I've been a bit disappointed with this month's releases so far, both in quantity and quality. I keep reading that publishing is going about its business, but I can't help wondering where all the good books have gone, because there haven't been as many as in months past. Then there are the lack of choices for my personal reading; you'd think, working in a bookstore as I do, that I'd have trouble narrowing down my selections, but I've brought home only a couple books this month, a rare occurrence for me. My co-workers are wondering what's wrong with me. I may have to resort to rereading old faves, something I hardly ever have time to do, as I can normally not keep up with the new books I bring home from work.
This time out, I have Sherrill Quinn's Daring the Moon (Brava). Taite Gibson's latest investigation for the county attorney has taken a rather weird turn: in the midst of Tucson, a wolf tried to attack her and got her car instead. To find out more about werewolves when the attacks continue, she tracks down author Ryder Merrick through her pal Declan. Ryder isn't thrilled to have strangers on his island home, but he can't resist Taite. The trouble is, his extensive knowledge on werewolves comes from his own personal experiences as one, a secret he can't share with her, despite the fiery attraction they do share. And Taite's got a stalker who's followed her and won't give up until he has her for himself; he won't allow Ryder to stand in his way. I didn't find myself especially invested in this one; Taite didn't reel me in from the beginning, though I did like Ryder better. Ryder is quickly entangled emotionally, but tortured by it, because a woman like Taite can't possibly want a monster like him. Right? Duh, any woman with half a brain could make exceptions to her rules for a guy like Ryder. If you pay any attention at all from the start, you'll know who the bad guy is, and I think that was part of the reason this one didn't work so well for me. The heat between Ryder and Taite is appealing, though it didn't make up for the rest of my issues with this. One other thing I did think would be good, though, is Declan, who clearly should have his own story told next. Perhaps with a more engaging heroine for him, however. I'm borrowing only three of Cupid's five arrows for this one.
Until next time, happy reading!
