129. Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris

genre: cozy mystery

Rating: B

"A college class gets more than it bargained for when Harper gives a demonstration of her uncanny talent. Instead of just finding one body in an old grave, she finds two: the original occupant and a recently deceased girl whom Harper had tried, and failed, to find two years previously. To dispel suspicions about her own innocence, Harper and her stepbrother Tolliver undertake their own hunt to find the killer-only to find yet another body in the same grave."

The reason why I only gave it a B wasn't because it was bad. Honestly it was better then the first book.  It felt like Harris had gotten on track with who the characters were and where she was going to take them. Only thing was it didn't really feel like a mystery except for the discovery of the dead body. In trying not to implicate themselves, Harper and Tolliver pretty much just get mixes up in situation after situation without really trying to ferret out the murderer. The characters were starting to develope and a lot of angst and rehashing is put into the book. The thing about Harris is that there's always a depressing tone to her books so it takes a little getting use to. I did like this book though. Reading an Ice Cold Grave next.

130. The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Rating: B

Series: Accidental Witch Book 1

"When a single-dad TV executive hires Melody Seabright--a flaky rich girl and rumored witch--as his babysitter, she magically lands her own cooking show...and makes sparks fly."

This is actually my second book from the author, but this is one of her earlier books and is the first book in the Accidental Witch Series. As her other book had more magic and with the title I assumed that this one would contain the same elements, but the witch in the title pretty much worked like a gimmick as in the tv show. I liked Melody and all the other supporting characters especially Shane but the reasons for Logan not pursuing a relationship with Melody and both realizing they should be together was too short and rushed for me, a little late. It was a cute and funny read though. had potential. Would probably read the next book too.

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Book Reading 2009

Well it's 2009 and I managed to reach 100 books so this year my goal is 130 books starting with book 100. The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair

Currently reading Gave Surprise by Charlainne Harris

December reads

will comment later

December
10. Chill Factor (Weather Warden #3) by Rachel Caine
11.  Armed and Magical (Raine Benares 2) by Lisa Shearin
12. I'm the Vampire, That's Why (Broken Heart, Oklahoma #1) by Michele Bardsley
13. Don't Talk Back To Your Vampire (Broken Heart, Oklahoma #2) by Michele Bardsley
14. Because Your Vampire Said So (Broken Heart, Oklahoma #3) by Michele Bardsley
15. Tall Dark and Hungry (Argeneau #4) by Lynsay Sands
16. A Bite to Remember  (Argeneau #5) by Lynsay Sands
17. Bite Me If You Can  (Argeneau #6) by Lynsay Sands
18. The Accidental Vampire (Argeneau #7) by Lynsay Sands
19. Vampires are Forever (Argeneau #8) by Lynsay Sands
20. Vampire Interrupted (Argeneau #9) by Lynsay Sands

November Read Part 2

02. Swallowing Darkness (Meredith Gentry 7) by Laurell K. Hamilton Rating:B+

"Merry Gentry is not your average private investigator. Half human, half faerie, she's caught in a struggle that threatens not only her life, but the lives of those she desires and holds dear. Her very existence and her rightful place on the throne of Faerie have long depended on her ability to produce an heir - and now, after many failed attempts, the services of her royal guards have found her pregnant...
It is a triumphant moment, but revelation follows revelation: for Merry carries two babies, and she knows thay they have more than one father...And of course, there are those of her own flesh and blood who want Merry dead, but she is a fighter and wields a wild magic. And this is her world, where the magical and the mortal intertwine, where folklore, fantasy and erotically charged adventure collide..."

LKH pretty much writes her characters as a Mary Sue but I kind of liked it. This was way better than Blood Noir, at least the story went somewhere. There were a lot of plot that were closed so it could end here but there seems to be 3 more books coming so I gather there would be more. A new arc perhaps. A quick and easy read if you are a fan.

03. Birthright by Nora Roberts Rating:B+

" When five-thousand-year-old human bones are found at a construction site in the small town of Woodsboro, the news draws archaeologist Callie Dunbrook out of her sabbatical and into a whirlwind of adventure, danger, and romance. While overseeing the dig, she must try to make sense of a cloud of death and misfortune that hangs over the project - fuelling rumours that the site is cursed. She must cope with the presence of her irritating - but irresistible - ex-husband, Jake. Furthermore, when a stranger claims to know a secret about her privileged Boston childhood, she is forced to question her own past as well... A rich, thrilling, suspenseful tale from a 'storyteller of immeasurable diversity and talent' (Publishers Weekly), Birthright follows an inspiring heroine, an intriguing hero, and a cast of fascinating characters whose intertwined lives remind us that there is much more going on under the surface than meets the eye."

I really liked how interesting the book was, the issues raised as well as the development of the relationship between the characters is just what made me really like Roberts in the first place. And the protagonists is an archaeologist, way cool.

04. Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress 1) by Jeaniene Frost Rating:B+

"Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.
In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat."

The first of the Night Huntress Novels, I thought it was a very good read. Interesting characters and the promise of an exciting new series. Definitely reading the next books.

05. One Foot in the Grave(Night Huntress 2) by Jeaniene Frost Rating:A

"You can run from the grave, but you can't hide . . .
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She's still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.
Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she'll find that desire lasts forever . . . and that Bones won't let her get away again."

I thought this second book was better than the first. Adding a whole new set of characters, we get to see more of the relationship between Bones and Cat and how Cat developes as the protagonist of the book, with evil father and bitter mother and all.

06. Dead Girls Are Easy (Nicki Stynx #1) by Terri Garey Rating:B-

"There's something about almost dying that makes a girl rethink her priorities. Take Nicki Styx—she was strictly goth and vintage, until a brush with the afterlife leaves her with the ability to see dead people.
Before you can say boo, Atlanta's ghosts are knocking at Nicki's door. Now her days consist of reluctantly cleaning up messes left by the dearly departed, leading ghouls to the Light . . . and one-on-one anatomy lessons with Dr. Joe Bascombe, the dreamy surgeon who saved her life. All this catering to the deceased is a real drag, especially for a girl who'd rather be playing hanky-panky with her hunky new boyfriend . . . who's beginning to think she's totally nuts.
But things get even more complicated when a friend foolishly sells her soul to the devil, and Nicki's new gift lands her in some deep voodoo.
As it turns out for Nicki Styx, death was just the beginning."

This was an ok read for me, the characters were interesting enough. And the jamaican vodoo practices were cool. I think it's just the whole twin thing that didn't go well with me. WOuld probably read the next book just to see what happens

07. Single White Vampire (Argeneau Vampires #3)  by Lynsay Sands Rating:A

"SWM—"Lucern." Successful biographer of family, books recently categorized as "paranormal romances." Something of a recluse. Hates crowds, aggressive women. Doesn't like sunbathing, garlicky dinners or religious symbols. Likes old-fashioned values; spicy Mexican dishes; warm, nice-smelling necks; and plump red lips. Stronger than ten men and can vanish in the blink of an eye. Currently unaware he's seeking a woman to share eternity.
SWF—"Kate C. Leever." Newest editor of Romance at Roundhouse Publishing. Perky, fun. Has recently discovered a legacy author just dying to be broken out. In fact, her career could take off from it. (The tall, dark, handsome writer just needs to be taken to several romance conventions and introduced to his fans . . . and stopped from acting so strange in public.) Dislikes "difficult, rude, obnoxious, pig-headed writers." Currently unaware she's met the man of her wildest dreams."

I LOVE Lynsay Sands, her Rgeneau series just keeps me coming back for more. I thought this was a funny read and the whole convention thing was really interesting.

08. Ill Wind (Weather Wardern #1) by Rachel Caine Rating:B

"Joanne Baldwin is a Weather Warden. Usually, all it takes is a wave of her hand to tame the most violent weather. But now, she's trying to outrun another kind of storm: accusations of corruption and murder. So, she's resorting to the very human tactic of running for her life...
Her only hope is Lewis, the most powerful warden known. Unfortunately, he's stolen not one but three bottles of Djinn-making him the most wanted man on earth. Still, she's racing hard to find him-before the bad weather closes in fast..."

While I was waiting for the next Lynsay Sands from bookmooch, I started on the weather warden series since i got the first 4 books already. There's a whole new system of weather control with wardens of all 4 elements and Joanne is sucked into the politics and consequences of it. Honestly I didn't think it would be that serious a book but it was serious, gritty and fast-paced. Pretty nice beginning to a series.

 

09. Heat Stroke (Weather Wardern #2) by Rachel Caine Rating:B

"Mistaken for a murderer, Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is hunted down and killed by her colleagues. Reborn as a Djinn, she senses something sinister entering earth's atmosphere-something that makes tomorrow's forecast look deadly."

Second in the weather warden series, this book continues in with it's tragic undertones. It made me keep wanting more but at the same time dreading what could happen next. Warning though, cliff hanger in the end. It made me pick up book 3 right away :)

November Reading List - Part 1

Yay !! I've finished 100 books this year with a month to spare!! Let's see how far I go on December !!

Good reading this month too. I still have so much books to read though! Barely made a dent in my TBR pile and books are piling up again!! I haven't even finished with twilight yet.

03. Jasmine Moon Murder ( Tea Shop Mysteries 5) by Laura Childs Rating: B

"Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is catering a Charleston benefit, a "Ghost Crawl" through Jasmine Cemetery. But the organizer, Dr. Davis, won't get to enjoy the festivities: during the Crawl's theatrical number, he drops dead. It looks like foul play-but how could such an upstanding citizen have enemies?
With a nose for trouble, Theodosia starts stirring things up with her own investigation to find the do-badder. But before long, chasing down the culprit gets her in hot water up to her neck."

book 5 in Laura Childs Tea shop mysteries takes us back to the Indigo Tea shop with Theodosia and the gang. I always love their camaraderie and team dynamics. Honestly, I don't know if it was just me but Jory kind of came out very needy here. Relationship based on gratitude and all that. I don't really see any developement in their relationship and we're well in book 5 already. Where's the passion hehe in a genteel kind of way. Come on, Theodosia shows more affection to Earl Grey than Jory. The book was a good read though.  That connection came out of nowhere. I look forward to the next book in the series.

02. Chamomile Mourning ( Tea Shop Mysteries 6) by Laura Childs Rating B

"At Charleston's Spoleto festival, tea shop owner Theodosia Browning is far from festive when the Poet's Tea is forced indoors by rain. But rain proves to be the least of her problems after a local auction house owner plummets from a balcony to his death-and it looks like someone helped him over the edge.
With a full kettle of suspects, Theodosia investigates and uncovers a criminal enterprise of art forgery, fraud--and murder--that leads her into the murky swamps of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Now, she's hot on the heels of a criminal who plans on showing her just how dangerous it is to stick her sensitive nose where it doesn't belong."

I have to admit that I'm starting to get an idea of how Childs chooses her killer, it's the least likely new character that ha sabsolutely no connection to the deceased or has no apparant motive. Like in this book, I kinda guessed who was the murderer just not the who. The confrontation was more exciting than normal though but a cozy is a cozy. We say goodbye to Jory here. I know he's all happy about his opportunity and all that but to suddenly turn insensitive when he supposedly is in tune with Theodosia in the other books that it's too comfortable.

01. Blood Orange Brewing ( Tea Shop Mysteries 7) by Laura Childs B-

"Social darling Delaine Dish is throwing a lavish Candlelight Concert to raise funds to restore a run-down Victorian home-and Theodosia Browning is more than happy to help out with tea and tasty treats from the Indigo Tea Shop.
Unfortunately, the unveiling of Theo's opulent spread proves to be far from grand after retired CEO and beloved politico Duke Wilkes falls to the floor with a jagged piece of metal protruding from his neck. When the Widow Wilkes begs Theo to apply her sleuthing skills, she can't refuse. But her investigation opens up a simmering pot of shady politics and personal payback, and Theo soon finds herself in a situation stickier than any jam she's ever served."

Wow the crime here was as far and you can get, poor birds. I like how Childs incorporated an issue here but at the same time I thought that the mystery wasn't as thought out as it should be. Theodosia spents 3/4 of the books going nowhere and then when the incident with Earl Grey came about, which I didn't get why there was a need for that to happen, barrels off foolishly. Delaine is still annoying as ever. We are also introduced to a new love interest for Theodosia but I see the same pattern developing as with Jory. I hope Childs would spend some time to develope tehir relationship too

01. Dragonwell Dead ( Tea Shop Mysteries 8) by Laura Childs rating B+

"It's springtime in Charleston and just about every species of South Carolina's flora is in full and glorious bloom at the Spring Plantation Ramble. Once a year, the upper crust open their sprawling gardens to the public, the site of flower shows, rare plant auctions, and a contagious spring fever. Although Theodosia Browning barely knows a Phalinopsis from a Bog Rose, she still enjoys the Ramble, especially since she can pour tea and promote her Indigo Tea Shop-and her latest concoction, Dragonwell Sweet Tea."

I admit that I did like this better than the previous one, this one came out smoother. The murder and the consequencial events that happened were very sad. I really felt for the poor widow. The motive came out more plausible despite all the other BIG suspect signs pointed to the other characters. Sadly there's not so much mention of Parker and Theodosia this time, except for the whole canoe thing. After reading this book, I eagerly await the next book in the series.