Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Mini-Reviews part II


As I mentioned in the previous post, I’ve been reading a lot.  I thought I would split the post to be easier to read through.  So refresh that beverage of choice and settle down to read about some more books you might want to add to your to-read list.

Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, Book 5)Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

The husband-wife writing team that is Ilona Andrews knocks one out of the ballpark again.   Magic Slays is a solid entry into the Kate Daniels Magic series.  I loved how Curran and Kate grew together even more.  There’s a new enemy in town and this group is baaaaaad.  Her best friend, Andrea, comes back to town and they join forces to solve the first case of her new magical detective agency.

Kate is just as brash, cranky and loyal as ever.  She really has grown more mature over the course of the series as she makes friends and adds more responsibilities to her life.   We learn a bit more about Kate’s family, her mother this time and it was a shocker.  This series is a must-read for any lover of urban fantasy, man or woman (not a lot of that mushy stuff and a lot of action).
Sensuality: I only remember one sex scene
Rating: 5 stars

Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 9)Lover Unleashed by J.R.Ward

The ninth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series picks up right where Lover Mine ends, with Payne brought to the compound and V in shock he has a sister.

Jane know she can’t handle the injury on her own but knows her former co-worker, Manny, can certainly handle it.  I enjoyed this installment, although it’s generous to call it Payne and Manny’s story when V seems to have more page time.  It does however feel like there’s some completion there.  If you read BDB, you will definitely want to pick this one up.  It felt like a transition book, getting ready for a new batch of Brothers as we meet several new males so JR Ward can continue this spicy series.
Sensuality: several sex scenes
Rating: 3 stars

Vampire MineVampire Mine by Kerrelyn Sparks

Vampire Mine is grumpy Connor’s story.  Of course we always knew his grumpiness his a soft heart.  In true Love at Stake fashion, Ms. Sparks weaves a funny, heartwarming story that leaves you with a goofy smile on your face.  This time around, the girl is an angel, fallen from grace.  When I read that, I thought “hmmm how will that work?”  It ended up being a decent story, definitely worth reading, but maybe not one I’ll re-read.  Gregori’s story is next, out in September.  Looking forward to that!

Sensuality: a few sex scenes
Rating: 3 stars

Looking Glass Trilogy Books 1 and 2 by Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick

OK, I’ll admit it, Amanda Quick is one of my guilty pleasure reads.  I’ve read most of the books she’s written as Amanda Quick and many by her other pseudonyms.  Amanda Quick is Regency and Victorian England, set in the ton or on the fringes of ton society, usually involving a murder mystery and/or involving some type of magic (Arcane Society).  The heroines are usually vocal and smart, which I enjoy quite a lot. 

Jayne Ann Krentz is set in modern day and Jayne Castle is future, but often related in some way to the others.  The Looking Glass Trilogy follows an arcane item through all three time periods (and authors).  I read Quicksilver first (book 2) and then In Too Deep (book 1) and was able to follow easily, maybe because book 2 was set before book 1.  Anyway, each book easily stands alone.  I am looking forward to reading book 3, Canyons of Night due out August 30, 2011.

In Too Deep: Book One of the Looking Glass Trilogy (An Arcane Society Novel)In Too Deep by Jayne Ann Krentz

This is the Story of Fallon Jones and Isabella Valdez.   There seems to be a lot of backstory for Fallon and the J&J detective agency but JAK does a neat job summarizing any necessary plot points as they come up.  Fallon and Isabella make a really good team as each of their psychic abilities complement the others as do their personalities.  Fallon and the small town he lives in provide a perfect hiding place for her as she is on the run from her former boss.  They investigate several mysteries which are separate but linked in some way, making for an interesting and satisfying read. 

Sensuality: a few sex scenes
Rating: 3 stars

Quicksilver: Book Two of the Looking Glass Trilogy (Arcane Society: Looking Glass Trilogy)Quicksilver by Amanda Quick

This is the story of Virginia Dean and Owen Sweetwater.  Virginia is a genuine talent, able to read glass, or rather the images that are psychically burned into the glass at the time of a person’s death.  Needless to say, many people think she’s a fraud.  Owen Sweetwater, a psychic investigator, has closely observed her and knows she’s telling the truth about her ability and he needs her help on a case he’s working.  Adventure, romance and laughs abound in the book.  I especially giggled at references to medical treatment for female hysteria, which Virginia Dean and her friend, Charlotte have been researching.  This book is definitely worth reading if you enjoy historical romantic fiction with a touch of the paranormal.

Sensuality:  a few sex scenes
Rating: 4 stars

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