Anne Bishop - Murder of Crows

After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.
The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murders of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard—Lakeside's shape-shifting leader—wonders whether their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or of a future threat.
As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet—and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.

Comment: This has been one of the most talked about books recently. I also couldn't wait to read it and I did start it the moment it arrived. I think the author did such a good job with the previous one I had hopes for this one and, to me personally, she did deliver.

In this sequel to Written in Red, Meg is an established part of the Others' society, opposed to the human one. Despite this, Meg's presence has lead to the acceptance of more humans in the courtyard, especially the ones friends to Meg. At the same time our heroine is setting up her life after the happenings in the previous book, another threat comes to stir the life in the community. War seems to be on the horizon and Meg is once more the key because her talent and abilities are things some people want at any cost. But the Others won't just let what's theirs be taken...

I won't tell much about this book because so many people have reviewed this book recently and I think the majority of the readers agree this is a winning book again, even if they mostly disagree on some points. I, too, thought this book kept the wonderful world building we expected and we could see more of the author's ability to create. Fantasy is beautiful in this, the ability to creation because fantasy authors use settled things to base their plots but they create, they're artists with a pencil (ok, a computer keypad) and they can think a multitude of details to put in the worlds they create and envision. Anne Bishop has the latent and the imagination and also important, the voice. All this is beautiful but she can write things in a very special way, where the reader can learn so many things from a character with a scene, a conversation...this isn't only creative writing, it has to be a talented voice working too. I have complete confidence a good part of her success is her talent and not only her stories.
All this to say, this book has many information, details, scenes and ideas that enrich the plot and the world, but wouldn't be as important without a good writer behind. I think this book has a feeling, a whole aura if I can call it that. It's simply special.

Meg is the main character and she is key to many things, although like so many others have said already, she didn't seem to have such a strong presence in this book. Despite this, we see her evolve, get more confidant and also thinking about her relationship with Simon. This is slowly developing which can be good because of Meg's past experiences and she needs to believe in herself. But on the other hand, I also hope this doesn't take very long because how amazing and interesting it will be to see them interact with each other if they're a couple..and what about the others around them? Hopefully this will happen soon. But this slowness isn't that bad, it just builds up more eagerness to see them and a smile when they do.

As for the plot, I won't say much about it, many things seem to be developing, being set up for the next book...I wonder how many this series will have...and most characters are deep into the situations because of the apparent war in the works. I have faith this won't reach the characters we love directly because each character has importance and a unique print in the story and I hope to see them all more.

My humble opinion is this book is wonderful, a little bit less than the other, after all the novelty isn't as big, but it has so many elements and the author's trademark society interactions as a community, I feel always glad to read and it's like time doesn't exist while I'm reading a book by this author. I still have high hopes for the next one. Despite a little not as well done thing here and there in terms of plot sequence, I still thought this to be good for me and for my enjoyment of it.
Grade: 9/10

TBR Challenge: Debra Dier - Devil's Honor

When Isabel Darracott went to London to meet her guardian, the Duke of Marlow, she never expected to be ravished in the library by a half-clad barbarian--or that the rogue would turn out to be the duke himself! Though she found herself devastated by his kisses, prim-and-proper Isabel knew she could not give in to temptation... for he was the devil in a very handsome disguise.
Known as the Devil of Dartmoor--the most man in London--Justin Trevelyan preferred the company of widows and prostitutes to the charms of innocents. The last thing he needed was this impertinent maiden and her two young sisters under his wardship. Yet from the moment he laid eyes on Isabel, he was captivated by her sweet beauty and somehow needed to protect her as well as possess her. But before he could gain an angel's trust, he'd have to prove his...DEVIL'S HONOR

Comment: Another month, time for the challenge post. This time, it's the new-to-you author theme and once again, I had lots to choose from, but decided on this not only because I have had it for years in the pile, but also because I felt like getting it over with, therefore strong reasons to finally read this one. The author is new to me, I no longer remember why I got it in the first place and I had hopes this would be amazing enough that, 1) I'd feel glad it was good and 2) I could make others envious over my good luck, so glad to have read something good.
However, it wasn't as pretty as that.

Te story follows Justin Trevelyan, a duke famous for his reckless ways and not proper behavior. The story starts when he is awakened by a young lady asking about his late father. Thinking the lady is a prank sent by his brother, they kiss - because that is what strangers did in the 19th century - and after making things right, the lady leaves Justin with the news he is now a guardian to three females and they need his help to have means to survive. Justin mans up and goes after Isabel, the recently met and apparent older ward of his.

There's something between Isabel and Justin from the start, although they tend to deny it even when they kiss - again - and among some arguments here and there. Many cliched in historicals to go through, the older friendly grandmother, the gold diggers, the true love knows it all, the innocence meets the experience, real feelings change it all, among other expected things, all until the more than known HEA, something that proves true love exists, as does life after lust.

Well, this book has all the expected elements in historical romances. The story is from the late 90s, so it's not characteristic of older times where women behaved in a certain way. But it looked like the author tried to insert all the things one wants to see in historicals and make a go at it. If it's certain she did a much better job than what I could ever aspire to do, I also think in the end everything sounded a bit boring. I mean, I liked it overall, but there wasn't any detail any new thing, new elements that changed this from cliché to a fresh historical, timeless and amazing. I don't mean only the action or the character's personalities. I mean the behaviors, the plot, the feel one historical has... I wasn't engrossed by the story although I admit it didn't take me long to finish it. But this happened more because of my rhythm of reading than by the story itself.

The plot is more of the same. After all the obstacles are dealt with, true love beats it all. But there wasn't anything about this that made me think, wow the author was so clever by writing it this way or by making me think about this character like this...it just went through the motions.
The characters did their part, both in action and in thinking. I liked them on the surface, but it seemed they didn't have more than just the expected reactions to the usually seen scenes in historicals, jealousy, lack of self confidence, wrong images of themselves, I don't know, everything.
Isabel had her moments but she didn't move me as much as I feel she could. Her attitude was just too plain. And Justin was seen as a libertine, but in truth he wasn't one, despite trying to maintain that image. Things that, with another take, could have been a good challenge, but in reality no, because everything was done only on the surface, it lacked some depth I think.

The author did a good effort, she tried and she delivered a story with the right elements, but all things considered, her writing just wasn't special enough for me. And I think the fact some of the character's actions being there just to fill some apparent expectations of what a romance should be like in this era of sexual content everywhere, where characters act very sexually although certainly it wasn't so in those days, and by putting in evidence the sex side of things instead of the romance and the seduction, well, it was a bit of a let down. I understand the appeal and some author do it well. But in this case it felt something seen so many times... perhaps a different take would have been better, I don't know...

In the end, a good effort yes, but several things that, having been different, could have given a different and better take on tis desired timeless novel.
Grade: 6/10

Eresse - Hallowed Bond

Time and circumstances may force true lovers apart but the tie that binds them can never be fully severed.
When Dylen Teris and Riodan Leyhar meet one harsh winter in the dual-gendered realm of Ylandre, neither expects the encounter to lead to a fast friendship and abiding love. For a chasm of vastly dissimilar social stations lies between them, and not all Deira could imagine, let alone accept, such a relationship.
Circumstances eventually separate them for what seems forever only to conspire to bring them together once more in the most unlikely of places—at the court of Rohyr Essendri, Ylandre’s powerful monarch. Complicating their situation is the attraction that still lingers between them, waiting to flare once more into love. But when one is unwilling to venture his heart again or wholly forgive its breaker, it may take a king’s interference to reunite these star-crossed lovers for good.

Comment: This is the second book in the Chronicles of Ylandre series. This time it features two different main characters although it's set in the same scenario as the previous one. I was curious enough with the previous book to keep reading despite the little things that I thin could have been better. I was hopeful about this one.

This book starts when Dylen and Riodan meet. Dylen works as a companion, a sort of exclusive prostitute but his services don't always mean sexual intercourse. Dylen lives with his father and a servant and has a very peaceful life. When he meets Riodan in a cold day, he offers him shelter and that is the start of a serious friendship, even if Riodan tells he's ready for more. Time goes by, their relationship changes and gets more intense. However, Riodan finished his studies and starts working. He goes away for 12 years and it's a hard separation to both although Dylen agreed because he wanted the best for Riodan.
One day they meet again when Dylen asks Riodan for help to his ailing father, but the result of that meeting isn't the one Dylen expected. From then on, things no longer were the same until now, when another change puts them together once more.

This story has several changes in time while the plot develops. In a way, it helps the readers to have their own ideas about what is happening because it allows them to see what happens and how Dylen and Riodan's relationship is shaped from the start. On one hand, I liked this for this reason exactly, it helped to understand many reactions and thoughts throughout the time it took for the story to develop. On the other side, it dragged the action through so many times and settings, in a way it lost a bit of power, I'd say. If it had been ore sudden, or just one change total, it would be easier to follow. But all things considered I can't say it was badly done, just that it was obvious enough to remember after finishing the book.

This story focus a certain subject quite heavily, something that revolves around the guys' relationship. Many people said it was something bad and unfair, but without getting into spoilers, I'd say to me, it didn't seem so harsh. I think I wasn't properly invested in their relationship at that point. It didn't bother me as much and I saw it more as a way to separate them which would mean they would have a reconciliation after. However, after thinking about it for a while, I agree it was something bad because despite their mutual agreement on the reasons for the separation and on the separation itself, it still gives the whole thing a bad notion when one thinks about the reactions of Riodan when they meet 12 years later. I said it didn't bother me that much and it didn't, I can't explain well why, but I admit it left a sour note for the rest of the book.

This subject aside, the story was again very well focused on the customs and dealings within this society where aren't no women, where the characters have a very social live and interactions and he world has many details the author inserted to built up more expectations and notions about how everything works and why. Quite the structured world, I think.

The final part of the book, after the main characters meet again is faster happening, it moves along easily and offers many insights to the way everything works and how society is a well of problems but beauty too. I liked it and also the way both Dylen and Riodan worked with their issues personally and professionally, which ended up in an interesting twist and the expected HEA. At this point, their positions in life are different, they both have new status socially and politically, so it's another layer to add to the consequences of their reconciliation.

I'll keep reading the series because fantasy aside, I like to see what happens from the emotional POV. This one was heavy on that aspect, but not as much for me personally that I didn't stomach the worse parts. To entertain it works.
Grade: 7/10

Chair reading

Me today! :)
Here.

Darynda Jones - Second Grave on the Left

If you hang around with dead people, life can get pretty complicated. Take it from Charley Davidson,

part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper. Complicated is her middle name. The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every way possible.When Charley and Cookie (her best friend/receptionist) have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Cookie's friend Mimi disappeared five days earlier. Mimi then sends Cookie a cryptic message telling Cookie to meet her at an nearby coffee shop. The coffee is brewing, but Mimi's still missing. There is, however, a clue Mimi left on the bathroom wall: a woman's name. Mimi's husband explains to them that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old high school friend had been murdered. The same woman whose name Mimi had scribbled on the bathroom wall.
Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He's left his body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven...well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.
Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?

Comment: I've had this book here for more or less one year. When I've finished the previous one I was very impressed and decided I had to get the next one, which I did. A year has gone by. Now that I have finished this one also, I am impressed enough to want to read the following one, but I fer another considerable amount of time will go by until then...

Basically, this story continues the life of Charley Davidson and her adventures as a psychic and grim reaper. In this book her search for Reyes goes on at the same time she has to help her best friend Cookie to look for Mimi, a school friend who has gone missing because several classmates were killed.
Things aren't so simple especially when Mimi is hard to find and she finds out many things about Reyes, herself and what they share since they were born...

Like I said, I was impressed overall by this story. I liked Charley's personality and how she always had some sort of reply to everyone and about everything. It's interesting to learn new information at a very slow pace and usually in a very funny way, but I also will confess this isn't so all the time. Meaning, I like fun and sarcasm often but it would be good to have  more scenes with serious tones. They exist but aren't as many as I think would be good. Sometimes, a more serious tone could tell the reader how really important and key something is. With such an aloof feel almost all the time it gets confusing and harder to accept when serious things happen. It's a bit like we always expect easy things and when the harsh ones show up, part of the emotion looses some steam and power.

I liked Charley again, and in particular her way of thinking, of acting, how she speaks and interacts with others. I like her dedication to Reyes but I think part of her charm is lost among so many "flirty" stuff and apparent easiness in life. It's weird but in a way I think a little bit more of seriousness could improve the reader's enjoyment of Charley and even the other characters.

The story like also has new developments, in particular concerning Reyes and Charley's origins and their roles in the big scheme of things. I think things are still mysterious enough not only for series purposes but also because things develop at a very slow pace naturally in that field. I'm curious but with honesty the constant distractions while this sort of sub plot develops gets on my nerves at times. I wish the author could just go on with what she is aiming with all this.

One thing I appreciate is the small cases Charley solves throughout the story, apparently meaningless things to show off her abilities and to fill up space but which gives some character to the goal in Charley's life, which is to help people to cross and to look for peace. Even those who won't want to and stick around, Charley befriends them and is their friend.

All in all, a good effort, a good plot, with some things I would change or switch directions to best absorb what it aims for. My attention is on this world but it's something that, after all things considered, I can rest and wait patiently for the next story and it's easy to wait even knowing it's out there, already released.
Grade: 7/10

Kerrelyn Sparks / Lisa Kleypas

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.
Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

Comment: This story is the most recent installment in the Love at Stake series by Kerrelyn Sparks. I consider myself a fan but this book didn't manage to have a romance as strong as other before. I thought it was pushed and seemed rushed every time. The plot was actually better because it provided some developments in the overall story line. I hope the following one can have a better balance which I thought this one didn't.
Grade: 6/10

*  *  *

All London is at Julia Wentworth's feet—and anything she desires is hers for the asking. But the glamorous leading lady guards a shocking secret: a mystery husband whom she does not know, dares not mention ... and cannot love.
For years Damon Savage has been searching for the stranger his parents wed him to without his consent, hoping to legally free himself from matrimony's invisible chains. And he is astonished to discover his "bride" is none other than the exquisite lady he'd hoped to make his mistress! But though his wife by law, Julia will never truly be Damon's—until he conquers her fears, his formidable rivals ... and her proud, passionate, and independent heart.

Comment: This book was romantic, and I liked both main characters. Their romance was a bit
unbelievable and I confess I was hoping for the to hurry up already...but in the end,all was well.
But I had the feeling while reading, this set was full of cynicism and coolness, meaning, everything was treated with such distance, such method I thought feelings didn't really matter. Nevertheless, I was happy for the couple, I liked reading this and I am interested in reading the sequel. 
Grade: 6/10

Robyn Carr - Hidden Summit

Sick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she's got Paul Haggerty's business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands.
Just like Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But if Leslie was disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated. He's got no time for women; although he spends an awful lot of time pretending not to notice Leslie. And she's pretty busy ignoring the chemistry between them.
According to Conner and Leslie, they have only one thing in common; they're done with love. But everyone in Virgin River can see that things are heating up at Haggerty Construction. And as far as Paul Haggerty can tell, the best thing he can do is hang on to his hard hat and watch the sparks fly!

Comment: Here is another installment in the Virgin River series. This is full length book #15, I haven't read the novellas. At this point, things are pretty much stable, the reader knows what to expect and what will be on the page, which is a solid, romantic, well structured story.

This book tells Leslie Petruso's story and how she got finally tired of her ex walking around with a new, pregnant wife and people would stare at her with pity. Having worked for Haggarty Construction for years, she decide to change her life and move to Virgin River to be Paul's administrative. Once in Virgin River everything seems to go well, what she didn't expect was the attraction to Connor, one of the new hands at Paul's company.
But Connor isn't just a single man looking for work, he's in Virgin River with Bree's help after being witness to a crime. His life has taken a turn since that day and he's hiding until the trial. But Virgin River brings its magic to these too as well...

Once again, a story set in Virgin River has all the ingredients to work out and to be amazing.
My favorite thing, as always, was how we could see the interactions of the new characters with the known ones which is a good way to see how their lives are going on, what they are doing, where are they in terms of happiness...it's really great and a wonderful way for the author to use it as a tool to further develop her story lines.

The characters we meet here are interesting. 
Connor is in the witness protection program and is living a low life to not bring suspicion to himself. He saw his old life destroyed over a good deed and now he only wants a new start for him and his sister and her children. The distance, to put danger out of the way, is taking its toll on him, as he's never been away from his family for this long. Still, he gets used to the slow paced life in Virgin River and he gets to work with wood again, something he loved since he stated working in his old company, now finished. Working for Paul proves to be a challenge too because of Leslie. One of the rules he should fallow is not to fall in love at the moment, and with a bad marriage in his past, he thins it wouldn't be a problem, but Leslie is everything he might want in a woman and despite he tried to stay away from her, they just end up getting together. The development of their romance was successful, I think, and his struggles with lying to her and trying to not fall in love were believable. He held on until he couldn't deny his feelings anymore. Sweet.

Leslie also comes from a bad marriage. To make things worst, her ex truly believes they can remain friends and should have the same rapport as before, the only change is the marital status, really. Leslie feels put aside and discarded and the last thing she wants is to be friends with someone who hurt her like that, so she tries to go away from him to start a new chapter in her life. She also thinks she isn't prepared to love but Connor pushes her buttons and after thinking she could just have an affair with him, she realizes the best thing about Connor is how perfect he is for her.

I liked their relationship it was very balanced and they suited each other. Connor eventually trusts Leslie his secrets and she has his help after she decides to put her ex out if her life for good. It was important for them to be able to trust on the other and to see how much netter it was to hold on to someone who respected them, who was there for the other.

The plot was ok, mostly based on each main character's life, so, everything else was supporting action, but it was well done.
I can't say this is a favorite, but like I said, at this point most stories follow the same pattern. I'm mostly curious about Nora's story, two stories ahead. As for this one, it had all the right elements, it could have been a bit more passionate, more fast paced, I think, but overall, a good one.
Grade: 7/10

RJ Palacio - Wonder

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances? 

Comment: I've purchased this book back in September, in a book fair near the place where I live. I bought the translated edition, of course, and had some expectations because some people whose taste is similar to mine have enjoyed this a lot and did tell me to try it one day. I was reluctant because in my head this was more teenage drama and I try to avoid that these days. After all, this is ore children's fiction, which, somehow, it's easier to swallow.

This is the story of August, he was born with a facial deformity and now has to go to school for the first time. He's afraid but while learning new things about his studies, he will also learn a lot about friendship and courage.

I'll say it right away. I thought this would be more dramatic, intense and with a lot more tears. The story has this sad tone here and there for obvious reason, mostly guilt and prejudice situations, related to August's issue, but not the intense teasing and bullying children go through in this almost "plastic" world of today. I guess, being this targeted to children it's good there's a hopeful and happy lesson in the end, but I don't know if I should feel glad so many children can feel worthy by reading this or if I should feel let down because I didn't see a more realistic situation portrayed.Yes, August felt prejudice towards himself, but nothing someone can't bear to testify.

The story follows August in his experience of enrolling at school, with so many new people and students, he's 10 if I read correctly, and what it means to be the center of attention for a while. I think there's the obvious lesson of teaching how to face your fears, but also the notion school isn't always the worst enemy you can have when you're different. It was interesting to see all those scholar situations and how August went through them.

There are also chapters with other character's POV which helps to see what happens when August isn't there. It's interesting to see what some characters are actually thinking. Sometimes our perspective isn't the most correct one.
The author uses short chapters which makes the story move along nicely and fast. I think it only took em one day to read this.

The reader also sees many family interactions. August is portrayed as part of a loving, united family, with parents who love him and his sister. Yes, one can say there are flaws in there, mostly in the way the mother dotes on August in detriment of the sister, although we see this when it's the sister's POV. obviously life can't be perfect, but it's one of those examples of how sweetened things were, in a way. It would be more realistic to see a loving family yes, but with a more stressed dynamic, which I assume would be closer to the reality. Still, it was an enjoyable read and in the end it was nice to see everyone earning to be a better person and how wonderful is to just be who you are and to accept others as well.

All in all, a good enough read, many good moments, easy to read, easy to understand and to make one thin about several situations and ideas.
But I still think it could have been stronger.
Grade: 7/10

Julie Anne Long - Like No Other Lover

Now or never...
It's the last chance for Cynthia Brightly, the ton's most bewitching belle. Driven out of London by a secret scandal, she must find a grand husband at the Redmonds' house party before word of her downfall spreads all over England. Unfortunately, someone at Pennyroyal Green is already privy to the whispers of broken engagements and dueling lovers: Miles Redmond, renowned explorer and thanks to his brother's disappearance, heir to the family's enormous fortune.
Miles set his sights on Cynthia once, at a time when the ambitious beauty thought herself too good for a second son. But now he's heir apparent, relishing his control. He strikes a bargain with her: he'll keep Cynthia's steamy secrets and help her find a husband among the guests n exchange for a single kiss.
What could be the harm in a simple kiss? Cynthia is about to discover that it's enough to unleash fierce passion and that Miles Redmond is most certainly like no other lover in the world.

Comment: This is the second installment on the PennyRoyal series by Julie Anne Long. This time the story focuses on the Redmonds, the enemy family of the Everseas we've met in the first book. I've had this book to read for months and was really eager to get to it.
The story presents us Cynthia Brightly, a young woman in her last resort. She needs to marry for a very simple reason, she's got no one and no money to rely on, so if she doesn't secure a husband in the Redmond's two weeks party, she will be penniless and alone.
Miles Redmond fell in love with Cynthia at first sight in a ball years ago. He heard her say she wouldn't settle for a second son (Mile's brother was the heir at the time) and Miles decided to forget about her. Now she's back in his house and no matter how much fun she is, he knows he has to marry someone else...or not?

I loved this romance! It has many elements I love in romances and a wonderful HEA to finish a superb plot in my opinion. I think this is one of those types of stories that make us believe in happiness and forever love. A really good love story, any romance addict will adore this one, I think.

What I loved best was Cynthia's character. She isn't the aloof belle everyone thought her to be. She was high on praise years before but some reckless, or should I say, irresponsible behavior reduce her chances to nothing. She regrets her past actions and knows she's at the end of her possibilities. Here's a heroine who doesn't have much, in fact she counts her money every night to show herself what will happen if she doesn't find a husband soon. She's practical, some might say a bit cynical too, but considering her position, she has to be. I confess I would have preferred her to show a bit more quietness, but her behavior is one of desperation, so I can't fault her to be abrasive or forwarded at times. The scenes where she shows her heart to Miles are very emotional and perfect. Here is a poor, desperate heroine trying to use her beauty, her only asset, to find security. She isn't after lots of money, power or richness as she might have in the past. She's at a point she'll settle for security and someone to look after her. She wants to forget about love, but while in the Redmond's house, she gets to know Miles and falls in love. How amazingly wonderful when she says she liked what he likes because it's a part of him, how could she not understand that? Ohhh, so romantic!

Miles is one of those smart heroes, who doesn't think much about himself, he loves etymology and after a conversation with his father, he decided to pursue a neighbor's daughter for a wedding with her would secure him funds for an expedition. But Cynthia shows up and he feels not only attracted to her, but in awe of her as well. Still, at first he thinks she's only a gold digger, sort of, but with time, his feelings change, even more so when he learns about her origins and her situation. He tries to help her find a good husband, but not always with the best results. He even tricks her at some point before learning of her money issues and after that his apology is so sincere, it's emotional.

Their relationship is wonderful to watch. In the end, Cynthia takes the course of honor and Miles has a decision to make too. I thought their paths were very similar and it only proved to me, they were wonderful as a couple. One thing bothered me in the end, it's understandable, but still. Otherwise this would have been the perfect romance.

I really recommend this one. It's a wonderful story about misunderstandings, mistakes and wrong impressions. It's a story about forgiveness and falling in love for the best reasons.
I loved it and recommend it!
Will get the next books in this series in the future for sure.
Grade: 9/10

Jeaniene Frost - Up From the Grave

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…
A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

Comment: Well, here it is. Jeanine Frost has said this would be the last book in the Night Huntress series and here it is, released and apparently loved, if one looks at GR averages. I have to admit, I feel a little bit melancholic over this...books are like friends, they stay with us for so long, and more so books in series we love, because they speak the strongest to us. 

My comments won't be very plot related I'm afraid... I feel the idea of seeing a series reach an end after years with it, and this at a point where I can't say it's in decline, as a matter of fact, the opposite happens. I know if the author carried on for...say, more three or four books, certainly she could find sub plots to work out and faithful fans would find intrigue enough to follow.

We all know about and have probably read books part of series that slowly go to their painful end. The author also said she didn't want that to happen with Night Huntress. She wanted it to end while it was on the high end and while people still loved it. She didn't want to keep writing just because and taking the risk of letting the series down somehow and to die at a point where it would be mercy. Well, not her words per se, but it's how I saw it to mean.

In a way I agree with her...many times I've kept going on with series I, personally, feel are dragging and dragging just to milk dry an original story that has given its best and its worst eventually. I applaud ms Frost for her rational decision, although many certainly might feel she just didn't want to go on. I wonder how this could be, after all her books are her family too, she more than any reader would feel that way. It certainly must be bittersweet to finish this. Something that gave her recognition, respect, fans and happiness over its success, now ends and a part of her feels sad too, I'm sure.

But this doesn't mean it's the end for her as a writer or of this world, just not Cat and Bones as protagonists, at least this was how I understood it. 
Still, like I said, a part of me is sad over this. I confess when I read the last scene in the book, I didn't cry but I sure felt like it! I think the notion of the end together with the kind of goodbye Bones and Cat give the reader...I won't tell spoilers, but the story ends with Cat and Bones going to live away from everyone for a while... very apropos to the reality, wouldn't you say? Everyone was saying a sort of goodbye and to see the characters almost partake on this idea...it made me sad, despite accepting the reason why is stopping.

The book is the end, so expect the solution to some unfinished business. Expect surprises too, and some emotion. I was riveted to the story as always, and in a way, this book is the proof Cat and Bones are solid, and look out for each other. I couldn't be happier with the notion they are happy and in love forever.

The end is here, then. All of us had to say goodbye to many things and it's hard to think about it. We can live for other things and people after, but despite the memories, there's still the frozen feeling of that moment when you realize it's goodbye. This is hard to deal with. How silly, it's just a book, one we can re-read until exhaustion...but it's still goodbye and I dare any devout reader to not understand the feeling. Curtain's call has come at last.
Grade: 8/10

Funny image

I saw this picture on facebook, in this page and I thought it was so funny and cute!


Books are worlds, aren't they? There's nothing better than having books to read and countless worlds to discover!

Susan Wiggs - The Horsemaster's Daughter

Southern plantation owner Hunter Calhoun gambles the success of his Virginia horse farm on an Irish stallion; unfortunately, the animal arrives crazed and unridable after the stormy sea crossing. Desperate, Hunter turns to Eliza Flyte, the horsemaster's daughter, who has inherited her father's gift for gentling horses. Her ability to heal wounded spirits with her compassion and wisdom is amazing, and when Hunter convinces her to leave her isolated island and return home with him, she soon applies that gift to the bitter man and his grieving, motherless children. But what future can a woman raised alone by her father with only the sea, animals, and a few books for companions have with a man who grew up as a rich, upper-class son of the South? It seems unlikely that Eliza could ever fit into Hunter's world and just as unlikely that he would give up his privileged life for her world. It just may take a miracle for these two mismatched lovers to find a way to live happily ever after.

Comment: Months ago, I've read the first book in this Calhoun series and loved it. In fact, it was one of my favorites of the past year. I was immediately interested in reading more, and more so this story after realizing it would be Hunter's, a widow single dad who needed help with horses but I pictured on the spot he and his children would benefit from the heroine's help. I bought it, waited and read it last month.

This is the story of Hunter Calhoun, he lost everything after his wife left him. Now he's got the task of taming a stallion for a race but he is helpless to do so. In a final desperate attempt to save he horse, he turns to the horsemaster on Flyte island, a small island near his house in Virginia.
The horsemaster is dead but on the island, all by herself, is his daughter, Eliza. She saw her late father work with the horses others brought to him so she knows how to help Hunter's. What wasn't on the cards was he attraction between Eliza and Hunter...

I did like this story a lot. I thin it was a successful romance between two people with different takes on life. One of the best things about reading romances is to see how two people act and see the relationship develop. In this case, the author once more took feelings and expectations into account without being too obvious about it, even if one can say some plot clichés were to be expected, namely the things learned at the end about Hunter's late wife.

This book has a good main couple. Together, they act well and their interactions seem believable enough. Thinking about it, it was good to see them together, learning and teaching the other what it's like to love and to be loved, it was beautiful.
Hunter has a past to forget but he wants his children to be happy although he doesn't know how to change their misery at the moment. He also wants to build a new life for himself with a horse farm and racing but in everything else he is clueless about what to do. He drinks a lot and tries his best to not talk about his wife and the feelings she still evokes on him. Eliza changes all this with simply her presence because she is different and has a different take on life.
Eliza has been living alone on the island, rarely talking to people. She doesn't understand society conventions and only sees the truth of taking care of animals and seeing what works for them helped shape her vision of the world. She isn't prepared for what Hunter makes her fell but as always she gos with th flow. She really is the change he needed to shape his new life.
It was beautiful to see some scenes where Eliza does her job with the horses, with those who need...the en felt good, I think. Everyone needed to learn something, to live with th idea of something and for Hunter, Eliza and the children that meant a radical move. I loved the romance and the story.

Eliza is a different ind of heroine and she seems uncaring about society rules. In a way, this was refreshing but it also made her a bit too aloof to be true. I would have liked her to be more understanding of what it meant to be in society. Still, I think the end was suitable and romantic too!
I think this story isn't as strong as the first one but it offered many scenes powerful enough to make me feel something, to imagine what would be like for me to be in their shoes...so, all in all, a well done job.
Grade: 8/10

Dan Brown - Deception Point

Rachel Sexton works for the National Reconnaissance Office as an intelligence officer. She is also the daughter of a Senator currently running for President. Her father's main offensive, and a very popular one, against the incumbent President is to attack the huge amount of NASA funding. Rachel is barely on speaking terms with her father, believing him to be totally corrupt, but is still worried she is being used by the President when he asks her to verify an amazing find by NASA, a find which will settle the arguments about NASA funding for ever.
Reluctantly agreeing to view the find Rachel is whisked off to the North Pole. What she finds once she gets there takes her breath away. However, she quickly learns that nothing is what it seems, and, with two civilian scientists, is soon fleeing for her life. Stranded on an ice berg they are rescued in the nick of time by a nuclear submarine, but once back in the US their attempts to expose the plot show them that they can trust absolutely no one...

Comment: This book has been in the TBR pile for years, almost 10 probably. It's a life, 10 years...I bought it in Portuguese at a time when I haven't found out about on-line ordering. After I learned to buy books on-line and cheaper in English, my piles of bought books in Portuguese decreased immensely. Anyway, this is one of those, I bought it as soon as it came out translated because it was da Vinci's fever still and the author was on top then. I wanted to read this one with time...but things changed an it stayed on the shelf...along so many others, but last month I looked at it and that was it. It only takes a firm decision!

This is the story of Rachel Sexton, she works for the NRO and is invited to participate in a sort of conference by the president of the US concerning g an amazing announcement to the world. However, things aren't simple and the Arctic isn't the best place to hide. After a murder attempt, Rachel and the scientists with her have to think fast and be clever to dodge the murderers and to help the President to stop a scandal that could be the ruin of one of the world's most recognized organizations, NASA. Could it be done?

The book was OK. Not the best ever, but I always thin he author does one thing brilliantly, which is to present a certain set of information in a very precise and organized way and to explore that according to his book's needs and the reality anyone can research. Inserting this into a romance is clever because the reader doesn't get bored and actually learns a lot, which probably wouldn't if a non fiction work was the object. In all his books I've read, it wasn't exactly the fiction that seduced me, but I liked many things I've learned this way, plus the development of those informations. Therefore, his is a good work of investigation and research and presenting information in an easy and interesting way. 
The fictional parts can be discussed differently but they work for his purpose even if the reader doesn't agree with what he says or with the way it's shown.

I like his work overall. But really I can't put aside the things I consider Hollywood matter, which are the often escapes from death and trouble that exist in every book. I don't think I'll ever forget the helicopter scene in Angels and Demons - those who read know what it is about - and now how can I ever forget the incredible scene in this book about the imaginative way the group doesn't die in the ice of the harsh Arctic? Really, how unlikely and spectacular, even if possible somehow! Which I believe it might be...but really....this author is an expert of finding innovative solutions to a very tricky problem! I'm actually eager to read the books by him I'm missing yet just to find out which unlikely way the heroes escape certain death!

The action is fast paced as expected. I always found smart of him to write in small chapters because it gets easier to read and the fact a reader has a smaller graphic spot to go through somehow allows for faster reading. One doesn't get tired as often, then we read more and faster. Not easy to any book, but in this author's case, it's handy.
I think he uses the right tools to grab the read and they usually work especially if it's a reader that wants to read his work, even putting aside unrealistic plot and characters...
For me, it worked, although the theme isn't the most amazing one ever. I think this author is lucky in the sense that, the reader can have so much fun in the reading experience itself, that plot can almost be put aside. I, for one, had fun and read really fast, despite the book's size.
It's perfect to be entertained.
Grade: 7/10

Laura Wright - Eternal Sin

The violent attack left Synjon destroyed and his lover dead—at the will of the evil vampire Cruen. Syn’s passionate savior was Petra. When she became pregnant with his child, it should have been a blessing—until Syn vanished after discovering the truth: Petra was the daughter of the man he despised above all others. The daughter of Cruen.
When Petra’s health begins to decline, she contacts Syn to help save their baby. Though reluctant to see Petra, he cannot turn his back on his own innocent child. But night after night, as his feelings for Petra are rekindled, Syn becomes increasingly torn.
Although everyone assumes that Cruen is dead, Syn is not convinced—and is still hell-bent on finding and destroying him once and for all. But will his thirst for vengeance keep him from seeing what is really worth living for before it is too late?

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Mark of the Vampire series by Laura Wright. I've had the boo to read for weeks but now managed to read. This book continues the action where it was left over in the previous book.

Synjon is a vampire we've met some books ago and he lost his mate in a terrible way. Trying to go with her, he tried to kill himself but was rescued by Petra and they were intimate. Later, he swore revenge against Cruen and gave away his emotions to do so.
Petra got pregnant after her time with Sin. She needs him to feed but after losing his emotions he doesn't care. Her brothers kidnap him to force him to help and after many misunderstandings in the mix, they have to seem united to prove nothing illegal was done against vampires so the Order doesn't punish Petra's family. But is revenge over for Sin?

Many people loved this book but I found it mostly boring. The previous one, Eternal Demon, was full of action and surprises and it was a blast to read. This wasn't. In fact, this book didn't seem to have any plot and just went through the motions. They were apart, were then forced to be together, he didn't want to change his ways, they had sex, they had to prove he wasn't kidnapped, suddenly he wanted a family, then the HEA. Really boring and a chore to read, actually. 

This series has always bordered on the erotica, because not only there was lots of expected sex around, but the language the author uses has many erotic charged tones and is crude many times, not just with the f word, but many others not as seen in romance as that. I made an effort to put aside my dislike at some words and expressions and even the cliché scenes and after the amazing previous book, I thought the author was leading into a good path. I had the feeling this book was a step backwards and right now I fear for the next one, with shape shifters, which usually cheers me up but right no, not really.

I didn't feel the love or the commitment between Petra and Sin. There was attraction, as it is to be expected, but apart from that I was never convinced of their feelings and what it meant for each other to be with the other one. It was all so mechanical, so robotic...the sudden move into his home wasn't believable. Sin's sudden regained emotions weren't a subject well exploited as they should, I think. the whole take on Cruen is annoying to me at this point. I thin the attempts to make this a long series feels like a failure int his book. 
It's really weird how one book can look great and another not, but it's not the first time it happens to me while reading a series. I just hope the next book isn't as weak as this one.

There were clues about further books but I have the feeling it will be another struggle in the plot department. Hopefully I'm wrong.
As for this one, a disappointment, and I really wish I could have liked it better, but it wasn't the case...
Grade: 5/10

Julianne Donaldson - Edenbrooke

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry. From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

Comment: This book has been in my radar since I saw it was such a success in some list at GR about best books of 2012 or something. The blurb seemed intriguing so I decided to get, which I did last year but only this past February I could finally find time to get to it. And I wasn't sorry.

This is the story of Marianne Daventry, a young lady who lives with her grandmother while her twin sister is in London having a fun time. Marianne is quiet and likes peace but when she is invited to meet her sister and the people she's with at Edenbrooke, a rich estate, she is happy to see her sister. However, in the journey to Edenbrooke, Marianne has some problems, from highway thieves to unsuitable appearances for a lady. But after arriving there, dreamy Marianne has the time of her life and a new best friend...

I liked this story a lot! The only critic is that it has this air of perfection making the book too linear in the end, meaning all the expected emotions at the exact places, like the reader has no other option besides what's expected. But this was minimal to me, because like so many others have said before, this romance reminds me of Jane Austen, without her social critics I think. But it's a subtle, romantic story about people being who they are, no matter their station and reaching happiness at the end.

The story features Marianne, a young lady whose expectations aren't high, so when she is invited to Edenbrooke by a friend of her late mother, she says yes not only to be with her sister again but also to feel connected to her mother, to be at a place where she must have been also. While there, we got to know many of Marianne's dreams and thoughts and we could learn she is a simple girl, without much fuss or intentions, but willing to befriend a man that wasn't very polite when they first met. I think the best part of the book is exactly the development of the relationship between Marianne and Phillip. Throughout the book we learn about what really brought them together and how finding out about that shaped some actions further along. Then we saw how what one thinks is true isn't always what it seems, especially for Marianne who listens to a conversation and understands something not true. I think the romance has many nuances to carry on our observation of the scenes and to help us see many things apparently unimportant. But in the end, real chivalry and love are the strongest things to defend and the main couple finally learns about the other's feelings in all this.

I liked many of the small things in this story, the letters Marianne exchanged with her grandmother, her genuine silly moments, her conversations with Phillip...many enjoyable things that help build up character and turn this novel into something wonderful. The end is a bit predictable but it was still good to watch and the scene where Phillip and Marianne finally admit their feelings is poignant and so beautiful... despite the expected elements, like the villains, the opposition of certain characters and the obvious hidden things, reading this book was very entertaining.

In the end, this was such a good story foe me, I felt the need to read more and will eventually get the other book by the author. As for this one, it's a wonderful first book and I almost regret how fast and easy it was to devour it because I wanted it to last longer...
Grade: 9/10