February was a successful month for me, even though I only completed one book. It was a success because one of my goals this year is to NOT to fall behind on doing the write-ups for books I’ve read during the year. So far, I’ve read a total of four books in 2010 and all four write-ups are posted. Yay! Also, I managed to post one backlogged review from 2009.
In February, my primary focus was visiting the Fort Knox area and finding a place to live. I spent more time out there than I originally intended, thanks to the snowstorms in the DC area — flights into Reagan National were canceled. However, I did find a place. It has a huge finished basement! There is plenty of space for bookcases. Lots and lots of bookcases. I can’t wait to post pictures. Another bonus: there is a used bookstore within walking distance of the house. I visited it (of course) and learned something — the bookstore and the one located not far from me here in Northern VA are both part of a chain. It was so weird to walk into the place and see the bright orange book shelves
You would think, with four extra days of free time, that I would have finished the book I was reading and started something on my Sony eReader. Well, you’d be wrong. It was really difficult to concentrate on a book while busy daydreaming about how I would arrange the bookcases I have and which books should go in which bookcase.
2010 Reviews
The backlogged 2009 reviews posted:
What’s still pending:
- Duel of Hearts
- Time Raiders: The Seduction (Cindy Dees)(Nocturne Bite)
- Kiss of Fate
- For the Love of Pete
- Three Bags Full
- “Falling for Anthony” (Meljean Brook), Hot Spell(anthology)
Below is my status regarding the various challenges.
Challenges Completed this month:
NONE
Incomplete (Ended in February):
NONE
2009-2010 Challenges:
101 Fantasy Challenge: 0/6
Countdown 2010: 10/55
Harry Potter: 0/7
Random Reading: 1/12
2010 Challenges:
Contemporary Romance: 0/10
Harlequin/Silhouette: 1/6
“In Death” Challenge: 0/??
New Author: 0/20
Pub 2010: 2/10
Romance Reading: 0/5
What’s in a Name 3: 2/6
Year of the Historical: 1/12
Perpetual Challenges
Georgette Heyer:
~~ & ~~
Total (Month): 1
Grand Total (Year): 4
Total Pages Read (Month): 271
Grand Total (Year): 1,227
Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride
Title: Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride
Author: Lynna Banning
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); 271 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-29514-2
Series: Harlequin Historical #914
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Historical Romance — Medieval
The Lady: Leonor de Balenguer y Hassam of Granada. The 27 year-old daughter of the vizier has dreams of becoming a female troubadour, traveling France, singing, and playing her harp. Though well-educated, Leonor knows nothing of the world outside the emir’s court and her father’s house. She has managed to remain unmarried this long because she refuses to marry a man she cannot love.
The Knight: Reynaud. The Templar knight is all too familiar with the realities of the world. A bastard, he was raised by Hassam’s brother in Granada, making him the best candidate to carry a secret message from the Templar Grand Master to the emir’s adviser. Hassam will deliver his message to the emir, if Reynaud promises to escort Leonor to family in Moyanne.
Their history: Leonor hasn’t seen Reynaud in twenty years, since he left to seek his way in the world. She is surprised to see him, having feared that he had died in the Holy Land. Leonor has adored Reynaud since they were children, but the man she sees now is almost a stranger to her: stern and joyless. For his part, Reynaud remembers the clever, impossible girl — but it’s the woman that will haunt him the rest of his life.
Unrequited: Reynaud is a Templar, a warrior monk. He’s made a vow of celibacy. The knighthood is the only thing he knows, and being a bastard means he has nothing to offer Leonor anyway. And if that wasn’t enough, he is still on a dangerous mission for his Grand Master, and he may die. As for Leonor, she is confused at first by his standoffish and stern behavior. She thinks that he does not like her very much, but it doesn’t take long for her to learn the truth of his feelings. Though it breaks her heart, she acknowledges the fact she loves a man who can never return that love.
What I liked about it: I liked that, though Reynaud falls in love at first sight, it takes Leonor a little longer to realize her true feelings. And once they are known, both exercise restraint. Both accept the fact that they can never be together unless Reynaud is willing to break his vows or leave the Order forever. Though Leonor is naive in some ways, she’s not stupid and doesn’t blunder foolishly about. Reynaud does walk away from the Templars only after he is ordered to do something that he cannot do in good conscience — and getting to marry Leonor is just an added bonus. The author has notes, both in the beginning and at the end of the book, about the warrior monks and troubadours that were interesting.
What I didn’t like: Medievals aren’t my preferred era, but nothing stood out as a turn-off.
Recommended to: Fans of medieval romances, looking for a short read.
Started: 27 January 2010
Finished: 24 February 2010
(I was house hunting in February — some days, only could squeeze in half a page.)
Rating:
Enjoyed it!
Disclaimer: I purchased this book.
home
by Christina on February 22, 2010
in 2009 "Pub" Challenge, 5 Stars, Countdown Challenge, Fantasy, Ilona Andrews, Magic, Other Supernatural Beings, Paranormal Romance, Shape-Shifters, The Year of Readers 2009
On the Edge
Title: On the Edge
Author: Ilona Andrews
Copyright: 2009 (Ace); 309 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-441-01780-5
Series: The Edge #1
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Once upon a time, there was a young maiden named Rose Drayton. She lived in the Edge, that place between magic and mundane, raising her two younger brother to the best of her ability. Rose has a menial job in the Broken (our world) and it is barely enough to keep them fed and clothed. Rose also has powerful magic. Yet, instead of being a blessing, it has been nothing but trouble for Rose. She’s been sought after – literally hunted – by lesser, weaker nobles of the Weird solely, for the purpose of providing potentially powerful children; even other Edgers, more interested in monetary gain than community loyalty, have tried to snatch her up for the reward money offered by desperate peers. The only thing Rose really has is her pride, and if she can’t have love and respect and be desired for herself, she would rather be alone and poor than lower herself to the status of mistress.
Then one day, a knight appears. Declan, Earl Camarine, doesn’t get the chance to say “Hello,” before he finds himself staring at a crossbow aimed at him by a lovely young woman who then proceed to tell him she won’t sleep with him. Intrigued by her out-of-nowhere announcement, Declan gets her to agree to issuing him three challenges: if he succeeds, she will be his; if he fails, he’ll leave her alone.
But all is not right in the Edge. Strange dog-like creatures who seems to have an affinity to magic are endangering the Edgers. Rose and her brothers are not safe, and Declan insist on staying at Rose’s house, to better protect them. Declan and Rose must convince the other Edgers that they band together to eliminate the threat.
What I liked: There is a lot going on in this book, stuff I didn’t even touched on — the above is just the main plot points. There’s William, the cute and mysterious guy who seems interested in Rose, but she can’t put her finger on the reason he seems a little off to her. Then there is George and Jack, Rose’s 10- and 8-year old brothers. Both are adorable without being cutesy. And of course, all the world building. There is quite a bit of it, since the Weird and the Edge are not simliar. Each has their own “rules” and culture. The elements seem familiar — the Weird sounds like a historical, but with magic — and even Rose thinks the nobles live the life of leisure attending parties and balls.
It took a bit, but I eventually warmed up to Declan. He comes across as your typical historical snooty noble — and you wonder why Rose isn’t falling for William instead. There’s more going on, of course. Once Rose gets to know Declan a little better, I started to like him.
What I didn’t like: Casshorn and the “hounds”. Yuck.
This book was the first full length novel I read on my e-Reader.
Recommended to: Fans of fantasy or paranormal romances (yes, this one is more a romance than the Kate Daniels books).
Started: 29 September 2009
Finished: 30 September 2009
Rating:
LOVED IT !!
Disclaimer: I purchased this book.
report
by Christina on February 15, 2010
in 2010 "Pub" Challenge, 2010 Harlequin/Silhouette Romance, 3 Stars, Canine, Countdown Challenge, Lori Devoti, Magic, Other Supernatural Beings, Paranormal Romance, Shape-Shifters, Silhouette Nocturne, What's in a Name 3
The Hellhound King
Title: The Hellhound King
Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2010 (Harlequin); 280 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-61829-3
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #82; Unbound #5
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Spoilers for the 4th Book!
Her: Marina Adal. Elfin princess – and a witch. Tired of being a political pawn of the royals in Alfheim, she fled to Gunngar. Her reign of terror there was nothing more than an act to keep the elf lords – a different group of elves than the royals – believing that she is on their side. Raf was the first, and only, person who made her feel she was wanted for herself, and not who she was or what she could do for him.
Him: Raf Dolg. Hellhound. Marina’s former lover. His need to avenge his family brought him to Gunngar and to the employ of the elf lords. Raf needs something they possess and all he is asked to do is spy on Marina. The last thing he expected was to start caring about her.
Elfin Politics 101: Alfheim was once ruled by royals. Marina is, it seems, the heir presumptive. However, the elf lords took power after her parents were killed. The elf lords are tech savvy and have introduced technology to Alfheim. Don’t be surprised when you see a car or a computer. Since no elf lord can claim the throne – it will only accept the true heir – they are willing to be the power behind it and they want Marina on their side. The royals, naturally, are traditionalist and want things returned to the old ways. In the power struggle to control the elfin princess, Marina’s uncle Geir has the advantage. He uses Marina’s younger sister, Ky, as leverage to keep her from fleeing Alfheim again.
What to do, what to do? Raf still needs what the elf lords have and that means he’s got to convince Marina that she’d be better off with them. However, it doesn’t take long for Raf to realize that Marina wouldn’t be any better off with the elf lords. If he turns his back on his chance for vengeance, and Marina abandons her sister again, they could leave Alfheim and start a new life together. But Raf can’t walk away and neither can Marina.
Forbidden: The elves have little tolerance for other beings, so it no big surprise that a hellhound has no business consorting with the princess. Right from the prologue, it’s established that Marina’s never met one before and that she’s fallen for Raf, big time. It breaks her heart to learn he was spying on her and she has him imprisoned. Raf is the typical hellhound — though it takes him a bit to realize that he’s in love, once he’s acknowledge it, he’ll doing anything to keep her at his side.
What I liked: Raf. I still love Ms. Devoti’s hellhounds (and garms). Like the last book, this one is also set in another world, though it does start off in our world. The dragon, the same one from Dark Crusade, makes an appearance, and if I’m not mistaken, the 6th book will feature him.
What I didn’t like: Marina. It was hard for me to reconcile the fact that this was the same character from Dark Crusade. In Dark Crusade, she’s a strong character — and the antagonist. In this book, she a helpless prisoner. If you read the two books back-to-back, you might feel disoriented. Other than that, I had no other real issue with the character. She is in a difficult position and she can no longer see a way out without help.
Recommended to: Fans of her previous books and fans of shape-shifters.
Started: 20 January 2010
Finished: 26 January 2010
Rating:
Enjoyed it!
Disclaimer: I purchased this book.
Off to a pretty good start. Not up to my usual speed, but better than barely one book a month. I’m still behind on the posts, but I’ve developed a new “writing formula” (for the lack of a better term) and I think that’s been a big help. I got four done in January and I expect to have The Hellhound King done shortly.
New this year is the total pages read. It will be at the bottom, after total number of books.
2010 Reviews
- Scorched — Countdown 2010
- Eggsecutive Orders — Pub 2010; Countdown 2010; What’s in a Name 3
- The Hellhound King — Pub 2010; Countdown 2010; What’s in a Name 3; H/S 2010
The backlogged 2009 reviews posted:
What’s still pending:
- Duel of Hearts
- On the Edge
- Time Raiders: The Seduction (Cindy Dees)(Nocturne Bite)
- Kiss of Fate
- For the Love of Pete
- Three Bags Full
- “Falling for Anthony” (Meljean Brook), Hot Spell(anthology)
Below is my status regarding the various challenges.
Challenges Completed this month:
NONE
Incomplete (Ended in January):
Winter Holiday Reading: 0/?
2009-2010 Challenges:
101 Fantasy Challenge: 0/6
Countdown 2010: 9/55
Harry Potter: 0/7
Random Reading: 1/12
2010 Challenges:
Contemporary Romance: 0/10
Harlequin/Silhouette: 1/6
“In Death” Challenge: 0/??
New Author: 0/20
Pub 2010: 2/10
Romance Reading: 0/5
What’s in a Name 3: 2/6
Year of the Historical: 0/12
Perpetual Challenges
Georgette Heyer:
~~ & ~~
Total (Month): 3
Grand Total (Year): 3
Total Pages Read (Month): 956
Grand Total (Year): 956
