On Brothels: A Review of Since the Surrender by Julie Anne Long

Our regular reviewing schedule has been decidedly diverted by my new fixation on the Pennyroyal Green series by Julie Anne Long. I do apologize for that, although I can't say I'm that sorry. After all, I read for pleasure, and I find these books pleasant.

This novel, book three, is the one that many a review warned me about--I kind of went in expecting not to like it. However, I did enjoy it in a lot of ways, flawed though it may be. It's the story of Rosalind March, a war widow who's sister has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. She turns to Chase Eversea for help. During the war, Chase and Rosalind had one brief indiscretion (while she was still married), and the two have been wracked with guilt, yet unable to forget the pleasure of it ever since. So when they meet again, under these circumstances, they find themselves reluctantly drawn together, even as they investigate the dangerous mystery...and so forth.

Positive Comments

 

What I really enjoyed about book two, the more I thought it over, was the slow build of the relationship and Long's skill in demonstrating how love forms unconsciously in even the most reluctant of minds and hearts. That is also what I liked about this book. Chase is nothing but honorable in the forefront of his mind, yet we learn how his attraction and affection for Rosalind began to build while she was married. We learn how this attraction grew to a force that caused them both to sacrifice their honor for a brief and regrettable kiss. While I didn't like the fact that Rosaslind more or less cheated on her husband, and I was reluctant to forgive them and buy into the romance of their coming back together later on, I felt that the author did a brilliant job and making the whole thing understandable, because of the emotional turmoil involved.

I found Rosalind sympathetic, despite myself. Her initial marriage was made for practicality's sake, because her family was poor and she had sisters to support. When it turns out to be a bit bland, if not entirely passionless, she still embraces her role as a colonel's wife and loves him as best she can. I found that admirable. I also found it understandable that she would wonder about and miss the passion she's never had, and that this would ultimately manifest as an incident of mild adultery. Later, when she and Chase are free to be together, she is eager to explore the passion, but less eager to enter into marriage. Again, it's entirely understandable, and I really liked her for it.

Getting back to the mystery plot, I must say that it kept me curious. When all was told, I did find the resolution of this subplot to be somewhat silly and pointless. But, I can't say it bored me throughout the story.

Critical Comments

 

Bottom line, this is a romance novel, so the big question is always: Was the romance believable? It was very nearly believable, but not quite. I would say that the sexual tension was engaging and believable. I would also say that I saw a distinct possibility of real emotional attachment between hero and heroine. But I would not say, necessarily, that I believed them to be entirely in love. I found that their were not enough quiet, intimate moments. Because intimacy, not sex, are what make a relationship real to me. They just didn't have it. Yet.

This is likely because the sex that takes place is fiery and shocking and happens at the most illogical of times. They choose public(ish) places, while their in the middle of spying or solving the mystery. They miss out on afterglow, on sharing a bed and meals and the like. And so not only do we miss out on intimacy, but we kind of have to question our main character's sanity and motivations. Really, here, now, while your sister is missing? While dangerous folks might well be near by? Really? That kept me from fully enjoying the romance.

Recommendation

 

It's not a book without merits, and I found a lot to like about it. However, if you really hate the "adulterers meet again and are now free to love" trope, this is surely not a book for you. I would also recommend against it if you're looking for a cozy, more emotion driven romance. I would recommend this to Long fans, who are invested in the series, and who don't mind rolling their eyes at a few ill timed scenes. 3 stars.

On Destiny: A Review of Born to Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann

I don't normally read romantic suspense. It just happens to not be my favorite sub-genre (unsurprising, when you consider that I don't like mystery novels either). However, I have a history with Suzanne Brockmann's work--her Troubleshooters novels were among the first adult romance novels I explored when I decided that I liked romance novels. They were wonderful and terrifying and sexy, that handful of books that I read. I kind of got out of the series as I started to gravitate more toward paranormal, but the fact remains that I really like Brockmann's style. So when I saw that she has this new series, and it's set in the future and has science fiction elements...sign me up!

So, yes, this is the first book in that series. It's set in the not too distant future (a couple of decades, I believe), and there has been a depression and times are tough all around. But more to the point, a scientific community known as the OI has discovered people with elevated integration levels--advanced use of their brains that gives them psychic powers. In addition to research, the OI is fighting to bring down the manufacturers of a drug called Destiny, which has the power to artificially give people powers--at the cost of their health and sanity. Our heroine, Mac, is part of OI and a Greater-Than (person with powers), who's particular power is empathy and a bit of self healing. Oh, and irresistible charisma that makes men believe they're in love with her. Our hero, Shane, is a blacklisted ex-SEAL, who OI picked up as a Potential (one who might, with training, develop some powers). Shane comes into the OI to start his tests and training, but things get sidetracked when he learns that a little girl, who happens to be a Greater-Than, is missing--in the hands of violent drug dealers. Shane is determined to help Mac and her team get that little girl out safely.

Positive Comments

Okay, as always I'm going to try to do this as spoiler free as possible, but it's going to be tough because all of the things I liked and disliked are somewhat specific...so lets just say MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD right now....

On House Parties: A Review of Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long

Last November I reviewed a book called The Perils of Pleasure, and I took little pleasure in it. For me, it was a most underwhelming novel. The writing style itself had nothing wrong with it, so when it came down to giving the author and the series another shot, I  found myself surprisingly willing (eleven months later). Let me tell you how that went.

The book opens by telling us how Cynthia (a popular and lively young lady), once snubbed Miles at a ball, commenting to her friend that a second son is beneath her notice. Later, however, Cynthia falls on hard circumstances after being the center of a terrible scandal. Now her only hope is to find a quick match with a man who has not yet heard of her past--and her last opportunity for that will be at the house party at Miles' family home. Miles knows that Cynthia is desperate. He, too, has resigned himself to a dull marriage of convenience to one of the ladies at the party. Miles offers to help Cynthia find her wealthy and gullible husband, in exchange for a single kiss.

Positive Comments

The entire book was much better than I expected. The tone is different from the previous book, with a cozier feel and a more limited setting. The plot is so much smaller, with just Cynthia and Miles dealing with their respective marriage woes--and yet I preferred it. I find that I was much more able to enjoy Long's excellent writing style and the way that she characterizes our hero and heroine.

Cynthia and Miles will challenge you as a reader, because they are both fairly flawed--at times even unlikeable. They are singular in their goals to ignore love and marry the most convenient person at the party, as expediently as possible. Cynthia's focus is on gaining financial security, since she is flat broke and facing a life of service if she doesn't marry right now. Miles wants to marry one particular girl, Georgina, because his family approves of the match in terms of prestige, and because her father has the money to fund another exploratory expedition for Miles. They both seem shallow. Cynthia seems vain and desperate. Miles seems cold and selfish. Yet they aren't unlikeable. Over the course of the book, you begin to understand their positions more and more--I felt a lot of empathy for Cynthia, who's financial situation is truly precarious. I felt rewarded for sticking with them to the end, and I felt that Cynthia in particular learned a lot about honor.

The relationship building is so slow, but slow worked for the tone of the book. They are clearly in love from an early point in the book, but both are too stubborn and bound by their circumstances to admit it. This is one of my very favorite romance tropes, and again I found it rewarding to reach that point where they finally give in.

Critical Comments

 

My criticism is basically that, as stated above, the characters are potentially quite unlikeable, and I suspect some readers would never get past some of their negative qualities. Miles's courtship of lady Georgina, while he's trying to set up an assignation with a married lady at the party, while he's pining for Cynthia...that really pushed my limits. Boys will be boys, I get that, but I found his casual attitude toward adultery right before he's about to propose marriage to be repugnant.

Recommendation

 

Overall, yes, I really do like Long's method of story telling. The plot of this one worked much better for me than her previous work, and I really liked the smaller setting and the dynamic of the house party. I also liked the complex characters and the slow burning romance. I'd recommend this to historical romance readers. 3.5 stars.  

On Apples: A Review of Snow Spell by Sonia Pereira Murphy

Okay folks, I'm just going to do a mini review for this one, as there isn't a lot to say about it. It's not long, and a normal detailed review is going to give too much away, so...

Snow Spell is a modern day(ish?) retelling of Snow White told in poetry and set in Paris. I agreed to read it at the request of the author, because I thought that whole premise sounded really, fantastically different. Whenever someone sends me something that's not just another angsty, vaguely paranormal YA, I'm all over it. Yes, please.

Positive Comments

 

The upside of this version of Snow White is that it is indeed different, and I think readers might even be a tad surprised at points. We have a love interest that actually interacts with Neve (Snow), for example, and the relationship is more layered and complex than you might expect. We also have the addition of magic, where we see that not only the evil stepmother has magic--Neve is a witch as well. Very cool. All of this, combined with the unusual style of writing makes it a winning story. I can tell you that I'm not normally a poetry fan, but I found that it worked well with the tone of this story.

Critical Comments

 

The biggest problem with this story is that it's short. It was only after I finished it that I realized that it actually breaks me rule on the length of stories I'm willing to accept for review--my policy specifically states that I don't accept anything under 100 pages, and Amazon estimates this one at 78. Oops. That policy is in place because I'm not good with short stories, I don't prefer them, and I find that they make for inadequate reviews. But, here we are. The reason that I complain about the length with this one is that I really do feel that there could have been more to this story, both in terms of depth and breadth. I would have liked to see more pages dedicated to character development, particularly with regard to Neve and her love interest. I would have liked to know more about magic and witches and how all of that works. Perhaps we are limited by format here, I can imagine that it's not easy to write a novel in prose poems, but my criticism stands.

Recommendation

 

Yes to this book if you are a fairy tale fan and you don't mind short stories. If your leery of the poetry aspect, I can say as a non-poetry fan that you should try it anyway--you won't really notice it that much. The only reason I would not recommend this is if your a stickler for detail and you like a lot of heavy development. Otherwise, it's a far story to spend an hour or two on. 3.5 stars.

Misc. Monday: Reading Romance as a Teenager (And Beyond)

The process of blogging and reviewing really forces you to think about why you like the things that you like. This isn't an easy task for me, since my tastes are all over the place and perhaps a bit mercurial. My likes and dislikes continue to evolve, but one fact remains: I really like romance.

My love of romance was likely spawned at a very young age, but while it might be interesting to talk about the effects of Disney movies on a child's brain, my focus on romance in literature began with The Raging Quiet by Sherryl Jordan. It's the story of a young woman (in colonial times?) who befriends a deaf man, and ultimately forms a bond of affection with him despite the prejudices and suspicions of the towns people. I read this book when I was eleven, and it was responsible for flipping that switch in my brain that made me want to read romance centered novels.

Sadly, the face of young adult literature was bleak when I was that age, at least from where I was sitting. The public library that offered most of my reading material just didn't have much for teens or precocious preteens. So, after I read everything they had from Sherryl Jordan, plus the odd contemporary YA, I kind of got the hint that I might need to move on to adult literature. By the time I was twelve or thirteen, I was combing the adult fantasy shelves (our library did not have a romance section at the time) looking for adventure in fairy tales.

I got into reading actual Romance Novels because of their availability in my  household. My mother read them, so they were always around, and by the time I was thirteen no one thought to question what I picked up. Mom wasn't much for forbidding books. I remember being a freshman in high school and having a friend tell me that she wasn't allowed to pick up books or movies unless her parents screened them first. This concept was so foreign to me that I couldn't get past it, and kept questioning it-- "Seriously, I can't just lend you a book without you getting in trouble?"

I digress.

My first proper romance novel was Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts. I liked, and still do like it because of it's strong characters and intense, steamy relationship building...But also because it has ghosts. Roberts actually likes to sneak a lot of ghost here and there in her otherwise contemporary books, but in this case the ghosts are central to the plot. And it is fantastic. So while I did go on to read a lot of contemporary romance and eventually some historical, my primary drug of choice became paranormal romance. From there it was a skip and a jump to Christine Feehan and Maggie Shayne, who's books I spent my allowance on and asked for for Christmas.

It's a valid point that both Roberts and Feehan pepper their novels with fairly graphic sex scenes. They weren't written with teens in mind. I just don't think it matters much. That is, I don't think that reading such scenes at that age is damaging in the way that some parents assume it is. Not all teens are super impressionable sponges that soak up and imitate everything they encounter in fiction.  You also have to take into account that romance novels (with some exceptions), portray mostly monogamous sex between people in love. So were I to imitate them, I'd end up traveling to the Carpathian mountains in order to find my lifemate, for whom I've been saving myself. Or something.

These days, there are so many really good options for teens. The climate has changed, with the young adult market having exploded, and now there are plenty of (nice, safe, sex free) romance novels available that are specifically designed for teens. I find them in my formerly very boring local library, and I'm really excited about that. But just as I think it's okay for adults to indulge in a little YA fiction, I still believe that there's nothing wrong with a well adjusted teen trying out some adult fiction. Romance novels have the ability to portray healthy relationships, communication, compromise, and happy endings in a way that no other genre can quite attain. So, here's to romance novels, and all of the people out there who are just discovering them. Let's keep Happily Ever After alive!

A Review of Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham

Fairytale retellings are big these days. They are literally all over the book market, and I couldn't be happier about that. The only downside is that, with so many, it's really difficult to sniff out the good from the bad. And so I rely on recommendations...and so I decided to try Fables, even though I rarely go for graphic novels.

The basic premise is that the fairy tale characters we're all familiar with (Snow White, Jack the Giant Killer, The Big Bad Wolf, and so forth), were forced to flee their homelands when they were attacked by a mysterious and vicious adversary. Now they reside in New York City, under a secret government with Snow White as the Deputy Mayor. This book is mostly a murder mystery, when Rose Red (Snow White's sister), goes missing amidst a great deal of blood. Bigby (the once Big Bad Wolf), is the detective in charge of solving the mystery.

Positive Comments

I liked the twisted, jaded view of these characters. Snow White is divorced from Prince Charming, who is shown to be quite the tool. Jack is full of get rich quick schemes. Bigby is portrayed as sort of werewolfish, but is also very smart and awkwardly charming. This is a world with a big cast and a lot of potential, and it knows how to use it's characters in a twisted and amusing way.

Critical Comments

As far as the actual story goes, it's a little meh. I'm not big on mysteries, so I wasn't that invested. I wasn't bored, because it was amusing enough just to watch these characters exist and interact in our world. But the plot by itself? Not so fantastic.

Recommendation

Fairytale fans, this one is for you. It's clever, unusual, and just plain fun. Even if you don't normally read graphic novels, I'd recommend this one. 4.5 stars.

On Politics: A Review of Doubleblind by Ann Aguirre

I feel like I've become strangely stubborn about this series. I gave book 2 (Wanderlust) a 2.5/5, which in most cases would mean I stop reading the series. Yet, here we are. My motivation is simple. I like these characters. I like the concepts. I like the world building. I want this to be a great book.

The honest to God truth is that it's a very political book. Jax is trying to broker an alliance with the Ithtorian people in order to ensure some defense against the scary spider monsters in the coming Scary Spider Monster War. I know, your thinking Scary Spider Monster War sounds pretty creepy and exciting, and I agree with you. I want to see that too. But this book is not that. It's just about politics. Oh, and March's brain is all screwed up and Jax has to try to fix it. That's this book.

Positive Comments

So, if you've surrendered yourself to the idea that this is a book of politics, you actually won't be disappointed. While it might sound boring, and does definitely drag in some places, there is a certain tension and grimness that keeps some interest. There's a very unsettling tone to the whole thing, with Jax trying desperately to leash her impulsiveness and behave diplomatically in a very hostile environment. She has to adjust to a culture and language so foreign that any move might be a misstep. I do, personally, like this sort of thing. I didn't necessarily need so much of it though.

In order to give the reader a wider view of what's going on in the wide world, there are news reports and editorial letters interspersed throughout. I really liked that. It aided in creating the sense of urgency associated with Jax's work. 

I still do really, really like these characters. There's some great character development that goes on in this book. You really see how Jax has changed in attitude and in her relationships. The process that she goes through to try to rehabilitate March is particularly touching.

Critical Comments

Pacing is everything. Pacing, and knowing how much page space each topic really needs. It's my firm opinion that the diplomatic stuff deserved 100 pages, instead of the near 300 it got. Those were pages better devoted to...something else. Literally anything else. It's not that the book ever becomes truly unreadable, but you do feel like your waiting for something to happen that ultimately doesn't.

Recommendation

 

I still cautiously recommend this series to sci-fi fans. I have a lot of hope for it.

For fans of this series...This is no doubt the slowest yet. I recommend having patience with it. There's a lot to like here, if you can get through it. 3.5 stars. 

Follow Friday 10/5/12

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with your blog? Is it to one day become an author yourself, just for fun, maybe get some online attention, or maybe something very different?

 

Honestly? I started out with no goals. I sort of just wanted to write about books. Now I set goals, because I'd like to be just a bit bigger and have a slightly larger audience. Some day I'd like to write on a larger scale.

On Snakes: A Review of Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

It would be impossible to review this book without mentioning the previous novels, and how very, very much I enjoyed them. Even book four, Archangel's Blade, who's hero I initially found terribly unappealing, managed to capture my full attention and more or less win me over. For this book the bar was set, if not overly high, at least well above the ground. It lives up to expectations quite nicely.

Jason overcame the most tragic of childhoods to become the most skilled spymaster known to angels or vampires. When the consort of archangel Neha is violently murdered, Jason is sent to investigate and prevent further bloodshed. But Neha will only allow Jason into her court under the condition that he swear a blood vow to the princess Mahiya.  The dark secret of Mahiya's birth has made her position in the court tenuous at best for her entire adult life. She longs to be free and start her own life out in the world. To earn this right, she plays the games of politics and survival.

Positive Comments

Going into this, I had no particularly strong feelings toward Jason one way or another, except that I knew he was all cool and mysterious. I really like him. He's got that tortured past, broken soul thing going on (love that), and yet he never gets really angsty. His abilities are beyond awesome, and they make the process of solving the mystery more intriguing.

I also really liked Mahiya. She's smart and brave, but she isn't the fighting alpha heroine that we've seen in the previous novels. Refreshing, yes? I like that she consciously tried to remain kind despite the cruelty around her.

I really liked the relationship building. I felt that Jason and Mahiya were well matched and had excellent chemistry. Their interactions never stuck me as cheesie. The sex scenes were hot and sweet, but did not devour the plot.

I ended up very drawn into the plot and finding out what was going on with the murder and the politics of the court. Even after you figure it out, the tension remains.

Critical Comments

 

My only real disappointment with this book was the resolution of the action/mystery plot. Of course I can't actually explain to you why I found it unsatisfactory (this being a spoiler free review). Suffice it to say, there's a build up to a moment that should have been a BIG DEAL, both in terms of character development for one of our protagonists and in terms of the overarching plot of the series...but then the guns are lowered and everyone goes home to fight another day. I already feel like that's saying to much, so...yeah, did not like that ending.

Recommendation

 

Paranormal romance fans, if you haven't read this series, go do it. Go do it now. You can thank me later. Oh, just one caution though, they are extremely gory. Some chapters are more like a horror novel than anything, so if you aren't cool with blood I'd avoid these. Otherwise, go get yourself a copy of Angels' Blood. 

For fans of this series, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I found myself pleased with it, and I think you will too. Of course, I think many of us are waiting for Illium's story, but until then...4 stars for this book.

Blog Tour! Owlet by Emma Michaels

Yes, folks, today is the day that the tour for Owlet makes a stop at Reading to Penguins. This book was not entirely what I expected. I discussed it a bit on Twitter and Facebook while reading it, and now you get to see my full review. Excited?

Iris doesn't remember anything about her life prior to living with her father in a rather isolated, home schooled environment. She suffers from severe asthma, but is well cared for by both her father and her nurse, Diana.  She finds joy in a simple life, and occasionally escapes the infirmity of her body in dreams of an island covered in feathery snow. But upon waking from one particularly bad asthma attack, Iris learns that her dream island may in fact be real. As the truth of her past and her destiny are revealed, Iris learns that she is a Stryx, a special person who's soul is half bird.

Excerpt

 

 

 “Jump. You know you can do it. Run. Jump. Fly... Run. Jump. Fly. I will lead you there. To the place you wish to see...” The voice remained soft and lightly tempting but with no real force behind it, letting Iris know that the final decision was hers to make.

This wasn’t the first time her dreams had taken on a mind of their own. She would close her eyes each night and everything would meld with her memories of the night she decided to never leave her father’s side. There was a big difference between Iris when she was awake and when she was fast asleep. When she slept, she knew that what her heart was telling her was true; she was only one leap of faith away from flying.

Running to the balcony she climbed over the railing and looked at the night sky.

“It is so simple. Just...FALL.”

Positive Comments 

 

I admit that this book kind of made me feel like the slow kid in class, as I did not realize until like halfway in that this is actually not a shapeshifter book. I'm not sure what put it in my head that it would be or should be, but I'm actually glad to say that it's not. I don't think the tone of the story or the ideas presented would have worked as well or had as appealing an impact if this had been just one more shapeshifter book. The idea of possessing the soul of an animal, or of having some sort of spiritual connection to an animal, is obviously not new, but it also hasn't been written to death. I found the spiritual aspect of the world building to be refreshing and intriguing when compared to the usual world building of your run of the mill shapeshifter novel. It uses song, poetry, dreams, and old legends to provide Iris with her history

Iris is a well rounded heroine. She's physically weak, but gifted with a unique world view and wisdom that she's still struggling to grow into. I see a lot of potential in her, and I'll be eager to see her growth in future books.

The author did a good job in building character relationships that felt relatively genuine. I liked Diana, for example, who has all but served as a mother to Iris. As Diana's personal history was revealed, I really started to like her and feel for her. I also liked Falcon (aka love interest), despite myself. I like his will and his willingness to sacrifice himself, and I like how hard he's worked to be a good guy. I give his character points mostly for potential, but it's a lot of potential.

Critical Comments

 

"Potential" is really the word of the day for this book, and sadly it does not (by itself) live up to it's potential. It's a lot of exposition, and nothing much actually happens. I felt very much as though I had read the first half of a fairly good novel, but never actually reached the climax or conclusion or any of the really big moments of character development or relationship development.This doesn't necessarily make it a bad book. I just don't agree with an author relying on multiple installments to tell a complete story.

Recommendation

 

For paranormal YA readers looking for something a little different, I recommend this book. Although less than satisfying in it's conclusion, it is artsy, thoughtful, and fun. 3.5 stars.

Misc. Monday: The Price of Books, and How Much is Too Much

I don't, as a habit, include a discussion of price in any of my reviews. My goal is to tell you whether to read a book, and not necessarily whether to buy a book. After all, there are always libraries and friends to borrow from, and lots of used and discount options for the reader on a budget. So why mention price?

This is not to say that I think the cost of a book is irrelevant, or that it should never be mentioned in a review at all.

Reviews That Mention Price Can Be Helpful

 

So, while I try to pretend (for the purpose of reviewing) that all of my books came from a magic book fairy at no cost to me, it is a common practice among other reviewers to mention the source of the book. Why do so? It provides us with some what that reader's investment in that book. I do feel that someone who spent hard earned money on a book is going to be inclined to really try to like it, while someone who got a book for free might be more inclined to dismiss it over tiny flaws. Or perhaps not.

What I find more helpful, as a potential reader, is when the reviewer references the exact price they paid. I know that sounds crass, but it's true. When someone says, "It was good, but it wasn't worth $12 that *insert retailer here* is charging." That tells me to hold off, wait to find it used or borrow a copy. On the other hand, "It's flawed, but for $1.99 why not give it a try?", while not a glowing endorsement, does make it sound like I don't have much to lose. I'll take a risk for $2.

Price Influences Our Book Buying Decisions

 

Obviously. How could it not? Unless you're one of those rare lucky ducks with an unlimited book buying budget, you're operating under a weekly or monthly or yearly limit. You want to get the most bang for your buck. For me, this becomes a curious game of mathematical gymnastics. If I have $20 to spend, and I buy 20 $1 books, the law of averages states that at least on of those books will make me smile. But then I've got 19 really frustrating or mind numbing books--which will make hilarious reviews, but will eventually drive me to drink. If I spend a bit more to buy books from mainstream authors that I know and like, I'm less likely to be frustrated by any of them, but my $20 is only going to get me 2, 3 books max. And what if one of them does suck?

The higher the price, the more assurance of awesomeness I need before I'll take the plunge. For a series or author that I dearly love, one which has given me multiple positive experiences and no negative ones, I'll spend my entire monthly budget to buy a hardcover. Not rational, I know, but I want it that badly. A less proven author might get $8 from me, but only if there's nothing really exciting to buy or preorder that month. Same goes with really well reviewed authors that I don't have personal experience with yet. Then there are the unknowns with few or mixed or no reviews. For those, I'm not willing to spend more than $4. And again, it really all depends on how many big releases there are in any given month.

The Issue of Ebook Price

 

I love my Kindle dearly, I really do. However, there's a special magic to owning physical books. To be honest, I usually only buy ebooks when they're cheaper, or when I'm traveling and need the portability of the Kindle.

I firmly believe that ebooks should always be cheaper. I'm not the first to say so, and I won't be the last. It's a fact that I can't lend, sell, trade, or display an ebook as I do with other books, so the price should reflect that. As in, the price should never, ever be more than $12, regardless of what the print book costs. Ever. I actually find it really insulting when publishers make the decision to put a hardcover price on an ebook.

What's your take?

 

What do you guys think? How much is too much for you? Are you willing to pay premium prices for premium authors, or do you refuse to give in? Do you mention price in your reviews, or keep that to yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments, and have a happy Monday!

Best Book of September/October Preview

Happy October, everyone! Oh boy, you guys, this is my favorite time of year! I love fall. I love the cooler weather and the pretty leaves. I love Halloween. I love baking with pumpkin. Plus, my birthday is this month! We've got a lot of great books coming up in October, but first we have to crown the best book of September.