All Consuming : Morgaine77

Nice and relaxing read! (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:29:58 GMT

by Jeff Mariotte

I loved this book simply for the fact because it took place in San Diego and I recognized almost all the places and streets described. The author actually lives in San Diego and co-owns my favourite bookstore there, Mysterious Galaxy. So yes, I’m pretty prejudiced. ;-) It totally cracked me up when in the beginning he described La Jolla and he even mentioned the language school I attended myself a couple of years ago! So this book was great for me because it has such a big recognition factor for me.

This is the first in a series of four books. It’s a nice, light YA story, a bit fluffy but that’s why I love this kind of books. It relaxes me like no other and it was a fast, entertaining read

A review of "Cravings" (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 22:58:23 GMT

Cravings

by Laurell K. Hamilton

I took this book on vacation with me, I figured it’ll be a nice in-between-read. I was amazed at myself, I got through it pretty quickly.

The LKH story did not belong in this book. If I’m not mistaken, what was sold to us as a short story / novella, is really the first chapter of a full blown novel (I just don’t remember which Anita Book it was…). So, in context with the whole novel that would follow, it’d actually make sense. But just ripped out like this it didn’t belong and was just a lot of blah blah.

I’m not really a fan of MJD and her Undead series. I only read the first book in her series and it was way too chick-lit for me. However, I did enjoy this novella about a vampiress and her old college crush, it had me giggle throughout!

I absolutely adored Wilks’ story “originally human”. Very nice idea with the succubus, well written and I just loved the last sentence, about women wanting to curl up in bed with a good book… ;-)))

Rebecca York’s werewolf story was o.k., but a bit too heavy on the romance side for me. Still – entertaining.

Nice read (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 03:14:20 GMT

Working for the Devil

by Lilith Saintcrow

I wasn’t blown away by the book, but I liked it. There were some interesting ideas in it and different takes on the supernatural and I always enjoy reading these. Of course there has to be a cliffhanger at the end so that now I’m curious what’s gonna happen next… There could have been more sex and romance, but it was o.k. as it was.

Nice read.

A review of "Never Burn a Witch: A Rowan Gant Investigation" (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 13:51:16 GMT

Never Burn a Witch: A Rowan Gant Investigation

by M. R. Sellars

I finished reading this during my flight to San Diego. I got mixed feelings about this one. On one hand it was very suspenseful and kept me interested to the end. On the other hand, now I realized how very flowery the writing style is. Mr. Sellar sure likes his adjectives! That was a bit annoying at times. And by now even I know that felicity is auburn maned… ;-)
I also didn’t like the resolution of the story. Who was the bad guy? Why did he do it? I would have liked to know more about him and his motifs. Still – I’m looking forward to read more in the series.

Powerful! (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 08:37:41 GMT

Fat Girl: One Woman's Way Out

by Irene O'Garden

What a powerful little book! For me it came at the right time to be a companion for awhile on my journey and lend some wisdom and courage. Not the kind of book I usually read, but absolutely worth it!

Great second part in the series (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 09:58:19 GMT

Past Redemption: The Darkwing Chronicles, Book Two (The Darkwing Chronicles)

by Savannah Russe

A very enjoyable read. I completely can relate to Daphne’s trouble with men and Darius in particular… Seems like vampires are only humans, too! ;-)
Loved the action, but was a bit disappointed in the drug-plot. The solution there left me a bit unsatisfied. What was the deal with susto? Where did it come from? Who’s Don Manuel, what’s his part in the story and what’s the deal with Jade?
I very much like the bits and pieces of history woven into the story. Very nice touch! Also, for us non-americans, the appendix at the end was very helpful.

Nice Wicca Murder Mystery (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:27:34 GMT

Harm None: A Rowan Gant Investigation

by M. R. Sellars

Finished reading this last week. I liked it; a nice murder mystery with a wiccan twist… Reminds me a bit of the novels of Silver Ravenwolf. Haven’t read a book where males were the main protagonists in ages, so that was a fun change. :-) Am looking forward to read book 2 in the series, but will read somehting else first before getting started on it.

Great Read (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Tue, 22 May 2007 15:33:45 GMT

Dime Store Magic: Women of the Otherworld

by Kelley Armstrong

Wow, this book was great! For me, it was very emotional. Though supernatural with witches and sorcerers, it was also very real-life when it came to narrow minded people, persecution and destruction of what humans fear, e.g. persecuting witches in todays time and the destructive influence of the media. I can very well imagine that sadly, it is still a fact nowadays that different thinking people are persecuted, burned and banned. So that part of the book was very emotional for me, because it made me very angry.

Otherwise, there was lots of supernatural action that kept me interested from the first to the last page. Great Read! Am curious what the next installment of the Women of the Oterworld holds in store…

Very enjoyable! (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Sun, 13 May 2007 17:37:17 GMT

Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Book 1)

by Rachel Caine

I enjoyed this book very much! It was a bit confusing at the beginning, since the reader is thrown into the story head first and only learns the background of the wardens and Joanne’s story bit by bit. A very interesting idea that there are wardens who protect us normal humans from the weather. (when I first started to read this book it was quite stormy!)
I liked the main character, Joanne, and I thought it was really funny that she had such a close relationship to her cars and would name them and talk to them… LOL Cute.
Loved the concept of the Djinn and am now very much looking forward to learn more about them!

Nice fluff

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Tue, 08 May 2007 05:30:11 GMT

A Bite to Remember (Argeneau Vampire)

by Lynsay Sands

Book Description

“Rule #1: Never get involved with someone who won’t be there for you when the sun comes up.

Once bitten, twice shy, and sexy PI Jackie Morrisey wasn’t going there again. Vincent Argeneau may be the hottest guy she’s ever met, living or dead, but she’s here to stop a killer from turning this vampire into dust, not to jump into bed with him.

Rule #2: Never kiss a vampire . . . it can be a pain in the neck.

Okay, so Vincent’s had four hundred years to perfect his kissing skills, and he does look rather tempting when he runs around the house shirtless. He’s also charming, protective . . . did we mention he can kiss? Jackie needs to be on her guard, or else she’ll have to come up with a new rule: If you’re going to fall in love with a vampire, make sure it’s a bite to remember.”

Once again, a very entertaining – if a bit fluff – read in the Argenaux series. I very much enjoyed the mystery aspect in this story and again there were a couple of hilarious scenes, as well as some steamy sex scenes. The introduction of new characters and the hint at the end of the book for new adventures in Europe with Marguerite and Tiny are very promising. Am very much looking forward to read more!

A review of "Glory in Death (In Death)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Tue, 08 May 2007 05:28:50 GMT

Glory in Death (In Death)

by Nora Roberts

“The first victim was found lying on a sidewalk in the rain. The second was murdered in her own apartment building. Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas had no problem finding connections between the two crimes. Both victims were beautiful and highly successful women. Their glamorous lives and loves were the talk of the city. And their intimate relations with men of great power and wealth provided Eve with a long list of suspects—including her own lover, Roarke. As a woman, Eve was compelled to trust the man who shared her bed. But as a cop, it was her job to follow every lead..to explore every secret passion, no matter how dark. Or how dangerous. “

I very much enjoyed this second book in the series. Suspense, mystery, murder, mayhem and a little romance. What more could I ask for?
I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series and I hope we learn more about Eve’s past.

finally some action (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:36:10 GMT

Sister of the Dead (The Noble Dead)

by Barb Hendee

Finished reading this last night and I must say I liked this book best so far. The first two books in the series, “Dhampir” and “Thief of Lives” felt too much like endless introduction, now the action finally started.
I greatly enjoyed learning more about how Magiere came into this world and Welstiels involvement. I also liked that Chap took on a greater role and eventhough his motives and loyalties aren’t quite clear yet, it was very interesting to see more about him and the fey. Again, the book ended with a cliffhanger and I’m very curious about the next one in the series. Will be very interesting to learn more about Leesil’s past!

Blah (rated 2 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 09:16:21 GMT

Catching Midnight

by Emma Holly

It took me an eternity to finish this book. it just failed to capture my interest. The main characters were bland and lacked any fascination for me. Sure, the sex scenes were nice and steamy, but otherwise it was all very naive and flowery and way too romancy for me. I missed the action, the suspense that usually go with a vampire story, even if it’s a romance. It was all so…. Blah.

Not too bad, but... (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 05:39:49 GMT

Deja Dead

by Kathy Reichs

I had a hard time getting into this book and it was only for the second half that it really gripped me. It was a bit too lengthy and detailed in places for my taste.
Also, I heard somewhere that the TV series “Bones” is based on this series and expected something like it – and was disappointed when the only thing that the main character in the series and the book have in common is the name.
Once I got into the book it was a good crime story that kept me reading because I wanted to know who the murderer was. Still – not a series I’ll run for.

Very cute (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:20:19 GMT

Bitten & Smitten (Warner Forever)

by Michelle Rowen

This was a very cute and quick read. I enjoyed it thoroughly and it had me giggling regularily on my commute.
The interesting thing is, that I do not like MJD’s Undead series. but I adored this story, eventhough they have a lot in common. I guess Sarah just isn’t as annoying as Betsy. ;-)

As a side note: Did you realize that Toronto seems to become the new capital for Vampires and other supernatural beings? New Orleans seems to be out… giggles

Yum (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 07:08:34 GMT

Honey Ginger Latte (instant)

by goldkili

Went to the Asian Market yesterday and came across this instant drink. Oh wow. Love it.
Sweet, spicy and creamy all at the same time. Awesome. Helps me getting through the day at the office. :-)

Not my cup of tea...

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:46:25 GMT

Kiss Me Forever/Love Me Forever (The Vampire Series, Books 1 & 2)

by Rosemary Laurey

This was definitely not my cup of tea, way too heavy on the romance side! I only read the first book, “Kiss me forever” and am passing on the second book. You might wonder why I do read stuff labeled “paranormal romance” if I complain about the romance? ;-) Well, some of it is actually great and I like it a lot (e.g. the Sookie Stackhouse Series, Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters…), but this one was not for me.
In my opinion the author stuffed every thinkable cliché about Americans and Great Britain in this book. It was naive to the point of being annoying. The characters were very bland and the story so-so. I did finish reading it, but it felt a bit like a chore.

Great Murder Mystery (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 15:05:15 GMT

Naked in Death

by Nora Roberts

What a great read! A nice, old-fashioned murder mystery set in a futuristic world with some romance strewn in for good measure… awesome!
I liked the futuristic set and the ideas the author came up how it could be in the future. I liked the fact that it wasn’t over-the-top science fiction, but that it could very well be like that.
Loved the tough character of Eve Dallas and the seductive Roarke. I look very much forward to read more about them! Great series that I sure don’t want to miss!

Quick review (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 14:07:57 GMT

Thief of Lives

by Barb Hendee

I liked this sequel to “Dhampir” very much. It was great to read more about the development of Magiere and Leesil and learn more about Chap’s secrets. I enjoyed reading more about characters from the last book and the bits and pieces that were provided about Leesil’s past and new characters that were introduced whet the appetite for the third book in the series. It did take awhile until the action started. I liked learning more about Welstiel and I’m curious what exactly he’s up to…

Fabulous!!!

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 20:08:11 GMT

The Fat Girl's Guide to Life

by Wendy Shanker

I usually don’t read non-fiction books, but this one was absolutely awesome! The Fat Girl’s Guide to Life by Wendy Shanker.

Back cover text:
“Wendy Shanker is a fat girl who has simply had enough-~~enough of family, friends, co-workers, women’s magazines, even strangers on the street all trying (and failing) to make her thin. With a mandate to change the world~~-and the humor and energy to do it—Wendy shows how media madness, corporate greed, and even the most well-intentioned loved ones can chip away at a woman’s confidence. [... The book] provides thought-provoking insights, statistics, and body-image resources intended to restore a realistic standard of beauty to the 68 percent of American women who wear a size 12 or larger, inviting you to step off the scale and weigh the issues for yourself.”

What a wonderful, empowering book! It had me both chuckling and wiping a tear from the corner of my eye. Wendy described so many things I could relate to – I had my share of humiliating experiences as well. She also inspired me to make changes in my life and to ask questions. Gotta love the conspiracy theory behind the whole Weight-Loss Industry – I knew I hated WW for a reason! LOL

A highly recommended read not only for Fat Girls!

Lame conclusion of the series (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Morgaine77) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:51:01 GMT

Blood Debt (Blood)

by Tanya Huff

While I really enjoyed the first three books in the series, Blood Price, Blood Trail and Blood Lines I really couldn’t get into the last two; Blood Pact and now Blood Debt.

Blood Debt wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t outstanding either. I would have preferred more supernatural action going on. As ist was, the story was more of a thriller where the main characters just happened to be vampires.
I liked that we got to see more about Tony. While I really liked Vicky in the first three books she more and more annoys me with her attitude. I want to shake her and yell at her constantly: Get a grip, girl! But that’s just me.
All in all a pretty lame conclusion of the series.