June 2008

I only read three books in the month of May. Ugh. I'll never see the bottom to my TBR pile at this rate. So far, I've only read one book in June, but I'm still hopeful that I'll be able to read a few more this month.

6.02.08
1. The Host by Stephenie Meyer.

This is Ms. Meyer's first novel outside her debut Twilight Saga and her first foray into both adult fiction and science fiction! It is being plugged as science fiction for readers who don't read science fiction. Which is true, because to me, this story is about love, acceptance and compassion more than anything else. It is poignant yet uplifting and hopeful. And most of all, it has a happy ending that readers will love.

See my review here!


6.14.08
2. Weddings from Hell anthology by Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, Kathryn Smith and Terri Garey.

This anthology was okay. Two of the stories were sweet romances that I enjoyed. The other two stories were much less satisfying. One didn't even have romance at all... and it was such a cliche ghost story and way too predictable. The other meh story was a love story, but the paranormal part was also cliche and the romance not developed. Love at first sight? Doesn't work for me. Lust and physical attraction? Yes. But not love.

My review is here

6.17.08
3. Moon Called Mercy Thompson Series, Book 1 by Patricia Briggs
Release date: February 2006

I've noticed my gravitation to female-centered urban fantasy lately, and I'm totally loving it. I still crave a satisfying romance, but when an author is able to develop their characters as richly as Briggs does in a series like this (as Ilona Andres does in her Kate Daniels series as well...), I'm still satisfied. In fact, sometimes when the characters and relationships are developed over the entire series, the love and emotional conflicts between the characters are even more realistic and relatable. This series as an interesting, and somewhat complicated, mythology... with were-creatures, fae, vampires and the rare walkers and humans, that is introduced in bits and pieces throughout this first story; a story whose premise is based on well developed conflict that had me guessing the motive and culprit till the very end.

My review is here

6.23.08
4. Hidden by Eve Kenin.

The story of Katiana and Tristan. They both have pasts that keep them from any emotional attachments, yet both determined to set the world right. Lots of action woven into this genentic sci fi story laced with a tender romance. Katiana's journey to discover her emotions and the meaning of love is so very sweet.

See my review here.