What I Read Last Month

Here's a look at what I read in September.


Total books read: 8


Young Adult ..... 1
Mystery ............ 1
Crime fiction ...... 1
Graphic Novel .... 1
Romance ........... 4


Of the romance novels read, one was a contemporary romance and three were paranormal. Although I debate whether Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh isn't more urban fantasy than romance. It's one of those that border on the edge between the genres.


Some thoughts.

1. Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis [2011]
Lucky Harbor, Book 1
Contemporary romance
Thanks to Hilcia who passed her copy of this book to me the last time we met up, as I probably would have otherwise passed on a really sweet and fun romance. I enjoyed the small town romance in this book--the main characters were believable as was their love story and both truly deserved their happy ending. I'd give this book 4.5 stars if we could give half grades! 
GRADE: A




2. Into the Flame by Christina Dodd [2009]
Chosen Ones, Book 4
Paranormal romance
I had read the first three books in this four book series a couple of years ago and just never got around to reading this last one when it was released. I came across it in my box of TBR books and decided to finally read it and finish the series! I worried that it would be slow going since I may have forgotten a lot about the series story arc, but a lot of it came back to me as I read the story and the author reviewed some details from the first three books within this storyline, so it worked out fine. 


Into the Flame is an exciting conclusion to this story of a family held together by faith, love and goodness as they face the consequences of a pact their long ago relatives made with the devil. In the first book a prophecy is revealed that slowly comes to fruition in each of the four books in the series with a shocking plot twist in this last book. The romance part of this story didn't get much page time in this story, but it actually seemed fitting for the characters and the plot and was no less believable than the others. Overall, this book and the series as a whole is enjoyable for the author's ability to blend good story telling with mythology, strong family bonds and a little bit of romance. GRADE: B-

3. Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh [2009]
Guild Hunters, Book 1 [RE-read]
Paranormal romance/urban fantasy
I decided to re-read this favorite book of mine because I want to catch up with this series and read the next three books that are out already and I the last time I read Angels' Blood was when I read the ARC back in February 2009. I thought it was brilliant then and am pleased to say that my rating stood the test of time two and a half years later when I reread it last month. 


Angels' Blood takes place in a fascinating world with diverse, intriguing and often frightening characters. The story line is intense, original and very engaging. Looking forward to the next books! Five stars. 
GRADE: A+


4. An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris [2008]
Harper Connelly Mystery, Book 3 
Mystery
Another enjoyable installment in the Harper Connelly series. The murder mystery was rather disturbing in this one, making this book, I think, more intense and pardon the pun--grave-- than the others. On the other hand, the parts of the story relevant to Harper and Tolliver's personal lives were more heartwarming and optimistic, so that helped soften the harshness of the murders. I'm looking forward to reading the next and last book in this series. 
GRADE: B+


5. Night After Night by Kathryn Smith [2009]
Brotherhood of the Blood, Book 5
Paranormal romance, historical romance.
I finally picked up this last book in the five book Brotherhood of Blood series, featuring the vampire Temple and Vivian--the ward and protector of the Brotherhood's arch enemy--Villiers of the Order of the Silver Palm. I started this series several years ago when I was a newcomer to reading romance. The series is a really great blend of paranormal and historical romance. The overarching series plot is well thought out and executed throughout the five books with a successful conclusion in this last installment. I thoroughly enjoyed each book, but I have to admit my reaction to this last novel wasn't as favorable as the earlier novels. I think this is largely due to the fact that in the years since starting this series, my tastes and expectations have become a bit more discriminating. 

I really liked the characters in Night After Night and the way the series conflict built up to its anticipated denouement in this final book, but I had two issues with the book that keep me from giving it a higher rating. One is that I felt that the first few sexual encounters between Temple and Vivian were a little unrealistic, too much too soon and overall the romance too rushed. My other issue is that the resolution of the conflict felt overly simplified. The build up was great--but I felt in the end the villain was defeated way too easily. I expected a more intense, if not complicated clashing between the Brotherhood and their enemy, The Order of the Silver Palm. However, if you enjoy both paranormal and historical romance and are looking for a series that combines both genres, I do recommend you check out the Brotherhood of Blood series. 
GRADE: C+


6. Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler [2010]
Young adult
This is a young adult contemporary urban fantasy novel that creatively employs the biblical mythology of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to tell the story of how a modern anorexic teen learns what hunger really means, giving her the knowledge and hope to do what it will take to fight for her life. The story is a four star read, but because of the nature of the topic, the unflinching honesty with which the author tells the story and the power of the story's message, Hunger deserves five stars. You can read my review HERE. 
GRADE: A 


7. Beowulf by Gareth Hinds [2007]
Graphic Novel

Through detailed artwork, artist and story teller, Gareth Hinds creatively brings the classic epic poem of Beowulf to life on the pages of this graphic novel. The legend of Beowulf itself isn't a terribly exciting one, though. Beowulf is certainly heroic as he battles the formidable Grendel, Grendel's mother and a fearsome dragon before he ultimately perishes. If there is a lesson to be learned from Beowulf and his story, however, I'm afraid it escapes me, hence the three star rating on goodreads.  GRADE: B-

8. Survivor In Death by J.D. Robb [2005]
In Death, Book 20
Crime fiction 
This is my favorite book so far in the futuristic crime series featuring the prickly Lieutenant Eve Dallas, her husband Roarke and her supporting investigative team members. And Mavis. LOL. You can read my review HERE.  
GRADE: A 

My favorites books this month are Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh and Survivor In Death by J.D. Robb. Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis comes in a super close second place. 


What was your favorite read in September?