Poetry Works

For those of you who happened to Google your title and ended up here, please know that one star is not a bad thing in Robin's world -- just the fact that I picked up your book and started it means that somewhere it's getting good buzz (or that your blurb was really cool).

* I didn't make it beyond the first 20 pages.
** I made it to the end, but I either skimmed or skipped large sections.
*** I might have skipped/skimmed, but I liked it and might read it again.
**** I read at least 95% of the book and it was good -- probably will be reread.
***** I read every word, and I loved it! A favorite and definite reread.

This year, I'm only going to list the stars and a brief recommendation for the type of readers I think will enjoy the book [(R) means it's a re-read; [] means it's an ARC].





*****
The Ultimatum, by Karen Robards -- highly recommended for those who like suspense/thrillers, those who like strong but vulnerable heroines, and those who like hints of romance -- Mira Books, 6/17

****+
Superstition, by Karen Robards -- highly recommended for those who like paranormal thrillers, those who like family relationships, and those who like romantic suspense -- Signet, 5/06

****+
Hour of Need, by Melinda Leigh -- highly recommended for those who like romantic suspense, those who like dual-POV, and those who like strong family relationships -- Montlake Romance, 12/14

For those of you who happened to Google your title and ended up here, please know that one star is not a bad thing in Robin's world -- just the fact that I picked up your book and started it means that somewhere it's getting good buzz (or that your blurb was really cool).

* I didn't make it beyond the first 20 pages.
** I made it to the end, but I either skimmed or skipped large sections.
*** I might have skipped/skimmed, but I liked it and might read it again.
**** I read at least 95% of the book and it was good -- probably will be reread.
***** I read every word, and I loved it! A favorite and definite reread.

This year, I'm only going to list the stars and a brief recommendation for the type of readers I think will enjoy the book [(R) means it's a re-read; [] means it's an ARC].





*****
The Black Witch, by Laurie Forest -- highly recommended for those who like YA fantasy, those who like complex (and still understandable) world building, and those who like heroines who experience growth -- Harlequin Teen, 5/17

(So this has gotten a lot of press -- much of it originally very negative. I picked it up because of that, and I was pleasantly surprised at what I found. The characterization isn't perfect (there are a couple of antagonists who are pretty two-dimensional), and it takes the MC a looooong time to stand up for herself and begin to grow. However, this world is fascinating. I loved the diversity and how all the characters (other than the aforementioned) had strengths and weaknesses; there was no 'perfect' being, and they all had areas where they needed to grow, as well as areas where they could lead. I can't wait for the next one!)

****-
The Possible, by Tara Altebrando -- recommended for those who like unreliable narrators, those who like ambiguous endings, and those who like best-friends-to-romance -- Bloomsbury, 6/17

(I didn't find this as compelling as her first book (The Leaving), but it was still pretty fast-paced. The biggest issue was that I just didn't like the MC that much. She was okay, but she was also pretty self-centered and had tunnel vision. Even though she decided to change near the end, it was too little, too late (for me, at least).)

****+
[My New Crush Gave to Me, by Shani Petroff -- highly recommended for those who like sweet YA romance, those who like holiday tales, and those who like strong friendships -- Swoon Reads, 10/17]

(This was a fast and fun read. I liked the characters, and I loved the friendship between the MC and her bff. Also, despite being very predictable, the romance struggles were sweet, and I liked seeing how thoughtful her love was.)