Irish's 75(to 100) book challenge

A place where I'll list out the books I've read during 2010 as well as my first impressions of them. As always full reviews will eventually be posted on my blog: http://tickettoanywere.blogspot.com

Welcome back!

I'm participating in some reading challenges this year, if you are interested in keeping track then please bookmark this blog post. With luck I'll remember to update it as I go!

http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-challenges.html

Starred! =)

Glad to see you back with us again, Gail!

#1 Fables Vol.1 Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: This book is a grown up version of Sarah Beth Durst's Into the Wild. I love the idea of fairy tale characters living in secret among us. The writing was solid. The panels were very well drawn. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series to see what happens next.

#2 Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean (published 30 Mar 2010)

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: I loved MacLean's debut YA novel The Season and so was eager to see what her adult book was like. I was fortunate enough to get an ARC which i devoured in just a few days. I loved the characters in this book...the heroine Callie is wonderful - she starts off a bit shy and passive but she really grows into this brilliantly shining star as she comes into her own. The hero is a totally swoon-worthy rake and the secondary characters really add to the mix. So why 3.5 stars you might ask? Because there are some flaws in the set up/writing of the story...to find out what they are check out my blog closer to the release date.

I am still waiting for my local library to get The Season.

The still don't have it!?! Shame on them! Loved that story!

#3 By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: really not sure how I feel about this one. Was a bit ambiguous. A quick read and well written but needs some processing.

#9: My local library is not known for the rapidity of their acquisitions :)

#4 The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell

Rating 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts. OMG I am so in love with this story. The world building and writing are amazing. Damien is such a delightlful snarky character. I loved everything about this book. Its a must read people!

I'll have to keep an eye out for this one!

Its due out in May from Egmont. so good. you will love it. There is great world building, amazing plot, snarky characters, adventure, superheroes, supervillans and more!

> 10 By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead sounds right up my reading alley. I'm adding it, and I hope my library carries it. I swear I've heard of it somewhere before, so maybe I heard a colleague talking about it.

#12: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Looks very good.

#5 Bone: Tall Tales by Jeff Smith and Tom Sniegoski

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: dubbed as a prequel to the Bone series but its actually a story that starts off after Bone the Complete Edition takes place. This is a group of short stories that talks about some of the Bones that we know and love as well as some historical ones about Jebidah Bone. As with other Bone books this was something that I enjoyed and would recommend to anyone who likes the series.


#6 The Prize by Julie Garwood

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: a reread. fun little historical romance which features a strong heroine who isn't afraid to fight for what she wants.

#7 Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: some great world building here. I loved the main character of Sophie she was smart and snarky and just in general a lot of fun. Can't wait for book 2...can't believe I have to wait until 2011!



#8 Heist Society by Ally Carter

Rating 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: I have to say that I enjoyed this book a lot better than Carters Gallagher Girls books. Kat was a lot more mature than Cammie and far less annoying. The writing/plotting was better as well. The pace was faster and there wasn't that much repetition which is something that is really beginning to bug me in the Gallagher Girls books. If you like the tv series LEVERAGE then you'll enjoy Heist Society as well - as its LEVERAGE with teens.

#9 The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen

Rating 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: not a dystopian in the sense where the the world is already in a state a flux. instead this books shows the beginnings of a dystopian society. there is a lot to think about this book about what should we do as humans...does the fact that we CAN do something with all of our technology mean that we SHOULD do it?

The Bone prequel sounds good, and The Gardener looks interesting. May have to look into that one.

you'll like Bone....be sure to keep an eye out for it. Gardener is also worth a read I think I'm going to have to check out her other book The Compound

I really enjoyed the Bone series (so much so that I bought the 1 volume edition with all of the books in it), so I will look for the prequel.

I am adding some of your other recent reads to the BlackHole as well. Thanks for the recommendations, Irish.

Gail and Stasia - If you've both enjoyed the Bone series, pick up the other prequel, Rose. It's the story of Gran'ma Ben back in her youth, years before Bone shows up in the Valley. Art wise, it's significantly different from Bone as it is illustrated in color by Charles Vess, but it's beautiful all the same. Jeff Smith writes this volume as well, so it ties nicely in with the events later on in the main volume.

#23: I will look for Rose as well then, David. Thanks for the recommendation.

This newest bone book is going to be all in color as well. The ARC had the first story in color with the rest in B&W and I find it had to pick which way I like best. There is something to be said with the panels fully inked and how vibrant all the colors are. But I also like the simplicity of the B&W and how it forces you to add your own colors.

#10 Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: this isn't a book that I loved, nor did I hate it. Kind of on the fence at the moment as I process it. Definitely curious though about its follow up, Linger.

I have Shiver sitting in my TBR pile, and I can't decide whether you've made me more or less intrigued by it.

its an interesting story and one that some people are very strongly drawn to. For me it was a little slow moving and I didn't get Stiefvater's explanation as to why the werewolves stayed in the North. But I am interested enough to check out book 2 in the series. You should read it, then let me know what you think. =)

I'll be adding the Gardener to the TBA pile. sounds excellent

#11 The Line by Teri Hall

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: This book took a little bit for me to get into, but I think that may have been because I was suffering from the ick right around when I started the book. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the world/history that Hall has created. Could have done without the cliffhanger ending though because its going to be a long long wait until I can get my hands on book 2!!!

released in stores 04 March 2010

#30: I hate when a book ends with a cliffhanger! I think I will wait until book 2 is available before reading the first one. Thanks for the heads up, Gail.

I'm hoping to get to Shiver in the next month (although TIOLI books seem to be taking over), so I'll come back and let you know what I think.

Speaking of having the ick when reading, has that ever ruined a book for you? That's happened to me twice in my life: once when I was a kid and was coming down with a nasty case of tonsillitis, I tried to read The Secret of the Andes and couldn't understand a word I was reading. The second time was a couple of years ago, when I was in my first trimester and was nauseous 24 hours a day. I read Neverwhere during this time and although I really like the story, I can't think of that book without feeling a little queasy.

#12 The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: I don't want to say too much about this one because I don't want to spoil it. This book isn't a sequel to Forest of Hands and Teeth but a companion. Its a new story in the same world and has its own twists and turns. I found the main character to be annoying, but not selfish as I found Mary. But at least Mary was strong...this character was a bit more weak in will and body. I can't say I enjoyed it as much as Forest but mainly because I knew the world, there were added details to it but no surprises. If you enjoyed Forest then you will probably like this one as well.

scaifea - can't say that the ick has ever ruined a book for me as I usually am so consumed with it that I don't get much reading in. I'm not one of those people who can read while sick, much to my disappointment.

#13 Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: Last year when I read Perfect Chemistry I wasn't all that impressed with it despite the hype. It was an ok book with an epilogue that just killed the whole story. So I wasn't sure what to expect with its sequel Rules of Attraction which stars Alex's brother Carlos. I must say that I loved this story. I pretty much read it in a single sitting. The whole plotting was just so much more believable and the writing was better. I liked how Kiara wasn't the typical book heroine, instead she was an average girl who isn't super popular but she's happy with who she is. I also liked how this book had parents...real people who took an active interest in their kids. It was nice to see. This book also had an epilogue that I could have done without, but at least this one was more believable than the one in Perfect Chemistry.

#36: Adding that one to the BlackHole.

Do you have to read Perfect Chemistry first or will this book stand alone?

you could probably read Rules of Attraction independently but to understand where Carlos came from its probably a good idea to read Perfect Chemistry first.

OK, thanks for the info Gail.

#14 Genesis by Bernard Beckett

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: maybe I'm just having a picky reading year but I wasn't as blown away by this book as others who I know have read it. For me there were some thought provoking moments but there were no surprises. I liked well enough but I didn't love it.

#40: Sorry you did not enjoy that one more, Gail. I hope your next read is better for you.

I think I may be having a picky reading year too. I did end up reading Shiver, and enjoyed it well enough at the time, but I wasn't blown away and won't be rushing out to buy the sequel. Genesis is another one that I'm planning to get to eventually, but I guess I shouldn't move it to the top of the list.

Zoe - so many people love Genesis so you might like it too. I have high expectations when it comes to dystopians. Although so many people really love Shiver too and look how that turned out for us both. ;-)

#15 Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: I had high expectations for this book after devouring the first 3 in the series only to find that this one took me forever to get into. I kept putting it down after only a few pages in as the story just didn't call to me. Then I spent most of the book making comments like WTF? and flipping back to earlier pages to see where the main character Cat made some conclusions. The editing was poor and I think some vital scenes were cut. The dialogue also wasn't the greatest. This book left me feeling sad and let down and I don't think I'll rush out to read First Drop of Crimson (its spinoff book) or the next Cat/Bones saga.

#44 - Well, that's a shame that this latest installment wasn't that good. I remember how much you enjoyed the first 3 when you read them, this really must have been bad for you to dislike it so much. =(

I'll be posting my review on my blog soon while its all fresh. I'll probably have to put up spoiler warnings so I can rant fully about what I didn't like about it.

#16 Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: started off a little slow but it wasn't long before I was completely engrossed in this story. The language and plotting aren't especially difficult but there is magic in the words. this is definitely a book to watch for - will be available in stores on 23 march 2010.

#47: Another one to look forward to!

#17 Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: wow what a great end to this fabulous quintet. this has got to be my favorite book in the series. a must read if you've read all the others.

#49: My thoughts exactly on that one. I am glad you enjoyed it!

#18 Fire by Kristen Cashore

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: I think I might have liked this story a lot better if I'd read it before Graceling. Fire takes place chronologically ~30 years before Graceling and in a whole other kingdom. For me it was a slow start and it took a bit to get used to the things that were differences between the Dells and the Seven Kingdoms. Once the action started to take off though, I really began to enjoy the story and become more attached to the characters. I listened to this one in the car and I just LOVED the narrator.

As I said above, this book does have a slow start and I'd tried to read print version several times. The audio helped me to keep with it since the narrator was mesmerizing. So if you are finding Fire hard at first, stick with it. It does eventually become an engrossing story that stays with you.

#51: I have not yet read Graceling. It looks like I had better find Fire first. Thanks for mentioning that, Gail.

#19 A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: finally I finished a book in march! I was beginning to despair. My reading is falling off target and that makes me sad. I'm in this weird slump. I enjoyed Spy in the House and when I read it I would get sucked in. But if I put it down, to say sleep, it could be days before I picked it up again. Not because the book wasn't engaging but because I would find other things a distraction....like tv. Anywho Spy in the House was a fun read. Some of the scenes seemed a little awkward but it was a good first novel and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

I plan to look for A Spy in the House the next time I head to the library... that's two good recommendations for it so far!

I'm planning to read A Spy in the House eventually too.

I already have A Spy in the House in the BlackHole. I hope my local library gets a copy soon.

#20 Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: this was a pure guilty pleasure book. it sucked me in from the start and found I couldn't put it down....read the book in its entirety in a single day. It was a fun read, I loved the Hathaway family and the hero/heroine of this story. Really enjoyable. I look forward to the next book in the series.

#57: I will have to look for that one. Thanks for the recommendation, Gail.

alcottacre - Mine Till Midnight while the start of a new series, its also closely tied to Lisa Kleypas's Wall flower series. Several of those characters appear in these books as well. They can be read independently, but there could be spoilers if you decided to go to the wallflowers books afterwards. Also Cam, the hero of this book, was first introduced in Devil in Winter, Wallflowers Book 3.

#21 Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: Not as much fun as Mine till Midnight. This story focused less on Kev and Win then it did as the Hathaway family as a whole. This book was also a bit more improbably than the first and the ending was a bit too perfect. Overall though I enjoyed the book and am interested to see where the unconventional Hathaways will take me next.

#59: I think I have all the books in the Wallflower series, but I will double check. Thanks for the heads up.

#22 Taming Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: received this as an ebook through the Harlequin ambassador program and I just couldn't get engaged in the story. I found my self skimming the pages and don't think that I lost anything by doing so. There was no real visible attraction between the two main leads and I never really bought their romance. Nor did I really buy a female sword-fighter in medieval England. Maybe I would have felt more for the hero, Ewan, if I'd read the previous books in this series which feature his brothers. Although after reading this book I don't know if I'll bother tracking down the others.

#62: That one does not sound good at all. I hope your next read is better for you.

they can't all be gems, right?

We could only wish!

#23 The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: This book has got to be one of the better books that I've read. Its so powerful at times heartbreaking as you deal with Lennie's grief but also hopeful as you journey with her through that inevitable moment when you know that the person you love is never coming back and as much as it hurts you have to move forward. Lennie has such a powerful voice and the surrounding cast add so much light and color to this book. Coupled with the text are poems that I just loved. A must read for all.



#24 The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: Its always hard to follow up a book that blows you away as The Sky is Everywhere did for me but Elizabeth Scott was able to suck me into her story. I was sucked in from page one and couldn't put the book down until I finished it. This was a book that I read in a single day. The characters were all engaging and made you care about them - some you liked, others you didn't. It was a great read and I expect nothing less from a book written by Elizabeth Scott. This is another book I recommend to all.

Now my problem is....what book do I pick up that has to live up to 2 great reads.

#66: Now my problem is....what book do I pick up that has to live up to 2 great reads.

I do not know, but it sure is a nice problem to have!

I am adding both books to the BlackHole.

#25 Deathday Letter by Shaun David Hutchinson

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: I enjoyed the book and the concept of it. It was humorous at times and at others a bit repetitive. I think that Hutchinson did a good job bringing the teen boy to life but there was just something about it that didn't make me fall 100% in love with the story. Need to ponder this one a bit I think. Deathday Letter is available 15 Jun 2010

#26 Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: cute premise but there was many a time when the writing was a bit cruder then I would have liked. Its supposed to be a romance after all! There is a sequel to this book but not sure I'll be checking it out. Although if it comes up as a free downloand from BN.com as this one was then I might change my story.



#27 Split by Swati Avasthi

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: what a wonderful debut! I loved the interaction between the brothers who reconnect after many years of separation. It was raw and believable and this was a story i didn't want to end.

#69: Split looks very good. I am going to see if I can find it. Thanks for the recommendation, Gail.

Alcottacre - it was a good story. I look forward to future books by Swati Avasthi

#28 Things I Know About Love by Kate le Vann

Rating 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: loved the narrator of this story and how it was written in a blog/diary format. Loved all the characters and their interactions and found it to be both humorous and bittersweet. I also wish that the book was longer so that the characters and story all could have been developed further. A good read and you should check it out when its available....which will be on 22 June 10 from EgmontUSA

#72: I will put that one on my Amazon wishlist. Thanks for another recommendation!

#29 Kami-Kaze by Satoshi Shiki

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: my first manga! I found some things in this story to be a bit unnecessary and times when the story was a bit disjointed and all over the place. but i liked the drawings and will probably check out the next volume in this story.



#30 Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: picked this book up when it was already past my bedtime and then ended up staying up all night because I couldn't put it down. this book was amazing. not perfect but wow...definitely one to look out for!



Fire Study by Maria Snyder

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: ugh!! I really should not have gone past Poison Study in this series as the books got progressively worse. This one took me MONTHS to get through and I am still amazed that I actually finished it. Not sure why I kept with it as I did not enjoy this read at all.

#74: I already have The Tension of Opposites in the BlackHole. I cannot wait for that one.

I guess I will just stick with reading Poison Study and leave the rest of that series be. Too bad about it.

some people really love the whole series. but it just wasn't for me.

The comments I have seen in this group on the rest of the series have not been complimentary at all, so I do not think it is just you in this case, Gail.

>74 Irisheyz77:: I really should not have gone past Poison Study in this series

Absolutely! I thought the first was OK, the second not-so-OK, the third actively bad...only read because the trio was given to me. There's no way I'm trying anything of hers again.

#32 Dark Lover by J.R. War

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: this series has the makings of some serious book crack! whipped through this in a day....so glad I bought the box set because now I can dive in immediately into book 2!

#79: My oldest daughter loves that series, so I know exactly what you mean about 'book crack', lol.

It is definately book crack. The latest just came out, but it is now in hardback. I refuse to buy these books in hardcover. I am so irritated about that.

#33 Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: the book crack continues! Loved Rhage's story, though it was so heartbreaking at times. The scribe virgin is a major b@#%$ and I can't wait and dreading Zsadist's story....I mean with just the hints that we've learned of his past from the first two books his could be a rough one. Highly recommend!

#34 Sleepless by Cyn Balog

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: Overall I enjoyed this retelling of the sandman story. I think that Balog brings a new twist to the myth and I really enjoyed that. I think that the ending was a bit rushed and was borderline unrealistic based on where the characters were at that time. Just seemed their motivations changed too quickly to be real. Also there were some random plot threads/characters that seemed to be dropped or forgotten. The characters that these involved weren't of a huge importance to the overall arc of the story so it wasn't a big deal that they were unresolved. The writing and world building were enjoyable and this is a book that I'd recommend. Sleepless will be available 13 July 2010.

#83: I will start looking for that one come July. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Gail.

#35 Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: Ever since first meeting the tortured and complex Zsadist in Dark Lover I've been looking forward to his story. He was mean(ish) and standoffish but underneath you could tell there was something more and I couldn't wait to see what Ward did with him. In the end I was really disappointed. Instead of a strong character with a horrible past what we saw was a broken shell of a person that didn't really mesh well with what we'd seen in other books. I was also distracted by all the segues into John Matthew's life. I like him as a character but in this whole book I kept reading him as a 12 year old....more of a child than a man....when age wise he's in his mid-20s. It just because a distraction and I think I would have preferred less John and more of some of the other characters that make up this world.

#36 Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: After the disappointment of Lover Awakened I was a bit wary of this book. But I shouldn't have been. I feel in love with this story. I wasn't sure of Butch when I first met in in Dark Lover but over the course of the series I really warmed up to him and so was glad to read his story. Next up is Vishous, a character I've loved from the start, so I can't wait to see what Ward does with him.

#37 Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: really liked this story up until the ending...which was a bit too WTF for me. It was rushed and seemed more like an easy out than anything else. Also getting tired of all the John Matthew time spent in these books. He gets his own story in Lover Mine but I wonder how that will play - what will be left to since since so much time has been devoted to him since his introduction to the series in Lover Eternal

Yep, I'm going to have to look into getting this series.

They are like book crack David! best buy them all. =)

#38 Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

Rating: 3 out of 4 stars

First Thoughts: Phury was never a fave of mine in this series and so I wasn't really looking forward to his story. So that could be part of why I found this one a bit disappointing. There just seemed to be an over abundance of plot lines and unnecessary text/story that didn't need to be there. The book synopsis should also say that roughly 1/2 the book is devoted to John Matthew & a small portion to his friend Quinn. More and more of these books are going over to JM that I really can't see a whole book built around him - I know I've said this before but I don't see it. I also missed the POVs of the other characters in this story. Would have liked to see more from the others but here they were regulated to background. Barely even saw Phury's twin, Zsadist. Still enjoy the world, but this story was definitely not a fave.

I am definitely going to have to look for that series!

#39 One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: I loved this book. The beginning was a little slow but it wasn't long before I was so sucked in. I loved Amelia and Spencer and how their relationship unfolded. This book was such a fun read and I hate hate hate that I don't have the next book in the series to dive into right away.

#92: I hate hate hate that I don't have the next book in the series to dive into right away.

I always hate that too! I hope you get your hands on the next one soon, Gail.

The next one is out in June and I'm part of a blog tour for it so I should get it in a few weeks. The 3rd book is out the month after....I

At least they are following rapidly one after another!

#40 Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: I really should know better than to read a book that won't be in stores until August. Especially when said book is the first of a trilogy and the author is Cassandra Clare. Clare as a way with horrible cliff hangery endings - although the ending of CA isn't a cliff hanger in the traditional sense (characters left in peril or similar). But it ends with a question. A question that I am desperate to know the answer too...an answer that won't come until Aug 2011. *le sigh* Really should have waited. But the draw of CC was just too powerful. I enjoyed all the ups and downs in this book and will be counting down the days until The Clockwork Prince is available.

#96: I think I may just wait until the entire trilogy is out to save myself the waiting!

#97 That's what I'm doing with the first series, Mortal Instruments. The third book comes out in paperback in August, and I'll pick it up and read through all 3 then, and then wait until at least the 2nd book in this new series is out before I pick them up. Unless, of course, like Gail says, I simply won't be able to wait and will get the new book right away. =)

People - I admire your restraint...I could never do it. Even though I know the wait will be killer there are just some books that I just need to read right as they are released. I couldn't imagine waiting 3 years before reading the Infernal Devices. I couldn't. So I bow to you both in awe.

Oh, don't be bowing in my direction yet. There's every chance that I'll get through MI and have to run right out to get Clockwork Angel. lol

Not me. I have been waiting since last year to read Catching Fire ever since I found out it ended in a cliffhanger. I am not reading it until I have Mockingjay in hand.

#41 Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: This was a cute, if very tame romance. If you aren't a fan of the naughty bits in a romance book then you can be assured and know the naughtiest this book gets is some kissing. It was entertaining though and a really good plane/beach read. Perfect example of a brain candy book. Not much substance but full of entertainment.



#42 Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: Didn't enjoy this one as much as One Dance with a Duke. Not much seen in the way of characters from previous books and not much covered in the mystery that was begun in book 1. This is very much a transition novel and a set up for what is to come in Three Nights with a Scoundrel. I liked how Merry isn't your typical virginal heroine - she is a tavern owner who drinks beer and isn't a novice in the bedroom. Rhys is a heartbreaking hero and likable. Overall, I'd file this one under brain candy as its more a boy meets girl book with little else to the plot.

#43 Change of Heart by Shari Maurer

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: I like the first half of this book, but then the author seemed to think that dying of heart failure wasn't enough trauma for the MC. So she decided to toss in a bunch of other random plot points - many of which were horribly cliched and predictable. There was much eye rolling by me as I finished it.



#44 Tempted by Twilight by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: Another fun Hathaway book. I really enjoy this quirky, unconventional family. Poppy longs for a normal/peaceful life but it just isn't in the cards for her. Nor would she really be happy in one. As much as I enjoyed Harry and Poppy - the star of this book is Beatrix who steals every scene that she is in. The epilogue leaves a bit to be desired though as it takes away from this book and turns it into a set up for Book 4 - Married by Morning.

#45 Soulless by Gail Carriger

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: what a fun story! I loved the victorian background mixed in with the paranormal and steampunk elements. Very delightful and I can't wait until I get a change to read the next book in the series Changeless. So many fun characters in this series!

#104: I just got my copy of that one in yesterday. I hope I love it as much as everyone else seems to have done!

#46 What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: a little more substance than the 3rd book in the series, Ten Things I Love About You. What Happens in London is a bit better executed than its follow up - but I did enjoy the MCs of Ten Things better. For whatever reason I've been reading this series backwards but that doesn't seem to have affected (or spoiled) me in any way. The first book is The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever which I may check out at some point - although reviews for that one haven't been promising.

I really enjoyed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever when I read it. I am sorry to hear that the reviews have been underwhelming.

I have Secret Diaries on hold at my library....so will give it a shot. I tend to like Julia Quinn so am hopeful. But glad to know it gets your vote of confidence. =)

#47 Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: overall i found this to be kinda meh. I picked it up when I heard there was going to be a tv show and so far that isn't thrilling me either. A friend says that its in the third book in the series is when it really takes off so I will give it until then before deciding to call it quits.



#48 Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: this novel took me by surprise. it hit me like a brick when I learned it was about dealing with cancer. it took a while for me to get through as it brought up many memories. The book was well written and its one that I am still trying to fully process.

#108: I confess that it has been a while since I read it, so I could be misremembering, but I do not think so.

#49 Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: I really love the world that Hopcus has created with Shadow Hills. I enjoyed the mystery and the characters - although some of Phe's friends could have been a bit better developed to make them seem more real. My one disappointment is that this book is so obviously the start of a series. One in which there currently isn't any word on if it will ever be finished. So fingers crossed that the publisher decides to pick up Book 2!

#111: That looks like one I would enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation, Gail.

#50. Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Full review can be found here. But in short this was an amazing read. Loved loved loved it!



#51 Top 8 by Katie Finn

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Full review can be found here. Such a cute read. Fast paced and perfect for a summer read.

#52 Indigo Blues by Danielle Joseph

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Full review can be found here. in sort though...I did not like this one.



#53 Alexis by Alexis Singer

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: Teen memoir about being seduced by an online predator. All I can say about this one is wow. Great writing. read it in a single sitting.

#54 Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Full review will post on my blog on 11 Aug...but lets just say this one has a TON of flaws.



#55 Losing Faith by Denise Jaden

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: not perfect but this was a book I fell into and couldn't put down once I picked it up. Beautiful story telling.

#56 Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts. WOW. AMAZING. Like no other book I've read all year. If you read no other book this year...then choose this one. It leaves me speechless.

Some great recent reading I see, Gail. Definitely adding Stolen to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!

#57 Clarity by Kim Harrington

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: a wonderful paranormal mystery that is sure to delight readers. There are physics, mediums and murders to figure out. Such a refreshing change from all the vampires and werewolves that are flooding the market. Love the characters and for once in a love triangle I am very hard pressed to choose a team! Both boys that Clare must decide between has moments of swoon mixed with truly ass hat ones. lol Clarity will be available in stores March 2011.



#58 The Way of the Shadows by Brent Weeks

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: The first in a trilogy. Its been awhile since I read an epic fantasy saga and I realized just how much I missed them. There are just so many layers to this that its hard to do any of them justice. My one real complaint is that there wasn't enough magic and other elements that you typically see in a fantasy. But on the plus side there were assassins! Looking forward to reading the next two books.

#59 Killer Cows by D.M. ANderson

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: If you like cheesy B movies then you will like this one. Its filled with lots of campy fun.



#60 Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: wow. excellent end to a series. and that's really all I can say now because I am sleep deprived from reading this all night and still have so much for my brain to process.

I am jealous that you have read Mockingjay already, Gail! I am still waiting for my copy to arrive.

I really liked Mockingjay. I agree, good end to the series.

Wow, you've read a LOT of good books lately! My TBR list just got significantly longer...

Mockingjay was awesome. Did you start a new thread?

luv this book!