A Case of Need By: Michael Crichton

Originally published in 1968, this is Crichton’s debut novel that was originally written under a pseudonym.

This novel revolves around the currently relevant issue if abortion. Wisely, mostly from political and legal viewpoints with only a sprinkling of ethics.

Abortion is illegal. Of course that doesn’t stop women from getting them and doctors from performing them. When the daughter of a high-profile surgeon is rushed to the ER bleeding, claiming it’s an abortion gone wrong. All Hell breaks loose as she names another well-known doctor, Dr. Art Lee, a doctor of Asian descent.

Remember, this was published in 1968. Race plays a factor in this era. Segregation ended only four years prior.

Art’s only advocate is John, a medical pathologist. He knows his friend is a abortionist. He also knows Art didn’t so this.

Beautiful Chaos By: Robert M. Drake

I realize poetry, especially, is apt to endless interpretations. This collection, to me, reads like the progression of a man’s life as he is experiencing relationships, love, self-discovery, heartache, and joy.

Chronicling breakups, some more devastating than others. Finding new love. Advice to oneself and others. The joy of love and being loved. Depression. Loneliness. Most of all, self-acceptance.

Tying us all together by common emotional experiences of battling our own emotions and demons.

Because we are all broken in someway and is it beautiful.

Burning Desire By: Donna Grant

Dark Kings #3

My fav of this series so far. The last novel had Kiril, fellow king, taking up a post in Ireland to spy on the Dark Fae.

While there he comes into contact with Shara. She’s a Dark Fae who comes from a prominent Dark family. Centuries ago, Shara made a decision that went against what the Dark collectively believe. As punishment, they locked her in her room for centuries. Now that she’ been released her family is giving her a chance to prove herself by capturing a dragon king.

From the first moment they see each other, there’s no denying the chemistry no matter how hard they try.

This is the most involved story with kidnapping, daring rescues, betrayal, and more truths revealed. It set the story at a better pace.

Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls By: Ann M Martin

The Baby-Sitters Club #2

I read every BSC book published before 1994 when I was younger (when they were first published). Since my mother is amazing, she saved all my BSC books. I read the first in the series with my daughter last year. She’s more a fantasy girl at the moment, That’s not going to stop me from reading the series of my childhood for nostalgia’s sake.

Having read them so long ago, I only remember a few bits and pieces other than I really liked them. I was just too young for Sweet Valley High, so BSC was it for me.

Reading this as an adult and a parent, it’s still a good book. But man, girls can really suck. Not that that’s news or anything.

Claudia can be so vein and judgemental.

Cuckoo By: Scarlett Finn

Kindred #3

With Brodie being the last of his family, he stands to inherit his family’s company. Something he has never wanted anything to do with. So, he brings in his crazy ex to handle it.

I was expecting it to be a typical ex vs. current girlfriend story line. Full of misunderstandings and insecurities. Happily, it is not – for the most part. Yes, his ex is the stereotypical perfect European woman. Yes she is convinced she is going to come in and steal Raven back. Then it’s all pretty anti-climatic where she is concerned.

Zara’s insecurities, in general, are pretty annoying. Which is unfortunate because that’s one of the strongest themes throughout this book.

Zara and Brodie do get their relationship ending so that story line can move on to another member of Kindred,

Dark Need By: Lynn Viehl

Darkyn #2

I liked this much better than the first. There is more mystery and more twists. The end is a bit chaotic and abrupt. But the journey to get there is pretty great.

One thing that seems universal in this series is the jump from interest and confusion straight to love. There’s a very small and subtle, often times too subtle, build from the characters meeting to when they confess, to themselves, that they are in love. It’s like all of a sudden a light bulb is switched on and they are so deeply in love, and denial, they cannot live without the other. Yet, somehow do everything they can to put distance between them until death is on the line.

Sam is a present-day twin to the human Lucan left his heart with long ago. Lucan comes across as what he is meant to be, a cold assassin. Really he is just trying to ensure everyone else is taken care of. When it comes time for him to enact personal revenge, he feels guilty.

Eruption By: Michel Crichton & James Patterson

I didn’t intend to read several Crichton books in a row, it just happened that way. Not that I’m complaining really. It’s just random. Especially since two were published postmortem; Andromeda Evolution (see my review here) and A Case of Need.

Now James Patterson was tasked with bringing Michael’s vision to fruition. Honestly, I haven’t read much Patterson. Meaning, two, I’ve read two of his books and one I DNF.

This one, however, sucked me in on page one. Classic Crichton style. I was truly invested for the first two-thirds of the book. Then, in my opinion, it got very Patterson-esque. I’m only guessing since my experience with him is limited. There was a certain element that was overdone that I have never experienced in a Crichton novel. If I give any specifics it would totally be a spoiler – sorry! Some of it did enhance the plot and was expected. But then it became needless and a complete waste of literary space.

Private Demon By: Lynn Viehl

Darkyn #3

This is the second read through of this book. I liked it better than the first novel, definitely.

Thierry is a great character. Driven mad by his own disappointment and sense of failure. Was he ever really insane though? I don’t think so. I believe he was just grossly misunderstood. Violent tendencies aside, it’s more of an extreme case of if-he-only-would-have-used-his-words. In the end, his heart of gold wins out.

Jema, essentially abused and unwanted by her only living parent. Even her live-in doctor only treasures her as any scientist would a lab rat.

An Aryan-type group fueled by the Brethren are out to get the vampires. But they are getting help from one more source none of them saw coming.

These books have been really enjoyable so far. There’s just something I can’t quite pinpoint keeping them from being great.