It’s been a GREAT summer for reading! Besides the titles that she’s reviewed for That’s What I’m Talking About, VampBard has read many other books. To cap off this summer of reading, she’s put together a summary of some of the titles she’s read, but didn’t review. VampBard has enjoyed most, awarding them high ratings and bestowing a quirky award or two. We hope you enjoy this end-of-summer treat!
A Shiver at Twilight (Halloween-themed novella)
Erin Quinn. October 26, 2011, Books We Love.
Wow! This one definitely fed my Stephen King factor! Psychological horror with some romance added in. Pulls together my past reader and my present-day reader. Perfect!
Award: Best Horror/Ghost Story
Darker After Midnight (Midnight Breed 10)
Lara Adrian. January 24, 2012, Dell.
I can’t believe this is the end of the series! Ms. Adrian did a really great job tying up loose ends. I hope to see more of the Breed from her in the future…I’ll miss them!
Award: Best Series Ending EVER!
EDITED TO ADD (by Twimom): This ISN’T the end of the series! Edge of Dawn, the 11th MB book is set to release in January, 2013.
A Taste of Midnight (Midnight Breed 9.5)
Lara Adrian. December 5, 2011, Dell.
I think that reading this novella increased my experience in reading the series-culmination, Darker after Midnight. I think it’s definitely a MUST READ, for fans of the Midnight Breed series.
The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld 9)
Gena Showalter. February 28, 2012, HQN Books.
I adored Paris’ book. I thought that it was a great addition to Ms. Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series, one of my absolute favorites.
Award: Best Title from Long-Standing Series
Magic Mike starring Channing Tatum
This was the best movie to attend with one of your Girls that actually GET your penchant for smut & eyecandy! I was lucky enough to attend with Twimom! Award: Hottest (Chick) Flick of the Summer
Butterfly
Katherine Harvey. 1989, Guild.
I NEVER predicted the outcome of this story! Great read for the lover of suspense and psychological thrillers.
Award: Best Romantic Suspense
The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies #1)
Tarryn Fisher. November 14, 2011, Self-Published.
This was a great story…especially from one of my first ventures into reading a self-published author.
A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy #1)
Deborah Harkness. February 8, 2011, Viking.
What I loved the most about A Discovery of Witches is that Ms. Harkness wrote about something with which I was familiar. Researching. Her description, while not overboard, made me feel as though I was right there!
Award: Best New-To-Me & Breakout
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
Gennifer Choldenko. September 1, 2007, Harcourt Books.
Great read for 8-12 year-olds. Provides a unique and realistic perspective to get these kids asking the all-important ‘Who am I?’ question.
Award: Best Young Adult in a LONG time!
All That Bleeds (Etherlin #1)
Kimberley Frost. January 3, 2012, Berkley Sensation.
This initial book of Ms. Frost’s Etherlin series integrates paranormal and mythology in a seamless manner, without hiding the paranormal from the human population. Unique approach. Superior execution.
Award: Best Integration of Paranormal Elements
50 Shades of Grey
E.L. James. May 26, 2011, Vintage.
Pop lit for Summer 2012. I’ve read better ‘mommy porn’. Tugged at my Twilight heart-strings.
50 Shades Darker
E.L. James. September 15, 2011, The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House
50 Shades Darker was my favorite book in the 50 Shades Trilogy. I think it was my favorite because we learned the most about Christian, and saw his character evolve so much.
50 Shades Freed
E.L. James. January 19, 2012, The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House
The ending of the 50 Shades Trilogy was definitely a let-down and felt like a cop-out. I was definitely hoping for something more than sunshine, flowers, rainbows and unicorns.
Award: Lamest Ending to a Series 
So what was on your summer reading list? Were there any breakouts for you? What about disappointments?