Books Read in Fall 2014

November

1. Blood Magick by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is part of The Cousins O'Dwyer series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. If I Stay by Gayle Forman (NOTE: The other related book/sequel is Where She Went.)
3. Show Me, Baby by Cherise Sinclair (NOTE: This is part of the Masters of the Shadowland series. The order of which can be found here.)
4. Unbridled by Beth Williamson
5. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
6. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
7. Take Me to Paradise by Olivia Cunning (NOTE: This is part of the Sinners on Tour series. The order of which can be found here, but it has not been updated to include the latest novella.)
8. Holiday on Ice by Jaci Burton (NOTE: This is part of the Play by Play series. The order of which can be found here.)

December

1. Yours for Christmas by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fool's Gold series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis (NOTE: This is part of the Lucky Harbor series - the last one! The order of which can be found here.)
3. Covering Kendall by Julie Brannaugh (NOTE: This is part of the Love and Football series. The order of which can be found here.)
4. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

It looks more impressive than the list should be.  Many were novellas, just quick little fun romance short stories.  I did have some quality books in there - both romance and mainstream fiction.  It was a good run, and I have no complaints.

Books Read in April 2014

1. Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is part of her Cousins O'Dwyer series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. Taking Shots by Toni Aleo (NOTE: This is part of her Assassins series. The order of which can be found here in the Books tab.)
3. Hope Flames by Jaci Burton (NOTE: This is part of the Hope series. The order of which can be found here.)

Decent month full of quick reads. I didn't know how much I'd be able to read when the baby was born so I tried to pick some quick ones. It turns out, I'm able to read at only a slightly slower pace now that the baby is here. Either way, I'm back on the romance genre bandwagon which is nice. I have a few mainstream fiction books that I want to read, but it takes more brain power than I currently possess so I'm putting them on the back burner.

Books Read in November 2013

1. If Only by Cherise Sinclair  (NOTE:  This is part of the Masters of the Shadowlands series.  The order of which can be found here.)
2. Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis  (NOTE:  This is part of the Animal Magnetism series.  The order of which can be found here.)
3. The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick  (NOTE:  This is part of the Mother-Daughter Book Club series.  The order of which can be found here.)
4. Dark Witch by Nora Roberts  (NOTE:  This is part of the Cousin O’Dwyer trilogy.  This is the first book in the trilogy. You can find the release order for the rest of the trilogy (and the rest of Nora Roberts’s book for the year) here.)

The month wasn’t bad. I read all of these in the beginning of the month before starting the book club book which took me about a month to finish. You’ll see that one in December. No big standouts, but I enjoyed each of them. The books in the series were compelling enough that I’m frustrated by the long wait for the next book though The Mother-Daughter Book Club series is complete so I do have the second book ready to go. I usually take a break because the series is for much (much) younger readers so I can only handle so much at once of 6th grade angst.

Books Read in November 2012

1. Never Enough by Lauren Dane (NOTE: This is the third book of the Brown siblings about the Brown siblings and their friends. The order of which can be found here.)
2. Inside Out by Lauren Dane (NOTE: This is the fourth book (a novella) of the Brown siblings about the Brown siblings and their friends. The order of which can be found here.)
3. The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is part of the Inn Boonsboro trilogy. The order of which is The Next Always, The Last Boyfriend, and The Perfect Hope.)
4. Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis (NOTE: This book is the third book in the Animal series. The order in which to read can be found here.)
5. Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb (NOTE: This is #35 in the In Death series. You can find the order in which to read here.)

I’ve had some issues with my attention span this month, but the books I did read, I enjoyed quite a bit. Strangely, the Lauren Dane novella took me the longest to read and it was only 80 pages. Two of the books were conclusions of trilogies. Though I liked both trilogies, the last books were not my favorite. I was pleasantly surprised by the lastest J.D. Robb book though. High body count, good character development even after 35 books – good stuff indeed.

Books Read in May 2012

1. The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is part of the Inn Boonsboro trilogy. The order of which is The Next Always, The Last Boyfriend, and the upcoming The Perfect Hope.)
2. Barefoot Season by Susan Mallery
3. The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
4. Wicked Games by Jill Myles
5. Taken by Selena Kitt
6. Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis (NOTE: This is part of the Lucky Harbor series. The order can be found here as well as on her website.)
7. Power Tools series by Jane Rylon (NOTE: This is part of the Power Tools series. The order can be found here.)

Most of the reading came at the beginning of the month, and it started strong with Nora Roberts and Susan Mallery and then a decent book club book. Then, I just skimmed a bunch of erotica until Jill Shalvis's release. This may be one of my favorite Jill Shalvis books and hero. I'm really enjoying the town of Lucky Harbor. I have a lot of books from the library that I'm hoping to make it through, but we'll see. I'll have to kick it up a notch to get all the reading done in the first part of June.

Books Read in January 2012

1. The Next Always by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is the first book in the Inn Boonsboro trilogy.)
2. Barely a Lady by Eileen Dreyer (NOTE: This is the first book in the Drake’s Rakes series. Because I read the rest of the released book, the order is actually in the post.)
3. Never a Gentleman by Eileen Dreyer (NOTE: This is the second book in the Drake’s Rakes series. Because I read the rest of the released book, the order is actually in the post.)
4. Always a Temptress by Eileen Dreyer (NOTE: This is the third, most recent, book in the Drake’s Rakes series. Because I read the rest of the released book, the order is actually in the post though the series is ongoing so if you’re interested, keep checking Eileen Dreyer’s website for updates.)
5. Slow Ride by Erin McCarthy (NOTE: This is the latest in the Fast Track series. The order can be found here.)

No book club book because I read it last month. Go, me! This never happens. Good, enjoyable month though. Eileen Dreyer is a new-to-me author that has come highly recommended, and I enjoyed her books and definitely enjoyed the unique voice, location and plot. With historical romances, I sometimes feel like everything is recycled. I adored the Nora Roberts book, but she’s always fairly reliable when it comes to a good way to pass an afternoon. Hopefully, February has some good ones coming. I picked up some clearance books as well as Kristin Hannah’s newest so high expectations for all.

Books Read in October 2011

1. Chasing Fire by Chasing Fire
2. Only His by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This book is part of the Fool's Gold series. The order in which to read the series can be found here.)
3. Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl (NOTE: This is part of The Donovan Brothers Brewery series. You can find the order in which to read here
4. More Than Words Volume 7 by Jill Shalvis, Carly Phillips, and Donna Hill
5. Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward (NOTE: This is part of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. The order in which to read can be found here.)
6. Ape House by Sara Gruen
7. Covet by J.R. Ward> (NOTE: This is part of the The Fallen Angels series. The order in which to read can be found here.)
8. Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis (NOTE: This book is the second book in the Animal series. The order in which to read can be found here.)

It was a really great month for reading with most of it happening in the first week of the month. I read all electronic books and continued borrowing books from the library for my nook. Very pleased with this month’s books overall.

Books Read in November 2010

1. Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb (NOTE: This is part of the Eve/Roarke In Death series. The order can be found here.)
2. Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is part of the Brides quartet. The order can be found here.)
3. Nice Girls Don't by Anne O'Connell

I read all of these books in the early part of the month. The later part of the month and the beginning of next month is all book club. This month's book club book is a long one.

Also, a word of note that the last book listed is erotica so don't go checking it out if you're not into that type of thing. It's extremely graphic. If you do like that sort of thing, it was well done for the genre. There was an actual storyline with a touch of romance. I read a few other short stories of the genre which weren't worth listing and didn't even make the calendar in which I record all this information.

I'm hoping to read more next month when I finish the book club book.

Books Read in May 2010

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (NOTE: This is Book 1 of the Percy Jackson series. The book order can be found here.)
2. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (NOTE: This is Book 2 of the Percy Jackson series. The book order can be found here.)
3. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan (NOTE: This is Book 3 of the Percy Jackson series. The book order can be found here.)
4. Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is Book 3 in athe Bride Quartet. The order of which can be found here.)
5. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan (NOTE: This is Book 4 of the Percy Jackson series. The book order can be found here.)
6. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (NOTE: This is Book 5 of the Percy Jackson series. The book order can be found here.)
7. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

This was almost an entire Percy Jackson month, but I found the books very enjoyable. As always, the books that link to an ebook were read on my nook and the books that link to a physical book were read on paper. It was a good book month. I enjoyed each and every one of them. Also, don't tell my dad I read the last book. I had to preview the book before gifting to him. If he ever opens it, I think he'll find it absolutely hysterical.

Books Read in February 2010

1. The Wicked West by Victoria Dahl
2. Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins
3. Power Play by Deirdre Martin (NOTE: This book is part of the NY Blades series. You can find the order here on the author's website.)
4. Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
5. Sea Swept by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is part of the Chesapeake Bay series. The order can be found here.)
6. Rising Tides by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is part of the Chesapeake Bay series. The order can be found here.)
7. Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is part of the Chesapeake Bay series. The order can be found here.)
8. Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy (Note: This is part of the Fast Track series. The order can be found here.)
9. Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
10. Catch a Mate by Gena Showalter
    

As I mentioned earlier, I bought a nook, and it finally arrived this month. So, I've been reading actual books and ebooks. I've been finding, I've been reading much faster and have adapted to ereading much faster than I expected. I love it. I'm still buying books and will for my favorite authors (will probably end up buying more than one version actually), but I can see myself transferring to ereading on a much faster pace than I originally expected. Notable books this month - Winter Garden was absolutely fantastic. It was so well done, but it is a tear-jerker. The links above will link to a book or an ebook to represent which type of book I read. The Nora Roberts books are actual rereads. They were just as good this time around as the original time. There is also a fourth book in the series, but I opted not to read that one. Wench was for bookclub. Here's to an equally-productive March. So far, the books I've started have been great and can't wait to finish them!

Books Read in November 2009

1. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This book is the second in her Bride Quartet. The full order can be found here.)
2. Storm Front by Jim Butcher (NOTE: This is Book 1 of The Dresden Files series. You can find the order in which to read here.)
3. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (NOTE: This is part of the Southern Vampire or Sookie Stackhouse series. You can find the order in which to read here.)
4. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
5. Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is the fourth and final book in the Lone Star Sisters series. The first three books are Under Her Skin, Lip Service, and Straight from the Hip.)

It was a more productive month than I expected. I thought The Help was going to take longer. It's for bookclub and 450 pages. However, it was a fast read. I also took a break from romance and read a bit of paranormal which helped change things up. I'm back in the reading mode now and have a ton of books piling up so it's nice to be back. I am really enjoying the Nora Roberts series. It's sweet. I tend to like a bit of dark and twisty in my books, but hers are just really sweet and cute. I almost wish there was more conflict but have decided to just take them as they are. Not a bad book in the bunch this month.

Books Read in May 2009

1. Vision in White by Nora Roberts
2. Beach Music by Pat Conroy
3. Sophie's Secret by Tara Taylor Quinn

Though this month was kind of piddly, the books were good. Nora Roberts rarely fails to deliver. Her book was sweet and romantic and the good start to her new series. I can't wait for the other three books. Pat Conroy's book was for book club. It has been over a decade since I've read his work, but I do like his storytelling even if I'm an impatient reader. I always want to follow the book and enjoy the way he weaves a story. He is a very visual writer and I bet his books are great as audio books. Last, but not least, I squeezed in Tara Taylor Quinn. She writes Harlequin novels and always is a pleasure to read because of her unique plots and characters. I wanted a little more out of this book especially at the end. It left me with questions. As this is part of The Shelter Valley series, I may get answers eventually. It's always a good book when you want more. Good month. I'd love to keep up the reading trend. I started Susan Mallery's book, have J.R. Ward's close by, and I also have Shannon K. Butcher and Geralyn Dawson so I'm not lacking of anything to pick up.

Books read in December 2008

1. The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts. (NOTE: This is the third book in the Sign of Seven trilogy. Book 1 is Blood Brothers. Book 2 is The Hollow by Nora Roberts.
2. Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb

It was a Nora Roberts month for me. I liked both books, but I can't say either was my favorite in its respective series. I wanted the Sign of Seven series to be scarier and, though it had its creepy moments, it never clicked for me. That said, there were some adorable and tender moments in The Pagan Stone. Salvation in Death was different than I expected in terms of the plot, but I never claimed to be good at figuring out mysteries. It was a solid book.

I have the option of reading Suite 606 to continue the Nora Roberts trend, but I think I'll move onto something else. You can see what I'm currently reading on the main blog page. However, I'm also eagerly looking forward to 20th Century Ghosts, but Joe Hill scares me! So, it's slow-going (not to mention that I haven't finished Heart-Shaped Box yet). He's so talented, but ghosts really freak me out. Maybe soon, I'll get my courage up and finish Just After Sunset and get on the horror bandwagon to read/finish them all but, for now, I'll stick to the non-scary.

Books read in May 2008

1. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. (NOTE: This is the first book in the Twilight series. Book 2 is New Moon. Book 3 is Eclipse. Book 4 is Breaking Dawn.)
2. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. (NOTE: This is the first book in the Twilight series. Book 1 is Twilight. Book 3 is Eclipse. Book 4 is Breaking Dawn.)
3. The Hollow by Nora Roberts. (NOTE: This is the second book in the Sign of Seven trilogy. Book 1 is Blood Brothers. Book 3 is The Pagan Stone.)
4. Just a Taste by Deirdre Martin. (NOTE: This is the seventh book in the NY Blades series. The Book 1 is Body Check. Book 2 is Fair Play. Book 3 is Total Rush. Book 4 is The Penalty Box. Book 5 is Hot Ticket. Book 6 is Chasing Stanley. Book 8 is Power Play.)
5. 3rd Degree by James Patterson. (NOTE: This is the third book in the Women’s Murder Club series. Book 1 is 1st to Die. Book 2 is 2nd Chance. Book 4 is 4th of July. Book 5 is The 5th Horseman. Book 6 is The 6th Target. Book 7 is 7th Heaven.)
6. The Perfect Bride by Samantha James. (NOTE: This is the first of a trilogy about the Sterling siblings. Book 2 is The Perfect Groom. Book 3 is The Perfect Hero.)
7. The Perfect Groom by Samantha James. (NOTE: This is the second of a trilogy about the Sterling siblings. Book 1 is The Perfect Bride. Book 3 is The Perfect Hero.)
8. The Perfect Hero by Samantha James. (NOTE: This is the third of a trilogy about the Sterling siblings. Book 1 is The Perfect Bride. Book 2 is The Perfect Groom.)
9. Passion by Lisa Valdez.
10. Dear Santa by Karen Templeton. (NOTE: This is the first book in the Guys and Daughters series about the Vaccaro siblings. Book 2 is Yours, Mine… Ours?. Book 3 is Baby, I’m Yours.)
11. Yours, Mine… Ours? by Karen Templeton. (NOTE: This is the second book in the Guys and Daughters series about the Vaccaro siblings. Book 1 is Dear Santa. Book 3 is Baby, I’m Yours.)
12. Baby, I’m Yours by Karen Templeton. (NOTE: This is the third book in the Guys and Daughters series about the Vaccaro siblings. Book 1 is Dear Santa. Book 2 is Yours, Mine… Ours?.)
13. The Seduction of an Unknown Lady by Samantha James. (NOTE: This is second of a series about the McBride siblings. Book 1 is The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell. Book 3 is Bride of a Wicked Scotman – due out in 2009.)

I am thrilled that I was able to read so much this month. Granted, most of the books were quick reads. Also, I had the flu for what seemed like forever. I don’t think Twilight lived up to its hype, but I still want to finish the series and see the movie this December. I was shocked at a plot development in 3rd Degree and even though the series is very different from the tv show, I liked both and am glad I can continue on with the books even if the show was cancelled. Last, but not least, Samantha James is a new author to me. She mentions that she is a fan of the tortured hero on her website which must be why I enjoy her books. They’re enjoyable if not a little predictable. Still, they make me happy and that’s really the only requirement I have.

Books read in March 2008

1. Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb.
2. 1st to Die by James Patterson. (NOTE: This is the first book in the Women’s Murder Club series. Book 2 is Second Chance. Book 3 is 3rd Degree. Book 4 is 4th of July. Book 5 is The 5th Horseman. Book 6 is The 6th Target. Book 7 is 7th Heaven.)
3. Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts. (NOTE: This is the first book in the Sign of Seven trilogy. Book 2 is The Hollow. Book 3 is The Pagan Stone.)
4. Hard to Handle by Lori Foster. (NOTE: This is the third book in the SBC Fighters series. Book 1 is Causing Havoc. Book 2 is Simon Says.)

I had a good reading month. It was very bloodthirsty. Between J.D. Robb’s futuristic murder mystery and James Patterson’s serial killer, the body count was high. There was some mention of violence in the Nora Roberts book, but I think the real violence will come in the later books in the trilogy. Blood Brothers was an introductory book. I liked all of the characters and can’t wait for the rest of the installments. Hard to Handle was my light romance for the month. It’s fun and quick.