Saturday, September 4, 2010

August Reads

I thought I'd try something new and post my reads for the month.  Let's see how long it lasts!!

On paper/ebook

 Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill - B
It felt like part one of a story rather than a whole book but I did like the story and the style and I want to know more about Merit and Ethan so books 2 and 3 are on their way to me.

Aint Too Proud to Beg by Susan Donovan - C
I've had this one on my TBR for a while.  It was a bit disappointing overall.  Okay but not great.  Knock Me Off My Feet was great, so was Public Displays of Affection, but this one?  Not so much for me.

The Shy Bride by Lucy Monroe - B-/C+ 
I like the way Ms. Monroe writes her categories.  This one could have benefited from a little more exposition I thought.

Midnight Angel by Lisa Marie Rice - B-
Probably the best of the Midnight trilogy, for my money.

Take Your Pick by Jasmine Haynes - B-
Saucy, sexy novella but it lacked something in the character development area.

Shades of Gray by Brooke McKinley - A
My pick for the month.  A great book. Highly recommended.

Love Bites by Lynsey Sands - C+
I was expecting funnier I guess but an okay read overall.  I might pick up others in the series and give them a go.

Masked by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon - C+
I found this one very hard to grade.  I liked Max but his character was a bit schizophrenic in that he was either this suave "Roarke" type character or a frightened boy and I didn't quite get how they fit together.  CeeCee was annoying and the plot had holes so I'm still uncertain about picking up the next 2 in the series.  Having said that, it was strangely compelling and I didn't have any trouble finishing it. Hmm.

Ex Appeal by Cari Quinn - C-
Okay short, but really?  Meh.

More by Sloan Parker - B
I enjoyed the relationship between the 3 men but thought the suspense plot (while necessary to the story, over the top and the villian too one-dimensional.

And Call Me In The Morning by Willa Okati - B+
A really good m/m romance - heavy on the romance and characters while not lacking in, ahem, other departments (*wink wink*).  Thanks for the rec Kris!

Beyond the Night by Joss Ware - B
Interesting premise and marked my reading return to paranormals from a lengthy hiatus.  

Embrace the Night Eternal by Joss Ware - B
I liked Simon and the Falling Creek community certainly got me thinking.  I'm not sure I buy the Atlantis thing though...  I have book 3 and plan to read it one of these days.

Gay Best Friend by Kim Dare - C+
Okay short. I didn't really get the D/s though - I thought it would have been a better story (for its length) without it.  Otherwise, it needed a longer format, IMO.

Priority One by Stephani Hecht - B-
Good short but it felt like the middle was missing.  We jumped from first meeting to HEA - I know there was a middle but it wasn't in the book, sadly.  I would have liked to read more about this couple - another chapter or two would have made a big difference here.


On Audio
Manhunting by Jenny Crusie and narrated by Renee Raudman  - B+/A-  
Highly recommended

Anyone but You by Jenny Crusie and narrated by Susan Ericksen - B
Great book but I kept hearing Eve Dallas (Susan narrates all the in death books) and that threw me a little out of the story from time to time.

Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and narrated by Kate Fleming (aka Anna Fields). - A
An excellent book, excellently presented. This was my first SEP read and it holds a soft spot for me.  I love Ren Gage!!  Plus the banter between Isabel and Ren was made even better by this great narrator.

Fast Women by Jenny Crusie narrated by Sandra Burr - B+
Great story - that scene where Nell realises she's slept with everyone at the table except for Tim's new wife is still hilarious.  Plus there's, "brace yourself Bridget". Cracks me up.

The Search by Nora Roberts narrated by Tanya Eby - B+/A-
New to me narrator - she's really good.  I've read the story too and not all that long ago - a great book, narrated really well to add more to the story.  I do like Simon!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sony Readers move Down Under. Colour me happy!!

I interrupt normal transmission to spread the love that Sony has finally (finally!) decided to sell and support their Readers in Australia.  Apparently, they will be for sale from around $229AUD for the Pocket and $299AUD for the Touch from Borders, Myer and other retailers.  Oh joy!!  Just look at that pretty pink one!  *sigh*  I already have a Sony PRS-700 and while I'm happy with it, the screen clarity can leave a bit to be desired. The Pearl eInk screens on the newer models are, I'm told, much better.  I can't wait to test drive one in a shop and if they are as good as I hear, I'll be picking up a new baby and keeping the old one around as a spare.

It appears it's true, good things DO come to those who wait.

Thanks to Book Bee and Book Thingo for the heads up.
 
Ahh. Today's a good day. Smiley