ktleyed's 100 for 2010

I've read over 100 books for the past two years on the 75 boards, so I'm officially moving up to 100 for 2010!

I'll start posting after the new year.

Julie

#1 Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale. Wow, what a great story, not your typical historical romance. Great characters, unique plotline between Quaker girl helping afflicted duke - simply wonderful and memorable! 5/5 Full review

#2 Breakfast in Bed by Robin Kaye Third in her Domestic God series, Becca and Rich's contemporary tale set in Brooklyn. Full review.

#3 The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown On audiobook. It had it's moments, but amidst the few and far between exciting scenes there was so much background fodder, most of the time I felt like I was in a lecture hall. The very last part of the book could have been completely left out - in fact it should have been. 3.5/5 Full review.

I'll be interested in your "full review" of The Lost Symbol. I read The Da Vinci Code a few years back and thought it was only ok.

Three books in four days, not a bad way to start the new year!

lorie - I read the The Da Vinci Code too and really liked it! This book was similar in many ways as far as the action and plotline, but it was really bogged down with a ton of instruction, it felt like more of the book was explanation and background rather than action. It became tedious - often. This book was not as compelling at Da Vinci, so if you were so-so on that, I doubt you'd like this. I admit, I read three books at a time, so I just happened to finish all of these around the same time.

#4 Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas I loved this historical romance, 2nd in the Hathaway series. Story of Win and Kev, a real treat! 5/5 Full Review.

#5 Knight of Desire: All the King's Men by Margaret Mallory Unexpectedly good medieval romance by first time author, though the hero could be pretty dense at times, but he finally learned in the end. Full review.

#6 The House at Riverton by Kate Morton Loved this audiobook version, the narration was excellent as was the story. A mystery, but it was also reminiscent of Remains of the Day and the old BBC series, Upstairs Downstairs. I did not expect the surprise ending and found present day Grace endearing as well as in her memories. Good, compelling story that kept me wondering how it ends. 4.5/5 Full review.

I'm glad you liked The House at Riverton. I liked it too. The Forgotten Garden by the same author is good as well. Kate Morton just may become one of my favoirite authors.

lori - I've already gotten The Forgotten Garden on audio lined up, and I was so happy to see it's the same narrator, Caroline Lee!

Hi, ktleyed! Just stopped by to see what you are up to and wish you a happy 2010.

Am leaving with a new book on the TBR pile ~ The House at Riverton sounds really good.

Have a great reading year!

*waving* Hi Storeetllr - thanks for dropping by! Glad to give you another addition to your TBR pile!

#7 Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig. 4th in the Pink Carnation series, I loved this in audiobook. I didn't expect to like this one all that much, all about Lord Sebastian Vaughn and Mary Alsworthy, but it was very entertaining and I wound up listening to it in record time! The two of them were renegades, selfish and cunning, it was a pleasure to hear them spar with each other and trade barbs. Of course, they were meant for each other. Full review

I read and liked the first three books in the Pink Carnation Series, but have not yet gotten to Seduction of the Crimson Rose. Most of the books I've read this month have been pretty heavy, and I need a light, fun read. I really need to get this book!

It seems that you and I share reading interests, so I'll be sure to drop in often!

loriephillips - you're right, I've noticed that. I've added a recent book you read to my TBR pile, The Name of the Wind, sounds so good. I'm not a big fantasy reader, but I just might make the exception with this series! Not sure whether I'll listen to or read it, I'm so into audio's now, whiles away the time commuting and folding laundry!

I'll be very interested in hearing what you think of The Name of the Wind.

For me, listening to an audiobook is a very different thing than reading. I like to listen to horror books such as Dean Koontz's Intensity. It was much more scary to listen to than to read. It really gave me the shivers.

lorie-you're brave, I can't listen to or read horror books, they give me nightmares, I tried to read The Shining, forget it, had to put it down.

I enjoyed Stephen King's early work and liked The Shining, The Stand and It. I don't read horror a lot because I usually enjoy other genre's more. What I can't do is watch a horror film. I have a horrible memory of watching Alien and had to walk out of the theater well before it was over. Just thinking about it still gives me the creeps. And I won't even talk about the blind date I went on years ago to see the Texas Chainsaw Massacre!! UGH!

#8 A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute Fantastic book. On audio, read by Robin Bailey. Simply loved this beautiful poignant story of WWII Malaysia and one strong Englishwoman's determination to go find the man she loves after the war in Australia and help build a town to be proud of. Great! Full review

#9 Guilty Pleasures: Anita Blake by Laurell K. Hamilton The first of the Anita Blake vampire hunter books. On audio. I thought it was ridiculous, but stuck with it because I kept thinking it just had to get better based on all the rave reviews - well, I was wrong. What a waste of time, luckily it was short. I'm beginning to realize, I'm not into these modern type of vampire books. Quick review

I had a similar feeling about Guilty Pleasures - I just could not see what it was my friends saw in it. There are a few good vampire books out there at the moment, but this one wasn't one of them for me. At least it means that I don't have to rush out and buy the rest of the series. :)

Wookie, yes, I hear about good vampire books out there, but I just don't think I'm into this genre, though I did love one particiular series which is slightly similar, such as Moning's Darkfever series and Gleason's, Gardella Vampire Chronicles. Hamilton's was so cheesy - were-rats and animators and that silly looking girlish 1000 year master vampire with the high pitched voice who we're supposed to be so afraid of? - which was even worse on audio! I'm surprised it has such a following and so many books in the series!

#10 The Scottish Thistle by Cindy Vallar A real slog of a Scottish highlander romance. Half the book, the hero and heroine were separated while he was away fighting for the Jacobite cause and ultimately Culloden. It took forever for me to get through it! If you're looking for Claire and Jamie, you won't find them here! 2.5/5 Full review.

#11 Now Face to Face by Karleen Koen Mammoth sequel to Through a Glass Darkly which I loved, though this fell a bit flat in comparison. Still, it was good to have many of the characters back, but it lacked energy and the plotline was not nearly as compelling. The second half of the book was much better, which surprised me, for I thought I'd enjoy the parts in Colonial Virginia more, but they just came across as dull with a dose of angst mixed in occasionally. The Jacobite rising theme is getting rather tiresome for me lately, though this one was from 1720, instead of the '46. Full review

I love historical fiction and I too liked Through a Glass Darkly better than Now Face to Face when I read them a couple of years ago. I'm glad you liked them. I never did get to the prequel Dark Angels but I've been meaning too. The first two books were such long reads that I couldn't face the third!

#26 lorie- I read Dark Angels last year and was very disappointed in it. I was so geared up, for I loved Alice, the Duchess' character in the two other books and Dark Angels centers on her and Richard, yet she came across as so unlikable as a young woman, and the story itself wasn't that great. I was hoping for more between Alice and Richard and it was more about court intrigues and Alice and Richard sort of ended up together, she resisting it most of the time. I'd love to read their story after they're married with him becoming a great general with her by his side. Maybe Koen has that up her sleeve someday.

#12 As You Desire by Connie Brockway I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this Victorian historical set in Cairo. The hero was an endearing reprobate and the heroine was delightful. 4/5 Full review.

12/100

#13 The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick On audio. An entertaining accounting of the early life of William Marshal, reputedly the greatest (though unsung) medieval knight under Henry II and his sons, Prince Henry and Richard. A real treat for historical fiction lovers, though it did not have the same richness and power that Penman's books have, based on the same time period. 3.5/5 Full review

#14 By Possession by Madeline Hunter First in her medieval series, but I found it tedious. The contant push/pull relationship between a knight loving his bondswoman with no hope to marry became tedious and more frustrating than anything else. 3/5 Review.

#15 Secrets of the Highlander by Janet Chapman I love this Pine Creek Highlander series of romances set in Maine. This was Megan's story and I really enjoyed it, it sets the stage for her next series as well. A good book for reading while snowed in! 4/5 Review.

#16 The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde Very funny continuation of the Thursday Next series on audio, though it wasn't at good as the others since in this one Thursday is biding her time. Though the anger management session with the characters of Wuthering Heights was very, very funny, particularly how everyone hates Heathcliff! 4/5 Full review

16/100

#17 The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie Very amusing and delightful regency romance for the most part, with some heavy overtones of a beastly grandfather that beats the heroine and her sister. They runaway from him - into the arms of a charming rake and his shy cousin who is a duke. I liked it a lot, but the beatings prevented it from being a total froth fest for me, but it was still a lot of fun. 4/5 Review

The Wuthering Heights anger management session is my favorite scene in the whole Thursday Next series. I'll pick up The Well of Lost Plots just to read that one chapter. I may have to do that again, since you brought it up.

#18 The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig Not as crazy about this one as the previous Pink Carnation books, but it was still pretty good. On audio. 3.5/5 Full review.

18/100

Mmm, vacation!

#25/26: I really enjoyed Through a Glass Darkly, but based on your comments, I may skip the other 2 books.

#28: I own that one - I may have to pull it out and give it a re-read. It has been a while.

#37 Stasia - I read them mostly out of curosity, I'd heard mixed things about them, but just had to read them anyway!

Have you read any of Brockway's other books - are they similar in feeling?

#19 Green Darkness by Anya Seton A reincarnation/historical fiction written in the early 1970's that takes place in 1968 and then 400 years earlier. Centers around a particular Catholic family and dealing with the change of monarchs after Henry VIII's death, and a young servant girl who falls in love with her priest and the consequences that haunt them 400 years later. Not bad, but I've read better during this period. 3.5/5 Review

19/100.

#20 The Key by Lynsay Sands Medieval romance about an Englishwoman who must marry a Scot, but she wears a chastity belt until he bathes. Sounds ridiculous, but it wasn't half bad and had it's moments. 3.5/5 Short review

20/100

#21 Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught A classic regency romance from the 1980's and I loved it! I couldn't put it down - 700 pages in a little over a day! Granted, I did have a problem with the hero and his OOT behavior and brutality - talk about overreacting - twice! It didn't sit well with me, but it didn't ruin the book for me either, it was one of the reasons why I had to keep reading! The author wrote it in 1985, it was her first book, and I've heard rape or near rapes were not uncommon in romances back then - my how romances have evolved (thank goodness!) So, I'll take that into consideration, if anything it was compelling and a great story. I haven't sped through a big book like this so quickly since the last Harry Potter book came out! Review

#22 Something About You by Julie James Excellent romantic suspense contemporary with a drop dead gorgeous hero and a sharp and witty attorney heroine who overhears a murder taking place in the next hotel room and the drop dead gorgeous hero is the FBI agent who has to protect her from the murderer. Great read, I ate it up like candy. Julie James is my favorite contemporary romance, she hasn't failed me yet. 5/5 Full review

#23 Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark by Donna Lea Simpson Historical mystery set in Georgian times. It wasn't bad and it's set up with somewhat of a cliffhanger for the next book with the attractive Marquess of Darkefell who wants to marry her. 3/5 Full review.

23/100

#24 Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George This was a long book which I listened to on audio. I feel like I'm an expert on Mary though much of the book was depressing and I did not finish it feeling all that sympathetic towards her. I found her naive and at the mercy of all the men around her. Short review.

#25 The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley Great victorian romance centering on an autistic lord and the woman who catches his eye and a family murder mystery. Excellent! 4.5/5 Review

#26 The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt Another great Georgian romance last of a trilogy. Well done and steamy. 4/5 Full review

#44 I enjoyed your review of Margaret George's Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles and I agree it was a long slog of a book and I got bored with it long before the end. I so enjoyed The Autobiography of Henry VIII, but none of her other books measure up to it in my opinion.

lorie - thanks, I think a lot of people felt the same way that we did, it just became so dull and uninteresting towards the end. How many letters can you read about? Her piety began to grate on me and I felt sorrier for her faithful followers who all went to their deaths because of her, like the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Bothwell and Babington. Was her book on Cleopatra any better than this?

Your might want to give Cleopatra a try sometime, but honestly, I could not get through it. It's another slog in my opinion, but I hate to discourage you because you might like it.

#49 - thanks for the honest opinion I was planning on listening to it, but I'm going to hold off. Considering we both really liked Henry VIII and were disappointed in Mary Queen of Scotland, I'll take your word for it on Cleopatra, I bet I'll feel the same way you did.

#27 The Help by Kathryn Stockett Great book about the life in Jackson, MS in early 60's from the pov of the "colored" domestics and a young white girl that wants to write their story. Powerful, thoughtful, wonderful! 5/5 Review.

27/100

#28 If You Dare by Kresley Cole Fun historical romance between a Scottish highlander and highborn Castilian lady of nobility on the run together. First in a trilogy. Review.

28/100

I loved your review of The Help. I've added it to my wishlist!

#53 - lorie, thank you, it's a quiet, but amazing thoughtful book - best of the year for me! Get it on audio if you can!

#29 Roses by Leila Meacham A Texan family saga spanning from WWI to the 1980's. I liked it once I got 1/3 of the way into it and then sped through it, but found it very frustrating at times with all the mistakes made and then repeated in history. A bit cliché, and soap opera-like and the ending fell flat. 3.5/5 Full review.

#30 And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander Very well done historical mystery set in London and Paris in the later Victorian period. I loved it! I'll definitely continue with the series, I think this is even better than Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Gray series. Very elegant and descriptive, yet not overly wordy, I really enjoyed it and read it in one day! 4.5/5 Full review.

30/100

#31 To Catch An Heiress by Julia Quinn Regency by one of my favorite romance authors, but this was not one of her best. An earlier version of what I recognize in some of her later and better books. She was still working on her writing chops with this one, I recognized the sibling interplay that is so well done in the later Bridgerton series - as well as the hero that is carrying a heavy burdern to overcome from his past. It was still good, though weak. In any case, there's no such thing as a bad JQ romance novel! Review.

I'm glad to hear that And Only to Deceive is so good since I just put it on my wish list yesterday! (btw--the link to your review is not working)

lorie - thanks for pointing it out to me, I fixed it! I hope you like it!

#32 The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton Historical mystery of what happened and why to a little girl left alone on a ship to Australia from England just before WWI. Her story and her family's history unfolds to reveal secrets and pacts amidst a book of fairy tales and a hidden maze on an English estate in Cornwall. Not bad, but not as good as her first book. Full review.

#33 Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean Really fun regency romance by a new author for me. Well written, hot and spicy, but an endearing story. Spinster wallflower finally gets her wish and catches the eye of the rake she's had her eye on for ten years. 4.5/5 Full review.

Nice review of The Forgotten Garden. I read it and The House at Riverton last year and liked The Forgotten Garden just a little bit better, maybe because I read it first. Possibly when you try out different books by an author you like, the first one stands out more than any that follow.

#34 The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig. Not bad, better than it's predecessor in the Pink Carnation series, but doesn't live up to the first book, IMHO. This one takes place in India, so I appreciated the locale. On audio. 3.5/5 Full review

#35 Pirates by Linda Lael Miller Not the best romance time travel romance I've ever read. I deserve an award for even finishing it! Trite and full of clichés, I don't recommend it. Down and out girl travels back in time to the Revolutionary War in the Caribbean and meets a pirate - or is he a patriot? 2.5/5 Full review.

Oh, I'm a bit of a sucker for a pirate tale, but I might skip that one!

I have to say I wasn't fond of The Forgotten Garden, it seemed messily constructed and was more annoying that entertaining. I have heard that The House at Riverton is a better read, I'll get to that one day. (My copy is currently AWOL with my MIL...)

#65 wookie - The House at Riverton was in my opinion much better, the main character was endearing and I cared for her - I can't say the same about anyone in The Forgotten Garden unfortunately. As far as Pirates, yes, I'd pass - I still can't bring myself to write up a review on it yet. *sigh*

#36 Changeless by Gail Carriger Great sequel to Soulless, this is the 2nd book in the series, even better than the first in my opinion, though major twisting cliffhanger at the end end that makes the wait for her next book in the series interminable! The further adventures of Alexia, Lady Maccon and her lupine husband, Conall, the Earl of Woolsey. She must find out why her dear werewolf of a husband and his former pack can no longer change into their werewolf form - what's the secret and who is behind this plague of some sorts that has Victorian London talking and takes her off to the Scottish Highlands in a dirigible. 4.5/5 Full review

#37 Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde Another Thursday Next novel, but this one was confusing and often hard to follow. Between the world championship super hoop croquet game, Hamlet's being out of Hamlet, and the quest to expose Yorrick for who he really was - I was a bit lost in parts. But, as usual, the book is full of smirks and suprises and I'm happy for Thursday that she has her husband back. But, I didn't find this one as good as the others. The ending was a bit wobbly as well. 3.5/5 Full review

#38 Descent into Dust by Jacqueline Lepore. It wasn't bad, but was lacking somehow, not nearly as good as Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Chronicles which I adored. This heroine is a cross between Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Gray and Gleason's Victoria Gardella, set in Victorian England Heavier on the scary Dracula legend, less on the romance. 3.5/5 Review

#39 Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor OMG! I'm devastated by this ending! What a story! In the tradition of Gone With the Wind, Amber St. Clare singlemindedly uses her beauty and allurements to rise to the top in the Court of Charles II, all the while never giving up on the love of her life, Lord Bruce Carlton. I kept shaking my head throughout the book, "Poor Amber, when will you ever learn?" This must have been some racey book when it came out in 1943! 4.5/5 Full review

You've got some really good reading going on here! I've got Souless on the TBR pile but I don't know when I'll be able to get to it. I'm glad to know it's such a good series.

I'm glad you liked Forever Amber. So did I when I read it a couple of years ago, although I found Amber's unrelenting obsession a little frustrating. I'm looking forward to your review.

I love historical fiction and have just started Green Darkness by Anya Seton. It's also a long read and I probably won't be finishing it any time soon!

lorie - I found Green Darkness somewhat dated, I'll be interested to see what you think too. I'm still reeling from Forever Amber, I can't stop thinking about it! As frustrating as she was, I sympathized with her and liked her, though ironically as she became richer and a duchess, thinking she'd be good enough for Bruce to marry, she lost the charm that Bruce loved in her. I'm still gnashing my teeth over all of it!

#40 By Arrangement by Madeline Hunter A medieval romance about a young noblewoman forced to marry a merchant who has a secret she is trying to unravel. It was okay, but I don't seem to be as crazy about this author's books as others are. 3.5/5 Review

#41 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson Great contemporary mystery set in Sweden involving the disappearance of a teenage girl in 1966 that has a recently disgraced reporter and an introverted young Goth genius hacker on the trail of what happened and opens up a can of worms. A riveting, great book! 4.5/5 Review

#42 When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James So-so Georgian romance of Duke returning from abroad after upteen years to his bride by proxy who has been waiting for him for seven years! Surprise! They're both virgins and he has to deal with a neglected estate and stinky water closets. Not bad in parts, and had promise, but overall, nothing great. 3.5/5 Review

42/100

#43 Shadow Music by Julie Garwood A disappointing Julie Garwood novel, I'm surprised, her medievals are usually so good and this one just is not even close to the calibre of her earlier ones. I think she was rusty from writing contemporaries. A noble princess must marry a ferocious Scottish laird to save face after being unjustly disgraced. 3.5/5 Review.

#44 The Bride and the Buccaneer by Darlene Marshall Cute and amusing pirate historical romance set in early 1800's Florida. Forced marriage scenario, the hero and heroine are after a fortune in gold - but will the heroine double cross her handsome pirate husband in order to get it all for herself - or does she fall for him instead? 4/5 Review

#45 Until You by Judith McNaught McNaught has definitely become one of my favorite romance authors. This is the sequel to Whitney. My Love which was great. This is a close second, written nine years later - not an easy feat. Not as powerful and emotional, but close in many ways and there were many parallels to Whitney's plotline. Brothers! I loved Stephen and Sherry's story, though it dragged a bit in the beginning with Sherry's background. I loved so much about it! 4/5 Review

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#46 The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss On audio. I was tempted to stop listening to this novel due to the brutality and suspense surrounding a young couple who were tricked into moving to Western PA in in the late 1780's. I was so worried and tense, I began to dread listening to it. But I persevered, as the plot developed I became fascinated with the story, trying to figure out the connection between Joan and Ethan, who's wit and charm I grew to love and appreciate. The scheme was meticulously crafted and I found it hard to put this historical novel down. I'm glad I stuck with it, it was very, very good! 4/5 Full review

46/100

I'll be interested in reading your full review of The Whiskey Rebels. I read The Coffee Trader by the same author awhile back, and while it was well written, I thought the plot was a little dull. I might try The Whiskey Rebels though. I sounds like a better read.

#47 Highland Rebel by Judith James Entertaining romance set in post-Restoration England and Scotland. A willful and beautiful Scottish lass (who also happens to be the laird of her clan) and a handsome, rakish, devil may care English lord who may or may not be spy marry impulsively in order to save her life which sets in motion of series of events that makes this novel exciting, romantic, amusing and a pleasure to read. 4/5 Short review.

#48 Scandal by Carolyn Jewel Pretty good regency romance about a young widow that is pursued by a notorious rake. They share a past and she's unwilling to believe he really loves her. Doesn't sound like much, but it was pretty good! 4/5 Short review

ktleyed- I'm looking for book suggestions--I read the Deanna Raybourn and Tasha Alexander series this month, and want to read more of the same. Can you help? Thanks!

#83 ravenous - I'm still in the midst of the Tasha Alexander series myself. I read Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark which wasn't too bad, but not nearly as good as Raybourn or Alexander. Descent into Dust wasn't bad, sort of a Lady Julia meets Dracula Victorian Gothic. Both are first books in series. Have your read the Amelia Peabody series starting with Crocodile on the Sandbank? Another series I'm going to give a try to is Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin same premise of historical woman turned detective, but this is medieval rather than Victorian, sounds good. Hope this helps!

It helps a lot! I wandered around the library for almost an hour yesterday, looking for a series (any series!) to read. I'll try the ones you suggested. Many thanks.

#49 The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson 2nd in this Swedish crime thriller trilogy. The further adventures of Lizbeth Salander, the main suspect of a triple murder and the center of a massive manhunt. Mikael Blomkvist is certain of her innocence and does his best to find the real murderer. New revelations emerge about Lizbeth's background. Not as graphic as the first book, but riveting. On audio with the yummy Simon Vance narrating. Full review.

49/100

I need to read the Played with Fire book for my RL book club in a couple months, but I still haven't read the first. Is that one good, too?

#87 jfetting - yes! The first one, IMO, was better than the 2nd, though not for the faint of heart, there are some brutally graphic scenes and the storyline is disturbing - but it's good! I had trouble putting it down.

#50 (half way there!) A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander Second in the Lady Emily Ashton series, this time on the hunt of a killer, the lost of heir to the Bourbon throne and a way to salvage her reputation which is diminishing day by day during London's season in the Victorian age. Not bad, diverting and enough romance to make it interesting. I enjoyed this historical mystery and now onto book three. 4/5 Review

50/100

#51 A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick On audio. What a disappointment, I had high hopes, but found it not to my liking, nor a single characters in the novel. The constant fixation on sex by the main characters had me rolling my eyes along with the flowery decriptions which were laughable. Cannot understand the great reviews in regard to this book. 1.5/5 My brief, but scathing review.

51/100

I didn't like A Reliable Wife either. I got about half way through and tossed it aside. Too many good books waiting to be read to waste my time on that one!

#91 - lorie - if I hadn't bought it with an Audible point on audiobook, I would have tossed it too - nevertheless, I stuck it out - yuck!

#52 The Last Highlander by Claire Cross Scottish highlander time travel romance that was cute, but rambling in parts. Medieval highlander travels forward in time and meets a young woman who he thinks is a sorceress set to bespell him. Eventually, he realizes the truth and longs to return to his own time, only he's fallen in love with her by this time. Full review.

#53 The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn On audio. I just couldn't get into this. I never warmed up to the heroine, and barely liked the hero at all. Maybe I should have read it instead, the narration was less than perfect. Young Victorian authoress travels to Transylvania and meets a mysterious dark count who lives in a castle where werewolves and vampires may or may not be real. I felt like the author was forcing the gothic tone and hitting the reader over the head with it. I love her Lady Julia mystery books, but this was not a hit with me. 2.5/5 Short review.

Congratulations on the halfway mark!

You've read some good books (and some not-so-good ones, too). I've got the first Lady Julia book on my shelves now, waiting its turn not-so-patiently. :)

I'm currently reading the first Lady Julia book, Silent in the Grave and I'm enjoying it very much. It looks like I'll pass on The Dead Travel Fast though.

wookie - her Lady Julia books are good, I like Lady Julia very much, I've begun to really enjoy these type of mysteries lately, like the Tasha Alexander ones and I'll be reading the Elizabeth Peabody's soon too.

lorie-yes, skip her latest, am happy she's writing another Lady Julia to take place in India too - glad you're liking Silent in the Grave, it was my favorite of the three written so far.

I'm avoiding Tasha Alexander for the moment, just because I cannot afford another fascinating historical mystery series! My wallet and shelves are both groaning, and I'm being buried by as-yet-unread books...

#54 The Other Mr. Darcy by Monica Fairview Entertaining P&P fanfic/sequel involving Caroline Bingley and Mr. Darcy's American cousin who she can't seem to avoid - no matter how she tries. Caroline is quite likable here and made me a fan of hers. Enjoyable and well done, surprisingly good and even has the ubiquitous wet Mr. Darcy pond scene! Review

#55 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson Third in this irresistible gritty Swedish crime thriller trilogy. Here we follow the legal system and the unraveling of "the section" and the Lizbeth Salander's day in court - so good! On audio. Full review.

#56 Memoirs of a Hoyden by Joan Smith A light and frothy clean romance which I really liked! It was cute, funny and a quick read. The hero wasn't developed much at all, and through most of the book he was sneering and surly, but over the course of the storyline we understand why. For the most part, it was the heroine who made the book likable with her witty asides and preponderance for jumping to the wrong conclusions. While completely missing the mark, she valiantly remained convinced that everyone else around her was the numbskull. I wouldn't mind reading more about the adventures of this hoyden! Short review

#57 The Forbidden Rose by Joanna Bourne Romance set during "the terror" in France, a prequel to The Spymaster's Lady which I loved. This was okay, not great or as compelling, I found it hard to get into the heroine's head and relate to her, though I really liked her hero, Doyle. 3/5 Review.

#58 The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe. It was ok, nothing great. On audio. The narrator, Katherine Kellgren, was fine, but I just didn't really like the book itself, I feel it could have been much better, only seemed to skim what could have been a really good story. The villain was a caricature and the relationship between Sam and Connie was lightweight as well. The colonial time periods were too brief, it would have been more interesting if they were longer and more detailed in the plot and build up. This book just had no depth to it! Disappointed. 3/5 Full review

I read The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane last year and felt the same way. It was way too predictable and both plot and characterization were a little flat. Disappointing. The story idea was great, the author just couldn't deliver IMO. A first book for her, however; maybe her next one will be better.

#59 Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor by Stephanie Barron First in the Jane Austen as regency sleuth series. I was impressed with the detail and faithfulness to Austen and her times. Many references to her novels and the footnotes, though a bit distracting and unecessary, were helpful, albeit I was already aware of various Regency meanings and customs. The book finished well, but got off to a slow start. Despite some shortcomings in this first of the series, I will continue with it, for I've heard it gets better. 3.5/5 Full review

#60 Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley Entertaining Victorian romance involving a talented artist lord who has given up drink. The Scot's aim is to woo his estranged wife back into his arms. I loved Mac, her sexy kilted hero. Second in her Mackenzie series. 4/5 Full review

#61 Indiscreet by Carolyn Jewel Sexy Regency romance that is set mostly in Turkey. English Lord must rescue young Englishwoman who has been kidnapped by a pasha that wants her. Exciting, nerve wracking finish, I loved it and read it all in one day. Short review.

#62 Devil's Brood by Sharon Kay Penman Third and last in her Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy surrounding the many rebellions during the later years fo Henry's reign. All his sons turned against him (except his one illegitimate son) and even his wife, Eleanor sided against him, forcing him to keep her relatively locked up and imprisoned for 16 years. It was a sad book, many deaths and disappointments, I can't say I really enjoyed reading it. It was good, but I trudged through it, shaking my head over and over again in response to the many follies Henry and his sons made repeatedly. Full review.

I'm looking forward to your full review of Devil's Brood. I've read the first book in the series and have the other two on the TBR pile. I thought it was very good historical fiction, but a very long read, so I've been putting off reading the others.

#109 lorie - When Christ and His Saints Slept was a long book to read - and a slog. Time and Chance was much better and I really loved it. It was all about the romance and marriage between Eleanor and Henry and the entire Thomas Becket fiasco. This one was just so depressing! They're all heavy reads, quite dense! still, worthwhile, Eleanor and Henry's reign was fascinating!

#63 Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas, I totally loved this Victorian romance, my first by this author. An unusual and controversial plotline of a married aristocratic couple estranged for the first ten years of their marriage, now brought together again to produce an heir before their divorce. It worked and I was completely enamoured with the h/h and plotline - and the heroine's mother no less! 5/5 Full review.

#64 Night's Rose by Annaliese Evans I enjoyed this historical paranormal romance more than I expected. A quasi take on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tail with Rose having to fight for her life against dark fae and ogres, while trying to determine which man she can trust and love, a sensually handsome aristocratic vampire or her liaison and mentor for the past 100 years? 3.5/5 Review.

#65 The Forbidden Lord by Sabrina Jeffries I loved this historical regency about a young innocent rector's daughter that must masquerade as a lady while trying to avoid a certain lord that knows the truth and will stop at nothing to find out what she's up to. Entertaining and fun! Review

#66 Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas Third in her Hathaway series and weakest in a weak series to begin with. Poppy's story. I didn't like this kind of hero, he was too complex and pretty... awful. My least favorite hero of all her books. He did nothing for me, as did this book. A disappointment. 2/5 Review.

#67 Delicious by Sherry Thomas Another fabulous historical romance by Sherry Thomas. This one is again about a lost love and reunion ten years later - I love these storylines! Verity it a fabulous cook for a fine estate, she also happens to come from a very aristocratic family whom she ran away from, disgraced and pregnant at the age of sixteen. In addition, she had been the lover of the now dead owner of the estate - and his brother is the love of her life! It's all too complicated to summarize - but it was so good! I loved it! 5/5 Full review.

#68 Shanghai Girls by Lisa See I wasn't bowled over by this historical fiction based on two sisters who flee Shanghai at the beginning of WWII and settle in Los Angeles facing discrimination, arranged marriages and the loss of the life they knew as 'beautiful girls' in China. I thought it would be much better, I just didn't get into it. On audio. 3.5/5 Full review

#69 Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory Second in medieval romance series, All The King's Men. Lacklustre story of the usual feisty widowed heroine forced to marry some Frenchman, when all she really wants is the lusty Englishman that has caught her eye. Not as original as the first in the series, which I really liked. 3.5/5 Review.

Just stopping by to say "Hi" and I still check your posts to see what books you're reading.

I enjoyed Lisa See's two earlier books, but I've not heard very good things about her latest. I think I'm going to pass on it.

Hi Lorie! I'm reading up a storm, but mostly romances, gorgeous day today to read in the sun - thanks for dropping by!

#70 Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas Another winner by my new favorite romance author. This one is a darker story, set on the remote border of India somewhere in 1897 at the time of the Indian Mutiny in the Swat River Valley. Harrowing descriptions, but great story of Leo Marsden and Briony Asquith, his doctor wife who leaves him and has their marriage annulled. Three years later, they have the chance to find out what went wrong and make it right again amidst the Indian Mutiny. Full review

#71 Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters Loved, loved, loved this book! Historical mystery set in 1880's Egypt, introducing the indomitable spinster, Amelia Peabody - she was marvelous! Amusing, clever and grabbed me from the start, quick read, first of many in a series. 5/5 Review

I'm glad you liked Crocodile on the Sandbank. I've just recently finished the second book in the series and am trying to track down a copy of the third. What a fun series!

#122 - lorie, I have the next three books on audio, so I intend to listen to them next and compare. I'm so surprised at how funny Crocodile was, such a sly wit!

Yay for more converts to the cult of Amelia Peabody! I love her, she's just so much fun. (And sooooo anachronistic, but for me that's half the fun.)

Oh, KT, I absolutely LOVED the audiobooks of the Amelia Peabody mysteries (read by Barbara Rosenblatt). Utter perfection! Let me know how you like them on audio.

#125 - I'll be sure to let you know, although I've got The Historian coming up before them, so it will be a while!

#72 The Perfect Waltz by Anne Gracie Loved this sweet regency romance, better than the first in the series! Great big bear of a man tries to find a staid wife to help take of his sisters and instead falls for a beautiful and vivacious twin who surprises him with her sisterly know how. Great! 4/5 Review.

#73 Paul is Undead by Alan Goldsher Loved, loved, loved this audiobook! You have to be into the Fab Four and somewhat of an afficianado (which I am). It was hilarious and clever and Simon Vance did all the Beatles voices and Mick Jagger and you name it! It was a tour de force! 4.5/5 Full review

#74 The Stone Maiden by Susan King Scottish medieval romance of Norman knight ordered to marry the remaining daughter and chief of a dying clan in the Scottish Highlands. A slow, steady build up between the two. Sweet and poignant, but also a little bit dull. 3.5/5 Review.

#75 Confessions of a Scoundrel by Karen Hawkins Great plot and terrific chemistry between the h/h. Perfect combo in this regency romance. Handsome man about town Brandon St. John finally meets his match, albeit reluctantly, in the form of Verena, Lady Wentworth, a widow of dubious reputation in the demimonde. While trying to resist their mutual attraction, they team up to find a mysterious list that was lost somewhere in her house. Danger, mystery and passion abound! I loved it! 4.5/5 Review

#76 The Vampire's Kiss by Cynthia Eden So-so vampire story about dying women who begs and handsome vampire to "turn" her into one so she can avenge her brother's death - from a vampire. Surprisingly dull, but fortunately short. 3/5 Review.

#77 A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh 2nd in the Bedwyn Regency series, or sort of a prequel, story of Lauren and Kit and how their sham betrothal that turns to love, yet neither of them will admit to their feelings until it's almost too late. I liked it, but not as much as the previous book. 3.5/5 Review

#78 His at Night by Sherry Thomas Another complex, thoughtful historical romance set in late 1890's, hero is really a spy for the Crown posing as an artistocratic idiot and the heroine is a desperate young woman who entraps him into marriage to get away from her horrible uncle. Touches of humor with a dark underbelly. 4/5 Full review

#79 The Dangerous Lord by Sabrina Jeffries Not as good as the 2nd in the trilogy, I thought the gossipy plotline and manipulations of the hero in this Regency romance were a bit too much, but it was still an enjoyable read. 3.5/5 Review

#80 The Bride by Julie Garwood A re-read (on audio this time) of one of my all time favorite medieval romances. It has everything: romance, humor, a ditzy but endearing, strong heroine, and a gorgeous Scottish kilted laird who becomes her husband. Love, love, love this book and Rosalyn Landor as the narrator was tops. Full review

#81 The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova On audio which simply took forever! I couldn't wait for this endless book to be over! I'm all for historical fiction and the Dracula premise sounded interesting but this was far too detailed, much of which seemed entirely superfluous. Do I really need to know about old peasant women and their fire dances in Bulgaria - and what do that have to do with finding Dracula? Too much for me to go on and on about. 2.5/5 Full review

I read The Historian when it first came out several years ago. I gave it 3 stars then but I don't remember much about it now. Obviously not a memorable read!

The Historian is buried somewhere in Mt TBR - been thinking of getting to it soonish, friends of mine did like it. It's still hovering somewhere in that "soonish" timeframe, but I'm expecting less of it now. :)

no no.. I really liked The Historian! The slower pace allowed me to savor the history and the settings. Yes it did get a bit weird in the end... but still I liked it enough to find a copy to keep.

#139 - kcs_hiker, I know plenty of people liked it, and I had high hopes for I'm a lover of historical fiction, but... to me, it very often read like a travelogue of Eastern Europe and Turkey. I heard the author spent 10 years researching for the book and undoubtedly intended to use every bit of it for her novel. All the needless detail ruined what could have been a good suspenseful tale, IMO.

#82 Blameless by Gail Carriger The much anticipated third installment of the Parasol Proctorate. This romantic steampunk adventure series stars the much lately maligned and pregnant Lady Maccon who flees England and her werewolf husband after he denounces her as unfaithful. With the aid of her remaining friends, Alexia goes to Italy looking for proof that the baby is indeed her husband's (even though she's mad as hell at him). Facing deadly vampires, a single-minded and ex-communicated German professor and a host of Templars, Alexia still finds time to partake and enjoy in the delights of Italian cuisine. Fun to read, but disappointing in the book long separation between Connall and Alexia. 3.5/5 Review

Hi, just catching up with your posts. You have been reading some good stuff. I have just read your review on Paul is Undead and will be definitely looking for it at the library. Sounds like fun.

I am another who has been a bit iffy about reading The Historian. I think I'll give it a miss for a bit longer now. There are plenty of other books I can read.

And I just have to get to those Larrsen books soon. I feel like I'm the only one who hasn't read them yet!

Happy reading . . .

#83 The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney A murder mystery set in the wintry wilds of 1860's Canada. A mother searching for her teenage son, who the authorities believe commit the murder, a young Company man searching for the same said son, and the son, Francis, who is dealing with the sadness and memory of his murdered friend and lover. Not bad, evocative and melancholy. 3.5/5 Review

I read The Tenderness of Wolves last year and thought Penney did a fantastic job with the historical aspects of the story, and I really enjoyed her wonderful descriptions of the landscape. Unfortunately I thought the story was only ok, mostly because the characters were as cold and remote as the Canadian winter that she describes so exquisitely.

#84 The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters Another amusing mystery involving Amelia Peabody and her gruff and highly entertaining archeologist husband, Emerson. The two - now parents of an amazingly precocious child aptly named Ramses - head out to Luxor again and solve a murder mystery while excavating the latest royal Egyptian tomb. On audio which was a hoot. Barbara Rosenblat does a fantastic job with the narration, particularly of the crazy Madame Berengeria. 4/5 Review

#144, lorie - I agree the characters were rather bleak and some parts of the story sort of spiralled into nowhere (for example, Line, the Norwegian woman who runs off with her lover and children and Ida, the daughter who had a fancy for the teenage Francis). I agree, the descriptions of the landscape were apt and even in this hot weather we're having, I always seemed to feel cold while reading this book!

#85 No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole I loved this paranormal romance, 2nd in her Immortals After Dark Series. Story of immortal vampire Sebastian who meets his Bride (lifelong mate) Kaderin the Coldhearted who is a Valkyrie, a sworn enemy to vampires. How can this work? She resists, yet can't for long and they have an ... unusual courtship while traveling around the world competing in a magickal scavenger hunt. Couldn't put it down, read it in nearly one day. 4/5 Review

#86 Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin On audio. What started out slow turned into a compelling mystery during the time of Henry II in medieval England. Someone is brutally killing children and a young, female doctor from Salerno is brought in as a forensic expert to study the dead bodies to help discover who the killer is. Gruesome but interesting and I really enjoyed this. I will definitely continue with the series. Review

I'm glad that you are continuing with the Mistress of the Art of Death series. Each book gets better and better in my opinion.

I recently read Mistress of the Art of Death and enjoyed it. I was also able to find a cheap copy of the second book, The Serpent's Tale. Unfortunately, my mother was just visiting and I had her read Mistress, which she enjoyed enough to abscond with the sequel when they left! I'll get it back at Christmas, at least.

#150 kristenn - The Serpent's Tale sounds really good, I looked up the description and am looking foward to listening to it (I have it audio, as well as the next one after that). Having recently read Devil's Brood, I'm curious to see her take on the whole Henry II - Eleanor of Aquitaine feud!

#149 - lorie - glad to hear they get better and better, I'm looking forward to them alot!

#87 Miss Wonderful by Loretta Chase Regency romance, slow to get interesting, but fun by the end. I had a problem with the heroine who was stubborn about stopping a canal being built on her father's land, the gist of the story. Not bad, but I've read better. 3.5/5 Review

#88 Once and Always by Judith McNaught Another winner from one of my favorite romance authors! Regency based romance between a dark and often cruel hero with a tortured past that cannot love until he meets a naive, titian haired American beauty that tames him. I loved it, but the heroine was sometimes TSTL. Still a great story, hard to put down all the way up to the very last page! I love this author, her books are full of angst and emotion, yet always very satisfying by the ending. 3.5/5 Full review

#89 Penelope and Prince Charming by Jennifer Ashley Not a bad Regency; racy with a magical side to it. Gorgeous foreign prince sweeps an unknown Englishwoman off her feet to be his princess with lots of danger and politics used to thwart them. 3.5/5 Review

#90 The Exile: an Outlander Graphic Novel by Diana Gabaldon I loved it! It was so much fun to see all the pictures of my beloved favorite characters and relive my favorite book in living color! Surprised at the brevity of it, I had no idea it only covered the first half of the book after Claire decides to remain with Jamie rather than returning to Frank. Also, another mystery man traveler who is in cahoots with Geillis - all very interesting! 5/5 Full review

Hey, ktleyed ~ I just read a graphic novel too and loved it! Welcome to the Jungle, featuring Harry Dresden. I'll have to get the Outlander graphic novel. Read it years ago and would love to renew my acquaintance. Did the pictures do justice to the the way you pictured the characters?

#156 yes, they did the book justice! Not exactly my own personal versions but close! The drawings were actually very lovely. I saw DG speak today and had her sign my copy at the National Book Festival and she talked about why she selected this particular illustrator because he was so talented and was adept at many different facial expressions. It's true he did a wonderful job!

#91 After Midnight by Teresa Medeiros I really enjoyed this a lot and I was pleasantly surprised! Late Regency centering on three sisters, one who is outwardly being wooed by a rumored vampire, while at the same time, he's falling for her sister. Is he a vampire or not? Good all the way to the end with a sequel. 4/5 Review

#92 Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati On audio. I wasn't bowled over by it, but it wasn't bad, I'm glad I finally got around to it. I probably would have loved it if I hadn't already been introduced to Outlander. I just was not as vested in these characters or the plotline - it didn't have a lot of depth to it and I wasn't crazy about anyone in the whole book, my favorite was probably the black housekeeper, Curiosity, who had the most spark of anyone in the entire long, long book! 3.5/5 Review.

Well at least Into the Wilderness had a little cameo appearance (a mere reference really) by Claire Fraser! Reading it made me want to read the original The Deerslayer and The Last of the Mohicans on which Into the Wilderness is loosely based.

#160 - lorie, I can't say I even want to read Last of the Mohicans or The Deerslayer, I just wasn't into these characters all that much (although I saw the movie of LOTM and loved it years ago with Daniel Day Lewis). I've been spoiled by Diana Gabaldon. You bet I didn't miss the mention of Jamie and Claire at Saratoga and Ian. Funny how those parts are most recently decribed in An Echo in the Bone too!

#93 The Abduction of Julia by Karen Hawkins Another Regency by one of my now favorite romance authors. This was her first and I really enjoyed it! Plain Jane nobody forced into a marriage of convenience with a dashing rogue so he can inherit his grandfather's estate. The usual miscommunications abound. Julia uses his money to support her favorite charity for reformed wayward women while they both fight their desire to be more than man and wife in name only. 4/5 Review

#94 The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters Another clever and hilarious Amelia Peabody on audio with the fabulous Barbara Rosenblat narrating. Her depictions of Emerson and Ramses had me in stitches - as well as the German baroness. They're at it again for the archeological season in Egypt near Cairo. This time they're dealing with American missionary zealots and their precocious and long-winded son, Ramses, who's nearly as smart as all of them rolled up together! 4/5 Review

#95 Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard Excellent suspenseful romance that was nearly impossible to put down. Four women make a list of what they think would be the perfect man. The list makes headlines and a psychotic killer who doesn't think it's so funny, decides to kill each of the women. The heat sizzles between the hero cop and feisty heroine as he aims to protect her and romance her at the same time. I loved it! 5/5 Full review.

I love the Amelia Peabody series! I'm going to start the 4th book in the series soon.

I've read quite a bit of Linda Howard. She's been one of my favorite romance authors in the past, but some of her latest books have not been as good in my opinion. Enjoyed Mr. Perfect though.

#165 lorie - this is the 2nd Linda Howard I've read, I loved the other one which had a time travel aspect to it, Son of the Morning. I read an article last month that she has been chronically ill for and it has affected her writing voice and that's one of the reasons why many feel her books are not as good as her earlier ones. It was quite a devastating article (at Dear Author) and I feel terrible for her, for she feels she cannot get back to how she used to be. Must be horrible for an author to go through something like that!

#96 Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas Wow, I loved this LK romance. Spinster author mistakes handsome publisher for a male prostitute she has hired for the night to lose her virginity on her 30th birthday. From there this was a delicious and steamy romance. Her earlier ones are great! 4.5/5 Review

#97 First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde On audio. Weakest of the series, it really seemed like a re-tread of all the previous books, summarizing what went on them. Best parts were the P&P bits, too bad no Mr. Darcy. Not bad, but not great. 3/5 Review

I understand why you feel that way about the fourth Tuesday Next. My two favorite Tuesday Next's were The Eyre Affair and The Well of Lost Plots, but First Among Sequels just nose out Lost in a Good Book by a hair.

Loved Suddenly You and After Midnight! Adore the Amelia Peabody series, especially on audio, which are amazing. Rosenblat rules!

#169 - Storeetllr - I actually liked Lost in a Good Book a lot, but I think I liked The Well of Lost Plots the best, for I love Jurisfiction and it's entire environment and book world, incredibly clever! The Eyre Affair wasn't as good as I expected it to be, so I was a bit let down, but now that I've finished the series, I should go back and re-read it, I'd probably appreciate it much more now, particularly if I listen to it now instead of reading. It was the only book in the series I actually listened to, rather than listened to on audio.

I still haven't written my review of Suddenly You, but it was simply great, her earlier books were so much better than her latest Hathaway Series (though I did love Seduce Me at Sunrise). And yes, After Midnight was a big surprise for me, I had no idea I'd like it so much!

#98 The Last Hellion by Loretta Chase. I totally loved this book! Beginning with the prologue which brought tears to my eyes, I knew this would be good. The reformation of Vere, Duke of Ainswood is complete, all due to the amazingly resourceful, smart and intelligent Lydia Grenville, reporter and secret author of London's most popular and highly anticipated fictional serial, The Rose of Thebes. A wonderful finale to Chase's Scoundrels series. Full review.

#99 The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin Another clever medieval historical mystery involving mistress of the art of death, Adelia Aguilar, who, now a mother, still uses her doctoring skills and winds up investigating the poisoning of the lady Rosamund, King Henry II's mistress. His wily queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, is the obvious mastermind behind the murder, but is everything really as it seems? Who is the real culprit? Adelia is smack dab in the middle of the snake pit of political intrigue and murder that surrounds Eleanor's retinue. Hopefully, Adelia's former lover, Rowley Picot, now the Bishop of St. Albans, can rescue Adelia from the real murderer. 4/5 Review.

I'm glad you liked The Serpent's Tale. The third book in the series, Grave Goods is the best in the series so far, in my opinion. It's a bit of a King Arthur mystery. I can't wait until the fourth book comes out in paperback.

lorie - I'm glad to hear Grave Goods is good as well! Another one I have on audio!

#100 Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning On audio. This was a re-read for me, in anticipation of the last book in the series coming out in January. I'm going to be listening to the entire series, which I've never done before, having only read it before. As usual, it's a great story with an alternate fantasy world of unseelie and seelie fae taking over Dublin while young Barbie-like Macayla Lane is trying to find out what or who killed her sister. Mac's life is turned upside down and she toughens up to protect herself and learns the truth about herself with the mysterious Jericho Barrons guiding her through the puzzling and dangerous underworld of monsters in search of a very rare and powerful book. It's a great series, I highly recommend it! 4.5/5 My original review from last year.

And yes, my 100th book!

#101 Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands. Not bad for a medieval highlander romance, although some parts seemed a bit far fetched with forced humor, but overall I liked it. Young English bride must marry highland laird with a fearsome reputation, although it turns out to be a gross exaggeration. 3.5/5 Full review.

>175 ktleyed: I mooched Darkfever for some reason this last summer... I bet it was because someone here said it was pretty good. I'll dust my copy off and move it up the TBR stack.

kcs - do give it a try, I never thought I'd like something like this series and wound up adoring it!

#102 Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn My favorite of the series to date. The characterizations and intrigue have more depth to them than in the previous Lady Julia novels. Although it got off to a slow start, the poignancy in the second half made up for it, enhancing the story with it's richness and memorable events. I highly recommend for Victorian historical mystery lovers, this is a great addition to the series. 4/5 Full review

#103 Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning On audio. 2nd of the Fever series which is great, though I'm still not crazy about the narrator's voice, which sounds much too old for the characters she is playing. This is a re-read, but my first time on audio. Full review here of the series from when I first read it last year.

Congratulations on making 100! And I've made a note of Karen Marie Moning's name...

#104 How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn I loved, loved, loved this regency romance by one of my favorite authors! Young impoverished gentlewoman must marry for money to support her three younger siblings. Working as a paid companion, she finds a how to book "How to Marry a Marquis" to help her in the library of the lady she works for. Little does she know the man she thinks is her employer's estate manager is really a marquis - and he's willing to tutor her! A great screwball romance as only Julia Quinn can do! Loved it! 4.5/5 Review

#181- Thanks wookiebender for the good wishes!!

#105 Faefever by Karen Marie Moning On audio. Getting further into Moning's urban fantasy adventure in which MacKayla Lane is trying to fight the evil unseelie fae and prevent them from taking over Dublin and eventually the world. She's becoming friendlier with her fellow sidhe-seers, and I do find on audio they don't sound nearly as whiny as they did the first I read this in print. The book comes to a stunning climax on Halloween with a huge cliffhanger, I'm glad the first I read it, I had the next book ready at hand. Here's my review from the first I read it last year. Review of Fever series

#105 sounds good. I've wishlisted the first book in the series. Thanks for the review!

#106 The Perfect Stranger by Anne Gracie Regency romance, part of the Merridew Sisters series, of young girl alone and on the run in France after being duped into a false marriage. Miraculously, a handsome stranger saves her life and then offers to marry her to save her reputation. No strings and no future attached. What secret is he hiding and can they avoid falling in love, despite their promises not to? This turned out to be a poignant story after the slow start. Picked up half way through and became a page turner. 3.5/5 Review.

#107 Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning On audio and narrated by Natalie Ross and Phil Gigante (he is to die for!) as all the male voices. A real treat to listen to and leaves you with a huge cliffhanger, but luckily the last book in the series comes out in January! I read this last year for the first time, but this is my first time on audio. Review of series

#108 Stolen Charms by Adele Ashworth I simply adored this romance! Set in early 1840's, the young and proper Natalie Haislett, runs off with dashing Jonathan Drake, a known rake, to see if he can introduce her to a daring jewel thief, the Black Knight in France. As improbable as the whole scenario was, I loved it! Great plot, emotional and thoughtful. By the time they declare their love for one another, I was nearly in tears. Great, great! 5/5 Quickie review.

#109 Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah MacLean Young impoverished genteel Isabel is secretly running a shelter for women on her family estate. She encounters the handsome Lord Nicholas St. John, who is looking for the sister of the Duke of Leighton (who she is harboring) and winds up finding love in the least likely of places. A fun regency and follow up to her last book, but not quite as good as the first. 4/5 Review.

#110 Life: Keith Richards by Keith Richards On audio, narrated by Johnnie Depp. This was an amazing autobiography, love, love, loved it! I've been a Stones fan forever and Keith's story is superbly told. One of the best autobiographies I've read (or listened to). An in depth view of life from the pov of Keith Richards. Maestro, backbone, creative heartbeat of the Rolling Stones, never would I have imagined that the stoned out, heroine addicted, dark lead guitarist had been a choir boy and a boy scout! Tons of revelations on life, on the road, touring, drugs, his relationship with (and without) Mick and the ever expanding love of his craft - the guitar and his music. A great, great audio. 5/5 Full review.

I'm sure having Johnnie Depp reading the book did not detract in the slightest. :)

#111 If You Desire by Kresley Cole Second in the "If You" trilogy of three Scottish Highlander brothers who think their family is cursed and that they can never find the love of a woman or else she will die. Hugh, the middle brother is a trained assasin, who's trying to prevent another dope addicted assassin bent on revenge from killing the love of his life. As part of the plan, he must marry her to keep her safe. She has loved him all her life and vice versa, though neither of them knew it. As much as their is a strong attraction between the two, the curse stands in their way of consummating the marriage. Not a bad 19th century historical, but didn't completely grab me. 3.5/5 Full review.

#112 A Belated Bride by Karen Hawkins Cute story of a duke who returns, by accident to the woman he loved (and ruined) ten years earlier. She's having nothing to do with him while running a clandestine business smuggling cognac off the coast of Yorkshire to keep her family estate afloat - barely. His charms and that old thing called passion just won't let her stick to her guns. Before she knows it, he's wormed his way back into her heart. While trying to expose a traitorous jewel ring, can he also save her from the someone that's trying to kill the two of them as well? 4/5 Full review.

#113 The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig Turnip Fitzhugh is a delightful hero, bumbling, yet full of good intentions, who meets his match in Arabella Dempsey, who must become a schoolteacher in an exclusive girl's academy to help out her family's finances. While there, she stumbles into Turnip, as well as a valuable document that French spies are willing to kill her for. Guess who comes to her rescue? I laughed aloud and loved every bit of it. On audio. 4.5/5 Full review.

#114 Highland Surrender by Dawn Halliday Sequel to her first book about an English earl in the Scottish Highlands in the early 18th century, who's obsessed with the local healer woman, but betrothed to a young and beautiful Englishwoman who has secrets that may surprise him. She's also fallen in love with his stableman, who's really his brother. How is this foursome ever going to wind up with the right partner? Incongruous plotline with some eyebrow raising S&M love scenes that just aren't my style. 2.5/5 Ful review

#115 To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt This was a great story! It had romance, humor, a mystery, everything I love in a book. Colonial Samuel Hartley descends upon 1760's London in his unorthodox buckskin leggings and mocassins to solve the mystery of what happened during a fateful battle in the French Indian War and who was the traitor that set them up for the massacre in Quebec. Sophisticated Lady Emeline Gordon keeps insisting she is not attracted to this uncouth man, but she can't deny it - she is lost to his good looks and rugged countenance. Yet, she's engaged to someone else? What to do? I loved this! 4.5/5 Review

I've got The Mischief of the Mistletoe on the TBR pile, hoping to get to it in the next couple of weeks. I'm glad to know that it's a good read!

#116 On a Highland Shore by Kathleen Givens I loved this exciting and often nailbiting historical romance set in 13th century Scottish Highlands. Hard to put down. Norse raiders come and destroy the world of Margaret MacDonald her her sister, Nell. Their father, the laird of the land, has been murdered along with everyone else on this remote Scottish coastline. Margaret must rebuild her life and try to understand the prophecy of an old woman that has told her of her future - will it involve the young Irish/Norse warrior named Gannon? Great, great, story! Full review

#117 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón I really enjoyed this on audio, twisty turny plot line of young Spaniard searching for what happened to the author of a mysterious book. Their lives parallel in this mystery. It kept me guessing throughout with imaginative and memorable characters as well. 4/5 Review

#118 The Slightest Provocation by Pam Rosenthal So-so historical romance set in regency times of estranged married couple that find their way back to each other. Somewhat scattered and dull, but not bad overall. Had potential but fell a bit flat. 3/5 Full review.

#119 The Mad Bad Duke by Jennifer Ashley I enjoyed this 2nd installment in Ashley's romantic Nvengaria Series with paranormal elements. Alexander, the Grand Duke was a swoonworthy character and Meagan was much more likeable and endearing here than in the first book of the series. Due to a magic love spell, these two are thrown together and he is forced to marry her to save her reputation. Meanwhile he must face the realization that he's part logosh (a strange mystical animal from Nvengaria) and he's actually falling for his little English wife for real. 4/5 Review.

#120 A Dance Through Time by Lynn Kurland First of a long series of medieval time travel romance. 20th century woman travels back in time by mistake and meets the McLeod a fearsome laird who throws her in a pit at first thinking she's a witch! But later, of course, they fall in love and marry! It was actually a really good book! 4/5 Quickie review.

#121 Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters Another of the Amelia Peabody mysteries. This time, Amelia comes face to face in Cairo with the MC (Master Criminal) who seems to have developed a tendre for her. Hilarious, as usual. The usual shenanigans, involving the loquacious Ramses, the irascible and magnificent Emerson and the usual cast of characters including a pair of young lovers that continue to make this such a delightful series. On Audio by the remarkable Barbara Rosenblat. 4/5 Review

#122 Intimate Enemies by Shana Abé So-so Scottish medieval romance with a Romeo and Juliet theme. Daughter of slain laird tries to resist the mutual attraction to an English earl who shares an island their feuding families are fighting for. Not bad, but barely kept my interest. Review

Just passing by and wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed your reviews and your comments this year.

Thank you judylou!