'Jaynekicks' Book Reviews

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict- Laurie Viera Rigler

2009-04-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

A closet Jane Austen addict, Courteney Stone delves into J.A's novels whenever she needs solace, comfort, or anything really.So it seems inevitable that one day she wakes up and she seems to actually be living the life of someone who could certainly have been one of Austen's characters. Is she dreaming?delusional?drunk? Read it for yourself and find out.

Romanitas - Sophia McDougall

2009-02-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

'This is the first of three books set in a Roman Empire which never fell but spread to take in half the world.'

The story begins with Marcus age 16, who's parents have both just been killed and whose coffins are making a slow procession throughout the city. Now Rome is left with the question of who will be the next Emperor. Marcus? One of his uncles? A cousin?

Meanwhile, a young man is waiting to be crucified and a young malnourished girl is making her slow and painful way through the city. For what purpose?

I didn't realise that this was the first of 3 books so I was taken by surprise when the story ended long before I was ready for it. Not that I felt that the story was unfinished, but because I still wanted to know more about the characters.

It took me a few pages to get into the story, but I'm glad that I persevered. Plus it took me a little while to get my head around a futuristic Rome.

Dragon Blood (The Hurog Duology, Book 2)- Patricia Briggs

2009-01-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

Sequel to Dragon Bones. Ward has been Hurogmeten for a few years now. He is slowly rebuilding his keep. And the land is also recovering from the curse of the Dragon Bones. So all should be well. Except that Jakoven still reigns and he is as power hungry and vengeful as ever.

It's a good sequel. I still enjoyed the first story more but not by much more.
recommended reading - teen fiction
anyone who likes fantasy

Motor Mouth - Janet Evanovich

2009-01-04T04:35:00.000-08:00

Alexandra Barnaby is back.

Alex has a passion for cars and an engineering degree. She works for Sam Hooker who is a NASCAR driver and also used to be her boyfriend until he was caught cheating on her.

Part of Alex's job description is working as a spotter doing a race. When she is asked to do a fellow spotter a favour, little does she know just how complicated this one little favour is going to make her life.

It's a fun story, with good characters.
Recommended reading for all Evanovich fans and romance readers.

Sandry's Book (Circle of Magic, Book 1) by Tamora Pierce

2009-01-04T04:30:00.000-08:00

Sandry is one of 4 young people who is found to have a different type of magic which is appropriate considering that Sandry herself is also a little different from children of her own age.

Although this book is called Sandry's Book, the story concentrates equally on Sandry, Tris, Daja and Briar.

It's a good story about friendship,diversity and conflict with magic, adventure and mystery thrown in for good measure. It has good general appeal unless you really don't like stories about magic.
genre=teen fiction
recommended= general appeal

last chance saloon by Marian Keyes

2009-01-04T04:27:00.000-08:00

Not about one of the sisters in her other series.

It's about a group of friends who each have their own set of weaknesses or nutjob headcases.

Tara has a fear of being alone and would rather have a jerk who mistreats and takes huge advantage of her, than be without a boyfriend. Katherine would rather be alone than risk her heart and Fintan is gay and actually his life is not too shabby.

Everything changes when Fintan becomes ill and with the thought of only 6 months left to live, everyones perspective on their lives, changes.

Not a great read, the characters are too wussy but not a terrible read. Put it in the "meh" pile.

My Sister's Keeper: A Novel by Jodi Picoult

2009-01-04T04:24:00.000-08:00

Jodi Picoult tackles the ethics of having another child basically in order to have a ready made donor for their other chronically ill daughter.

But Anna throws a spanner in the works when she turns 13 and hires a lawyer to defend her right to decide for herself what happens to her body.

It's worth a read but it would be better if Jodi didn't keep including a "twist" at the end. Sometimes it feels like the twist is really just added for the sensation factor. I feel that the story doesn't really benefit much from it.
Genre-Drama

Motor Mouth - Janet Evanovich

2008-12-29T07:52:00.000-08:00

Alexandra Barnaby is back.
Alex has a passion for cars and an engineering degree. She works for Sam Hooker who is a NASCAR driver and also used to be her boyfriend until he was caught cheating on her.

Part of Alex's job description is working as a spotter doing a race. When she is asked to do a fellow spotter a favour, little does she know just how complicated this one little favour is going to make her life.

It's a fun story, with good characters.
Recommended reading for all Evanovich fans and romance readers.

Aairman - Eion Colfer

2008-12-29T07:49:00.001-08:00

Conor Broekhart was born to fly. According to legend it was fate really. After all he was born in the air.

Conor and his family live on a little island just off the coast of Ireland. They are very good friends with the King and his daughter. The King is keen to keep the Island independant and so together with Conor and his friend Victor, they immerse themselves in science and the pursuit of flight.

All seems to be going well but what of these whispers about a traitor and a conspiracy?

I enjoyed this story. I think it has more general appeal than some of Eion Colfer's other novels. Recommended reading also as teen fiction.

The Harlequin - Laurell K. Hamilton

2008-07-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Anita Blake's life finally seems to working, despite all the men in her life, and the complications not just they but also the metaphysical crap that comes with them.

Then, Anita is given a white mask and suddenly there are a whole lot of new questions to be asked which no one , even Jean-Claude seems to be able to answer.

I really enjoyed this one. There's not so much sex and what there is can easily be skipped over without affecting the story at all. Lots of action.

The Minister's Daughter - Julie Hearn

2008-07-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

It's the story of a little town, who are believers in the old ways, piskies and faeries, who find themselves with a new intolerant zealously religious minister.

One young girl, Nell, being trained in the ways;herb gathering, mid/wifery, spells and healing who gets caught in the lies of the minister's daughter. Trouble comes.

Feast of Souls-Celia Friedman

2008-06-12T01:45:00.000-07:00

The King's son is dying from an incurable disease known as 'the Wasting'. The king's Magister, Ramirus, knows full well what the Wasting really is and what is it's cause but this knowledge must be kept from the 'Morati'(the non-magisters), and most especially from the King.

In an effort to somehow prevent this knowledge from getting out, Ramirus calls on other Magister's for aid as this is something that could harm all Magisters. Thus begins part 1 of a trilogy.

I quite enjoyed the story. It has all the elements of a good story- a good bad enemy, heroes and heroines, magic, intrigue and battle. Some phrases are a little repetitive but apart from that I look forward to reading the other 2 books.

genre-Fantasy

The Hard Way-Lee Child

2008-05-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Jack Reacher is just sitting in a cafe having a good cup of coffee. It was so good in fact that he he did something he doesn't normally do- he went back the next night. What seemed like a guy just getting in his car and driving away, turns out to be the opening moves of a kidnapping.

It wasn't bad. It wasn't any better or worse than the other Jack Reacher novels.

The Chemistry of Death-Simon Beckett

2008-05-16T07:44:00.001-07:00

The Boleyn Inheritance-Phillipa Gregory

2008-05-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Accessory to Murder-Barbara Jaye Wilson

2008-05-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

A Brenda Midnight Mystery. Brenda Midnight gets dragged into her latest madcap escapade by her friends the N's. By trying to be helpful, she inadvertently gets Lemmy Crenshaw into trouble and the trouble just keeps on coming. All this whilst trying to come up with a Spring line for her hats.

I liked it. If you want a really meaty mystery then I wouldn't recommend this novel. It's a good easy read and a little fun.

Eleven on Top-Janet Evanovich

2008-05-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Plum has finally had enough. Nothing any different to her normal day happened but for some reason she just decides she's had enough of rolling in rubbish, getting her cars blown up etc... Now all she has to do is get a new job and figure out who is trying to kill her. Simple.

I enjoyed this one the most out of all the Stephanie Plums. I didn't find her irritating in the least. And I laughed a lot.

Indiscretion-Jude Morgan

2008-05-16T03:49:00.000-07:00

When Caroline Fortune's father loses their fortune through gambling and incompetence, he arranges for her to be the paid companion to an extremely wealthy and demanding Lady. But she must beware, as the unscrupulous see a young lady without family to protect her and therefore easy to seduce.

Although I did enjoy the reading of this novel, I did find the characters to be a little too good, even the baddies weren't really bad.

Eye in the Sky-Philip K. Dick

2008-04-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

A visit to the Belmont Bevatron turns into a journey into bizarro land when 8 people get caught in the path of a malfunctioning proton beam deflector. Miraculously the 8 survive relatively unscathed and it is only as they go about their business, the day after the accident, that they realize everything is not as it seems.

Based on the fact that P.H. Dick had also written Blade runner and Minority report, I decided to try one of his stories. It quickly becomes obvious that this story was written some time ago. If you take into account that this story was written in the 1950's, then for it's time it was probably an incredible story.

Told from the point of view of the engineer who for all his supposed intelligence and training is a bit thick. It was an okay read.

genre-science fiction

Maskerade-Terry Pratchett

2008-04-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

Pen Pals- Olivia Goldsmith

2008-04-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

Jennifer is a supposedly savvy broker on Wall Street who in a moment of drunkenness and incredible stupidity decides to take the fall for her boss. Despite their reassurances that everything will be fine, she won't have to spend time in jail and if she does it will be one of those 'country club' jails and none of those promises actually coming true, Jennifer continues to believe in each empty promise even though she is currently serving time in the county prison and nothing is going as planned.

Very slow to start. It doesn't really start to get interesting until halfway. Nevertheless it was an okay read.

Maximum Bob-Elmore Leonard

2008-04-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

Elmore Leonard also wrote 'Get Shorty'. I hadn't actually read any of his work before and chose this novel due to my enjoyment of the movie,'Get Shorty'.

'Maximum Bob' is about a judge so nick-named due to the sentences he hands out. He's a bit of a red neck as are many characters in the novel. Maximum Bob sets off a chain of events when he endeavours to rid himself of his wife through shady means.

Told in the voice of each character as the plot unfolds, you get a real feel for each character. So much so that because of my dislike of the rednecks and other lowlifes, I was tempted to put this novel aside.

Although I am unlikely to read any more of Elmore Leonard's work, I can certainly see the appeal his style might hold for others.

Ten big Ones-Janet Evanovich

2008-03-15T03:32:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Plums adventures are really heating up. They started with the explosion of yet another one of her vehicles, initiated by a store robber, who unthinkingly gives Steph a good look at his face so that now she can i.d. him.
Adding to the general mayhem that is her life, is grandma Mazur, the now not so perfect sister Valerie, a cross dresser and some nut who thinks he's playing wargames with Stephanie.
Miss Plum is starting to grow on me. Initially I kept reading this series of books because I found the other characters entertaining. But now I feel that she's not quite the bimbo she started out being and there is actually some method to her work.

I'll give this one a 7/10
Recommended - general reading.

Knight's dawn- Kim Hunter

2008-03-09T12:37:00.001-07:00

A knight finds himself in territory unknown, memory forgotten with signs upon his body of having been in an immense battle in an area that hasn't seen battle for a 100 years.

So begins Knight's adventures which involve wizards, witchcraft, friendship, betrayal, love and battle. Something for everyone.

I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next two sequels.

Recommended reading-general

Dead Witch walking- Kim Harrison

2008-03-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

The beginning is not promising. It just sounds a bit silly. As in slapstick silly but if you bear with the book for about....10 pages then it starts to get interesting.

The setting is that there was some kind of bio chemical genetic leak which resulted in humankind being decimated. Only the undead, witches wres etc... were immune. Which led to their 'coming out as such.

The story centers around a witch, a vampire and a pixie who all work as some form of law enforcement.

Micah-Laurell K. Hamilton

2008-03-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

Anita Blake is called on to be a replacement for her good friend and fellow necromancer, Larry. She has to raise a witness for the Feds, who died before his testimony could be taken. Unfortunately for Anita, it entails flying. Micah tags along for the ride to give her a hand with one or two things. One of them being to feed the ardeur.

This is a very quick read. The highlight for me is that Richard isn't in it. A lot fewer characters appear in this novel but it makes a nice change of pace from her other novels.

Raclette und heisser Stein-Rose Marie Donhauser

2008-03-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

If you want to try something a little bit different with your raclette, this is a great book. Some of the ideas in here, when you see them, you think, 'Of course! Why didn't I think of that!'

It has a good section of vegetarian dishes, meat dishes and desserts and it also gives tips on which drinks, and side dishes(recipes included) would compliment the meal. As well as some variations to the recipe to try.

The book finishes with details to have your very own Caribbean party-what to serve,table decorations, what type of table best suits this kind of celebration and other helpful tips.

Yes, the title is in German but I'm sure there are translations of this in other languages.

Cerulean Sins-Laurell K. Hamilton

2008-03-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

Book 11 in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. With every book, Anita's life gets more complicated, and more is revealed of her powers. Someone or something is ripping bodies to shreds and taunting the police with each murder. Anita has to not only try and solve this case but also deal with Dolph's increasing antagonism and emotionalism.

Jean-Claude gets an unexpected visitor who is doing her best, to undermine him and steal his power. Just your everyday vampire politics.

Mostly emotional, relationship stuff with a bit of the cop stuff thrown in. Still a good read but not as good as her earlier novels. Again if you're not into gore, avoid reading her books.

Welcome to my Planet-Shannon Olson

2008-03-03T06:36:00.000-08:00

Shannon is 30, living at home, on Prozac and rather than sorting out her own life, she is more interested in her mother's. Some would say, this is to avoid thinking about her own life.

Told in a series of snippets, as if she were talking to her therapist. Which she does.

I was unable to finish this tale. On the side of every page is some writing. I found it so distracting that I found it hard to concentrate on the story. I assumed in this age of advertising bombardment that it was an attempt to advertise another book written by Shannon Olson. Which annoyed me immensely.

It wasn't until I gave up on completing this novel that i looked closer at the writing. It's the title of this book. Usually, this is put at the top of every page, where it is less disatracting.
Genre-drama,
Recommended reading for... certain women.

Endymion Spring-matthew Spring

2008-01-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

Who or what is Enymion Spring? Young Blake becomes caught up in answering this question at the same time he is trying to come to terms with his changig family life and living in a new city.

It is a story that began hundreds of years before Blake is born and yet one which he might end up finishing if all goes right. It all has to do with powerful secrets, figuring out who's the bad guy, a magical chest, a blank book and a dragon.

Recommended for all ages and in particular 8 years and upwards.

Emma Brown-Clare Boylan

2008-01-22T06:45:00.000-08:00

Beginning with the first 2 chapters of an unfinished book written by Charlotte Bronte, Clare Boylan continues the story of a young apparently rich young lady, who has just began her education at a new ladies'school.

The mystery ensues when inquiries are made as to where young Miss Matilda Fitzgibbon is to spend her christmas holidays and the letter is returned-no such address. Who is Matilda? Why was she enrolled under false pretenses? And by whom?

I enjoyed this story. Holds general appeal.

Bloody Bones-Laurell K. Hamilton

2008-01-13T02:35:00.000-08:00

Anita Blake is hired to settle a dispute over land. Her job, raise everyone in it and ask them who their ancestors. However, nothing is ever this simple.

Three teenagers are found in some nearby woods. Killed in a way that Ms Blake hadn't seen before.

Then, there's another murder. Or is it? Are these deaths linked?

Not as many characters to assimilate, which makes it easier reading. Nicely captured vampire characteristics. Almost makes me believe the monsters are real.

The only thing that doesn't do it for me, are the detailed descriptions of what everyone is wearing. Gets a bit tiresome. It's understandable with the vampires and the meetings with vampires and I understand that the author is trying to reveal character through clothing but I didn't think it was necessary every single time.

Making the a-list - Tyne O'Connell

2008-01-07T02:01:00.000-08:00

Saskia Williams likes to make lists beginning with 'Things I long to experience before turning thirty', through to-'The a-list of people you should know by thirty' and including 'a hit-list';A must for any advocate of the 'new immorality'.

As her thirtieth birthday draws near, Saskia starts to feel ever more desperate about her relationships or lack thereof, the likelihood of not being married and therefore fulfilling all of her mother's expectations and her job prospects.

Out of 10, I'd give this book a 4. It rambles a lot or rather 'Saskia' rambles a lot, so the book doesn't really get started until a third of the way through. Plus, I tire of reading about english women whose big concern is designer clothes, being overweight, drinking too much and being seen with the 'right people'.

If you enjoy Marianne Keyes novels, this book might appeal to you.

The Trouble with Catherine-Andes Hruby

2007-12-29T14:34:00.000-08:00

Catherine Lacey is a fishmonger and she loves it. She is independent, speaks her mind, is tough and confident. So much so that she is often accused of being masculine. She's never really cared before, but now that she is nearing her 30th birthday, things are starting to look different. Things like marriage.

Is she getting married for love?or because this might be her last chance to get hitched?

Catherine is a bit slutty, but it is in keeping with her character. It was an okay read.

genre-drama

Burnt Offerings-Laurell K. Hamilton

2007-12-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

Anita Blake is a vampire slayer and an animator of zombies. In her line of work she meets all sorts of interesting 'people' and it also puts her in many dangerous situations. She has the scars to prove.

A lot is going on in 'Burnt Offerings';The 'council' have come to town and they are the stuff even nightmares are scared of;Anita Blake is having relationship problems;and someone is setting vampire businesses and other vampire hangouts on fire.

As a fantasy novel I really liked Laurell K. Hamilton's 'Burnt Offerings'. I liked the different types of vampires, werewolves etc. that they had and the way that they are a kind of accepted part of society.It's a nice take and an interesting idea of how these "mythic" beasts would fit in modern day society.

It is not the first in the series. I would recommend reading some of the others first, although, this story is written well enough, that it's not necessary. Not for the squeamish, contains violent sexual acts and other violent acts. Descriptions may be too graphic for some.

Dark Desire-Christine Feehan

2007-12-24T00:06:00.000-08:00

Shea O'Halloran experiences a horrendous pain as if she was being tortured. So painful that it causes her to pass out. And so begins her contact with Jacques Dubrinsky. A Carpathian male he was tortured and then buried alive. Somehow, he has psychically linked with Shea, and it is all that is keeping him from complete insanity.

Through this psychic link Jacques calls to Shea to come to him.

Although the story is a bit repetitive, it is still a good read.
Genre-romance/fantasy

The House of Windjammer-V.A. Richardson

2007-10-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

As the title suggests, the story follows the Windjammer family which has been in the shipping business for at least a 100 years. As is common for shipping companies, their fortunes rely heavily on good fortune, and good weather with a bit of business skill thrown in. Sadly the Windjammers luck seems to have run out. To young Adam Windjammer falls the responsibility of the family fortunes.

Adam is a dodo. And so are some of the other characters. I really hate it when the main character is a dodo. There are enough dodo's in real life. Maybe I'm just too old for this story. It's a shame as I felt the story in itself is okay.

genre-drama
recommended reading for 8-10year olds, and maybe even young adults.

Like Angels Falling-Jane Adams

2007-10-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

A cult leader who was imprisoned for the murder of three young boys dies. His death sets off a chain of events which is especially horrifying for the town where the 3 boys were murdered. The cult he was apart of, is still in operation and immediately comes under suspicion.

An interesting tale which moves at a good pace and has a satisfying ending.
Genre-murder mystery

Rebecca's Tale by Sally Beauman

2007-10-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

It's a story about a woman called Rebecca who was very secretive about her past and died young. The tale is told from 4 people's perspectives, one of whom is Rebecca.

I struggled through the first half of this book. I felt that the 3rd part was finally getting interesting, but by then, I was so sick of the book I couldn't bear to read it anymore. Sad but true.

So this is in the pile of uncompleteds.

genre-drama

It's been a while.

2007-10-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Since I rely heavily on the local library for my reading material, and I live in a country where English is not the spoken language, my reading material is rather restricted. The good side to that is that I am forced to broaden my horizons, the bad side of that, is my broadened horizons seems to include a lot of crap books.

My list of books which I have only only half read, has grown considerably. It used to be I would only have one or 2 a year. hence the reason the have been so few entries recently. Also, I tend to do a lot of my book reviews on Facebook now.

But, I resolve to continue.

Priestess of the White - Trudi Canavan

2007-08-24T12:19:00.001-07:00

Part 1 of a part 5 story. The core story involves a young woman named Auraya, 5 gods, a dreamweaver named Leiard, and the different races of this country. In the past a huge battle of the gods had taken place and only 5 gods survived. They formed a religion whose clergy wear white and have some magical talents. Occasionally the gods make an appearance to their followers. Before them, there were Dreamweavers who are healers with magic. They choose not to follow the gods and so their souls are forfeit.
Enter a third party, considered heathens, who worship false gods and in a belief that the White's gods are false, desire to eradicate the White and their followers.

Story seemed to move relatively slowly, and then suddenly it was over.readable.
Genre-fantasy
recommended for all ages but particularly youth.

The Traveller-John Twelve Hawks

2007-08-21T01:59:00.000-07:00

Part 1 of a 4 part story. It begins well, leaving the fine details as part of the background. But about a quarter of the way through it starts to go into all the details. If you're into details then that's okay.

Slightly futuristic,as in more like the near future, with the main themes being the security measures taken to counter terrorism, invasion of privacy, freewill, and the people on the other side of the fence in opposition. The good guys are way out numbered, but they still mange to kick ass.

Readable,with general appeal.

Hour game-David Baldacci

2007-08-10T02:38:00.000-07:00

Private investigator Michelle Maxwell happens upon a body when she is out on her run. Soon another two bodies are discovered which are linked to the first murder. Michelle and her partner Sean King are drawn into the investigation by a series of murders and are deputised by the local sheriff who needs their help. The murderer always seems to be one step ahead and he's not leaving any clues.
Because of this, I found it hard to stay interested in the story. Halfway through the book and the investigators still have no clue.

genre-mystery murder.

To the End of the World-Colin Foreman

2007-08-10T02:28:00.000-07:00

An adventure story that moves between the past and the present. It follows the Scottish family of the line of Donald. There are Vikings, battles, explosions and magic. It begins in the present with a family of two boys and one girl who are sent to visit with their grandparents. Initially, the children themselves are not involved in any action. A storyteller provides the action in stories as a way for them to understood their past, so that they will be better armed for the future.

genre-fantasy/adventure
recommended for all ages but particularly from 10 and up.

Darkly Dreaming Dexter-Jeff Lindsay

2007-07-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Dexter Morgan is a blood splatter analyst. Dexter has a hobby with a difference. He is a serial killer but he only kills the bad guys. His sister is a cop who enlists his help. There is another serial killer on the loose. Dexter wants to find the serial killer. But is it to help his sister further her career? Or is it so that he can join in the "fun" with the serial killer.

It's not really a crime novel so don't expect a lot of crime scene details. With the advent of tv series like CSI, I prefer fewer descriptions of crime scene analysis. The story moves at a good pace and we get to see into the mind of a serial killer. Apart from Dexter, the characters characters do not really evolve. But that's okay.

Genre- thriller/suspence

Foetal Attraction-Kathy Lette

2007-07-24T04:32:00.000-07:00

A cliche-d six foot Aussie girl, falls in love with an equally cliche-d English man. She is fooled into having his baby. This is their story. Set amongst the literati and the gliterati.

I guess it was too clever for me. I couldn't bear to finish it. Every single character got on my nerves.

Naked in Death-J.D.Robb

2007-07-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

The first of the Eve Dallas books. Some one is intent on murdering 6 "companions"-licensed prostitutes. That some-one revels in taunting the police with their incompetence by sending footage of the murders to investigating officer-Eve Dallas. All the evidence seems to be pointing to Rourke-tall, dark, very handsome and rich.

Eve Dallas is a great heroine-tough, determined, makes no excuses.

Genre-Crime/romance

Dark horse-Tami Hoag

2007-07-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Interesting look into the underworld of horses. Molly Seabright's 18yr old sister is missing and no one seems to care. Her only hope is that Elena Estes, a former cop trying to come to terms with her past, will take her case.

I liked Elena and Molly. They are good, strong characters.

Genre-suspense/crime

Reinventing Romeo-Connie Lane

2007-07-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

I read half this book, it got misplaced and I completely forgot I had started reading it. I kept wondering what this book was that kept coming up on my library tab. I finally found it and finished reading it. I guess this is a reflection of many of these romance novels-enjoyable reading, but not particularly memorable.

So, Alex Romero is a wealthy apparently savvy business man who becomes enemy no. 1 when he refuses to join with a money laundering group and agrees to testify against them. He must go into hiding with an earnest attractive female FBI agent.

Turning Thirty-Mike Gayle

2007-07-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

It would appear that I have already read this book but I am not sure if I have read it to completion . The confusion arises from the fact that as I read, I remember having read this bit. However,my mind is still completely blank about what happens next. This could just mean that I have a bad case of dementia or this is a reflection of the book.

So anyway, told from an English guy's point of view about what turning thirty means to him. Now that he is approaching thirty and his life is not doing what he thinks it should, he returns to his roots.

Local Girls-Alice Hoffman

2007-07-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

About the life of a young girl from a small town and the difficulties of everyday life. Some of the events are a bit strange but they work within the confines of this story. I enjoyed it.
Genre-drama/teen fiction
Recommended reading from 10 years.

Night Sins-Tami Hoag

2007-07-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Be warned that this is a 2 part story. So if you're checking it out of the library see if you can get "Guilty as Sin" as well. Small towns are seen as a haven from modern day influences-fast lane, burnout, deterioration of family, increased crime etc...So when a young boy disappears from Deer Lake, the whole town is shaken. The abductor leaves strange notes and toys with the police. Easy reading, and you are bound to guess who the criminal is.
Genre-crime

One for the Money- Janet Evanovich

2007-07-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Plum finds herself unemployed, broke, and no real future employment prospects. In desperation she becomes a bounty hunter. Story contains humour and interesting quirky characters. Sadly I am not a fan of Stephanie Plum but the others make up for her bimbo-ism.
Genre-crime/humour
Recommended for all age groups

Holiday in Death- J.D.Robb

2007-07-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

I think it's the second of J.D. Robbs books featuring Eve Dallas-a hardass Lieutenant,bent on protecting those unable to protect themselves. Story about a ritualistic serial killer murdering during Christmas. Set in the near future.
Even though this is technically not a love story, it's refreshing to read about a couple after the happy ever after ending, who are still very much in love and passion.

Genre-Murder Mystery\Romance

The Black Magician Trilogy- Trudi Canavan

2007-07-12T04:02:00.000-07:00

The Magician's Guild - Even though I didn't love it straight away, I did enjoy the story. A girl from the slums manages to break through a group of magician's shields, by accident, with a stone. That simple act changes her life forever.

The Novice - I really hate books with bullies in it, and those in charge do nothing. Even though I understood the reason for it here, it still irritated me no end. Despite this I still enjoyed the story. Sonea begins her training as a magician. She is the first non-Noble allowed to train as a magician. She must face many trials through the prejudices of the 'upper classes'.

The High Lord - Things start to get really exciting. In the first book Sonea witnesses something 'forbidden'. Here she feels the full brunt of consequences that arise from this situation.

Recommended reading from 10 years old. And particularly as teen fiction.
Genre-Fantasy