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