Gosh I LOVE books!

(Sorry this post is a 'tad' wordy! lol)

I really don't think there is anything like the rasp of pages turning in a good book! I didn't realize just how much I'd missed sitting down to devour a good book. Back in January when I first challenged myself to read 100 books in 2010, I didn't think anything of it. I mean I read each of the Harry Potter books from cover to cover on the day they were released! So really reading 2 books in a week should have been a cake walk. And it was until my husband deployed in April. It was kind of my ritual that I would read in the mornings while he got ready for work as well as in the evenings while he got ready for bed. Finishing 2 books was easy. But when he left, well my whole routine changed and I really didn't read as often as I had before. Heck there were several weeks that I didn't even pick UP a book, let alone read one. Oh sure I made sure to buy the latest releases from my favorite authors and read them. But the total immersion into them wasn't there. It certainly wasn't for lack of story that's for sure and I really did enjoy each book I read. It just wasn't with the same 'OMG-I-Can't-Put-This-Down' attitude that I truly love about a book that really draws you in.

I was at the bookstore a couple weeks ago looking for a new release and stumbled upon a couple other books that I had seen reviewed. I felt as though something let loose in my chest, as I grabbed those books...I could feel the need to read them, that sweet voice in the back of my head, calling out to me, crying to be fed the words written on those gorgeous pages. I finished the 4 books I bought in record time and went in search of more! And just last night I ordered yet more books! It feels so wonderful to be back to the point where I just want to lose myself in a book! =D

Ok so on to the reviews...I have finished 3 books and listened to one audiobook since my last post.
Book 54 was Guardian by Angela Knight. This is the most recent release in her Time Hunter series. I've written about her other books in this series of futuristic romances. Guardian follows Riane, a 23rd century Temporal Enforcer who, in the hunt for a traitor, gets stranded in the 21st century. Nick has been alone since his early teens, when 'monsters' killed his mother. Little does he know that his mother is actaully part of the very race of 'monsters' that killed her. Monsters which are also the enemy Riane fights against every day.
Book 55 is also by Knight, Master of Fire is the latest in her Mageverse series. (remember me mentioning King Arthur, Knights of the round table, vampires, witches and werewolves? yeah THAT series! =D) Master of Fire is about King Arthur and Queen Guinevere's son Logan. Logan is a Latent (someone capable of handling Merlin's Gift) who was long ago cleared to accept Merlin's gift and become a Maja (vampire) BUT Arthur and Gwen swore they'd never force that decision upon him, so Logan has lived a normal life in a small town as a fireman/arson investigator/bomb squad member. But when Latents start dying in suspicous 'accidents' Gwen fears for her son's life and sends a Maga (witch) to protect her son. Her only rules: Logan must NEVER know what she is or WHY she's there. Oh and NO FALLING for Logan. Let's just say "Best laid plans..."
These 2 were wonderful additions to Angela Knights wonderfully woven worlds and I look forward to reading even more!
Book 56 I just finished tonight, was Captive Desires by Diane Whiteside. This is the long awaited sequel to Captive Dreams which I read a few years back. (Heck that was the book that got me hooked on Angela Knight!) Captive Dreams follows Danae who is a successful Prima ballerina who writes fanfics in her free time. Imagine her shock and surprise to see her perfect envisionment of her favorite leading man at a fan convention. Alekhsiy has watched his pretty dancer through the veil that seperates the worlds many times, but even he is stunned by the rush of meeting her in the flesh. Now he must remember that he is in her world on a mission to save his own.
Book 57 is actually the audio book I listened too. Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh picks up where Angel's Blood left off. Guild Hunter Elana Devereaux must attempt to adapt to her new life by Rafaels' side. Demons from her past haunt her dreams, and begin to haunt even here waking hours. Murders in The Refuge must be investigated and lives must be protected. Is Elana strong enough? This was another fantastic installment to Nalini's Guild Hunter saga, but as with Angel's Blood, this definitely pushes the boundaries of our perceived notion of Angels. This one might not be for everyone. BUT I loved it1

I've been reading...really I have

I just kept forgetting to post about the books after I've finished them. I've read 10 in the last 2 monthes so my reviews are gonna be super quick. Most of the authors are ones I've talked about before, just current books in their series or new series by them. So without further ado, books 44-53 (in no particular order, mainly cause I'm not entirely sure which order I read them! LOL)
Nalini Singh's Bonds of Justice, the most recent release in her Psy/Changeling series. I also started her Guild Hunter series with Angel's Blood. I LOVE Nalini and have enjoyed everything she writes. Her GH series might not be for some folks who have very definite ideas and opinions about Angels and vampires. BUT if you are open to interpretation and creative liberties, this is a very well written storyline with plenty of twists and turns.
From Gena Showalter (one of my faves!!!!) comes the latest in her Lords of the Underworld series with The Darkest Lie. She also had a short in the anthology The Bodyguard.
Ok so what to vampires, witches and The Knights of the Round Table have in common???? Nothing, unless you happen to be Angela Knight. This is probably one of my favorite authors, I can read her work over and over again and never tire of it. The first set is her Mageverse series. In it King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and the other knights are all immortal. Pretty cool, they've been protecting Earth for centuries. An old threat has come back seeking to conquer the universe starting with Earth. Oh by the way...Arthur and his Knights are vampires, and Gwen and the other ladies of Avalon are witches! (or Maja as they prefer!)Throw in werewolves and the Fae adn you have one wild ride of a story. Master of Night is the first book, which I HAVE read, just not this go-round as I can't find it! =( then comes Master of the Moon,
Master of Wolves,
Master of Swords,
and Master of Dragons
Her newest book is Master of Fire (which I am reading now, so not counting it...yet!)
Angela also has a futuristic series that deals with time-traveling genetically engineered warriors. Warlord which contains the short stories Jane's Warlord and Warfem starts of the series with a bang...actually I think it's more of a sonic boom as the hero Jumps into the 21st century. The second book in the series is Warrior. (again I've read it before, just not this time as I think I might have loaned it to someone. eeep!) Her newest book is called Guardian, which I just finished yesterday. Guardian features the daughter of the hero from Warlord as the heroine. Angela has a wonderful grasp on the future and her writings never fail to keep me entranced!

So there you have it...3 awesome authors, 10 great books in 2 monthes. I really need to do more reading or I don't think I'm gonna make my hundred. :-( Good thing I have several awesome books lined up waiting to be read!

Books 21, 22 and 23

No I have not read 3 books in 2 days...I actually read books 22 and 23 several weeks ago, and just finished 21 about 2 days ago. These last 3 books were read a bit out of order. Book 13 was the last book I read in Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series I discovered after reading Book 13, that I was missing the next book in the series. No one locally had it, so I did something I normally hate doing. I skipped it, while waiting for it to arrive! Now the nice thing about that is that although these books are all part of a larger series, they are each pretty easy to read as stand alones. But I am going to review them in the order they should be read.

Book 21 is Caressed by Ice Judd Lauren is a Psy Arrow, part of a covert team of Psy Assasins. But Judd dropped out of the PsyNet with his brother and his nieces and nephew to escape Silence. SnowDancer(the wolf changling pack) has given sanctuary to the Lauren family. Brenna is a wolf changeling, who was kidnapped and tortured by a Psy sociopath. (during Book 13) Though physically healed, Brenna is acting more Psy than Changeling and that scares the heck out of her. The only one she feels can understand her torment and help her is Judd. She knows he is dangerous, but she is strangely attracted to that danger. Judd can't afford to feel anything for Brenna, not only would the Psy Council discover that he isn't actually dead like they think, but Judd could literally kill Brenna with an errant thought.

Book 22 is Mine to Posess Clay Bennet is a Leopard changeling, a sentinel in the DarkRiver pack. But he didn't always belong...Clay grew up with his human mother, who hated his Changeling nature, trying to please her he stifled that part of himself. Talin was his best friend, the sweet little girl in an apartment down the hall. Tally grew up in foster care and Clay was the best thing in her young life. He made her laugh, and made her feel safe. Until the day she confided in him about her foster father's abuse. Clay's Leopard went crazy at the thought of his little Tally enduring the evil. Blood flowed that day...and innocence was shattered even more than it had been at the hands of those supposed to care for her. Clay spent years in a Juvenile detention center, not at all sorry for killing the man that day. But part of him died the day he was told that Talin had been killed in a car accident.

Talin McKade may have gotten past the nightmares of her childhood, but now a new terror threatens her sanity. Talin works for social services and the children under her care are starting to disappear and reappear dead. She knows there is only one man she trusts enough to help her...the only trouble is Clay thinks she is dead!!!

Once over the shock of seeing his long dead friend not only alive and well, but begging for his help...can Clay get over the lies, and can Talin convince him that they need each other again.

Book 23 is Hostage to Pleasure Dorian Christensen is a DarkRiver sentinel, he is also the only Changeling without the ability to shift but he has never seen himself as 'different' nor do his Pack members. Dorian may not be able to fight with teeth and claws, but he made up for that by becoming an expert marksman. Ashaya Aleine is a Psy scientist, she is different from most other Psy as she feels. Silence was never fully took with her, but her shields are strong enough that only 1 other person knows that. Forced to work on a secret project for the Psy Council, they hold Ashaya's son as collateral. In Mine to Posess Ashaya helps Clay, Talin and the DarkRiver pack, but with a stipulation...they must rescue her son from the Psy Council and keep him safe! Changelings are very protective of cubs and children, so they easily agree. Now that her son is safe Ashaya must discover a way to stop the very project she is directing.
Dorian hates Psy! There are no 2 ways about it. (in Book 13 His sister is kidnapped by the same sociapath as Brenna, unfortunately Kylie doesn't survive.) So imagine his surprise and anger when his dormant leopard recognizes Ashaya as his mate!

Book 13 of 100

I finished another of Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series. Book 2 in the Series is Visions of Heat is the story of Faith, an F-Psy, a Foreseer. Since she was 3 years old Faith has been foreseeing business prospects for the Psy. But now she is starting to get visions of darkness and blood. When her sister is brutally murdered Faith begins to realize that her disturbing visions are coming from her sisters killer...and he is planning another murder! As a Psy, Faith knows she shouldn't feel fear, but the darkness terrifes her and her vile visions threaten to send her spiraling into Madness,
Vaughn is a Jaguar changeling, adopted as a cub into the DarkRiver clan. Vaughn's Jaguar lies closer to the surface than any other changeling. When her comes across Faith both man and jaguar are drawn to her. For some reason, Vaughn alone can see when the 'darkness' attaches itself to Faith. Can he help bring Faith out of the PsyNet and help her stop another murder?

This was another great Singh book...I am very excited about finishing therest of the series, although it seems I will need to put the rest off for a bit as I did not buy a copy of the 3rd book!!! Grrr...So I'm gonna switch gears for a bit and read something new. ;-)

10, 11 and 12 of 100

So let's see...what have I been doing over the last week and a half...um well not much really. The weather has been crappy and that really affects my mood. It's very hard for me to get motivated to do much of anything when it is grey and rainy. So I have been doing a LOT of reading lately. I have finished 3 books in the last 9 days and am about a 1/3rd of the way through a 4th. =D Hey I just noticed that I am right on track...12 books in 6 weeks!
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh is the first in her Psy/Changeling series. Lucas is a leopard and Alpha male of the DarkRiver Clan. He is also out for Psy blood, after a female packmate is kidnapped and heinously murdered. Sascha is a Psy hiding a deep secret, a secret that if the Council knew could get her killed. Lucas knows Sascha is his way "in"to the hive-like mind of the Psy. Both of them will discover things that will shatter the way they view themselves and those around them.

Kiss of a Demon King is by Kresley Cole...it is one of her most recent in her Immortals after Dark series. This is the first full novel I have read by Kresley and I am definitely hook. Yet another author I need to find everything I can by her!
"With one kiss, he knew she'd be his queen...
From New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes this spellbinding story of a demon king fighting to reclaim his crown and the wicked sorceress who dares to use his most secret desires to thwart him.
His obsession: the enchantress who surrenders her body,
but not her heart.

Her downfall: the battle-scarred demon who vows to keep her at all costs.

They were never supposed to want each other this much…"
(quote taken from Kresley's website.)
Sabine is a powerful sorceress who can weave intricate illusions with a wave of her hands...Rydstrom is the Demon King, displaced by Sabines evil half brother...and her forseen mate. They both seek the same goal for very different reasons...or do they?

Lastly is Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs. I have been a HUGE fan of Fox's Bones with Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz since it started. I have been wanting to read Kathy's books almost as long. I have been very hesitant though as many reviews I checked out said that the books are nothing like the TV series. This put me off reading the books I am SUCH a big fan of the show. But the other day I picked up Devil Bones at Wal-mart. The book is incredibly well written and rather technical, but not enough that I got lost. The reviews are correct, the books are nothing like the series. However this particular book had an interview with Kathy that kind of helped put things into perspective. One of the things I love about the series (other than Seeley Booth is Brennan's naive-ness. Her lack of people skills and well often subtlety are very endearing. The Tempe in the books is very self assured and even cracks jokes. This was just odd to me. But after reading the interview with Kathy I realized that the Book-Tempe is an older more mature version of the TV-Tempe. I can't say that I like the books as much as I like the series, but if you like murder mystery/crime dramas...Kathy Reichs books can't be beat!

Book 6 of 100

Yeah I finished another one! :-) Last weekend at the library I picked up another of Nalini Singh Psy/Changeling series. I hade hoped to pick up the 1st two vooks but nope didn't happen...oh well. lol
Branded by Fire was my introduction to her Changelings. (They are introduced earlier in the series, but well I haven't read those yet! LOL) Branded revolves around Mercy and Riley. Mercy is a Sentinel for her DarkRiver Pack while Riley is a lieutenant for the SnowDancer pack. These two love to aggrevate each other like cats and dogs. Oh wait...yeah She's a Leopard Changeling, he's a Wolf Changeling! Changelings are sort of, kind of like were-animals, although they change at will and can retain their humanity. (most of the time! ;-) ) Mercy is a dominant female who fears ever being able to find a mate her leopard would be willing to submit to, but knows she'd never be happy with a male who'd submit to her! Riley thinks he wants a 'happy-homemaker' little wolf at home...but he is drawn to Mercy like a moth to a flame. When a member of Mercy's pack is abducted, the SnowDancer Alpha sends Riley to help out. Can these two handle the fire that's coming their way...not just from the 'enemy', but from each other as well?

This was a wonderful book...I am definitely on the look out for my own copy of this book as well as her others. Thanks for coming along with me for my little book review.

Book 3 of 2010

I finished this one last night. Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh. I didn't know it at the time, but this is part of a larger series. There are several other books in her Psy-Changelingseries. Basic run down...very very basic as I have not read any of the others YET! The Psy's are well people with psychic abilities. Although I think they are actually a seperate race from the humans, but human-like. Anyways...the Psy's have split into to factions, the Silenced (those and their descendants,who had their emotions shut-down to allow better control over their actions) and the Forgotten. (those and their descendants who chose not to be Silenced)
OK wow I just realized how difficult this concept is to explain. But Blaze of Memory revolves around Dev who is essentially the leader of the Forgotten, and Katya...who well starts the book out with a serious case of amnesia. The two must journey together to find out who caused Katya's amnesia and why. Along the way despite their differences they fall in love, and that in itself opens a whole nother can of worms.
Nalini is a wonderful author and I look forward to getting the rest of her Psy-Changeling series as well as books in her other series as well!

Now on to another question i thought of the other day...There are several books that I want to read, that are available on audiobook...do you think it would be 'cheating' if I listen to them instead of reading them. I can listen and work on other things. hmmmm I have no idea if I should count them or not. Is a book still a book regardless of whether you read it or listen to it? Any ideas?