Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Glass Houses is the first book in the Morganville vampire series and it was a great start to this YA series. Claire is beginning her first year of college and although she is only sixteen, she is very smart for her age. In the dorm where Claire lives, a girl named Monica and her friends/followers don't like Claire though and Claire finds her life in serious danger. She finds a place to live at the Glass house with 3 other misfits and begins to learn more about the town of Morganville. And the dangers that lurk in the dark...

What a beginning to this new-to-me series! It was fast paced action throughout the novel and I was turning pages as fast as I could. Claire was a strong willed sixteen year old and I liked her from the start. When she moves into the Glass house she makes friends and these were all strong characters as well. I loved the dangerous spin on vampires that Rachel Caine used within this story and am SO curious as to where the story will go from here. My only qualm with this book is that Claire made decisions that at some points didn't seem very realistic. For her being as smart as she was portrayed, she didn't use the best common sense at times. And a warning to readers that it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger. I was warned ahead of time so it didn't bother me other than wanting to pick up the next book soon. Figured I should extend the same courtesy to all of you :) All in all though, I was hooked with this story and am anxious to continue on with this series. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about vampires or any types of paranormal books.

My Rating/Recommendations: 4 out of 5 and recommended to paranormal lovers!

Challenges: YA Challenge, 1st in a Series Challenge, 100+ Book Challenge

Ramses, Volume I: Son of Light by Christian Jacq

I can't even begin to remember where I heard about this book but boy am I glad that I did. I was entranced by this novel which is about Ramses before he became king of Egypt. It begins with the first time that Ramses meets his father, the Pharoah of Egypt and Ramses is fourteen years old. From then on Ramses is never sure if his father is training him to be the next Pharoah or whether his destiny might lie as something other than king. The book continues on with the struggles that Ramses faces as well as the triumphs. Because not everyone wants Ramses to come to power including Ramses' older brother who plans on being Pharoah himself.

I loved this book! I was transported into Ancient Egypt with this novel and I was entralled. The writing was gorgeous and I was marking passages to share left and right. The best part of the book though was that the author captured my interest and I was caught up within the story. There were times that I just couldn't put the book down. Ramses was a strong and likeable character but realistic at the same time. He wasn't without his flaws and as the reader I wanted to see him overcome his enemies and become the future Pharoah. I'm really looking forward to the 2nd book in this series! Here is a little teaser to share a taste of this wonderful novel:

"A courageous man goes to the limit of his strength. A king goes beyond it. If that is not in you, you are not meant to rule and we will never see each other again. No test should daunt you. Leave, if you wish; otherwise, capture the bull."

All in all, this was a wonderful novel that I highly recommend to anyone that enjoys historical fiction. I'll be requesting the next one from the library asap. And this was my 3rd and final selection for the historical fiction reading challenge. I completed a challenge...woohoo :) I'll be posting a wrap-up soon for this one.

My Rating/Recommendations: 4.5 out of 5 and recommended to anyone who enjoys historical fiction!
Challenges: Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, New Author challenge, 100+ Book Challenge, Support Your Library Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("J" Author), 1st in a Series Challenge

Kitty and The Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn

Kitty and The Midnight Hour introduces the reader to Kitty Norville who is a late night radio DJ and also a werewolf. Kitty begins talking about the paranormal on her radio show and before she knows what is happening the show begins to get requests and call ins like no other. All of a sudden, Kitty is being thrust into the limelight and not all of the supernatural creatures are happy about it especially members of her own pack.

This was a reread for me as I orginally read this one I believe before I started blogging. I jumped at the chance to participate with a blog tour over this series and decided to start from the beginning. I remember liking this one the first time and the 2nd reading of it didn't disappoint. I did have some qualms the first time I read it as I felt like Kitty didn't stand up enough for herself. This time I didn't feel that way at all which is probably because I've read the 2nd book and know that she begins to stand up more for herself (sorry if that is a spoiler). I've only read the first two books though and I am anxious to see where the author will take us. I love Kitty's character as she comes across as such a down to earth person. She truly cares about the important people in her life and you can't help but hope that things work out for her.

All in all, I enjoyed the chance to reread this book and it feels like I'm beginning the series anew. Be on the lookout as I review the next couple of books in the next couple of weeks and stop by on the 25th for the final review! I'm so excited to see where Kitty goes next. Great series so far!

My Rating/Recommendations: 4 out of 5; Recommended to those who enjoy urban fantasy or paranormal romance

Challenges: A-Z Challenge ("V" Author), 100+ Book Challenge, 1st in a Series Challenge

And here is a link to my original post on this book...it was when I first started blogging :)

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen

Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, otherwise known as Georgie, is 34th in line to the throne which basically amounts to not much. She decides to move out of her brother's house and into a small family owned house in London to make her own way. But then she gets caught up into a mystery involving her family and it looks like someone might be trying to kill her.

Her Royal Spyness is a fun beginning to this series that I will be looking forward to reading more of. I'll start by saying that this was such a fun read for me. I didn't even realize I had flew through the first hundred pages as I was just caught up in the story. Georgie has to try to make her own money which means finding a job which is unusual for a women like her. It was fun to read about her exploits throughout the novel and I enjoyed my time with her. The novel is set in the 1930's and it was filled with the atmosphere and details from that time period. I just loved it! This book had a Stephanie Plum-esque feel to it as the main character never knew what she was doing and caused more trouble than anything. All in all, a fun and enjoyable read and I will be looking forward to reading more by this author. It reminded me that I enjoy cozy mysteries once in awhile and was a great beginning to my theme for the Themed Reading Challenge.

My Rating/Recommendations: 4 out of 5; Recommended to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery

Challenges: New Author Challenge, Themed Reading Challenge, Support Library Challenge, 100+ Book Challenge, 1st in a Series Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("B" Author), TBR Challenge (Alternate), Winter Reading Challenge

Call of the Highland Moon by Kendra Leigh Castle

If you all remember awhile back I got the chance to read Dark Highland Moon by this author and absolutely loved it. I was in the mood for a good romance and it fit the bill for me. Unfortunately, it was the 2nd book in this series and so I added the first one to my TBR list to go back to. I ended up requesting this one from the library when I realized I was craving another romance and happily this didn't disappoint.

Let's begin with a bit about the book: Gideon (a werewolf) has run to America trying to get his head on straight and learn to be the future leader of his pack. He is looking for something more but isn't sure what that is. Gideon has just decided to go back home and accept his responsibilities when he is attacked by a group of werewolves. Carly finds him in his wolf form on her doorstep wounded and brings what she thinks is a very large dog home with her. And the story begins...

I will admit that I am a sucker for a well-laid out romance once in awhile and this author can write one. I was hooked from the first page and barely put the book down unless I absolutely had too :) I loved the romance and chemistry between Carly and Gideon and couldn't get enough of their story. I wasn't sure how it was going to work between the two of them but the author pulled it all together in the end for me. The ending made the book for me and although I can't sure for sake of spoilers suffice it to say that it was awesome! I love the mix of paranormal and romance in this series and am so glad that I found out about this author. I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy paranormal romances and of course the 2nd book as well.

My Rating/Recommendations: 4.5 out of 5; Recommended to readers of romance and paranormal romances (highly recommended!)
Challenges: Support Library Challenge, 100+ Book Challenge, 1st in a Series Challenge, Romance Reading Challenge

P.S.- I was lucky enough to score an ARC of the 3rd book in this series and am dying to read it! I'll wait till closer to the publishing date though and I think that I will reread the 2nd book while I'm at it :)

Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur

Full Moon Rising is the beginning of a new (to me) series that I was excited to read. Riley Jensen and her twin brother are half vampire and half werewolf and both work for the government concerning supernatural creatures. Trouble begins to brew when Riley's brother disappears and a vampire shows up on Riley's doorstep. Can she find her brother without becoming a guardian like her boss wants her to?
I'm finding that I am a huge fan of urban fantasy and this didn't disappoint. Keri Arthur creates a world that draws the reader into it and I couldn't help but root for Riley to succeed. It was a dark world filled with creatures of the night and lots of suspense. Riley was also up against the fact that it was the week before the full moon which meant that she was basically in heat. There was a lot of sex in this book which may deter some readers. It didn't bother me as a reader as it pertained to the story line but like I said before it might bother some. All of the answers weren't found at the end of the book which makes me want to read the next book in this series soon. The ending was satisfying though and I couldn't help but hope that the story would go the way I wanted it to in the following books :) All in all, I enjoyed this book and am excited to have found another series that I will be following.

Rating/Recommendations: 4 out of 5 and a recommendation to those who enjoy dark urban fantasy.
Challenges: 1st in a Series, New Author, 100+ Challenge, A-Z ("A" Author), Support Your Library Challenge

Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

In this book we are introduced to Heather Wells who is the size of the average American woman as she puts it. Heather is an ex-popstar turned dorm resident assistant after her mother stole all of her money and she lost her recording contract. Even though Heather has been through a lot she has a positive attitude and a fun outlook on life. But girls are dying at her residence hall and the police think that they are accidental deaths. Heather, on the other hand, isn't so sure though. She begins to investigate and before she knows it the killer is after her as well.
This was a fun, fast read for me that I really enjoyed. Heather wasn't the perfect main character which was nice to read about and you couldn't help but identify with her and certain points in the story. It was definitely a cozy mystery...nothing gruesome or anything like that. It was a good change of pace for me and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. There was an afterwards when the story was over telling about where the author gets her ideas from books, etc. It really made me interested in reading other books by Meg Cabot and even her young adult ones like The Princess Diaries. More books to add to my evergrowing TBR list, right???
Challenges: 1st In A Series Challenge
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

In other book-related news, Jackie from Literary Escapism is holding a contest every day this week. Today's books is Marjorie Liu's Tiger Eye which I haven't read so I'm really excited. Go over to her blog here to check it out!!! BTW- I go to her blog all of the time if you are interested in anything paranormal or urban fantasy...she always has a book to add to my TBR list as well :)

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

In the city of Atlanta, magic comes in waves and it is Kate's job to clean up after it. Kate is a mercenary who is caught up in the middle of a mysterious killing that could start a war between the people (vampires) and the shapeshifters. And it all somehow ties into the killing of Kate's guardian. She is on a search to find out who the killer is along with keeping herself safe. This book is the begininning of this series and was an okay read for me. But that sounds like I didn't like it....I did like it. I just thought that it could have been better if it had been fleshed out a bit more. The author did an awesome job of a creating a new and detailed world that I enjoyed spending time. The characters fell a bit flat for me and I wished that she would have gone into more detail in other areas so that we could have gotten to know the main character a little bit better. It was interesting and kept my attention which means I have found another series to keep reading. I'm just hoping that in further books we get to know Kate and her world a bit more. I really liked Curran, the leader of the shapeshifters, so I hope that we get to see him again. Good book overall!
Challenges: 1st In A Series Challenge
My Rating: 4 out of 5

1st To Die by James Patterson

To begin this series Lindsay, a lead homicide detective, comes across one of the worst murder scenes that she has seen. There is a serial killer in San Fransico and he seems to be trying to do the most horrific things possible. She has just received some devasting news and now has to follow along the trail of a killer who isn't leaving them much to go on. And then she meets up with the four women who form a murder club intent on solving this killing in any way possible. This is a fast paced book meant to keep the reader guessing at all times. I had a few problems with it though but we'll get to that.
First of all, I've read Patterson before...long before I even started blogging or keeping track of the books that I read. I've enjoyed reading him but for some reason got away from his books. I just wasn't very attached to his characters or the story in this book. I dunno..it wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. The last quarter of the story was really good though and I found myself enjoying the rest of the book. Which left me mulling over how to rate the book so that I could be as honest as possible. I've decided to go with a 3.5 since I didn't love or really like the book...but I ended up liking it enough to continue on with the series. I'll give the 2nd book a try and if it isn't better then I'll be dones with this series.
Challenges: 1st in a Series Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("P" Title)
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Book Reviews

Because I am 4 reviews behind I am going to catch myself up all in one fell swoop. Sorry if they are a bit short and you can always email me at samantha.1020@yahoo.com if you have any questions for me about a certain book or just leave a comment. Here is a few reviews of what I have been reading:

34. Seduction In Death by J.D. Robb- Another mystery involving Eve and her hubby Roarke. I can't even begin to explain how much I enjoy these series. It is a treat for me to pick up these books. In this book, Eve is trying to track down possibly two killers who are drugging and killing young women. I really liked the side story with Peabody and McNab and felt that it added to this book. This wasn't the best in the series but it was still pretty good so I gave it a 4 out of 5 rating. I already have the next book in this series checked out from the library :)
Read for the A-Z Challenge ("S" Title)

35. Grave Peril by Jim Butcher- I have been reading a lot of series books lately. This is a fairly new series to me (I'm only on #3) but I am really enjoying it. I love Harry and am always rooting for him to come through. In this installment, Harry is up against an unknown someone who has been stirring up ghosts and causing all sorts of trouble for Harry. This was a good book and I felt like he developed into an even more likeable character. The ending was bittersweet for me but also made me want to read the next book sooner rather than later. I ended up rating this one a 4.25 out of 5.

36. Better Read Than Dead by Victoria Laurie- The second book in her Psychic Eye series has Abby involved with the mafia. She has major relationship issues with Dutch and is trying to help Dutch's old partner in a serial rapist case. It all adds up to be a fun read that kept me guessing to see how Abby was going to get herself out of it all. I did guess one part of the ending but it didn't keep me from enjoying the rest of the book. I will keep reading this series and see where it goes from here. I rated this one a 4 out of 5.
Read for A-Z Challenge ("L" Author)

37. Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton- I've been hearing a lot of differing opinions on this series with you either like or don't like Agatha. Apparently I like Agatha because I really enjoyed this first book. I know, I know....like I need another series to start reading but whatever. In this 1st book, Agatha moves to Cotswalds and then decided to enter into a baking contest in order to try and fit in with her neighbors. Except she buys her quiche and later it is found that it has poisoned and killed the judge of the contest. This was a very simple mystery but it still drew me in and kept me wrapped up within it wondering what kind of trouble Agatha was going to get into next. And I liked her as a main character. I rated it a 4.5 out of 5 and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Read for the 1st In A Series Challenge

I am officially on book #38 for the year which is Three For The Money by Janet Evanovich. I am looking forward to a few good laughs and a visit with Grandma Mazur. I've got a ton of books checked out from the library that I need to get to. Plus, I should probably buckle down and read a few books for my challenges but....we'll see. I really just enjoy making the lists anyways. It is going to be a busy few weeks as we buy my oldest his very 1st school supplies and go to backpack night. He is going to have to start with a bedtime again which I am sure that he is not going to be thrilled about. Oh well...that is just the way the ball rolls sometimes, right? Well, I'm off to take my daughter on a walk and get some fresh air and exercise. Hope to talk to you all very soon :)

Drop Shot by Harlen Coben

Drop Shot is the 1st in Coben's Myron Bolitar series. I've read Coben previously but never any books relating to this series. It was a nice, suspenseful read. This author is the master of keeping the reader guessing. It is fun for me to let him lead me down a winding path of questions, suspense, and excitement. And quite frankly I have not read a bad book by this author yet.
Myron is trying to figure out what really happened to a girl that has been presumed dead for years...but now she might be alive. There all kinds of twists and complications that make this story suspenseful. A strong book and a great beginning to a new to me series...I'm anxious to continue on.
Challenges: 1st in a Series Challenge
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

So I'm trying to catch up on my book reviews and I recently finished this book for the 1st in a Series challenge. I've heard lots of good things about this author so I've been anxious to read this one. It was pretty good. Dead Until Dark is the story of Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress who can read people's minds, and her experiences after meeting a vampire for the first time named Bill. Women are getting killed in the small town where she lives and many people suspect Bill as being the murderer. All of this is going on while Sookie and Bill are beginning to try and start a relationship together.
This is a paranormal romance wrapped up into a mystery. It was a fun story for me. I'm definitely going to be on the look out for the next in this series. Which causes me to laugh and say THANKS JOY! (host of the 1st in the series challenge) since I keep adding even more books to my TBR. Always a good thing in my opinion. Charlaine Harris has other series of books as well that I have on my TBR that I'm going to bump up now that I've read something by her. Good, fun book for me!
Challenges: 1st in a Series, A-Z Challenge ("H" Author)
My Rating: 4 out of 5
P.S.- For all of the Sookie fans out there, I personally liked Sam better and hope that in further books that they possible date!! :)

Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs

In this first novel by Reichs, Temperance aka Tempe, is a forensic anthropologist who examines bones. Tempe is called to the seen where some human bones have been found. The situation and way the bones are found reminds her of a previous encounter with bones that were discovered. The problem lies with trying to convince the police detectives working the case that there is a possible serial killer on the loose. Before Tempe knows it she and her family and friends are in danger themselves.
This was the first in the series and a great read find for me because I will definitely be continuing on with the series. I just love finding new to me authors. :) Tempe came across as a very down to earth character that as the reader I cared about. I felt for her and worried about her. There was a lot of technical language relating to forensic anthropology that was heavy in a few parts-but for the most part it enhanced rather than detracted from the story. Overall, good book and I enjoyed reading it.
Challenges: 1st in a Series Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("D" Title)
My Rating: 4 out of 5

Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts

This is book one of the Circle Trilogy and it was pretty good. I always enjoy Nora Roberts when she writes trilogies with my favorite being the Key trilogy. Morrigan's Cross was a solid first book and I am excited to continue on with these characters and their stories. In this first story, a group of six is brought together to train and prepare for a battle against an evil vampire named Lilith. Lilith is planning on destroying all of humanity and they have to stop her or worlds will cease to exist. Toss into the mix some time travel, romance, shape-shifter, humor, and vampires and you come out with a pretty decent book. It isn't my favorite of her books though. (I felt like I should add that as a side note) :)
I am sufficiently intrigued enough to pick up the next book as soon as I go to the library again. I want to find out what happens!! Plus, sometimes I just love a nice easy read! All in all, it turned out to be a pretty good book.
Challenges: 1st in a Series challenge, A-Z Challenge ("M" Title)
My Rating: 4 out of 5

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Forde

I really liked this book and am glad that I finally read it. Let's get to my favorite part first: the names of the characters. When I came across the character Jack Schitt...well, I thought I was reading the last name incorrectly. (I wasn't :0) Then I came to Braxton Hicks and I laughed out loud. It was the play on words that was my favorite part!

This book introduces the character of Thursday Next who is a literary specops agent. She is set up against the evil Archeron Hades and the book is about her journey in trying to catch Hades. I thought that it was lots of fun to read and definitely something that is different from the norm. This book made me want to read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte which is on my TBR list..I just haven't gotten to it yet. I think that I will bump it up and read it sooner rather than later. It was a fun read and I will definitely continue on with this series.

Challenges: First In a Series challenge, A-Z challenge ("E" title)
My Rating: 4 out of 5

Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone by J.K. Rowling

What a way to start off the new year!! I LOVED this book! There was so much hoopla (is that even a word?) surrounding these books that I was hesitant to give them a try. Plus I don't usually read fantasty type books...hmmm...maybe it would be more truthfull to say that I tend to shy away from this genre and I'm not sure why. It looks like I need to try more books out like this. Anyways-back to Harry Potter.

I loved the way Rowling described Hogwarts and everything in the book for that matter. I could picture it in my mind and I fell in love with the world that she created. The entire book was memorable and I will be coming back for more. My favorite part of the book was reading about quidditch-what fun! I definitely recommend this book-if you haven't read this series then give it a try. Someday, when my son is older, I will read this book again with him I hope..but for now I think I'll move on to the second book.

Challenges: 1st in a series, Young adult challenge, A-Z Challenge (Author-R)

My Rating: 5 out of 5

First in a Series Challenge

I've joined my 1st official challenge. Yikes! I thought I would post my list here and then try adding it to the side later. These are all books that I'm excited to try and maybe I'll continue on with the series..we'll have to see. It lasts a whole year so I will have plenty of time to finish this one.

Here is my list:

• Booked To Die by John Dunning
• No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
• The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger by Stephen King
• Latte Trouble: A Coffeehouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle
• Death By Darjeeling by Laura Childs
• Them Bones by Caroly Haines
• Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts
• Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone by J.K. Rowling
• Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
• The Eyre Affair by Jasper Forde
• Uglies by Scott Westerfield
• Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben

UPDATE: I'm going to add Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs and put it in place of Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben...if I have extra time I will read the Coben book also.