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