Getting Rid of Bradley, Jennifer Crusie

The book came recommended by my aunt. As well as my knowledge that Jennifer Crusie is a fairly popular author. However, I can't say that I was all that impressed overall. Although I did think that the two Bradley's were one person, I thought the book was overall, really predictable.

I think perhaps Lucy's character is a little meek for my taste, but I love that she actually has conversations with her dogs. And of all the things Bradley had given her, the best gift she had ever gotten was the stray from Zach. Her sister Tina and the "don't-fuck-with-my-sister" attitude is probably my favorite character in this book.

I don't feel I have much to say because the characters were about the only thing Getting Rid of Bradley had going for it.

Die Trying, Lee Child

Reacher novel. And of course... our wandering ex Military Police man of mystery is wandering, minding his own business when he helps a woman out of the door of a dry cleaners because she is juggling the clothes and a cane due to a recent injury. Unfortunately, once again our tumbleweed is in the wrong place at the wrong time and she is destined to be kidnapped. Reacher, of course, gets kidnapped with her. Now that we have the story set up...

I decided that Child has an amazing knack for action scenes. When I was a pump my adrenaline action scenes multiple times in one book... I'm going to grab Reacher. He's like you're basic, I can do anything Rambo type of character. hotness. :D

I did figure that at some point that Reacher and Holly would hook up. On top of being an irresistable stud muffin that can get any girl's heart pumping, he seems to be a bit of a whore... he sleeps with all his damsels.

I thought that the story was interesting though. I've had previous experience with books who incorporate government conspiracy groups in the stories (i.e. Soul Catcher, Kava) but never one that was attempting to declare it's own independence from the U.S. with such a blatantly insane leader.

The book get's one and half thumbs up and I'll admit, I'll stay tuned for now.

Wake, Lisa McMann

I got this because they had an entire section at Borders for "if you liked Twilight...you may also like..." while there was still Twilight movie madness going on. With New Moon coming out, there is probably another similar rack there. Anyway, I found this book. the subtitle states that, "your dreams are not your own" ... plus I liked the cover.

I started this the day I finished I, Mona Lisa and finished it the next morning. Granted it's not that long, 210 pages. And it's a young adult book so the actual text is almost double spaced and larger than a regular novel as they can sometimes be. But I genuinely liked the story. I had never read anything where your heroine could partake in the dreams of others around her.

I think her romance with Cabel is cute and how they help one another with their insecurities. Though I think her friend Carrie is a bit of a twit though.

I have to admit that I plan on staying tuned with Fade. I can't wait to see what Ms. Stubbin's part in this whole thing is... in-treguing.

I, Mona Lisa, Jeanne Kalogridis

Okay, so the art historian in me couldn't resist the title. And I couldn't resist the description either. Leonardo, the Medici and a romance between the young Guiliano and Mona Lisa? I prepared myself for disappointment, it was too good to be true.

I'll admit, I put this book aside... for whatever reason. But when I picked it up again to read on the way home from vacation (a little behind, I'll admit) I decided to just start it all over because I had no clue what was going on where I was.

I was not all together disappointed, I actually liked the story. But it was a little predictable in many areas. I figured that her mother had an affair with Lorenzo's brother Guiliano. I predicted that in the city's uprising that Lisa's Guiliano did not die that he was actually in hiding and that Lisa was tricked. I began to suspect that her father was involved with Lisa's second husband and Sarvonarola but only a couple chapters before it was revealed.

Overall, if you don't mind a historical novel with a fair amount of art reference, this is a good choice. I would advise some knowledge of Italian Renaissance period art and history because I counted myself lucky for already knowing a good deal about the Medici.

Mischief in Maggody, Joan Hess

Vacation book. The Sookie book in the previous entry was one as well. I finished the first on the four hour drive to our destination, and I finished this over the course of the four days at the hotel. I think this was a great vacation book. It's got a touch of mystery, but a whole lot of spunk. It has made me love this little town of Maggody a little more and I've had to restrain myself from just flying through the whole series... a girl's got to have a little variety in her life.

I was not all that sad that Robin is murdered. But I think her kids are hilarious, Hammet is definitley my favorite of the four... Perhaps because of them terrorizing Mrs. Jim Bob :D.

Ruby Bee and Estelle never cease to amaze me. Taking in Baby and then loosing him. Then attempting to patch together a romance between Arly and David Allen. And the attempts to get Arly to see the psychic. Lovely.

More importantly is the hippies that appear to be sticking around town for a little bit of time. Well, except for Nate, who along with Celeste, is no longer with us.

I must say I am begining to think that once I have reached the conclusion of this series, I will be sad. It will probably turn into one that I pick up and read multiple times.

Living Dead in Dallas, Charlaine Harris

Another Sookie book. I read this so soon mainly because I wanted to read the book before I delve into the next season of TruBlood. I haven't bought the third book yet, but it may go on that list of books that are an option for Christmas.

I definately have to say that the character of Sookie has drifted away a bit from what she was in the first book. Initially she seemed quirky, but now Sookie has taken on a more serious tone. I liked the quirky.

I did like that there are other Werewolves and that they are mad at the vampires. I thought it was an interesting take on the ever present vamps vs. wolves theme. I am also curious as to what will happen with the Bill-Sookie-Eric thing. Could be fun, I'll stay tuned for that part of the puzzle.

Overall, not bad, a little lacking... but whatever, it's just one book in a series.

Dead Witch Walking, Kim Harrison

I find that it is so hard to find a supernatural book that does not instantly remind me of the Anita Blake series. Anita simply has just about everything there is when it comes to supernatural. However, although I saw some similarities, I did not feel as if I was reading a Laurell K. Hamilton knockoff.

I found the lack of humans intriguing, however her explanation of the race's downfall was short and left me a little confused.

The ending I found was a bit anti-climactic. I found the rat competition more interesting than the final fight scene, which was sad for me indeed.

Although, I predict that I will keep on chugging with the series since I was informed that that one was slow to start and the others improve.

Malice in Maggody, Joan Hess

This was a nice break from my vampire book stint. Although I felt a bit lost at first with the gas station scene with Robert. But Hess does a decent job of moving right along and explaining the characters.

I love the characters. And the dynamics between some of them. Ruby Bee is possibly emerging as my favorite. But I was saddened when Jaylee met her end, I was rather amused by her as well. Plover and Arly's battle of "thou shall not know my first name" was a cute little additive and makes me wonder what happens to them in future books.

As for the ending? I thought it was comical that everyone was rushing to Robin Buchanon's house where they found Carl and Robert in... disrepair... I'm not sure of the accurate wording for that one. And wrapping up the plots I give Hess a mediocre score. I figured out early on that Carl did not commit the crime he had been doing time for. Not to say he did not deserve to be in jail though. But, as for Jaylee's murderer, I did not guess that one until it was revealed. I was definately rooting for Jim Bob to be that culprit.

Dead Until Dark, Charlaine Harris

Let's see... I got this one because of the cover. Which is the main advertisement for the T.V. show that the book has been translated into, TrueBlood. I have never seen TrueBlood, I'm not much of a television kind of girl.

Ultimately, I was not as impressed as I was told I would be. Not to say that I did not enjoy Sookie. However, it felt like the setting of Anita Blake, with the clumbsy character's of MaryJanice Dickenson's Undead series. I also found myself thinking as I was driving home from work one day that all this book needed was some shapeshifters and I would feel even more like I was in a Laurell K. Hamilton book... low and behold... Sam is one. *shocking*

My favorite part by far is when Sookie discover's Bill's name. "'The vampire Bill!' I said. 'I thought it might be Antoine, or Basil, or Langford!'" How often do writers of vampire novels give the vampire eloquent names that sound as if they fell out of the 15th century. How ordinarily wonderful!

I was incredibly sad that Gran was murdered. I enjoyed the character.

All in all, it wasn't bad. I want to know more about Bill's past and what happens with Eric, so I foresee me buying the next in the series. I am also curious how well they did turning it into a television series. So I may have to rent the first season of TrueBlood.

The Harlequin, Larurell K. Hamilton

Edward is back. As well as Olaf. I had debated whether I would actually continue on with Anita. And after a brief research of movie/tv adaptation of the series, I am not alone in my frustration with the last six or so books. But Edward is my favorite character, and I could not resist.

What I found was that I was not exactly disappointed. Not like previously. I read it quickly. There was less sex than you normally get, which was, I must say, a relief.

I enjoyed the concept of the Harlequin. That the vampire council has their own police. I liked the masks as a means of communication.

Although I found less action as well, and a bit less plot than Laurell tends to give us, it was still more reminiscent of earlier in her series... I just hope she keeps it up.

The Elder Gods, David & Leigh Eddings

My previous experience with David Eddings is the Belgariad and Mallorian series. Plus the books associated with the two series. My copies of both series, especially the former, are well worn and read often.
The Elder Gods is the first book of his series, The Dreamers. I was concerned at first, being that my only experience with Eddings is with the same characters over a course of two series. But I found that there are overlapping characteristics with all his characters whether it be the same series or not. But I also found that they are all jumbled up so that they really are new characters in their own right. I've said it before, I'll say it again, I adore his characters. They're colorful and distinct.

I did have to remind myself frequently that his first book of every series I've encountered is like the filler book you find in the middle of series. They are essential, but a bit tedious. His first book is his filler and sets up the series, generally really well. As to how well he did with this one, I'd have to complete the series to answer that one. 400+ pages of filler is not necessarily a party by no means, but the beginning of the war and the development of characters makes it go by steadily.

I plan to buy the next in the series to see where they take this story.

The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold

This is one of my favorite books. Ever. Though it is by no means cheery. I think it's because of how humbled I feel reading it. I have never been hurt the way Susie was. Nor have I had any of my loved ones be hurt like that.

I remember the first time I read it, I had to put it down in the first chapter and walk away for a couple minutes. Susie recounting the tale of her murder was one thing. To read about a fourteen year old girl being raped by her neighbor, murdered, and then cut into pieces was another. Over time, I think it has effected me because I am a woman. I do not know if a man would react differently than I would to that portion of the book. I found that in reading it this time, I still had to put it down in places. The events with her family and friends feel quite raw, very "chewy." I took those opportunities to refill my coffee cup.

I think I feel worst for her father. I think his struggle with loosing his oldest child is the most painful. Knowing your daughter's killer is living two houses down from yourself is bad. Knowing he lives two houses down from your remaining two children has to be excruciating. I found myself feeling less sorry for her mother, but I suppose that everyone deals with their grief in different ways.

As far as Mr. Harvey goes, I recall being disappointed in his death the first time I read it. It was so insignificant. But this time around, I laughed. A serial killer, who psychologically probably wanted to get caught, dies because he was attempting another murder, but instead gets bonked on the head with an icicle and falls into the ravine that he was going to hide the body in. I love that kind of dramatic irony.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the last little blurb. Where a construction worker finds the rest of her bracelet and brings it home to his wife. They are completely unaware of little Susie Salmon and her brutal death. And he says that the little girl is probably all grown up by now. I think it was a phenomenal way to portray that time has moved on, as it should after the mess that happened in that neighborhood.

I think The Lovely Bones touches me in a way, on a very personal level. After loosing a loved one, I tend to brood a little. Wondering if they're with me. I like the idea that those I love can look after me once they are gone. I'm probably like Buckley in that sense. I like to think that when I speak to my grandparents that they listen. And that they're talking back to me. That they could create a miracle of a garden that is not neatly separated.

The Revenge of Dracula, Peter Tremayne

A book inherited from my aunt on one of the many "clean out" sessions. I have to admit that the book initially grabbed my attention quite well. However, because of a few things, I was left feeling that I should put it down before it was thrown across the room and left a dent in my wall (the copy being hardcover and all). In the Introduction, Tremayne sets up the book. Stating that he had received a manuscript from a psychiatrist who with a letter of his own, had included the writings of a person in a mental hospital who had "delusions" of Dracula. And thus, they have been published by Tremayne, supposedly unabridged.

My concern with the book is the facts. If it is indeed unaltered by Tremayne, then I am irritated with the original writer's facts. Mostly with the discrepancies in the history of ancient Egypt. Although the book presents an interesting tale.

I did have to chuckle with the explanation of the psychologist. That vampirism and werewolf-ism is a product of sexual repression on the part of the individual experiencing it.

Overall, it wasn't bad. It did not leave me feeling frustrated. Although I was not overly enthusiastic about it. I doubt that I'll read it again. & I doubt that I'll hand it to someone else to read it.

Finding the Dream, Nora Roberts

Laura's story. I find that this is the one I anticipate every time I read this series. Her story begins in Margo's book as far as I'm concerned and follows through until her own.

I spent a majority of the time when reading this series the first time wondering what Laura was going through. Really going through, not the front she put up. And I think Roberts really delivers when writing Laura's story.

By far, Michael and Laura have the hottest sex scenes in the series. But I think that's to be expected with the bad ass Michael Fury. My favorite part of the book is when Laura is drunk for the first time.

My only complaint with this series is how it leaves me feeling at the end of it. Like I'm not quite passified with my desire to know how Laura ends up. The reader gets to see glimpses of Margo and Josh's life with the baby. And also with Kate and Byron and their soon to be child. You don't quite get any of that with Michael and Laura. She hints at their future, but it's not really enough for me personally.

If on the off chance that in the future, Ms. Roberts revisits these fine women, I'll be in line for the book because they're so easy to relate to. I fully expect this to be a well read, and worn out book by the time I'm done with it.

Holding the Dream, Nora Roberts

Kate is my favorite of the three women. Perhaps because I can relate to living on coffee because of my hectic schedule. Also because my reaction to men is approximately the same.

I love that she finds her Southern Gentleman/Prince Charming in Byron. I think it's even more adorable that he makes it his personal goal to take care of her and teach her to take care of herself rather than hit McDonalds on the way home and eat Tums like candy.

As for her embezzlement plot line. I think in the long run it was good for her. Eye opening.

Daring to Dream, Nora Roberts

So I had initially began reading a book that has been flung to the half read pile. I was just too irritated. So why pick up the Ladies in the Lovers & Dreamers series? because I've already read it. And I know I like it. It's just a series that I can rely on when my book pile is just not producing the way it should be.

I've pretty much covered the first book in one day. I read until I came to my favorite part with Josh and his reaction to Peter cheating on Laura. It's priceless and I laugh every time.

I think Margo is quirky and fun. And her store sounds like somewhere fun to go if to do nothing but wish I could afford the items filling it.

Not my favorite of the series, but enjoyable all the same.

A Calculated Risk, Kathrine Neville

I had been requesting a good book, since I was so disappointed with the last few that I have encountered. My aunt lent me this one.

Although I devoured it in a mere few days... I wasn't really all that impressed with it. Yes, it was interesting and infuriating, but I guess robbing banks just isn't my thing.

I predicted the relationship with Tor. I L.O.V.E.D Leilia. I hated the sexism, I hated even more that I know those private clubs still exhist.

The Unbidden Truth, Kate Wilhelm

This book happened to be a gift. I began reading it between classes, etc. But it ended up getting put to the side for some time. It appears to be a part of a series of books, and later in it. Which left me a little confused with following some of the pasts of the characters.

The plot was predictable. I was hoping for more of a wrap up concerning the death of Carrie's father, than what the reader is given. As I was following it, I was formulating ways that the end could have a big blow out ending. But was left hanging. My ideas did concern that of Joe's blackmail of Larry and Nora. But I figured that they would find something on them, and that they would ultimately go down for the crimes. However, I was left with (gladly) Carrie getting off the hook for a murder she did not commit and Nora shooting Larry and covering it up so that everything could be pinned on him. Which typing it out makes it sound much better than reading the book because there is a small blurb at the end of the book stating what happens to the Wentzels.

The relationship between Darren and Barbara just confused me, perhaps with some background reading, I would feel less perplexed.

I think my favorite character was Herbert. Especially with the cooking.

Overall, I was pretty disappointed with the end result.

Message in a Bottle, Nicholas Sparks

*SPOILERS*

The only book of Mr. Sparks I had previously read was The Notebook. Overall, I found the story to be charming... to a degree. I've done a long distance relationship, so I could relate with Theresa and Garrett. However, I found myself hating the book at the end. I had skipped ahead and after seeing some of the last page, suspected that Garrett dies in the end. The fact that I was seeing it coming, and I still cried says something for Nicholas Sparks ability to write drama.

It is a thoughtful story though. Fueling the, "it is better to have lost and loved than to never have loved at all." I still wanted to chuck the book across the room because of the nature of his death. His final goodbye and letter to Cathrine, and him accepting a life with Theresa and he dies doing it?!?!?!?! WTF Nicholas? I love that Theresa sends Garrett letters in bottles so that he can still hear from her and that that is how the book ends.

Because of my frustration with the book, I have sworn off Sparks books for some time. a year or two at least. Because he always kills the characters in the end, I'm not ready for some more "chewy" romance novels.

Breaking Dawn, Stephanie Meyers

[CONTAINS SPOILERS]

The last one. In beginning to read this book, I wasn't entirely sure I was ready for my Bella and Edward romance fix to end. But on completing it, I find that I am perfectly fine with where it ended up, how it ended, and if she decides not to write anything more with these characters, I will be just fine. I was concerned that I would have the attachment that I had with Harry Potter. I am still crossing my fingers and hoping that J.K. will allow her readers to return to her world of witches and wizards with us as the muggles. But Stephanie, if she keeps it where it is, I'll survive. Not to say that I would not mind finding out what happens with Renesme. But I'm sure this would have turned into any good series tradgedy... where it burns out and you are left with anger at what has happened with your favorite characters if it hadn't ended.

Anyhow... the idea of a half-human half-vampire baby made me a little wry at first. I was not a fan. Not because it was an out there idea that I had not encountered before... but because it was one of those series tradgic moments where you want to throw the book because of what the author did. After Renesme is born, I grew to like the idea. I did see the imprinting coming though.

The end scene with the Volturi was disappointing. I was definately hoping for a big overthrow of power and kick-ass fight scene (which I'll admit I was thinking about how amazing a movie this book would make). Unfortunately, Alice showed up to save the day.

Series sum up: satisfying

Eclipse, Staphanie Meyers

TWILIGHT SERIES. I hate when I have to attempt patience for a book in a series. But, this was one of those pinacle moments where I had to practice it. My well meaning mother bought me Breaking Dawn, which is the book after Eclipse, for Christmas. I had to wait for my birthday a month later for Eclipse. AH. But I'm sure it was well worth it.

Things I have heard about the book: that it will piss me off royally. That it is the way it is written as well as what transpires. What I have found is that I am more irritated with the theme than I am with the book. Wuthering Heights!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!? Shoot me in the face. I hated it in High School, and though I feel like I need a refresher course on the famed novel, I want to throw Eclipse across the room and hunt Ms. Meyers down for inspiring such a revisit. I might end up checking out sparknotes at the end just so I can use the connections. I am seeing the main theme though, one girl torn between two men whom hate one another for various reasons. When I think of Wuthering Heights I picture the diagram my English Lit intern plastered on the wall to illustrate all the character movement throughout the book. I feel inspired in parts of this to move Bella around on a bulliten board concerning her interest. La Push. Charlie. La Push. Cullens. La Push. Charlie. Cullens. Seriously don't pull a Catherine. Choose Edward. NOT Jacob. Love not conveniance.

I found many of the scenes with Bella and Edward very touching. I loved the proposal. I actually liked them quoting Brote's book near the end.

It was irritating with Jacob. Just irritating.

I hated how it mirrored scenes from Wuthering Heights almost exactly at moments.

But at least she made the right choice in the end.

I do have this hope for Jacob. That he will find someone that he imprints on. The ending where you feel his pain, was touching cause I know that he loves Bella, but I also know that Bella belongs with Edward.

Vampire vs. Werewolf: I'll keep reading.

White Wash, Alex Kava

I don't have to give my praise for Kava. I've done it recently. :P In choosing this book, my attention was drawn to the caption for the USA Today about the book, "Short chapters with cliffhanger endings make this a perfect... escape." Bad flashback of the day: Da Vinci code. Cliffhangers were okay for a bit, but after awhile, they were definately tedious. This also seems to be a little more political than what I am used to from her. At least from the breif synopsis on the back cover and the authors note I have read. I'll keep you posted though.

I have been finding that overall, this feels more like a typical Grisham book. It's got the politics and I can tell she did an excellent job with research, but the fact and the "getting to the story" is more tedious than I had initially thought that the cliffhangers might be. Some of those leave me confused and wondering what will happen next, but they're not inspiring enough to have me flying through the book to find the answer.

Overall, it was an interesting take on the current energy crisis and some of the ramifications of it. But the book was kind of a drag. It was a little disappointing coming from Ms. Kava. Though well written, and having a decent ending, it left me with more questions at the end than answers. What happens with Sabrina? What exactly went on with Zack and the senator? What the hell was with all the stuff concerning the Arabic terrorists? And the assassination attempt? wtf? Perhaps I was just not perceptive enough for this book. This was where the constant stop and go chapters was problematic. I think it got in the way of her story-telling. I give her kudos for trying something new and more complex and encourage more attempts for improvement, but this one was kind of a flop for me.

Alt-Energy Mojo: What~A~Drag

Hot & Bothered, Susan Anderson

Reread. It's your typical story of the bad boy marine, the socialite girl, and their torrid love affair. The first of which begins as a fling six years prior to the actual storyline. A fling which a daughter is conceived.

I think the most prevelant thought I had during the book was how cheesy it was. Me, I like my action packed books. Not omigawddomenow. Throw in the I love you's and you have a not so typical novel. I can't judge whether it is written well for a romance, I have like... Nora Roberts to compare it to. I like the quirky romances, not the cheesy ones. Nora Roberts isn't a fair comparison really, cause she can write almost any genre.

The reason I picked this one back up was well, I remembered it to be one of my favorite romances. Not sure why. I was in high school. The thought occured to me that my problem with most romances is that I read the innevitable "love scenes" and think, "that is so not what sex is like." At least no sex I've had. Maybe I'm not having sex the right way. But whatever. No novel I've come across mentions how messy sex is. They don't give a fair description of the lover that can last all night but is doing absolutely nothing for you. No fakers of orgasms in romance novels. All the men are trained professionals in multi-orgasmic experiances. [so not real]. I need to meet a multi-orgasmic man. And the multi-orgasmic experiances are during intercourse, romance novels add the oral and hand jobs as bonus. Like I said, I would be much chipper if I had this much of an accomidating man.

Esme is by far my favorite character. Why I've picked a five year old as my favorite. Cause she is that little girl in the mall, who says cute things, that you look at her and think, "I want one like that." The effect she has on Rocket is adorable, he's a marine for god's sake... been up against the worst that none of us will see... but this tiny little girl scares the crap out of him.

All in all, I'll keep it on my shelf to pick up in a few years. Maybe by then I will have had some mind blowing, multi-orgasmic sex and can appreciate an above average male ego. It is odd how time can alter your opinion of a book, movie, or song. [just plain crazy]

Semper Fi Scream : mediocre romance

Seduced by Moonlight , Laurell K. Hamilton

Ah, Laurell. She is one of my guilty pleasures. Anita Blake more so than Merry Gentry, but on occasion I'll dive into a Merry book. Much to my dismay, I have a friend that devours this series as fast as Ms. Hamilton will spit them out at her, and she has blurted out her disappointments with the recent developments (i.e. the ending) of the series. Kudos to her attempt to save some of the secrets though. :)

I think the Merry Gentry storyline is perhaps less me than the Anita Blake. I'm more of "powerful, I-will-kick-your-ass-in-a-heartbeat" woman that comes in a small package than I am Princess Meridith of the fairies. Succubus who feeds off of sex, or woman in a race for the throne with the contest being she has an heir before her cousin. See my options? Sidenote: I am really excited that the next Anita book has brought Edward back, w00t.

It took quite a bit of time for me to get into the book. It has been so long since I had read a Merry book that in the first couple chapters, I was having to stop and think about what had happened previously. I had to familiarize myself with characters once more. But once I got to that point... whoa baby.

I love Laurell's endings. She writes great endings. Some of the middles are weak. But the endings make it all worth it. This book is no different. And it has left me sort of wanting more with the next one. No joke... Merry Gentry has not succeeded in that area, well, ever. But I can't wait to find out if she is immortal or not.

All in all, kudos to Laurell for peaking my interest some more.

Highlights: 2008

Hands down, my favorite discovery of this year is definitely the Twilight series. I can't wait to devour the next two. A must finish series.

I'm also excited to read Tales of Beadle Bard. Who doesn't love a little commentary from our favorite Hogwarts Headmaster. I adore J.K. Rowling and the small peek I've taken at the book, I noticed some hints about what has happened to our favorite characters in the prologue. I dearly hope this is not the last we have heard from J.K., her wizarding world, and Harry Potter.

I have to say my most disappointing read of the year was The Da Vinci Code. A lot of hype for little satisfaction at the end.

A series I have been itching to reread is Lovers & Dreamers by Nora Roberts. No idea why, but it has been sticking out of my shelf, calling to me. So perhaps those are soon to follow.