I have been horrifically lax about doing reviews lately, so I thought that today I would catch you all up on some of what I’ve been reading. As some of you know, my range is pretty wide…

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful blend of historical research and paranormal romance.

I enjoyed the characters and there is a good deal of mystery and suspense thrown into the mix.

Looking forward to the rest of the series.

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Bounty of Love by Scotty Cade

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Based upon reviews of this and other titles in the series, I was expecting more. However, one can hardly hold the reviews against the author.

Unfortunately, story-wise, I found it thin and disappointing.

The mystery element was predictable—at least for me—and that detracted since it occupied such a large portion of the story. I felt that the plot actually began in the wrong spot and would have been stronger had the opening chapter been Zander waking in the hospital.

As for the romance, I found certain elements to be almost jarring. After the build up of Zander’s familial/pre-marital bliss (which would have been better IMHO in flashback), his lack of grief was very odd. Although he did spend a great deal of time wondering if it was too soon to be with Jake, it didn’t seem to hold him back.

The progression of the relationship was also strange: after one meeting, they’re soon friends, then things go quickly to “I love you” from there.

And don’t even get me going on the ghost/wedding ring bit…

Although, I cannot strongly recommend this title, I am certainly willing to give Scotty Cade another try in the future.

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The Rabelais Alliance by Mel Keegan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What is not to like about Mel Keegan?

I know that’s pretty fanboy of me—but Mel was one of the first gay authors I ever read (Death’s Head and Fortunes of War) where you didn’t want to go out and kill yourself after reading their story. So I’m biased…

And yet here again, Mel presents an intriguing sci/fi story with well-drawn gay characters that develop a strong, loving relationship that supports and influences their actions. It’s all about their relationship without being all about their relationship. Curious, no?

With a diverse cast of humans and aliens, The Rabelais Alliance, as well as the Hellgate series, places the human colonies of the Deep Sky square in the sights of a dangerous and mysterious alien race…

As with any of Mel’s stories, highly recommended…

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Wizard for Hire by Jim Butcher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Like a lot of people I’m sure, my introduction to Harry Dresden and, consequently, Jim Butcher, was the short-lived TV series, The Dresden Files. As Chicago’s only professional wizard, Harry was something one-of-a-kind.

Having finally gotten around to reading the books, I find that they are even more fun in the original. Sure, Harry has—at least for my taste—a way-over-developed sense of responsibility, but that makes him who he is. But, nonetheless, I enjoy wondering what is going to happen to him—and, equally, trying to figure out how he’s going to get out of the next life or death situation.

Light and quickly read, any of Harry’s adventures is a recommended read.

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