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The Best and Worst of What I Read in 2009 -Part B (in the order read)
By an Amazon.com customer
Can You Keep a Secret?Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $1.48
This book is pure chick-lit, and my first book by author Sophie Kinsella. The plot starts with a girl gushing her secrets to a stranger on a plane when a crash seems imminent, only to find out in the office on Monday that he's the CEO of her company. I laughed and I cried reading this book. It had some nice raw emotion to it, and that made it touching. 5/5 stars June 2009
The Handmaid's TaleThe Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Buy used from: $8.00
I last read this dystopian novel in HS in the early 90s, and it is still good. The USA, now known as the Republic of Gilead, has had extremists take over. Women have no rights, and only 1/4 of women can give birth. The main character has a biblical role of handmaid. I do have faith in my life, but this has a good message about freedom of choice in regards to belief. 5/5 stars June 2009
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1)Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1) by Jeaniene Frost
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $3.43
My favorite character on Buffy the Vampire Slayer was Spike, so I had no problem with Bones in this novel being such a close parallel. The novel was full of action, but had a few stupid parts. When you've just lost 2 loved ones, and someone else has been kidnapped by sadistic people, you would not have the urge to have sex before searching. I do plan to read the sequel. 4.5/5 stars June 2009
On the CouchOn the Couch by Alisa Kwitney
Buy new: $9.31 / Used from: $0.01
This book had a lot of potential, but it was very frustrating to read. The characters were neurotic and there were subplots that were boring. The basic premise of the book is a cop who mistakeningly calls a psychologist thinking she is an escort he needs to investigate. There was some hope in cop's alpha-male scenes, but in the end it fell short. Glad I got from library. 3/5 stars June 2009
One for the Money (Stephanie Plum, No. 1)One for the Money (Stephanie Plum, No. 1) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $11.16 / Used from: $3.77
I thought I would hate this book - bounty hunter in New Jersey eek! However, it had so many good reviews, I checked it out from the library. I am happy to admit that I was dead wrong and it was a very good read. I promptly went and bought the other books in the series. Hopefully, I won't regret my decision :) 5/5 stars June 2009
Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum, No. 2)Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum, No. 2) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.71
I love the Grandmother in this series. She provides all the laugh-out-loud moments. She reminds me of Sophia from the Golden Girls, but funnier :) I love the banter/chemistry between Stephanie and Joe, but I think it was more fun between them in book one. 4.5/5 stars June 2009
Single White Vampire (Argeneau Vampires, Book 3)Single White Vampire (Argeneau Vampires, Book 3) by Lynsay Sands
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $1.45
After reading A QUICK BITE by this same author a couple weeks back, I didn't think I would read any of her other books. However, I decided to give one more in the series a try. This one had some humor, but I still found it predictable and not as enticing as I hoped it might be. I will consider reading one more from her. 3.5/5 stars June 2009
Three to Get Deadly (Stephanie Plum, No. 3)Three to Get Deadly (Stephanie Plum, No. 3) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
I'm still very into this series. Love the characters. Love the humor. Never thought I would enjoy a story that takes place in Trenton, New Jersey. I'm waiting for a love triangle to develop in a future book. We'll see if my suspicions are correct. 5/5 stars June 2009
NeuroticaNeurotica by Sue Margolis
Buy new: $10.16 / Used from: $0.01
Got this book from the library because it sounded interesting. About 11 pages into the book I started sighing heavily and asking myself why I was reading it. Skimming bits looking for where it got interesting didn't seem to help, either. Admittedly, I didn't give it much of a chance, but this didn't seem worth the time. 1/5 stars June 2009
Four to Score (Stephanie Plum, No. 4)Four to Score (Stephanie Plum, No. 4) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
This mystery was predictable, but the chemistry between Joe and Stephanie was quite fun! And, I loved how Ranger kept showing up just after Stephanie got into her big scuffles. My favorite part of this particular one was Joe's family interaction with Stephanie. Will there be a shower? 5/5 stars June 2009
The Cubicle Next DoorThe Cubicle Next Door by Siri L. Mitchell
Buy new: $15.38 / Used from: $3.77
I had many shared experiences with the female lead in this book. In some ways, it was like looking at a younger version of myself. However, I also wanted to shake the main character and say WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?! because it was so frustrating. I'm glad that she's a fictional character and not me. :) 4.5/5 stars June 2009
Confessions of a Shopaholic (Movie Tie-in Edition)Confessions of a Shopaholic (Movie Tie-in Edition) by Sophie Kinsella
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
This title didn't take to me nearly as well as CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET did. Probably because I can't relate to clothing/shoes shopping fantasies. However, I will say that this book was much better than the movie version. The book made the character much more likeable and more intelligent. The movie's plot was wildly different. 3.5/5 stars July 2009
The Plot ThickensThe Plot Thickens by Mary Higgins Clark
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
I got this anthology to read Janet Evanovich's short story in the Stephanie Plum series titled THE LAST PEEP. It was boring and kind of pointless. It didn't seem at all like the other plum stories I've read. I don't recommend it. THE LAST PEEP: 1/5 stars July 2005
Remember Me?Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
Buy new: $10.08 / Used from: $0.01
A woman with amnesia pieces her life back together in the form of a mystery. Sounds like a bad Lifetime movie, n'est-ce pas? This book started out kind of slow, but I wasn't able to put it down once it got going. I won't say it's my favorite by Sophie Kinsella, but I really enjoyed the book. I still prefer CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET better. 4.5/5 stars July 2009
High Five (Stephanie Plum, No. 5)High Five (Stephanie Plum, No. 5) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
Oooooh! That was a good book :) From Grandma Mazur with a stun gun to the love triangle I thought might pop up! This series started me thinking about some of the crazy characters I've met in my life from New Jersey, including Vick in college who wore pantyhose and had a ufo experience. He seems like he could have been one of the characters in this series ;) 5/5 stars July 2009
Hot Six (Stephanie Plum, No. 6)Hot Six (Stephanie Plum, No. 6) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
I usually try to read books in between the Stephanie Plum series, but I couldn't help myself! I had to read the next one. :) And it was good. I still love this series, and am not regretting buying all the books. We'll see if it continues ;) 5/5 stars July 2009
One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 2)One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 2) by Jeaniene Frost
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $3.97
The sequel to HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE, I liked this one much better. There weren't any stupid parts like last book. I lost my copy of the third book, but once I find it, I will read that one :) I *love* Bones. SEXY! 5/5 stars July 2009
Seven Up (Stephanie Plum, No. 7)Seven Up (Stephanie Plum, No. 7) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
Ack! You can't end a book like that!!!! Good thing the next book in the series is already out, or I would be very upset. I hate cliff hangers ;) Can't wait to see if Ranger collects on his agreement. hehe 4.5/5 stars July 2009
Hard Eight (Stephanie Plum, No. 8)Hard Eight (Stephanie Plum, No. 8) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
I couldn't help myself... Had to read the next Stephanie Plum book after the last book's ending. The cliff hanger didn't get resolved until about 57 pages in. ACK! There were some really funny moments in this one involving bunnies, but I also got frustrated at some of the characters, especially Steph/Ranger. It was dark, but still good. 5/5 stars July 2009
Visions of Sugar Plums: A Stephanie Plum Holiday NovelVisions of Sugar Plums: A Stephanie Plum Holiday Novel by Janet Evanovich
Buy used from: $2.95
Only 150 pages long, I decided I would read this right before going to bed because it was so short. A paranormal Stephanie Plum book. Very odd! I was not expecting paranormal activity in this series. It was rather short, however, and no Ranger. Diesel was a good substitute, though. 4/5 stars July 2009
Strange Bedpersons (Import HB)Strange Bedpersons (Import HB) by Jennifer Crusie
Buy new: $12.88 / Used from: $0.53
This book was heart-warming. Reminds me that you don't have to change for someone to love you, but it doesn't hurt to be elastic. I read a lot of reviews complaining it was dated, but I was in college in the 90s, and it reminds me of my youth. Also, it had some really funny scenes that made me laugh. 5/5 stars July 2009
To the Nines: A Stephanie Plum NovelTo the Nines: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $8.34 / Used from: $2.97
This was enjoyable, but I wanted more Ranger/Stephanie interaction. Also, I want Stephanie to get a back bone, especially regarding Morelli's shananigans jumping out of windows, at motels, etc. :) 4.5/5 stars July 2009
Ten Big Ones: A Stephanie Plum NovelTen Big Ones: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich
Buy used from: $0.60
The Good: - Steph got a backbone towards Joe - Steph was stronger in capturing people - Ranger pseudo-bat-cave and shower gel. Oh my! :) The Bad: - Not as funny (but still humorous) - Not much of a mystery / Gangs uninteresting - Needed more Ranger retribution ;) 4.5/5 stars July 2009
Eleven on Top (A Stephanie Plum Novel)Eleven on Top (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $8.66 / Used from: $2.95
I really liked Steph/Ranger working together at Rangeman in this book. I am sure Steph will return to being a bounty-hunter in the next novel, but it was interesting to see her do a desk job. I can taste the sexual tension it's so thick. MORE!!! :) I loved how Steph had the last laugh in the ending. 5/5 stars July 2009
Twelve Sharp (Stephanie Plum, No. 12)Twelve Sharp (Stephanie Plum, No. 12) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $8.41 / Used from: $2.63
Oooh! This was a good Stephanie Plum book. I just wish that a couple of my Ranger/Steph scenes had played out fully the way they played out in my head ;) 5/5 stars July 2009
Plum Lovin' (A Between-the-Numbers Novel)Plum Lovin' (A Between-the-Numbers Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $6.78 / Used from: $2.87
That was not the best Evanovich book. Too bad. :( I was hoping that I would enjoy Diesel like I did in Visions of Sugar Plums, but he was kind of flat. I had a couple laugh moments, but I missed Morelli and Ranger. I'm debating whether I should keep this in my collection or not. 3/5 stars July 2009
Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum, No. 13)Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum, No. 13) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $8.95 / Used from: $2.68
This Stephanie Plum novel wasn't satisfying. I liked Grandma's new stuffed pet at the table. I know people complain that Steph needs to choose between Joe/Ranger, but I need her to get action with both of them to keep my interest. I need the passion of Italian Joe being angry at Steph, and the sexy alpha mystery of Ranger. They were blah in this book. 4/5 stars July 2009
Plum Lucky (A Between-the-Numbers Novel)Plum Lucky (A Between-the-Numbers Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $7.18 / Used from: $2.31
Ugh. That was not a fun book to read. I was soooo tempted not to finish it. I waded my way through it, though. I'll give it 2 stars because it did have a couple of cute/funny moments, but I won't be keeping it in my collection of Stephanie Plum books. 2/5 stars July 2009
Fearless Fourteen (Stephanie Plum, No. 14)Fearless Fourteen (Stephanie Plum, No. 14) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $11.18 / Used from: $4.19
I know a lot of people hated this book, but I thought the zaniness was hilarious. I was laughing throughout the entire book. The demon spawn monkey was great. The digging and potato gun - very fun! Grandma as a gamer - PRICELESS! Ranger getting hit on - hehe! It didn't have sexual tension, but the wacky plotline more than made up for it :) 5/5 stars July 2009
Plum Spooky (A Between-the-Numbers Novel)Plum Spooky (A Between-the-Numbers Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $17.54 / Used from: $0.85
This book was decidely better than the last couple "between the number" Stephanie Plum books. I think the main reason is because it was over twice as long, so the plot and characters had more time to be nurtured. They didn't mention Halloween, except when talking candy. 4.5/5 stars July 2009
Finger Lickin' Fifteen (Stephanie Plum Novels)Finger Lickin' Fifteen (Stephanie Plum Novels) by Janet Evanovich
Buy new: $16.34 / Used from: $6.48
This wasn't a bad book, but it was very unsatisfying to Evanovich's loyal readers. To have an unattached Stephanie Plum not cavort with Ranger is sinful! Bad Evanovich :) There were a couple of close calls, but I'm sure lots of people felt disappointed. And parts were out of character. There wasn't as much humor in this one, but it was still a fun summer read. 4/5 stars July 2009
At Grave's End (Night Huntress, Book 3)At Grave's End (Night Huntress, Book 3) by Jeaniene Frost
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $3.20
This book was full of action and was an exciting/quick read. I am eager for book 4. Bones was sexy as an alpha male. I liked the potential for Tate in the future becoming evil. I cried, even though the plot was expected. My only complaint was there were many inconsequential characters introduced that rarely said/did anything. I had trouble keeping track of them. 4.5/5 stars July 2009
Body MoversBody Movers by Stephanie Bond
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $2.75
I enjoyed this book a lot. I didn't solve the mystery myself, so it kept me interested through the end. I also liked how the perspective alternated between Carly and her brother. It was fun to have some guy thoughts for a change. I also liked how Carly had 3 suitors ;) I will definitely read the sequel. 5/5 stars July 2009
Dating Can Be Murder: A Samantha Shaw Mystery (Samantha Shaw Mysteries)Dating Can Be Murder: A Samantha Shaw Mystery (Samantha Shaw Mysteries) by Jennifer Apodaca
Buy used from: $0.01
At first, I didn't know if I would make it through this book. The main character was a mom who struggles with money, yet spent cash on a boob job. Ugh. She waxed poetic about romance novels. When Gabe (Ranger-wannabe) arrived to install security and started with "Babe", I sighed heavily. However, once I got past that, it wasn't too bad. I will read the sequel. 3.5/5 stars July 2009
Love Bites (Argeneau)Love Bites (Argeneau) by Lynsay Sands
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $3.22
I got this from the library, and I'm glad I didn't purchase it. It was okay, but it didn't seem to have re-reading value. It had a couple moments of humor, but there was a lot of boring sex and uninteresting moments. I did have a weird deja-vu while reading a section of it. Probably because I've read two others in the same series. 3/5 stars July 2009
The Boy Next DoorThe Boy Next Door by Meggin Cabot
Buy new: $10.07 / Used from: $0.01
This was a chick-lit novel entirely in the form of e-mails. I laughed out loud at numerous points in the book. It was a lot of fun to read. :) I'm hoping there is a sequel. I see there's another by the author called BOY MEETS GIRL. I don't know if they're connected, but I will read that one as well. 5/5 stars July 2009
Guilty Pleasures (Walmart Edition) (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter)Guilty Pleasures (Walmart Edition) (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter) by Laurell K. Hamilton
Buy used from: $1.30
People always refer to ANITA BLAKE in their reviews, so I read the first of the series. It was okay, but it left a lot to be desired. I didn't enjoy the story like the NIGHT HUNTRESS series by J Frost. I plan to read the sequel, because I'm sure the series has to get better. Then again, I could be wrong. Also, I have no clue what the cover art is about. 3/5 stars July 2009
The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter)The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter) by Laurell K. Hamilton
Buy new: $10.20 / Used from: $6.38
Call me naive, but if a book purports to be "An Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novel", you would think there would be some hunting of vampires in it, wouldn't you? I really hated most of this book. I didn't enjoy the stories of necromancy, zombies, voodoo, and the like. I did see potential in the story between Jean-Claude and Anita, so I will read another book. 2/5 stars July 2009
Circus of the Damned (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter)Circus of the Damned (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter) by Laurell K. Hamilton
Buy new: $10.20 / Used from: $5.99
Okay, so this book showed that there is potential in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series. It had lots of exciting action and vampires (unlike the last book!) I still didn't think it was as good as the NIGHT HUNTRESS series, but I will read the next one. I just hope that the author continues the vampire storyline. 4/5 stars July 2009