D. Politis says: @foxtail_too: I hope we get at least a few scenes with Kate being pregnant. Curran will be so over protective and ready to do her bidding (you need ice cream! Right away!) I'll be disappointed if we skip the entire pregnancy.
Kate: Out fighting bad guys. Vomits all over 1 of them. Curran: More morning sickness? Kate: No, it's a new fighting technique I've been working on.
Traveling Reader says: Thanks foxtail for the snippet.
Dan's wife--I have steered away from mm romances but the Goodreads piece makes it very tempting. I own Vexing Voss and will go for a re-read. Thanks for the recs!
Aussie Girl says: I haven't read that one yet. (Etched in Bone) Don't know why because I really like the series. I am going to move it up the TBR mountain.
Vinity says: I finished The Dead of Night (A Piper Blackwell Mystery Book 2) last night. These are murder mysteries. I like them ok. No romance. It's about a young woman, 23ish ex military who returns home cause her Sheriff Dad has cancer. He retires and she runs to replace him, winning mostly cause of name recognition. Her department is a bit thrown by having a very young person with no experience Sheriff. It written mostly between her POV and her assistant deputy who she ran against for her dad's job. He was really more qualified and she knows it. Then murders happen. It's OK.
melindeeloo says: Wow, I got really behind in checking posts -I guess I either didn't check for a few days or you all have been very chatty:) I did The Brightest Fell (October Daye Book 11) in audio, I enjoyed it but there are sad bits - and her mom is irritating to a homicide inducing extent. Started Web of Lies - Gin/spider - in audio as part of a challenge. I have most of these in my audio tbr from when they've been on sale so hopefully I get hooked and clear them out.
Vinity says: Oh dang, I forgot, I did Brightest Fell also. I enjoyed it but was very sad to see a certain character not in the action. And yes, Toby's mom is a.......nasty person. Still, I hope Toby won't have to take her down. That will mess with her head. I'm not to fond of new sis either. It was so sad to see the baddy lose his chance at redemption
P. Bovalino says: I was sad to see the baddy fail to make good. I was hoping the sis would be a positive as well.
D. Politis says: I've been stalking all the Barnes and Noble stores near me looking for Archangel's Viper, Venom's book, which comes out this Tuesday.
I'm still disappointed with the cover. Venom is supposed to have these snake eyes and the male character on the book cover is wearing sunglasses. Talk about a missed opportunity. And they don't show his snake fangs either. Very disappointing.
So far, none of the stores have it in stock yet. Looks like I'll need to wait until Tuesday to read it. Some of the earlier books Barnes and Noble had them a few days early. No luck this time.
Vinity says: Currently reading Rose Hill (Rose Hill Mystery Series Book 1). It's a mystery on KU. So far it's pretty good.
Traveling Reader says: I just finished Eat, Pray, Die (An Eat, Pray, Die Humorous Mystery Book 1) , a mystery on KU. It was fairly good, and it kept me entertained for the afternoon. I do wonder if there is such a thing, though, a taster of poisons for famous people.
Douglas C. Meeks says: Finally got around to reading White Trash Zombie Unchained and already got me smiling and interested in the first pages BUT I read a few reviews and at least a couple of people think it is the last of the series, anyone seen anything? I really did not realize this was book #6 , really has been a great series.
Carol B. says: Reading The Thorn of Dentonhill (Maradaine Novels) and enjoying. Has anyone read this series?
Vinity says: Doug~ WHAT?? I just finished White Trash Zombie Gone Wild and I'm STILL behind? Argh
Douglas C. Meeks says: @vinity - Yep, 6 of them and looks like she wrote nothing in 2016 (which might explain why I am having a harder time than usual remembering small details) but I am on her FaceBook page and she REALLY got into marathons and getting healthy last year so that might account for the lack of production (She did release Legacy of the Demon (Kara Gillian) late last year at almost 500 pages so that might be part of it)
My Life as a White Trash Zombie Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues White Trash Zombie Apocalypse How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back White Trash Zombie Gone Wild White Trash Zombie Unchained
HappyBookWorm says: R. J. Blain is offering a free download of Beneath a Blood Moon for people who subscribe to her newsletter. Regrettably, the newsletter is written by one of her cats (not the understudy cat) but it's still entertaining and delivers news.
Douglas C. Meeks says: Well, just finished White Trash Zombie Unchained and even though I have found nothing official saying it was the last book, not sure where it could go, she tied up every loose end there was and even pretty much had an HEA. I will miss it if it is, but I am still of the belief that those horrible covers did not help sales.
Douglas C. Meeks says: Well after trolling Diana Rowland's FB page I saw this
Q: "Will there be another white trash zombie book or was this the end?"
A: There will... but I have another project I want to work on first, so it may be a couple of years before I can get back to Angel.
Vinity says: I'm really enjoying these Rose Hill Mysteries. I'm on bk2 Morning Glory Circle (Rose Hill Mystery Series Book 2). It's about a small tourist town in the northwest near a private college. It doesn't telegraph who is the killer. The characters are fun but not overly quirky. Little bit of romance. Also a plus, they are on KU
Vinity says: OUtlander spoilers*****
*****
***** I'm happy they made this part short, I think this was many pages in the books. I'm happy to see Murter still around. He's dead in the books. I guess we see him again in NC next season. I'm sad to see Tobias go. He's been a really good in his two parts as Black Jack and Frank. Does anyone remember how many years difference in Bree's and Jamie's other son? I was thinking it wasn't that many but this will make it like 18 years if this timeline is the same. I think it can't be. They should have made it clearer
FoundQuilting says: Isn't it like 150+ years apart?
Lulu says: I started Archangel's Viper (A Guild Hunter Novel) and am ready to rip my hair out due to the stupid. juvenile bickering between Venom and Holly. They are both behaving like middle schoolers. I think it maybe sounded cute inside Nalini Singh's head but it's not working for me at all. I hope this gets better rapidly.
Vinity says: FoundQuilting~ Outlander Spoilers ****** It's 200 years apart in time but I thought the time line was parallel. I was talking about running timeline. Bree is 18 at the end of the last ep, so for Claire they've done roughly 19 years. Jaime spent some years hidden in the forest at home, then some years in jail. The last ep has him at the estate where he will father his son, Willie {I think?} I had been thinking once everyone gets together in NC and meet up, there isn't 19 years difference in ages between Bree and Willie.
I looked it up. There is 10 years difference in age between Bree and Willie. So the timeline they are showing isn't running the same. They've showed 19 years of Claire's life without Jamie and only 9 of Jamie's so far
Douglas C. Meeks says: @lulu - "I hope this gets better rapidly." - it didn't IMHO, it was on the verge of being really irritating before it finally turned into something resembling an actual romance. I really questioned myself on the rating I gave.
Lulu says: @doug, thanks, I just read your review. Do you still think it is a great book, as you said at the end of your review? I'm having a hard time with it.
HappyBookWorm says: I started Viper's book, and maybe it's because I haven't read much paranormal recently - and also haven't gotten very far into it, but I like it so far. So far the thing I liked most is when it sank in to her that she would outlive her family and needed to spend time with them.
Douglas C. Meeks says: @lulu - It does pickup and the romance gets a bit more "normal" and by the end of the book I was glad to have read it but in a 5 Star series this 4 Star book may rate as my least favorite but then again I really had high hopes for it that were not realized. The "snark" got old really fast though and your "middle school" comment is pretty much spot on
Vinity, I though that Murtagh had died at Culloden in the books too...so thanks for refreshing my memory there. I am glad he is going to be around as well. That actor certainly brought the character to life no wonder they are extending his run. After just visiting the Outlander sites I am really enjoying watching this season, the Culloden scenes were really well done. They has a similar re enactment playing on film at the visitors centre. You stand in the middle of a darkened room with the recreation of the battle all around you.. it then finishes with the empty moor as it is today. Very sobering the actual battle only lasted 45 minutes.
I still think that the actress who plays Claire is all wrong for the role. I was feeling so sorry for Frank in the last episode but maybe that is Tobias Menzies very good portrayal of the character. Totally agree he was brilliant as both Frank and Jonathan. Looking forward to next week's episode, Jamie's tenure at Ellesmere and the episode with the naughty Geneva. Yes, I think the timeline is a bit off with the age difference between William and Bree. I thought there was about 5-8 years between them, the time after Culloden, Jamie hiding and then being in the prison before he spends several years on the Estate before William is born.
Vanessa C says: Vinity... ***************** Outlander Spoiler *****************
I hope that they are going to make it clear that Willie is a good 10 years younger than Bree. I really hope that they don't throw a side story about Willie being attracted to Bree and they find out that they are siblings. I am so happy that they did keep Murtaugh too, I love his character. I hope that they do meet up in America. I think that the show has a lot of the Jaime story to show, before the timeline catch up.
Vanessa C says: I haven't been posting my books lately. I finished on kindle Son of the Dragon (Sons of Beasts Book 3). The ending of this book left me with the feeling that they might have ended the series, I hope not because I love these crazy, brutal, sexy characters.
I also listened to the first Wallflowers book, Secrets of a Summer Night (The Wallflowers, Book 1). Years ago, I accidentally listened to the second book first, and then read the Summer night book on kindle. I am thinking about re-listening to the rest of the series. After I listen to the rest of my monsterous audio TBR. Speaking of which- I am currently listening to The Enchantment Emporium. So far I find the world building good, the characters are a tad flat, but I am interested in the outcome of the story. I think that the characters will come into their own once we get the world building set up.
Vanessa C says: Aussie Girl... I just listened to Voyager (Outlander, Book 3), and while I'm not her greatest fan, I feel that they, (the series actors), do portray a pretty good "feel" for Claire's and Frank's characters in that book. I think that if anything, the series concentrated more on, and beefed up the "bad" side of their marriage. I do think that the scenes with "Jaime" are the better scenes, there is a chemistry there. I just wonder if they will be able to get through this whole book. There are a ton of things that happen and I don't see them paring it down enough to fit in one season. Even if this next episode does catch us up Jaime's life. I wonder if Claire will find out about "L" the way that she did in the book.
ETA... In the book, Jaime is in hiding for 6 years, in the prison for a couple of years and at Ellesmere for at least a couple of years, because he watches Willie grow up for a while. So I think that minimally he is 10 years younger than Bree but more like 13 years difference.
Vinity says: Vanessa~ Outlander SPOILERS Yeah, I was thinking of Bree and Willie meeting being attracted to each other. There are a lot of stuff they will have to cut. I wonder if they will cut the whole story about Ian and Geillis Duncan? The scenes I want to see, Jamie and Claire meeting again at the printer office. That whole time when Jamie takes Claire back to Lallybrook {or whatever it's called} including *L* and after.
D. Politis says: @lulu: I felt the same way about Archangel's Viper. I was disappointed with the book. Lacking in the romance area and the dumb nicknames were annoying.
Douglas C. Meeks says: re: Archangel's Viper - just curious, do you agree with 4 Stars or did you think it was of a 3 or 3.5 (which I would still have rounded to 4)
Lulu says: @doug, I am about 2/3 done and I would agree with you that the story is picking up. Venom and Holly have stopped fighting so much and started working together. I also agree that there isn't much in the way of romance (or maybe chemistry is the better word) between them. Still, it's better and easier going than the first part of the book. So far, I'd say 3 stars but I'm not done yet. @d. Politis, I think this is probably going to be my least favorite book of the Guild Hunter series unfortunately.
melindeeloo says: I'm sad to hear to that Archangel's Viper is annoying since I decided to get in audio - so everything will be stretched out:( I guess I won't set my current audio aside then either, so I'll probably won't get started until the weekend.
Yasamin says: I really enjoyed Blade of Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 7), it had a lighter feel to it than what I mostly read theses days and I can pass a book with a Scottish hero.
I also started The Hunt (A Devil's Isle Novel) and I can't say much since I'm only at the beginning but I'll read anything Chloe Neil writes. One I'm done with this one which will probably take me a while I'll jump into Archangel's Viper (A Guild Hunter Novel).
FoundQuilting says: I started the new releases with The Hunt (A Devil's Isle Novel) and I mean just barely started. I have a 6 hour drive tomorrow so I'll listen to it in the car. After that I think I'll read Immortally Yours: An Argeneau Novel. I still have Blade of Darkness to read too. After reading what you guys have to say about Archangel's Viper I may wait on it for awhile.
fogarty says: hello all, popping in. still on my cowboy kick on book 4 of six pack ranch by Arend and still enjoying them. makes me want to move, i would say out west but they take place in Canada.. you guys are making me not want to read Viper : (
I love reading all the outlander posts because i havent read the books or watched the show yet but you guys are keeping me in the loop thanks
HappyBookWorm says: I guess I'm in the minority but I like Viper, so far. Sat up too late last night reading it. I'm to just past the point where they searched the house.
foxtail_too says: HBW, I like him (and the book) too.
Douglas C. Meeks says: Finished reading Immortally Yours: An Argeneau Novel and all I can say is WTF is going on, another unromantic romance that they argue for most of the book and they could have removed a few sentences here and there and it would have absolutely no connection to the series (but many of the Rogue Hunter books feel like that to me). It was a good story, really good mystery but I REALLY miss those first books in this series that made me laugh a lot. It was 4 Stars for a good mystery story but as part of the series I thought it was useless. If the stories did not require them to be vampires (or they would have been really dead a few times) this could have been a decent mystery from any author in any series.
Starting a book of my own choosing in a series that so far has not disappointed me Stolen Wish (Blood Realm Book 5)
Douglas C. Meeks says: If we all liked things the same, this forum would be full of posts like :
"I liked book XX" "me too" "me too" "me too" "me too" "me too" "me too"
LOL, sometimes you get a different way of looking at things from what other people say about the books they are reading.
Douglas C. Meeks says: It would seem that unless something changes that Stolen Wish (Blood Realm Book 5) is a bit of a retelling of Aladdin & The Lamp with Jennifer Blackstream's usual ability to make it into an original story.
D. Politis says: @doug: In my own personal rating system, a 5 star book is a book I absolutely adored and goes on my keeper shelf. 4 stars is I plan to reread it eventually, but something prevented the book from being 4 stars, usually a stupid plot development or a character I liked getting killed off.
3 stars is the book was good but won't be rereading it. 2 stars is the book was ok but overall it was forgettable or I didn't like it much. 1 star is for books I never finished or books that are so bad I absolutely LOATHED them.
Using this scale, I would rate Archangel's Viper a 3 star. The book had a few good scenes that I really liked SPOILER SPOILER SPOILR SPOILER SPOILER S P O I L E R S......... (the stone floor sleeping, Venom likes to cook and was formerly a chef, Venom reveals his true name to Holly is Tashir or something like that, Venom drives a viper green Bugatti with the license plate Venom, the scene where Venom and Dmitri race their cars to the tower and Ilium races with his wings alongside them, the scene where Ilium goes to retrieve the angel with the rotting feathers and says he's racing himself), the reveal that Venom's venom can take down angels but it's super secret, the reveal that Holly's venom is much weaker than Venom's, etc.)
You'll notice very few scenes involving Holly and Venom made that list. I just didn't feel the romance and felt the bickering was juvenile and annoying. Also I felt the big bad evil thing inside Holly was a stupid plot development. A figment of a ghost Uram? Really? Yawn. Boring.
Tiger Lily says: Vanessa C., I read Enchantment Emporium years ago and liked it a lot. I did find the sexual aspect of the stag/warlock (can't remember if that is what they are called) males to be icky (with regard to close family members) if I thought too deeply about it though.
D. Politis says: I saw this book So I Married a Sorcerer. Has anyone read it? Does anyone like author Kerrlyn Sparks generally?
Should I add this "shiny" to my to be read mountain? So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced)
Douglas C. Meeks says: @d Politis - I read it and it is a much better series than her other stuff IMHO BUT you need to start with this one or you will miss out on a LOT of background How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days (The Embraced)
Douglas C. Meeks says: NOTE!!!!! For the second time in the last 3 months I was unsubscribed to this forum when I logged in for some reason.
Somewhere in the upper right hand corner you should have a sentence that says "You are tracking this discussion."
FoundQuilting says: I love Kerrlyn Sparks Love at Stake series. I haven't read the Embraced series yet. I guess if Doug says it's better than her other stuff I better get on it. lol
Love at Stake (15 Book Series)
Douglas C. Meeks says: I found her "Love at Stake" books silly after the first few (that I liked) but I read them all, these new ones "The Embraced" are more Romantic Fantasy/Adventure , the "Embraced" are people that are born during a rare phase of their double moons and are born with magic powers of some sort. The groundwork for the whole series is in book 1 and authors/publishers are terrible about NOT telling you to start at book 1
Douglas C. Meeks says: I have already preorderd book #3 Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon (The Embraced)
Douglas C. Meeks says: Friday my guilty pleasure returns Hell's Kitchen Season 17 I have not missed a single episode, there is something wrong with me to enjoy this maniac this much LOL. They had 2 seasons a year a few times so it took about 12-13 ye Lulu says: I also finished Archangel's Viper (A Guild Hunter Novel) and would rate it 3 stars. It did get better after Venom and Holly stopped bickering like a couple of 12 year olds. * * * ****SPOILERS FOR ARCHANGEL'S VIPER*** * * I did like that the whole Uram storyline involving Holly was wrapped up along with the potential Michaela baby storyline dropped in several books ago. I liked the interaction with Dmitri, Janvier, Ashwini, Vivek, Illium, and the Legion. I thought the "sunstone" idea, that Venom has this big heated stone floor to curl up on, was great. The racing scene through Manhattan is possibly one of my favorite scenes of the series from just an entertainment standpoint. But, I also didn't feel any chemistry between Venom and Holly. Raphael's big scenes at the end felt off, like he was this bystander to the action. Finally, I read 350 pages or so, and I still can't tell you how Venom met Raphael, what made Raphael notice him or single him out (besides his crazy viper eyes), and how he came to be a member of the Seven. There was discussion about how Venom left Neha's court after his 100 year commitment, that he admired Raphael, but I wanted more details. I also think it's not nice when a writer has two favorite characters who are best friends (Illium and Aodhan) have a fight and then doesn't have them in a scene together to address it for going on 2+ years now. It'll be another year at minimum before that is addressed and possibly resolved. ars to have 17 "Seasons", don't judge me I know I am sick
Aussie Girl says: Douglas, we all have our "guilty Pleasures". What is that old saying.. "He who is without sin", LOL. Absolutely no judgement here.
I received Archangel's Viper (paperback copy) in the mail today.. one of the few good series that hasn't gone to Hardback on first release so I will be starting it shortly. I don't read much PNR these days so am quite looking forward to it although am taking all your comments under advisement.
Lulu says: I also finished Archangel's Viper (A Guild Hunter Novel) and would rate it 3 stars. It did get better after Venom and Holly stopped bickering like a couple of 12 year olds. * * * ****SPOILERS FOR ARCHANGEL'S VIPER*** * * I did like that the whole Uram storyline involving Holly was wrapped up along with the potential Michaela baby storyline dropped in several books ago. I liked the interaction with Dmitri, Janvier, Ashwini, Vivek, Illium, and the Legion. I thought the "sunstone" idea, that Venom has this big heated stone floor to curl up on, was great. The racing scene through Manhattan is possibly one of my favorite scenes of the series from just an entertainment standpoint. But, I also didn't feel any chemistry between Venom and Holly. Raphael's big scenes at the end felt off, like he was this bystander to the action. Finally, I read 350 pages or so, and I still can't tell you how Venom met Raphael, what made Raphael notice him or single him out (besides his crazy viper eyes), and how he came to be a member of the Seven. There was discussion about how Venom left Neha's court after his 100 year commitment, that he admired Raphael, but I wanted more details. I also think it's not nice when a writer has two favorite characters who are best friends (Illium and Aodhan) have a fight and then doesn't have them in a scene together to address it for going on 2+ years now. It'll be another year at minimum before that is addressed and possibly resolved.
Aussie Girl says: Douglas, we all have our "guilty Pleasures". What is that old saying.. "He who is without sin", LOL. Absolutely no judgement here.
I received Archangel's Viper (paperback copy) in the mail today.. one of the few good series that hasn't gone to Hardback on first release so I will be starting it shortly. I don't read much PNR these days so am quite looking forward to it although am taking all your comments under advisement.
P. Bovalino says: Tiger Lily and Vanessa C "I did find the sexual aspect of the stag/warlock (can't remember if that is what they are called) males to be icky (with regard to close family members) if I thought too deeply about it though." I have to agree.
Traveling Reader says: D Politis--This is brilliant!
"In my own personal rating system, a 5 star book is a book I absolutely adored and goes on my keeper shelf. 4 stars is I plan to reread it eventually, but something prevented the book from being 4 stars, usually a stupid plot development or a character I liked getting killed off.
3 stars is the book was good but won't be rereading it. 2 stars is the book was ok but overall it was forgettable or I didn't like it much. 1 star is for books I never finished or books that are so bad I absolutely LOATHED them."
I needed that kind of guidance. Why I couldn't figure it out on my own, but your description is perfect. Thanks!
Douglas C. Meeks says: Sounds like a good rating guide for anyone
Daniel Bowen says: That is a good rating system. Many tend to look at 5 star reads as a 'literary master' like a classic.... But classics aren't something I read. To add to your review thoughts - I add extra points for creativity and I don't mark down as much on a few grammar issues. - Dan's Wife
Douglas C. Meeks says: I decided it was about time I pulled something off my TBR and grabbed this one Tea with the Black Dragon , got great reviews and accolades but they call it a novel and it is only 130ish pages??
HappyBookWorm says: Doug, I re-read Tea with the Black Dragon recently and still enjoyed it. One thing to remember is that back in its day it was unique so it really stood out. I'd be interested in hearing what you think of it. The book has a lot of charm - includes traditional Irish music, dragons and discussions of Zen.
I have one paperback copy of it with really tiny print, by the way, since I couldn't find my original paperback book.
If you take Tor's newsletter, there is a really good short story in it titled "The Angel of the Blockade" by Alex Wells. It's one of the best (and original) pieces of writing I've read in a while and that includes by authors like Nalini Singh and Thea Harrison. If you don't get the newsletter, I'd recommend getting it and reading that story. It's great. (or I thought so anyway)
He/she? has also written a novel, which I will put on my price drops list: Hunger Makes the Wolf.
I liked Venom's book. I see what you all mean, but one thing that I really liked was seeing Venom in a different way - as a young boy who loved his family with literally everything he had, who loved to cook. I liked how that translated to Holly. While Holly had some immaturity - she was young, after all, and she was also living with real terror. My only beef with her was that I thought it was selfish of her to not let the Tower know about what was happening to her. It could have turned her into a killer and she knew that. I would have thought Holly would give up her own life rather than risking being a conduit for a killer.
I hope she talks Venom into finding his relatives and re-connecting with his family. It would probably feed something in him to recognize his parents and siblings in their descendants.
Vinity says: Does anyone have a Robert Parker's Spencer series that is loanable on kindle. I want to try one but they are pricey. I guess I could look in a used bookstore for a cheap paperback
Amazon Customer says: @andysmom - I really wish Amazon had a function that let me mark an author "hell no!" which would keep them from showing up in my recommendations. There are a few authors I cannot stand but seem to be popular with other readers who also like some of my favourite authors, so Amazon keeps pushing them at me. I read a lot, so I can't always remember if I have read an author before - as it is, I have to use Goodreads to keep me from buying books from authors that make me want to smash my kindle .
LAB says: I finally finished The Hathaway series by Lisa Kleypas. I gave the books 4*, though I thought some parts dragged out just to have more sex scenes. But overall a great historical series. She really nails the details to make it feel like you are there with the food descriptions, and closthing descriptions and mentions of historical facts.
I am little maxed out on historicals right now so I just started The Hunt (A Devil's Isle Novel) Then I will probably read How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days (The Embraced) (1.99 right now) which has been on my TBR for awhile. Thanks for the reminder!
HappyBookWorm says: LAB, I avoid Kerrelyn Sparks which is a shame because I used to like her stuff. I guess I got burned out. Or bored.
Her series name reminds me of the TV series Kindred: The Embraced. I was a big fan of that but I think it died out when the star died.
Kindred: The Embraced - Complete Series (Includes Book of Nod)
Amazon Customer says: @vinity and Vanessa C. Well I am glad I am not alone! And I don't really understand why they haven't made something like this a long time ago. They let you mark a book "not interested" - doing the same with an author shouldn't be terribly hard. I'd probably use my recommendations more if half of them were not books by authors that I don't enjoy. Untill then I will be using the forums for my recs
Douglas C. Meeks says: I am beginning to see why Tea with the Black Dragon was nominated for so many awards, I am only at the 27% mark (RL interrupting my reading, bah) and although not a lot has happened it still glues you to the pages, since this is a SF/Fantasy book obviously from the awards, it has been pretty much normal so far which means there are some serious fireworks coming I have only 2 very minor complaints:
1. It would seem this is one of those books that was scanned into a ebook and the paragraph breaks are not correct and things take jumps you are not expecting and you have to stop for a second to get your bearings.
2. There is a bit of technology talked about in this book and it is 1980ish technology and the talk about cathode ray tubes and such is distracting a small bit.
HappyBookWorm says: I'm reading one of my KU books and loving it so far. It's very interesting. One thing I like about it is that the heroine is an adult woman and mother of three daughters with the youngest 17. She is fierce. One daughter was shot and she has approached the local dragon King, who lives on a mountain and controls the coal mining, to bargain for her healing.
The Mountain King: Dragon Shifter Urban Fantasy Romance (Dragon, Stone & Steam Book 1)
Douglas C. Meeks says: Sounded good enough plus the reviews to add it to my KU queue The Mountain King: Dragon Shifter Urban Fantasy Romance (Dragon, Stone & Steam Book 1)
Carol B. says: P. Bovalino - I loved the "Vacation by Rail" vacation. Awesome tour guide and bus driver but Amtrak was a little wearing. I don't think I'll use them as a mode of transportation again...
Carol B. says: Just finished How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days (The Embraced) and loved it! Good story and funny. Can't beat the great price.... $1.99!!
So sad about Archangel's Viper (A Guild Hunter Novel)... looks like it's a clunker and it's one of my favorite series!
Someone on this thread recommended Tea with the Black Dragon. I read it and really enjoyed.
Started Ruin (The Faithful and the Fallen). I hope it continues it's excellence!
Lulu says: carol B., you might like Archangel's Viper, some people on this thread did. I just didn't think it was up to Nalini's usual standards. I think her last few books have declined in overall quality and I wonder if she is not stretched too thin by trying to write 3 series. The bickering in Archangel's Viper got to me and colored my perceptions of both Venom and Holly but I thought it did get better towards the end. I liked finding out about Venom's background, making by Neha, his time in her court, etc. Holly, well, I never liked her or cared about her so nothing changed there unfortunately. I did like the glimpses of Dmitri, Illium, Ash, Janvier, etc. There are a couple of great scenes with Dmitri and Illium. The book takes place at the same time as Archangel's Heart where Raphael, Elena, Aodhan are off meeting with the Lumia so it's basically a filler book. No movement on the story arc.
HappyBookWorm says: Doug, The Mountain King wasn't perfect - some stupid decisions by the woman and her daughters - but I liked it enough to want to read the next one right away. If you have *dragons* ready and willing to fight your battles, why wade in?
Douglas C. Meeks says: Finished Tea with the Black Dragon and I have to say that while it was exceptionally written it left me feeling a bit unsatisfied, nothing you could put your finger on I guess but I bought into the hype and it did not really live up to that except for the writing itself. The story left me wanting more but not enough to buy the sequel. Since it kept you involved in the story I guess I would have given it a 4 Star review but not a wonderful thing the hype said but then again this book was written in like 1983 it might have had something to do with it. Lot of internal musing about "truth" and such along with a bit of action but not like you might have expected going it this book. HappyBookWorm says: Doug, when I re-read Tea with the Black Dragon I was a little disappointed. Twenty-something year old me loved reading about this middle aged lady who put value on living an independent, creative and adventurous life. I envied her. I was not disappointed in her when I re-read the book, or in Mr. Long, but the villainous villains and the datedness sort of tainted the book. I have a used copy of the second book but the print is so tiny I doubt I'll read it.
I wish the the author had contrived to send the two of them on a different kind of road trip. Hunting down a tapestry or rare book, solving a haunting, or a mysterious disappearance from 100 years ago.
Douglas C. Meeks says: happybookworm - I think I felt the character of Mr Long was vastly underutilized but then again most of the things we read are not filled with quiet unassuming heroes Other than the quality of the writing and the barest bit of paranormal this could have been a really well written Sam Spade type mystery
D. Politis says: happybookworm: It's hard to find middle aged characters with grown children as the main characters in books. I'm adding this book to my to be read mountain. The Mountain King.
D. Politis says: happybookworm: Uh oh. Stupid decisions by characters make me mad. Would you mind spoiling what they did that was so bad in the Mountain King?
Tiger Lily says: Archangel's Viper was a good read. It seemed less intense than some of the earlier books but I did enjoy it. I thought solving the mystery of what was in Holly was interesting and I really liked seeing the Legion again. I hope the Legion are front and center in more of the books. I think the uniqueness of Holly and Viper made them a good pairing.
Vinity says: I read The Mountain King: Dragon Shifter Urban Fantasy Romance (Dragon, Stone & Steam Book 1) and the next couple books. It was fun.
I'm still reading the Rose Hill Mysteries. I'm on bk 5 Daisy Lane (Rose Hill Mystery Series Book 5) I'm enjoying them. Quaint little tourist town, bad things happen. Locals are not too quirky, I don't figure out who did it right off.
I want badly to be able to refine my audible suggestions. They are still suggesting stuff I have already bought.