Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Edge of Desire [Laurens]

Book: The Edge of Desire [The Bastion Club Book 6]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: Christian thought he found the right woman years ago when he courted spirited Letiticia. Promised to each other in everything but a formal marriage offer, Christian went off to war expecting her to wait for him. When she married someone else, he felt betrayed. Apart for years, he is surprised when Letitcia requests his help to help clear her brother, who has been accused of murdering her husband.

I thoroughly enjoyed both the love story and mystery in this book. Christian and Leticia had great chemistry, both verbal and sexual. There were also some funny moments where I laughed out loud. My only grip was Laurens seemed almost lazy writing sections of this book. Many personality traits were repeated multiple times throughout the story (Letiticia's family was known for their tempers...it must have been mentioned a hundred times). All in all-still a fun read.

Book Junkie's Grade: B


Beyond Seduction [Laurens]

Book: Beyond Seduction [The Bastion Club Book 5]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: Unable to find a suitable bride in London, Gervase Tregarth [Earl of Crowhurst] returns to his country home where his younger sisters encourage him to expand his search to local women. He quickly sets his sights on Madeline, a woman he's known for years. The head of her family, Madeline has always focused on business matters and does not believe she is suitable for Gervase.

Both Gervase and Madeline were annoying and unlikeable. And while anyone who reads romance novels knows the plots aren't that intricate..the ending of this book was so over the top it was mind blowing.

Book Junkie's Review: D

To Distraction [Laurens]

Book: To Distraction [The Bastion Club Book 5]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: Searching for a suitable wife, ex-spy Viscount Deverell Paignton follows his aunt's advice and pursues Phoebe Malleson, a young woman with no interest in marriage. The weakest in the series, neither character is likable and the plot is boring. Phoebe actions are so out of character for someone with her history that I constantly found myself shaking my head (she was almost sexually assaulted years ago, never let anyone near her, yet within a short time she is trying to seduce Deverell..yeah, right).

Book Junkie's Grade: D

A Fine Passion [Laurens]

Book: A Fine Passion [The Bastion Club Book 4]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: Fleeing London after almost getting trapped into marriage, Baron Jack Warnefleet meets Lady Clarice, [a marquess's daughter who is feisty, spirited and has no plans to marry. Jack pursues Clarice while they work to combat traitorous allegations against her cousin and Jack's lifelong friend.

I absolutely loved Jack [strong yet showed weaknesses at times; sexy and romantic, especially his proposal at the end] and I loved Clarice [very strong willed]. Together, they were a powerhouse couple. My only issue with this book was the way Clarice, previously shunned from the ton for refusing to marry a man years ago, was accepted so quickly. Nonetheless, this was a fun read.

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

A Gentleman's Honor [Laurens]

Book: A Gentleman's Honor [The Bastion Club Book 2]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: When Viscount Anthony Blake discovers widow Alicia Carrington over a dead body holding a knife, he is committed to solving the murder. Forced to delve back into tonnish life to solve the mystery, Tony finds that unraveling Alicia's secrets and protecting her may not be as easy as it seems.

This book was okay. Tony was a GREAT male lead. Strong willed, arrogant in a good way, protective, loving, openly honest. I was disappointed in Alicia. She was constantly described as a strong, independent woman yet her actions throughout the book painted her as a weak individual.

Book Junkie's Grade: B-

A Lady of His Own [Laurens]

Book: A Lady of His Own [The Bastion Club book 3]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: Retreating to his country estate to investigate a possible threat to her majesty, Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel, stumbles across his childhood friend, and onetime lover, Lady Penelope Selborne. Penny is somehow involved in the nefarious plot and Charles is determined to learn her role and reconnect with her. Penny isn't sure what to think of this older Charles and what follows is a decent tale of spying and loving.

This book focused more on the mystery than the romance and it was a nice departure from other romance novels. That isn't to say there aren't some steamy interactions between the lead characters, but there was more balance. Charles and Penny were well matched and it was a believable match.

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

The Lady Chosen [Laurens]

Book: The Lady Chosen [The Bastion Club Book 1]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: Returning from 10 years abroad as spies for the British government, seven aristocrats form the Bastion Club with the intent of helping each other find wives while avoiding the 'matchmaking mamas of the ton.' Tristan, Earl of Trentham, takes responsibility for setting up the club's residence and becomes intrigued by his next door neighbor Leonora. Tristan and Leonora team up to solve a mystery (involving neighborhood malfeasance) and find love along the way.

This was a quick, fun, read. The lead characters had strong personalities, humorous interactions (I laughed out loud a few times) and a good love story.

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Captain Jack's Woman [Laurens]

Book: Captain Jack's Woman [Prequel to the Bastion Club series]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Reading for Reading: we all need a little romance sometimes..
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: A love story with a decent mystery, this book was hampered by unlikeable lead characters. Jack, an earl who is working undercover for his majesty, refuses to consider Kit (his lover) as a potential wife until he finds out her true heritage. He was stuffy, boring and arrogant. In terms of Kit, readers are supposed to believe she was able to masquerade as a boy for weeks with no one noticing (that was a stretch considering she talked to people in 'costume' and her voice could not have been that deep) and her poor decision making throughout the book did not speak highly for her intelligence.

Book Junkie's Grade: C

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Lover Avenged [Ward]

Book: Lover Avenged [Black Dagger Brotherhood book 7]
Author: J.R. Ward
Reason for Reading: the Rev rocks
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Rhevenge, otherwise known as Rev, is a wealthy businessman deriving his profits from nightclubs, restaurants, prostitution and selling drugs. He is also half sympath, a breed of vampire known for their sociopathic tendencies. All sympath's have been banished to a colony near the Candian border and half breeds are put to death. Forced to hide his sympath nature for years to protect himself and his family, he chooses to take by powerful drugs that numb his entire body to suppress his true nature. He is also being blackmailed by an evil sympath who threatens to reveal his true heritage.

Physically deteriorating, Rev meets nurse Ehlena at the local vampire clinic. Afraid to show her his true nature and the nature of his work, he pursues her anyway. Ehlena quickly falls for Rev, but when she finds out about his true nature and business ties, she is unable to stay with him. Things change quickly when Rev is forced to return to the sympath colony. The Brother's get involved for a rescue attempt that pits them against sympaths and lessors alike.

The great thing about this book was the Rev. He is such a layered character that it was surprising to see what he would do next. Ehlena reminded me of Mary (book 2), a caring and kind person who shows surprising strength when needed. The build up was intense and the end of the book was strong. I was disappointed that more time was not spent on Rev and Ehlena, instead there were two side stories involving Wrath going blind (beyond boring) and John Matthew (a 25 yr old who lives with the brotherhood) losing his innocence.

If you are a fan of paranormal romance, you'll enjoy this.

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Lover Enshrined [Ward]

Book: Lover Enshrined [Black Dagger Brotherhood book 6]
Author: J.R. Ward
Reason for Reading: enjoying the series
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Self sacrificing, celibate vampire Phury, agrees to take over the Primale responsibility for Vishous so V can be with the woman he loves. Although Phury is still in love with his brother's wife, Bella, he believes will be able to complete the Primale's duties. During the Primale ceremony, he quickly realizes that Cormia, the female vampire who is to be his first mate, is tied down and crying. Freeing her, he takes her to the Brotherhood's compound where he works through a myriad of personal issues, including drug addiction, depression, his feelings for Bella, and his feelings for Cormia.

Prior to this book, Phury was my favorite brother. He is self-sacrificing, cultured, intelligent and brave. Unfortunately, the focus of this book was his drug addiction which made him appear as a complete weakling. He continually kept hearing 'the wizard' in his head, the evil voice encouraging his bad behaviors. I'm not an addict of any kind so I don't know if that is truly how addicts view their behavior, but it did not translate well on paper. More time should have been spent on his relationship with Cormia. I actually enjoyed the sections on Cormia-a female who is taken out of an extremely sheltered environment and finally learns to be herself. In terms of their relationship, it was refreshing that Phury didn't immediately 'fall in love/bond' (he couldn't..he was too high to recognize it happening) and this differentiated him from the other brothers. The subplots in this book were very strong as well.

Book Junkie's Grade: C+

Lover Unbound [Ward]

Book: Lover Unbound [Black Dagger Brotherhood book 5]
Author: J.R. Ward
Reason for Reading: this series just gets better and better
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: The most intelligent brother with a past that rivals Zsadist's, Vishous takes center stage in the fifth installment of the series. My favorite of the brothers (I love a man who uses his brain cells), the book begins when Vishous finds out that he must marry a number of pure vampire women (known as 'The Chosen') with the intent of fathering children to ensure the survival of the race. Not pleased with the idea, V knows it is his duty and agrees. However, prior to the ceremony, he is shot and brought to a hospital, where he immediately falls for a human surgeon, Jane. Taking her from the hospital back to the Brotherhood's compound under the guise that she needs to tend to his wounds until he is healed, V and Jane fall in love while he tries to figure out how he can change his destiny.

The beginning and middle of this book were excellent. As I already mentioned, V is my favorite so there should be no surprise that he is funny, smart and sexy. His past was interesting yet tragic and Ward created a great match for him with strong minded surgeon, Jane. I enjoyed their love story and V's struggle with his destiny. My only complaint with this book was the ending-it was completely ridiculous.

Book Junkie's Grade: B-

Lover Revealed [Ward]

Book: Lover Revealed [Black Dagger Brotherhood book 4]
Author: J.R. Ward
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Ex-cop Butch O'Neill is brought into the Brotherhood's fold after an encounter at the end of book 1. Tough and courageous, Butch fits in well with the brothers and becomes their only human comrade and roommate. When Butch is inadvertently drawn into the fight with the lessors, he ends up fulfilling a prophecy that changes his course and the Brothers forever. Along the way, he meets and falls in love with vampire Marissa, an aristocrat who returns his feelings. When Marissa's brother finds out about her involvement with a human, she is cast out and forced to forge her way in the world.

Butch was a fantastic male lead. He was funny, interesting and had a dynamic personality. Ward also improved her writing in relation to the interactions with the Brothers in this book. Marissa was a prim and proper vampire (she's been wearing a corset and gown for the last 100 years) who was overall boring. The major strife between their relationship was that Butch thought she was too good for him. A little of this would have been fine but it was played out too much over the book. We got it..she is a beautiful, wealthy vampire, he is an ex-cop with poor manners and a broken nose. That being said, Butch was a strong enough character to compensate for Marissa's dullness.

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Lover Awakened [Ward]

Book: Lover Awakened [Black Dagger Brotherhood book 3]
Author: J.R. Ward
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Zsadist, the most fierce and scary brother, was stolen from his family as a baby and sold as a blood slave. Abused both sexually and physically for years, he was rescued by his twin Phury and became part of the brotherhood. Zsadist does not allow anyone to get close to him and does not form attachments until he meets the beautiful and kind vampire, Bella. Bella forms a bond with Zsadist and will not allow him to let go. Together, they work through his past to try to build a relationship while fighting lessors along the way.

Zsadist (the author's favorite brother according to her website) led a disheartening and depressing life. Reading sections about his abuse was sickening yet enlightening (a good insight into his present personality). I didn't particularly care for Z as a character and his personality was too rough around the edges for my liking. Bella is someone most women can relate too (she'll fight for her man) but the best part of this book were the sections written from Z's twins point of view, Phury. When Z was stolen as a baby, Phury's parents emotionally shut down and his whole life purpose became wrapped up in finding and saving his brother. He became a celibate and devoted his life to his brother's happiness. However, even after physically rescuing Z, he could not save his soul. Struggling with that fact, Phury also meets and falls in love with Bella. He cannot act on it though because she is with his twin. Totally engrossing!

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Lover Eternal [Ward]

Book: Lover Eternal [Black Dagger Brother book 2]
Author: J.R. Ward
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: It is rare that a series betters itself with each book, but J.R. Ward has done exactly that with her Brotherhood series (book 1 was reviewed earlier in the month, I will review 2-7 in order). In 'Lover Eternal', Rhage (the best looking brother known for his sexual escapades and fighting abilities; who is afflicted with a dangerous curse for previous bad deeds) falls in love with terminally ill human, Mary. Rhage and Mary fall in love while she fights for her life and he fights to protect her from the lessors (vampire hunters). Although Mary's personality can be trying at times and the verbal interaction between Rhage and the brothers borders on ridiculous, their love story is sweet and endearing. A more engaging read than its predecessor, I enjoyed this book.

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Breaking Dawn [Meyer]

Book: Breaking Dawn
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: YA: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: The conclusion of the Twilight Saga, 'Breaking Dawn' was bittersweet. After a fairytale wedding, Edward and Bella embark on a island honeymoon where she unexpectedly becomes pregnant. Fearing for Bella's life, Edward wants to terminate the pregnancy while she is focused on saving the child at all costs. Previously a gallant, protective boyfriend, Edward quickly becomes a pathetic being with no little purpose for most of the book. However, Meyer redeems herself by including numerous chapters written from Jacob's point of view which were funny and heartwarming.

In the second part of the book, the vampires and wolves form an alliance against the Volturi who are coming to break up the Cullen clan based on false allegations. After hundreds of pages of build up, the final showdown was anticlimactic.

Overall, a nice conclusion to the series, although everything was tied in just a little too pretty in a little red bow.

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Eclipse [Meyer]

Book: Eclipse
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Reason for Reading: I couldn't stop after reading New Moon..I have to finish all the books again!
Genre: YA: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: I love to think of the first three books like this:
Twilight = falling in love
New Moon = losing love
Eclipse = choosing love

Rekindling her romance with Edward, Bella Swan is torn between her love for him and her friendship with Jacob. Tensions run high with vampires and werewolves alike when an army of new vampires is on the hunt for Bella. Fun and exciting-another addictive read!

Book Junkie's Grade: A-

New Moon [Meyer]

Book: New Moon
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Reason for Reading: I want all the details fresh in mind before the movie!!
Genre: YA: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After her vampire boyfriend Edward breaks up with her, Bella Swan sinks into a deep depression. When she discovers that risky activities trigger Edward's voice in her head, she can't stop putting herself in dangerous situations. She also reconnects with Jacob Black, who quickly becomes her best friend and helps her recover from the breakup.

Do you remember your first "real" breakup? I remember it clearly-you feel like your life is over: you can't sleep (and if you do, you have nightmares), you can't eat, there is a huge void in your life and you are certain you'll never get over it. Of course-no one can possibly understand what you are going through. The emotion following the breakup is the essence of this book-while exaggerated, it feels very true to how a teenager girl would react. Most girls can relate to Bella, especially when she rebounds (emotionally at least) with Jacob and sends him mixed signals while justifying her actions as 'he knows we are just friends and this means nothing.' I cringed at many parts..because I was guilty of the same things at one time.

The second book in the Twilight Saga-this was another home run. I know this is the least favorite book in the series for most people, but I found the emotions strong and real, while the developing friendship between Bella and Jacob interesting.

Seriously, is there anyone out there that hasn't read this series yet? (this is my second time..I'm re-reading so everything is fresh for the movie)

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Dark Lover [Ward]

Book: Dark Lover [Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 1]
Author: J.R. Ward
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: When his brother Darius is murdered, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood (Wrath, the only purebred vampire left on earth) must help Darius' half human daughter enter the secret world that he belongs too. They battle danger at every turn while falling in love in the process.

Once you get beyond the ridiculous names of the Brothers, this was a decent romance novel. The characters were fun and while Wrath was not a great romantic lead, his brothers are colorful characters and may be more interesting.

Recommend: My girlfriend has read the whole series and says they get better and better, so I'll give at least 1 more a try. Stay tuned!

Book Junkie's Grade: C+

Wild Jasmine [Small]

Book: Wild Jasmine
Author: Bertrice Small
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: Princess Yasamin lived a charmed life in India until her brother's quest for power and dominance resulted in the death of her husband. Realizing her father, the ruler of India was ill and unable to protect her much longer, Yamasin flees to England to the safety of her English mother's family. Anglicizing herself as Jasmine, she forms a special bond with her dynamic grandmother Skye O'Malley, and begins a journey of love, heartache and scandal.

Almost written as two books (part one being India, part 2 as England) this was an interesting although not entirely engrossing. Jasmine is an interesting, strong willed heroine yet after over 500 pages, I still didn't feel like I "knew her." Small had the potential to incorporate plot points from Jamine's time in India yet missed the opportunity. As a result-the ending was mundane.

Book Junkie's Grade: C

Monday, November 16, 2009

Necroscope II: Wamphyri! [Lumley]

Book: Necroscope II: Wamphyri!
Author: Brian Lumley
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Harry Keogh and his fellow British E-Branch operatives team up with Russians to combat a half vampire/half human on the loose in book 2 of the Necrosope trilogy. Fast paced and exciting, this book was a more interesting and 'edge of your seat' read than book 1. Although the ending was reminiscence of the first Necroscope, the rest of the book was pure fun.

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Monday, October 26, 2009

Necroscope [Lumley]

Book: Necroscope
Author: Brian Lumley
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: 'Necroscope' is the first in a science fiction trilogy surrounding ideas and themes found in the popular NBC show 'Heroes'. The novel follows 2 main characters, British Harry Keogh (a necrosope who can speak with the dead) and Romanian Boris Dragosani (a necromancer, who learns the secrets of the dead by playing with and sometimes eating, their remains). As Harry is recruited to work for the secret British agency E-Branch, Dragosani is the second in command for Russian's top secret program, The Opposition. As Harry learns to harness his powers, Dragosani begins communicating with a powerful vampire, long buried, and hopes to increase his powers. Eventually, the two men meet and there is a powerful battle.

Overall: a detailed, comprehensive, exciting science fiction novel

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

A Touch of Dead [Harris]

Book: A Touch of Dead
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: 'A Touch of Dead' includes 5 short stories about Louisiana's favorite telepath barmaid, Sookie Stackhouse. A few of the stories fill in gaps between books and should have been read while reading the novels, but for those of us who have to wait another 6months until book 10, this was a good fix!

Recommend: If you are a fan of the series, yes.

Book Junkie's Grade: B

The Sicilian [Puzo]

Book: The Sicilian
Author: Mario Puzo
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Fiction

Review: The literary sequel to Puzo's most famous work 'The Godfather', 'The Sicilian' begins with Michael Corleone tasked with bringing Sicilian outlaw Turi Guiliano and his testament (a handwritten account of treachery and deceit within the Italian government) to America. The book then goes back in time and tells the story of Turi Guiliano-a poor yet beloved young man who becomes both outlaw and legend for the island for his robin hood antics.

More historical than 'The Godfather', Puzo does an excellent job painting the landscape and describing how Turi rose to power and tried to fight both the government and mafia (or 'Friends of the Friends' as they are referred to in Sicily). An engaging read, anyone who is interested in organized crime or heroes in general will enjoy this book.

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Monday, October 12, 2009

Water for Elephants [Gruen]

Book: Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Reason for Reading: book club
Genre: Fiction

Review: 23-year old Jacob has almost completed his veterinary studies at Cornell when his parents are killed in a tragic automobile accident. Unable to focus on his final exams, he abruptly leaves school, jumps a train, and becomes a veterinarian for a traveling circus.

Set during the Depression, '..Elephants' is filled with colorful characters, both human and animal. It is beautifully written and has elements of friendship, romance, murder and secrets. Jacob is a likable main character and while 'reveal' at the end of the book was anti-climatic, this was still an engaging read.

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Savage Inequalities: Children in America's School [Kozol]

Book: Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools
Author: Jonathan Kozol
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Nonfiction

Review: Based on research from 1989 to 1991, Kozol paints a vivid picture of public schools in America. He focuses primarily on poor inner city schools and their wealthy suburban counterparts. Kozol contends that poor children are cheated out of a future due to the appalling standards (lack of funds, not enough teachers, overcrowding), and believes racial segregation is alive and well in America contributing to these conditions.

Kozol does a good job exposing the poverty and decrepit condition with first hand accounts and interviews with administrators, teachers and students in cities such as East St. Louis, Camden, NJ, Bronx, NY, San Antonio, TX and Chicago, IL. Anyone reading this book would have to be heartless to not feel for the children who don't have access to a library, textbooks or toilet paper. He contrasts these schools with excepts from some of the top public schools in America. Comparing the best and worst is such a small slice of the pie that it would have been nice to see a comparison with moderate schools as well.

Kozol explains how property taxes impact school funding and explains how inner city schools are shortchanged. This is a reality and I agree that state funding should be more equalized. However-Kozol seems to have contempt for anyone with money (and especially those who have means to send their children to private school) and makes excuses for many of the parents in these impoverished area. He references suburban schools whose parents raise money so their kids can go on extravagant field trips (they should give the money to other schools) however he claims poorer parents don't have the means or ability (or are too intimidated due to generations of being put down) to take action.

Kozol's conclusion is that inner city "minority" schools near more funding and integration with suburban "white" schools so the minority children have a chance. While I don't disagree that money and integration will help some disadvantaged children, there are other issues that he ignores (crime, teen pregnancy, drugs, truancy) that are a critical part of solving this problem.

Overall-this was an interesting book.

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Monday, October 5, 2009

Ella Minnow Pea [Dunn]

Book: Ella Minnow Pea
Author: Mark Dunn
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Fiction

Review: Nollop, a fictional island and independent nation off the coast of South Carolina, gives homage to Nevin Nollop, the 'genius' who came up with the phrase 'The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.' Life is almost Utopian in Nollop until letters start falling off the '...quick brown fox...' inscription on a statue of Nollop. The counsel believes the letters falling are a sign from Nollop himself to cease use of the falling letters. One by one, Nollopian's over age 7 are banned from speaking or writing certain letters with severe punishment for those who disobey.

Told in a series of letters between residents, this is a clever read. As letters are banned, Dunn ceases using them and I cannot imagine how challenging writing this was. Anyone who considers themselves a wordsmith will love this book. It is smart, funny, heartbreaking and inspirational. It makes one think of how easy personal freedoms can be removed when a governing body makes decisions with such a grave impact. I could not stop thinking about Nazi Germany and how people around the world rationalized the government's decisions until they finally took action. (This book does not reference WWII or any other war, this is just a parrallel I saw).

Overall, this is one of the most original books I have ever read. A home run for Dunn!

Book Junkie's Grade: A-

Dangerous Pleasures [Small]

Book: Dangerous Pleasures
Author: Bertrice Small
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Romance - Erotica

Review: A widowed mother of 5 children ranging from ages 4 to 17, Annie does not have time for herself. She has not moved on from her husband's death two years ago and she is financially strapped. When she wins a free trip to an exclusive spa in town, she is able to relax and rejuvenate. Before long, Annie is offered a part-time job at the spa with a high salary and perks that seems too good to be true. She works her way up the corporate ladder for the betterment of her family, while exploring her sexuality along the way.

After reading and enjoying a previous book by Small, I was expecting something similar in the ways of a love story with some virtual reality fantasy. Instead, this was an uneven book where I constantly scratched my head saying "this book has jumped ship." The situations were ludicrous (even by erotica standards) and the main character had a complete personality change as the book progressed. Dialogue was stilted and seemed forced. Overall-this was a terrible book.

Book Junkie's Grade: D

Monday, September 28, 2009

The Gatecrasher [Wickham]

Book: The Gatecrasher
Author: Madeline Wickham [Sophie Kinsella's pen name]
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Chick-Lit

Review: Fleur has lofty financial goals and she'll do whatever it takes to increase her bank account. Her speciality is picking up grieving widows, taking them for thousands of pounds, and moving on to the next victim. However, when she meets Richard and his family, she finds herself enjoying his company and thinking about making her situation with him permanent.

Written by Sophie Kinsella (under a pen name) this book lacked the humor and wit of her other works. There was nothing redeeming about Fleur and she was difficult to root for as the heroine.

Book Junkie's Grade: C

Sudden Pleasure [Small]

Book: Sudden Pleasure
Author: Bertrice Small
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Romance - Erotica

Review: Finding themselves on the brink of financial disaster, Ashley and Ryan enter a marriage of convenience to save their respective fortunes. What starts out as a business arrangement quickly turns into a heated affair between husband and wife. The newlyweds must also deal with a colorful cast of secondary characters and past indiscretions. Small does a nice job balancing out the book with romance, fantasy and back story. An engaging, sexy read!

Recommend: Yes (mature, open-minded readers only)

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Hot Spot [Johnson]

Book: Hot Spot
Author: Susan Johnson
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Romance - Erotica

Review: Comic book store owner and artist, Stella, doesn't date customers until she meets Danny. A computer programmer who normally plays the field, Danny isn't looking for something serious. When their affair turns red hot and they find they have more in common than just the physical, they have to decide what they really want out of life.

A surprisingly fun read, this was a couple that actually seemed like they could date in real life. Yes, there are many unrealstic situations in the book and the ending was ridiculous, but overall Johnson succeeding in creating an enteratining love story.

Recommend: Yes (sexiness level, R rated)

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Play With Me [Maynard]

Book: Play With Me [Maynard]
Author: Janice Maynard
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Romance

Review: Boring and utterly predictable, 'Play With Me' follows three girlfriends on a quest to shake up their love lives before they turn thirty. Each woman chooses a man to seduce, only to discover the guy was already in love with her. As you can imagine, none of them had to try too hard and within a short period of time, each is either engaged or married.

Recommend: No

Book Junkie's Grade: C

Monday, September 21, 2009

Lolita [Nabokov]

Book: Lolita
Author: Vladimir Nabokov
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Fiction

Review: At its root, 'Lolita' is a tale of love and obsession. This disturbing story stars Humbert Humbert, a forty something man who falls in love with 12 year old Doloris (Dolly, Lo, Lolita, L) Haze.

Nabokov writes beautifully and succeeds in making the reader feel like you are in Humbert's head throughout the novel. A modern classic, I had chills reading this and was constantly reminded that people actually exist like this in the world. Although 'Lolita' is written from the perspective of Humbert, a pedophile who knows he is stealing Lolita's childhood, this is more of a story about obsession and how one can lose all sense of reality in the face of love. Sick and twisted-absolutely. A classic read for everyone-definitely not. While there are no graphic scenes in this book, situations are easy to extrapolate and this is perhaps the most shocking book I've ever read.

Recommend: yes, but not for everyone, the subject matter is uncomfortable

Book Junkie's Grade: A+

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society [Shaffer]

Book: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Fiction

Review: Told through letters, 'The Guernsey...' is a beautiful story post-WWII. Blending historical fiction with a hint of mystery and romance, Shaffer succeeds in creating characters the reader falls in love with. Our main heroine is witty British writer Juliet Ashton, who corresponds with residents of Guernsey, a Channel Island occupied by German soldiers during the war, as well as her best friend from school and her literary agent. Written with a unique style, I was pleasantly surprised that a novel with such an odd name would be such a treasure.

Recommend: Yes

Book Junkie's Grade: A-

Tall, Dark & Fangsome [Rowen]

Book: Tall, Dark & Fangsome [Immortality Bites Book 5]
Author: Michelle Rowen
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Three short months as a vampire has certainly made life interesting for Sarah Dearly. She's survived vampire hunters, earned a reputation as the 'Slayer of Slayers' and still makes time for her friends and 600-year old boyfriend. But her current situation is a dozy. After being cursed at her high school reunion, Sarah is a night walker with blood thirst tendencies. Now Gideon Chase, former leader of the hunters, is threatening to harm her loved ones unless she breaks up with Thierry and turns him (Gideon) into a vampire.

As the charm she is wearing to ward off the nightwalker symptoms starts to loose its effectiveness, Sarah starts developing feelings for Gideon. While readers of the series know how it will end, it is still a fun, lighthearted journey that will keep you laughing along the way.

Recommend: Yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Stakes & Stilettos [Rowen]

Book: Stakes & Stilettos [Immortality Bites Book 4]
Author: Michelle Rowen
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Toronto's favorite vampire, Sarah Dearly, is back in Rowan's 4th installment of the Immortality Bites series. Things are looking up when the jobless vamp has an interview for a great opportunity, and her married boyfriend is seeking an annulment from his estranged wife.However, her life quickly takes a downward turn when she is hexed by an old classmate (and witch) at her high school reunion and she is forced to embrace her inner vampire.

Smart and witty-I laughed out loud throughout this book and loved every minute of it. A fun and entertaining read.

Recommend? Yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Forbidden Pleasure [Leigh]

Book: Forbidden Pleasure
Author: Lora Leigh
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Romance - Erotica

Review: After getting married, retired FBI agent resigns from the elusive Club and moves to the country with his new wife Keiley. Three years into their marriage, Mac realizes that his secret desires still exist. Unable to resist anymore, he invites his best friend and fellow agent, Jethro Briggs to their farm. What ensues is a story of love, lust, domination and gossip, with the mystery of a stalker thrown in.

Like Leigh's previous books, this is a XXX rated and not for the delicate reader. While the love scenes were steamy, the mystery was not well constructed and none of the main characters were likable.

Recommend: no

Book Junkie's Grade: C-

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Cash: The Autobiogphy [Cash]

Book: Cash: The Autobiography
Author: Johnny Cash
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Nonfiction

Review: Johnny Cash has worn many hats in his life: farmer, airman, husband, father, drug addict, grandfather, songwriter, singer, performer, Christian. In 'Cash: The Autobiography' he writes a down home history of his life that is all encompassing but not overly detailed. The book is organized between present day and past memories, while stories about his friends and colleagues dominate almost half the book.

Prior to this book, my only Cash experience was the movie 'Walk the Line' (which I watched on an airline with shoddy volume and a screen half blacked out due to glare). While this book was too general for me to really understand him, it was a good introduction to his life, struggles and successes. He seems like a genuinely nice man who makes no excuses for his behavior (although I have to question the judgment of someone who believes Bill and Hilary Clinton were really in love after meeting them).

Recommend: if you are a Cash fan, you'll probably love this

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Lady & the Vamp [Rowen]

Book: Lady & The Vamp [Immortality Bites Book 3]
Author: Michelle Rowen
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: New vampire and ex-vampire hunter, Michael Quinn, wants nothing more than to be human again. He sets off on a road trip to Arizona to locate The Eye, a magical object that can grant a wish once every thousand years. On his journey he meets up with an old childhood friend Jamie, who is also after the eye, but for different reasons. Attractions fly but with conflicting motivations, Quinn and Jamie have a road trip to remember.

Quick and light hearted like the previous installments in the series, the main characters are not as endearing as Sarah Dearly and the humor was not as sharp.

If you read and enjoyed books 1 and 2, books 4 and 5 also focus on Sarah and this one can be skipped all together.

Recommend: no

Book Junkie's Grade: C

Fanged & Fabulous [Rowen]

Book: Fanged & Fabulous [Immortality Bites Book 2]
Author: Michelle Rowen
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Funny and light hearted, 'Fanged and Fabulous' picks up right where 'Bitten & Smitten' left off. Back from Mexico with her boyfriend Thierry, newly minted vampire Sarah Dearly realizes they are having some communication problems. Meanwhile, she's developed a reputation as 'The Slayer of Slayers' after killing a vampire hunter which has attracted the attention of hunters and vampires everywhere. Now, she's flanked by bodyguards, taking self defense lessons from her cute friend Quinn who wants to take their relationship to the next level and trying to keep her best friend's surprise birthday party a secret.

Quick and fun, this is a good read for the beach or subway ride.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Broken [Armstrong]

Book: Broken
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Elena Michaels, a female werewolf and part of her pack travel to Toronto to steal a letter supposedly written by Jack the Ripper. After successfully stealing the letter. Elena inadvertently opens a portal to Victorian times and seems to be stalked by zombies wanting to kill her. Armstrong throws in a vampire, necromancer (person that talks to spirits) a witch and a pregnancy to further complicate matters.

This is a boring, non captivating tale that is drawn out. The presence of other werewolves throughout the book (including Elena's intriguing partner, Clay) were not used to their potential.

Recommend: no

Book Junkie's Grade: C

Monday, August 31, 2009

Bitten & Smitten [Rowen]

Book: Bitten & Smitten [Immortality Bites Book 1]Author: Michelle Rowen
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Sarah Dearly just had the worse blind date-after her date bit her and told her she was a vampire, he was killed by a bunch of guys in a cemetery. Escaping them, Sarah meets a hot guy contemplating suicide. Turns out he is also a vampire and agrees to show her the ropes if she helps him kill himself at some point. She agrees and life becomes even more complicated. With vampire hunters trying to kill her at every turn, Sarah finds herself falling in love and trying to balance her new life.

Recommend: Extremely light and fun, this book is very "cutesy." If you are a fan of vampire stories, you'll enjoy this.

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Blood Promise [Mead]

Book: Blood Promise [Vampire Academy Book 4]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: YA - Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After her mentor and boyfriend Dimitri is turned Strigoi (evil immortal vampire who kills), Rose leaves school before graduation and travels to Russia to fulfill a promise they made to each other. As she embarks on her journey, she befriends Dimitri's family, rogue guardians and a human who guides her on her way. When the situation turns on Rose and all is not what is seems, she must make the ultimate decision about her future.

Fun, fast paced with witty dialogue, this book did not disappoint. While certain plot points were predictable, there was one revelation at the end that was a surprise and actually brought a tear to my eye. This is a must read for VA fans.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Succubus Heat [Mead]

Book: Succubus Heat [Georgina Kincaid book 4]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Georgina Kincaid, succubus to the greater Seattle area, is having a tough time. Her ex is dating her good friend, no one thinks her current boyfriend is good enough for her, and her boss outsourced her to Canada. When her boss disappears causing Georgina to lose her powers, she can't connect with her ex, the one man she truly loves. As Georgina sets off to find her boss and resolve her love life, readers are once again long for a fun, witty and emotional ride with Ms. Kincaid. This is one employee of hell I can get behind!


Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Stolen [Armstrong]

Book: Stolen
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Elena Michaels, a female werewolf, is captured by a wealthy businessman who takes supernatural beings hostage to study their behavior and then to hunt them. Elena must form bonds with fellow captives and try to escape before her boyfriend tries to rescue her and kill himself in the process.

The book started out great with a strong premise and intriguing characters. Drawn out scenes and stupid decision making by the lead character seemed to add to the length of the book but not develop the plot. With a 100 pages less, this book could have been a home run. Instead, it was too long and by the end-I didn't care what happened to Elena.

Recommend: no

Book Junkie's Grade: C

Monday, August 24, 2009

Bitten [Armstrong]

Book: Bitten
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After spending 10 years in upstate NY, Elena Michaels makes a new life for herself in Toronoto. She has a great job as a writer and seems to have a great relationship with her live-in boyfriend. The only problem...she's the only female werewolf in existence and no one in Toronto knows about her secret life. When she is called back to NY to help the pack deal with some issues, she must decide where her true home is and who she really loves.

This book has a great concept and Elena is fleshed out well as a the lead character. Some of the actions displayed by secondary characters was inconsistent with their personalities, but still made for an interesting read. This is a 400 page, small print book so only sci-fi fans should even consider reading it.

If you really like sci-fi stuff with a hint of romance and violence, this may be for you.

Book Junkie's Grade: B-

Succubus Dreams [Mead]

Book: Succubus Dreams [Georgina Kincaid Book #3]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: The third installed in Mead's succubus series is light and fun like its predecessors. Succubus Georgina Kincaid is busy managing a bookstore, trying to maintain a healthy (albeit celibate) relationship with her boyfriend Seth, and maintaining her life force when she is forced to mentor a new, inept succubus in town. She also starts having vivid dreams that suck all the energy out of her. Georgina meets up with Dante, a dream interpreter, who may or may not be a scam artist, and tries to figure out what is going on.

Faithful readers of the 'Succubus' series will love this read. Georgina is witty, fun, flirtatious and someone all women can relate to on some level. As before, Mead creates secondary characters who are charming, evil and all together interesting.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Time Traveler's Wife [Niffenegger]

Book: The Time Traveler's Wife
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Reason for Reading: book club
Genre: Fiction

Review: 'The Time Traveler's Wife' is the love story of HenryDe Tamble, a time-traveling librarian and artist Clare Abshire. Told in alternating narratives, the novel starts off disjointed and confusing. However, readers who are committed to the story are rewarded halfway through when the pace picks up and there is more continuity between the narratives.

Niffenegger creates a haunting, beautiful love story between Henry and Clare. While the logical aspects of time travel are confusing at times, the overall result is inspirational and emotional.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: A-

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Succubus On Top [Mead]

Book: Succubus On Top [Georgina Kincaid book 2]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Georgina Kincaid has a lot on her plate. She's essentially managing the book store while her bosses are out, her good friend and co-worker Doug is acting strange, and her relationship with sexy, author Seth is a challenge. Since Georgina is a succubus, they can't even kiss. As if this isn't enough, Georgie's old friend and incubus comes to town to try to seduce a well-known conservative talk-show host. Georgina agrees to help him while trying to juggle everything else on her plate, including trying to figure out what is going on with Doug.

Mead hits another home rum with this quick, funny, albeit predictable read that will leave you wanting more.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Succubus Blues [Mead]

Book: Succubus Blues [Georgina Kincaid book 1]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: The first book in her 'Succubus' series, Mead introduces us to a new heroine who is additively charming, funny and tragic. After selling her soul for immortality, Georgina Kincaid needs men to survive. But after years of seducing, Georgina is slacking. She is content with her job at a book store, her assortment of friends (both mortal and immortals) and only preys on losers. When Georgina unexpectedly meets her favorite author, who happens to be cute and single, as well as another potential suitor, she is at a crossroads. How can Georgina have a relationship when even a simple kiss takes time off someones lifespan? And when someone starts hunting immortals in town, will Georgina defy her archdemon Jerome (who bears a striking resemblance to John Cusak) and try to find the killer?

With an uncanny ability to infuse supernatural elements into the modern world, Mead succeeds in creating a dynamic group of characters. Readers of her Vampire Academy series will undoubtedly draw comparisons between Rose and Georgina (both have sharp tongues and quick wit), but there is enough depth of the character to separate them. While the mystery surrounding the story was rather predictable, I still can't imagine how the series will end.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Monday, August 3, 2009

Dead and Gone [Harris]

Book: Dead and Gone [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 9]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After locating survivors at the vampire summit disaster, the FBI has tracked down Sookie Stackhouse and wants to figure out if she truly has powers. Meanwhile, supes have made themselves known to the world at large and Sookie's sister-in-law, a were-panther, is murdered. Sookie tries to figure out who murdered her sister-in-law and finds herself in the middle of a fae war involving her grandfather and a fellow fae prince. Of course, she also has some romantic issues to figure out when Eric tricks her into a difficult situation, and Bill makes it known he will risk everything for her.

The darkest of the series thus far, this book almost had too many plot points-many subjects that were introduced appeared abandoned by the end of the book or never fully fleshed out. While there was some sharp dialogue and humor, as a whole the book felt rushed and was not properly edited. Characters names in previous books were somehow different in this installment and there were some major gaps in the plot. That being said-I still really enjoyed the book and cannot wait to see what happens next.

May 2010..I'm excited!

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B-

From Dead to Worse [Harris]

Book: From Dead to Worse [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 8]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Returning from the disastrous vampire summit, Sookie is back in Bon Temps working as a barmaid. Romantic tensions are high when Sookie doesn't hear from her were-tiger boyfriend Quinn, ex-boyfriend Bill is trying to win her back and vampire Eric, whom she now has a blood bond with, is making things even more confusing and complicated than ever before. Meanwhile, fresh on the heels of Katrina and a weakened Queen Sophie-Anne, Vegas vampires make a power move to overtake the state while a rival werewolf pack tries to start an internal war. Sookie does her best to help her friends, while she meets her long lost grandfather and deals with some issues relating to her brother.

Once again, Harris hits a home run with another Sookie novel. This book was the perfect balance of humor, romance and mystery. Well written and fun!


Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

All Together Dead [Harris]

Book: All Together Dead [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 7]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Sookie Stackhouse, the telepathic barmaid from Bon Temps, LA, finds herself at the US vampire summit off the shores of Lake Michigan working for Sophie-Anne Leclerq, the vampire queen of Louisiana. Sophi-Anne's empire is weakened after hurricane Katrina and she is on trial for the death of her husband, the king. As the only human witness to the crime, Sookie knows the queen is innocent, but she is unprepared for the events that unfold. Some vampires are murdered while members of The Fellowship of the Sun have infiltrated the hotel and are planning some sort of attack. Sookie pairs up with Barry the Bel hop, a fellow telepath, and together they try to figure out the mystery before it is too late.

Darker than previous installments in the series, I enjoyed Sookie's character development and the various plots points. There are a number of romantic suitors vying for Sookie's attention and dedicated fans will not be disappointed.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Definitely Dead [Harris]

Book: Definitely Dead [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 6]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: There's a new love in Sookie's life, were-tiger Quinn. After they are attacked on their first date, she isn't sure who the target was. Meanwhile, Sookie's estranged cousin has Hadley died and Sookie must travel to New Orleans to clean up her apartment, meet with Hadley's lover (the Queen of Louisiana), and try to figure out who killed Hadley.


The weakest of the series thus far, the pace of this book was slow and the dialogue was not as sharp as previous entries. While reading this book I discovered there are a few 'in between mini-books' which provided some background for this story (at many points I found myself asking-when did that happen?).

Recommend: if you've read the previous books and are committed to the series yes. If you want to start reading the series, don't start at this one.

Book Junkie's Grade: C+

Dead as a Doornail [Harris]

Book: Dead as a Doornail [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 5]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Life is tough for telepathic barmaid Sookie Sackhouse. There is a sniper trying to kill non-humans in her hometown of Bon Temps, her house almost burns down, her sexy boss Sam (who likes to hang out as a lovable collie sometimes) is shot, and her hot, single friend Alcide Herveaux wants her help in securing his father's bid to become the next leader of the local werewolf pack. Throw in Sookie's fairy godmother and we have one well-rounded story.

While this book doesn't focus as much on Sookie's love life as the previous books, there are enough subplots to keep any reader involved. Like previous books, there is sharp dialogue, laughter and a bit of mystery.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Dead to the World [Harris]

Book: Dead to the World [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 4]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After Bill takes off for a trip to South America, Sookie finds vampire Eric running naked and scared down a rural road near her house. His memory has been wiped clean by a powerful witch and there is a huge reward to find him. Sookie attempts to hide him in her house while her brother Jason accidentally sees Eric and then disappears. Sookie quickly finds herself in a dangerous world between vampires, witches, supes and werewolves, but still has time for fun banter and romance.


Smartly written and engaging, this is another 'hit' in the Sookie series. Harris makes the reader want to be in Bon Temps and be Sookie's friend.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Club Dead [Harris]

Book: Club Dead [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 3]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Vampire Bill has been working on a secret project when he is called away for a special trip. Sookie is feeling neglected when she doesn't hear from him and later learns he has been kidnapped. Once again-Sookie's telepathic skills are needed as she tries to find Bill with the help of werewolf Alcide (a character I cannot wait to see in the tv show). Alcide is young, handsome, and single.

After Sookie is betrayed by Bill, she must decide if she will save him or move on. Funny, mysterious, romantic, this is also a page turner and one of the best books in the series. Another must read!

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Living Dead in Dallas [Harris]

Book: Living Dead in Dallas [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 2]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After a vampire goes missing, Eric Northman, Bill's vampire sheriff, enlists Sookie's help. He believes an extreme church group, The Fellowship of the Sun located in Dallas, is behind the kidnapping. Sookie travels to Dallas with Bill and goes undercover to try to solve the mystery. Her only stipulation-the vampires cannot harm the humans.


Like book 1, there is lots of romance, funny dialogue and a touch of mystery.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Dead Until Dark [Harris]

Book: Dead Until Dark [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 1]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: The book that inspired the hit show True Blood, this is a must read! After Japanese develop synthetic blood, vampires 'come out of the coffin' changing the landscape of society as we know it. When telepathic barmaid Sookie Sackhouse meets vampire Bill in the small town of Bon Temps, LA, her once boring world is turned upside down.

Harris does a nice job blending vampires, supernatural beings (supes), romance, mystery and humor in the first book of this series.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Always Dakota [Macomber]

Book: Always Dakota [Dakota book 3]
Author: Debbie Macomber
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Romance

Review: The two characters at the forefront of the third book in the Dakota series, ranchers Margaret Clemens and Matt Eilors, have an unrealistic story line and are never fleshed out as sympathetic characters. Margaret decides to marry Matt even though she knows he doesn't love her, while he is drawn to Margaret for her work ethic, honestly and the land she inherited from her wealthy father. A revelation toward the end of the book threatens their marriage, but the reactions of both characters doesn't ring true. Luckily, Macomber dedicates more time to wrapping us secondary relationships from the two previous books which left me satisfied.

Recommend: if you've read the other two, yes. Otherwise, skip this one.

Book Junkie's Grade: C+