These July 2011 reads are a bit of a downer. It was partly self-inflicted though.
Reviews cross-posted from Goodreads as always, additional comments in italics.
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Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton (paranormal romance)
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Ummm… not much to say here. Lots of repetition. I skimmed. I borrowed this from the library, which shows that at least I am learning. Slowly.
I know. Serves me right, huh?
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Smokin’ Seventeen by Janet Evanovich (mystery)
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
A bit of a forgettable read, this one – I’m glad I borrowed it from the library.
I am so glad I’ve managed to stop myself from buying the hardcover. I think this book was sitting on the New Releases shelf as well – no reservations for this one.
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A Double Deception by Joan Wolf (regency romance)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I’ve a soft spot for Joan Wolf’s regencies – I liked this sweet romance, though it’s not one of her best. Familiar plot and familiar characters with an OTT villain – a quick and enjoyable read.
I liked this well enough when I read it, but am struggling to remember the plot now. Good to know I’m showing some consistency with my ratings… I think this one is only if you’re a Joan Wolf fan. Or like sweet regency romances.
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Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris (urban fantasy)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I had low expectations coming into this book, having not really got on with the previous couple of books, and was pleasantly surprised – this was actually entertaining with a plot! I liked that Sookie wasn’t so much of a doormat in this book when her “friends” did stupid things. I’m hoping the next book shows us consequences of events in this. I’m also starting to wonder how Charlaine Harris will end this series – will there be an HEA, and if so, how…
The more we get in this series, the more doubtful I feel about everyone getting a happy ending in the end. I’ve read Ms Harris’s other (mystery) series, and well, I don’t think she feels the need to give a HEA.
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Mind Games by Carolyn Crane (urban fantasy)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The cover is very much standard UF – the story is not. It’s UF with an unusual twist – I liked and will be picking up the other two in this trilogy.
Disclaimer: I’ve been reading Carolyn Crane’s blog (and have been a very occasional commenter) since her pre-publication days, and so may have been slightly biased here. I did buy MIND GAMES back when it was first released in 2010, but only got around to reading it last year (and mentioning it here another year later – good thing no one’s dependent on me for publicity!).