It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (Jan. 3, 2011)

It's Monday, What are you reading is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.  

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a really good reading week this past week. I was home at my brother's in Duluth and the weather was the kind that kept me indoors except for one trip to Black Bear Casino. I got to spend my time reading, blogging and just hanging out.

Here is what I read through Friday:

I finished The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. I thought it was an excellent steampunk mystery/romance and I loved the world building even though I would hate to live in the world. My review will be posted on Jan. 6.

I read The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman. This was a fun, middle grade adventure with wonderfully quirky characters. I have the eARC from NetGalley. The book will be published on Jan. 25 and my review is scheduled for Jan. 3 on Ms. Martin Teaches Media.

Anna and the French Kiss was a book that has received some glowing reviews. I enjoyed this contemporary young adult romance and thought it was well-written. You can check out my review here. I think my high school romance readers will love it.

Perilous by Tamara Hart Heiner is a suspenseful read by a new author. The book suffers from "first book syndrome" but I can see potential for the author. I will be reviewing the book on Jan. 6 and the author will be guest posting on Jan. 10 at Ms. Martin Teaches Media.

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John was also extremely well reviewed. I enjoyed this contemporary young adult story of a deaf girl who is managing a teen rock band. I think this one will appeal to my high school students too. Especially if they are interested in rock music. The review will be posted on Jan. 12.

Love Me to Death is a thriller (or maybe romantic suspense) by Allison Brennan. It was creepy and spine-chilling. I loved it. Ms. Brennan will be guest posting on my blog on Jan. 21 as part of her blog tour. I will be posting my review on Jan. 20.

Queen of Shadows by Dianne Sylvan is urban fantasy. I read a wonderful review of the book and had to have it. I really enjoyed both the hero and heroine in this one. He is the vampire in charge of the Southeastern United States and she describes him as a ninja computer geek (and hot, really hot). She is a musician who is also an empath and who is going crazy because she can't shut out other people's emotions. Look for my review on Jan. 12.

The Heart of Winter is an anthology with stories by Maggie Shayne, Linda Winstead Jones, and Day Leclaire. I received this eARC from NetGalley and Harlequin. All of the stories were very entertaining and romantic.  My review will be posted on Jan. 8 but the book should be available for purchase now. 

I am currently reading another eARC that I got from NetGalley and Harlequin Teen. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa is the third in the series. I have enjoyed the other two entries in the series and have high hopes for this one as well. 

Next week?

I really haven't decided yet. I know that the new Jayne Ann Krentz book - In Too Deep: Book One of the Looking Glass Trilogy will be waiting when I get home. That one has to be next. I am also expecting some of the new 2011 YA Debut Author books to arrive and I am very eager to read them. Also waiting for me should be the next books in the Pink Carnation series. There are so many choices and so little time.

Have a great reading week!