I thought I might try something a little different for this post and take a look at not just the new releases that I have picked up, but maybe mention the “retro reads” that I do for the character guides, and then take a quick peek at an upcoming book that also caught my eye this week. Something like a yesterday, today and tomorrow spotlight.
I have a couple of current reads on the go, which is unusual for me – I am mostly a finish-one-then-move-on kinda gal, but that didn’t work out that way. I have been trying for a while to get through Forever Wolf by Maria Vale, but it just isn’t happening. As much as I enjoyed the first two books in the series, I am just not feeling this one – at all. I have put it down probably 8 or 10 times and tried to go back to it, but it just isn’t working. A big part of it is that I am not connecting to the characters, not even a little, and I am not getting past it. I know reviews have been quiet universally positive, but at this point it might end up being a DNF for me. Sigh.
The book I picked up when Forever Wolf failed me? Celebrity in Death from J.D. Robb. No question, the In Death series has become my stand-by and go-to when I don’t know what else to read – or when I feel like I am in a bit of a slump. There is no doubt that I will enjoy whatever In Death book is up next, and that is a rare thing. I don’t get tired of them, I haven’t ever had one that felt stale or like a repeat of something from the earlier books, and I still look forward to the next story. And at #34 in a series? That is quite the achievement.
As for my more retro read, I have gone back and tackled Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. As I always say, it scares me just how much I can forget about a series, and Moon Called is no exception. It felt like I was reading a brand-new book, and I am so glad I picked the Mercy Thompson world for my next guide – I definitely need the refresher. Moon Called is a great story, but if I had one gripe I would say that I found the ending a bit…confusing. Overly complex might be a better way to say it. Targeting Adam to provoke a fight between bad-dude’s father and Bran seemed a bit convoluted. Or, it could be that I was just a bit stunned because it was 7:00 in the morning and I was still reading from the night before and my brain had shut off, but I am going to give the last couple of chapters a re-re-read tonight to get it straight in my head. I have a feeling that this series will be like when I did my guide for the Night Huntress world, and my enjoyment will increase with each book I marathon.
And as for what future release caught my eye this week, it is The Rogue King from Abigail Owen. I read the first couple of chapters at the end of the recently released The Rookie, and I liked what I saw. I didn’t know that it was to be a spin-off of her Fire’s Edge books – which I quite enjoy – and that was a pleasant surprise. Here is a peek at the official blurb…
Kasia Amon has spent her entire life in hiding, knowing who and what she is makes her a mark for all sorts of creatures–a treasure to be taken and claimed. All she knows for certain is that keeping her secrets safe means avoiding dragon shifters at all costs.
As a rogue dragon shifter, hunted by his own kind, Brand Astarot has only survived thanks to a dangerous reputation as a mercenary. Giving a phoenix to a Dragon King would guarantee him a place in a clan, taking him one step closer to the revenge he’s waited centuries to take.
But getting his prize to the King is a test of their lives, his skills, and their white-hot chemistry, forcing Brand to have to rethink his plan. Is giving her to the king the right choice? Or should he claim her for himself?
Your turn. What new releases are you reading? Have you gone back into the vault and picked up any old favorites lately?