Fifty Shades Darker by E.L.James

There was a lot more character development and depth in this, the second book in the series.  Christen Grey is learning that he wants more from Ana than a Dominant/Submissive relationship and is trying to figure out how this can work.  Ana is still trying to take in all of Gray and work her way down this road as well.  The relationship deepens, yet there are things that Grey is having a hard time letting go of from his past.  There was still enough erotica to keep you going, but much more substance to the story line.  I enjoyed this a lot and could not wait to get into the third one, which I am reading now!! (NOOK)

Reliquary by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

This book really pulled me along.  You know how there are some books out there that are easy to put down and others that are not, well this one made me want to keep on reading.  There is another outbreak of killings in an odd way that needs to be investigated in New York City.  Characters from 'Relic' returned and worked well in trying to figure these new murders out.  They had grown a lot from their experiences and it was put together well.  Either I am getting used to the gruesomeness, or it just was not as bad in this book and I wanted to know more about these interesting beings that lived under the city.  Reading about the 'city' under the city was amazing and was used beautifully in this book.  Preston and Child write very well together and there was not a dull moment throughout.  I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series and see what else they can do. (NOOK)

Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James

An interesting read and truly not for everyone.  It starts off with Anastasia going to interview a very wealthy man for the college paper.  It turns into a whirl wind adventure into a relationship that is not just holding hands, going out to dinner and the gentle kiss.  It is erotica and there is the Dominant/Submissive relationship.  I really enjoyed the story and was shocked at some of the things that were done and experienced.  I am just a regular gal in a regular relationship and was taken aback by what some people like to do.  With all of that said I cannot wait to get into the next novel in this very steamy trilogy! (NOOK)

Relic by Douglas J. Preston and Lincoln Child

A co-worker said that I just had to read this book and then every other one in the series.  He is totally hooked on the series.  Well, I think I can say that I am too!!  Preston and Child write beautifully together and keep you going though out the whole book.  There is a bit of gore, which at first I was not happy about, but once you get going you want to know what is doing this and why and where is it hiding.  The mystery that unfolds is amazing and you just get pulled along.  The story covers many years and a few continents and ends in a museum.  All I can say is that if you get the chance to read this, take it.  I am looking forward to diving into the next book in the series!! (NOOK)

Jumper: A Novel by Steven Gould

What an interesting book.  A little on the sci-fi side and a little on the mystery side.  It is about this kid who finds out that he can teleport himself.  He came from an abusive home and was able to get away from it.  From there he bounces around the world exploring and learning new things.  There are some tragic things that happen to him and he takes on some terrorists.  It is all quite interesting and there are more books in the series.  At times the flow was not super, but the content made up for it. (NOOK)

The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham

I am a sucker for historical fiction.  This one got me a little with all of the people and who they belonged to and at what times.  It takes place while King Edward IV is reigning and all the twists and turns of his marriage and who is in alliance with each other.  It fascinates me how quickly loyalties change and how quick those in power could judge and kill.  There was such a tremendous amount of violence during that time and it was so visceral.  I think that I enjoyed the fictional part more than the historical just because there were so many kings and queens and dukes and duchesses, it was very hard to keep straight and Higginbotham seemed to include everyone.  Because of that I am not sure if I will be seeking out more of her books.  If you can get past all of the names, the story was great. (NOOK)

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

This was a collection of eight stories.  The last three were tied together.  There was only one that I did not really like, I just felt very unsettled and uncomfortable with how it ended.  I was drawn into these stories and really felt a part of what was going on.  The subjects of families and friends and time passing were relevant, it made me not want the stories to end.  Lahiri wrote beautifully and it felt like she was talking just to you.  Her style was free flowing and never felt contrived or disjointed.  I am looking forward to finding more of her books and being drawn into her world.