Monday, July 27, 2009

What Are You Reading On Monday? (1)

A weekly event hosted by J. Kaye’s Book Blog to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. This past week (Which I'm counting as the 19th to the 26th), I finished 8 books-- not bad at all! Unfortunately, I'm falling way behind on getting reviews up for any of them! However, none of the books were ones I've received from publishers to review-- even I'm not slipping that much! I'd just like to make it clear that if I receive a book to review, I read and review it ASAP (or if there is a specific date asked for it to be posted, I have it done then). It's only when I'm reading books I've bought myself that my reviewing slows down!
Here's what I read during the last week:
Highland Treasure by Amanda Scott--- 4 stars. This book had it's moments-- at times, I really enjoyed the banter between the characters, but at other times they just annoyed me. It wasn't my favorite, by any means, but it wasn't bad either, and the good parts of the book made up for most of it. I've got her other books on my wish list, so I'll see if I like them any better. Highland Thirst by Hannah Howell and Lynsay Sands--- 4 stars. I enjoyed this one, but I'll be honest-- I liked Sand's novel a bit more than Howell's. For some reason, Howell seemed to really push the heavily accented conversations in her story, and it got annoying. I know they're Scottish, I love Scotland and everything about it, but please, don't type everything they're saying in an accented way for us to 'get the picture'. We get it, we can picture it on our own! Nothing against Howell, of course, I've read one of her other books and loved it, and I've still got all of her other books on my wish list-- it just seemed like parts of this particular one hit me wrong, though over all, I still liked the book. Passage to Zarahemla by Chris Heimerdinger--- 5 stars. I LOVED this book-- and the movie for it as well! It may technically be a Christian Fiction, but reading it, it's not blatantly obvious-- it's just a good fantasy and romance story to me! I love Sakerra and Kadoini (spelling may be off on both, sorry!) and their romance was very real, at least to me. He's from the ancient past, she's from the present, and they're only able to see each other when the link between their 'worlds' is thin enough-- really, that's what I can a long distance relationship! It's aimed more towards a teen audience, but don't let that discourage you-- give it a try! And the movie, which was written, produced, and directed by the author himself is great as well. I love how he's a local (meaning Utah) author, the book's set in Utah, and he did all the shooting here as well-- it may be one of the reasons why I connected with the book, being a Utah native myself... Where's My Hero? by Lisa Kleypas, Kinley MacGregor, and Julia Quinn--- 5 stars. Again, I loved this book-- it reminded me why I love romance so much, and also why I originally fell in love with Quinn and Kleypas's works. It's been a while since I've read either one (because I've read most of their current books), and this made me want to spend a full day re-visiting their books. Maybe I'll do a bit of re-reading after I get my pile down a bit... I did write a review for this one, so click HERE if you wish to read it. When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn--- 5 stars. After reading WMH?, I found myself digging Quinn's two books out of my TBR to read-- and I'm very glad I did! I loved this one as well, it's probably now my absolute favorite one! The characters, the romance, the wit--- it's all there, and very well done! And don't even forget about the steamy love scenes-- wow! The title does say it all..... A perfect book to curl up with and spend the day just being lazy and enjoying every minute of it! It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn-- 4.5 stars. This was the other one in my TBR, and while it wasn't as amazing as WHWW, I still enjoyed it a lot! I'll admit, Hyacinth was never my favorite Bridgerton, but she did grow up a bit in this book and became a bit less obnoxious. And again, very passionate and steamy, but with Quinn's usual wit. I've got to hand it to Lady Danbury-- she has no problem saying just what she wants! In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix--- 4.5 stars. At first, I worried about reading this one without having read the first one, A Rush of Wings, but since it was a library book, I had to read it now, not a month from now. I'll admit, I was a bit lost at times, and I would have preferred to read the series in order (I hate doing otherwise, though I *somehow* manage to read out of order a lot!), but over all, it was still a great book. More of an Urban Fantasy than a Romance, but don't worry, there was still enough of both in it to make me happy. I can't wait to read the others-- both the first and the third-- and get more of Dante (love that name!) and Heather's story. Unique story line as well, it's not just your run-of-the-mill vampires, but something more. Blue Moon by Alyson Noel--- 5 stars. As I've already said (in yesterday's post) I loved the first book, Evermore, and this one didn't disappoint me at all. True, Ever and Damen had to go through a lot more trouble in this one (Which did make me mad, but only because I want the HEA, and even though I know it's not an easy road to get there, sometimes I wish we could just have it be perfect.... But then it wouldn't be a true HEA, would it?), but I knew they could over come it, and they did... for now, at least! But now I have to wait until 2010 for the next one-- ARGH! And I have high hopes for it, since Ever will have to find a way to finish 'saving' Damen... ~~~~~~~ Here's what I plan on reading this week (May possibly change...): Gone by Michael Grant--- I'm on page 120 right now. Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan--- Page 50. This is an e-book, which is why I'm still only this far after three weeks.... Unwind by Neal Shusterman --- I haven't started it yet, but I'm picking it up from the library today, so it's next on my list. Skinned by Robin Wasserman--- Another library book I'm picking up, so it will be after Unwind. Lair of the Lion by Christine Feehan---I've had this one in my TBR for far too long, it's time I read it! Plus, it's on my LT 999 Challenge, which I'm a bit behind on.... Splendor by Brenda Joyce-- Another one that has been in my stack for a while and it's part of my Challenge. ~~~~~~~ If I read more/other books than what I've got listed, I'll try to remember to come back and edit this list-- but I can't make any promises! ;) Now, I'm off to work on Friday's 'Want to Read List, Part 4', along with Wednesday's "Waiting On" pick. Hmm... which book should I choose? So many to pick from! ;) And tomorrow will be my Teaser Tuesday, though from which book, I don't know-- it depends on if I finish Gone today or not. Enjoy your Monday everyone, and see you tomorrow! Until Next Time, The Book Queen

6 comments :

Jess said...

I have Evermore in my TBR pile. I am glad you enjoyed it -- I am looking forward to reading it!

The_Book_Queen said...

Jess-- It's a great book, I'm sure you'll love it! ;) Tell me what you think, will you?

Enjoy,
TBQ

VampFanGirl said...

Wow TBQ! You are one fast reader! I'm ashamed to admidt that I didn't finish a single book last week but over the weekend I started my first m/m romance by Joey W. Hill called 'Rough Canvas'. I've never read a m/m romance before so I decided to go with an author I trust and love. If you enjoy erotic romance, Joey W. Hill is for you. She's amazing!

;) VFG

Blanche said...

Awesome list TBQ!!

I'm working my way through Maverick by Lora Leigh!!

Anonymous said...

Ugh! I am behind on reviews too. I need to dig my way out of this mess.

Mary (Bookfan) said...

You are a reading machine!! Enjoy your reading this week.