Library Loot: July 28th - August 3

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted alternatively by Marg and Claire that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky (at Marg's this week) any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

Normally when I go to the library I don't do a lot of browsing. I normally reserve the books I want then just go pick them up. However, this week I took some time strolling the stacks and immediately snatched up these great YA reads off the shelf.

Books:

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride

I had reserved the following and they came in at the same time.

DVDs:

Green Zone

CD's:

Bedtime Stories - Madonna

Just curious, how many of you reserve books beforehand and then pick them up versus browsing the shelves? Or a combination of both?

Review: Forget You by Jennifer Echols

WHY CAN'T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET...AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER?

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four-year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. With her life about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people—suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

When I first read all the rave reviews of Echols' Going Too Far, I was psyched to read it. I love a good YA contemporary romance and am always looking for new authors. Although I liked Going Too Far, I didn't love it, and I certainly didn't think it lived up to all the hype. However, I did enjoy it and was hoping I 'd LOVE Forget You. Alas, I liked this one much less than Going Too Far.

Why? Simple, Zoey. The main character. I, frankly, could not stand her. On one hand I really felt sorry for her. She has this horrible father. I mean BAD. Then her mother tries to kill herself and is admitted to the loony bin. And her horrible father threatens her, demanding she tell no one about the incident, including her two best friends. He then makes Zoey feel like she can't say or do certain things for fear people will also think she's crazy, like her mother.

She's having a helluva tough time. Right after her mom's incident her Dad and his new girlfriend head out to Hawaii to get married leaving the seventeen year-old Zoey alone. Sigh. Talk about bad parenting. So, I feel for her. I really do. However, the night her mother attempts suicide. Zoey does something drastic and out of character (which is understandable considering the ordeal she's been through) by losing her virginity to Brandon, her man-whore, player of a friend. Maybe not the best decision ever but ya know we all make mistakes, we do stupid things when we're hurting or in pain. That's not what bothered me.

What bothered me was for the entire rest of the novel she referred to Brandon as her boyfriend and somehow equated this one time incident as a relationship. I'm sorry honey but a one time hook-up does not a boyfriend make.

I can somewhat understand her motivation behind this. She's in this uncontrollable situation and keeping up appearances has always been part of who Zoey is. Brandon is the football captain and having him as her boyfriend would, in her mind, help keep the appearance of a normal life.

I can't express how obnoxious and annoying I found it every time Zoey said something to the effect of Brandon being her boyfriend. I felt so bad for Doug, because you know he felt just as frustrated with this ridiculous notion. I loved the scene where he suggested she get a card that she could whip out every-time she was going to use the " Brandon Boyfriend Excuse"(BBE), as I've been referring to it in my mind.

Doug. He was the books saving grace for me. I loved him. The bad boy rep but really he's a nice guy. I really wanted to smack Zoey upside the head every freaking time she used the BBE with Doug. Bitch, he's not your boyfriend, grow a brain! Gah!

Despite my complete annoyance with Zoey I have to say that Echols can really write one helluva love scene. She manages to make it hot and sexy and completely believable between two teens. I also loved that she doesn't shy away from generally tabooed topics such a masturbation. The incident is brief but I cheered when I read it. I remember my first time reading about *gasp* masturbation when I read Judy Blume's Deenie and I like to see authors tackling such subjects!

Overall, I was just so annoyed with Zoey's insistence that Brandon was her boyfriend that I could NOT find enough empathy to move beyond it. And not even Doug could get me past it. But never fear readers, I seem to be in the minority in my thinking. If you can get past Zoey's bonehead assumptions you'll probably enjoy it. However, I couldn't and it really impeded my enjoyment of the novel.

Rating:



Other reviews:
Angieville
Confessions of a Bookaholic
Lurv a la Mode
The Book Smugglers
The Story Siren

Disclosure: I received this copy from the publisher. I did not receive any compensation for this review.

Library Love: Link Round-up

There have been a lot of great library related articles and videos recently so I figured I'd round up some of them in a post.

No doubt you've all seen the sexy Old Spice's spokesman video on libraries:



But have you seen BYU's spoof "New Spice Study Like a Scholar, Scholar", promoting it's libraries?



In the same vein, the librarians at the University of Washington do their own rendition of Lady Gaga's Poker Face. Haha, this kills me! I love it!



Next up is the NPR article predicting that libraries will be the next big pop culture wave.

The article references several other recent library related articles including the unfortunate Fox affiliate piece on Chicago libraries and the Library Commissioner, Mary Dempsey's response. Go Mary! It also referenced a Vanity Fair article responding to the Fox news piece as well.

Marilyn Johnson, who recently visited Estella's Revenge to discuss her new book and the importance of libraries, wrote a touching piece for the L.A. Times. On July 20th the L.A. Times highlighted the third reduction in library services since December.

The New Yorker discusses Stanford's "bookless library", wherein the physical books have disappeared to be replaced by digital versions.

Whew! And this isn't even the half of it folks, seems like every time I open a newspaper or a news website there's some article about library budget cuts. To keep up with latest library news and advocacy, there are several websites you might want to consider bookmarking including:

American Library Association's Office for Library Advocacy
Geek the Library
I Love Libraries
Losing Libraries
Save Libraries

Then there are sweet stories like this that was posted to my library's Facebook wall yesterday:

Too incredibly sweet - a young customer from the Dublin Branch recently donated her lemonade stand profits so we could purchase Chinese children's books. The
profit was $14.31 and she plans to continue selling lemonade to help us buy more
books. Our customers continue to impress us on a daily basis.

How friggin' sweet is that?! *tear*

Review: Broken Wing by Judith James

Set during the chaotic beginnings of Napoleon's rule, this saga tells the story of Gabriel St. Croix, a street survivor searching for a place to belong.

Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, he has never known friendship or affection. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy facade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy's family has found him, and they are coming to take him home.

Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother's disappearance. When he's located, safe and unharmed despite where he has been living, Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own. Becoming a mercenary, pirate, and professional gambler, he travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again.

On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey and the greatest gamble of all is within the darkest reaches of his own heart.

This book first appeared on my radar way back when Kristie(j) posted her review then her subsequent quest to get EVERYONE to read it, much like her North & South crusade! I don't know why I didn't read this sooner. Kristie hasn't steered me wrong yet between Ride the Fire, North & South, and the Joss Ware Envy series; I should know by now to read everything Kristie tells me!

I don't know that there's a lot for me to add with all of the amazing reviews of Broken Wing but if you're a girl who loves a tortured hero, they don't make 'em much more tortured than Gabriel St. Croix.

This is one seriously damaged soul, so drawn into himself, having experienced nothing at all of love, he can't imagine anyone expressing any kindness towards him. His perceptions of people's actions and intentions toward him are so skewed, your heart just breaks for him. Especially when Sarah says or acts out of complete kindness or generosity and he immediately assumes the worst and often lashes out unnecessarily.

You might think, as a reader, that this would grate on your nerves however, I think it's an accurate representation of the psychological and emotional damage that people who suffer the kind of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse that Gabeendured.

While Gabriel has serious issues and the book deals with some disturbing content, I think James does an excellent job of giving the reader just enough information regarding Gabe's past without crossing a line into gratuitous descriptions of his abuse.

Sarah is an excellent heroine, almost too perfect in my opinion though. She's so forgiving and understanding and always manages to react to Gabe's outbursts with the perfect amount of patience and sympathy. She's exactly the type of woman Gabriel needs, however she just seems so perfect it would have been nice if she had some flaws!

This is definitely a hero centric story, there is a large chunk of the story where Gabriel and Sarah are separated but if you're like me and enjoy a good tortured hero, no doubt you'll fall in love with Gabriel! You HAVE to pick up Broken Wing. I love it!

Kristie, consider me a Questor!



Other reviews:

Stacy's Place on Earth
The Good, The Bad, and The Unread
Read, React, Review
The Misadventures of Superlibrarian

Library Loot: July 21- 27

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted alternatively by Eva and Marg that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky (at Marg's this week) any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

Nothing to report on library loot this week. After the last two excellent hauls I've got a lot of books to work through!

However, here are links to reviews of some of my recent library loot:

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Until next time!

Review: Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

In America's Gulf Coast region, where grounded oil tankers are being broken down for parts, Nailer, a teenage boy, works the light crew, scavenging for copper wiring just to make quota--and hopefully live to see another day. But when, by luck or chance, he discovers an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, Nailer faces the most important decision of his life: Strip the ship for all it's worth or rescue its lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl who could lead him to a better life. . . .

I picked this one up based on the Book Smuggler's review, however I was a bit apprehensive because they also loved Incarceron which I just could NOT connect with. But I was pleasantly surprised with Ship Breaker.

Nailer, our protagonist, savages abandoned oil takers for copper wiring to make quota for the tyrannical men in charge in the futuristic story where most of the Gulf Coast is now submerged. Nailer, like most people on the beach, have a rough life. However, Nailer also has to deal with a drunken, drug addicted father that routinely beats him and is downright evil.

One day, Nailer's luck turns and he and his best friend, Pima, discover an expensive ship that has wrecked unbeknown to anyone else. While scavenging the boat they uncover a wealthy girl, Nita, nearly drowned in the wreckage.

They're faced with the choice of killing the girl and claiming the ship or saving the girl in hopes that her rich family will reward them beyond their wildest imagination for saving her. In the end they save her but Nita has secrets of her own and the rest of the book finds Nailer and Nita on the run from those pursuing Nita, and Nailer running from his father.

This book was pretty action packed, it moved quickly. However, what I liked most about it was the insight it had into what makes a "family". For Nailer, his mother is gone and his father is downright evil. The closest thing he has to family is Pima, his best friend and her mother. I liked how Nailer learns that blood relations don't necessarily guarantee love or a sense of family. Sometimes you make your family from those that are there for you, blood or not.

The end wraps up the events of the novel nicely, however I was left wanting more. Wanting to know what Nailer's next move would be. I'm wondering if there's going to be a sequel or not.

Overall this is a great addition to the slew of dystopian novels out there. I would definitely recommend this one!

Rating:

Interview at Stacy's

Hey everyone, Stacy interviewed me for her Guest Spotlight. Go check it out! :)

Thanks for having me Stacy!

Library Loot July 14 - July 20

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted alternatively by Eva and Marg that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky (at Marg's this week) any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

After my big haul last week. This week's haul was a bit lighter but still got some great books (links to Goodreads):

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger
The Irish Warrior by Kris Kennedy

And a couple of DVDs (links to Amazon):

Ladyhawke
Willow

So my friends and I were discussing some of our favorite 80's movies and among them were Labyrinth, Legend, Ladyhawe, Willow, and The Never Ending Story. So last night we had a a viewing of Ladyhawke and had entirely too much fun making fun of it. Willow is up next!

Library Love: Libraries and Authors

In my initial Library Love post last week, I mentioned that what really sparked my interest in creating this feature were some anonymous comments on Holly's post over at the Book Binge. Like this comment:

I always think of libraries from an author's point of view. If I want to read a book I think the author deserves to make a profit from it. I would rather pay for a book even if I don't love it, because the person who created it isn't going to be able to make a living from thousands of people borrowing the same copy!!

This comment was met with responses by authors such as Lauren Dane, JoAnn Ross, and KB Alan in defense of libraries. I particularly liked this comment from Sandy James:

Yes, authors want to make a profit. But I hold no grudge against people reading my books through a library. I even donated copies to a local branch. I write to tell a story that I want to get into as many hands as possible. Yes, I might lose a few (probably very few *g*) bucks when people borrow them from libraries, but don't we also pass books amongst ourselves to friends and family? Technically, authors lose money that way, too. I refuse to turn my craft into a penny-pinching venture, and I am thrilled when anyone takes time out of her busy day to spend time with my stories.

Hope that gives you one author's perspective on libraries. :)

I think Sandy hit the mark with her comment that she wants her book to get into "as many hands as possible".

I know I will often check out new-to-me authors from the library; this gives me the chance to diversify my reading without the commitment of purchasing books that I might end-up hating. What often happens is that I will try an author's book via the library and if I love it, I am more likely to BUY their books in the future.

One example of this was around 2000 when I just happened to pick up a copy of Laurell K. Hamilton's Obsidian Butterfly. I started it that night and read it all they way through. I realized it was part of a series and proceeded to locate the entire series at my local bookstore. I still buy her books to this day. All because I checked ONE BOOK out of the library. I'd say that's working in the author's favor!

I think most of us that can support our favorite authors by purchasing their books do. However, there are are a lot of people who are just barely scraping by and one of the few places left where people have free access to information, both printed and online, is through the public libraries.



My recent Library Loot haul contains a lot of books that I would normally buy, however, I have several trips planned this summer and need to save some money. But do intend to purchase the books once my travels end. There have also been quite a few books that I've recently read thanks to the library and loved the books so much I wanted them for my own, including: Beautiful Creatures, Proof by Seduction, and The Sky is Everywhere.

So tell me blogger friends, has your library introduced you to new authors? If so, have you since purchased books by said author or do you continue to check their books out from the library?

What type of books are you more likely to check out as opposed to purchasing? (New to you authors, specific genres, a series that has gone downhill, etc.)

Authors, how do you feel about your books circulating in libraries? Inquiring minds want to know!

Are you a librarian, library advocate, reader, author, publisher, or blogger who wants to stand up for our libraries? Do you have a love story for your library to share? I'd love to hear from folks and schedule guest posts! Please contact me at bookfaredelights[at]gmail[dot]com !

I recently came across this post at Lesa's Book Critiques who's guest post was best-selling author Tess Gerritsen discussing libraries. It's a great piece, if you have a minute be sure to check it out!

As I published this I saw a comment on Lesa's blog linking to a website "Authors for Libraries". Just thought I'd share.

Review: Embrace the Night Eternal by Joss Ware

Everything they knew is gone.

From the raging fires, five men emerge with extraordinary new powers. They must learn how to survive this dark, ravaged world . . . but they cannot do it alone.

Simon Japp will never forget his violent past. But when civilization is all but destroyed, he sees his chance for redemption. Blessed with a strange "gift," he's determined to help the resistance against the Strangers, the mysterious force that stalks them at every turn. He can't afford to get distracted, even by the stunning, soft-spoken woman fighting by his side . . . Sage Corrigan has learned to be careful where she places her trust. But she sees something good in Simon, even if he can't see it in himself. Posing as lovers to infiltrate a group key to their fight, they find that their staged affection soon develops into a desire that will leave them fighting for their lives in the night eternal.

I really enjoyed the first installment of this series and immensely enjoyed this book. I still think the romance aspect is a little lacking but I love, love the world Ware has built.

This book is about Simon Japp who is truly an outsider. He was an outsider in his life before the global disaster all but obliterated the Earth, and when he awakes 50 years later to this post-apocalyptic world he is the outsider among the other men who also experienced this mysterious Rip Van Winkle number. I'm always a sucker for tortured heroes and Simon has quite a past. I think he really made this book for me. Although, I kinda felt like we didn't quite get all his past. We learn about his violent past, as the right hand man for one of Vegas' biggest mobsters, but we never really learned how he got into that position. At least, I don't remember if this was explained. I read this a few weeks ago and am just now getting to review it.

So anyone else who's read this series did we find out how Simon ended up entangled with the mob? When reading I kept thinking, there's something more to this story. Something about his childhood or upbringing that we're missing. So, Kristie(j), you're the one who turned me on to this series. Do you remember? I'm pretty sure we didn't get that info. In any case, I felt like if I had just a little bit more about his background it would have made it a little more satisfying.

I really liked the heroine Sage who, because of her heritage, is also an outsider. Judged because of where she comes from. I thought she and Simon made a good pair.

I was a little miffed with Theo in this one. I was really intrigued by him in the first book and he was kind of a dope to Sage in this book. But I'm still looking forward to his book.

All in all, a good second book. I'm impressed by the world building but still wish for a pinch more smexy lovin'.

The Envy Chronicles in order:

1. Beyond the Night
2. Embrace the Night Eternal
3. Abandon the Night

Rating:

Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

I picked this up from the library on a recommendation from my friend Ariel after one of her high school students gave it to her. She thought I would love it and she knows me well! I really enjoyed this book.

It's a great summer beach read, however it's not just a summer beach read. It deals with deeper issues than catching rays and kissing boys. It's about friends and family. It's about growing up and thinking about someone other than yourself. That would probably be my only complaint about the book. I felt that Belly was pretty self-absorbed and pretty bratty. Other characters mention it, she even mentions she's a pouter, but that doesn't really excuse her behavior in some cases. I think, near the end, she had some sobering moments that really opened her eyes to how self-centered she'd been. I'm hoping that in the sequel we'll see some maturity and character growth from Belly.

Belly. I have to comment on the name. Any girl with the nickname Belly (short for Isabella?!) would have to be pretty. No way would a normal girl be cool with being called "Belly". I certainly wouldn't have, of course I was always a little overweight and that name would just remind me of those few extra pound around the middle. I just thought it was kind of a horrible nickname. Or is that just me? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Overall, I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the banter between Belly and Jeremiah; the pining and longing for Conrad and his bad boy, broody self. However, I'm not sure I liked who she ended up with. Looking forward to reading the sequel, It's Not Summer Without You, to see how the relationships between Belly and these two boys evolve and change.

Rating:

New Feature: Library Love

Book Fare Delights will have a new weekly feature called Library Love >> see my purty badge?! :)

This feature will discuss issues facing our public libraries and librarians, why the library is an essential American institution and needs to be preserved, and hopefully stories from other librarians, readers, library advocates, authors, and bloggers on why they love their library! If you're interested in doing a guest post please contact me at bookfaredelights[at]gmail[dot]com

I love libraries. Always have. Guess it's no surprise I became a librarian. But even if I hadn't gone into the library field, I would still be an vocal library advocate.

I visited the Clark County Public Library for most of my life. Visiting their bookmobile weekly, then the Main Library once my family moved closer to it.

When I moved to Columbus for college , I frequented the Columbus Metropolitan Library (who was awarded Library of the Year for 2010!).

Then, I went to library school and began seeking employment at the local libraries. I found myself working part time at the Worthington Libraries (awarded the Library of the Year for 2007).

When I found full-time employment as a Librarian, it was not in the public library realm. I now found myself a solo-Academic Librarian. I've been in that position for almost three years. I love my job. But I still miss working in the public library.

Why share my library use resume? Because our public libraries are in danger. Budgets are getting slashed left and right, while library usage and circulation continues to rise. Holly at The Book Binge recently posted on this topic and linked to the Huffington Post article on our endangered libraries. While following the discussion at The Book Binge, I saw several Anonymous comments that really struck a nerve. These comments sparked the creation of this feature. I think a lot of people miss what libraries are all about. Hopefully, I can do my part in spreading the Library Love. Thanks to Holly for letting me steal her post title for my new feature!

Again, are you a librarian, library advocate, reader, author, or blogger who wants to stand up for our libraries? Do you have a love story for your library to share? I'd love to hear from folks and have guest posts! Please contact me at bookfaredelights[at]gmail[dot]com !

Library Loot : July 7 - July 13

I figured since I get so many books from the library that I would go ahead and participate in the Library Loot meme. (I had fun creating this badge! - please do not use without permission.)

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted alternatively by Eva and Marg that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky (at Marg's this week) any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

Without further ado here are my library finds for this week:

• The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
• Beastly by Alex Flinn
• Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

• My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger
• Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick
• Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

• Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols
• Stolen by Lucy Christopher
• Faithful by Janet Fox
  

• Lady Isabella's Scandelous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley
  
• Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane
• Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

Review: Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

Now, as the vampire warriors defend their race against their slayers, one male's loyalty to the Brotherhood will be tested-and his dangerous mixed blood revealed...

Caldwell, New York, has long been the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It's also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and owner of a notorious night club that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he's approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King and leader of the Brotherhood.

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood-even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him-and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

Alright y'all, I won't pussy foot around it - I was disappointed with this book. As I mentioned in my Goodreads discussion I think a lot of it had to do with my expectations. With Lover Enshrined I went in not expecting much based on a lot of blogger reviews; most people said it was their least favorite in the series. Because I started it with such low expectations, I actually ended up liking it a lot more than I had anticipated.

With Lover Avenged I went in expecting more, something better than Lover Enshrined and was pretty disappointed. I really didn't love Rhev all that much. *ducks* I enjoyed him in the other books but as a main hero he kinda fell flat for me. As others have mentioned I loved him with Bella, Nalla, and his mother. But with Ehlena...meh. I actually liked Ehlena a lot though. I thought her reaction to finding out the truth bout Rhev to be pretty realistic. I'da been pissed too. To me she was one of the stronger heroines of the series, but I still just didn't LOVE their story.

One thing I really enjoyedwas the Wrath/Beth storyline. We haven't seen that much of them since Dark Lover and it was nice to see more of their relationship post-HEA.

I think another reason I didn't like this one as well is because aside from the Wrath/Beth sub-plot I didn't care much for the other ongoing plots. There wasn't enough with John/Xhex (I know Lover Mine, can't wait!), there was like NO TEAM QHUAY in this one. *stomps foot & pouts* Now, I almost always just skim the lesser sections. I'm paying a little more attention now that Lash is Mr. Evil. But there just wasn't enough keeping me engaged in this one.

Overall, one of my least favorite in the series. Actually when I think about it, I enjoyed Lover Enshrined more because of all the other overarching sub-plots. It's official, this one is my least favorite of the series. It was just not satisfying enough, thus earning it only:

Reading Recap: June 2010

It's killing me to see all these monthly reads re-cap posts with people reading 30, 20, even 10 books. I had a horrible month. I read ONE. BOOK. That's right, ONE. I have 2 reviews up. But Beyond the Night I actually read in May, and was listed on my May Reading Recap.

And that one book I "read" was an audiobook, so I actually listened to one book and "read", gulp, none. Fuck me. Sorry, I don't cuss a lot on this blog, but FUCK! Zero books read! Zero!

I'm almost done with Lover Avenged, but according to my Gooodreads account I started it on JUNE 6th. And I'm still not finished with it. Fuuuuuck! It's mostly due to not having any spare time to read.

I'm also listening to The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Have about one disc left to listen to.

So here's what I "read" in June:

Graceling by Kristen Cashore (audiobook)


That's it! I hope July is a better month for me. How did y'all do in June?