My Reading List

Since I've determined that it is not practical or feasible (at this time) to write "a review" for each book but I want to share my thoughts on each book/series I read I've created this entry to keep a running book list that uses my two ratings charts (Spice by Suns and Storyline by Hearts - max of 4 in each catagory).  All opinions expressed in this blog are personal to the blogger and unless specified elsewhere no monetary funds were provided for the opinions written here.  The opinions expressed may not (and likely do not) coincide with authors, publishers, other bloggers, readers or general members of the public.

General Format for this posting (Please be aware for author names - they are by author pen name, so if an author has multiple pen names they will be listed more than once and not merged below.  Listing is alphabetical by author's last "pen" name).
Last Name Author, First Name Author
Book Title/Publishers Name: Spice Suns/Storyline Hearts
or
Series Title:  Spice Suns/Storyline Hearts

 

Ashley, JenniferShifter Unbound Series: ☼☼/♥♥♥

Banks, MayaColter Series:  ☼☼☼/♥♥♥
KGI Series:  ☼☼/♥♥♥

Bartlett,

GerryReal Vampires/Glory St.

Claire Series:  ☼☼/♥♥♥

Black, ShaylaWicked Lovers Series:  ☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥

Burton, JaciPlay by Play Series:  ☼☼/♥♥♥♥

Cast, PC & KristenHouse of Night Series:  ☼/♥♥♥

Dane, LaurenFederation Military Corp Series:  ☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥

Day, AlyssaAtlantean Series:  ☼☼/♥♥♥

Dodd, ChristinaLost Texas Series:  ☼☼/♥♥♥
Fortune Hunger Series  ☼☼/♥♥♥♥

Fox, CathrynEternal Pleasure Series ☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥

Gordon, GinaBare Naked Designs Series:  ☼☼☼/♥♥♥

Harris, CharlaineSookie Stackhouse Series ☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥

Ione, LarissaLords of the Underworld Series ☼☼/♥♥♥♥

Kennedy, StaceyWhatnots & Doodads, A Strange Hallow Story/Liquid Silver Books:  ☼☼☼/♥♥♥

Leigh, LoraBreeds Series ☼☼☼/♥♥♥
Bound Hearts Series ☼☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥
Nauti Boys Series ☼☼☼☼/♥♥♥
Men of August Series ☼☼☼☼/♥♥♥
Tempting Seals Series:  ☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥
Elite Ops Series:  ☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥

McCarty, SarahHell's Eight Series ☼☼/♥♥♥
Shadow Wranglers Series ☼☼☼/♥♥♥

McCarthy, Erin
Fast Track Series ☼☼/♥♥♥

Palmer, PamelaFeral Warriors Series ☼☼/♥♥

Renwick, SophieRyder Brothers Series ☼☼/♥♥♥

Sands, LynsayArgeneau/Rogue Hunter Series ☼☼/♥♥♥
Madison Sisters Series☼☼/♥♥♥
Highlands Series ☼☼/♥♥♥

Sinclair, CheriseMasters of the Shadowlands Series ☼☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥Mountain Masters Series ☼☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥
Doms of Dark Haven ☼☼☼☼/♥♥♥♥

Sparks, KerrelynLove at Stake Series ☼☼/♥♥♥

Ward, JRBlack Dagger Brotherhood Series ☼☼☼/♥♥♥
Fallen Angels Series☼☼/♥♥♥

My Rating System

Readers Spice Chart by Suns

☼Mild Hotness (one sun) – kissing, sexual tension or innuendos without full descriptive scenes (think Bella & Edward in Twilight or Judy Blume’s Forever/appropriate for teenagers or young adults)

☼☼Moderate Hotness (two suns) – vanilla M/F romance, sexual depictions go beyond kissing and innuendos, scenes may portray Dominant/submissive behavior but not heavily considered in realm of BDSM, most books in this category will have 2-4 scenes within a novel (or approximately 1 sexual depiction per 60 pages)

☼☼☼Hot Hot Hot (three suns) – Sexual Depictions, tension and innuendos threaded throughout story line.  Scenes may contain graphic descriptions, various ménages, BDSM imagery.

☼☼☼☼Total Spice (four suns) – Writing is completely sexual in nature.  The entire plot revolves around sex.  Scenes contain graphic descriptions, various ménages, BDSM imagery and the like

Readers Storyline Chart by Hearts

♥ Poor Development (one heart)– Both Characters and Plot are lacking development.

♥♥Mild Development (two hearts)– Either characters or plot development but not both.

♥♥♥Moderate Development (three hearts)– Character and plot development is strong.  The storyline was developed and held readers attention.  However, it may have taken time to become drawn into the book because of slow hook, there may have been instances of dragging scenes, or failure to follow through completely.

♥♥♥♥Exceptional Development (four hearts)– Character and plot were developed in a manner that the reader was drawn immediately into the storyline.  The storyline continued to hold interest and did not lag at any point.

This rating system is totally arbitrary and reflects only the opinions of this blogger.  No outside solicitations were made in coming to the determination on the rating system and no intention is made to copy another writer or bloggers rating system.  This blogger has not been paid for their rating system or how it may be applied to any books or writings receiving ratings on this site.

one of my my musings (thoughts to myself)

the core

hurt alone wandering soul
unsure looking wanting needing
strong determined waiting for my Guide
where are They, when will They come, i alone am waiting.

no fear, no question
seduction fills me as i watch others
why do they lie, what is their purpose
i alone am waiting for the One to come.

© 2011

No one has permission to re-publish, re-blog or utlize in any fashion without express permission of this blog author.  If you choose to use this writing in any manner without express written permission it will be subject to legal ramifications. 

BRAZEN © 2008

Author:  Maya Banks

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing, Ltd

　

What does the author say?

One woman’s campaign to win the hearts of the two men she loves.

Jasmine left the Sweetwater Ranch and the Morgan brothers, no longer able to bear the painful dilemma of loving them both.  After a year away, in which she gains a new perspective, she returns home with one goal.  To make Seth and Zane Morgan hers.

Jaz may have left an innocent girl, but she’s returned a beautiful, sensual woman.  Seth and Zane aren’t prepared for the full on assault she launches and each battle an attraction they’ve fought for years.

She wants them both, but Seth has no intention of sharing his woman.  It’s up to her to change his mind because she can’t and won’t choose between two men she loves with equal passion.  For her, it’s all or nothing.

My review:

This can be read a stand alone book as the story is complete even if it does leave you wanting more.  However, Maya Banks did us all a favor my filling in a little of the mystery post-history by featuring Seth, Zane and Jaz with their friend JT in the novella Reckless which is the novella included in Red Hot Summer.  This is a spicy book that warrants its warning of explicit sex, graphic language and ménage a trios.  Maya Banks could definitely add a second full book or another novella with the characters she’s created. 

This is a definite read for those that enjoy reading in the "Calgon take me away moments!"  It is more than sexy story.  Maya Banks draws you into the characters with the “back-stories” she provides.  She not only makes the story sexy but brings it to life with vivid images.  She captures your emotion from the first chapter.  You don’t need to read 50 pages to be fully captivated.  A definite treat for readers of spice romance…aka smut.

Brazen begins with Jaz’s return to the brothers at Sweetwater Ranch.  Through her memories we find out how she met the brothers and became part of Sweetwater.  We learn why she left to explore Paris and the results of that exploration.

We learn how about the brothers and how they came to own Sweetwater Ranch.  We learned what has fueled these two brothers in their life.  The reader is able to fall in love with each brother and what they possess.  We are even treated with some of their inner weaknesses which makes the reader fall deeper in love with both Zane and Seth.  You cheer for these two as they learn really why Jaz is part of them.

The support characters are incredible touches that only add to the storyline.  Each support character has substance and meaning, they aren’t just on the pages for background.  We get to meet them and enjoy their individual personalities even if only for a page or two.

Brazen definitely comes to life and is filled with highpoint.  I’m hardpressed to determine any low points, other than the book coming to an end.  Thank you Maya for giving us the Novella:  Reckless in order to catch up on the happenings at Sweetwater Ranch and their little piece of Texas. 

Spoilers …

No Spoilers from me this time…other than, dang my imagination is ready to try out some of the sinful predicaments in the bedroom.  Yum Yum Yum.  But I will say that Brazen is the perfect title and description for Jaz...she definitely undergoes a transformation from the girl the boys meet at the tender age of 16 to the woman she becomes, one who is boldly selfassured, at the age of 22.

Disclosure: This book was self purchased in hard cover. No payment was recieved by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligations to write a positive review. All opinions expressed herein are the blog authors.  These opinions may not necessarily agree with the author, publisher, publicists or other readers of this blog.  This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

My first post...WOW

So what do I say?  This is my first time blogging.  I live within the screen shots of the web for now.  I do have a passion for life.  I'm a voracious reader of all types of romance from the every day relationships portrayed as vanilla or contemporary to the relationships of yesteryear, paranormal when the occasion is right (or species is a turn on), and just some of the plain ole fashion smut that would make your grandmother blush.  I read 3 or 4 books a week and during the lazy, cold days of winter is is easy for me to read a book a day.  I hope you enjoys my posts and writings.  Thanks for stopping by.
Annalisa