kmartin802's (Kathy's) Summer Reading 2013

Summer Vacation has finally begun and it is time to dig into TBR mountain for summer reading.

Here is what I read January to June.

1. Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson (334 p.) -- Jessica McClain is the only female werewolf and late to become full blooded. After she shifts, she becomes an object of interest to the supernatural world. She has to deal with changing to a werewolf, being able to be a Lycan which was thought to be a legend, finding her true mate when few wolves ever do. Her true mate isn't a wolf and is a mercenary and unknown type of shifter. Just as they are realizing that they are mates he is kidnapped by a vengeful Goddess. Then the story ends -- major cliffhanger!

2. Ink (Paper Gods) by Amanda Sun (384 p.) -- Beginning of a series. Katie has moved to Japan following the sudden death of her mother and is living with an aunt she doesn't know very well. She is being immersed in Japanese culture. She falls for Tomo who is a Kami -- a character from Japanese mythology --who can draw things that come to life. Somehow Katie enhances his power which is coveted both by the Yakuza and a group of Kami that want to take over Japan.

3. Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh (360 p.) -- This is the romance between Kaleb Krychek and Sahara Kyriakus. We have seen Kaleb throughout the series as a dangerous character. He is a gifted Cardinal Psy who has off-the-charts Tk and Teleportation skills. He is also ruthless. He has been searching for Sahara since she was tortured and kidnapped by his "mentor" seven years earlier. When he finally finds her, he is afraid that her mind has been irretrievably broken. But Sahara is a worthy mate for Kaleb. She is strong and has a unique telepathic gift of her own. She is also the only thing that is keeping him from going to the dark side. Her faith in his ability to change and his desire to never hurt or disappoint her have made him change his plans. Besides the romance, the political plot is coming to a climax as Pure Psy is determined to destroy the PsyNet in their quest to make the Psy strong. Kaleb also has plans for the PsyNet which is near collapse both from the outward attacks and from a rot within. Battling Pure Psy forces an alliance between the humans, the changelings, and the Psy and are the first steps to forging a new world. Excellent novel! One of the best of the Psy-Changeling series!

4. Neptune's Tears by Susan Waggoner (218 p.) -- Zee is seventeen and an empath-in-training at a London hospital when she falls in love with an alien. David falls for her too but tries to discourage the attraction because he knows he isn't telling the truth about who he is and what he wants. London is also experiencing attacks by anarchists and Zee may have a psychic talent that will help stop them. Zee is also acting as caregiver for one of her elderly patients who is dying of liver cancer. Mrs. Hart and Zee form a close relationship and she acts as a mentor for Zee and encourages her to grab at life with both hands. Lots of good worldbuilding, insta-love romance, and extremely abrupt ending.

5. Cold Days by Jim Butcher (515 p.) -- Epic adventure as Harry comes back as the Winter Knight whose first assignment is to kill Mab's daughter and heir Maeve. Harry gathers allies - Thomas, Molly, Toot Toot - as he tries to decide what is really going on and discovers a much bigger world than he had imagined. Filled with Harry's snark and huge events, Cold Days is a monumental entry into the Dresden series.

6. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter (288 p.) -- Cammie, a student at an elite training school for spies, meets a town boy and goes undercover to have a relationship with him and be an "ordinary girl." First person narrative and Cammie has a wonderful voice. I loved the spy details and her relationship with her mother. Great story!

7. Royal Street by Suzanne Johnson (336 p.) -- Wizard DJ has to deal with feuding mer people, murdered wizards, and magically polluted water in the Mississippi in this second book in the Sentinels of New Orleans series. She his helped by her partner Alex, his cousin Jake, and the historical dead Jean Lafitte -- all potential love interests for her. Great urban fantasy.

8. Famous Last Words by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski (288 p.) -- Sam gets a summer job at a newspaper writing obits. She also gets involved investigating the mayor who is filling jobs with people who never show up. Her relationship is changing as she and her best friend grow apart. She is crushing on a fellow intern and overlooking AJ who is really the perfect guy for her. This was a great story about growing up and determining who you are and what you want.

9. The Luck of the Dragon by Susannah Scott (207 p.) -- Alec is the king of the dragons; Lucy is the human who is trying to steal jewels from him to save her twin brother from some nasty mobsters. The setting is Las Vegas where Alec has built a casino that is also a sanctuary for dragons. He needs to find his true mate or lose his ability to shift into his dragon form. He knows Lucy is his true mate as soon as he meets her but it takes quite a while to convince her that a) she is his true mate, b) he really is a dragon, and c) that her first loyalty should be to him and not to her brother. Nice urban fantasy story.

10. Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter (240 p.) -- Cammie and friends have to deal with an exchange program that brings boys to Gallagher Academy and someone trying to steal some of the secrets concealed there. It was a lot about learning how to trust and was an excellent story.

11. The King's Deception by Steve Berry (409 p.) -- Cotton Malone is doing a favor for a former employer while taking his son to Denmark for Thanksgiving. They have both recently learned that Cotton is not Gary's biological father which has rocked both of them. When they reach London, Gary is kidnapped and Cotton has to outwit both the SIS and the CIA to unravel the mystery. This one has Elizabethan imposters, buried treasure, political mauevering, and lots of intrigue. I liked the writing style and thought this fast-paced thriller told from multiple viewpoints was very engaging.

12. Loki's Wolves by K. L. Armstrong and M. A. Marr (368 p.) -- Matt Thorsen needs to team up with Fen and Laurie Brekke to prevent Ragnarok from ending the world they know. The kids are all thirteen. They need to gather other descendants of the ancient Norse gods to help in the battle. Most of all Matt and Fen need to learn to trust each other. Filled with adventure and Norse mythology, this is the beginning of a series. There are lots of unanswered questions that have to be dealt with in later volumes. Good for middle graders.

13. Shadow of Freedom by David Weber (439 p.) --Mike Henke has to deal with stupid Solarian attacks (when will they learn that they are totally outclassed in space weapons) and Mesan Alignment interference as she tries to protect her assigned part of space with fewer ships and weapons than she needs because of the devastating attacks on the Manticore home planet. Even worse, the Mesan Alignment is posing as Manticore and providing weapons to nacent revolutionary groups on planets under control of Sol's Office of Frontier Security and promising Manticoran help when they do begin their revolutions. When Mike finds out what has been promised, she has to find away to keep the promises her government didn't make or risk gaining a horrible reputation among the planets they are trying to woo from the Solarian League.

14. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter (288 p.) -- Cammie learns more secrets as she saves Macey from being kidnapped and helps protect her from further threats. She also encounters Zach again who is just as enigmatic and mysterious as he was in the last book. Cammie also meets her aunt again when she is assigned to protect Macey while her father campaigns for Vice President. This story was excellent. I love how the girls become even closer and Macey really realizes that they are her family and Gallagher Academy is her home.

15. Dangerous Refuge by Elizabeth Lowell (373 p.) -- When Tanner comes back home to Rufuge, Nevada, because of his uncle's death, he didn't expect to find Shaye Townsend. Shaye found Lorne's body. They team up because Tanner thinks the death is suspicious though the local sheriff wants to write it off to natural causes. While getting to know each other and fall in love, they investigate the man who wants to use the governorship of Nevada as a stepping stone to the White House, the developer who wanted Lorne's land, the casino owner who wanted to expand, and Shaye's boss who wants Lorne's land as part of a conservancy as a home for mustangs. The book had lots of danger and romance.

16. Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George (225 p.) -- Celie has to hide and raise a baby griffin and figure out what is going wrong with Castle Glower in this sequel to Tuesdays at the Castle. This middle grade fantasy has strong characters, an interesting plot, and a cute, mischievous griffin. Unfortunately, it is marred by a cliffhanger ending which leaves all of our characters in danger.

17. Playing to Win by Jaci Burton (298 p.) -- Cole Riley is the bad boy of pro football. Savannah Brooks is the image consultant who was hired to remake him. They clash big time but neither can fight the attraction that bursts into flame whenever they are together. Both have issues. Savannah has never known a close family. Her mother was a drunken drug addict. Cole has a close family but isn't good at forming relationships with his own teammates. Great romance.

18. Poison Princess by Kresley Cole (384 p.) -- Blue-blooded, Louisiana teenager Evie thinks she is going insane but instead she is seeing visions of the coming future and hearing disturbing visions. After a cosmic event, she finds that her visions have come true. Most people were killed in the solar flare that burned the Earth and evaporated lakes and oceans. Those who survived are either slavers, cannibals, zombie-like creatures, and militias that roam the land scavenging for supplies and women. Jackson Deveaux is a poor Cajun kid but a talented survivor. When they first meet at school they don't get along. But after the disaster they team up when he agrees to help her get to her grandmother in North Carolina. Her grandmother might be able to explain Evie's visions and her new talents. Complex but entertaining start to a new series.

19. Crossfire by Dick Francis and Felix Francis (336 p.) -- Captain Tom Forsyth, after losing a foot in Afghanistan, is back home at his famous horse trainer mother's home to reassess his life and future plans. He quickly learns that his mother is being blackmailed and finding out who and removing the cause of the blackmail gives him a new purpose in life. He uses the skills and lessons he learned in the army and at Sandhurst to solve the problem. This one has hedge funds, murder, and cocaine as the focuses. Great mystery with a wonderful main character.

20. Shelter by Harlan Coben (303 p.) -- Mickey Bolitar is currently living with his uncle Myron after his father's death and his mother's commitment to rehab. He is attending a new school where he makes a friend who disappears. He, along with a couple of new friends Ema and Spoon, get involved in a search for her that takes them into the world of white slavery, Nazi war crimes, and even sheds light on what his family was doing in their years overseas. Mickey is a mature sophomore who is smart, friendly, unafraid to deal with bullies, and a great character.

21. Dick Francis's Bloodline by Felix Francis (354 p.) -- TV presenter Mark Shillingford is knocked from his comfortable life when his twin sister, apparently, commits suicide. In his effort to find out what happens, he discovers race fixing, blackmail, and a murderer. He survives two attempts on his life - attempted strangulation and a hit-and-run accident - before he can solve the crime. Great mystery.

You have read some good books thus far!

Happy Summer to you.

22. Thrown by a Curve by Jaci Burton (339 p.) -- Garrett is a major league pitcher with a hurt shoulder and fears that he will never pitch again. Alicia is a sports therapist who is sure she can get him pitching again. Her persistence meets his bad attitude and sparks fly. This is a spicy sports romance with well-developed characters.

23. Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter (288 p.) -- Non-stop action as the Circle of Cavan is trying to catch Cammie. Joe Solomon is outed as a double-agent recruited by the Circle when he was a teenager. (Though they later learn that he has turned to the side of good and is trying to bring down the circle.) Zach makes another appearance and some of the mystery about him is revealed. The big question is whether or not Cammie's father is really still alive.

24. Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter (320 p.) -- Cammie returns to Gallagher Academy having lost her memory and 4 months of time. When she and her friends retrace her steps they uncover clues to why the Circle of Cavan wants her, what happened to her father, and what she did during her lost summer. This is a great series with strong characters and lots of excitement.

25. Influential Magic by Deanna Chase (318 p.) -- Willow is a faery whose ex-boyfriend has changed to a vampire and whose childhood faery friend Taliisen wants to change from friend to lover. Willow creates magic potions including one that lets a person influence another - which is mind control. It has great potential for misuse. Willow is also investigating the death of her twin brother. There are lots of plot threads. Romance and her picking between her vampire and her faery is a big part of the story. I liked the characters and the world building.

26. Slayers by C. J. Hill (384 p.) -- Tori Hampton goes from spoiled senator's daughter to dragon slayer in this fantasy novel. Most people have forgotten that dragons were ever real. A few have keep the memory alive. Now that dragons will be hatching again, dragon slayers are being born to battle them. Tori is one of them - though she isn't sure she wants the responsibility, She attends a summer camp that is a secret base for training and meets other teens who are preparing for the upcoming battle including two hot guys. Good world building, well-developed characters and lots of excitement are this story's hallmarks. First in a series.

27. Her Knight in Black Leather by JM Stewart (174 p.) -- Cute frothy romance between two characters who seem to want different things in their lives and who are both suffering from misplaced guilt.

28. Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard (342 p.) -- Intense romance filled with political intrigue, insect-like aliens, torture and telepathy. Ari survived torture by the aliens and now doesn't trust herself because she doesn't know why they let her go. Cullin also needs to know why they let her go to protect his government. They fall in love despite not being sure they can trust each other. Fast paced and engaging.

29. What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World by Henry Clark (355 p.) -- River, Freak and Fiona - middle schoolers - stumble upon a plot to take over the world and, with the assistance of a talking domino and a couch that can travel through time and space, they save the day. The story is filled with both fantastical and mundane elements and is permeated with sly and subtle humor. Good story.

30. Lions, Tigers, and Sexy Bears Oh My! by Candace Havens (161 p.) -- Ainsley is fleeing attempted murder when she runs into a tree near Clarksville, Montana. She didn't know that the town was full of shifters or that sexy, bar owner Luc was a bear shifter. Luc is still grieving the loss of his parents, wife, and child and isn't eager to risk his heart again no matter how sexy he finds Ainsley. This was a cute story about two people who need each other and who are just right for each other.

31. SYLO by D. J. MacHale (407 p.) -- Tucker Pierce likes his quiet life on Perberwick Island off the coast of Maine. But his life is altered forever when the island is invaded by a mysterious US Navy division called SYLO which quarantines the island and cuts it off from the rest of the US. Tucker watches SYLO imprison and kill people. He is determined to get off the island to let the rest of the US know what is happening. But the Navy is patrolling the seas with helicopters and ships. Then to add to the complexity, there is a new performance enhancing drug called Ruby and the mysterious man who is distributing it. And there are mysterious black ships that make music when they fly over. Tucker and his friends Quinn and Tori - high school freshmen - have to find out what is happening. This book raises lots of questions. We don't know who the villains are or what they want. Worst of all, the last three words in the book are TO BE CONTINUED... The book was an exciting page turner that I couldn't put down. The 400 pages just flew by.

32. The White Princess by Philipps Gregory (518 p.) -- Elizabeth of York marries her family's enemy Henry Tudor and is torn between the new Tudor dynasty and her own York family. The story is filled with intrigue and political maneuvering as Elizabeth tries to keep herself and her family safe.

33. Eight Days to Live by Iris Johansen (408 p.) -- Jane attracts the attention of a lunatic cult that wants her to be their annual sacrifice because of a painting that she did based on a dream she had. Jane gets help from Jock and MacDuff and from Seth Caleb too. Lots of action and excitement in this episode as Jane tries to find Judas' 30 pieces of silver and rescue Eve who has been kidnapped by the cult.

34. Runt by Nora Raleigh Baskin (194 p.) -- A series of vignettes that introduce a group of middle schoolers who are coping with bullying and being bullied and whose paths cross in the school. This didn't really seem like a novel to me. But it did show a variety of kinds of bullying that was more thoughtless than malicious. Except Stewart peeing on Matthew's shoes and then Matthew being suspended for punching him in the nose was a bit malicious. Mostly the book showed that even bullies can be good kids and good kids can do stupid things. Typical middle grade but I'm not sure who the audience for this book would be.

35. The Resurrectionist by Matthew Guinn (284 p.) -- A story told in parallel in 1999 and 1857 - 1967. Jacob Thacker is working in PR for his medical school while serving out a suspension for prescription drug abuse when bones are discovered in the basement of the oldest building on campus. Since the bones are those of blacks used as cadavers for the medical school, this is a PR nightmare. As Jacob researches, he learns of Nemo Johnston who was a slave purchased by the medical school who main job was to raid black cemeteries and steal bodies to use in the school. The 1857 - 1867 portion tells Nemo's story and the story of what the school was like in its early days. An additional twist has an ancestor of Jacob's working as a nurse at the school and trying to learn medicine before being sent away in disgrace for having a baby out of wedlock - possibly the dean of the school's baby. Both Jacob and Nemo face moral dilemmas. Well-written and engaging.

36. Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier (407 p.) -- Volume 2 of the Shadowfell series sees Neryn leave Shadowfell with Tali to find two more of the Guardians who can help her learn to harness her power as a Caller. They face danger both from King Keldec's Enforcers and from the Guardians themselves on their journey. I liked the characters and the world-building. I liked the relationship Neryn has with the Good Folk and with Flint who is a double agent Enforcer and the King's right hand.

37. Saving Paradise by Mike Bond (277 p.) -- Frenetic, twisty, with a cast of thousands and a school of red herrings. Pono Hawkins - Afghan vet, convict on parole, surfer dude - stumbles on the body of journalist Sylvia Gordon on morning and decides to investigate her death. His investigation leads to political corruption, big business conspiracies, and a scam to build a wind farm on Molokai that will make billions for the conspirators. When he starts investigating, some or all of them want him dead. So he is constantly dodging assassination attempts as he investigates. The ending is a major let down. It wraps up in just a couple of pages and we find that the crimes really had nothing to do with the wind farm scam. Heavy handed environmental message almost overpowers story.

38. Hunter Moran Hangs Out by Patricia Reilly Giff (133 p.) -- Hunter and Zach have to save someone in their family from a kidnapping attempt. Is it their 5-year-old brother Steadman or their older sister Linny. When the family dog is taken, the twins get on the case. They are busy climbing trees, breaking into the local gym, and observing their strange new neighbors. Since Mom is getting ready to have baby number 7, they also have to lobby for their choice of name. They favor Killer Godzilla! And they have just four days to finish their summer reading - three books - before sixth grade starts. Cute middle grade novel!

39. The Misadventures of the Magician's Dog by Frances Sackett (178 p.) -- Peter has some tough decisions to make when he adopts a talking dog from the animal shelter. The Dog wants Peter to become a magician to save The Dog's former master who has been turned into a rock. At first Peter is enthusiastic because his magic could bring his father home safe from his military deployment. But soon he learns that being a magician could have a cost that could change Peter into someone he doesn't want to be. I liked The Dog's loyalty to his master and Peter's love for his family. Good middle grade story that wasn't at all silly.

40. Dark Waters by Toni Anderson (348 p.) -- Anna Silver runs to Brent Carver, her father's former cellmate, when her father is killed. He had uncovered a plot to frame him for the loss of $60 million and the crooks who stole it want their money back. Brent and Anna have to find the proof her father sent to her and stay alive to bring it to the authorities while being pursued by villains who will do anything to get their money back. Brent knows Anna from the letters she wrote her father while he was in prison which he shared with Brent. Anna kept secrets though. She never told her father that she was raped which has colored her attitude toward men. Brent is still punishing himself for the crime that sent him to prison. He killed his father to protect his younger brother who was being beaten. Excellent romance and excellent suspense.

41. When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears by Kersten Hamilton (388 p.) -- Epic conclusion to the Goblin Wars trilogy. Tea, Finn and comrades have to defeat the bad guys and restore Mag Mell to health. There are epic battles, heart-breaking losses and triumphs. Characters are tested to the limits of their souls and many have to make decisions when there are no good options. Well-rounded characters fill the story from Irish Travelers to angels to phookas and cat-sidhe. The adult characters are as important as the teen characters. The overwhelming feeling of the book is the power of love - for family, for friends, for the world. Excellent fantasy series that will find a place on my keeper shelves in hardcover and on my Kindle too.

42. Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben (391 p.) -- First Myron Bolitar mystery. Bolitar is a sports agent, lawyer, former basketball star, former FBI agent. His case has him negotiating a contract for a star quarterback. It get complicated when the quarterback's fiance who disappeared a year and a half before seems to be making a reappearance. The fiance was the younger sister of Bolitar's love interest. Lots of investigations into the seedy world of porn and the equally shady business of being a sports agent. Twisty plot with an ending that surprised me.

43. Judgment in Death by J. D. Robb (368 p.) -- The mystery is cop killings. Someone is killing dirty cops and leaving 30 pieces of silver by the bodies. Riker appears as a villain. He and Roarke used to do business. Roarke left him and took some lucrative accounts with him. Riker wants revenge. Eve and Roarke have a fight that throws Eve off balance. They are still working out how their marriage will work. Don Webster leaves Internal Affairs, overcomes his crush on Eve, and becomes part of her team.

44. Charmed Vengeance by Suzanne Lazear (408 p.) -- After Steven is forced by his mother to break the bond between them, Noli joins her brother on the pirate ship Vixen's Revenge as engineer. She has to keep fighting for her body and mind with the sprite Queen Tiana put in her head. Steven and James go on a quest for his mother Queen Tiana that has them looking for something to amuse her. They need to find a kidnapped child first though. Vixen's Revenge has captured the cargo of some human traffickers, including the child V and James are looking for. Vixen's Revenge is also finding artifacts (for a very dangerous fae device) for a buyer who turns out to be King Brogan, V and James' uncle who deposed their father. Kevighn Silver, who loves Noli but hates Steven, also is on Vixen's Revenge and wants to sell the artifacts to his king, Ciaran who is the dark king, but who will use the artifacts for the good of the Otherworld. Good middle book in a trilogy.

45. Re-Read Betrayal in Death by J. D. Robb (368 p.) -- Mick Connelly, one of Roarke's boyhood friends, comes to call which brings Roarke's past into the foreground. Otherwise, a hired killer is killing people who work for Roarke. Eve fears that Roarke will be a target too. Then there is the upcoming billion dollar auction of movie star Magda Lane's memorabilia which will be held in Roarke's hotel. Eve and Roarke are a bit at odds because of their backgrounds. Roarke's criminal past and Eve's law-and-order present. They are still learning to compromise in their marriage. Eve also deepens her relationship with Peabody when she concerns herself with Peabody's relationship with McNab.

46. Re-Read Necessity's Child by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (336 p.) -- Young Syl Vor is at loose ends now that his clan has moved to Surebleak. His older cousins have left for their apprenticeships, his young cousins have a nurse to care for their needs, his mother and aunts and uncles are too busy to spend time with him. He wants to be of use.

Syl Vor persuades his mother to let him attend the local school where he will meet and mix with Surebleak's kids.

Kezzi is Bedel. Her tribe has been on Surebleak hidden and keeping separate from the rest of the citizens for a long time. She is the apprentice to the head woman of the tribe. When she is caught running loose on the street, she is brought to the school where she reluctantly becomes friends with Syl Vor.

Rys Lin pen'Chala fell afoul of Surebleak toughs was found outside the Bedel stronghold near death. He is nursed back to health and finds much to admire among the Bedel.

They come together at the new consolidated school where Rys has to defeat his programming and Syl Vor has to defend the school in a way far to old for him.

47. The Deepest Night by Shana Abe (320 p.) -- Lora is grieving for the loss of Jesse. Armand is in love with Lora. Lora is getting more accomplished at turning to smoke and her dragon form. Armand is nearing the time when he will be able to shift too. When they learn that Armand's older brother is alive and a prisoner of war in Germany they are determined to rescue him. However, they must cross major war zones to get to him. Lora shifts to dragon and carries Armand. They have many adventures and face many dangers in their travels.

48. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick (278 p.) -- Leonard Peacock is planning to celebrate his eighteenth birthday by killing a former friend and then taking his own life. First, he has presents to give four people who have meant a lot to him. This first person story follows Leonard on his last day and gives us a heart-breaking look at his life.

49. Affliction by Laurell K. Hamilton ( 570 p.) -- Anita, Nathaniel, and guards go home with Micah when he learns that his father is dying. He was bitten by a new kind of zombie and is being consumed by infection. Anita quickly gets involved in the zombie apocalypse and is busy tracking down the vampire who is making zombies and rotting vampires and who can control them. Lots of sex and violence in this episode of the long-running Anita Blake series.

50. Awoken by Timothy Miller (321 p.) - Michael has always been able to hear songs in the rocks. He learns that he is someone who can be a champion in the battle between the People and the Ven. He, with his mentor Diggs and a friend he accidentally caused to mutate, need to battle and evil scientist and his henchmen to save the world from the scientist's plan to cause everyone to mutate. Short chapters and lots of excitement should make this book appeal to middle graders.

51. Blood and Roses by A. K. Alexander (332 p.) -- Massive amounts of plot including murders, revenge, terrorism, two romances, the dark side of horse racing, and a husband returned from the dead overwhelm any attempt at character development in this thriller. Detective Holly Jennings is the main character. She is investigating the gruesome deaths of two jockeys but that is just the beginning. When a third person is murdered her investigation leaves San Diego and travels as far as horse racing country in Kentucky and Las Vegas too. Many short chapters each told from the viewpoint of one character advance the plot rapidly but there are so many viewpoint characters that it was hard to keep track of who was who.

52. My Totally Awkward Supernatural Crush by Laura Toffler-Corrie (342 p.) -- Middle school story that has lots of humor. Jenna is an awkward geek who is embarrassed by her family, slighted by her former best friend, and who hangs out with the misfits. Her oblivious, know-it-all neighbor Jared has a crush on her and she has to make money by babysitting for David Lipski because no one else will put up with him. When she is given an ugly family heirloom for her birthday she gets caught in the struggle between angel Luke and devil Adam. She falls in love with Luke but uses her vast knowledge gained from the surveys in Teen Glamour to guide her romance. Cute, but the humor overwhelms the other plots.

53. Good As Gone by Douglas Corleone (304 p.) -- Simon Fisk has to race against time to find six-year-old Lindsey Sorkin who was abducted in Paris. Simon lost his own daughter ten years ago and now uses his training as a former US Marshal to return kids to their custodial parents. This case takes him across Europe and has him searching among human traffickers and child pornographers. Exciting and fast-paced and with a tortured hero, this was an engaging story.

54. Hush (Tangleheart) by Carey Baldwin (99 p.) -- Charlie comes home to make amends for his quick departure after the death of a girl he dumped. He wants to apologize to the girl's mother and reunite with his best friend Anna who was the girl he really loved. He soon learns that Megan might not have committed suicide. But who murdered her? Could it have been the man she was two-timing him with? Charlie and Anna are soon in danger from the murderer who doesn't want them re-opening the case. Suspenseful but the length made it hard to develop the motivations of the characters.

55. False Memory by Dan Krokos (327 p.) -- Miranda has lost her memory but is recovered by Peter when she uses her psychic powers and causes panic in a Mall. She learns that she is part of a team of young people with the same psychic powers who have been bred to be weapons. When the team learns that they are to provide a demo and then be sold, they run away determined to bring down the whole organization. But then they learn that they are clones and that many more can be made. They also lose their memories if they don't have regular injections. Science fiction aspects include being able to record and implant memories in the clones.

56. False Sight by Dan Krokos I328 p.) -- Miranda, Rhys, and Peter continue the fight to destroy those who want to use them as weapons. They find out the fight is much bigger than they had thought. Their Earth is just one of multitudes that are being manipulated by True Earth and the original Miranda, Peter, Olive, Noah, and Rhys. To save Earth they have to find a torch that will control the eyeless who are being sent to kill all the people. Their search takes them to another Earth where the eyeless have caused devastation and to True Earth. Miranda is the key figure in the salvation of Earth. Lots of action and adventure in this middle book of a trilogy.

57. The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle (318 p.) -- Wonderful story of first love. Wren has always done what her parents expected. But now that she has graduated from high school, she wants to make her own decisions. She wants to go to Guatemala and teach English for a year instead of heading to Emory where her mother works. Charlie Parker is graduating too. He is heading for Georgia Tech. Charlie is a foster kid from an abusive past who is living in a great foster home. His foster parents want to adopt him and want the best for him. Charlie has loved Wren from afar for years. It isn't until Charlie goes to the ER where Wren is volunteering that she sees him. They start a romance and fall completely in love. Sex is part of the equation. But how can they deal with their different plans for the Fall?

58. Cast in Sorrow by Michella Sagara (480 p.) -- Kaylin is traveling with a bunch of Barrani inlcuding her friend Teela and the Consort to the West March to take part in a ceremony. She has to deal with a lot of Barrani politics and lots of magic before she can restore the Green and save her friend Teela. The Consort also needs rescuing a couple of times. Lots of adventure and danger in this 9th episode of the Cast in series.

59. Seduction in Death by J. D.Robb (354 p.) -- Eve catches the case of young women being killed with some strong, unusual date rape drugs which brings back memories of when her father raped her as a child. It isn't a "whodunnit" since we find out who the killers are early in the story - two spoiled, young, rich guys who are playing a game. This is more a police procedural. Peabody and McNab's relationship is the focus in this one as they clear up misunderstandings and begin to date exclusively.

60. Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews (355 p.) -- Kids going loup, jealous ex-girlfriends, new magical creatures, political intrigue. Kate and Curran's relationship is tested. She and Curran love each other but pack and humans don't usually interact. Exciting and the adventure and danger are non-stop.

61. Reunion in Death by J. D. Robb (368 p.) -- Eve and Roarke's first anniversary is almost marred when an old enemy of Eve's comes to town determined to kill the man Eve loves. Peabody's parents come to visit and she gets her first cold case to investigate as primary. Eve needs to travel to Dallas to finally begin coming to terms with her troubled childhood.

62. Purity in Death by J. D. Robb (368 p.) -- Eve goes up against a group that has taken the law into their own hands and created a computer virus that they can send to child molesters and others who prey on children but who have managed to escape the justice system. Peabody and McNab's relationship is tested when he is stunned and paralyzed during the course of the investigation and it looks like the paralysis might be permanent. Nadine Furst, Channel 75's star reporter and one of the few reporters Eve trusts, has a bigger role in this story too. There is a lot of conflict for Eve with the political and PR hacks at the mayor's office who want to turn Eve into a Media Shill. I like the way that Eve and Roarke support each other and I especially like the way Eve depends on Roarke when things get emotional.

63. Sure Signs of Crazy by Karen Harrington (288 p.) -- Sarah has a lot to deal with the summer she turns twelve. She has to come to terms with the mentally ill mother who tried to murder her and successfully murdered her twin brother when they were two. She has to confront her alcoholic father. She has her first crush (on a wonderful young man who is just too old for her) and she helps an elderly neighbor deal with the loss of her husband. Sarah is literary and articulate. She writes letters to Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird in her diary which reveal her thoughts and wishes. She is clear observer who sees the world through authentic twelve-year-old eyes. Excellent story that would be great for discussion.

64. Biting Bad by Chloe Neill (368 p.) --It's Valentine's Day but Merit and Ethan can't enjoy a celebration of their new, closer relationship because of problems with the GP and because of some riots that are threatening the safety of the vampire houses in Chicago. Merit is rebuilding her relationship with Mallory. Merit and Ethan are also debuting as a couple to her family.

65. Crown of Midnight by Sara J. Maas (417 P.) -- Celaena, now King's Champion, is secretly defying the king. He orders her to investigate rebels in the city which brings her in contact with on old friend named Archer. She is also being pushed to her destiny by her friend Nehemia and an ancient queen she encounters in the secret tunnels beneath the castle. She falls in love with Chaol who is torn between his love for her and loyalty to the king. Secrets are revealed in this middle book of a trilogy.

66. Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich (324 p.)-- Slow building romance between an overweight young widow and a personal trainer. He thinks of her as a project and it takes forever for him to realize that she is the perfect woman for him. She thinks that she will never fit into his world of beautiful people and has low self-esteem. He is kind of an ass but a very pretty one. She is smart and funny and I think she could do better.

67. Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst (368 p.) -- Breath-takingly beautiful fantasy story that is filled with love and magic. Eve has a new face, name and home and is told that she is under the protection of the US Marshals. She has lost her memory and is unfamiliar with the world. She is plagued with visions that cause her to black out and with continued memory losses. But she also has a friend in Malcolm who is the kindest of her marshals and a new love in Zach who is a human boy who accepts her as she is. The story travels through amazing worlds and is filled with amazing characters. It is the story of what it means and what it costs to be real.

68. A Study in Silks by Emma Jane Holloway (531 p.) -- Evelina Cooper has to solve a mystery while navigating the world of debut seasons in this steampunk mystery. England is controlled by steam barons who have to power to shut of light and heat to anyone who displeases them. Lord Bacroft, Evelina's best friend Imogen's father and her host, is plotting against the steam barons and going to great lengths to do so. Evelina is also torn between a romance with Imogen's brother Tobias and her first love from her days in the circus - Nick. Lots of steampunk details and worldbuilding in this first of three books featuring Evelina Cooper who is a niece of Sherlock Holmes.

69. Don't Look Now by Michelle Gagnon (319 p.) -- Noa, Zeke and crew are in the Southwest US freeing kids from the hidden clinics where they are being experimented on to find a cure for PEMA. A raid on a clinic in Phoenix goes wrong when they free a kid who is working for the enemy and bring her back to their safe house. Meanwhile in Boston, Peter is still hacking into the evil corporation to learn more about Project Persephone, dodging Mason, and worrying about his former girlfriend Amanda who has been infected with PEMA. Amanda is one of the viewpoint characters in this story too. Middle book in a trilogy.

70. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black (419 p.) -- Tana Bach wakes up after a party to find that vampires have attacked and killed all of her friends except her ex-boyfriend Aidan. They also left another vampire wrapped in chains in the same room with Aidan. Tana is determined to save them both but in the escape she is scratched by one of the vampires and fears that she has been infected. She doesn't want to become a vampire and knows that, if she can ride out the infection without drinking human blood for 88 days, she will be cured and not turn into a vampire. She decides to take Aidan, Gavriel and herself to the nearest Coldtown to wait out her time. Except, once you enter a Coldtown. it is almost impossible to leave. The story introduces a wide range of characters from those who are obsessed with becoming vampires and those who are obsessed with watching the live feeds from Coldtown. It also has some vampire politics and a very dangerous romance. I loved it!

71. The Edge of Normal by Carla Norton (320 p.) -- Reeve LeClaire, 22, is ten years past her abduction and rebuilding her life when her psychiatrist asks her to meet with another 12-year-old who has just escaped her captor. Reeve doesn't feel that she has wisdom to share but agrees and is soon involved in a case that isn't over. Tilly is just one of three girls who were abducted and the mastermind is still out there and now focusing on Reeve.

72. This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales (276 p.) -- This was a great story about a girl who doesn't fit in at her high school but finds her passion as a DJ at an underground dance club. She makes friends there which helps her cope with the bullying and harassment she gets at school. I loved Elise's strength and individuality. I also liked her supportive family even though Elise didn't feel she could share what was going on at school with them. I can't wait to share this one with the kids at my school.

73. Death Never Sleeps by E. J. Simon (372 p.) -- Michael Nicholas has his life re-ordered when he takes over his brother's bookie and loan shark business after his death. However, Alex may not really be dead. His obsession with artificial intelligence means that there is some version of Alex on his Mac laptop. The mystery includes mobsters and vengeful ex-wives and has Michael juggling his career as CEO of a Fortune 500 company with running Alex's business and solving his murder.

74. Deception Cove by Jayne Castle (354 p.) -- Alice is an orphan who learns she is the descendant of a pirate when she is lured into marriage by a man who wants her inheritance and then plans to kill her. When he dies instead, she is harassed by his powerful mother and forced to run. Drake Sebastian is the descendant of Alice's ancestor's partner. Now he is looking for Alice's help because Rainshadow Island is in all sorts of pyschic trouble. Together they battle giant cockroaches and Drake's former fiance while falling in love themselves. Houdini is Alice's dust bunny - named because Alice had a magic act while on the run.

75. Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voigt (367 p.) -- Max is accidentally left behind when his parents, famous actors, sail off to work for a mysterious maharajah. Max learns that the ship they were supposed to be on was never in the port they sailed from. Max is 12. He does have his Grammie as support but wants to be independent. In looking for work, he stumbles on opportunities - a lost child, a lost dog, a missing heirloom - to earn money. He becomes, in his own words, a solutioneer as he helps others solve problems. The story takes place in the past in an unknown place and time. It was entertaining. It is also the first of a trilogy.

Congrats on hitting 75!

76. Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts (372 p.) -- This story is told from the viewpoint of three teens, Every chapter switches viewpoint among these three. An asteroid is on track to hit Earth in six days. Each character has things to do and resolve before that happens. Characters weren't well-differentiated. Without chapter titles, I wouldn't have known who was speaking.

77. She Can Scream by Melinda Leigh (365 p.) -- Brooke is a divorced high school teacher who teaches self-defense to young women to make up for not being able to save her college roommate from being murdered. When she rescues a young woman from an attack, she draws the attention of a serial killer. Luke is her brother's best friend and is doing him a favor by keeping an eye on her. He had a crush on her when they were younger. He is also dealing with his own guilt because he survived a terrorist bombing but his young assistant didn't. Together Luke and Brooke investigate the attempted abduction and face lots of danger from a really creepy serial killer.

78. The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason (350 p.) -- Impulsive Evaline Stoker and logical Mina Holmes are teamed up by Irene Adler to investigate the deaths of young society girls. They discover a plot based on Egyptian mythology. They have to learn to work together. They are assisted by inadvertent time traveler Dylan, underworld Cockney Pix, and Inspector Ambrose Grayling who are all potential love interests for one or the other of the girls. Lots of steampunk details and Victorian details in this first book in a new series.

> 65 - I had my eye on that one as it was on of the LTER books on offer last month. Very happy to see it has a lot of Victorian and steampunk details to the story!

79. The Impersonator by Mary Miley (368 p.) -- Leah, who had grown up in Vaudeville, gets a chance to change her life when she is asked to impersonate missing heiress Jessie Carr. She sees it as a way to secure her future but someone else really wants her dead before she inherits Jessie's wealth. Leah is determined to find out what really happened to Jessie and to solve the murders of other young women too. The 1920s setting with bootlegging, Prohibition, racial prejudice, and Vaudeville was extremely well done. Leah was an intrepid heroine who well deserves the ending she gets.