Review: Sailing to Love

Sailing to Love by Barbara Cartland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I actually didn't hate this one. Good job, Babs. 

The heroine was spunky and smart, although you have to forgive the patented Mary Sue formula of all of Cartland's romances. I liked the hero, too. And their friendly sidekick. 

Maybe I'm just in a good mood today, but I'm giving this one three stars.

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Review: Mated to the Meerkat

Mated to the Meerkat by Lia Silver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So imagine you are talking to your son about shifter romances, and he asks if there are any about meerkats. Well, any good mother would be obliged to find one, and then read it, right?

This one was surprisingly cute and funny. I don't read a lot of shifter books, but I liked it. Recommend if you like shifter romances with sparks and you can suspend disbelief enough to enjoy the story. Plus, it's short but sweet. 3 stars.

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Review: A Night to Surrender

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm glad this wasn't the first Tessa Dare book I read, because I was a little underwhelmed. It was ok, but not as great as her Castles Ever After series.

You have the historical romance tropes you would expect. Dominate man, woman determined to be independent and strong but secretly wants to be saved. He is a marshmallow inside as well, and just wants to be held in her loving arms. Barf. But it was very modernist in its view of "women are people too" and "equal rights" and "battle of the sexes". I didn't hate it, and I will probably continue on with the series, but Castles Ever After is better in my opinion.

Decent twists and ok characters, but I wanted more depth. 3 stars.

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Review: Onyx

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A bit of a disappointment after my love for the first book. I'm not a fan of love triangles, girls who slap, and teen angst. I am still a fan of Daemon, however, and I am a completionist so I will go on to the next book.

I listened to this one on audio, and I had been calling Daemon "Damon" in my head, but the narrator called him "Demon" and it threw me off. Every. Damn. Time. No one is called Demon, right? Am I right? Or am I crazy? Anyway...not enough to keep me from book 3, although Katy is far less annoying in print. Hoping there is a different narrator for the next one.

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Review: One Minute to Love

One Minute to Love by Barbara Cartland
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Dame Barbara, you have outdone yourself on this one. A new low.

Take a girl who can see the future, but somehow keeps running into trouble. Take a dashing prince who is in danger of being dethroned. Enter them into a deceptive fake relationship, have them stumble blindly into true love always. Add in a healthy dose of editing typos and you will want to throw this book in the trash.

Rife with the stuttering, ridiculous heroine you would expect. Classic Cartland.

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Review: Cut & Run

Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I waited WAY too long to start this series. I am sometimes a silly girl.

Ty and Zane. Zane and Ty. Love, love, love them. What's not to love? Smart, witty banter. Two hot guys. FBI protectors with scars both inside and out. And a clever case to solve. I have to admit, I was onto the bad guy, and I still have questions about the motivations, but since Zane is impulsive and rash we will never know.

So glad I read this. Great action, hot romance. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it. 4 stars.

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Review: The Restorer

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A new series. Definitely good enough to continue, although I may not go the audio route next time. The narrator kind of drove me nuts--I felt like the accent was forced.

A lot of the book spent time establishing the characters and their backstory, as you would expect. There is foundation built, but questions still remain for future books. We get to understand Amelia. A bit less about Devlin, but since it isn't from his point of view you would expect that. We were left hanging about the two of them, just a taste to get you to pick up the next book in series. I'm ok with that.

I have to admit a couple of the plot twists took me by surprise, but I was listening to the audio so sometimes I miss details in that format. A good dose of paranormal, and a moderate amount of romance. 3 stars.

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Review: The Siren

The Siren by Kiera Cass
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I didn't realize this was her first novel. I went in wanting The Selection and was left disappointed. If you go in knowing this was her first unpublished novel, I think you will enjoy it more.

The story is ok. Sirens. Fantasy. Mythology. All interesting things. But the characters are not fleshed out enough for me, and it felt like a first attempt too often. Which is unfair, because it was her first attempt. The dialogue was off somehow. Amateurish and it pulled me away from the story. But the part that really bugged me was Akinli's name. The spelling, the oddness of it. Every time I saw his name my brain made me stop and sound it out to remind me how to say it. Hey, weird names do that to me. I feel like she would have made a different choice now that her writing has matured, but maybe not.

The story was fine and there is the HEA you would expect. 2.5 stars.

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Review: A Conspiracy of Kings

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We return to Attolia, but this time with less Gen, less Irene, and more Sophos. And Helen, who seems to be more understandable and likable in this one.

Sophos, who you might remember from The Thief, has grown up. We get glimpses of who he is becoming as he loses everything, hits rock bottom, and rises up, like a king should. And along the way we get a few glimpses of Gen and Irene, who I dearly love, and the continuing evolution of Sophos and Helen, who we were teased about from the end of book 1.

Turner's writing style takes me a while to settle into for some reason. I enjoy her stories and her characters, but they are a bit of slow burn for me. Once I get back into the groove, however, I speed right along and enjoy the journey.

Still love book 3 best, but this was a solid three star read. Can't wait until book 5 next year!

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Review: First Lord's Fury

First Lord's Fury by Jim Butcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And we come to the end of our epic journey with Tavi and the rest of Alera. It was a wild ride, and I'm sad once again that it is over. Don't worry, Tavi, I'll be back again in a few months to take the trip with you all over again.

If you are reading this review and you haven't read the other books in the series, stop here. Seriously. Go pick up a copy of Furies of Calderon and grow up with Tavi. If, however, you are done with the series, you can keep reading my thoughts. This book is long and full of details. You are going to learn more about the Canim, not enough about the Icemen, and way too much about the Vord Queen, who I find tedious. I mean, I get that she is the ultimate big bad, but I find her annoying.You get the ending you want for most of the characters, and are left wanting more for others. Just like life, I suppose.

Romance, action, survival, politics, and war. Jim Butcher, can we be best friends? My favorite series of all time. 4 stars for this book and the series overall.

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Review: These Happy Golden Years

These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Strap in, folks. This might be a long one, since it's my favorite book in the series.

We begin our story once again in the cold winter of the Dakota Territories. Laura has received her teaching certificate and begins teaching school to keep Mary in college. She dreads teaching, she doesn't want to leave home, but she pulls herself up by her bootstraps and puts on a brave face. The school is 12 long, cold miles from home. She's staying with the school board president's family, run by his awful wife who hates it out West. It's a long two months in the freezing cold, and the only way she stays sane is because of the wonderful Almanzo Wilder. He drives out there, regardless of the weather, and brings her home to her family. Every. Single. Weekend. Through blizzards and awkward conversations. Almanzo must have really loved her, because she is ridiculous sometimes and tells him she won't ride with him after she is back home. What? Girl, you are crazy. But he's the best, and continues to make sure she gets home safely. I have a real thing for strapping young farm boys who are good with horses and very kind and brave. Almanzo is my jam.

And then she is home, and she conveniently forgets that she wasn't going to go around with him anymore. Apparently strapping young farm boys are her jam, too. Laura, no judgment. He's rad. And he apparently gets you, big time. Secret Christmas gifts, buggy rides, and appears to be a strong partner in crime. You get to drive the horses and race across the prairie together. You break wild horses and go to singing school together. And at the end, a sweet proposal and a kiss, leading to a quick marriage. Well, I say quick, but he courted her for three patient years, so nothing quick about that, folks. I mean, she was eighteen when they got hitched. And he builds her a kick-ass pantry so you know he loves her.

I'm 99% sure my husband is Almanzo Wilder reincarnated, and this book directly shaped the kind of man I am find attractive. 5 stars. Love this series!

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Review: Changeless

Changeless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lord and Lady Maccon continue their odd life of paranormal bliss. But something is causing the pack to stop changing, and it isn't Alexia for a change. More sass, more bickering, and suddenly Alexia is off to Scotland in a dirigible to track down her husband at his ancestral home.

We get the expected steampunk elements tied neatly to the paranormal. Good stuff! Danger, deception, and plot twists abound. And we get a surprise ending that will get you to move book 3 up your TBR list, so well played, Carriger, well played. 3.5 stars because I didn't love it quite as much as book 1, but still very enjoyable.

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Review: The Duke and I

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why yes, I will have a little cheese with my romance. Thank you. Give me a double-helping. I'm a marshmallow. Crusty on the outside, and gooey and warm inside.

Julia Quinn writes great historical romances. I accidentally started with book 2 in the series, and have worked my way back to book 1. I will definitely continue my journey with the Bridgertons. They are fun. You know there will be troubles. Misunderstandings, tears. Family meddling where they shouldn't be. But lots of love, and always my HEA. I gotta have that. This one is the eldest daughter, Daphne. Pretty, but in a regular person way. Smart. Outspoken. A little flawed. My favorite kind of heroine! Simon is a little bossy, smart, funny, and flawed as well. My favorite kind of hero. Add up all the historical romance tropes and you have this book, but in the best possible way.

If I wrote historical romances, I would hope they would turn out like this. 4 stars.

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Review: Mission to Murder

Mission to Murder by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jill, Jill, Jill. You are silly. But I found you less annoying in this book, slightly. Your boyfriend Greg is amazing and is very much like my husband. You need to lock that down, stat.

Jill finds herself smack in the middle of a murder, and is once again the prime suspect. Seriously? I think there are 400 people in this town, and Jill is always stepping in it. Add the Scooby Doo-style wrap up with the villains at the end and I had to deduct a half star.

However, I am a sucker for a quick mystery, so I will of course read book 3. Feel free to judge me! 2 1/2 stars, rounding up to 3 because I love Greg and her dog Emma.

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Review: Crown of Midnight

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 2. More Celaena. More intrigue. Twists, turns, deception. Good stuff. This series is great on audio.

Celaena is now the King's Champion. She continues to kick ass, yet be her own person. She can't seem to get her shit together on the romance front, but I'll give her a pass because she led a messed up life during her formative years. She's a good person, but flawed, and I love her. Oh, and speaking of love...Chaol. Ah, Chaol. You are my book boyfriend. You are 100% better than Dorian (stay over there in the friend zone, please, because you will find a perfectly good princess to fall in love with later, I'm sure). You love Celaena, even with her rough edges. You guys are a great match, which I'm sure means there will be love triangles galore in the next few books. I can handle it as long as you get your HEA. I love me a good HEA. I'm a sap. Shut up.

4 stars. Almost scared to start book 3 and ruin my happiness.

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Review: An American in Scotland

An American in Scotland by Karen Ranney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Once upon a time, I accidentally started with the third book in a series. You see, I needed a book with someone wearing a kilt on the cover, and this fit the bill. So off I went.

We hit the right notes here. Strong, smart, independent heroine. She travels from America to strike a deal with MacIain. He is taken with her right away. Not looking for love, he stumbles into her. They are like puzzle pieces. Cue violins. And then there are misunderstandings, danger, and kisses. And they finally get their HEA. Not a spoiler, just the genre, folks. Calm down. You don't read historical romance for any other reason, and you know it.

I liked it enough to read books 1 and 2. I'm giving in 3 1/2 stars, but rounding down because I may not read it again, and I reserve 4 stars for books I will re-read.

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Review: Neanderthal Seeks Human

Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is definitely not my usual genre, but I really loved this book. Janie was awkward, and weird, and smart, and funny. Quinn was shockingly a good balance for her. At first I thought she was written way too over the top with the quirkiness--I'm ridiculous and I'm nowhere near as bad as her--and she was WAY too oblivious, but that's ok. By the end, I got what I wanted, the HEA.

I switched back and forth between the audio and eBook, and the narration was solid. 4 surprising stars from me, and I will read the others.

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Review: Highlander's Bride

Highlander's Bride by Lexy Timms
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Nothing remarkable here. The story winds around, not making a ton of sense, but the MCs hit it off sexually and get well acquainted VERY quickly. Barely any time travel and no explanations, but I'm not interested enough to continue the series to find out. Lame. Insta-love and lots of historical tropes in this one. 2 stars.

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Review: Named of the Dragon

Named of the Dragon by Susanna Kearsley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I typically love Susanna Kearsley, but this one fell a bit flat for me. Maybe it's because I listened to it on audio. I just didn't get pulled into the story like I usually do.

I didn't like the characters. Any of them. They were all bad people, self-absorbed, ridiculous, and a bit vapid. The cheesy ending was actually what nudged it from 2.5 stars back to 3, because you know I am a sucker for that HEA.

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Review: The Highlander Takes a Bride

The Highlander Takes a Bride by Lynsay Sands
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm a sucker for a kick-ass heroine. No wilting flowers for me, thanks.

Meet Saidh Buchanan. She rides well, shoots well, and talks like a pirate. Sometimes. But sometimes she's a lady. What a paradox! Now meet Greer. Strong, sexy. A big heart under all of those big muscles. He falls for Saidh. She falls for him. But she isn't looking to be strapped to anyone, and I liked that about her. I also love her rowdy brothers, and thought it added a layer of fun to the story. They are ridiculous.

Mystery and intrigue are afoot, and Greer and Saidh look to figure out what is happening in the castle before it's too late. Will they solve the crime? Will they live HEA? You can guess the answer to both questions, and then read to find out if you are right. (Spoiler...you are). 3 stars. I'll go back and read books 1 & 2 as well.

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