Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Love on a Midsummer Night by Christy English, 314 pages

Christy English is definitely one of my favorite Regency romance writers with her Shakespearean based romances. In her newest, it's Raymond Olivier's turn to try to find happiness that isn't at the bottom of a bottle. It's been ten years since Arabella stood him up to marry a duke, and now she's turned to Raymond for help. While he's sure he can never forgive Arabella for her gold-digging ways, he can't turn her down since she's in danger. But the longer he's with her, the more he comes to think that the danger is from the man chasing Arabella, but is from him falling in love with Arabella all over again.
Cristy's books are always filled with humor, romance, intrigue, adventure, and seduction, making them a delight to read. I especially liked getting to see favorite characters from the previous book show up. The main problem with finishing one of her books is waiting for the next one. All I can say is that it better be Angelique's turn to find a happy ending.

A Dangerous Inheritance by Alison Weir, 507 pages

This historical fiction book tells the story of Katherine Grey, sister to Lady Jane Grey, and Kate Plantagenet, daughter to Richard III. Both have relatives who reached for the throne and lost their lives because of it, and have tragic links to the Tower of London even though they're separated by years, their stories have similar links. Alison Weir always does a great job of bringing English history to life in a fascinating story.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Master and God by Lindsey Davis, 452 pages

I'm generally a fan of anything historical but this book set in 81 AD Rome was just a little too jumbled to suit my taste.

The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy, 480 pages

This is a hilarious series featuring the Prince Charmings who aren't as suave, dashing and heroic as the stories make them out to be. One of the funniest juvenile books I've read. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Kevin by Paul Kupperberg, 156 pages

This book follows Kevin Keller, the first openly gay Archie character, through his coming-of-age story. He must not only make new friends at a new school, but deal with a bully and come to terms with his own sexuality. While I was a little disappointed to find out it wasn't a graphic novel, it was done really well.

The Darling Strumpet by Gillian Bagwall, 374 pages

Nell Gwynn was my favorite of King Charles II's many mistresses. She clawed her way up to becoming a leading lady on the stage when women were just starting to act, and caught the eye of England's newly restored king. She was funny and fascinating, and the author did a great job of bringing her to life.

The Love of Her Life by Laurie John, 230 pages

Another entry in the Sweet Valley University saga.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Saturday, July 20, 2013

A Treasury of Cat Mysteries compiled by Matin Greenberg, 354 pages

This collection of mysteries featuring cats has a variety of authors, including Carole Nelson Douglas, Joan Hess, and Nancy Pickard.

A Married Woman by John Laurie, 229 pages

I'm slowly working my way through Sweet Valley University, the final series featuring Elizabeth and Jessica that I'll read. This one has Jessica getting married.

Wonder Woman The Twelve Labors, 229 pages

This graphic novel comic collection features Wonder Woman trying to prove to herself that she deserves to be in the Justice League after the section of time that featured her as only Diana Prince with no powers at all. I'd collected most of these comics but not all, so it was great that I finally got to read them all.

Elvira Transylvania 90210 by John Paragon, 171 pages

Elvira is just hilarious, she makes no bones about being a campy horror babe. This one has Elvira having to deal with a new neighbor who has a fondness for her neck. This was no great piece of literature, but is a great mindless read.

Skye O'Malley by Bertrice Small, 461 pages

Skye O'Malley is one of the classics in torrid bodice rippers, filled with adventure, romance and steamy sex. This is one of my favorites, I've read it probably close to 10 times since I was in high school. I especially like how Skye meets up with Queen Elizabeth.

All the Sweet Tomorrows by Bertrice Small, 594 pages

Sometimes there is nothing better than a torrid bodice ripper, and no one does it better than Bertrice Small.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Zom-B Angels by Darren Shan, 182 pages

This has been a keep me on the edge of my seat read, with the plot advancing just enough each book to have me eagerly awaiting each one. This one had a major WTF moment at the end, because revitalized zombies isn't enough of a twist.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Gulp: adventures on the alimentary canal by Mary Roach, 348 pages


This was a fascinating look at how and why we eat, our digestive system and all involved with it. I learned more about spit, feces, and flatulence than I ever imagined and discovered it was not a great book to read while eating. But this book had me going "hmm" and "ooh" throughout because of the completely intriguing information I learned. I always enjoy Mary Roach's books, especially because of the passion she brings to her research.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Extreme Babymouse by Jennifer Holm, 93 pages

I have to make sure to bring home every new Babymouse book, the struggle is trying to read it before my teenager and tweenager daughters. Babymouse books are always funny, sweet, and a lot of fun to read.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Pegasus by Robin McKinley, 404 pages

Princess Sylviianel's country has held their alliance with the pegasi by forming alliances with them on the human's twelfth birthday. Using magician speakers is the only way generally for them to be able to communicate with each other, that is until Sylvi and her pegasus Ebon. They can speak to each other in a way that threatens all that holds the Alliance together, and some of the magicians can't let that happen.
Robin McKinley always does a great job of taking fairytales or fantasy stories and tweaking them into a new and interesting take. My main disappointment with this book was coming to the end and realizing that it wasn't the entire story.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Zom-B City by Darren Shan, 166 pages

This series is one of the oddest and most unusual takes on the zombie genre that I've seen. I don't want to say too much because I'm not the only one reading it, but each one leaves me going "Come on! What happens next?"

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, 209 pages

After reading a book covering Nellie Bly's attempt to travel around the world in only 75 days, I felt a longing to reread this classic. It's still as full of humor and adventure as I remember, and it's one of those books that is a classic for a reason. If you haven't picked this book up before, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

The Man Who Cast Two Shadows by Carol O'Connell, 278 pages

This series was recommended to me as someone's favorite books. I've read 2 so far, and I just don't really care for them. The characters just don't grab me and the plot seems convoluted and hard to follow. I don't think I'll pick up anymore in the series.

Hollywood, Dead Ahead by Kate Klise, 132 pages

I'm a big fan of the children's series 43 Old Cemetery Road. Anytime I check out the newest book I have to fight off my youngest daughter to try to read it first. The books are always a lot of fun and the illustrations really add to the enjoyment.

Anything for Love by Laurie John, 232 pages


What Your Parents Don't Know by Laurie John, 231 pages

I'm working my way through the final Sweet Valley series, with the twins at college.