Reading Round Up – April 2010

April was a busy month here at FictionVixen.com.  I read lots of great books, buzzed for a week over the release of Lover Mine, and collaborated with my friends Mandi at Smexy Books, and Katiebabs over at Babbling About Books And More on the Black Dagger Brotherhood Traveling Skit Tour. 

15 books in total:

• 1 – 5 heart rating
• 1 – 4.5 heart rating
• 7 – 4 heart ratings
• 2 – 3.5 heart ratings
• 2 – 3 heart ratings
• 1 – 2.5 heart ratings
• 1 – DNF

Here’s is what I read for the month of April

Frost Moon (Skindancer, #1) by Anthony Francis – 4 hearts
I really liked this book and look forward to more in the series.  A great debut novel, fantastic urban fantasy. You really can’t go wrong with magical tattoos, can you?. 

Dark Deceptions by Dee Davis – 4 hearts
This was the first book I’ve read by Dee Davis.  This was a very nice romantic suspense, very sexy, and nice action.  I have the next two in the series on deck and I’m looking forward to them.

Fuck the Foreplay – J.M. Snyder – 4 hearts
Don’t let the title fool you.  This was a very sweet, romantic read.  It’s a short story about college sweethearts recommended by Ava March.  If you like m/m romance, you should check this one out, it’s a free read.

Make Your Move by Samantha Hunter – 4 hearts
Another fun, sexy Blaze by Samantha Hunter.  If you like your heroes nerdy with a side of sexy and cookie for desert, check this out.

My Love Eternal by Liz Strange DNF
It doesn’t happen very often, but every now and then I start a book and realize that it just isn’t for me.  While others might have enjoyed this one very much, it just wasn’t my cup of fiction.

Undead and Unworthy (Undead, #7) by MaryJanice Davidson – 3 hearts
I’ve loved this whole series, Betsy is just my kind of vampire.  She makes me giggle constantly and her vampire hubby is verra sexy.  But I have to admit this one was a bit of a letdown compared with previous books in the series. Still a fun read, and I’m hoping the next one brings back the magic.

Hunted By The Others (H&W Investigations, #1) by Jess Haines – 3.5 hearts
This is Jess Haines’ debut urban fantasy and a great start to the series.  I had a few issues with the heroine, but enjoyed the book very much.  I look forward to more.

Primal Hunger (Pendragon Gargoyles, #1) by Sydney Somers – 4 hearts
I’m going to go ahead and confirm that I am a Sydney Somers fan.  I read both books in the Pendragon Gargoyles series and loved them! (I read them out of order but it still worked for me.) I know, you’re probably saying, “What? Gargoyles?”.  Take my word for it, Sydney Somers makes it work.

Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #8) by J.R. Ward 4.5 hearts
O.M.G. *Deep Breath*  An amazing book that left me emotional for a few days after I read it.  I really think J.R. Ward did right by John Matthew and Xhex.  Theirs is an amazing love story that will blow you away.  While there is no real resolution for the Blay/Qhuinn relationship, I was fully caught up in their story and really, really hope J.R. Ward decides to give them their own book or at least a novella.  I need this J.R. Ward…hear me? 

The Threadbare Heart (Premier Fiction Series) by Jennie Nash – 4 hearts
Fresh off my BDB emotional roller coaster, I read The Threadbare Heart.  This was both a sad and inspiring read.  I thinks it’s a great, ‘curl up on the couch’ book.  Make sure you have Kleenex though. 

Strawberry Wine by E. Jamie – 3 hearts
This was a very nice romantic suspense.  The hero committed a big no-no though and kind of put me off.  I was a little unhappy with the heroine’s response to what the hero did as well.  Overall an enjoyable read but hard to get past the bad behavior. 

Rocky Mountain Heat (Six Pack Ranch, #1) by Vivian Arend – 4 hearts
This is a new-to-me author and I enjoyed this first book in the series very much.  I’ve decided my new thing is cowboys and Vivian Arend knows how to write the cowboys sexy.  I’ll be reading the second book in the series this weekend and I can’t wait!  I’m especially partial to a certain brother in the series and Vivian assures me his story is will be good.  Squeeee!!

Seers of Light by Jennifer DeLucy – 3.5 hearts
A very interesting paranormal romance set in a very unique world.  I enjoyed this one but it’s very heavy on the dialogue, and I felt that slowed the story a bit.  If you want something a little different in a PNR, check this one out.

Hard Magic by Laura Anne Gilman – 2.5 hearts
I struggled with this one. It just didn’t reach out and grab me.  Review coming soon.

Outlander by Diana Gabladon – 5 hearts
This was a re-read, and technically not a read at all.  I’ve already read Outlander but it’s one of my favorite books of all time so when I saw the audio book for a very reasonable price on iTunes, I grabbed it.  I like to listen to books while I do dishes and fold laundry etc.  Jumping back into Jamie and Claire’s world was like coming home.  I adore this series and could re-read it again and again.  The audio book version is fantastic!  Highly recommended. 

So that was my month in books.  How did April treat you book-wise?  Anything you want to recommend?