SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2016
Duration: July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016

Did it suck you in and leave you breathless for more? Or leave a hole in the wall after you chucked the sucker across the room? Join us as we check out and share our favorite, and not-so-favorite, new series!


*Read 12 books that are the first novel in a new-to-you series.
*Read one book per calendar month (that means, can't read and count 3 new ones in ONE month...)
*Make a MAIN post. This is for your full year list. Please UPDATE this list, not re-post it! Thanks! (links to each Participants' MAIN Lists below).
*Post monthly updates (new posts, please!) on your great/not-so-great "first" read.
*Prequels, "half numbers" (i.e. 1.5 by GR numbering) and anthologies are not allowed; they're just appetizers, not the "first course"!


For MONTHLY updates, include the following:

**Blatantly stole borrowed Steph's & Lethal Lovely's new series write-ups~THANKS!....If you haven't peeked, pop on over to the members' threads to check them out! **Warning, do not read when consuming liquids~LL's especially~unless your PC is insured...**

COVER (#)

Title/Author:
Series:
Read: (Date)
Rating: ★★★★★ / ★★★★✩ / ★★★✩✩ / ★★✩✩✩
First time author?
To-Be-Continued?
Review: (Just a sentence or so of what you thought about it!)

Also Read: (feel free to add other firsts you enjoyed each month with ratings, etc. optional)

Count me in! (reserving for my main post) :-)

Love or Hate at First Sight
Duration: 07/01/15 - 06/30/16

July - The Monstrumologist
August - The Raven Boys
September - Yarn to Go
October - Nobody's Princess
November - The Shootout Solution
December - Dorothy Must Die: Stories
January - Hot Lead, Cold Iron
February - Strange Magic
March - Kitty and the Midnight Hour
April - The Shop on Blossom Street
May - Cry Wolf
June - Blood Oath

Read:


Also Read:

I'm in as well!

SOS Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read Challenge

Duration: July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016

✔July - Eeny Meeny - M.J. Arlidge 07/13/15 ★★★✩☆½
✔August - Cross Keys - Ally Shields 08/20/15 ★★★★✩
✔September - The Drafter - Kim Harrison 09/08/15 ★★★★★
✔October - Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs 10/15/15 ★★★★✩
✔November - Talon - Julie Kagawa 11/10/15 ★★★✩☆½
✔December - Dark Witch - Nora Roberts 11/29/15 ★★★✩☆
✔January - Midnight's Daughter - Karen Chance 1/23/16 ★★★★✩
✔February - A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. Maas 2/9/16 ★★★★★
✔March - Awakening the Fire - Ally Shields 3/13/16 ★★★★★
✔April - Born of Night - Sherrilyn Kenyon 4/2/16 ★★★★✩
✔May - The Darkest Night - Gena Showalter 5/6/16 ★★★★★
June -

I have over 75 first books in a series that I have bought and not read so I am going to pick a PNR, Romantic Suspense and Contemporary book that is first in the series for each month.

Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2016
Duration: July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016

MAIN LIST

Jul:
PNR - Burn for Me
Contemp - The Risk
RS - Irresistible Force

Aug:
PNR - Here Be Sexist Vampires
Contemp - Playing for Keeps
RS - Marked

Sept:
PNR - A Sorceress of His Own
Contemp - After Midnight
RS - One Night More

Oct:
PNR - Magic Bites
Contemp - A Secret Wish
RS - Watch Me

Nov:
PNR - Full Blooded
Contemp - Wicked Games
RS - Deadly Pursuit

Dec:
PNR - Personal Demons
Contemp - Dirty Thoughts
RS - Hearths of Fire

Jan:
PNR - Kade's Dark Embrace
Contemp - No Knight Needed
RS - Kill Without Mercy

Feb:
PNR - Samson's Lovely Mortal
Contemp - Instant Attraction
RS - Only Fear

Mar:
PNR - Mermen
Contemp - On Dublin Street
RS - The Darkest Hour

April:
PNR - Radiance
Contemp - Real
RS: - Wild Card

May:
PNR - Dominic
Contemp - Alex
RS - Morgan's Hunter

June:
PNR - Burned by Darkness
Contemp - Phenomenal X
RS - Against the Wall

Great list Danielle!

Love this type of challenge. Do we count what we've already read for this month or will it start mid-month?

Start from the beginning of July Christina :)

July

Title/Author: Eeny Meeny - M.J. Arlidge
Series: Helen Grace
Read: 07/13/15
Rating: ★★★✩✩½
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Probably but not a high priority
Review:
If you liked the Saw movies this one is a lot like it. So I highly enjoyed it also the chapters are short so it feels like you are flying through it.

Love or Hate at First Sight
Duration: 07/01/15 - 06/30/16

Books Chosen:
July: My Soul to Take | Rachel Vincent 07/26/15 ★★★★✩
August: A Rush of Wings | Adrian Phoenix 08/13/15 ★★★✩✩
September: Some Girls Bite | Chloe Neill 09/10/15 ★★★★✩
October: Half-Blood | Jennifer L. Armentrout 10/13/15 ★★★★✩
November: First Grave on the Right | Darynda Jones 11/08/15 ★★★★★
December: Xoe: or Vampires, and Werewolves, and Demons, Oh My! | Sara C. Roethle 12/05/15 ★★★★✩
January: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs | Molly Harper 01/23/16 ★★★★★
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:


❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀

July

Title/Author: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers
Read: 07/26/15
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced and had a great plot. I also liked the love story in this book. I'm looking forward to see how this series pans out.

August

Title/Author: A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix
Series: The Maker's Song
Read: 08/14/15
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes - probably
Review:
I liked the plot of this story. It was just a little drawn out and too many shifts in POV, but other than that I liked the story. I'll check the next one out at some point, to see if the writing get better in the coming books.

September

Title/Author: Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires
Read: 09/10/15
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I liked that this was a book about how to accept a situation that wasn't part of the orignal plans. I really enjoyed the secondary characters. I want more Ethan in the next books. I'm very interested in seeing how it will all pan out in the coming books.

October

Title/Author: Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Covenant #1
Read: 10/13/15
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Although there was a lot of similarities between this book and Vampire Academy, I still really enjoyed it.

November

Title/Author: First Grave on the Right | Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson
Read: 11/08/15
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
I liked the world, story and the characters. It had the perfect amount of humor added to the story, so I'm really looking forward to continue it.

December


Title/Author: Xoe: or Vampires, and Werewolves, and Demons, Oh My! | Sara C. Roethle
Series: Xoe Myers
Read: 12/05/15
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
I was really surprised about this book. I mostly chose to read it because it was an X title and I needed it for a challenge. It turned out to be a pretty great book, with a nice pace of the story.


Title/Author: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs | Molly Harper
Series: Jane Jameson
Read: 01/23/16
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
Again this book really surprised me. I had been expecting a fun quick read, but not much else. I ended up really enjoying this book, and I really liked Jane's character. Although it was a little predictable at times, I still found it really great.

I'll join.

Love or Hate at First Sight
Duration: 07/01/15 - 06/30/16

July - Night Huntress 01 Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost 7/20/15 ★★★★✩
August - Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc. 01 Graveyard Shift by Angela Roquet 8/31/15 ★★★★✩
September - The Edge 01 On the Edge by Ilona Andrews 9/4/15 ★★★★★
October - The Dowser 01 Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge 10/6/15 ★★★✩✩
November - Beaufort & Company Mystery 01 Defending Angels by Mary Stanton 11/7/15 ★★★✩✩
December - Roma Sub Roma 01 Roman Blood by Steven Saylor 12/15/15 ★★★✩✩
January - Lux 01 Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout 1/12/16 ★★★✩✩
February - Vampire Academy 01 Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead 2/25/16 ★★★★✩
March - Miss Peregrine 01 Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs 3/14/16 ★★★✩✩
April - Artifact Hunters 01 Nefertiti's Heart by A.W. Exley 4/27/16 ★★★★★
May - Sabina Kane 01 Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells 5/24/16 ★★★✩✩
June - Laws Of The Blood 01 The Hunt by Susan Sizemore 6/13/16 ★★✩✩✩

Always up for this one :)

Love or Hate at First Sight
Duration: 07/01/15 - 06/30/16

10/12


July - Royal Street 07/20/15
August - Trailer Park Fae 08/03/15
September - A Hidden Fire 09/05/15
October - Clean Sweep 10/02/15
November - Burn for Me 11/12/15
December - skipped
January - Ready to Were 01/25/16
February - Finding Forgiveness 02/01/16
March - skipped
April - Mother's Day Out 04/05/16
May - Murder of a Small-Town Honey
June - Critical Failures



Also Reads:

SOS Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read Challenge

1st July 2015 - 30th June 2016

Finished: 7/12

July -Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton
August - Gallows View by Peter Robinson
September - Mayhem by Sarah Pinborough
October - Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
November - And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander
December - At Risk by Patricia Cornwell
January - FAIL
February - Alone by Lisa Gardner
March -
April -
May -
June -

Title/Author: Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton
Series: Hamish MacBeth
Read: 17th July
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: OK - I now understand what a cozy mystery is. I've read several gruesome serial killer books lately and this was a really refreshing change and proves you can tell a decent story in under 190 pages. I was really annoyed by one of the characters (a woman who was picturing marrying a guy after spending one day with him), but Hamish was sweet.

PNR Series:



Title/Author: Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy
Read: 14 July
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? YES!
Review: This was a great story with interesting yet simple world building. I enjoyed the characters and hero I very intriguing. I liked that he isn't a "white knight" kind of guy but the kind of hero who will due whatever it takes to accomplish his goals. This book had action, suspense and the beginning of a great romance.

Contemporary Series



Title/Author: The Risk by Skye Jordan
Series: Xtreme Heroes
Read: 17 July
Rating: ★★★★✩ First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: A fun, engaging plot with characters I really liked. I liked the slow build between the characters. I wasn't sure I was going to like the hero when he was first introduced but I quickly changed my mind when we got to know him a little better. Really enjoyed the romance between the two. A little bit too much detail on medical, technical, and dietary info that bogged it down which is why it's a 4 star for me.

Romantic Suspense



Title/Author: Irresistible Force by D.D. Ayres
Series: K-9 Rescue
Read: 13 July
Rating: ★★✩✩✩ 1/2
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Maybe (liked sequel better so I will try one more to see)
Review: I really liked the hero James and his dog Bogart. Wasn't crazy about the heroine, she had a ton of baggage and changed her feelings so much I got whiplash. The romance wasn't really there, I could see the "lust" part but no idea why the hero fell in love. There was also just too much going on this book, it got to the point that it was ridiculous and unbelievable.

I'm in!
Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2016 - 12/12 Read
Duration: July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016
✔July 2015: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James - 7/23
✔August 2015: I Want It That Way by Ann Aguirre - 8/31
✔September 2015: The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory - 9/9
✔October 2015: 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber - 10/4
✔November 2015: Me, Myself and Why? by MaryJanice Davidson - 11/5
✔December 2015: The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter - 12/6
✔January 2016: Cinder by Marissa Meyer - 1/2
✔February 2016: Lion's Share by Rachel Vincent - 2/23
✔March 2016: Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire - 3/27
✔April 2016: Insolent by Kerrigan Byrne - 4/21
✔May 2016: Blood Kiss by J.R. Ward - 5/31
✔June 2016: Hounded by Kevin Hearne - 6/9

Monthly Updates
July 2015 Update - (view spoiler)[
coverDesperate Duchesses

Title/Author: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
Series: Desperate Duchesses
Read: July 23
Rating: ★★★½✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I really could have done without the cheating aspect of this book. I understand that Roberta's relationship with her fiancée isn't standard, but really she's engaged to someone else. I'm less bothered by it since he flat out said he didn't care as long as she didn't get pregnant, but that just made me hate him (which was the point - I think, since he'd been thinking about regretting asking her to marry him). Some of it was completely unbelievable. I think my view on this one is tarnished by the cheating, so I'm hoping I'll like the next one more. - (hide spoiler)]
Aug 2015 Update - (view spoiler)[


Title/Author: I Want It That Way by Ann Aguirre
Series: 2B Trilogy
Read: Aug 31
Rating: ★★★½✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I didn't really care about this book too much. I rushed this one, since I didn't even start it until the last day of the month and I'm sure that has something to do with my ambivalence. I've read other books by Aguirre that I've loved, but while I liked the characters in this one I didn't feel all that connected to them. - (hide spoiler)]
September 2015 Update - (view spoiler)[


Title/Author: The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
Series: The Tudor Court
Read: Sept 9
Rating: ★★★½✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I liked the idea of this one more the reality. I don't read a lot of historical fiction and this is the first one that's really had a real historical figure in it in a big way (some have had real life royals but they've all been secondary characters). I found it a little disappointing in some ways, but I really want to read a nonfiction book about Katherine of Aragon now. I will be reading the next one, but I might not read beyond that one depending on how I feel about the second one in the series. - (hide spoiler)]
October 2015 Update - (view spoiler)[

Title/Author: 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
Series: Cedar Cove
Read: Oct 3, 2015
Rating: ★★★½✩
First time author? Yes
TBC? Yes
Review: I really liked the town, but Olivia had no right to make that judgement. She even admits she let her own views get in the way of her job. She was right, of course (this is a book, after all) but it would have served her right if she'd been wrong and one of them sued her. I did like Olivia, don't misunderstand, but she had no legal grounds to refuse their request. - (hide spoiler)]
November 2015 Update - (view spoiler)[

Title/Author: Me, Myself and Why? by MaryJanice Davidson
Series:
Read: Nov 5, 2015
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
TBC? Yes
Review: This one starts out a little confusing, but it didn't take long to get into. I assumed at first that Candace didn't know she has DID (dissociative identity disorder) at first, since she calls Shiro and Adrienne her sisters. She does know, but it took a little while for that to be clear. Shiro's point about integration was a good one and something I'd never thought about before. Is re-integration of separate personalities murder? From that (those) personality(-ies) standpoint, it must be. - (hide spoiler)]
December 2015 Update - (view spoiler)[

Title/Author: The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter
Series: Original Heartbreakers
Read: 12/6
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I didn't really like Jase all that much in this one. He goes hot and cold so much there were times I wanted Brook Lynn to just give up on him. I did like them together and I've already read the next book in this series. I'm not sure I would have decided to read the other books in this series if there was more then just the three books (+ a prequel novella). - (hide spoiler)]
Jan 2016 Update - (view spoiler)[

Title/Author: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles
Read: 1/2
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: (Not a lot to say, since I read this one a month ago - some spoilers in this one, sorry) I wasn't too sure about this one at first. I love fairytale retellings, but this one has people living on the moon, cyborgs and royalty (which is expected, since Cinder is Cinderella, but it was an odd mix). I was a little annoyed that Cinder didn't get her HEA in this book (I'm betting she will, but it doesn't happen in this one.) That was a little annoying, but since the over arching plot for this series involves the Queen of the Lunar's wanting to become empress it makes sense that it works out this way, annoying though it is. I really loved Cinder in this one even if I spent the last fourth of the book wondering what the hell she was thinking! - (hide spoiler)]
Feb 2016 Update - (view spoiler)[

Title/Author: Lion's Share by Rachel Vincent]
Series: Wildcats
Read: 2/23
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: This is the first book of a spin off of a series that I loved. It's a little odd to see some of the same characters without really following them, and I don't remember Abby all that well. I don't have all that much to say about it aside from when is the next one coming out? :) - (hide spoiler)]
March 2016 Update - (view spoiler)[


Title/Author: Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid
Read: March 27
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: The first book always has the most world building in it, which is understandable. There were times when this one didn't have enough. There aren't really that many Cryptids in it, since it focuses more on the dragon princesses then anything but the explains for the ones that do show up aren't always the best. There is a little glossary in the back of the book but that doesn't really help if you're reading and wondering what the hell a waheela is. Verity is a lot of fun at times but there were a few times I really wondered what she was thinking. Dominic was okay after he let go of his Covenant training, but his belief change was a little sudden. I know it happened off screen, so to speak, but it was a sudden change that didn't quite feel real. - (hide spoiler)]
April 2016 Update - (view spoiler)[


Title/Author: Insolent by Kerrigan Byrne
Series: Moray Druids
Read: April 21
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: [No review] - (hide spoiler)]
May 2016 Update - (view spoiler)[


Title/Author: Blood Kiss by J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Legacy
Read: May 31
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: This wasn't quite what I expected from this series. It is a romance novel, meaning the "main" couple get together in it but there's also a lot of focus on Butch and Marrisa. I get that it really is also a Black Dagger Brotherhood novel, but I was hoping for less POV jumping (that's become way to common in the main series) and more focus on just the two that are getting together. That's one of the reasons it took me eleven days to read this book. I read some of it and couldn't convince myself to read the rest until I was almost out of time for it to count as May's new series book. - (hide spoiler)]
June 2016 Update - (view spoiler)[

Title/Author: Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles
Read: June 9
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: It took me a little while to get into this one, mostly because it deals with a mythology I don't know that well, Celtic. I spent some time wondering who that was when names were mentioned. It was normally explained later, but it was a big distraction at some points. - (hide spoiler)]

Also Read

July 2015 Update


Title/Author: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
Series: Desperate Duchesses
Read: July 23
Rating: ★★★½✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Spoilers ahead! (view spoiler)[
I really could have done without the cheating aspect of this book. I understand that Roberta's relationship with her fiancée isn't standard, but really she's engaged to someone else. I'm less bothered by it since he flat out said he didn't care as long as she didn't get pregnant, but that just made me hate him (which was the point - I think, since he'd been thinking about regretting asking her to marry him). Some of it was completely unbelievable. I think my view on this one is tarnished by the cheating, so I'm hoping I'll like the next one more. (hide spoiler)]

July 2015 Update

Title/Author: The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
Series: Monstrumologist
Read: July 21 2015
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Nope
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
Rather unexpectedly Lovecraftian for YA, but very enjoyable. I picked up #2 ages ago, not realizing it was not a standalone or first in series, so when this one showed up on sale, I snagged it. I'm going to need a bit of a break before reading the next one - but I definitely will.

Also Read:

August 2015 Update

Title/Author: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Series: Raven Cycle
Read: August 7 2015
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Given the premise, I was a bit worried about too much teenaged angst (ooh! My one twoo wuv, but if I kiss him he'll die, oh woe is me!), but that could not be further from the truth. Strong, distinct characters - human, fallible, and striving to be better. Add in some fantastic mythology, and family bonds both born and chosen, and the story is anything but standard YA fare. Looking forward to what comes next!

Also Read:

SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2016
Duration: 7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016

Progress: 12 out of 12

July - Desire Untamed by Pamela Palmer - *** - 7/27/2015 - 363 Pages
August - The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater - *** - 8/6/2015 - 416 Pages
September - The Xibalba Murders by Lyn Hamilton - ***** - 9/28/2015 - 290 Pages
October - Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn - ***** - 10/31/2015 - 374 Pages
November - My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland - ***** - 11/2/2015
December - Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren - **** - 12/15/2015
January - Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews - ***** - 1/11/2016
February - Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke - **** - 2/19/2016
March - Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken - **** - 3/5/2016
April - Water Bound by Christine Feehan - *** - 4/16/2016
May - Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare - **** - 5/20/2016 - 335 Pages
June - Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis - **** - 6/30/2016



COVER (#)

Title/Author:
Series:
Read: (Date)
Rating: ★★★★★ / ★★★★✩ / ★★★✩✩ / ★★✩✩✩
First time author?
To-Be-Continued?
Review: (Just a sentence or so of what you thought about it!)

Title/Author: Desire Untamed by Pamela Palmer
Series: Feral Warriors #1
Read: 7/27/2015
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: It was ok, I thought the rituals in the story were a bit over the top. Public nookie-scences, etc;

Title/Author: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Series:
Read: 8/6/2015
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Probably
Review: I like the story but I have a hard time following Maggie's writing because she meanders a bit.

Title/Author: Gallows View by Peter Robinson
Series: Inspector Banks
Read: 22nd August
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Enjoyed it - 3 separate crimes in a small Yorkshire town. Investigated by Inspector Banks, who has moved from London. He's was really good character, one that I could really get behind. A bit of a novelty really to come across a policeman in a novel that was happily married!

PNR SERIES


Title/Author: Here Be Sexist Vampires/Suzanne Wright
Series: Deep in Your Veins
Read: 8/23
Rating: ★★★★✩ (Actually 4.5)
First time author No
To-Be-Continued? Yes!
Review: Really enjoyed this book! I liked both the characters and the plot in this book. Yes the hero was kind of a sexist jerk at first but I liked him. I loved the heroine, she was strong, tough and funny. I enjoyed the romance and the humor in this book.

Contemporary



Title/Author:Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson
Series: Neighbor From Hell
Read: 8/17
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes but not right away
Review: Jason was also a sexist jerk at first but charming and funny. I enjoyed the chemistry between the H/h and loved the humor.

RS


Title/Author:Marked By Kaylea Cross
Series: Hostage Rescue Team
Read: 8/5
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes because I bought the first 3 in a set.
Review: I liked the plot of this book, I liked the action and the suspense I just wasn't crazy about the romance

August

Title/Author: Cross Keys - Ally Shields
Series: Evenrude
Read: 8/20/15
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes but not right away
Review:
You can find a longer review on my blog: Raquel Gabrielle's Blog

I really enjoyed this book, I haven't read many books dealing with elves, and I am glad that I found something with elves in it to read, ever since finishing The Hollows Series by Kim harrison I have wanted another series with elves in it.

Aug 2015 Update


Title/Author: I Want It That Way by Ann Aguirre
Series: 2B Triology
Read: Aug 31
Rating: ★★★½✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I didn't really care about this book too much. I rushed this one, since I didn't even start it until the last day of the month and I'm sure that has something to do with my ambivalence. I've read other books by Aguirre that I've loved, but while I liked the characters in this one I didn't feel all that connected to them.

Title/Author: Mayhem by Sarah Pinborough
Series: Dr Thomas Bond
Read: 3rd September
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: The cover is beautiful. The first half was better than the second, because the tension was built really well, then the author decided to tell you exactly what was happening and from there on the ending was inevitable. Having said that, it's a Victorian murder mystery with a supernatural element, so I enjoyed it, hopefully the second will be better.

Title/Author: Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress 01
Read: 7/20/15
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
I love Cat & Bones! Cat is a small town girl who happens to be half-vampire, much to her mother's chagrin. She hunts vampires as a way to atone for her sin of birth and has a kill-now-ask-questions-never attitude to these evil creatures....Then she meets Bones. He's funny, smart, and sexy, and is a bounty hunter of vampires. The attraction is instant for both, though Cat fights it. But when she finally accepts who she is and what she wants....watch out world! These two are on the hunt! Can't wait to jump into the next book.

Title/Author: Graveyard Shift by Angela Roquet
Series: Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc. 01
Read: 8/31/15
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: This wasn't a complicated read. Lots of shopping and teenage romances (even though Lana is 300 years old). But it was a funny and relaxing filler till my next big book comes along.

Title/Author:On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
Series: The Edge 01
Read: 9/4/15
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I LOVED this book. I'll admit, I totally judged it by it's cover and hemmed and hawed about reading it. The MC, Rose, is a strong, independent woman, but not an annoying one that does what she wants when she wants just cause someone said she shouldn't do it. Life taught her a harsh lesson but it didn't turn her bitter. Declan is the haughty Blueblood, but he's not the strong man that is damaged inside and only that special one can save him. He is capable, smart and thinks!

Title/Author: The Drafter - Kim Harrison
Series: The Peri Reed Chronicles
Read: 09/09/15
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes can't wait!
Review:
I really enjoyed this, after the hollows series I am happy that she has done it again! It was a bit confusing in parts but that is only because this deals with time and losing memory so that is expected.

September 2015 Update


Title/Author: The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
Series: The Tudor Court
Read: Sept 9
Rating: ★★★½✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I liked the idea of this one more the reality. I don't read a lot of historical fiction and this is the first one that's really had a real historical figure in it in a big way (some have had real life royals but they've all been secondary characters). I found it a little disappointing in some ways, but I really want to read a nonfiction book about Katherine of Aragon now. I will be reading the next one, but I might not read beyond that one depending on how I feel about the second one in the series.

SEPTEMBER BOOKS
PNR Series:



Title/Author: A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall
Series: The Gifted Ones
Read: 4 September
Rating: ★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Probably
Review: I wanted to love this book because Immortal Guardians is one of my favorite series but I just didn't. I really enjoyed the first 40% of the book but then it slowed way down. Also the Hero wasn't quite Alpha enough for me considering he was supposed to be a fierce, feared warrior. Still the author wrote this book a long time ago before she started writing her Immortal Guardian series so I will try Book 2 to see if I like it more.


Contemporary Series



Title/Author: After Midnightby Sarah Grimm
Series: Black Phoenix
Read: 13 September
Rating: ★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I enjoyed this book but I think it tried to hard to be dark and broody. Plus the bad guy was really, really obvious. Still I liked the characters and I think the series has potential. I really liked Dominic who was a side character and will be featured in Book 2.

Romantic Suspense



Title/Author: One Night More by Mandy Baxter
Series: U.S. Marshals
Read: 16 September
Rating: ★★★ 1/2
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes but it isn't at the top of my list
Review: I enjoyed the back and forth between Galen and Harper and how they still had a connection even though they didn't trust each other and it took a long time to work out the misunderstanding that sent Galen running in the first place. The dialogue was witty and entertaining and the action kept me turning the page. The bad guy wasn't obvious although I did figure it out I wasn't positive I was right.

Title/Author: Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
Series: Rivers of London
Read: 4th October
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? HELL YES
Review: Absolutely loved it, can't understand why I haven't read this before. Peter is a great central character, a bit rubbish as a policeman as he gets easily distracted - but could he be a great wizard? I loved the setting (Covent Garden is one of my favourite places), it's perfect for my sense of humour.

October 2015 Update

Title/Author: 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
Series: Cedar Cove
Read: Oct 3, 2015
Rating: ★★★½✩
First time author? Yes
TBC? Yes
Review: I really liked the town, but Olivia had no right to make that judgement. She even admits she let her own views get in the way of her job. She was right, of course (this is a book, after all) but it would have served her right if she'd been wrong and one of them sued her. I did like Olivia, don't misunderstand, but she had no legal grounds to refuse their request.

Also Read

Charlotte, glad you liked Peter Gant, I find those books fascinating.

I'm already nearly halfway through the second one Sandra. Having a lot of fun.

That's 1 series I keep up to date with :)

September 2015 Update (posting a wee bit late)

Title/Author: Yarn to Go, by Betty Hechtman
Series: Yarn Retreat
Read: September 13 2015
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Likely
Review: Read this one mostly because it filled a "Y" for an A-Z challenge (for title and series). Pleasant, cozy mystery filled with baking and knitting. The concept of personalized knitting projects chosen by an insightful teacher has its appeal. Also, knitting retreats. Sounds like a fantastic vacation. I'll keep this series in mind for the next alphabet challenge.

Charlotte - Isn't Rivers of London fun? I started the series earlier this year and inhaled them all as fast as I could get them from the library. I've been waiting on pins and needles for the next one to come out!

It is, I love Peter. But I really love the way the author describes London. I can picture the streets they're running down. He also has a marvellous sense of humour.

Yep, where is a like button when you need one? I too can picture London through Peter's eyes.

Title/Author: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs
Series: Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children
Read: 10/15/15
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes I am excited to continue on
Review:
Okay surprisingly this was pretty good and of course now I want to read Hollow city because it kind of left on a cliff hanger. I was not expecting a little bit of everything in this book. I knew it had a spooky feel because of the black and white pictures but it is so much more than that it is an adventure, mystery, and fantasy all wrapped up into one book. I love how history is tied into this realm of fantasy yet it seems just strange enough to make one think maybe this could have been real or something like it. I very much enjoyed the characters and now can't wait to see this in movie format.

October 2015 Update
by Esther M. Friesner
Title/Author: Nobody's Princess, by Esther M. Friesner
Series: Nobody's Princess
Read: October 12 2015
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: YA tale about Helen of Troy as a child, before the 2D character shown in the myths. Wonderful story, great characters, and neat peeks at mythological figures as people. Definitely a series to continue.

Also Read:

Sunshine wrote: "

Title/Author:On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
Series: The Edge 01
Read: 9/4/15
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
R..."

I loved this one as well. I was sad this was a pretty short series.

PNR Series:



Title/Author: Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels
Read: 3 Oct
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? YES
Review: This was a good start to what I think will be a really good series. The first book in UF books always have a lot to do. There is a whole world to build and lots of characters to introduce and so rarely are the first book in a series my favorite. However, in spite of the many characters, the somewhat confusing world building I really liked this book. I liked Kate a lot. She is tough and independent and yet has a vulnerability. She is very snarky and I laughed reading her inner thoughts. I liked the concept of the Pack and also the different take on vampires. I liked the fascination that the Beast Lord has with Kate and I really enjoyed her trying to have a normal love relationship even though it didn't work out. Overall, I really enjoyed this first book and look forward to the second one.


Contemporary Series


Title/Author: A Secret Wish by Barbara Freethy
Series: Wish
Read: 22 Oct
Rating: ★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I liked each story and thought that the author did a great job moving from each story without confusing the reader. It was hard to connect with Carole and a little more depth and history would have been nice for her character. It's a quick read with a obvious happy ending.

Romantic Suspense



Title/Author: Watch Me By Cynthia Eden
Series: Dark Obsession
Read: 15 Oct
Rating: ★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Probably when I'm looking for a quick read
Review: Watch Me is the first book in Cynthia Eden's Dark Obsession series. I would almost say it's a light romantic suspense. Which almost seems like an oxymoron. How can you have a light RS - well it's kind of a bit of fluff but with a little bit of suspense thrown in. This book reminds me A LOT of her Mine series. Obsessive male heroes with a fairly predictable plot and some steam.

November 2015 Update

Title/Author: Me, Myself and Why? by MaryJanice Davidson
Series:
Read: Nov 5, 2015
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
TBC? Yes
Review: Spoilers! This one starts out a little confusing, but it didn't take long to get into. I assumed at first that Candace didn't know she has DID (dissociative identity disorder) at first, since she calls Shiro and Adrienne her sisters. She does know, but it took a little while for that to be clear. Shiro's point about integration was a good one and something I'd never thought about before. Is re-integration of separate personalities murder? From that (those) personality(-ies) standpoint, it must be.

October

Title/Author: Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Series: The Dowser 01
Read: 10/6/15
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I thought there would be more with the cupcakes, but other than naming a bunch in the first chapter, it's not really mentioned...


November

Title/Author:Defending Angels by Mary Stanton
Series: Beaufort & Company Mystery 01
Read: 11/7/15
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? No
Review: The MC wasn't clear on what was going on and didn't really accept it, so how was I supposed to know what was going on?

November

Title/Author: Talon - Julie Kagawa
Series: Talon
Read: 11/10/15
Rating: ★★★✩✩½
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes I will continue on because it's dragons and how could I not.
Review:
I went into this book knowing it would be more about the romance, I read some reviews and saw that, that is why some people didn't like it all that much. I didn't have high expectations when reading this novel. It was pretty good though because I mean how can a book that has dragons, any kind of dragons, be bad. The answer is it can't, I did like the character Ember she is fiery and wants to do things and make decisions on her own. Her brother though... bad news. This one is just a taste test I am guessing I want to know more about both organizations both of Talon and St. George.

Title/Author: And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander
Series: Lady Emily
Read: 24th November 2015
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Thoroughly enjoyed this. Lady Emily is a lovely character, fighting her own war against the constraints of Victorian society. Married a man she hardly knew to escape her mothers house and finds herself a widow after only a couple of months of marriage. 2 years after his death (and preparing to come out of mourning for him), she discovers a side of her husband that causes her to fall in love with him - via his love of Greek antiquities. Lovely little mystery.

November Update

PNR Series:

Title/Author: Full Blooded By Amanda Carlson
Series: Jessica McClain
Read: 24 November
Rating: ★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes but with reservations
Review: Full Blooded is the first book in Amanda Carlson's Jessica McClain series and ends with a big cliffhanger!
There were some things I really liked about this book:
1) Jessica's character was interesting and she was strong but not over the top.
2) All the secondary characters which were written very well and integrated throughout the book
3) The Hero - I want more!
4) The plot was interesting and I want to know more about the Cain Prophecy
But there were some things I really didn't like:
1) Jessica's inner dialogue with her wolf (it just came across as strange)
2) Jessica spent almost the whole book telling her wolf no, it's not the time
3) Even though she's suppossed to be wicked strong she never really got a chance to do much - the pack had her constantly running away so they could "take care of her"
4) Jessica now knowing anything about being a werewolf or their culture - come on yes they didn't think she'd ever become a werewolf but she is the Alpha's daughter and lived with the pack until she was 18.
5) I didn't buy that she would be that tormented as a girl - her dad was the alpha and while she may have been ostricized I don't believe she would have been physically tormented.
So overall, I liked it but I didn't love it. The things I didn't like really frustrated me but I want to know more so I will be reading the next book.

Contemporary Series


Title/Author: Wicked Games by Jessica Clare
Series: Games
Read: 8 Nov
Rating: ★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I enjoyed Wicked Game but it was very predictible. It was so obvious what the conflict was going to be and how it was going to be resolved. The first part of the book before Abby and Dean started getting along was actually hilarious. Unfortunately, I didn't really see the connection between them. The author told us they spent a lot of time talking and hanging out together but didn't write those scenes so some of the connection that wasn't about the "survival" just wasn't there for me. It was more of a lust then love connection. At first Abby goes back and forth between being a strong woman and not having much confidence. Dean is kind of a jerk at first but quickly changes (maybe too quickly for me). The story was very much like an episode of survivor with the scheming and lying to stay on the island.
My biggest issue and the reason this book wasn't a 4 star read for me was that the conflict was SO OBVIOUS. Abby did exactly what I knew she would although a bit harsher then I would have thought. Dean was a little too easy going about the things Abby said as well. However, overall it was a fun and enjoyable read and I was surprised at how quickly it seemed I read the book.

Romantic Suspense

Title/Author: Deadly Pursuit by Misty Evans
Series: SCVC
Read: 25 Nov
Rating: ★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Probably Not
Review: Deadly Pursuit is the first book in the SCVC Series. There are so many books with the same premise (group of alpha males working together either for the gov't or in private security) and this one was just in the middle.

The book didn't grab me in the beginning and it took me a while to really get engaged. I never really liked the heroine that much. She came off as immature at times and well stalkerish at others. (She has a picture of her boss running on the beach as her screen saver for her phone and there is no relationship at this point other than boss/subordinate). I also didn't like that she was throwing herself at her boss and let everyone know about it yet she wanted to be taken seriously as a professional.
I did really like the hero. Cooper is charming and protective but also smart and believes in what he is doing. I didn't buy his falling in love with Celina but maybe that's because I didn't really liker her.
It was a decent read but with so many series out there that are similiar I'm not sure I will continue this one