Monday, April 1, 2013

March 2013 Recap: Books Read

I'm SO happy March is over! Personally, it has been one of the toughest months of the year for me so far. We had two shocking deaths in our family within ten days of each other, and I'm afraid that although I've been "here" sporadically, I've not really been "here," if you all know what I mean.

As far as reading goes, I picked up a couple of romances at the beginning of the month by Ruthie Knox that I enjoyed, and later on a novella by Courtney Milan that worked for me. However for the most part, romance just didn't hit the spot. With so much going on, I focused my reading and reviews on books I enjoyed. As a result, I'm afraid that during the month of March many books ended up going back to the old TBR pile, or were permanently discarded (DNF'd).

Here's my list:

Total Books Read: 11
Contemporary Romance: 2
Historical Romance: 2
Urban Fantasy: 2
Fantasy: 3
Speculative Fiction: 1
Poetry: 1

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox: A-
The Governess Affair (Brothers Sinister #0.5) by Courtney Milan: A-
Bone and Jewel Creatures by Elizabeth Bear: B+
The Queen, The Cambion, and Seven Others by Richard Bowes: B+
Ride With Me by Ruthie Knox: B+
Midnight Blue-Light Special (InCryptids #2)by Seanan McGuire: B
Scandal Wears Satin (Dressmakers #2) by Loretta Chase: C+
Presence by Scott Wiggerman: C
Slashback (Cal & Niko)by Rob Thurman: (Upcoming Buddy Review)
Written in Red (The Others #1) by Anne Bishop: (Upcoming Review)
Before and Afterlives by Christopher Barzack: (Upcoming Review)

Toward the end of March I also joined The Journey as part of the Once Upon a Time VII Challenge hosted by Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings. I needed to read one book to fulfill that challenge and I did so by reading and reviewing "The Queen, The Cambion, and Seven Others by Richard Bowes." It is always a pleasure to participate in one of Carl's challenges. I look forward to reading reviews by the other participants and still hope to contribute a few other posts to this challenge.

From the March releases I read and have yet to review, I recommend Written in Red by Anne Bishop. How about you? Did you find any titles you would like to share?

12 comments:

  1. Once again, Hils, my condolences. I totally know what you mean by not being "here." Sigh.

    So glad you're recommending Written in Red! It was a really good one :)

    And oh, C+ for Scandal Wears Satin. I think that's about the grade I gave it, or perhaps a B-.

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    1. Thanks, Nath. And, thanks for recommending Written in Red. That was a great read for me. I need to review it. :)

      Hmm... Scandal Wears Satin was an okay read for me. I loved the first book and was surprised that this one didn't work for me. A shame because I love Chase.

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  2. I'm so sorry for your family's losses. I totally understand how that can impact what you decide to read. I hope you find lots of good reads and that fond memories bring you all comfort. Hugs.

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  3. So sorry for the rough time you and your family are going through. Totally understand the not being here. (((hugs)))

    Read what comforts you. :)

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  4. My condolences, hon, on your family's losses.

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  5. YAY! looks like you had a good month over all!
    :( I've been such a slacker lately with the books I read ;(

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    1. Alex, yes! Overall it was a good reading month! For the most part I enjoyed the books I finished reading. Are you experiencing a reading slump?

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  6. *Hugs* Hils, I'm sorry it's been such a tough month for you - I hope April brings better things.

    I read (and liked) WRITTEN IN BLOOD, but am processing a couple of thoughts about the book (post to probably come - but I was going to link to this review here: http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/03/review-written-in-red-anne-bishop, comment #8 especially).

    I also agreed with a lot of your thoughts on the McGuire book (especially the POV switch halfway through - slightly jarring!), even though I realise I didn't end up commenting on your review (I thought I did, oops - I certainly thought out my comment anyway). I'm wondering if a change in narrator will shake things up.

    Li

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  7. Thank you, Li. :)

    Thanks for the link to that review! I'm going to save the link and read it AFTER I write my own review. If I may, I have "certain" concerns of my own about Written in Blood, and would like to see if this other reviewer's is similar to mine? I think there are two that are rather obvious, but one in particular is glaring. (Avoiding spoilers here). *g*

    Anyway, re: the McGuire book. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that POV switch was a bit of a shock so late in the story! Sarah's POV (all that fear and panick) just yanked me right out of the story. I'm hoping that Alex's POV will be a good, strong one! I'd like to read a male's POV, but hope that McGuire maintains the sense of humor and lightness I've enjoyed throughout the first two books so far. For me, this next book will make or break the series.

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