The Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

These men sure do know how to weave a tale.  The characters have such depth, you get pulled into the story and really don't want it to end.  This took place in and around New York City and delved back into the old museum and 'freak show' kinds of places, Cabinets of Curiosities.  Some bones were uncovered which then led to gruesome deaths and twisted stories and someone who may have discovered a way to prolong life.  Some people were trying to cover things up, some people thought they knew it all, yet it was Pendergast that just held things together and made things work in the end.  The one thing that always gets me with these books is that I think I have figured out who the 'bad guy' is and it is never that person.  There are several more books in this series and I am looking forward to making my way through them and seeing what else these authors can toss out at us. (NOOK)

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L.James

This rounded out the series very well.  I did not feel disappointed when I finished and felt that there had been a lot of growth and depth in all of the characters.  Of course there was some conflict.  Christian is always overprotective and Ana liked to push his buttons.  As he became more comfortable with her and truly believed that she would not leave him things got better and he opened up more and more.  Yes, there were still the erotica parts, but it was truly turning into a slightly more traditional relationship.  James did a beautiful job with the characters and made you feel for them.  She created much depth and concern that made me really want to follow through and see how the characters would work things out.  These books may not be for everyone, but they were very well written and I look forward to reading more of her work. (NOOK)

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)