought Talia and Adam's task wasn't as enjoyable to see as that...
Grade: 5/10

Late advice

I should have known about this last summer... :)
(source)

Jennifer Ashley / Amy Lane

The Mackenzies gather for a clan Christmas and New Year's in Scotland. In the chaos of preparations for the celebration--the first of Hart and Eleanor's married life--one of Ian's Ming bowls gets broken, and the family scrambles to save the day. Daniel busily runs a betting ring for everything from the time Eleanor's baby will arrive to whether Mac's former-pugilist valet can win a boxing match to who will be the first of the many guests to be caught under the mistletoe. Ian begins a new obsession, and Beth fears the loss of one of his precious bowls has made him withdraw once more into his private world. 

Comment: I really liked this story. I am a fan of the series and I took the time to get the two novellas sort of at the same time. This one is like a sugar rush because it's sweet and full of wonderful scenes and warm feelings and special things and possibilities. It's to assure the reader things are indeed well with all those beloved characters. I know some readers don't like these types of stories much, but personally I don't mind and even gladly wish for them if they're meant to be good. I think it's a nice read, to reassure us of the power of family love.
Grade: 8/10

*  *  * 

Whim believes himself to be the least powerful sidhe at Green's Hill: he is as constant as a bumblebee in a hurricane and as faithful as a stray breeze. Whim's prince believes there is more to him than that and on Litha, the night of the summer solstice, sends Whim into the mortal world where he strives to give a piece of himself to others. It is on Litha that Whim meets Charlie, a young, desperate human who steals a kiss. Whim steals one back and, in turn, craves another taste of this extraordinary man. Their vows to return next Litha and finish what they started launch a thirteen-year tradition of celebration between the mortal and the immortal, between love and patience, that is sustained by Whim's driving, faithful compulsion to love and keep his human close to his heart.

Comment: This story isn't very big, it's about two guys meeting by chance and falling in love. It's set int he same world of the Little Goddess series I've read recently by the author, so many things are familiar. This story has a certain sad tone to it...it's hard to think about sacrifices and distance and time going by when you have so many things to live for...I was a bit depressed by this story, the author has created a special world but always with a little sad note in there...
Grade: 6/10

TBR Challenge: Jennifer Ashley - The Untamed Mackenzie

To redeem her family’s disgraced name, Lady Louisa Scranton has decided to acquire a proper husband. He needs to be a man of fortune and highly respectable in order to restore both her family's lost wealth and reputation. She enters the Marriage Mart with all flags flying, determined to find the right bachelor.
But Louisa’s hopes are dashed when the Bishop of Hargate drops dead at her feet—and she is shockingly accused of murder! Soon, Louisa’s so-called friends begin shunning her, because the company of a suspected killer is never desirable in polite society.
The problem comes to the ears of Detective Inspector Lloyd Fellows, by-blow of the decadent Scottish Mackenzie family and an inspector for Scotland Yard. He has shared two passionate kisses with Lady Louisa–and vows to clear her name. For not only does he know she’s innocent, he recognizes he’s falling for the lovely lady.
Fellows is Louisa's only hope of restoring her family's honor—and it is he alone who intrigues Louisa in a way that may be even more scandalous than murder…

Comment: Here we are again, for another year of the TBR challenge. Once more, the theme for January is short stories. I've chosen this one because not only am I a fan of the series, but I've heard many good things about it and I was curious, so in reality, three reasons to read it. I was hoping to see a good story, so I didn't have to think about which story to pick.

For those who know the Mackenzies, Fellows is a character that seemed a villain in the first book but we find out what was behind such animosity and now he is someone we want to see more often. His story starts when he is called about a crime and there he meets again Lady Louisa Scranton, sister to Isabella from book #2. They have shared looks and kisses in the past and now that she's in danger, he only wants to help her, but Louisa isn't indifferent and their relationship changes...

The main thing I looked for in this story was to see Fellows give in to his feelings, because he always looked professional, distant and even a bit arrogant, all traits apparently shared with his half brothers, but I wished I could see some change if he was falling in love. This happened a bit too fast for my taste but when one thinks about the time that has passed since they met, we could actually admit enough time has gone for the feelings between them could simmer and fill them with hope.

This story features a crime, and being Fellows a policeman, we see him go through the clues to reach the guilty one. The way we found out about the killer is done after the guilty one is caught, and we just know the how after it happened. Usually I don't have an issue with this tactic to create suspense until the end, and I guess with such a short amount of page numbers things have to happen behind scenes, but it was a bit rushed to see things go this way. But well, I never suspected the author of the crime nor other of his crimes, so, I can't say it was such a bad thing..but it could have been different.

Now, the most important part, the romance of course...well, apart from the way it seemed too fast considering we don't see many scenes between them before they admit their feelings to each other, I actually liked how they always felt the other was right for them, how the other seemed to fill their head with images of happiness and their hearts with love. It was nice and they are two characters I really hoped to see find some happiness.
Louisa is accused of being the killer but obviously she didn't do it and I thought it was brave of her to try to help and to prove her innocence. I liked her character and her belief Fellows was worthy and admirable and she never thought about loosing a position in society to be with him. It was commendable.
Fellows of course had a more realistic idea of hoe things could be, he knew he wouldn't be worthy of her but he didn't do the "honorable" thing and tried to stay away, he always admitted she was special and after he admitted his jealousy to himself he went after her. I like a hero who doesn't play that act of the "I don't deserve you"...I don't know why but when a woman does this, it feels like humility but with a man it seems just annoying...a matter of perspective, really.

I also liked to see other Mackenzies show up and be a part of their story. Tis happened in all the full length books, why not in this one as well? Plus, it was wonderful to know the Mackenzies accepted and wanted Fellows to feel part of the family. I think the brother's relationship is one of the strongest points in the whole series.

In the end, the story had the needed elements to work out, personally I feel some things could have done better, but overall, I can't say I was disappointed. I know some readers didn't like it as much because of the whole romance focus and all, but I fully hope to see the main couple again and their story seemed balanced enough to be good. Not perfect, no, but enjoyable.
Grade: 7/10

Robyn Carr - Harvest Moon

Rising sous-chef Kelly Matlock's sudden collapse at work is a wake-up call. Disillusioned and burned out, she's retreated to her sister Jillian's house in Virgin River to rest and reevaluate.
Puttering in Jill's garden and cooking with her heirloom vegetables is wonderful, but Virgin River is a far cry from San Francisco. Kelly's starting to feel a little too unmotivated…until she meets Lief Holbrook. The handsome widower looks more like a lumberjack than a sophisticated screenwriter, a combination Kelly finds irresistible. But less appealing is Lief's rebellious stepdaughter, Courtney. She's the reason they moved from L.A., but Courtney's finding plenty of trouble even in Virgin River.
Kelly's never fallen for a guy with such serious baggage, but some things are worth fighting for. Besides, a bratty teenager can't be any worse than a histrionic chef, …right?

Comment: A new year begins but I'm still with Virgin River. Right now I'm very glad I still have books in the series to read...until June. This month it was time for Harvest Moon and Kelly and Lief's story.

This story starts with Kelly losing it in the kitchen where she works. Cooking has been her life forever and her dream is to be a chef in her own restaurant. After Kelly leaves the hospital she returns to a hostile work environment and she just leaves. She goes to Virgin River where her sister Jill lives and found a new way of life and love.
Lief has been living in Virgin River with his stepdaughter because he felt what they needed was quiet and peace. He meets Kelly and starts a relationship with her but will Courtney, his rebel daughter accept this?

I liked this story as is usual with the series. Even the stories I don't particularly feel overwhelmed by, I still enjoy. I think the author ha an enormous talent for the genre and it shows in her work.
This story focused on Kelly and Lief. Both had had good things in life and other not so good, which only shows everyone's life is a mix of good and bad. Unfortunately, many people only see the bad things...
Kelly has worked a lot for her profession, looking to fulfill her dreams. I think she is what many of us would like to be, driven, focused, knowing her own mind. Not many people are like this and if there's one flaw in ms Carr's stories is how fast her heroes and heroines reach the point in their lives where they know what they want and get it. This doesn't work as well in real life and I guess with a little more obstacles to overcome the winnings would feel better. I thin this is the only thing I find to criticize, some things seem too easy to accomplish, but in the end, the dream is enough to read about...
Anyway, Kelly has her issues, her life had a turn she didn't expect and she ends up in Virgin River where she meets Lief, with baggage and goals of his own.
Lief has Courtney to look after and if he starts a relationship the new someone will have to accept Courtney as well. I liked this part of the story because people aren't islands and many things have to be dealt with. Lief doesn't thin about Courtney as a task or a weight on his life which is commendable. I liked him and his way of seeing life and taking care of those around him. He and Kelly seem a good couple and I liked how sweet their HEA was and how much tenderness existed between them.

This story also shows us many of the beloved characters in the series, although it's not the book where this is more obvious. I love to keep an eye on things and to follow their lives, like life doesn't stop just because their story was already told.Good tactic on the author's part.

In the end, another winner for me. This story isn't my absolute favorite but it had many elements to make me read as much as I could..it's really annoying to stop the reading when you are enjoying yourself. Something certain with this author. If you don't know this series, please try it!
Grade: 7/10

Dianne Duvall - Darkness Rises

Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her "special abilities" aren't much, but the plan is simple--she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it's bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He's a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it.
Etienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years--long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can't stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she's exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger too. He'll have to accept Krysta's help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher. . .

Comment: This story is the most recent installment in the Immortal Guardians series. So far, the previous books have been interesting, many imaginative details and scenes but overall nothing truly amazing. Until this book. After reading this one, suddenly I'm so eager to read more and I can't wait for the next story!

Krysta and her brother have been fighting vampires on their own for years but things aren't easy for them, money and time related.One night, Krysta is seen by Etienne, one of the immortal guardians, and he helps her. There's something about her that caught his eye and from that moment on, he follows and helps her in her huntings. Obviously Krysta and her brother Sean are special and that is why they can fight, but vampires are much stronger so Etienne feels he has to help before something bad happens...

This book was very good. Like I said I've been following the series and not one of the previous books felt as easy to read and enjoyable as this one, despite all the new things the author has inserted to enrich the plot.
In this story we have a couple that, as expected, falls in love fast, but I thought they suited each other pretty well. Each had their own issues but nothing a good talk and a confident partner wouldn't help with.

The plot continues from the other books, so we can follow what has been happening. Although the books are done in a way a new reader can have each story as a stand alone, I feel it's one of those where it's best to read everything just to have a more solid knowledge of what has been happening.
What I really like about this novel in particular, something we were already seeing in the previous story, is how balanced things are becoming in terms of air time for all the characters. Of course, the main couple is the one where the focus is on more often, as it should be, but I have to confess I am a fan of this trend of putting up more than one or two people's POVs and we got to see many scenes from other character's POV, especially someone who I suspect will be the next protagonist and, once more, the key player in this world, Seth, the leader of the immortals.
I don't know if I should call this a trend exactly, but I like when we have many people talking, it makes the story feel warmer, more populated and where everyone matters and it's not just a way to write a story and that's it, next. No, the author presents POVs from previous characters as well and we get to see what many are doing...it feels like family and I love that.

The romance is sweet and fast but I didn't feel it was unbalanced. I thin it suited the type and tone of story and I was quite happy when they got their HEA.

Th plot is going a way I didn't think at first. I thought it would focus on vampires, or the idea of vampirism in the good old battle good vs evil, but right now it seems the author ha turned to a special direction and I can't wait to see if my ideas are right, which I think will happen already in the next book, whose main characters I suspect will go that way...let's see.

So all in all, a good story, all the right ingredients to suit a paranormal romance, a good thought world and interesting new details to make it more flavorful.
I hope it won't take too long for the next one to be out.
If someone is looking for a new, good paranormal series, here it is. Enjoy!
Grade: 8/10

Sarra Manning - You Don't Have to Say You Love Me

Sweet, bookish Neve Slater always plays by the rules. And the number one rule is that good-natured fat girls like her don't get guys like gorgeous, handsome William, heir to Neve's heart since university. But William's been in LA for three years, and Neve's been slimming down and re-inventing herself so that when he returns, he'll fall head over heels in love with the new, improved her.
So she's not that interested in other men. Until her sister Celia points out that if Neve wants William to think she's an experienced love-goddess and not the fumbling, awkward girl he left behind, then she'd better get some, well, experience.
What Neve needs is someone to show her the ropes, someone like Celia's colleague Max. Wicked, shallow, sexy Max. And since he's such a man-slut, and so not Neve's type, she certainly won't fall for him. Because William is the man for her... right?
Somewhere between losing weight and losing her inhibitions, Neve's lost her heart - but to who?  

Comment: This was the other Christmas book gift I got. I had never herd of this author before but I trust the taste of the person who gave it to me so I was quite eager to try it and see if I was going to be a fan of this story. This isn't a style I normally look for but it doesn't put me off completely so I just went with it right after the other present to put the gifts out of my lists.

This novel tells the story of bookish Neve, she's a young woman who went on a diet and has lost many pounds but still sees herself as too fat although her weight has reached a good number if not the one she could. Neve is still on a diet, living a good lifestyle and doing exercise. She has a crush on this guy working on the US but he will return to the UK and she wants to be a size ten by that time. In the meantime she wants to learn how to flirt and date so when her guy comes back he is impressed and falls for her immediately. Max seems the perfect to help her because he is just interested in casual or fast dates and not a relationship...right?

This story is mostly told from Neve's POV. although not in a first person narrator. Still, sometimes I wish I could have Max's vision of things because at some scenes that would offer a new meaning to things and the way things are, we could only know about Max's feelings or ideas when he told Neve. Not a bad thing, but something I wouldn't mind changing, at least in some key moments here and there.

The overall storyline is pretty much that idea that we work for a certain goal and don't always see what's in front of our eyes. Neve wanted to be closer to perfection, to be what she thought William, her dream man, wanted her to be. On one side she thought he might like and fall in love with her because of that, but at the same time she led her lifestyle for herself too, even is she didn't see it always like that. The truth was she didn't like her fatter side and she worked a lot to change, so it can't be all because of a guy. But for the purposes of this story I can see why she would focus more on that.
In comes Max, a so told man whore who just wanted casual flings but after a misunderstanding with Neve and a old fashioned letter of apology from her, Max looks for her and they start dating just so Neve can have some experience dealing with men, because Neve never felt confidant for that but she wants to be so for William. I liked Max a lot, he had an inner side quite beautiful and worthy and I liked getting to know him. His relationship with Neve starts as something flimsy but evolves and it was so romantic and special to see those two growing confidant in each other and what they had. Perfection is overreacted and really, it only matters in the eyes of the person who loves you back.

I liked how Neve and Max were together, their discoveries, the sharing, the support for th other when needed, all th little things that make a relationship work and how they wouldn't admit it to themselves for what it was...still, so many wonderful moments, like how they learned the intimacy of sleeping together, sex apart. The sexual side of things only came later but I liked how the author dealt with this aspect as well.

Of course, there's the expected conflict close to the end to allow the characters to learn their lesson and acknowledge their feelings but once more I was happy enough by the way things were done. I liked how Neve was bookish and funny and interesting and how at some point her body didn't define her completely. I liked how Max seemed shallow but had more inner beauty and courage one wouldn't wait for but existed. Together they found someone to cherish and teach the other why is vital to trust and to be with someone you really love and who can be there for you. I loved all the little things that made their relationship special.

This book offers quite the lessons and I was glad to be reading it. I think many little details don't seem important but manage to fulfill this novel with all the needed ingredients t be interesting and addictive to read. I recommend it because I had such a good time with it.
Grade: 8/10

Tess Gerritsen - The Bone Garden

Present day: Julia Hamill has made a horrifying discovery on the grounds of her new home in rural

Massachusetts: a skull buried in the rocky soil-human, female, and, according to the trained eye of Boston medical examiner Maura Isles, scarred with the unmistakable marks of murder. But whoever this nameless woman was, and whatever befell her, is knowledge lost to another time. . . .
Boston, 1830: In order to pay for his education, Norris Marshall, a talented but penniless student at Boston Medical College, has joined the ranks of local "resurrectionists"-those who plunder graveyards and harvest the dead for sale on the black market. Yet even this ghoulish commerce pales beside the shocking murder of a nurse found mutilated on the university hospital grounds. And when a distinguished doctor meets the same grisly fate, Norris finds that trafficking in the illicit cadaver trade has made him a prime suspect. To prove his innocence, Norris must track down the only witness to have glimpsed the killer: Rose Connolly, a beautiful seamstress from the Boston slums who fears she may be the next victim.

Comment: This was one of the Christmas gifts I was offered last month. A friend of mine knows I'm a huge fan of this author and her choice was justified with the notion this author never disappoints. I certainly have loved all the books I've read by her so far, meaning this one was also quite welcome and that is why I decided for it to be the first of the year.

This book tells two stories, one in the present day and another in the 19th century when medical procedures weren't as developed as one might think.
The two stories connect when in the present day, Julia Hamil finds bones in her garden and throughout the story we know it must be from someone living there at the time the other plot takes place, but who was murdered there like the bones tell the forensic team?

I liked this book. My taste for this author's work wasn't lost this time but honestly I didn't expect it to. Still, I'm used to stories focused on current medical practices and forensics and it was quite the challenge to read the story line from the past and not be a bit exasperated by way things were done now that we know how things should be done in the correct way. I guess the slow pace of both story lines added to this feeling as well, after all, the two time stories are intercalated allowing the reader to follow the two stories more or less at the same pace.

The story form the past is dedicated to childbirth ideas and how the procedure was done in the 1800s. Things didn't follow the hygiene procedures of nowadays and the story features the start of that in those days. There's also a mystery and crime and poverty. All these things always a bit connected to the medical practice of childbirth and how to do a surgery. One thing I aways like about the author is how we can learn something and in this case the little lessons on 19th century medical practices on how to those things are quite the eye opener, amazing how far medicine was but now things are miles and miles away from those times and who knows what might happen in out own future's time, how will medicine evolute even more?
Anyway, the things happening in the past after a while start pointing out to quite the domestic side and when that part of the book reaches the end I couldn't help but feeling sad over how it ended up. I mean, nothing bad but one detail was so sad I couldn't help but feel sad over it.

Interestingly, in the present we learn many of these things from notes and letters the characters from the past wrote, or should I say, one of them did. This is how we learn of the destiny of the characters of the past. It was quite interesting to see the action in the parts dedicated to the past and also in the letters left until the present.
The present had a more sedate story, more quite and fast paced and still there's a little detail that made me think because it's not something the author usually does, an element I wasn't used to see in her pragmatic novels. But I guess it must have been the author's trick to balance the end from the past...in the end all ends well, so...balance.

I thin in the end this story was much more emotional than what I expected and in a way it touched situations the author doesn't always focus on. But I was still satisfied by the story lines and the mystery and the villain's identity and all the medical details included. The overall end was bittersweet for me but one medical lesson, very simple indeed, was quite the final deserved mention. Sometimes the simpler things can be the most important ones and this novel certainly focused on that.
Grade: 7/10

Amanda Quick - Ravished

From the cozy confines of a tiny seaside village to the glittering crush of the a fashionable London

soiree comes an enthralling tale of a thoroughly mismatched couple . . . poised to discover the rapture of love.
There was no doubt about it. What Miss Harriet Pomeroy needed was a man. Someone powerful and clever who could help her rout the unscrupulous thieves who were using her beloved caves to hide their loot. But when Harriet summoned Gideon Westbrook, Viscount St. Justin, to her aid, she could not know that she was summoning the devil himself. . . .
Dubbed the Beast of Blackthorne Hall for his scarred face and lecherous past, Gideon was strong and fierce and notoriously menacing. Yet Harriet could not find it in her heart to fear him. For in his tawny gaze she sensed a savage pain she longed to soothe . . . and a searing passion she yearned to answer. Now, caught up in the Beast’s clutches, Harriet must find a way to win his heart–and evade the deadly trap of a scheming villain who would see them parted for all time.

Comment: This is another book by the author I had to read. I still have a trilogy and some titles form one of her series left to read but I'll get to those later on or probably next yeas, as far away as it seems now. I'll just take a time from the author right now unless something makes me change my mind.

Anyway, this is the story of Harriet, she's very interested in fossils and she lives near some caves where she found out interesting fossils but she also saw thieves hiding jewels and other things in there. She calls for St Justin, the responsible for the lands to help her and catch the thieves so she can have the caves for herself once more. While dealing with this, St Justin also sees Harriet for who she is, a loyal and down to earth young lady who isn't afraid of him despite his scar and the rumors about his past. In an adventure to look for the thieves they also embark on an adventure of their own, will they have happiness as a result?

I liked the story. I've seen around that many readers consider this one of the authors best books and I've started it with that expectation. I wasn't as surprised about it because to this day I still consider The River Knows the best book by her I've ever read, but this one isn't bad, it's just that, at this point, after so many books, I didn't see anything to make it especially different from all the others. I suppose the detail of Gideon St Justin having a scar and having a past others fear can make him into a sort of monster to Harriet's beauty, but I didn't see that as an obvious thing. Their relationship did work around that idea, his appearance isn't easily taken well by others whereas Harriet thins him to be beautiful, but the dynamics between them and in particular Harriet's personalty didn't convince me this theme was the key point to work with. I think Harriet was too much aloof to deal with this with the proper beauty and the best trope. So, for me, I wouldn't say it's a beauty and the best story. He just happens to be a man many don't enjoy looking at.

The plot is something already seen too much in the author's stories. Somehow I didn't find this such an obvious thing in my favorite book by her although it's there. But perhaps because I've been reading many of her books in the past year, currently it seems the main idea is always the same. I guess it bothered me a bit here because I had those said high expectations. In the other books it was something I liked but here I wanted more, in a weird way, because I know her style.

The romance was cute of course, how wonderful to see them find that special person that likes you despite your faults and who stands by you no matter what. The romance was good I think. I enjoyed seeing them together and even the silly parts were fun because it showed them interact more and it made their relationship more solid at the same time.

The secondary characters played their part and I have to confess the bad guy was someone I didn't see coming although I could say some clues pointed out to him...but I think I was to distracted at the time to really pay attention to it. Well, it did allow me a surprise in the end!

The story was cute, yes. I liked being in a familiar environment, being with those kind of characters for a while. The best of these books is exactly their known actions and personalities. Although I wanted more of this one I can't say it was bad or that it lacked anything one might want from a book with this author's trademark ideas and prose. 
I hope any books by her I might read in the future are also interesting and comforting to be with.
Grade: 7/10 

Sherrilyn Kenyon - Styxx

Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute

destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.
As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.
The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished. Until now. She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her.
But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.
Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it's your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?

Comment: This book was released, I received it and honestly I just let time pass because I wasn't sure I wanted to read it even despite the good opinions of people I know who are fans. I guess I just wasn't in the mood, although this series was one of my addictions in the past. I think that, as it happens with so many others, too much time between books in this series aren't good for one's focus and continuous dedication. I still like the series but I do feel a decrease in eagerness which didn't happen when I could read a book every month like it was when I first met and read the series. Now the direction it took along with the time in between made me rather aside from the feel of the series. I suppose many fans are in this stage as well, no matter how much they still enjoy the books.

This is the story of Styxx, the twin brother of Acheron. The two brothers have lived many years and each one always thought the other had the better life until the present where they leaned the truth behind each of their existences. During their long lives they had challenges and so many obstacles and tragedies happening to them, and with this book we see things from Styxx's perspective and at last, his chance to be happy and in peace.

Many people have read this book and said is is brilliant. Others say it's full of so many awful things it's impossible to enjoy. As always, taste is personal and it is the way each person sees the same things. This is exactly the lesson to learn in this book (and Acheron's), the reality is we don't get to see everything, we see things through our own eyes and we think we might know what is happening in the other's side of things. Styxx has an idea things might not be well in the lives of those around him but t times he also is powerless to change that and he has his own feelings to deal with. I can't fault him foe not saving this one or by not choosing a different path to that... I felt angry and many times sad over the things I was reading. The author certainly has a man streak by making the characters suffer through so much. But in the end all ends well and with a happier note so things not so good can be put aside.

The structure of this book is the same as in Acheron. The story is divided in two parts, the before and the nowadays. Of course, if you read Acheron you know the first part is full of tragedies, injustice, horrible pieces of a life unfair. Truly, do expect the same here, probably worse because you already know some of the unsaid and unmentioned things.
The second part is the the present, where the current action of the series is taking place. Obviously this part is the one to look for, because it's where the fans have their interest and expectations.
Still, I was overall happy with the story. But really, the past part didn't have to be so long, in almost 900 pages, 600 were horrible past happenings, so many tears and unfairness...really had to digest.
Then the present, which should be the confirmation of a much needed happiness happens, once more, in stages. The author takes Styxx from year to year through things we've seen in other books but this time from his POV until the time action finally reaches the exact date where the series is.

Honestly, it wasn't as wonderful as that, despite the fact we learn interesting new tidbits about what is happening. We see characters and clues that will certainly matter in the future.
I just can't help repeating how annoying it is for the author to take so long to develop things...she spends way too much time in the past but we do know all of them suffered and are tortured heroes and heroines! Some development is needed, please.
Then, the thing I most wanted to see considering the awful past the brothers had, well, that thing which I won't say but I guess you have an idea what might be, happens way too fast between them. After so many misguided years of thinking badly of the other, their relationship is...wrapped up pretty well, but not good enough in my opinion. I wanted more emotion, more discussing what happened and yes it can be a contradiction after saying suffering was enough, but people take time to deal with those kind of misunderstandings...

Well, the very end was quite happy and offered many ideas of what might happen, who might be part of the whole thing. One thing is for sure, the series is reaaaally populated.
Styxx as a character is lovable, likable and I felt sorry for him. So, in the end I have to be glad he found his deserved happiness. love, family and peace. 
I give this a good grade, but I confess a part of it comes from my loyalty to the series, but things aren't as powerful as they were before, in the first books. Where is the simplicity of a story where the action moves forward? I want that back, please.
Grade: 7/10

Favorite Books and Worst Books of 2013

Finally the time to write down some sentences about the books to remember from the 2013 reads.
I've read many good books but I'll mention only my top 5, then the top 3 favorites LGBT stories and at last, my top 3 worst books. I admit it, I'm lazy so it will be a fast thing. It took me so long because real life doesn't stop to let me write...but these things are better done late than ever, right?
Ok here it goes.

My favorite books of 2013, with no particular order are the following...sorry, really lazy to add links, just scroll down the author tags on the right side of the blog and the post about this year's read will be there. Sorry to make you work!

5 Favorite Books

Each one had its own merits and in every I found a great world I wouldn't mind living on or visiting!

This book was amazing because it has two main characters that, despite not being perfect, suit each other and their relationship made me so happy for them and every time I would turn a page I'd tell myself I would stop and when I got my bearings I was finishing it! The story of a women who sees herself as plain and to be forgotten suddenly becomes the focus of  a worthy man who also doesn't think the best of himself. Wonderful!




This one wasn't a complete surprise. I have such tender feelings for this series, my very first paranormal addiction and the world has me and the characters enthrall me always. I know some things aren't as good as they could be and I do feel some things could be done different...but in the end the storylines along with the emotions still captivate me and this story of two men destined to be together after so many books suffering apart couldn't be better in terms of romance. Always a winner to me.

This one I really wanted to like but I wasn't prepared to love it. The story is beautiful and it was such a pleasure to read an old romance wit so many good details and warm scenes. Not everything goes well for the ex convict and the young widow but their slow romance and passion got me until th very end. This is a superb romance with all the ingredients to work out and I regret I won't read it ever again for the first time because it just marvels you.




 
I loved this one, it's such a wonderful mystery and thriller. I think authors try harder every time to achieve the most surprising book and with this case things are subtle and simple but then for me it was quite the twist! I just love books where things important happen but we see the domestic side of the characters too. The main character wrote a book, sort of purging his fears and obsessions. Who would ever know...?

This is superb. It's about a young woman running away from a doomed life and getting into a place where humans aren't supposed to survive long. I was absorbed by the structured and well thought world, the feelings and the emotions always so dead on and most important of all, how special and detailed the writing was. The author has talent and this world is wonderful...I wish I could live there and be par of that community. Perfect!

Favorite 3 LGBT stories

Of the 25 m/m books I've read, these three stood out!


This one had such a hype I was very curious to try it. I love wolves in paranormals and I was very curious to see how the author would deal with a world where werewolves existed were accepted in the army and gay relationships were also accepted. The tho main characters had a lot to deal with and to figure out but I loved watching their relationship develop while their professional lives kept on going as well. Really addictive and special!






This is already a must buy for me. I love the main couple since I've read the first book and with every installment many new things seem to matter, to be important, to develop a bit more. In this adventure, the guys have something to deal with but as always, the most important thing is how that affects their relationship. It's time to stop hiding, isn't it? I really liked this one...another story I could read for a long time without tiring.





This one is a mix of adventure, historical and romance. It has everything to work out for me, being the most important thing how slowly the romance develops. I found it credible and engrossing despite the huge page count. I liked the historical facts inserted and how close to reality this must have been. I can't wait to keep reading the story of buccaneers and matelots in the 16th century and how the heroes I got to care about are going on. A great read!

Worst 3 Books

As always, some books just don't make it. We might think they will turn out a certain way then w see for ourselves how wrong we got.

This was on my radar for ages because I love shape shifter stories. Unfortunately this one didn't measure up and it was boring, poorly done and in my opinion not developed or structured enough to be interesting, Major difficulty getting to it and going through it.



  

I didn't have much hope for this one but it was still such a disappointment. I had lots of trouble to read it because it was more than boring, it had stupid moments and I couldn't wait to get it over with. Thankfully I did it as fast as I could but honestly nothing about it remains except the sensation of boredom.

No words. Really I can't even speak about it, I know many people cherish it for the voice, the prose, the emotion but to me it was pure hell reading it and it is small! The very worst of the year, the only one with only one star at my goodreads account. Not for me, sorry.



 

-> And this is it. 
The extremes of my year. I had many good books in the year but those stood out for their own reasons. Let's see what 2014 had reserved for me!
Enjoy your readings, everyone!

My Life According to Books of 2013

Like some of my online friends in the last days, I also liked this idea of Christine and once again have done this game.
The goal is to pick titles to suit the questions and it's better not to repeat titles because it's funnier!
I only had to think about three or four titles...

 Describe yourself: 

Vulnerable, Amy Lane

 How do you feel: 

Dangerous, Amanda Quick

  Describe where you currently live: 

Revolutionary Road, Richard Yates 

 If you could go anywhere, where would you go:

Bayou Moon, Ilona Andrews

Your favorite form of transportation: 

Mountain Echoes, CE Murphy

Your best friend is: 

Sebastien, Anne Bishop

You and your friends are: 

Living Dangerously, Katie Fforde

What's the weather like: 

Tempestuous, Morgan Hawke

 

What is life to you:

Sacred Fate, Eresse 

 Favorite time of day: 

Edge of Night, Jill Sorenson

 Your fear: 

Fear the Darkness, Alexandra Ivy

 What is the best advice you have to give: 

Dare to Love, Jaci Burton

 Thought for the day:

What Price Paradise, Katherine Allred

  How I would like to die: 

Perfect Timing, Catherine Anderson

  My soul's present condition: 

Beyond Innocence, Emma Holly

2013 Book Statistics

Like it's happening to most bloggers out there, of course I couldn't avoid the book statistics for the year. I think all readers enjoy these kind of posts simply to share the love for all things bookish. Personally, I do like to see what others read and how was their year.

-> Anyway, before anything else, the overall averages.

• I've read 193 books. I didn't reach the total of 200 I wanted like it happened last year. I could say some of the books I've read were huge so it would sort of compensate in terms of pages read but o excuses, I just couldn't reach that number. Still, I've aimed for that same number this year in the Goodreads challenge, I hope I can do it this time.

• My most successful month was March, where I managed to read 19 books and the worst were February and December with only 14. I know it's not bad comparing to many people but we always want to do better of ourselves, right?

• I've purchased 99 books, same as last year. I did spend more however. It was a total of 690,95€, which amounts to more or less 946$. A lot, yes....more than my monthly paycheck but in my defense I do not buy shoes all the time nor do I spend money on other things, books are my only vice!

• 129 of the books I've read were by authors whose work I previously knew and had read. This means I've tried 64 new authors, most of them a good bet.

• Of these books, in a very general range, I've loved 44, liked 72, thought 57 to be satisfying enough, I stayed indifferent towards 11 and didn't enjoy 9. Good numbers I guess.

• The genre I've read the most was the paranormal romance but I like many genres and many types of stories, this year it won't be different.

Now, for the pile of books that languish in my house, like most of you certainly, the number is big. probably not as huge as many of you, but for me...I have right now 356 books in my TBR list. Not counting the LGBT ones because I have many and I didn't feel like doing the math, but believe they're many. Anyway, I have more 18 books in this list than I did last year... no words necessary to explain, isn't it?
However, I can't say I'm sorry and I already bought four more books just this morning... No penance is enough, so....

I'll post about some favorite titles next time for I have to leave.
Happy new year, everyone!