Too busy to read

Reading takes time. It is relaxing, enjoyable time but it is still time spent not doing other things. September has been a super busy, super challenging month and I haven't been able to do much new reading. Mostly, I've been rereading snippets of favorite things for a few minutes before I fall into an exhausted sleep.
October is the month when I begin my long list reading for the Children's Literature Association of Utah's Beehive awards. I've got 56 books on a list and I'm responsible for getting votes for six of those titles. I need to read those six and as many of the others that I can. By January.
I also have a few things in my NetGalley account that I need to read and review. Probably sooner rather than later.
Reading is a job. Not a chore but it is definitely work and I've got to plan for it.
So be looking for more YA reviews, with a little romance over the next few months.

I've got two reviews to share today. One a sweet, light romance and the other a dark, but compelling paranormal romance.

Mostly Sunny by Jamie Pope

Sunny Gibson was abandoned by her mentally ill mother when she was just a child. Raised in the foster care system, she has found meaning in her life by working as a social worker. But when she suspects her newest charge might be related to her, she is determined to find the child’s mother. But for that she needs an attorney.

Julian King is a high-powered lawyer who knows nothing of family law. A former pro football player, he is determined to prove himself at his firm and make partner. He wants nothing to do with Sunny and her pro-bono case.

Of course, Sunny and Julian end up working together and they are drawn close to each other and discover they have some surprisingly similar experiences.

Mostly, this is a sweet romance. At first, Julian was rather unlikable but as his attraction to Sunny grew, he became a different person and the relationship and the reading became more enjoyable. The novel’s pace was a bit slow and at times it was difficult to engage with the search for the mysterious and elusive mother.

Overall, this was a pleasant read and I would recommend it to those wanting a light, sweet romance. 3 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven

Gilene has a rare, powerful magic. And she is compelled to exercise it annually to save the inhabitants of her village from the Empire’s cruel, living tithe. But this year, the unexpected will happen. When the Empire’s most famous gladiator, Azarion, sees through her illusions Gilene is forced not only to help him escape but reclaim his birthright. Will Gilene embrace her destiny or return to the Empire to burn once more?

The best thing about a Grace Draven novel is the richness – of setting, of character and of plot. The world of the Krael Empire is a harsh cruel place. And while the Empire is not examined in exhaustive detail, that is just fine because the real stars of this novel are the main characters. Gilene and Azarion are well drawn and compelling as they grapple with the choices they must make. They are each committed to their goals and watching them struggle on their journey is captivating. Their relationship grew slowly and realistically and was very believable. The trauma of the journey was nicely offset by the Gilene’s exploration and discovery of the Sky Below.

While I might have wished for more details on the spiritual aspects of the magic system and an ending that felt a little less rushed, the story and the characters were immensely satisfying. While I hope for a sequel, the conclusion was complete and I can envision a lovely HEA.

Highly recommend. 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

May reviews! Save your sanity, read a romance novel!

OK, that is a little bit ridiculous but the escapism abundant in romance novels provides me with an outlet from mundane life and daily stress. I've read a fair few novels this month but obviously I have failed at my weekly goal of blogging. No worries, I will just share all my reviews here at once!

Here are the May reviews.

The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter by Mimi Matthews

I buy romance for a public library so I read many, many romances of all varieties. Although I have never read any books by Ms. Matthews, I took a chance on "The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter" and I'm so glad that I did. While the tropes are familiar -- innocent, impoverished, companion with a mysterious past is compromised at a notorious house party by notorious rake -- the writing here is light and fresh and the dialogue is first rate. The novel is quite short so there is limited character development or time for the romance to build however that did not diminish my enjoyment. At the end of the day, I had a great time reading the story and that is what romance is all about, a fun, escapist fantasy. This one was a winner for me and I will buy all of Ms. Matthews books for my collection. 5 Stars.

The Princess by Elizabeth Elliott

Historical fiction was one of my first loves and the novel Desiree by Annemarie Selinko turned me on to reading when I was 9 years old. So, I’m a sucker for historical romance and am very fond of medieval romances and they aren’t written as much. For these reasons, I was excited to read The Princess by Elizabeth Elliott. Sadly, the novel didn’t match my expectations.

Isabel is a king’s widow and the daughter of King Edward of England. Her personal circumstances necessitate a quick remarriage and her father has chosen Faulke Segrave, a seasoned warrior with ties to Wales. The marriage will be secure for Isabel and further her father’s political machinations. Neither party is enthusiastic and the first meeting does not go well.

However, very rapidly the couple discovers a burning physical attraction and chemistry that cannot be denied so they decide to make the best of their situation and get to know one another in order to best foster a civil alliance. What follows is chapters and chapters of silly dialogue and meaningful staring contests. Both Isabel and Faulke were fairly superficial characters and I wasn’t drawn to either of them or their story. When they finally arrived at their wedding night I giggled at the very modern take on intimacy. The master schooling the wife to accept his touch was just too much.

The characters and dialogue are very modern, and quite distracting here. The period details are virtually nonexistent and limited to clothing descriptions. I’m not expecting to read Chaucer’s English but current slang (i.e. Okaaay) took me out of the story again and again. The mystery, what there was of it, was fairly predictable and easily solved. While reading I found myself thinking about really great medieval romances I had read in the past.

While I think that for the right reader, this novel would be a fun, escapist read, it didn’t meet any of my needs for a historical. I probably wouldn’t seek out any of Ms. Elliott’s novels in the future. 2 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Stella Lane is brilliant, wealthy and has her dream job as an econometrician who writes algorithms to determine customer purchases. She also lacks dating experiences and is somewhat socially awkward. Since she has Asperger’s syndrome, she gets along much better with numbers than people. Realizing her deficits and wanting to stave off her matchmaking mother, she hires escort Michael Phan to help her learn how to get the hang of intimate relationships. Michael has his own issues and can’t really turn Stella down.

This novel was a charmer. Stella is quirky and likeable. Michael is sweet, talented and a family guy. Amid the backdrop of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Stella and Michael’s romance plays out with hysterical, tender and often painful moments. Stella begins to find a pattern to Michael’s lessons and Michael finds himself drawn more and more to Stella. There was drama, some predictable and some surprising. This was a very, very enjoyable read. The insight into Asperger’s, while unique to every individual, were interesting. And, the view into Michael’s Vietnamese family and their culture was appealing.

My one critique is that this is a quite a sexy little read, and for me, that was a bit distracting. The super-hot sexy scenes didn’t seem in keeping with feel of the novel and I felt less sexy would have kept the novel on a more even keel. Even with that, the novel is a quick-paced, fast read. I finished with a smile on my face. I would recommend this to those looking for a fun, quirky contemporary romance and I have purchased it for my collection. 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

Margaret Jacobsen is on top of the world with her dream job and new engagement to her fiancé who she loves. Until the most unexpected thing happens, and she must face the reality that her life may never be the same again.

This wasn’t so much a romance novel but a novel of overcoming challenges and the relationships that make it possible. It was a wonderful ride. Margaret is a likeable character who engenders compassion from the reader. I cheered for her every step of the way. And as she struggled and struggled with her family and friends and care givers, I was touched by some very poignant moments. While some of the scenarios were a bit unbelievable and the epilogue wrapped things up a bit too tidily, they didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.

Ultimately, I found this novel engaging and entertaining. And, I found a new favorite quote and that is always memorable. “You just have to choose to make the best of things. You only get one life, and it goes forward. And there are all kinds of happy endings.” Highly recommend. 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Why read poetry when you can read romance?

That is a joke. Really. Poetry is a wonderful thing. And April is national poetry month, so you really should read some poetry and contemplate the beauty of language.

However poetry, for me, is dense and chewy. Or it's full of hidden meanings that stay hidden from my very practical and prosaic brain.

A straightforward romance novel is the perfect escape from the daily grind. And since my house has been full to the rafters with company for the past two weeks, romance has been what has been needed.

Today I bring you the review of two lovely romance novels. One a mild, romantic suspense. And the other is a delightful confection, a choose your own adventure novel. Enjoy!

The Other Lady Vanishes by Amanda Quick

Adelaide Blake is insane. Or is she? Wrongly confined to a sanitarium, Adelaide manages to escape and hides herself in Burning Cove. There, she works at a tea shop and custom blends soothing herbals for the rich and famous who flock to the idyllic seaside town to relax. Adelaide meets many people who aren’t what they seem and when her past finds her, she must find someone to trust to help her solve the mysterious and dangerous events surrounding her.

Everything about this romantic suspense by Amanda Quick was appealing. The novel is set in the 1930’s on the California coast. There is glitz, glamour and mystery. The tone was almost reminiscent of a Victoria Holt novel. And while there is some swearing, violence and intimate contact, the novel overall is quite mild. Not gentle but close and that is refreshing.

The plot-- beautiful, intelligent young heiress who is confined to benefit not one but two villains, was what originally attracted me to this title. I enjoyed the story and while the concept was intriguing, I felt it was a little formulaic. The suspense wasn’t truly suspenseful. Even with these minor issues I felt The Other Lady Vanishes was a fun read and I would recommend it to library patrons looking for a mild suspense. 3 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Lady’s Choosing by Kitty Curran and Melissa Zageris

Recently, a friend of mine and I were talking about how much fun choose your own adventure novels were when we were kids and we wondered why they weren't written for adults.  When I saw a romance choose your own adventure, or interactive novel, was being published I was intrigued and more than a little curious. I am pleased to say that My Lady's Choosing delivered in every possible way. I had so much fun reading this and I can’t wait to go back and explore every possible storyline.

You, the reader star as the impoverished and downtrodden heroine who is forced by impecunious circumstances to act as companion to the suitably vile, Lady Craven. She forces you to attend her at a ball in a perfectly horrid mustard yellow frock at least 20 years out of date. At the ball, you meet a handful of perfectly intriguing gentleman and then your choices direct your adventures. From the slums of London to the Yorkshire moors, you choose where in the world you will travel for romance and adventure.

The heroes are wonderful caricatures of characters like Mr. Darcy, Heathcliffe and Jamie Frasier. The drama is broad and the humor is very, very tongue in cheek. I laughed quarts. If you want an authentic period piece with overtones of Austen, this might not be your cup of tea. However, if you want a delightful romp, check out My Lady’s Choosing. It’s absolutely delicious!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

And I know I promised you a review of Exo by Fonda Lee. Have no fear, it's coming. As soon as the rest of my company departs, I will gather my thoughts.

NetGalley

When I was young and got in trouble, my mom would make me stay in my room for the day. It was my favorite punishment because it meant I could stay in my jammies all day and read. I've always been a reader. From the pages of a book, I could explore the world, learn random stuff and escape the confines of my mundane existence. Those are still the reasons I read although at this time in my life, escapism and entertainment are a huge component of my reading choices.

Several years ago, my dear husband gave me a Kindle as a gift. He'd seen me reading on my iPod and decided I really needed one. He was so excited that he gave me my Christmas gift in November because he couldn't wait to see my reaction. The Kindle was a thoughtful gift but I had told him never to buy me one because I would get lost in words and never surface. That pretty much happened and it has been a battle for several years to step out of imaginary worlds.

I'm now on Kindle #3 and working to overcome my addiction.

At first I would buy free books on the Kindle. Over the years I've found a few gems and discovered great new authors and their works. But mostly, I've read poorly written, self published trash. It was easy. It was mindless. And at a very busy time of my life, I didn't care if I couldn't read or I was interrupted because I wasn't really engaged in the story.

Then, I registered for BookBub because I figured it would direct me to better quality books at a discount price. Nope. It seemed the suggestions made for me were more of the same and I continued to find less than elevating choices. Keep in mind I do work in a library. I can bring home any book I want, whenever I want. I can even buy books I want to read and put them on hold for myself. But the lure of the back light is strong -- it lets me read in bed, in the dark, under the covers.

Two things have happened to change my pattern.

Last year I signed up for NetGalley in an effort to encourage myself to look for better things to read. NetGalley is a professional reader service. They provide ARCs (or advanced reading copy) from publishers to folks who read for a living. Bloggers, book sellers, reviewers and librarians. Yeah, me. A librarian. I read a few items but I'm not much of a writer or reviewer. And I was super busy so writing a review was stressful and I mothballed my account.

This year, one of the librarians retired and I was given her collection development assignment. For years I bought for the non fiction collection. I enjoyed it quite a bit but my heart belongs to fiction. But the retirement opened up a spot. In Romance. I'm jokingly called the Trashy Romance Novel Queen of the Orem Public Library so this is a good fit. The fantasy aspect of Romance has always appealed to me. Romance is the ultimate escapist read and I am having a great time buying books across the depth and breadth of the romance genre.

Which has brought me back to NetGalley. In my quest to buy something for everyone, I feel I need to try a lot of new authors and sample new books so I can decide it if it right for my collection. I am now reading many ARCs. Mostly romance titles but also paranormal and fantasy and any other thing that may catch my eye. If I can enjoy it and recommend it, then I'll read it.

So, this blog serves many purposes.

• I can post my NetGalley reviews here.
• I can be honest with myself about what I am reading and hopefully avoid the items that are less than worthwhile. (Sort of like logging your food. If you have to admit you ate it, you'll think twice about it.)
• As a member of CLAU-- the Children's Literature Association of Utah, I sit on the YA committee that helps to choose YA books for the contest. This blog will also provide a place to review those books as well. Hopefully reviewing will help me to do a more thorough job of reading these books.
• And, I can try --at age 52-- to develop new skills. Thinking, writing, creativity. Because that is good for your brain.

So. Thank you NetGalley. Thanks for the many ARCs!

Next time: My review for EXO by Fonda Lee