Julie and Julia by Julie Powell

Julie and Julia

(Julie Powell) 

:Teaser:

You have Julie.  She's a 29 year old at a seemingly dead end point in her life of which she can't make any sense.  So, she throws herself into learning how to cook and daily blogging--something very laborious, routine, and highly structured--to see if she can once again find some meaning in her life over the course of a year and the 524 recipes included in Mastering the Art of French Cooking

Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts

Midnight Bayou
(Nora Roberts)

Pages: 368
Year Published: 2004

Teaser: Declan Fitzgerald gave up his life in Boston as a successful lawyer to purchase and restore an old plantation house down in swampy Lousiana. As he starts restoring the grand house to its original splendor, strange things begin occurring. Declan begins hearing the loud cries of a baby coming from his attic, and even begins having flashbacks to scenes from the house's rich past. To complicate matters, Declan has fallen in love at first sight with a local bar owner named Lena Simone, and it seems that she is also connected to what is happening in the house.

Short Thought: A fun, quick read, but not as good as the other Nora Roberts books that I have read.

Expanded Thoughts: So, I decided to read this after watching the Lifetime movie based on the book. The lifetime movie was pretty good. (Movie Information and I've embeded the trailer below the review) But I didn't enjoy the novel as much as the movie. (And I don't think it was just the fact that the movie had Jerry O'Connell in it.)

Let's get to it:

There are two absolute gems in this story--the beautiful setting and Lena's Cajun grandmother. The setting was portrayed richly, vibrantly, and really enhanced the story. Some of the old traditions of the region were discussed, mainly through Lena's grandmother, and the 'natives' spoke in wonderful colloquialisms. (The southerner in me rejoices). Even more than that, we are shown a sense of progression and made to really understand the rich roots of New Orleans through the flashbacks with Abby. It lends itself to this beautifully complex theme/argument whether of not people have changed in the last 100 years.

So why the low rating?

I felt that the main characters were flat compared to those in other Nora Roberts books I have read. Declan is a pig-headed, rich guy, who is very giving, and won't take no for an answer. Lena is the working class southern girl that fought to escape her crappy past and turned into a successful uber-independent woman who doesn't need anyone else. The romantic story between them was okay but was pretty lack-luster. I actually enjoyed the story between Abigail and Lucian better. It seemed more complex. To sum up, there was no real moment of tension throughout the book. It pretty much stayed at the same level throughout. Basically, It just wasn't not my taste.

I used to be one of those 'snobbies' that turned my nose up at these types of books, but now I can't wait to jump into the next Nora Roberts novel. No one should deny themselves a whole category of books, because, I tell you, I am sad that I have missed out on these for as long as I did.

Additional Thoughts: This novel has dark themes, mild violence, and sexual situations.


Midnight Bayou Movie Trailer

Windfall: Weather Warden Series 4

Windfall

(Rachel Caine)

Pages: 352
Year Published: 2005

Teaser: If you thought that Joanne's life was complicated before, you haven't seen anything yet. She has moved back to her hometown in Florida and has taken a job as a cute 'weather girl' at a news studio. Sounds pretty mundane, right? Unfortunately, Joanne stills has to figure out how to deal with David's new Ifrit status before it kills them both, the cop that has been stalking and threatening her since the Ma'at incident, and her privileged sister that has decided to take over her new apartment.

Short Thought: This is the best of this series so far. It reminded me why I like it so much.

Expanded Thoughts: I am seriously hoping that poor Joanne gets a vacation after this one. The girl never gets a break. Since you can read a synopsis of this book in several places, I am just gonna touch on a few things before I close this out.

Mainly, what made this novel better than the other ones in the series?

For me, it comes down to the fact that Joanne is easier to relate to in this one. She has a crappy job. (Not a magical hookie dookie job, a regular 'Joe' type job.) Her family is being crappy to her. (We even get a glimpse at her crappy past.) Her relationship is on the rocks. (Okay, that one is a little magical.) And everyone in the world seems to want her to have a crappy day. It is a brilliant mixture of real life and fantasy that make this book a good one.

This novel just really pulled at the heartstrings and made the reader fall in love with Joanne. (Especially with regard to David's dire situation) It still had the crazy fast paced, world ending drama, but it showed how Joanne was really starting to become affected by it. (Depression, anxiety, etc.) But I guess dying twice and being two different species would give some sort of PTSD to anyone. I personally wouldn't want to find out.

Additional Notes: This novel contains mild violence and sexual situations.

Murder Most Frothy: Coffeehouse Mysteries 4

Murder Most Frothy

(Cleo Coyle)

Pages: 272 (Mass Market Paperback)
Year Published: 2006

Teaser: Claire is headed to the Hamptons to help get a friend's restaurant off to a good start. It's summer, and the Hamptons are full of grandiose parties, hopping socialites, and drama at every corner. Claire is thankful for the change of scenery until one of the restaurant employee is found murdered inside of the owner's house. She fears for her friends' live and moves to investigate. I guess there is never a vacation away from murder.

Short Thought: Claire is a great main character. I just can't get enough of this series.

Expanded Thoughts: This is 'cozy mystery' done beautifully yet again. (Or as I call it 'TV alternative.') The characters were great with just enough scandal and drama thrown in. (Well, those are Matteo's two middle names, I believe.) This time, we are treated to a different setting, the Hamptons, and a whole mess of different suspects/party goers. It was fun because I'm a small rural town Tennessee girl and I hadn't even heard of the Hamptons. (I totally thought it was like Hampton Inn hotel or something.) I always love a book that teaches me things that I can use on Jeopardy! some day. It was a nice vacation, and now I'm ready to go back to the Blend. (What can I say? I miss the Baristas.)

My only gripes with this book are minimal. The first is the absence of Detective Quinn. He is in there for maybe a paragraph. I was just hoping for some more of that chemistry he and Claire have. (Can you tell I'm rooting for Mike? huh? huh?) Lastly, it just too darn short, but so is every book in this genre so I can't fault it too much. These books only take me a couple of hours to read, and leave me clawing for the next book. I just need to figure out how to slow my reading. Ah! (Dear Santa, I would like a 1500 page book featuring Ms. Claire Cosi.)

Chill Factor: Weather Warden Series 3

Chill Factor

(Rachel Caine)

Pages: 352 (Mass Market Paperback)
Year Published: 2005

Teaser: Picking up after the last novel's cliffhanger, Joanne is in the middle of trouble once again. She is scrambling across the country to confront Kevin in Las Vegas. If having to deal with an angry teenager with super powers wasn't enough, Joanne's trek is interrupted when she is kidnapped and finds herself in the headquarters of a very strange and dangerous organization. As they try to pump her for information, she finds that she cannot trust any of her old acquaintances--maybe even her beloved David.

Short Thought: Fun, easy to follow, romantic adventure that is as entertaining as any television program.

Expanded Thoughts: First let me just say that you really need to read the first two novels in this series before jumping into this one. This book picks up almost right where book 2 ended. (Weather Warden 1, Weather Warden 2).

This kind of novels are what I like to call "TV alternatives." You can just read, without a brain cramp, and enjoy the ride. There is an interesting storyline, fairly uncomplicated characters, and just enough twists for you to get your fix.

So what is delicious about this novel? First, we are treated with more back story and minor character development. The eccentric Lewis has played a major role in the last two novels, but his character had really remained a mystery until this novel. We are able to understand more about his strange behaviors and how he really fits into the whole grand hierarchy in regards to Djinn and Wardens. Even more than Lewis, I applaud this author for not doing what so many others do in this genre--drop characters off. This author successfully introduces new characters while keeping the personalities and presences of older characters alive. Developments actually go somewhere! (I have been frustrated with another series that will remain nameless.)

Second, can I just say that as cheesy and over-the-top as this couple is, I am addicted and find myself with warm fuzzies. It is a perfect healing, sweet, and sultry match! David and Joanne compliment each other so well. It makes for one of the best relationship dynamics I have seen in the fantasy genre in awhile. (Though, I cannot say that I not just being clouded by all the David-ness. -sigh-)

Lastly, this novel wasn't as flat and linear as the previous two. There was a lot going on, and it was balanced quite well and came together in the end. (I'm totally not giving spoilers on this one.) There was already one troublesome mission on the table at the start of this novel--the stoppage of Kevin, fiery teenager, and his stolen godly servant Johnathan--and tensions were high. Instead of calming down from there, it only got more urgent, more dangerous, more complex, and, at times, nail-biting. Each of the main characters have to find their way out of their own binds before they can truly stop Kevin, and with the twists thrown in no one can be trusted--not even their closest companions.

Okay, there were a few things about this novel that irritated the snot out of me. First, let me just say that Joanne is the biggest 'Mary-Sue' I have seen in a long time. I know it makes that reading easier and less complicated, but does everything have to revolve around her. ('Mary-Sue' is a character to which everything happens. Everyone wants to be with her, everyone is out to get her, only she can complete tasks, only she can save the world, etc...) Sometimes it is a bit ridiculous what she is put through and what she completes. Next, it seems these books are going to start ending in cliff-hangers. Boo-hiss on that! It wasn't as bad as the last book, but BOO! Lastly, the 'humor' gets old sometimes. I understand that humor is subjective, but I just found it annoying in places.

So overall, great fun with very minor hang-ups. It is a must read for fans of urban fantasy and strong female leads.

Additional Notes: This novel contains scenes of a sexual nature as well as mild violence.

Latte Trouble: Coffeehouse Mysteries 3

Latte Trouble

(Cleo Coyle)

Teaser: Lottie Harmon, a long time Village Blend customer, has finally made it big in the fashion world. She has completed her new collection of clothes that feature a coffee-inspired palette. She decides on the Village Blend as the place for the debut show. As Claire and her fellow baristas serve up the brew, prominent figures of the fashion world begin to fill the shop. All seems to be going well until one of those figures drops dead after being served a drink from Tucker. Claire is determined to prove that Tucker isn't a murderer and to save her shop from yet another scandal.

Short Thought: This novel definitely gives some bite to this genre!

Expanded Thoughts: Don't let the genre fool you! Sure this is a cozy, female-targeted yarn, but this mystery is a fun ride!

As with previous books in the series, the story follows single mother Claire Cosi and her life in New York City. This one centers around the frenzy of New York fashion week and the strange (umm..unique?) characters that are found in that world. It also shows how dangerous and how political the world of fashion is.

Some of the minor characters take a bigger role in this story as well. Each of the Blend's baristas are great characters and are excellently woven into the mystery. Namely, we learn quite a bit about Tucker when he is arrested for murder. I have to note that the author also does this without losing the richness of the main characters as so many other books do.

As for the mystery plot, it was great. It was uncomplicated and simple with a few twists. As with the other books in this series, I can never figure out the perp before it is revealed. That is something that I am usually able to do with books in this genre, but not with these.

I do have a few complaints though. The story is very short and uncomplicated. Claire's character hasn't really grow since the first novel in the series. All the relationships feel like they are still 'up in the air.' There are little tidbits into Claire past. (Mostly with Matteo) But there still isn't anything into which you can sink your teeth.

If you read the other two in this series, you won't be disappointed with this one. It is just as good if not a little bit better.

Additional Notes: This is the 3rd novel in the Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle.

Dead to the World: Sookie Stackhouse Series 4

Dead To The World

(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Still fuming from Bill's betrayal, Sookie is back in Bon Temps drowning her anger in her job. She thinks that she may just be granted a period of peace when Bill announces that he is leaving for an extended research trip to Peru. Unfortunately, Sookie's life is never boring. One night while driving home after her shift, she spots Eric, scared and barely clothed, running down the road. When she reaches him, she doesn't find the tough sheriff that she knows but an innocent, charming Northman. Someone has wiped all of his memories leaving him in a highly vulnerable state.

Short Thought: This one was my favorite in the series so far. What can I say, Eric over Bill any time!

Expanded Thoughts: Okay, I think I have to say that this is the best novel of the series so far. The setting is finally back in Bon Temps. (The town with which everyone is starting to fall in love.) We are also treated to learn more about the Fangtasia gang. In the other novels, Bill shielded Sookie from Eric and his gang, so it was nice to have her really see how they were.

Many have said that this novel 'kicks it up a notch,' I agree totally. (BAM!) Why do I think that? Well, the most obvious is that Sookie isn't some scared little belle anymore. Bill isn't there to treat her like an innocent child. She begins to show her Independence and her strength. Also, Sookie is being relied on for help. Not just for her telepathic powers, but Pam and Co are really hoping that Sookie can help to bring Eric back to normal. It is one of the times when the Vampires' super-duper abilities are useless.

[Spoilers]

What else makes me love it? There is tons of 'genuine' Sookie and Eric mush. There has constantly been tension, and I have been hoping for three novels for this 'forbidden' pairing to truly happen. (Can you tell Eric is my favorite?) It finally did, if even for a brief period. When Eric loses his memories, he also loses all of his greed, darkness, and boundaries. He becomes a simple, honest man. (No, really, Eric, simple, and honest in the same sentence.) And though it is no secret that I despise those mushy intimate scenes (granny entertainment), I didn't mind them in this one so much. For those of you that do like them, I will just say that you will get your money's worth and more.

[End of Spoilers]

All that being aside, the story was the best yet. My only complaint about it is that it was too short. It could have had an extra 100 pages and been a masterpiece, but it was still great and entertaining. Ah, bah! Enough of this, if you are hooked on Sookie, this is a volume in the series that you can't miss! (Especially, if you have a thing for blonde vikings!)

Additional Notes: This is the 4th book in the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris. (This series is also known as the Southern Vampire Mysteries.)

Additional Notes: This novel contains violence, coarse language, and scenes depicting sexual situations.

Heat Stroke: Weather Warden Series 2

Heat Stroke

(Rachel Caine)

Teaser: Joanne begins learning the difficulties and consequences of being reborn as a Djinn. She must learn the basics if she is to survive. She is sent to Paul, the only other Djinn that began as a human, to begin training. Unfortunately for Joanne, there are those that would use her new found situation to their advantage. She finds herself in great trouble once again.

Short Thought: Fun and adventurous light read with a cliffhanger ending.

Expanded Thoughts: Let me first just say that if you like this series, buy/check out this book and the next one at the same time, because this one ends on a cliffhanger. It is a very cruel, cruel thing if you aren't prepared.

In the last book, the Weather Wardens and their structures and powers were the focus. In this novel, the focus is primarily on the mysterious Djinn. We are given a lot of information, but are still left with plenty of mystery. Through Joanne, we are shown that the limitless powers they possess are not without an equally measurable dark side full of tragedy.

Light novels like this have found a permanent page on my shelves. Nothing epic or inspiring, but worth the entertainment value. I look forward to continuing the series. I'll add it to my "better than TV" section. It's like a twisted, fantastical Lifetime movie, whooo!

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Weather Warden Series by Rachel Caine

Additional Notes: This novel does contain scenes depicting sexual situations.

Club Dead: Sookie Stackhouse Series 3

Club Dead

(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Cozy couple Bill and Sookie have been drifting apart as of late. Bill, who has always placed Sookie on a pedestal, has became increasingly secretive and distant. The situation escalates when Bill goes missing after a mysterious trip to Mississippi. With the help of a new lycanthropic acquaintance, Alcide, Sookie goes to Mississippi desperate for answers.

Short Thought: Great sexy fun, but it slightly inconsistent with the first two novels in the series.

Expanded Thoughts: This story was bizarre, even for this series. We get introduced to a crap load of new characters, while old characters fade. Sweet Sookie changes a lot in this one. She gets a handful of new love interests, new life experiences, and discovers her darker nature.

[Minor Spoilers]

This series' central theme is the shock to the societal system that was made when the vampires decided to 'go public.' Little did we know that vampires were just the tip of the iceberg. We are introduced to the tribal 'Were' network in this novel. There are even nightclubs (hence, club dead) that cater to 'two-natured' patrons. I found that bizarre because it is inconsistent with all the 'vamp hoopla.'

Next, this novel takes a new turn when the solid pairing of Bill and Sookie starts to crumble. Bill is slowing pushing Sookie to the side, and it doesn't sit with Sookie one bit. After he runs off to Mississppi, he leaves his computer system in Sookie's closet with a mysterious database program on it. (The place in which he usually sleeps over.) Okay, I have to comment on this. Bill has a computer?! He has always been portrayed as a guy stuck in the old ways. I just do not see him as the ultra vampire techie geek who would make a program database thing that no one had ever thought to do. It just doesn't fit.

I am not going to give any more away because if you have read the first couple books in this series, you will read this one regardless of what I put on here. So just know this, the story was faster paced than normal with more twists. None of the usual minor characters are in it. (Other than Bill and Eric really.) It leaves behind most of the old developing plotlines, and replacing it with newer, more expansive ones. Despite its flaws, this novels was entertaining as 'all get out.'

Additional Notes: This is the 3rd novel in the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris. It is also known as the Southern Vampire Mysteries.

Additional Notes: This novel does contain scenes of violence and sexual situations.

Through the Grinder: Coffeehouse Mysteries 2

Through The Grinder

(Cleo Coyle)

Teaser: Clare Cosi's life is once again taken off its tracks. This time Clare founds out that her daughter is e-dating, and so she decides to sign-up to keep an eye on her. Unfortunately, it leads Clare and the Village Blend into major trouble yet again when Clare finds out that she may have just accepted a date with a serial killer.

Short Thought: Combines my two favorite things: coffee and mystery thrills!

Expanded Thoughts: I am always worried when I read the second book in the series especially if I loved the first one. I didn't need to worry with this one. It was a perfect book 2. It still had the wonderful feel of the first, but handed the reader just a little more of the life of Claire with a few more twists.

I love Claire as the main character. She is a woman that knows how to handle herself, and knows when to tell a guy off. (Especially Matteo, ha!) What I like most about her though is that she faces a lot of the problems that are relevant to women today. In this volume, she is worried sick about who daughter may be involved with and she also deals with dating woes of her own.

Don't let the lightness of this genre fool you either. The mystery plot was solid in this one. It kept you guessing until the end, and you never really knew just how in how much danger Claire was. In the story is included scenes with little snippets of the killer mind. It was great.

Also, can I just say that I love coffee? I mean I LOVE coffee. So, all the the coffee knowledge that I am gaining from these books is just icing on the cake. (A coffee cake!)

I just love it. It is the perfect contemporary, cozy, and light mystery drama.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle.

Blood Lines: World of the Lupi Series 3

Blood Lines

(Eileen Wilks)

Teaser: Rule has barely recovered from the severe wounds inflicted in the last ordeal, but regardless the government drafts he and Lily to investigate a serious matter. There is rumor of a group of politicians making deals with the devil to further their influence. This mission is so dangerous that the hard-nosed Cynna and the strange Cullen are also drafted to help.

Short Thought: A great continuation of an exciting paranormal romance series.

Expanded Thoughts: This novel was fun. Pure fun. I was convinced that this series wasn't going anywhere, and that it would just be a collection of WAFF-y Lily and Rule scenes. Boy, was I wrong!

The author really opens up the setting in this novel. We are given a deeper insight into the strained relationships between the Were (Lupi) tribes. I love that the author actually has Rule deal with the hardships of his position as heir. Most books build up a character with a powerful status, but they never have him deal with what comes with it. He has to battle with dissenters, finances of the clan, and etc.

We also get some mystery added with Lily's Grandmother, Cynna, and Cullen. Where do their powers come from? Does this open up a new conflict outside of the Lupi in the US? To the public, there is no magic, but it seems to be all over the globe.

I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say this: these are the most original and complex paranormal romances I have read. They are impossible to predict, and don't fit into any mold.

Additional Notes: This is the 3rd novel in the World of the Lupi Series by Eileen Wilks.

Additional Notes: This novel does contain scenes of mild violence and sexual situations.

Angels Fall by Nora Roberts

Angels Fall

(Nora Roberts)

Teaser: Gourmet chef Reece Gilmore has been traveling nonstop for over a year, and she still doesn't have a destination in sight. Fate intervenes when her car breaks down in the majestic mountain town of Angels Fist. The repairs are serious and could take quite awhile to complete. In other words, she's stuck for longer than she ever intended.

She decides to take a job as a short order cook at the Angel Food Diner to help pay for her car repairs, and to keep her anxiety and restlessness at bay. On her day off, she decides to take a hike to enjoy the wonderful scenery around her. What should have been a wonderful hike turns into a life changing ordeal when Reece witnesses a murder in progress. Now, she is forced to stay in town even longer, and deal with her violent past with which she still struggles.

Short Thought: Wonderful mystery set in a majestic place.

Expanded Thoughts: I think this novel hit a special note with me. It portrayed the small town diner vibe very well. Having worked in many myself, it made it quite special to me. (And it had mountains, you can't beat mountains!)

This was a really good mystery. It was one of my favorite, if not my favorite, Nora Roberts novels so far. The murder plot was genius. Half the time the reader is left wondering if a murder even took place, or if someone is coming after Reece, etc. It isn't predictable in the least, and the supporting characters are brilliant. The novel was also moderately thick for this genre, so it wasn't over before you finish. It developed nicely and hit several different notes.

I don't have any complaints about it really. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a wonderful murder mystery with a perfect mix of romance and personal growth. I look forward to reading it again.

Additional Notes: This novel contains mild violence, dark themes, and sexual themes.

On What Grounds: Coffeehouse Mysteries 1

On What Grounds

(Cleo Coyle)

Teaser: With her daughter off to college, Claire is coming back to the life she fell in love with years ago. She is coming back as the head manager of The Village Blend, a coffee shop in Greenwich Village, to make it the most successful coffee shop in town. If Claire has one true love, it would definitely be coffee and the joy it brings to the people who drink it.

The problem is that the owner of the Blend is her cheating ex-husband's mother and could potentially make it a very awkward arrangement. It that wasn't stressful enough, Claire opens the shop one morning to find one of her beloved employee's bodies. Not only does she fear for her other employees, but she fears that it could put the shop that she loves so dear out of business.

Short Thought: An intriguing and wonderful mystery for the modern woman.

Expanded Thoughts: In an effort to get away from the fantasy and the historical fiction genres, I decided to pick up this book and give it a shot. What could be better than a contemporary feminine mystery centered around coffee? If fact, what is better than coffee? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

This series opener didn't disappoint. It delivered a simple, easy to read and follow mystery plot that was like a network television series. Very enjoyable, and not complicated or complex at all.

This book has great characters even if they are a little predictable. (It fits with the cozy mystery vibe.) They relate to real life. We get to see Claire as a savvy businesswoman who has gone through some problems that are very relevant to many readers. We get to experience her strength as she continually grows and battles the obstacles put in front of her. Not only does she have to face her ex-husband, run the shop, and keep her daughter in line, but she has to constantly be available for police questioning and suspicions.

I also love this book because it teaches the reader something that isn't common knowledge. Throughout the story, the author cleverly mixes in information about coffee. She goes in-depth about the different processes, beans, and concoctions. I was thrilled. I have been drinking coffee for over 20 years and I didn't know any of that stuff. (Well, except that Decaf is for crazy people, but that's a given.) The descriptions weren't so long that they became boring either; they were very well done. As another extra, there are wonderful recipes at the back of the book. If you took the notion, you could actually try the same foods that are served in the book. I love to cook and learn, so I thought that it was brilliant.

I'm really starting to dig books of this type. I think of them as Chic Mystery, Betty Crocker Style.

Additional Notes: This is the 1st novel in the Coffeehouse Mysteries Series by Cleo Coyle.

Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts

Carolina Moon

(Nora Roberts)

Teaser: As children in the small town of Progress, Tory Bodeen and Hope Lavelle were inseparable until tragedy struck. One night, Tory ran to the Lavelle's door bruised, bloody, and screaming hysterically. A few hours later, Hope's battered body was found in the woods near the property.

Fast forward many years, Tory is returning to Progress to confront the demons she left behind and open up her own business. She quickly becomes the talk of the town and the target of many dangers.

Short Thought: A richly developed mystery with just a hint of the supernatural.

Expanded Thoughts: Tory Bodeen is a great main character with a unique gift. She just 'knows' things. She can find lost items, hear thoughts, and experience things through others eyes. It is like a curse to her. Her father is a abusive man who views her gift as a sign of the 'devil,' and he attempts to beat it out her throughout her childhood. Her mother is no better, she just stands by and blames the beatings on Tory herself. Despite all of this, Tory turns out okay and actually quite successful. Upon returning to Progress, after her parents relocated, she is a savvy businesswoman and builds a profitable retail store. She was truly I character that I loved following.

As for the romance element, both main couples were great. It has that nice 'love will help heal wounds' vibe that is fun to read. These four damaged people are brought together and made into better people for it. The relationships weren't overly gushy and were uncomplicated and easy to follow.

I also loved this novel because it touched on some hot button issues. Class (sociological and financial status) was a huge issue. Cade (and his late sister Hope) are heirs to the wealthiest estate in the area with an enormous house to match. Tory's family used to rent a house from them until they relocated into a trailer with a roof that has more holes than shingles. We are shown that both classes have struggles and scandals that differ greatly but are equally as damaging to someone brought up in it. It just adds another element to the story, scandal, and romance. It isn't cheesily done either, it is done well.

The mystery plot, as with most of Roberts' works, was done very well. It had me guessing who the real perp was until the end. It was also perfectly balanced. The love story didn't overshadow the mystery, and the mystery didn't overshadow the any of the other mechanics in the story. This is a wonderful novel to start into this genre, or positively change your opinion of it.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, violence, and sexual situations.

Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts

Blue Smoke

(Nora Roberts)

Teaser: Catarina Hale's childhood ended as she watched the fire dance out of her parents' Italian restaurant. She couldn't help but be mesmerized by its beauty as it destroyed her second home. From the moment on, Catarina life would forever be centered around fire and the destruction it leaves.

Short Thought: Great romantic mystery that spans two decades.

Expanded Thoughts: The main character, Catarina Hale, is a strong female lead with tragic flaws that make her interesting. This novel differs from Roberts' other works in that we get to meet Ms. Hale when she is twelve years old, and follow her story until her early thirties when the breadth of the novel takes place. We don't get hints of how she came into her own, we truly get to see it and experience through her eyes. It makes the mystery plot deeper, easier to empathize with, and more memorable than many others.

As for the romance, it was okay. Bo's and Catarina's lives dance around each other for years until they finally intersect. They make a cute couple in the 'star-crossed lovers' kind of way, but it's a little too unrealistic for me. (Yes, even for romance novels.) Bo's character is just way too flat compared to Catarina's. He's the dumbstruck, good ol' carpenter that stakes his whole life on a woman that he had never met. It was sweet and did complement the hole in Reena's life, but it isn't close to the top when you compare to some of the other couples that Roberts' has spun out.

Overall, the mystery and intrigue greatly over shadow the romance. (Hurrah!) If you love Nora Roberts' novels sans all the mystical and magical themes, you should read this one.

Additional Notes: This novel contain themes of a sexual and dark nature.

An Ice Cold Grave: Harper Connelly Mysteries 3

An Ice Cold Grave

(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Harper and Tolliver are in the Carolinas in the cold, bitter winter as a last ditch effort for the local police department to find out what has happened to a mess of teenage boys. Could it be a serial killer, or something even more twisted? Also, what of Harper's developing feelings for her stepbrother?

Short Thought: Different tone than the other novels. I miss the old tone.

Expanded Thoughts: [Spoiler Warning] There were a lot of major changes to the flow of the story in this novel. I'm not sure I liked them. Yet again, another one of Ms. Harris' books have turned a little too "romancy" for me. It is still very entertaining; the author does chic lit mystery like no other. Overall, it's still good, but not as good as it was at the beginning. The mystery was still brilliant, but the new 'stepbrother/sister' love dynamic made me a little sick. I don't care if they aren't blood, it still made me my stomach punch itself.

One thing that I really enjoyed about the first novels was the sweet (NON-FREAKING-SEXUAL) brother and sister relationship Tolliver and Harper had. (Little did I know just how much and how vulgarly they cared for one another) It was different than the other novels that Harris puts out. (They can get a bit redundant when you read them close together.) I was looking forward to the two of them traveling and hooking up with interesting people on the road, but I guess that's why I'm not the author.

I will probably read more of these in the future, but it's definitely not a priority. Great mystery, but scary. awkward romance.

Additional Notes: This novel contains scenes of a sexual nature, and scenes of mild violence.

Additional Notes (2): This is the 3rd book in the Harper Connelly Mysteries by Charlaine Harris.

Shakespeare's Champion: The Lily Bard Series 2

Shakespeare's Champion

(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Lily happens upon another corpse in the place she uses as her sanctuary--the local gym. The man met his end with a barbell in the neck. The murder has the entire town of Shakespeare in an uproar. To complicate matters, the deceased was a known racist and thought to have been responsible for a couple of murders involving African American victims. It brings all the underlying racial tension to the surface in this small Arkansas town.

Short Thought: Deliciously dark and smart chick mystery with a pinch of the sweet South.

Expanded Thoughts: This is another entertaining mystery that can be read in a couple of hours. It's perfect summer reading or winter cabin reading.

I plan to continue reading the next couple books in this series, but there are a few things in this book that slightly set me off. First, Harris introduces plot lines that never happened in the first novel. There are fights and relationships mentioned that don't actually get introduced until 50 pages or so later. For such a short read, it was just annoying. I felt like I couldn't fully grasp the meanings or flow of things. It made me feel like I had accidentally skipped a book in the series. (I actually checked twice to make sure I was reading the correct book). It was almost like someone saw these inconsistencies and then randomly shoved in explanations.

Also, coming from a small homogeneous town myself, I wish that Harris would include some of the gems of Southern culture in her novels. It seems she focuses on the bigotry, racism, ignorance, intolerance, and religiosity and takes it too far. Where's the hospitality, kindness, thriftiness, values, traditions, manners, and sweet vibe of the Southern towns that I know. (I lived in a town of less than 1,500 people for over 20 years, and that counts the surrounding territories. I know small towns.) I felt that some of the characters were just stock cut-outs of a outsider's idea of southern stereotypes. Now, don't get me wrong, all of the bad stuff does exist; it exists everywhere unfortunately. It just isn't to that extent; life isn't that one sided. Stereotypes can be brilliant and funny, but it just beat the dead horse this time. (was too much.)

Despite my annoyances, it was a great mystery that hits a lot of good notes. Harris is the queen of Chick Mystery (is that the term.) It packs a big punch in a short amount of pages.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes and sexual themes.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Lily Bard Mysteries by Charlaine Harris.

Mortal Danger: World of the Lupi Series 2

Mortal Danger

(Eileen Wilks)

Teaser: Lily is slowly settling into her new life as the chosen lover of Rule. Unfortunately, there is a evil plotting behind the scenes that has plans to change Lily's and Rule's relationship forever to further their power. Just as Rule has two true natures, so will Lily, and she will need both to survive.

Short Thought: Very entertaining. Makes for great leisure reading when you want to send your brain floating on adventure mode or you want that "lifetime movie" feeling added to your day.

Expanded Thoughts: I do think that this novel was better than the first. I have to apologize for the anemic teaser, but the plot is very simple. If I put any more I would be giving spoilers away, and I try, sometimes unsuccessfully, not to do that.

This novel seemed to be less forced, less predictable, and more complex. The relationship between Lily and Rule is sweet and for what every person would die. It just that deliciously unrealistic, but in a dreamy, girly movie type of way. It puts off WAFF-y waves.

The author opened up a lot of new plot lines that have the reader begging for the next novel. I could go on with a longer review, but for real, if you liked the first one, you need to read this one. It will not disappoint. Wilks has a good formula here, and I look forward to having these as a guilty pleasure on my estrogen-charged days.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the World of the Lupi Series by Eileen Wilks.

Additional Notes: This novel contains scenes of violence and mild sexual activity.

Living Dead in Dallas: Sookie Stackhouse Series 2

Living Dead in Dallas
(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Sookie's new adventure kicks off with a bang. The wonderfully flamboyant Lafayette is found dead inside of the car of Andy Bellefleur. Barely recovered from the horrors that have touched down recently in her life, Sookie is shocked when no one in the town cares to investigate or even name a perp.

To complicate things, Sookie is being asked (as if she had a choice) to Dallas by a member of the vampire hierarchy. She goes there, much to her dislike, as Bill's pet with a gift. She's to use her rare telepathic abilities to find a missing vampire, but the Dallas vampires are skeptical of her skills. As Sookie tries to stay on their good sides, she finds that going to Dallas may have just put her closer to Lafayette's killer.

Short Thought: A nice continuation of the series that spans several genres.

Expanded Thoughts: So, what can I say? I talked about reading the first of this series recently on here. I enjoyed it so much I decided to continue with the second in the series.

What is lovely about this novel is: easy, quick, dark plots, entertaining characters, conversational read, gritty, and sexy.

What I could have done without: half the romance (I'm not a big fan of detailed romance scenes), the inconsistencies with the previous novel, and some of the cliched bits.

In summary, despite the few cons about these, I am totally hooked on them. They are some of the most entertaining novels I have read in awhile. And really, who doesn't like the main character to be a underestimated small town southern girl with the strong personality to match? I was afraid that I would hate these novels, because I CANNOT stand Buffy the Vampire Slayer (or any of those fantasy soap operas), but I was pleasantly surprised in that it was nothing like it.

Additional Notes: This novel contains violence, dark themes, and sexual themes.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Sookie Stackhouse Series. (Previously known as the Southern Vampire Mysteries.)

Grave Surprise: Harper Connelly Mysteries 2

Grave Surprise
(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Harper and her stepbrother Tolliver are back again. This time, their travels take them to Memphis where they have been hired by a very skeptical professor who seeks to out Harper as a fraud who financially exploits the family of missing persons. The test is at an old historical graveyard. As Harper begins doing what she does best, she realizes something is very wrong. All of the corpses should be over 100 years old, but one was killed a very short time ago. She figures out that it is the corpse of a 12 year-old girl from a missing persons case in Nashville that Harper worked on 2 years earlier. The police are suspicious of Tolliver's and her connection to the case, and make them their prime murder suspects.

Short Thought: Great mystery with small town intrigue. The start of a huge and disappointing turning point in the series.

Expanded Thoughts: The only reason that I didn't give this novel a much lower rating was because the 'murder mystery' plot line was so good. The characters I could have done without on this one. (Characters: 1 owl)

It was like the first book drilled into the readers' heads that Tolliver and Harper were siblings. Every other word out of Harper's mouth has her telling everyone and correcting everyone on their relationship. "This is my brother." "No, he's my brother." "My brother, my brother, my brother." (It was in there so much, it became annoying.)

But then, out of the freaking blue, bam! Harper decides that she has romantic feelings for him. It frustrated me because if there was going to be this taboo attraction, it could have been done better. It was like the author went. "Oh well, I need to add something to appease the romance fans at the expense of the story and readers' stomachs." I mean, they were both with other people in the previous novel, and all this sibling camaraderie was built up. It's like two different series.

It's too bad, because the mystery was brilliant. (The author knows her mystery. All bow to Harris.) I got a deal on the third book, so I will give it a go. I have faith because I love so many of Charlaine Harris' other books.

Additional Notes: This book has some mild sexual themes.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Harper Connelly Mysteries by Charlaine Harris.