Jen's Blog

I had to give this one a few starts before I was able to finish it.  I didn't love this one...and I was disappointed because Mary Balogh is one of my favorite authors.  To me the writing and the voice of the characters was stiff and formal.  I didn't feel like the characters were speaking, I felt like a narrator was speaking.  All of the characters had the same "voice" and I found myself not investing in the characters. The story line wasn't all that original, which doesn't usually matter to me if the characters have a personality.  I just wasn't feeling it for this one.  The main character Anna was orphaned at birth but it turns out she is actually a lady.  She has to adjust to her new life, with the help of the Duke of Netherby and they fall in love in the process.  There is a lot of potential here and I will give the second in the series a read. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.  3/5 stars on Goodreads.

Michael Connelly does it again...you cannot go wrong with Harry Bosch! If you haven't read his series yet you should start today...especially if you are considering watching the TV show based on the books. (Pretty well done for the most part) These books are always entertaining and action packed. They capture your interest in the first chapter and they don't let it go. You will not be disappointed with  The Wrong Side of Goodbye , you will want to stay up all night and read this one from start to finish! Despite being "retired" from the LAPD Harry Bosch cannot let police work go. It's in his blood and he feels the need to continue it even during his retirement. Harry is working at a smaller police department on reserve, sans pay, in this book and he becomes instrumental in a rape case that has been upsetting life in the small town. He also has renewed his police license and is involved in finding an heir for a rich billionaire that dies under suspicious circum...

John Sandford is a personal favorite, but also one I recommend to a large number of library patrons. His stories are entertaining, fun to read and don't drag. Escape Clause is a great addition to the Virgil Flower's Series and will keep readers on their toes during the quick and entertaining read!  I love that Sandford is always coming up with new locations for his books, and the zoo was a great addition.  The storyline in this one kept me guessing and I love that.   The relationship between Frankie and Virgil in this one also kept the reader interested in what was to come!   If you haven't read Sandford yet start today.  The first one in this series is Dark of the Moon . 5/5 on Goodreads, thanks to NetGalley and Goodreads for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

I have enjoyed Tara Sue Me's Submissive Series for the most part, and The Exposure was a solid addition. This one features Megan and Luke who after a brief and intense meeting in the past have parted ways.  When they team up for a new project sparks between them fly.  However, Megan is hiding a big secret and Luke feels betrayed when he finds out.  The couple needs to decide if they can get over the past and work towards a future. Although they ultimately solve their problems and have their happily ever after their story feels forced and a little rushed.  So many stories have this same plot, a big secret and betrayal and then forgiveness.  Tara Sue Me's specialty is her spicy love scenes and this one is no exception.  I personally like having a little bit more of a story to go along with the sex.  I did get to catch up with other characters in the series and that was good.  Overall, a solid read and I look forward to the next book.   Th...

I have been looking forward to Winter Storm s by Elin Hilderbrand since last winter when I read the Winter Strolls .  Winter Strolls had disappointed me a bit, but since it was the second in the trilogy I wasn’t surprised, there were just too many unsolved mysteries.  This third book satisfied my discontent and wrapped up the series nicely.  One thing I love the most was that Winter Strolls took place over the course of a year, instead of just one season.  This allowed the characters to find peace in their lives in a natural way, one that felt less rushed than the previous two books.  I also enjoyed hearing each story in the character’s voice.   Of course the other thing I loved, which I love in all Hilderbrand books, is the setting.  I love how she describes the island, the people and the way of life.  I loved that the other books in the series focused on what happens on the island in the winter, it gives the reader a new aspect on t...