Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin- 694 pp.

Intricate high fantasy about several noble families plunged into intrigue and war after the suspicious death of the High King; meanwhile a mysterious force assembles in the North, and to the South, a rogue princess prepares to take back what is rightfully hers.

Library Wars by Kirro Yumi

Library Wars by Kirro Yumi, 2176 total pages
book 1 - 200pgs, bk 2 - 192, bk 3 - 200pgs, bk 4 - 200pgs, bk 5 - 200pgs, bk 6 - 200pgs, bk 7 - 200pgs, bk 8 -200 pgs, bk 9 - 192 pgs, bk 10 - 200 pgs, bk 11 - 192pgs

The federal government has taken censorship to an all new level. Any book, magazine or publication that has anything the government has deemed "unacceptable" is promptly banned and, if attained, destroyed. Society became complacent and allowed the extreme censorship to take place. Now, to protect the collections of libraries, the Library Force has been created. When Iku Kasahara is rescued by a Library Force member during a government raid at the bookstore, she is quick to fall for her mystery hero and wants to be just like him. When she is old enough, she enrolls in the Library Force and learns the ins and outs of protecting the freedoms of libraries and museums. Each volume takes you through her training, her attraction to her instructor and each team member she interacts with as she brings justice to the libraries. The books quickly got addicting. They are fast paced, well scripted and perfectly illustrated. The story is on-going so you can't just pick up anywhere in the series and know what's going on. Each book builds on the next. Content is appropriate for older teens as there is violence and social issues mentioned that might be a bit much for younger readers. The treatment of women in the stories is definitely questionable. They are often placed in stereotypical roles and usually lower than men. 

Autumn Rose by Abigail Gibbs

Autumn Rose by Abigail Gibbs, 385 pages
(Book 2 in Dark Heroine series)

I think all the built up anticipation for this book over the last year is likely the cause of so much disappointment. The story was well done, but lacked the attraction of the first book in the series. 15 year old seer Autumn Rose is one of the Dark Heroines we read about in the first book. I will admit after meeting her through the eyes of Violet Lee (the main character of the first book), I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about who she was. This book gives us a look into her life (how her grandmother died, what role she plays in the school/Sage/her world) and what part of the prophesy she fills --from her point of view. She is a sage, a duchess no less, who acts as guardian for her public school until the day the Sagean Prince Fallon shows up. Romance, mystery, murder, and secrets follow in the building of the story. The interaction between Prince Fallon and Autumn Rose is not as intense as it was between Voilet Lee and Kaspar... Likely that is because Fallon and Autumn are young teens, but I still think the author could have done more with their story.  I hope the next book in the series is much better than this one. (I had to drag myself through the last 10 chapters). I think I'll hold off on purchasing it until I've borrowed it first.

The Ocean at the end of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, 181 pages

A man returns to his childhood home and relives the memories of being 7. Magic abounds as we see the world through his eyes. The storyline was confusing at some points but the magic kept me turning pages. Suicide, murder (attempted and otherwise), faeries, friendship and sacrifice blend to create a very short but wonderful read for adults.

Ash by Malinda Lo

Ash by Malinda Lo, 272 pages


A lesbian retelling of Cinderella, Ash is the story of an abused girl who is pursued by a fairy but she ultimately gives her heart to the one woman who showed her kindness. The storytelling is excellent although I was disappointed after being led on that something special was developing between the main character and the male lead only to have the plot twist in the end. I've never been a fan of "pretend to love someone while loving another" type stories, but this book was well written if very sad to me.

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren, 308 pages

If you read Fifty Shades of Grey, don't bother reading this book, unless you did not get enough of the Fifty Shades of Grey Triology.  I felt this book was the biggest waste of time.  I am not really a fan of erotic fiction, so maybe that is why I did not care for this book.  I thought it was poorly written and just plain repetitive.  Chloe works for Bennett Ryan and his family's business.  She starts a romance with her boss that appears to be pure sex.  He has a fetish for lingerie and tearing it.  The story is typical.  They can't get enough of each other.  They fight and then they make up. Finally, they end up happily ever after.  This was too gooey for my taste.

An English Bride In Scotland by Lynsay Sands

An English Bride In Scotland by Lynsay Sands, 375 pages

A light-hearted romance that is simple but still appealing. When Annabel is whisked away from the Abbey she was sent to as a 7 year old, she has no idea the plans her ridiculous mother and father have in store for her. She barely has time for a quick bath and change before she is being led to the altar in her sister's place. It seems her sister, Kate, decided marriage to a Scottish Laird was not for  her so she ran off with her one true love - the stable master's son.  Annabel doesn't know anything about being a wife or how to manage a household. She has a strength and determination, however, to help her get through life's difficulties. Granted life would be easier if someone wasn't out to harm her.

Bedding Lord Ned by Sally Mackenzie

Bedding Lord Ned by Sally Mackenzie, 352 pages

Loved this very light and funny romance story. Without realizing it, I had chosen the second book in the "Dutchess of Love" series.
 "On the shelf" Nell has determined to give up her pursuit of her childhood friend, Lord Ned, since he's never given her notice... and she wants a family. She attends the Duchess of Greycliffe's birthday ball for Lord Ned with a promise from the Duchess that she will have eligible bachelors there for her. Along for the ride are a pair of her red silk drawers (bloomers) which, with the help of a mischievous cat, keep finding themselves in the most embarrassing places to be discovered by none other than Lord Ned. Nell is dismayed with the continued appearance of her red drawers and the lack of appealing suitors, but she's determined to settle on someone for a husband regardless of her feelings. Lord Ned is ready to marry again after the death of his first wife. When he meets one very pretty young girl who is the image of his first wife, he thinks himself in love. But what of Nell and her sexy red drawers. She's not as plain and simple as he's always thought her to be and he's quickly finding his mind drawn to her more often than not throughout the whole hysterical affair.

My Inappropriate Life* Some Material Not Suitable for Small Children, Nuns, or Mature Adults by Heather McDonald

My Inappropriate Life by Heather McDonald, 253 pages

This was a hilarious book by Heather McDonald, a full-time writer and performer on the Chelsea Handler show.  If you like the Chelsea Handler books, you will love this one.  Heather includes many stories about her children and their school, her husband, and her many friends and cohorts from the Chelsea Handler show.  Heather lives in the San Fernando Valley next to her parents home, and I did not know she has a side job as a realtor.  This book is guaranteed to make you laugh!!

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke, 354 pages
(Book 1 of Immortal Empire series)

This was a great read and I'm looking forward to finishing the series. Xandra's youngest half sister, Dede, has gone missing and she will do anything to find her. Nevermind that the authorities found a body that her sister and brother agree is Dede. Xandra senses something odd is at foot and starts out on a road that will lead her to startling discoveries about herself and the world she lives in. Xandra is a halfie - half human and half vampire. Vampires rule this world controlled by the Monarchy. Queen Victoria is still alive and kicking - ruling for 175 years now. Goblins, Werewolves and other creatures that go bump in the night are very much real. This is your classic Sci-fi/Fantasy Steampunk novel complete with twists and turns that will keep your head spinning. To say anymore would give too much away. This is a definite - must read for yourself book. It does have language, violence, torture, sex and some pretty graphic parts, but considering you have vampires, werewolves, goblins and humans ... it's kind of hard not to.

Persuade Me by Juliet Archer

Persuade Me by Juliet Archer, 368 pages
(Series - Darcy & Friends)

A modern retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen, this story fills in the blanks where Austen left off ... if her book was set in modern times. The characters remain, for the most part, untouched - at least in personality if not occupation. Mary Musgrove is still her annoying self except that instead of being a hypochondriac she is an alcoholic who views Ann as the woman Mary's husband wants. (That whole Ann & Charles affair goes one step further than Austen's Persuasion did). Mrs. Clay becomes the fake French accent Masseuse named Cleo instead of the widowed daughter of the Elliot's lawyer ... a character I really enjoyed because she was so comical. Admiral and Mrs. Croft are just Mr. & Mrs. Croft - two retirees who decided to open up a nursery. Benwick is still a lover of poetry, but instead of his fiance dying before they could become married, she has run off with another man. That irritated me just a little, but again, the author was trying to modernize the story. The Musgrove family remains intact albeit a little more annoying.  As long as you read this book with an open mind and understand that a lot had to change to make it a modern retelling, you will enjoy this read.

Breath by Jackie Morse Kessler

Breath by Jackie Morse Kessler, 321 pages
Final book in the Riders of the Apocalypse Series

WOW! This book is a must read when it is finally out for sale on April 16th, 2013. I could not put it down. The only bad thing about the book is the fact that it is the final in the Riders of the Apocalypse series. Each of the four books in the series deal with issues. In Hunger, the first I read, the issue of eating disorders is brought up and exposed to the light. In Loss, the second, the issue of bullying and also Alzheimers was addressed. In Rage, we learn about cutting and uncontrolled anger. In Breath the issue is depression. While you are waiting for the book to be published, pick up the three others in the series and read them first. Otherwise, you'll be completely lost in this story. A word of warning, all of Kessler's books have adult content including language. They are very good reads, though, and would be fine for teens _AT LEAST_ 15 or older.