Here's the last of my challenge info. You'll likely notice right away the double R but I just couldn't wait to read the sequel since Rules of Engagement ends very, very abruptly.
Get it @ Dreamspinner Press
Contemporary/GFY/Novel
4 stars
Well written and interesting story about a man going through a divorce and unexpectedly finding himself attracted to another man. A bit emotional and angsty with well drawn protags and smoking hot sex scenes. Overall this was a great read until I reached the end. Unfortunately the ending feels very abrupt and was a bit of a let down. Fortunately I had the sequel ready to read otherwise I would have been a very unhappy reader.
Rain by L.A. WittGet it @ Dreamspinner Press
Contemporary/Sequel/Novella
4 stars
Great follow-up to Rules of Engagement. It's been a couple of years and Brandon and Dustin are getting ready for their wedding. Unresolved family issues are dealt with although not as both men would like it to be. Despite the fact that things don't end perfectly, or maybe because of it, this was a very good conclusion to their story.
Samhain Enchanted Evening by M. King
Get it @ All Romance eBooks
Contemporary/Free Story/Novella
3 stars
Well done, Halloween themed story about a man, slightly disillusioned with his life, and the handsome man he meets at a party. Could he have found a way to get over his slump? Cute and sweet and as an added bonus it's a free download at ARe.
Get it @ Dreamspinner Press
Fantasy/Novel
5 stars
Beautifully written story with a Beauty and the Beast twist. Emotional, funny, sad at times quite sexy and also romantic. Best of all are the truly original protagonists. The ending worked perfectly in large part because it wasn't a convenient, pat, fairytale ending. This is an entertaining, must-read for fans of the author and genre.
Get it @ Dreamspinner Press
Contemporary/Novella
3 stars
Nicely done story about a man who's spent the last few years in a "relationship" with someone who thought they were just friends with benefits. When he finally decides he needs more a vacation with an old friend turns out to be a real eye, and heart, opener. I enjoyed it although I found it hard to believe that after so long none of the men really knew how the others felt.
Get it @ Torquere Books
Futuristic/Series/BDSM/Novel
3 stars
Set in the Velvet Glove world this was a nice story filled to the brim with the author's usual formula of sex, sex and more sex. Although in this case it was more like sex, shaving, sex, shaving... luckily the sex scenes were nicely done because after a while the Dom's shaving fetish got old. The last third of the story was the best as the protags, and the central figures of the Velvet Glove, have to deal with stalker/terrorists. There was action, adventure, some sadness, lots of sex and a nice HEA in this story.
Get it @ Samhain Publishing
Contemporary/Paranormal/Shifter/Series/Novel
3.5 stars
Well written and entertaining story about a closeted werewolf whose worst nightmare comes true when the college student he's agreed to host in his home turns out to be his mate. I love this series, in fact I've really enjoyed everything I've read by Ms. Langley, but for the first time I've finished one of her books feeling a bit dissatisfied. I just couldn't warm up to Aubrey and his irrational need to stay in the closet. Poor Matt deserved better than someone who was constantly thinking of the time when he could send his mate away. The ending was sweet, the sex scenes hot and the cast of supporting characters were all good additions to the storyline. Overall a very nice continuation in the With or Without series despite a less than stellar protag.
Get it @ etopia Press
Contemporary/Novella
3 stars
This was a nice story, GFY themed, about a man who's ex-fiancee left him, and his company, practically bankrupt after she embezzled funds. When he hires an accounting firm to help track the money he ends up finding more than he expected as he surprisingly falls for the gorgeous, male, accountant.
Get it @ Silver Publishing
Contemporary/Series/Novella
4 stars
I really enjoyed this super sweet story. Shiloh and Allen are both likable, nice guys and there's no angst or big misunderstand in this story. Just two guys meeting, falling in love and finding a HEA future. I did feel the resolution at Allen's job was too easy but otherwise I liked the second book in the Men of Charleston series and look forward to the next installment.
Get it @
Sci-fi/Futuristic/Series/Short Story
3.5 stars
Interesting story with a definite BDSM theme. It's short but quite hot and the world created by the author really caught my attention. Sci-fi themed stories aren't my usual cup of tea but I found this one enjoyable and worth reading.
And there you have it. The end of my A-Z Reading Challenge. I read my way through the entire alphabet from March 8th to April 6th... almost a full month to read 26 books. Really 27 with the double R when I read a sequel that I just couldn't wait for. Not bad.
Here's a breakdown of the 27 books I read...
2011 TBR ~~ 17
2010 TBR ~~ 6
2009 TBR ~~ 3
2008 TBR ~~ 1
Novel length ~~ 10
Novellas ~~ 14 although 6 of these were just a few pages short of 150 which is what I count as a novel
Shorts ~~ 3
Up next for me is another A-Z Reading Challenge this time using author first names. I'm up to the letter H with Miles and the Magic Flute by Heidi Cullinan. I'm only on page 35 so far and it's really good. I don't think I'll be able to do the complete alphabet this time but it's okay since my OCD side is happy with at least one complete run through. Next I may do author names again using the last name or possibly titles using series. May I'll just forget about a list and just read whatever comes along. Who knows....
So what's happening in your reading world?
20 comments:
There's an author with an X first name... ;)
Congrats on finishing!!! And you had some good ones at the end. You've reminded me that I want to reread Rules before I read Rain. :)
I'm glad the 10 hour days weren't as bad as you feared - lucky you to have 3 day weekends every week!
Hi, Lily! Hmmm, I'm intrigued by the two from LA Witts. I think I might be about to go on a reading binge of her backlist. But that has to be after I get the edits done for Ink Illusions because no outside reading is possible right now. I remain very impressed by your reading challenges!
Congratulations, Lily. So impressive! Good luck on the next go-round!
Yay you. I've read a few of those and enjoyed them. I'm afraid I'm not nearly OCD enough, hence my challenge is all over the place. LOL Plus then I read shorts for the other site so really I haven't followed it at all truth be told. :-)
Enjoy your three days off. The 10 hours days will probably get easier as you adjust to the schedule.
Congrats, Lily!! You covered letter of the alphabet - very impressive. I hope you have a relaxing 3 day weekend.
I went on a Kim Dare binge over the weekend and read the entire Thrown to the Lions series.
Hottie of the Week....yum :)
X? Really? Care to share? :)
Thanks, Chris! I think you'll enjoy Rain. And Rules is worth rereading.
Val, I think you'd enjoy both of the Witt books. Good luck with the edits. I'm looking forward to the release. :)
Thanks a lot, Wren! :)
Thanks, Tam! :)
There's nothing wrong with not being as compulsive about lists. This challenge was fun until I realized I didn't have anything for a couple of letters towards the end. Thankfully Chris helped me out cause I wasn't starting to stress out about it. It's why I keep reminding myself it's been done and now it's okay to skip letters if needed.
Thanks, Ava!
I hope you enjoyed your binge. I read the first on in the series a while back and enjoyed it.
He is yummy, isn't he? Glad you liked him. ;)
Xara X. Xanakas
The complete alphabet in one month, wow, you're kinda my reading hero! I never get past the 8-10 novels. The book of Amy Lane is waiting on my iPad to be read and I've got a feeling that one will be next ;) In my reading world I'm experiencing a rocky road; one day I can read a complete novel, the next I'm stumbling my way through a novel taking me days. Right now i'm starting in Shannon McKenna - The Ultimate Weapon. I love the McCloud series fiercely and Tam is one of those fantastic secondary characters who finally got her own story ;)
Here's another author with first name X that Jen reviewed. You might want to save Chris' for last name X.
http://jenre-wellread.blogspot.com/2011/04/review-dutchs-boy-by-xavier-axleson.html
Thanks, Chris! I've got the Xmas antho in my TBR. Yay!
Thanks, Leontine! I hope you're enjoying The Ultimate Weapon and hopefully you'll also like Amy's.
Great idea, Tam. Thanks! :)
Hey, by doing this, you completed one of the GRs challenges, if you're interested!
Thanks, Chris! I've been too lazy to head back there and update it. Maybe today...
Congrats Lily.. and thanks for the write up on some of those..
I have Anderson book up in a few day - good to know your thoughts..
:)
Thanks, EH!
Hope you enjoy Andi's story. :)
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