Another "following the drum" book. I've read a couple of Farrell's Regencies and she's a very talented writer. She hasn't written anything in quite a long time, unfortunately.
Red, Red Rose by Marjorie Farrell
(1999, Regency Historical) 12/26/05
Grade: 4
The illegitimate son of an Earl, Valentine Ashton ends up a Lieutenant in Portugal. He is determined to prove himself, and ends up rescuing Elspeth Gordon, the daughter of an officer. They become friends, and through the long winter, get to know each other - but can their friendship become love, as Val investigates a friend for possible treason?
Another excellent depiction of the war against Napoleon, this one with more of an officer’s perspective. This is Val’s story, from his beginnings as an orphaned bastard in England to his struggles with his family and duty in Portugal. The book really focuses on him, and he’s a wonderful hero - a bit tortured but brave and admirable. Elspeth is also a terrific heroine, but she’s a secondary character for most of the book - the focus is on Val and his troubles, and on a detailed depiction of life in camp during a long campaign. It’s only near the end that the romance really comes forward. A book to read for the history, not the relationships.
A bit disappointing, since Marjorie Farrell is known for her deeply emotional Regencies, and I was looking forward to more romance with my history. But it's worth reading for Val's story, even if it's not deeply romantic.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
The Dog Makes The Tale
I've never been a big fan of Barbara Metzger - I've read several of her books, but her humor doesn't really work for me, and I find most of her books a bit dull. But people keep giving me her books, assuring me that "you just haven't found the right one yet". This one was most highly recommended.
A Loyal Companion by Barbara Metzger
(1992, Regency) 12/24/05
Grade: 3.5
Fitz is the loyal dog of high-spirited Sunny, and he’s determined to protect her and find her a proper mate. After some false starts, he discovers Darius Conover, a war hero with a bad reputation. Fitz will do anything to see his mistress with the right man - and Darius is just the one for her.
Cute and fun - you don’t read many books that include the dog’s perspective. Fitz’s unique narration kept me laughing, and kept me reading. Unfortunately, the rest of the book wasn’t that interesting - the hero and heroine are kind of bland, and the story runs out of steam about halfway through, even though the book is very short. If it hadn’t been for Fitz, I probably wouldn’t have finished it.
I think this will be my last Metzger...
A Loyal Companion by Barbara Metzger
(1992, Regency) 12/24/05
Grade: 3.5
Fitz is the loyal dog of high-spirited Sunny, and he’s determined to protect her and find her a proper mate. After some false starts, he discovers Darius Conover, a war hero with a bad reputation. Fitz will do anything to see his mistress with the right man - and Darius is just the one for her.
Cute and fun - you don’t read many books that include the dog’s perspective. Fitz’s unique narration kept me laughing, and kept me reading. Unfortunately, the rest of the book wasn’t that interesting - the hero and heroine are kind of bland, and the story runs out of steam about halfway through, even though the book is very short. If it hadn’t been for Fitz, I probably wouldn’t have finished it.
I think this will be my last Metzger...
Friday, December 23, 2005
A Twist On Romancing The Stone
AAR did a recent review of this Harlequin American series title from 1994 - I was looking for a short and light read so I picked it up at the used bookstore.
The Adventuress by M.J. Rodgers (HAR 520)
(1994, Contemporary Series) 12/23/05
Grade: 3.5
Timid librarian Pamela Gibson has a secret - she writes bestsellers about the sexy, adventurous “Roxanne Rainey”, who travels the world righting wrongs. But when she’s bonked on the head during a helicopter hijacking, she wakes up thinking she’s actually Roxanne, and that she and reluctant pilot and pararescuer Skye have to rescue a kidnapping victim in trouble!
A silly-but-fun adventure story, which doesn’t take itself too seriously. The tone is definitely tongue in cheek. I don’t normally like adventure stories that much, but the short length works for it - it’s just long enough to be a fun and frothy read. Roxanne is a plucky, tough heroine who climbs cliffs and dives into Hawaiian lagoons without a second thought - except she can’t figure out why she keeps remembering life as a librarian. Skye has less personality but he and Roxanne have a lot of chemistry together. The ending is a bit rushed, but overall, a fun time is had by all.
Think of this as a twist on Romancing the Stone - an affectionate take-off on the typical romance adventure story. I probably won't remember much about it by tomorrow, but it was a fun way to spend my first day of Christmas vacation.
The Adventuress by M.J. Rodgers (HAR 520)
(1994, Contemporary Series) 12/23/05
Grade: 3.5
Timid librarian Pamela Gibson has a secret - she writes bestsellers about the sexy, adventurous “Roxanne Rainey”, who travels the world righting wrongs. But when she’s bonked on the head during a helicopter hijacking, she wakes up thinking she’s actually Roxanne, and that she and reluctant pilot and pararescuer Skye have to rescue a kidnapping victim in trouble!
A silly-but-fun adventure story, which doesn’t take itself too seriously. The tone is definitely tongue in cheek. I don’t normally like adventure stories that much, but the short length works for it - it’s just long enough to be a fun and frothy read. Roxanne is a plucky, tough heroine who climbs cliffs and dives into Hawaiian lagoons without a second thought - except she can’t figure out why she keeps remembering life as a librarian. Skye has less personality but he and Roxanne have a lot of chemistry together. The ending is a bit rushed, but overall, a fun time is had by all.
Think of this as a twist on Romancing the Stone - an affectionate take-off on the typical romance adventure story. I probably won't remember much about it by tomorrow, but it was a fun way to spend my first day of Christmas vacation.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
An Admirable Read
I have a couple of "following the drum" books in my TBR pile - I'll be interested to see how different authors explore the subject.
Rules of Marriage by Wilma Counts
(2002, Regency Historical) 12/11/05
Grade: 3.5
After four years married to a cruel soldier, Rachel is resigned to her fate, although she defies her husband to save the life of wounded Major Jake Ferguson. When her husband sells her at an auction, it’s Jake who saves her. She and Jake live together on the campaign trail, but when she returns to England, can she continue as his mistress? Or his wife?
This is a book to be admired for its nobility, rather than loved. The characters rarely come to life - Rachel in particular is so saintly and so passive, it’s hard to root for her or believe in her character. The hero and heroine are apart for much of the book, and their relationship seems rote. The book does contain a lot of interesting details about the Spanish campaign and the lives of the women following the drum, but the book is more of a history lesson, with just a small dollop of romance. I enjoyed the history and I'll keep it in mind when I read other books about the period, but I doubt I'll remember the romance. The characters are just too perfect and the story too predictable.
Red, Red Rose by Marjorie Farrell is sitting next to my bed - I can't decide if I should jump right into another "women in war" book or try something completely different.
Rules of Marriage by Wilma Counts
(2002, Regency Historical) 12/11/05
Grade: 3.5
After four years married to a cruel soldier, Rachel is resigned to her fate, although she defies her husband to save the life of wounded Major Jake Ferguson. When her husband sells her at an auction, it’s Jake who saves her. She and Jake live together on the campaign trail, but when she returns to England, can she continue as his mistress? Or his wife?
This is a book to be admired for its nobility, rather than loved. The characters rarely come to life - Rachel in particular is so saintly and so passive, it’s hard to root for her or believe in her character. The hero and heroine are apart for much of the book, and their relationship seems rote. The book does contain a lot of interesting details about the Spanish campaign and the lives of the women following the drum, but the book is more of a history lesson, with just a small dollop of romance. I enjoyed the history and I'll keep it in mind when I read other books about the period, but I doubt I'll remember the romance. The characters are just too perfect and the story too predictable.
Red, Red Rose by Marjorie Farrell is sitting next to my bed - I can't decide if I should jump right into another "women in war" book or try something completely different.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Elisabeth Fairchild: Always a Pleasure To Read
I'm never disappointed by an Elisabeth Fairchild Regency - some are better than others but they're always a cut above the rest.
A Fresh Perspective by Elisabeth Fairchild
(1996, Regency) 12/3/05
Grade: 4.5
Lord Reed Talcott returns from his grand tour to find his best friend and neighbor, Megan Breech, greatly changed. They always shared a love for art, but it seems that she’s grown up overnight! Megan’s first love was always Reed, but he sees her as just a friend. So she’ll have to look elsewhere - unless she can get him to see her from a new perspective...
Elisabeth Fairchild always impresses me with her writing - she is so vivid, and does such a great job at depicting characters in just a few words. My favorite one, describing a secondary character: "The young woman reminded her of a vine. It did not seem to matter that it was always a different fellow, only that there should be someone male to wind herself around." I also enjoyed the way she keeps coming back to “perspective” - for once, a title that really means something! The story here isn’t all that romantic (Fairchild’s characters are always down to earth but I prefer her more passionate books, like Miss Dornton's Hero) but she keeps me turning the pages because I genuinely like these characters and want to find out what happens to them. The ending is a bit muddled, but that's a minor quibble. Her books never disappoint - highly recommended.
I'm crossing my fingers that Fairchild survives the demise of the Regency, and finds a way to write her wonderful books without destroying what's special about them. (Something that too many Regency authors haven't been able to do...)
A Fresh Perspective by Elisabeth Fairchild
(1996, Regency) 12/3/05
Grade: 4.5
Lord Reed Talcott returns from his grand tour to find his best friend and neighbor, Megan Breech, greatly changed. They always shared a love for art, but it seems that she’s grown up overnight! Megan’s first love was always Reed, but he sees her as just a friend. So she’ll have to look elsewhere - unless she can get him to see her from a new perspective...
Elisabeth Fairchild always impresses me with her writing - she is so vivid, and does such a great job at depicting characters in just a few words. My favorite one, describing a secondary character: "The young woman reminded her of a vine. It did not seem to matter that it was always a different fellow, only that there should be someone male to wind herself around." I also enjoyed the way she keeps coming back to “perspective” - for once, a title that really means something! The story here isn’t all that romantic (Fairchild’s characters are always down to earth but I prefer her more passionate books, like Miss Dornton's Hero) but she keeps me turning the pages because I genuinely like these characters and want to find out what happens to them. The ending is a bit muddled, but that's a minor quibble. Her books never disappoint - highly recommended.
I'm crossing my fingers that Fairchild survives the demise of the Regency, and finds a way to write her wonderful books without destroying what's special about them. (Something that too many Regency authors haven't been able to do...)
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Humor is So Subjective...
Every now and then I like to read a funny book, but it's so hard to find one that works for me...
George & the Virgin by Lisa Cach
(2002, Medieval) 11/25/05
Grade: 3
Every year, the villagers of Markesew make an offering to the local dragon - a virgin. When Alizon is sent to the dragon, she changes the rules and manages to save herself (and the other virgins). But when professional wrestler George is thrown through time, she can only hope he can slay the dragon - and save her from a lifetime of isolation.
A cute premise that works at the beginning. I really liked George the wrestler, and Alizon who saves herself from the dragon - and the setup with the virgins was clever. But the book quickly loses its way - it tries to hit the same notes as Deveraux’s Knight in Shining Armor but it just seems to get lost and muddled. There were a few humorous moments, but mostly they fell flat. I lost interest and skimmed through quite a bit of the second half.
I really loved Cach's short story Puddings, Pastries and Thou but her longer books haven't really worked for me.
George & the Virgin by Lisa Cach
(2002, Medieval) 11/25/05
Grade: 3
Every year, the villagers of Markesew make an offering to the local dragon - a virgin. When Alizon is sent to the dragon, she changes the rules and manages to save herself (and the other virgins). But when professional wrestler George is thrown through time, she can only hope he can slay the dragon - and save her from a lifetime of isolation.
A cute premise that works at the beginning. I really liked George the wrestler, and Alizon who saves herself from the dragon - and the setup with the virgins was clever. But the book quickly loses its way - it tries to hit the same notes as Deveraux’s Knight in Shining Armor but it just seems to get lost and muddled. There were a few humorous moments, but mostly they fell flat. I lost interest and skimmed through quite a bit of the second half.
I really loved Cach's short story Puddings, Pastries and Thou but her longer books haven't really worked for me.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Just Don't Like Those Alpha Men
Based on the description on the back cover, this would seem like the perfect book for me - a tortured wounded hero and a tormented heroine with a troubled past - sounds perfect for me, doesn't it?
Gallant Waif by Anne Gracie
(1999, Regency) 10/9/05
Grade: 3.5
Kate is orphaned and destitute when she is rescued (or kidnapped) by her mother’s godmother. She is forced to explain the scandals of her past, but Lady Cahill decides she’s the best person to force her wounded grandson, Jack, from his isolation and depression. Kate becomes Jack’s housekeeper, and soon they both begin to heal each other.
Suprisingly, this one didn’t do much for me. I liked the setup, and Kate was a great heroine - it’s rare to find a “ruined” heroine who actually is ruined. But I didn’t like Jack at all - I found him annoying and domineering most of the time, and I was baffled by Kate’s love for him. All they did was argue. (I’ve never been a fan of the “fighting = true love” type of romance.) The book did improve in the last third, and the ballroom scene was lovely and touching (which is why I gave this a 3.5 instead of a 3) but overall, I found it more frustrating than enjoyable.
I was surprised and disappointed by this one - after the rapturous reviews it received (and by two of my favorite reviewers!) I really expected to love it. I guess I have an exceptionally low tolerence for domineering alpha heroes.
Gallant Waif by Anne Gracie
(1999, Regency) 10/9/05
Grade: 3.5
Kate is orphaned and destitute when she is rescued (or kidnapped) by her mother’s godmother. She is forced to explain the scandals of her past, but Lady Cahill decides she’s the best person to force her wounded grandson, Jack, from his isolation and depression. Kate becomes Jack’s housekeeper, and soon they both begin to heal each other.
Suprisingly, this one didn’t do much for me. I liked the setup, and Kate was a great heroine - it’s rare to find a “ruined” heroine who actually is ruined. But I didn’t like Jack at all - I found him annoying and domineering most of the time, and I was baffled by Kate’s love for him. All they did was argue. (I’ve never been a fan of the “fighting = true love” type of romance.) The book did improve in the last third, and the ballroom scene was lovely and touching (which is why I gave this a 3.5 instead of a 3) but overall, I found it more frustrating than enjoyable.
I was surprised and disappointed by this one - after the rapturous reviews it received (and by two of my favorite reviewers!) I really expected to love it. I guess I have an exceptionally low tolerence for domineering alpha heroes.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Good, But Not Great, Erotica
This story was recommended to me - I don't think I would have paid full trade price for one story, but I found it at the library. I took a quick look at the other two stories but they didn't seem very appealing.
A House East of Regent Street by Pam Rosenthal
Short Story in the Anthology: Strangers In The Night
(2004, Regency Historical) 9/25/05
Grade: 3.5
Returning war veteran Jack Merion plans to buy a former brothel and rent it out - but another party is interested as well. Miss Myles, the sophisticated mistress of a French prince, is willing to spend 5 afternoons with Jack in return for the lease - but will their erotic adventures unexpectedly affect them both?
It’s good erotica - the characters are well defined and the sex scenes are inventive and sensual (without resorting to the usual erotica cliches). But in the end, it just wasn’t that memorable - the story was just too short, less than 100 pages. (I usually find erotica too long, but not in this case.) Between the setup and the resolution, there just wasn’t enough meat in the middle - and the coincidences of the resolution didn’t help either. It needed more.
I tried one of Rosenthal's previous books and it had similar problems - the scenes at the beginning were sexual and exciting, but the book just fizzled out. She could really be good if she could make the rest of her books work as well as her love scenes.
A House East of Regent Street by Pam Rosenthal
Short Story in the Anthology: Strangers In The Night
(2004, Regency Historical) 9/25/05
Grade: 3.5
Returning war veteran Jack Merion plans to buy a former brothel and rent it out - but another party is interested as well. Miss Myles, the sophisticated mistress of a French prince, is willing to spend 5 afternoons with Jack in return for the lease - but will their erotic adventures unexpectedly affect them both?
It’s good erotica - the characters are well defined and the sex scenes are inventive and sensual (without resorting to the usual erotica cliches). But in the end, it just wasn’t that memorable - the story was just too short, less than 100 pages. (I usually find erotica too long, but not in this case.) Between the setup and the resolution, there just wasn’t enough meat in the middle - and the coincidences of the resolution didn’t help either. It needed more.
I tried one of Rosenthal's previous books and it had similar problems - the scenes at the beginning were sexual and exciting, but the book just fizzled out. She could really be good if she could make the rest of her books work as well as her love scenes.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Two Throw-Aways
I had some time to kill in NYC today, so I brought along two "throw away" books - series books so old and battered that even the library book sale wouldn't want them. After I finished, I tossed them out, so I wouldn't have to carry them around all day. Unfortunately, I could barely finish either one.
Sail Away by Kathleen Korbel (SD 1254)
(1998, Series) 9/24/05
Grade: 2.5
Lilly Kokoa is sailing near her home in Hawaii when she finds movie star Cameron Ross (actually his look-alike cousin) floating in a life raft, bleeding and disoriented. She tries to help him but soon they're both captured by kidnappers. They flee for their lives - but who is this man really? He can't quite remember.
Although this isn't one of Korbel's best books, I had hopes for it at the beginning. It's light-hearted and charming, a fun "love on the run" story. But then Korbel starts mixing in the bumbling kidnappers (who are supposed to be funny but aren't), Lilly's angst over her Hawaiian heritage, Ethan's impending blindness, etc. etc. It was just too much for a 180 page book, and it ended up a confusing mish-mash. By the the end, I was skimming in frustration.
The Dragon and the Dove by Glenna McReynolds (LS 693)
(1994, Series) 9/24/05
Grade: 2
Jessica Langston, a divorced single mother has just finished her MBA and has gone to work for the mysterious Cooper Daniels. When she discovers his real business is collecting bounty on pirates, she's not sure what to think. He is afraid she's too innocent for his world - but soon finds she's tougher than he thought. Together, they'll strike back at the mysterious pirate who killed his brother.
Another book with potential that's lost in confusion. I really liked the premise - I always enjoy a good revenge plot, especially with a heroine who's tougher and smarter than she looks. But this is another series book that tries to cram 400 pages of plot into 200 pages of book. By the halfway point, I was confused and had no idea what was going on. It just didn't make sense, and the romance seemed like an afterthought. I gave up halfway through.
I keep a stash of these old series books to take with me on trips, and sometimes they're good, sometimes not. Two clunkers today, unfortunately.
Sail Away by Kathleen Korbel (SD 1254)
(1998, Series) 9/24/05
Grade: 2.5
Lilly Kokoa is sailing near her home in Hawaii when she finds movie star Cameron Ross (actually his look-alike cousin) floating in a life raft, bleeding and disoriented. She tries to help him but soon they're both captured by kidnappers. They flee for their lives - but who is this man really? He can't quite remember.
Although this isn't one of Korbel's best books, I had hopes for it at the beginning. It's light-hearted and charming, a fun "love on the run" story. But then Korbel starts mixing in the bumbling kidnappers (who are supposed to be funny but aren't), Lilly's angst over her Hawaiian heritage, Ethan's impending blindness, etc. etc. It was just too much for a 180 page book, and it ended up a confusing mish-mash. By the the end, I was skimming in frustration.
The Dragon and the Dove by Glenna McReynolds (LS 693)
(1994, Series) 9/24/05
Grade: 2
Jessica Langston, a divorced single mother has just finished her MBA and has gone to work for the mysterious Cooper Daniels. When she discovers his real business is collecting bounty on pirates, she's not sure what to think. He is afraid she's too innocent for his world - but soon finds she's tougher than he thought. Together, they'll strike back at the mysterious pirate who killed his brother.
Another book with potential that's lost in confusion. I really liked the premise - I always enjoy a good revenge plot, especially with a heroine who's tougher and smarter than she looks. But this is another series book that tries to cram 400 pages of plot into 200 pages of book. By the halfway point, I was confused and had no idea what was going on. It just didn't make sense, and the romance seemed like an afterthought. I gave up halfway through.
I keep a stash of these old series books to take with me on trips, and sometimes they're good, sometimes not. Two clunkers today, unfortunately.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Gritty Western Fiction
I haven't been reading much lately - too busy with other things, I guess.
These Is My Words by Nancy Turner
(1998, Western) 9/18/05
Grade: 4.5
The (fictional) diary of Sarah Prine, from age 17 to 37, 1881 to 1901. Sarah lives in the Arizona Territory and lives through Indian attacks, marries and has children, loses loved ones and survives life on the frontier.
Very well written and interesting - sort of a grittier version of the Little House books. The first person narrative really works here - Sarah is such a compelling and interesting character that I couldn’t stop reading. And it was fascinating to see her grow and develop over twenty years - something that rarely happens in romance - although I’m shallow enough to wish there had been a “romance novel” ending.
Definitely well worth reading.
These Is My Words by Nancy Turner
(1998, Western) 9/18/05
Grade: 4.5
The (fictional) diary of Sarah Prine, from age 17 to 37, 1881 to 1901. Sarah lives in the Arizona Territory and lives through Indian attacks, marries and has children, loses loved ones and survives life on the frontier.
Very well written and interesting - sort of a grittier version of the Little House books. The first person narrative really works here - Sarah is such a compelling and interesting character that I couldn’t stop reading. And it was fascinating to see her grow and develop over twenty years - something that rarely happens in romance - although I’m shallow enough to wish there had been a “romance novel” ending.
Definitely well worth reading.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
More Frustration...
I picked this one up because of the subject - I love books set in the theatre. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work.
Acts of Love by Judith Michael
(1994, Contemporary) 7/28/05
Grade: 2.5
After the death of his beloved grandmother, Broadway director Lucas Cameron finds letters from her protege - the brilliant actress Jessica Fontaine, who disappeared after an accident. He falls in love with her through her letters and is determined to find her - even if she doesn’t want to be found.
This was a frustrating book - parts of it were fascinating, but they were mixed with a lot of dull and unbelievable sections. The hero and heroine spend most of the book apart, but it worked in the beginning, when Luke was getting to know Jessica through her letters. Luke was annoyingly self-centered, and the section went on for too long, but still I kept reading, because I was eager to finally meet Jessica. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the buildup. Despite some really interesting sections about the theatre, I kept putting the book down in boredom, or skipping ahead. (And even for someone who loves a HEA, the ending seemed a bit saccharine.) The whole thing felt superficial and a bit shallow.
I'm really hoping my next read will be something special...
Acts of Love by Judith Michael
(1994, Contemporary) 7/28/05
Grade: 2.5
After the death of his beloved grandmother, Broadway director Lucas Cameron finds letters from her protege - the brilliant actress Jessica Fontaine, who disappeared after an accident. He falls in love with her through her letters and is determined to find her - even if she doesn’t want to be found.
This was a frustrating book - parts of it were fascinating, but they were mixed with a lot of dull and unbelievable sections. The hero and heroine spend most of the book apart, but it worked in the beginning, when Luke was getting to know Jessica through her letters. Luke was annoyingly self-centered, and the section went on for too long, but still I kept reading, because I was eager to finally meet Jessica. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the buildup. Despite some really interesting sections about the theatre, I kept putting the book down in boredom, or skipping ahead. (And even for someone who loves a HEA, the ending seemed a bit saccharine.) The whole thing felt superficial and a bit shallow.
I'm really hoping my next read will be something special...
Sunday, July 24, 2005
A Disappointing Tortured Hero
Still working my way through some of the older books in my TBR.
The Heart's Desire by Gayle Wilson
(1994, Regency Historical) 7/24/05
Grade: 2.5
After following the drum in Spain, Emily Fairfax thought she’d seen it all - but she’s confused and attracted by Dominic, the Duke of Avon. He seems hard and uncaring, ignoring taunts about his crippled leg, his only passion his secret work for the war effort - but underneath he knows he can never have the happiness that others have. Can Emily show him otherwise?
Even though I love a good tortured hero, this book was a chore to get through. Even though Dominic had every reason to be “tortured”, I got tired of his whining - and Emily’s attraction to him didn’t seem to be rooted in anything other than plot necessity. It seemed like a throwback to books from the early 80’s - he treats her badly, she loves him for no apparent reason, and every development is predictable. Why did I keep reading? I did grow to like the characters, and the spy plot in the first half was fairly interesting. (And I kept hoping that the book would get better!) But overall this was a disappointment, even for a die-hard tortured hero lover.
It's hard to believe that there's a tortured hero that I didn't like! (As a friend put it, the more they suffer, the more I like it.) But there was just something missing in this one.
The Heart's Desire by Gayle Wilson
(1994, Regency Historical) 7/24/05
Grade: 2.5
After following the drum in Spain, Emily Fairfax thought she’d seen it all - but she’s confused and attracted by Dominic, the Duke of Avon. He seems hard and uncaring, ignoring taunts about his crippled leg, his only passion his secret work for the war effort - but underneath he knows he can never have the happiness that others have. Can Emily show him otherwise?
Even though I love a good tortured hero, this book was a chore to get through. Even though Dominic had every reason to be “tortured”, I got tired of his whining - and Emily’s attraction to him didn’t seem to be rooted in anything other than plot necessity. It seemed like a throwback to books from the early 80’s - he treats her badly, she loves him for no apparent reason, and every development is predictable. Why did I keep reading? I did grow to like the characters, and the spy plot in the first half was fairly interesting. (And I kept hoping that the book would get better!) But overall this was a disappointment, even for a die-hard tortured hero lover.
It's hard to believe that there's a tortured hero that I didn't like! (As a friend put it, the more they suffer, the more I like it.) But there was just something missing in this one.
Friday, July 08, 2005
An E-Book (Mostly) Worth Reading
Another book that's been highly touted online - I finally got around to this one when I was traveling (one of the few times I read ebooks).
Yorkshire by Lynne Connolly
(2002, Georgian) 7/7/05
Grade: 4
Rose and her family have just arrived at Hareton Abbey, to find the house in ruins and the Earl under the spell of a fundamentalist minister. She also meets Richard, Lord Strang, who is immediately drawn to her. Within days, the Earl is dead and Rose is deeply involved with Richard - but who was behind the Earl’s death, and can she trust this new love in her life?
At first, I found Yorkshire frustrating - there were so many characters, it was hard to tell who was who (especially difficult in an ebook where you can't easily flip back to check a name or reread a paragraph). I was also skeptical of the “instant” love and commitment between Richard and Rose - it didn’t seem based in anything except the requirements of the plot. But once I’d gotten past this, the book improved, and I found myself caught up in the detailed descriptions of the Georgian time period and the well-written characters. It’s hard to grade this - I was close to giving up on it after the first third (and I might have if I hadn't been on a bus with nothing else to read), but it did improve quite a bit in the second half, with many memorable scenes.
Although this didn't quite live up to the online hype, it was an enjoyable and unique book. The next books in the series seem to lean more toward mystery / suspense, unfortunately - not a type of book I usually enjoy. I'm not sure the next book is worth paying full price (too bad I can't skim through it at the library), but I'm glad I read this one.
Yorkshire by Lynne Connolly
(2002, Georgian) 7/7/05
Grade: 4
Rose and her family have just arrived at Hareton Abbey, to find the house in ruins and the Earl under the spell of a fundamentalist minister. She also meets Richard, Lord Strang, who is immediately drawn to her. Within days, the Earl is dead and Rose is deeply involved with Richard - but who was behind the Earl’s death, and can she trust this new love in her life?
At first, I found Yorkshire frustrating - there were so many characters, it was hard to tell who was who (especially difficult in an ebook where you can't easily flip back to check a name or reread a paragraph). I was also skeptical of the “instant” love and commitment between Richard and Rose - it didn’t seem based in anything except the requirements of the plot. But once I’d gotten past this, the book improved, and I found myself caught up in the detailed descriptions of the Georgian time period and the well-written characters. It’s hard to grade this - I was close to giving up on it after the first third (and I might have if I hadn't been on a bus with nothing else to read), but it did improve quite a bit in the second half, with many memorable scenes.
Although this didn't quite live up to the online hype, it was an enjoyable and unique book. The next books in the series seem to lean more toward mystery / suspense, unfortunately - not a type of book I usually enjoy. I'm not sure the next book is worth paying full price (too bad I can't skim through it at the library), but I'm glad I read this one.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Another Page-Turner from J.D. Robb
I can't resist the J.D. Robb books - I drove to the Tuxedo Park library to pick this one up yesterday, and I'd finished it by dinner time!
Origin in Death by J.D. Robb
(2005, Suspense) 6/25/05
Grade: 4
Eve and Peabody are back, investigating the death of a pioneering plastic surgeon. On the surface, he seems to be a perfect saint - devoted to his work and his family - but Eve wonders what he may be hiding underneath. What she finds will shock everyone.
The usual J.D. Robb formula, but it kept me turning the pages. The non-suspense content is fairly minimal in this one - Roarke has invited his Irish relatives to visit for Thanksgiving, the usual complement of quirky friends appear, and Eve and Roarke have lots of hot sex - no surprises there. But the focus is on the suspense plot, and it’s a really creepy one. The introduction gives away too much, but it’s still very suspenseful and chilling. Enjoyable, although not one of the best in this series.
One note about this one - people who are squeamish about violence against children might find this hard to take. Except for the introduction, the violence is all implied, but the situation is deeply creepy, and it involves children, which is something some readers want to avoid. I found it disturbing but fascinating (what does that say about me, I wonder?)
Origin in Death by J.D. Robb
(2005, Suspense) 6/25/05
Grade: 4
Eve and Peabody are back, investigating the death of a pioneering plastic surgeon. On the surface, he seems to be a perfect saint - devoted to his work and his family - but Eve wonders what he may be hiding underneath. What she finds will shock everyone.
The usual J.D. Robb formula, but it kept me turning the pages. The non-suspense content is fairly minimal in this one - Roarke has invited his Irish relatives to visit for Thanksgiving, the usual complement of quirky friends appear, and Eve and Roarke have lots of hot sex - no surprises there. But the focus is on the suspense plot, and it’s a really creepy one. The introduction gives away too much, but it’s still very suspenseful and chilling. Enjoyable, although not one of the best in this series.
One note about this one - people who are squeamish about violence against children might find this hard to take. Except for the introduction, the violence is all implied, but the situation is deeply creepy, and it involves children, which is something some readers want to avoid. I found it disturbing but fascinating (what does that say about me, I wonder?)
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Two Ruth Wind Titles
I read two Ruth Wind titles on my way back home - books I started weeks ago but never finished. (Maybe there was a reason?)
Walk in Beauty by Ruth Wind (SSE 881)
(1994, Series) 6/16/05
Grade: 4
Eight years earlier, Jessie made the agonizing decision to leave Luke, even though she loved him with all her heart. She was pregnant and Luke was sliding into alcoholism, something she knew all too well. Now he’s back, sober and determined to play a part in his daughter’s life. Can she risk her heart again?
Ruth Wind’s books are always well done, and this one is no exception. The characters are well written and sympathetic, and the sexual chemistry between Luke and Jessie is apparent on every page. The depiction of modern Indian life is fascinating. Seven year old Giselle is somewhat angelic but not too annoying. But something was missing in this book - it just didn’t have the emotional depth of some of her other books. Surprising, especially since she deals with Luke’s alchoholism honestly - but it just didn’t grab my heart the way her other books have. Worth reading, but not one of her best.
Rainsinger by Ruth Wind (SSE 1031)
(1996, Series) 6/16/06
Grade: 4
Both Winona Snow and Daniel Lynch have a claim on an ancient peach tree orchard - she grew up there, and his Indian ancestors planted the trees. They agree to share the house for the summer, along with Winona’s troubled teenage sister Joleen. But as the attraction between Winona and Daniel grows, can they find a way to work out their differences?
The characters make this book - both Daniel and Winona are unique and interesting people, and I enjoyed reading about them. But the rest of the book wasn’t as compelling, which made this book less resonant than many of Wind’s other books. I found Joleen somewhat tedious, and the constant back and forth about Indian rights to the land became tiresome after a while. The intriguing chemistry between the hero and heroine wasn’t enough to sustain the entire book, unfortunately.
I'm not a big fan of kids in romances, and that may have colored my feelings about these two books. Both books had good qualities, but it's hard for any book to measure up to Wind's best work.
Walk in Beauty by Ruth Wind (SSE 881)
(1994, Series) 6/16/05
Grade: 4
Eight years earlier, Jessie made the agonizing decision to leave Luke, even though she loved him with all her heart. She was pregnant and Luke was sliding into alcoholism, something she knew all too well. Now he’s back, sober and determined to play a part in his daughter’s life. Can she risk her heart again?
Ruth Wind’s books are always well done, and this one is no exception. The characters are well written and sympathetic, and the sexual chemistry between Luke and Jessie is apparent on every page. The depiction of modern Indian life is fascinating. Seven year old Giselle is somewhat angelic but not too annoying. But something was missing in this book - it just didn’t have the emotional depth of some of her other books. Surprising, especially since she deals with Luke’s alchoholism honestly - but it just didn’t grab my heart the way her other books have. Worth reading, but not one of her best.
Rainsinger by Ruth Wind (SSE 1031)
(1996, Series) 6/16/06
Grade: 4
Both Winona Snow and Daniel Lynch have a claim on an ancient peach tree orchard - she grew up there, and his Indian ancestors planted the trees. They agree to share the house for the summer, along with Winona’s troubled teenage sister Joleen. But as the attraction between Winona and Daniel grows, can they find a way to work out their differences?
The characters make this book - both Daniel and Winona are unique and interesting people, and I enjoyed reading about them. But the rest of the book wasn’t as compelling, which made this book less resonant than many of Wind’s other books. I found Joleen somewhat tedious, and the constant back and forth about Indian rights to the land became tiresome after a while. The intriguing chemistry between the hero and heroine wasn’t enough to sustain the entire book, unfortunately.
I'm not a big fan of kids in romances, and that may have colored my feelings about these two books. Both books had good qualities, but it's hard for any book to measure up to Wind's best work.
Too Predictable
Cop books have never been one of my favorites, but I was hopeful since Virginia Kantra is so highly regarded for her emotional reads.
The Reforming of Matthew Dunn by Virginia Kantra (SIM 984)
(1998, Series) 6/16/05
Grade: 3
Since her husband’s death, Clare has devoted herself to a garden project that helps troubled kids in a rough neighborhood. But when injured detective Matthew Dunn moves in across the street, she finds herself longing for something more - despite his more cynical view of her work and her ideals.
There’s nothing wrong with this book, but nothing particularly outstanding either. The plot and characters were both well done, but predictable. Nothing stood out - I felt like I’d read this book a dozen times before. Some authors can take a familiar plot and make it new, but this book just felt like a retread.
Unfortunately, Virginia Kantra has been a disappointment to me so far - but I still have hopes (and many of her books in my TBR).
The Reforming of Matthew Dunn by Virginia Kantra (SIM 984)
(1998, Series) 6/16/05
Grade: 3
Since her husband’s death, Clare has devoted herself to a garden project that helps troubled kids in a rough neighborhood. But when injured detective Matthew Dunn moves in across the street, she finds herself longing for something more - despite his more cynical view of her work and her ideals.
There’s nothing wrong with this book, but nothing particularly outstanding either. The plot and characters were both well done, but predictable. Nothing stood out - I felt like I’d read this book a dozen times before. Some authors can take a familiar plot and make it new, but this book just felt like a retread.
Unfortunately, Virginia Kantra has been a disappointment to me so far - but I still have hopes (and many of her books in my TBR).
Charm Only Goes So Far
Don't read this one when you're hungry! The descriptions of truffles and other goodies would give anyone a chocolate craving.
Sweet Success by Susan Mallery
(2001, Contemporary) 6/14/05
Grade: 3.5
Ali’s life centers around her chocolate shop in the small town of Santa Magdalana, and her friends and family there. She’s almost given up on love when a new handyman piques her interest - what is he hiding? Matt is running from a tragic past and doesn’t intend to stay long, but he can’t stay away from Ali - and hopes he’ll find redemption there.
Despire a hefty dollop of angst in Matt’s past (his wife tragic death etc.), this book coasts along primarily on charm - and does it well for the first two thirds. The characters are charming and likeable, the situations amusing and poignant at times. But the charm seems to wear thin after a while, especially with the fairly predictible plot “twist” in the last third. It was enjoyable enough to read, but it never went beyond a pleasant diversion.
Even though I enjoyed Sweet Success (and I always appreciate a good contemporary), it left me wanting more.
Sweet Success by Susan Mallery
(2001, Contemporary) 6/14/05
Grade: 3.5
Ali’s life centers around her chocolate shop in the small town of Santa Magdalana, and her friends and family there. She’s almost given up on love when a new handyman piques her interest - what is he hiding? Matt is running from a tragic past and doesn’t intend to stay long, but he can’t stay away from Ali - and hopes he’ll find redemption there.
Despire a hefty dollop of angst in Matt’s past (his wife tragic death etc.), this book coasts along primarily on charm - and does it well for the first two thirds. The characters are charming and likeable, the situations amusing and poignant at times. But the charm seems to wear thin after a while, especially with the fairly predictible plot “twist” in the last third. It was enjoyable enough to read, but it never went beyond a pleasant diversion.
Even though I enjoyed Sweet Success (and I always appreciate a good contemporary), it left me wanting more.
Another Excellent Harlequin Historical
Even though I've been trying to read some of my older books, I couldn't resist this one when I saw it on the shelf last month.
The Duchess's Next Husband by Terri Brisbin
(2005, Regency Historical) 6/11/05
Grade: 4.5
When Adrian became the Duke, his warm marriage became one of formality and duty, with the only goal an heir. But as his asthma attacks become worse, he fears he will die within the year. He has to find a way to protect Miranda, and find her a new husband - and in the process, he finds out his feelings for his wife are much deeper than duty - and Miranda discovers a new life for herself as well.
A deeply poignant book, this came close to being a keeper. It's rare to read a book that deals with the duty and formality of life in the Regency, even between a husband and wife. The setup is somewhat contrived, but for most of the book it works - it brings out deep emotions and had me reaching for the tissues. Unfortunately, the book gets bogged down by misunderstandings in the last section, which was frustrating. And even though things had to work out in the end, the combination of the misunderstandings and the "tie it up with a bow" ending left me wanting more - and left this one just short of keeper quality.
Even though I've met Terri dozens of times at book signings and events, I'd only read one of her books (a time travel that didn't do much for me). Obviously I've been missing out! This one was so close to being a keeper - I'm right on the edge.
The Duchess's Next Husband by Terri Brisbin
(2005, Regency Historical) 6/11/05
Grade: 4.5
When Adrian became the Duke, his warm marriage became one of formality and duty, with the only goal an heir. But as his asthma attacks become worse, he fears he will die within the year. He has to find a way to protect Miranda, and find her a new husband - and in the process, he finds out his feelings for his wife are much deeper than duty - and Miranda discovers a new life for herself as well.
A deeply poignant book, this came close to being a keeper. It's rare to read a book that deals with the duty and formality of life in the Regency, even between a husband and wife. The setup is somewhat contrived, but for most of the book it works - it brings out deep emotions and had me reaching for the tissues. Unfortunately, the book gets bogged down by misunderstandings in the last section, which was frustrating. And even though things had to work out in the end, the combination of the misunderstandings and the "tie it up with a bow" ending left me wanting more - and left this one just short of keeper quality.
Even though I've met Terri dozens of times at book signings and events, I'd only read one of her books (a time travel that didn't do much for me). Obviously I've been missing out! This one was so close to being a keeper - I'm right on the edge.
St. John Again
I don't think I've ever read a bad book by Cheryl St. John - I'm glad I still have much of her backlist in my TBR pile!
Saint or Sinner by Cheryl St. John
(1995, Western) 6/10/05
Grade: 4
Joshua McBride nearly died in the Civil War, but he was given a second chance - and he's determined to redeem himself. Addie Stapleton won't let Josh's return spoil her precarious status in town, no matter how attracted she might be to him. But when her past comes back to haunt her, Josh is the one she turns to, and the one who stands by her.
As usual, a quiet and involving book by Cheryl St. John. The characters were well written and sympathetic (maybe a little too perfect, but I liked them). The situation was familiar, but it was well done and didn't feel stale. The secondary characters were especially notable - mentally disabled Yancey, Josh's sister Chessy, etc. Somehow St. John can write a book that has no surprises, and yet is deeply satisfying. Not as involving as some of her best books, but definitely worth reading.
Every time I read a book by St. John, I wonder why she's not better known. A true buried treasure.
Saint or Sinner by Cheryl St. John
(1995, Western) 6/10/05
Grade: 4
Joshua McBride nearly died in the Civil War, but he was given a second chance - and he's determined to redeem himself. Addie Stapleton won't let Josh's return spoil her precarious status in town, no matter how attracted she might be to him. But when her past comes back to haunt her, Josh is the one she turns to, and the one who stands by her.
As usual, a quiet and involving book by Cheryl St. John. The characters were well written and sympathetic (maybe a little too perfect, but I liked them). The situation was familiar, but it was well done and didn't feel stale. The secondary characters were especially notable - mentally disabled Yancey, Josh's sister Chessy, etc. Somehow St. John can write a book that has no surprises, and yet is deeply satisfying. Not as involving as some of her best books, but definitely worth reading.
Every time I read a book by St. John, I wonder why she's not better known. A true buried treasure.
Vacation Reading
I always get a lot of reading when I'm on vacation or traveling, and I finally got some serious reading done when I was on a week-long trip to Salt Lake (for both fun and work). On my way there, I picked up an old favorite to reread, and it made the airplane trip much more enjoyable!
The Sugar Rose by Susan Carroll
(1987, Regency) 6/10/05 and 4/4/96
Grade: 4.5
Aurelia has been expecting the proposal of her neighbor and childhood sweetheart for years - but she didn't expect Justin to propose in front of his friend Everard Ramsey! Plump and plain, Aurelia isn't surprised when her fiancee neglects her, until Everard challenges her to become the talk of the ton - and she begins to see herself in a new light. But what if she's starting to fall in love with her tutor?
A charming and fun Regency, this is probably my favorite of Susan Carroll's delightful traditional Regencies. I picked this up for a friend, then started reading it myself - and I couldn't stop smiling! The characters are wonderful, and the attraction between Aurelia and Justin shines from the pages (a good example of how a traditional Regency can show attraction without sex scenes). When I first read it, it wasn't quite a keeper, and I'm still on the fence about it - I start to lose interest with all the running around in the latter part of the book - but it definitely stands up to rereading.
Even though I've enjoyed many of Susan Carroll's historicals, I don't think I have as much affection for them as I do for this Regency - the characters in the Sugar Rose just make me smile.
The Sugar Rose by Susan Carroll
(1987, Regency) 6/10/05 and 4/4/96
Grade: 4.5
Aurelia has been expecting the proposal of her neighbor and childhood sweetheart for years - but she didn't expect Justin to propose in front of his friend Everard Ramsey! Plump and plain, Aurelia isn't surprised when her fiancee neglects her, until Everard challenges her to become the talk of the ton - and she begins to see herself in a new light. But what if she's starting to fall in love with her tutor?
A charming and fun Regency, this is probably my favorite of Susan Carroll's delightful traditional Regencies. I picked this up for a friend, then started reading it myself - and I couldn't stop smiling! The characters are wonderful, and the attraction between Aurelia and Justin shines from the pages (a good example of how a traditional Regency can show attraction without sex scenes). When I first read it, it wasn't quite a keeper, and I'm still on the fence about it - I start to lose interest with all the running around in the latter part of the book - but it definitely stands up to rereading.
Even though I've enjoyed many of Susan Carroll's historicals, I don't think I have as much affection for them as I do for this Regency - the characters in the Sugar Rose just make me smile.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
An Old Friend
For some reason, I haven't been reading much romance for the past few weeks, but last night I pulled out an old favorite. Not romance, but a book most romance readers would enjoy.
Life Without Friends by Ellen Emerson White
(1987, Young Adult)
Last year, Beverly got into trouble - big trouble. Still haunted by her mother's suicide and unhappy living with her father and his new wife, she got involved with the wrong guy. Everyone saw him as the school golden boy, but only Beverly saw the ugly side of him - until he murdered two of her classmates. Now she has to go back to school for her senior year, with everyone watching her and blaming her for her cowardice. But not as much as she blames herself. She wants to believe that the funny, laid back guy she meets in the park is a way out for her, but can she trust her judgement any more? Does she deserve to be happy?
I read a couple of Ellen Emerson White's YA books when I was a teenager (notably the President's Daughter series, which is very good) but I must have been "too old" for YA by the time this one came out. I only discovered it a few years ago. Although there are some things in it that drive me crazy (particularly Derek's inarticulateness, which may be accurate but is frustrating to read), it never fails to leave me with those "warm fuzzy feelings". It's a wonderful redemption story.
It's not necessary to read the previous book, Friends for Life, which isn't as interesting as this one (it's a fairly superficial who-done-it). Beverly's situation is described in the first chapter of the book, and reading the previous book doesn't add a whole lot. But it's easier to find than Life Without Friends, which is unfortunately out of print and hard to find. Check your library - it came out in hardback and you may find it there.
Although this book is listed as "young adult" and doesn't include any explicit sex, it's more brutally honest than many romances. Unfortunately, Ellen Emerson White never got the acclaim she deserved - maybe the insipid title of this one kept readers away. She's written a few other children's books and a mystery but she seems to have stopped writing books like these - too bad.
Life Without Friends by Ellen Emerson White
(1987, Young Adult)
Last year, Beverly got into trouble - big trouble. Still haunted by her mother's suicide and unhappy living with her father and his new wife, she got involved with the wrong guy. Everyone saw him as the school golden boy, but only Beverly saw the ugly side of him - until he murdered two of her classmates. Now she has to go back to school for her senior year, with everyone watching her and blaming her for her cowardice. But not as much as she blames herself. She wants to believe that the funny, laid back guy she meets in the park is a way out for her, but can she trust her judgement any more? Does she deserve to be happy?
I read a couple of Ellen Emerson White's YA books when I was a teenager (notably the President's Daughter series, which is very good) but I must have been "too old" for YA by the time this one came out. I only discovered it a few years ago. Although there are some things in it that drive me crazy (particularly Derek's inarticulateness, which may be accurate but is frustrating to read), it never fails to leave me with those "warm fuzzy feelings". It's a wonderful redemption story.
It's not necessary to read the previous book, Friends for Life, which isn't as interesting as this one (it's a fairly superficial who-done-it). Beverly's situation is described in the first chapter of the book, and reading the previous book doesn't add a whole lot. But it's easier to find than Life Without Friends, which is unfortunately out of print and hard to find. Check your library - it came out in hardback and you may find it there.
Although this book is listed as "young adult" and doesn't include any explicit sex, it's more brutally honest than many romances. Unfortunately, Ellen Emerson White never got the acclaim she deserved - maybe the insipid title of this one kept readers away. She's written a few other children's books and a mystery but she seems to have stopped writing books like these - too bad.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Doubt Leaves Questions
This isn't about romance but it is somewhat literary - I went to see the Broadway play Doubt tonight and I am still somewhat overwhelmed by it. It's something I'll think about for some time - it definitely leaves you with a question, not an answer. (In an interview, the cast members said that audience polls usually found 1/3 for him, 1/3 for her and 1/3 undecided.) Brian F. O'Byrne and Cherry Jones were fabulous (although I found the Bronx accents a bit distracting). I'd read quite a bit about it, and it was what I expected - but also not what I expected. If you have the opportunity to see it, you should. You'll be thinking about it after you leave the theatre.
A Romance For Food Network Fans
Even though I usually prefer serious and heart-rending books, I enjoy a light read every now and then - and I usually turn to a series book when I'm in that mood. Humor wears thin in many longer books but a shorter book can be sustained on "amusing and charming". But there's a fine line between "charming" and "annoying" - I'm picky about my humor (just like everything else).
Dishing It Out by Molly O'Keefe (HFlip 37)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 4/28/05
Grade: 4
Marie has finally opened her bistro, and is appearing in a successful cooking segment on the morning news, but she’s still struggling - and the annoyingly smug chef across the street doesn’t help. But when they’re maneuvered into hosting a cooking show together, she finds out that Van is more than he seems - not to mention incredibly sexy!
A charming and fun book. The plot is thin, but most of the book gets by just fine with likeable characters and plenty of charm. I loved the details about cooking, which were the best part of the book. The characters had great chemistry together (even though they didn’t jump in bed immediately) and the book was amusing and fun. Unfortunately, the book ends with a rote “she’s afraid to commit” conflict which was predictable and dull, and ended the book on a less appealing note. But overall, the book was a light and enjoyable read.
For anyone who loves chef books and worships at the altar of Alton Brown, this is the book for you. I debated about whether to give this a 4 or 4.5, but I had to give it extra points for the setting. Chefs are definitely sexy - I wish more authors would write about them! (I also recommend Cathy Yardley's Blaze Guilty Pleasures from 2002.)
Dishing It Out by Molly O'Keefe (HFlip 37)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 4/28/05
Grade: 4
Marie has finally opened her bistro, and is appearing in a successful cooking segment on the morning news, but she’s still struggling - and the annoyingly smug chef across the street doesn’t help. But when they’re maneuvered into hosting a cooking show together, she finds out that Van is more than he seems - not to mention incredibly sexy!
A charming and fun book. The plot is thin, but most of the book gets by just fine with likeable characters and plenty of charm. I loved the details about cooking, which were the best part of the book. The characters had great chemistry together (even though they didn’t jump in bed immediately) and the book was amusing and fun. Unfortunately, the book ends with a rote “she’s afraid to commit” conflict which was predictable and dull, and ended the book on a less appealing note. But overall, the book was a light and enjoyable read.
For anyone who loves chef books and worships at the altar of Alton Brown, this is the book for you. I debated about whether to give this a 4 or 4.5, but I had to give it extra points for the setting. Chefs are definitely sexy - I wish more authors would write about them! (I also recommend Cathy Yardley's Blaze Guilty Pleasures from 2002.)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Discovering a New Author
I'm always a little bit nervous, trying a book by an author that I've "met" online. Lydia Joyce has been posting about this book for so long, how could it possibly be anything but anticlimactic? But how could I resist a book that promised my favorite tortured hero angst?
The Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
(2005, Victorian) 4/20/05
Grade: 4.5
The heroine goes to visit the mysterious Duke of Raeburn to persuade him to forgive her brother’s debts - and she ends up agreeing to a week of sensual pleasure. (She’s already ruined, so why not take one last chance for pleasure?) Raeburn finds out Victoria’s secrets and grows to care for her, but he will not - cannot - reveal the secret that keeps him forever in darkness.
A well written, interesting book that has a few pacing problems, but it shows a lot of potential for a first time author. The book seems to be divided into thirds - the first third is a sensual, languid gothic, which made me want to savor every word. Maybe a little overly atmospheric in places, but rich and compelling. (Almost a hybrid of Ivory and Schone.) But then the book seemed to lose its way - the secret went on too long and the plot became predictable. The characters seemed stuck. But just before I put the book down in frustration, it picked up again, and I eagerly turned the pages until the end, although it became a more traditionally written and plotted romance in the last third. Not quite a keeper, but definitely an author to watch.
It's always fun to find a new author who is worth watching. It's lovely to find a current book that revels in darkness, and even better, a publisher who doesn't think every book should be the same. I wonder which direction her next books will take - this one seemed like two different books grafted together. I look forward to finding out.
The Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
(2005, Victorian) 4/20/05
Grade: 4.5
The heroine goes to visit the mysterious Duke of Raeburn to persuade him to forgive her brother’s debts - and she ends up agreeing to a week of sensual pleasure. (She’s already ruined, so why not take one last chance for pleasure?) Raeburn finds out Victoria’s secrets and grows to care for her, but he will not - cannot - reveal the secret that keeps him forever in darkness.
A well written, interesting book that has a few pacing problems, but it shows a lot of potential for a first time author. The book seems to be divided into thirds - the first third is a sensual, languid gothic, which made me want to savor every word. Maybe a little overly atmospheric in places, but rich and compelling. (Almost a hybrid of Ivory and Schone.) But then the book seemed to lose its way - the secret went on too long and the plot became predictable. The characters seemed stuck. But just before I put the book down in frustration, it picked up again, and I eagerly turned the pages until the end, although it became a more traditionally written and plotted romance in the last third. Not quite a keeper, but definitely an author to watch.
It's always fun to find a new author who is worth watching. It's lovely to find a current book that revels in darkness, and even better, a publisher who doesn't think every book should be the same. I wonder which direction her next books will take - this one seemed like two different books grafted together. I look forward to finding out.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
A Regency Lives Up To Its Buzz
Several of my romance lists have been rhapsodizing about a Regency from the UK - I'm always a little wary of books with this much "buzz", but I was pleased to be able to borrow a copy and judge for myself.
The Mysterious Miss M by Diane Gaston
(2004, Regency) 3/26/05
Grade: 5
Madeline was forced into prostitution as a young girl, and the only light in her life was the night she spent with Devlin Steele - and the child that came from it. But when Devlin returns and takes her away, how will she adjust to living in the “real world”? Devlin’s inheritance depends on his marriage to a suitable lady - can he give up Maddie, to save her?
A wonderful book - although it did have flaws, it appealed to so many of my personal preferences and desires, it had to be a keeper. I loved the characters - they both had depth and weren’t the stereotypical romance hero and heroine. It was especially refreshing to read about a prostitute and mistress who was depicted with some realism. The book surprised me several times, and went in unexpected directions. The ending was more stereotypical, and I became impatient with the coincidences that tied everything up neatly. And even though the child was important to the story, I got tired of her cutesiness. But these are small flaws - overall, this is one of the best books I’ve read in some time.
Although this book is currently out of print in the UK (it was originally published by Mills & Boon), it's coming out as a Harlequin Historical in November. I'll be buying a copy for my keeper shelf.
The Mysterious Miss M by Diane Gaston
(2004, Regency) 3/26/05
Grade: 5
Madeline was forced into prostitution as a young girl, and the only light in her life was the night she spent with Devlin Steele - and the child that came from it. But when Devlin returns and takes her away, how will she adjust to living in the “real world”? Devlin’s inheritance depends on his marriage to a suitable lady - can he give up Maddie, to save her?
A wonderful book - although it did have flaws, it appealed to so many of my personal preferences and desires, it had to be a keeper. I loved the characters - they both had depth and weren’t the stereotypical romance hero and heroine. It was especially refreshing to read about a prostitute and mistress who was depicted with some realism. The book surprised me several times, and went in unexpected directions. The ending was more stereotypical, and I became impatient with the coincidences that tied everything up neatly. And even though the child was important to the story, I got tired of her cutesiness. But these are small flaws - overall, this is one of the best books I’ve read in some time.
Although this book is currently out of print in the UK (it was originally published by Mills & Boon), it's coming out as a Harlequin Historical in November. I'll be buying a copy for my keeper shelf.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Great Premise, So-So Execution
I have a great weakness for the "Martin Guerre" premise - the hero who takes the place of the bad husband.
Could It Be You by Mary Anne Wilson (HAR 523)
(1994, Contemporary Series) 3/19/2005
Grade: 3
Mac Gerard is a drifter, on the run. When he meets his double, and sees him killed in front of him, he decides to change lives with this stranger. But he finds that life as Charles Elliott is more complicated than he thought - and his new wife, Sean, is someone he’s always dreamed of.
I love this type of premise, but unfortunately, this book is just too short and too superficial to really delve into the situation. The first part of the book is compelling - when Mac falls into this situation, and decides to change lives. I liked Mac and found his situation fascinating. But the book gets caught up in the plot mechanics and doesn’t really delve enough into the characters and their emotions. In the end, it’s not enough.
Not much to say - a disappointment.
Could It Be You by Mary Anne Wilson (HAR 523)
(1994, Contemporary Series) 3/19/2005
Grade: 3
Mac Gerard is a drifter, on the run. When he meets his double, and sees him killed in front of him, he decides to change lives with this stranger. But he finds that life as Charles Elliott is more complicated than he thought - and his new wife, Sean, is someone he’s always dreamed of.
I love this type of premise, but unfortunately, this book is just too short and too superficial to really delve into the situation. The first part of the book is compelling - when Mac falls into this situation, and decides to change lives. I liked Mac and found his situation fascinating. But the book gets caught up in the plot mechanics and doesn’t really delve enough into the characters and their emotions. In the end, it’s not enough.
Not much to say - a disappointment.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
An Issue Romance
Sometimes old series books can surprise you - they sometimes dealt with issues that current books don't tackle.
Just Joe by Marley Morgan (SD 340)
(1987, Contemporary Series) 3/5/05
Grade: 3.5
When photographer Mattie is knocked down by quarterback Joe Ryan, both their lives are about to change. Joe is immediately drawn to Mattie, but friendship is all she can offer at first. But when she tells Joe her terrible secret, she finds that love can be more than pain. But can she heal and make a real life, with Joe?
The beginning was quite good. Maddie’s gradual journey through friendship, trust and love was well done, and the issue of sexual abuse was not simplified or sensationalized. But the book was sometimes noticeably dated, and the short length made it hard to really get into the issue. The second half became more stereotypical and simplified. There just wasn’t enough space to handle the problem in enough detail. But it was an honest examination of an issue that you rarely see in romance.
Although in the end this book was a bit disappointing, I have to give it credit for trying something different. It's a subject you rarely see addressed in today's books.
Just Joe by Marley Morgan (SD 340)
(1987, Contemporary Series) 3/5/05
Grade: 3.5
When photographer Mattie is knocked down by quarterback Joe Ryan, both their lives are about to change. Joe is immediately drawn to Mattie, but friendship is all she can offer at first. But when she tells Joe her terrible secret, she finds that love can be more than pain. But can she heal and make a real life, with Joe?
The beginning was quite good. Maddie’s gradual journey through friendship, trust and love was well done, and the issue of sexual abuse was not simplified or sensationalized. But the book was sometimes noticeably dated, and the short length made it hard to really get into the issue. The second half became more stereotypical and simplified. There just wasn’t enough space to handle the problem in enough detail. But it was an honest examination of an issue that you rarely see in romance.
Although in the end this book was a bit disappointing, I have to give it credit for trying something different. It's a subject you rarely see addressed in today's books.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Surprised By Howard
Linda Howard is one of my least favorite authors - her alpha heroes make me want to hurl - but after all the online buzz about this book, I picked it up at a used bookstore.
To Die For by Linda Howard
(Suspense, 2005) 2/26/05
Grade: 4
Former cheerleader Blair Mallory now has a comfortable life, running her own gym. But when one of her clients - who looks just like her - is murdered, she finds herself at risk. At least Lt. Wyatt Bloodsworth is on the case - even if he dumped her after 2 dates. Except all he wants to do is get her into bed!
Cute, and surprisingly enjoyable for a Howard. Normally I hate her “alpha jerk” heroes, but even though Wyatt leans toward alpha territory from time to time, the humorous style of the book makes him less objectionable. The book is written in the first person, and it works here - a slightly airheaded cheerleader heroine probably wouldn’t have worked in third person, but in first person, you get to know her and sympathize with her. I probably won’t remember much about this book in a month, but it was a fun, quick read.
I guess this book shows the value of trying something different.
To Die For by Linda Howard
(Suspense, 2005) 2/26/05
Grade: 4
Former cheerleader Blair Mallory now has a comfortable life, running her own gym. But when one of her clients - who looks just like her - is murdered, she finds herself at risk. At least Lt. Wyatt Bloodsworth is on the case - even if he dumped her after 2 dates. Except all he wants to do is get her into bed!
Cute, and surprisingly enjoyable for a Howard. Normally I hate her “alpha jerk” heroes, but even though Wyatt leans toward alpha territory from time to time, the humorous style of the book makes him less objectionable. The book is written in the first person, and it works here - a slightly airheaded cheerleader heroine probably wouldn’t have worked in third person, but in first person, you get to know her and sympathize with her. I probably won’t remember much about this book in a month, but it was a fun, quick read.
I guess this book shows the value of trying something different.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Delightful Sunday Reading
I've enjoyed some of Diane Farr's Regencies (particularly Once Upon a Christmas) and so I was glad to read her first single title. It was an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
The Fortune Hunter by Diane Farr
(2002, Regency Historical) 2/20/05
Grade: 4
With no other way to save his estate, Lord Rival has to marry an heiress. The first on his list is Lady Olivia Fairfax, who has devoted her life to charitable causes. But when he meets her unexpectedly, he finds himself drawn to her despite himself. But can he persuade her to risk everything, and marry him?
Witty, sexy, but not deeply emotionally involving. This was a smooth and easy read - I finished it in a couple of hours, and quite enjoyed reading it. The characters were fun, and although there’s no actual sex, the sexual tension between the hero and heroine fills the book. The focus of the book is the developing relationship between George and Olivia, and it’s fun to read. But even though I enjoyed these characters, I wasn’t deeply drawn into their story - up until the end, when the book does take off with true emotion. I wasn’t sure how to grade this book, but in the end, I had to grade it down slightly because it didn’t quite touch my heart.
Farr has been compared to Georgette Heyer, and in the end, it had the same problems for me that Heyer does - this book is amusing and witty, but doesn't have the level of emotion that I prefer.
The Fortune Hunter by Diane Farr
(2002, Regency Historical) 2/20/05
Grade: 4
With no other way to save his estate, Lord Rival has to marry an heiress. The first on his list is Lady Olivia Fairfax, who has devoted her life to charitable causes. But when he meets her unexpectedly, he finds himself drawn to her despite himself. But can he persuade her to risk everything, and marry him?
Witty, sexy, but not deeply emotionally involving. This was a smooth and easy read - I finished it in a couple of hours, and quite enjoyed reading it. The characters were fun, and although there’s no actual sex, the sexual tension between the hero and heroine fills the book. The focus of the book is the developing relationship between George and Olivia, and it’s fun to read. But even though I enjoyed these characters, I wasn’t deeply drawn into their story - up until the end, when the book does take off with true emotion. I wasn’t sure how to grade this book, but in the end, I had to grade it down slightly because it didn’t quite touch my heart.
Farr has been compared to Georgette Heyer, and in the end, it had the same problems for me that Heyer does - this book is amusing and witty, but doesn't have the level of emotion that I prefer.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Top Read of 2004
Since this was my top read of last year, I thought I'd add a review.
Marry Me by Susan Kay Law
(2002, Western) 6/27/04
Grade: 5
To free her sister from another loveless marriage, Emily Bright heads to Montana where she buys a land claim and intends to make a new life. Except that her new land isn’t empty. The original owner, Jake Sullivan, left after his wife died, but now he’s back and isn’t leaving. But can eternal optimist Emily co-exist with skeptical, taciturn Jake?
A wonderful book. It started out with a lot of laughter, and by the end it grabbed my heart. Both characters are wonderful. Emily is bubbly and eternally optimistic, but she’s not dumb (and not even that naive). Jake is sometimes grumpy and cynical, but he’s not an alpha jerk - he admires Emily’s strength from the beginning. The West is a little bit prettified here, and the ending gets a bit overly sweet, but the gradual development of the relationship between Jake and Emily was well worth it. I stayed up until 3 am reading this one, and then closed the book with a happy sigh.
I consider Susan Kay Law a hidden treasure - some of her books are better than others, but she deserves a bigger audience. I only hope she doesn't end up being pushed into romantic suspense or women's fiction, when she does American Westerns so well!
Marry Me by Susan Kay Law
(2002, Western) 6/27/04
Grade: 5
To free her sister from another loveless marriage, Emily Bright heads to Montana where she buys a land claim and intends to make a new life. Except that her new land isn’t empty. The original owner, Jake Sullivan, left after his wife died, but now he’s back and isn’t leaving. But can eternal optimist Emily co-exist with skeptical, taciturn Jake?
A wonderful book. It started out with a lot of laughter, and by the end it grabbed my heart. Both characters are wonderful. Emily is bubbly and eternally optimistic, but she’s not dumb (and not even that naive). Jake is sometimes grumpy and cynical, but he’s not an alpha jerk - he admires Emily’s strength from the beginning. The West is a little bit prettified here, and the ending gets a bit overly sweet, but the gradual development of the relationship between Jake and Emily was well worth it. I stayed up until 3 am reading this one, and then closed the book with a happy sigh.
I consider Susan Kay Law a hidden treasure - some of her books are better than others, but she deserves a bigger audience. I only hope she doesn't end up being pushed into romantic suspense or women's fiction, when she does American Westerns so well!
Top Ten of 2004
I started this blog in early January - a fresh start in a new year. But it seems like a good time to look back at what I read in 2004.
I've been in a long reading slump, since the late 1990's. (Which corresponds to my becoming active online and getting a full-time job. And having my own apartment and my own TV for the first time. Lots of distractions!) But I don't think it was just the distractions. I only read 6 books in 1998 and 18 in 1999 - quite shocking, especially when I used to routinely read over 100 books a year. I haven't gotten back to that point, but I've been reading more and enjoying books more over the past couple of year. I read 96 books in 2004.
I'm always behind in my reading - with 1500+ books in my TBR, I'm more likely to pick up an older book than a new one. So I can't really judge the quality of 2004 books based on the books I read - I'll probably still be reading 2004 books in 2014. And one of my projects this year was to read through one bookcase of older books, so I probably read fewer new books this year than I have in other years. But there were some interesting trends this year.
When I looked at my top rated books from 2004, I was surprised. Only one historical! (I couldn't do an entire "top ten" because these were the only books I graded B+ or better. I can't really call a B read a "best" book.) I have quite a few 2004 historicals in my TBR pile, but it seems to be a trend - I'm having a harder time finding currently published historicals that I want to read. On the other hand, I bought more categories this year than I have in a decade - maybe Harlequin is finally escaping from their "cowboys and babies" obsession. There are still plenty of brides and babies, but I'm actually finding new categories that I want to read.
1. The Marriage Test by Betina Krahn
2. Finding Mary Blaine by Jodi Thomas
3. Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella
4. A Family Christmas by Carrie Alexander (HSR 1239)
5. Forbidden by Tori Carrington (HB 129)
6. Mommy Said Goodbye by Janice Kay Johnson (HSR 1197)
7. Visions in Death by J.D. Robb
But when I look at my top reads of the year, regardless of publication date, the list is quite different. The only "keeper" I read this year was a traditional American historical - Marry Me by Susan Kay Law. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book (published in 2002).
I think that romance has lost something important by giving up on American historicals and pushing so many authors into other periods. There's something unique about books with this type of setting - you can't just transplant these stories to another time and place and have them work the same way.
I have to give a mention to Suzanne Enoch's England's Perfect Hero - a book that started off as the best of the year, and ended as the worst. I am baffled by this book. The first half was an exquisite tortured hero story, but then it went off in a different - and bad - direction. When the hero and heroine started humping each other in the mud in an open stable yard (and I use the word "humping" deliberately), I couldn't believe it was the same book. Perhaps the author just went off track, but I can't help wondering if it was the result of publisher pressure to "sex up" the book and to add unneeded excitement and suspense.
My top ten reads of the year:
1. Marry Me by Susan Kay Law
2. The Top Gun's Return by Kathleen Creighton (SIM 1262)
3. A Merry Little Christmas by Martha Schroeder
4. Hazard by Jo Beverley
5. The Nights Before Christmas by Vicki Lewis Thompson (HT 853)
6. The Marriage Test by Betina Krahn
7. A Promise Of Love by Karen Ranney
8. The Tenderfoot Bride by Cheryl St. John
9. Miss Ware's Refusal by Marjorie Farrell
10. Texas Glory by Lorraine Heath
I've been in a long reading slump, since the late 1990's. (Which corresponds to my becoming active online and getting a full-time job. And having my own apartment and my own TV for the first time. Lots of distractions!) But I don't think it was just the distractions. I only read 6 books in 1998 and 18 in 1999 - quite shocking, especially when I used to routinely read over 100 books a year. I haven't gotten back to that point, but I've been reading more and enjoying books more over the past couple of year. I read 96 books in 2004.
I'm always behind in my reading - with 1500+ books in my TBR, I'm more likely to pick up an older book than a new one. So I can't really judge the quality of 2004 books based on the books I read - I'll probably still be reading 2004 books in 2014. And one of my projects this year was to read through one bookcase of older books, so I probably read fewer new books this year than I have in other years. But there were some interesting trends this year.
When I looked at my top rated books from 2004, I was surprised. Only one historical! (I couldn't do an entire "top ten" because these were the only books I graded B+ or better. I can't really call a B read a "best" book.) I have quite a few 2004 historicals in my TBR pile, but it seems to be a trend - I'm having a harder time finding currently published historicals that I want to read. On the other hand, I bought more categories this year than I have in a decade - maybe Harlequin is finally escaping from their "cowboys and babies" obsession. There are still plenty of brides and babies, but I'm actually finding new categories that I want to read.
1. The Marriage Test by Betina Krahn
2. Finding Mary Blaine by Jodi Thomas
3. Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella
4. A Family Christmas by Carrie Alexander (HSR 1239)
5. Forbidden by Tori Carrington (HB 129)
6. Mommy Said Goodbye by Janice Kay Johnson (HSR 1197)
7. Visions in Death by J.D. Robb
But when I look at my top reads of the year, regardless of publication date, the list is quite different. The only "keeper" I read this year was a traditional American historical - Marry Me by Susan Kay Law. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book (published in 2002).
I think that romance has lost something important by giving up on American historicals and pushing so many authors into other periods. There's something unique about books with this type of setting - you can't just transplant these stories to another time and place and have them work the same way.
I have to give a mention to Suzanne Enoch's England's Perfect Hero - a book that started off as the best of the year, and ended as the worst. I am baffled by this book. The first half was an exquisite tortured hero story, but then it went off in a different - and bad - direction. When the hero and heroine started humping each other in the mud in an open stable yard (and I use the word "humping" deliberately), I couldn't believe it was the same book. Perhaps the author just went off track, but I can't help wondering if it was the result of publisher pressure to "sex up" the book and to add unneeded excitement and suspense.
My top ten reads of the year:
1. Marry Me by Susan Kay Law
2. The Top Gun's Return by Kathleen Creighton (SIM 1262)
3. A Merry Little Christmas by Martha Schroeder
4. Hazard by Jo Beverley
5. The Nights Before Christmas by Vicki Lewis Thompson (HT 853)
6. The Marriage Test by Betina Krahn
7. A Promise Of Love by Karen Ranney
8. The Tenderfoot Bride by Cheryl St. John
9. Miss Ware's Refusal by Marjorie Farrell
10. Texas Glory by Lorraine Heath
Poignant and Emotional
Cheryl St. John has been an auto-buy for me for some time, although I don't have any of her books as keepers. But her books are always satisfying, solid reads. This one didn't disappoint.
Prairie Wife by Cheryl St. John (HH 739)
(2005, Western) 2/17/05
Grade: 4.5
The book is set in Nebraska in 1867. The hero and heroine have been married for a few years, and as the book opens, they are burying their 3 year old son. It's a heart wrenching beginning. The book then jumps ahead a year, as Amy and Jesse are struggling with their grief. Amy has locked herself away so she won't be hurt again, and Jesse is sleeping in the bunkhouse with a bottle of whiskey. Can they find a way back to each other
again?
Cheryl St. John doesn't write unique plots - although there are a couple of interesting turns in this book, I could have predicted just about everything that happens. Even the "exciting twist" that happens at the 3/4 point is familiar from dozens of westerns. But in her books, they don't feel like cliches. She creates characters that you care about, emotions that mean something. Although the book was a bit slow, especially in the first half, I really enjoyed it. I cared about Amy and Jesse, and their gradual journey back to each other was poignant and sweet. It's a kind of book you rarely find any more.
This is a kind of story that just doesn't fit in a Regency Historical format - it wouldn't be the same in a different time and place. These characters are quintessentially American Western. It's a type of story that we're losing, because of the insistent purblishing focus on a few types of books. It's sad to think that so few of these stories are being written now. Cheryl St. John could be called the heir of LaVyrle Spencer, and I think there are readers out there who are still hungering for this kind of book. I hope they find this one.
Prairie Wife by Cheryl St. John (HH 739)
(2005, Western) 2/17/05
Grade: 4.5
The book is set in Nebraska in 1867. The hero and heroine have been married for a few years, and as the book opens, they are burying their 3 year old son. It's a heart wrenching beginning. The book then jumps ahead a year, as Amy and Jesse are struggling with their grief. Amy has locked herself away so she won't be hurt again, and Jesse is sleeping in the bunkhouse with a bottle of whiskey. Can they find a way back to each other
again?
Cheryl St. John doesn't write unique plots - although there are a couple of interesting turns in this book, I could have predicted just about everything that happens. Even the "exciting twist" that happens at the 3/4 point is familiar from dozens of westerns. But in her books, they don't feel like cliches. She creates characters that you care about, emotions that mean something. Although the book was a bit slow, especially in the first half, I really enjoyed it. I cared about Amy and Jesse, and their gradual journey back to each other was poignant and sweet. It's a kind of book you rarely find any more.
This is a kind of story that just doesn't fit in a Regency Historical format - it wouldn't be the same in a different time and place. These characters are quintessentially American Western. It's a type of story that we're losing, because of the insistent purblishing focus on a few types of books. It's sad to think that so few of these stories are being written now. Cheryl St. John could be called the heir of LaVyrle Spencer, and I think there are readers out there who are still hungering for this kind of book. I hope they find this one.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
A Week Of Frustrating Reading
I've had a very unsatisfactory couple of weeks - I tried three books and quit halfway through each. I really need to find something good.
Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverley
(1991, Regency) 2/13/05
Grade: 2.5
Practical spinster Emily Grantwich has taken over running the small family estate since her father was injured and her brother gone missing in the war. But when she is hit with perfumed powder, aimed at rake Piers Verderan, she finds her life turned upside-down. The more she is warned about the dangerous rake, the more attracted she becomes!
This was a frustrating book. I liked the characters, but they seemed to constantly be kept apart by misunderstandings and plain pig-headedness. The book seemed to be spinning in place instead of going anywhere. Although I’m not a huge Beverley fan, I usually like her Regencies well enough (I quite enjoyed Deirdre and Don Juan), but I couldn’t even finish this one.
I debated about how to grade this book, since there were good things about it. But since I finally gave up and didn't finish, I couldn't give it a higher grade.
The other two books I tried - and gave up on - were Bliss and Dance by Judy Cuevas. I've tried to get into her books several times, and it's hard to explain why they don't work for me. I read about 80 pages into Bliss and still didn't care what happened to the characters. I still felt like I was "slogging through" even after over 1/4 of the book - and didn't think it was worth continuing. It was especially disappointing because so many people, including many readers with similar tastes to mine, love her books. I really wanted to like them.
Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverley
(1991, Regency) 2/13/05
Grade: 2.5
Practical spinster Emily Grantwich has taken over running the small family estate since her father was injured and her brother gone missing in the war. But when she is hit with perfumed powder, aimed at rake Piers Verderan, she finds her life turned upside-down. The more she is warned about the dangerous rake, the more attracted she becomes!
This was a frustrating book. I liked the characters, but they seemed to constantly be kept apart by misunderstandings and plain pig-headedness. The book seemed to be spinning in place instead of going anywhere. Although I’m not a huge Beverley fan, I usually like her Regencies well enough (I quite enjoyed Deirdre and Don Juan), but I couldn’t even finish this one.
I debated about how to grade this book, since there were good things about it. But since I finally gave up and didn't finish, I couldn't give it a higher grade.
The other two books I tried - and gave up on - were Bliss and Dance by Judy Cuevas. I've tried to get into her books several times, and it's hard to explain why they don't work for me. I read about 80 pages into Bliss and still didn't care what happened to the characters. I still felt like I was "slogging through" even after over 1/4 of the book - and didn't think it was worth continuing. It was especially disappointing because so many people, including many readers with similar tastes to mine, love her books. I really wanted to like them.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Eve and Roarke, Part XX
Even though I don't particularly like romantic suspense, I've always been a fan of the J.D. Robb "In Death" books. They're fast reads for me, and I always snap up the latest one as soon as it hits the shelves. (I got this one from the library.)
Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb
(2005, Futuristic Mystery) 1/30/05
Grade: 4
Two unknown killers kill a family - but accidently leave the 9 year old daughter alive. It’s up to Eve to find the killers - and protect Nixie.
Not one of her best books, but quite good. The police procedural part is terrific - you follow Eve through every step of the investigation, even the dead ends and the tedious police work. That's what really draws me to the Robb books - they're so much better at this than most "romantic suspense" books.
The relationship part of this one takes a while to get going, and seems somewhat forced at first. There are some emotional moments involving Nixie, but they're limited. But the story is fascinating, and it definitely picks up speed in the second half.
I didn't find the emotional part of the book as satisfying as some of the others in the series - I was more affected by Eve's deepening relationship with Peabody in the last one. But the mystery part was excellent, and there were some good moments. Overall, not the best entry in the series, but not the worst either. A satisfying read.
Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb
(2005, Futuristic Mystery) 1/30/05
Grade: 4
Two unknown killers kill a family - but accidently leave the 9 year old daughter alive. It’s up to Eve to find the killers - and protect Nixie.
Not one of her best books, but quite good. The police procedural part is terrific - you follow Eve through every step of the investigation, even the dead ends and the tedious police work. That's what really draws me to the Robb books - they're so much better at this than most "romantic suspense" books.
The relationship part of this one takes a while to get going, and seems somewhat forced at first. There are some emotional moments involving Nixie, but they're limited. But the story is fascinating, and it definitely picks up speed in the second half.
I didn't find the emotional part of the book as satisfying as some of the others in the series - I was more affected by Eve's deepening relationship with Peabody in the last one. But the mystery part was excellent, and there were some good moments. Overall, not the best entry in the series, but not the worst either. A satisfying read.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Contemporary Angst?
I'm always eager to find an author who writes serious contemporaries (that aren't romantic suspense). I've been looking forward to trying Virginia Kantra.
The Passion of Patrick MacNeill
(1999, Contemporary Series) 1/23/05
Grade: 4
Since the accident that killed his wife Patrick MacNeill has devoted himself to his son’s recovery. But when he sees Dr. Kate Sinclair, he can’t help thinking of more than medicine. Kate has dedicated herself to medicine, and nothing else, for so long that she’s not sure how to handle a relationship - or even if she wants to.
Although Kantra writes well, the book was slow to get started. The set-up of the relationship was somewhat awkward - it seemed forced, just to get the book going. But once that was out of the way, the book improved. The hero and heroine were likeable, the kid was cute without being cutesy. The details about burn recovery were fascinating and touching. I found the hero a more interesting character than the heroine - normally I’m sympathetic to the heroine who doesn’t think she’s desirable, but the heroine’s angst seemed too predictable and by-the-numbers. (Maybe it needed more space?) But the book was compelling and readable, even if it didn’t blow me away.
Even though I wasn't as thrilled with this book as I'd hoped to be, I'm still looking forward to the other Kantra books in my TBR. I think she might do better in a longer format, if anyone is still allowed to write serious contemporary single titles. (I looked her up and found out that she, too, is moving into romantic suspense. Ugh. Very disappointing.)
The Passion of Patrick MacNeill
(1999, Contemporary Series) 1/23/05
Grade: 4
Since the accident that killed his wife Patrick MacNeill has devoted himself to his son’s recovery. But when he sees Dr. Kate Sinclair, he can’t help thinking of more than medicine. Kate has dedicated herself to medicine, and nothing else, for so long that she’s not sure how to handle a relationship - or even if she wants to.
Although Kantra writes well, the book was slow to get started. The set-up of the relationship was somewhat awkward - it seemed forced, just to get the book going. But once that was out of the way, the book improved. The hero and heroine were likeable, the kid was cute without being cutesy. The details about burn recovery were fascinating and touching. I found the hero a more interesting character than the heroine - normally I’m sympathetic to the heroine who doesn’t think she’s desirable, but the heroine’s angst seemed too predictable and by-the-numbers. (Maybe it needed more space?) But the book was compelling and readable, even if it didn’t blow me away.
Even though I wasn't as thrilled with this book as I'd hoped to be, I'm still looking forward to the other Kantra books in my TBR. I think she might do better in a longer format, if anyone is still allowed to write serious contemporary single titles. (I looked her up and found out that she, too, is moving into romantic suspense. Ugh. Very disappointing.)
Unique Setting, So-So Romance
Even though I love romances set in unusual places, sometimes those same qualities end up weakening the main characters and their relationship.
Lord of the Night by Susan Wiggs
(1993, 16th Century Venice) 1/22/05
Grade: 4
In 16th century Venice, Sandro Cavelli, Lord of the Night, is devoted to solving murders. But when he meets beautiful artist and courtesan-in-training Laura Bandello, he wants to forget his dedication to order and duty. Laura is willing to give up her virginity to become an artist, but Sandro makes her dream of more - if she is willing to risk everything.
The setting was fascinating - I loved reading about the history of Venice and Venetian society. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I was there. The secondary characters were unique and well done. But the love story wasn’t as interesting as the setting. I was never really drawn in by the relationship between Sandro and Laura, and all the running around and mystery solving kept taking time away from it. (There was nothing really wrong with the romance, it just didn’t seem that unique or compelling.) I give Wiggs a lot of credit for the unique setting, but the main characters just didn’t thrill me.
This book just tried to do too many things at once - Wiggs would have been better off to leave out most of the mystery elements and focus more on the main characters. There wasn't anything wrong with them, the relationship was just kind of blah and unoriginal.
Lord of the Night by Susan Wiggs
(1993, 16th Century Venice) 1/22/05
Grade: 4
In 16th century Venice, Sandro Cavelli, Lord of the Night, is devoted to solving murders. But when he meets beautiful artist and courtesan-in-training Laura Bandello, he wants to forget his dedication to order and duty. Laura is willing to give up her virginity to become an artist, but Sandro makes her dream of more - if she is willing to risk everything.
The setting was fascinating - I loved reading about the history of Venice and Venetian society. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I was there. The secondary characters were unique and well done. But the love story wasn’t as interesting as the setting. I was never really drawn in by the relationship between Sandro and Laura, and all the running around and mystery solving kept taking time away from it. (There was nothing really wrong with the romance, it just didn’t seem that unique or compelling.) I give Wiggs a lot of credit for the unique setting, but the main characters just didn’t thrill me.
This book just tried to do too many things at once - Wiggs would have been better off to leave out most of the mystery elements and focus more on the main characters. There wasn't anything wrong with them, the relationship was just kind of blah and unoriginal.
Fantasy with a Romance Heart?
Although I don't normally read fantasy, I decided to try this one based on a recommendation. The fantasy parts didn't work for me, but the rest of the book was excellent.
Nobody's Son by Sean Stewart
(1995, Fantasy) 1/21/05
Grade: 4
Shielder's Mark is a peasant - "nobody's son" - but after he breaks the spell of the Red Keep, he is hailed a hero. The King grants him any wish - and he chooses to marry Princess Gail, the fiesty youngest daughter of the King. But "happily ever after" is more difficult than he'd expected!
A unique perspective on the usual fantasy story. The first couple of chapters were typical fantasy, full of obscure language and sacred quests. (This part was kind of boring.) But once Mark arrives at court, the story picks up. The Court intrigue was fascinating, and Mark's prickly relationship with Gail and her friends was compelling. I really enjoyed the character development. The writing is very good too - sometimes overly poetic but after the first bit, mostly understandable. The book started to drag again near the end (as it went back into the fantasy part of the story), but overall I found it quite good and very readable.
This book pulled me in two directions - on one hand, the beginning and end reminded me again why I stopped reading fantasy many years ago. But the middle part was excellent - it could have been a romance or a historical fiction novel, except for a few minor paranormal elements. I'm sticking with romance, but this was an interesting change of pace.
Nobody's Son by Sean Stewart
(1995, Fantasy) 1/21/05
Grade: 4
Shielder's Mark is a peasant - "nobody's son" - but after he breaks the spell of the Red Keep, he is hailed a hero. The King grants him any wish - and he chooses to marry Princess Gail, the fiesty youngest daughter of the King. But "happily ever after" is more difficult than he'd expected!
A unique perspective on the usual fantasy story. The first couple of chapters were typical fantasy, full of obscure language and sacred quests. (This part was kind of boring.) But once Mark arrives at court, the story picks up. The Court intrigue was fascinating, and Mark's prickly relationship with Gail and her friends was compelling. I really enjoyed the character development. The writing is very good too - sometimes overly poetic but after the first bit, mostly understandable. The book started to drag again near the end (as it went back into the fantasy part of the story), but overall I found it quite good and very readable.
This book pulled me in two directions - on one hand, the beginning and end reminded me again why I stopped reading fantasy many years ago. But the middle part was excellent - it could have been a romance or a historical fiction novel, except for a few minor paranormal elements. I'm sticking with romance, but this was an interesting change of pace.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
I Wanted To Smack Them
How do you grade a book that you can't stop reading, but leaves you frustrated and wanting to shake both the hero and heroine?
The Coming Home Place by Mary Spencer
(1994, Western) 1/18/05
Grade: 3.5
Elizabeth Beck lost her whole family on the trip from Tennessee to California. James Kagan lost his fiancee and childhood sweetheart in a train wreck. They agree to marry as a practical arrangement - and neither one is able to admit what they truly feel for each other. But can their marriage survive when everything changes?
A strange book - I spent most of the book wanting to smack most of the main characters, and yet the book was oddly compelling. The book is slow to get started, but the first half, when Beth and James are building their marriage, was interesting. I wanted to shake both of them sometimes, but the characters were compelling. But then we get two love triangles - not my favorite plotline, especially since I liked the “other man”, maybe more than the hero. The book does grab your emotions, and it was well written, but it was definitely frustrating.
I couldn't exactly recommend this book, but it does show Mary Spencer's talent. Too bad she never wrote a book about Nathan, who was a much nicer guy than the hero. I'd recommend reading The Vow instead.
The Coming Home Place by Mary Spencer
(1994, Western) 1/18/05
Grade: 3.5
Elizabeth Beck lost her whole family on the trip from Tennessee to California. James Kagan lost his fiancee and childhood sweetheart in a train wreck. They agree to marry as a practical arrangement - and neither one is able to admit what they truly feel for each other. But can their marriage survive when everything changes?
A strange book - I spent most of the book wanting to smack most of the main characters, and yet the book was oddly compelling. The book is slow to get started, but the first half, when Beth and James are building their marriage, was interesting. I wanted to shake both of them sometimes, but the characters were compelling. But then we get two love triangles - not my favorite plotline, especially since I liked the “other man”, maybe more than the hero. The book does grab your emotions, and it was well written, but it was definitely frustrating.
I couldn't exactly recommend this book, but it does show Mary Spencer's talent. Too bad she never wrote a book about Nathan, who was a much nicer guy than the hero. I'd recommend reading The Vow instead.
Monday, January 10, 2005
On Again, Off Again
Theresa Weir is another author I've had in my TBR for years - somehow I never got around to reading her!
Last Summer by Theresa Weir
(1992, Contemporary) 1/10/05
Grade: 3.5
When movie star Johnnie Irish returns to his home town of Hope, Texas, he can’t wait to leave, and forget the memories of a painful and abusive childhood. But he finds himself intrigued by staid widowed teacher Maggie Mayfield. He keeps trying to leave - but comes back again and again, drawn back by a woman who can’t help loving him.
It started out with great promise. The first chapters were evocative and sexy, with interesting characters. (It reminded me of LaVyrle Spencer's best contemporaries.) I could understand Johnnie’s “bad boy” appeal - he was more than the cliched romance hero. But after a while, I got tired of the on again - off again romance. Over and over, they get together, have sex, then Johnnie leaves and Maggie misses him. And then there’s the typical romance “plot twist” - a baby. I almost stopped reading at that point. I’m giving this a slightly better than average grade because of the evocative writing style and strong beginning, but in the end, it was a disappointment.
This isn't one of Theresa Weir's best books, so I'm still looking forward to reading her other books in my TBR. But this one was, unfortunately, a disappointment.
Last Summer by Theresa Weir
(1992, Contemporary) 1/10/05
Grade: 3.5
When movie star Johnnie Irish returns to his home town of Hope, Texas, he can’t wait to leave, and forget the memories of a painful and abusive childhood. But he finds himself intrigued by staid widowed teacher Maggie Mayfield. He keeps trying to leave - but comes back again and again, drawn back by a woman who can’t help loving him.
It started out with great promise. The first chapters were evocative and sexy, with interesting characters. (It reminded me of LaVyrle Spencer's best contemporaries.) I could understand Johnnie’s “bad boy” appeal - he was more than the cliched romance hero. But after a while, I got tired of the on again - off again romance. Over and over, they get together, have sex, then Johnnie leaves and Maggie misses him. And then there’s the typical romance “plot twist” - a baby. I almost stopped reading at that point. I’m giving this a slightly better than average grade because of the evocative writing style and strong beginning, but in the end, it was a disappointment.
This isn't one of Theresa Weir's best books, so I'm still looking forward to reading her other books in my TBR. But this one was, unfortunately, a disappointment.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Gritty Reality From Carla Kelly
Carla Kelly is an author I usually enjoy - I have several of her books on my keeper shelf. But I've held a few of them back, reading them one by one so I won't run out! I think With This Ring, one of her later books, shows her gradual switch away from romance and toward straight historical fiction.
With This Ring by Carla Kelly
(1997, Regency) 1/8/05
Grade: 4
Lydia is tired of giving in to her pretty sister and nasty mother - and when begins nursing to dying soldiers, she finds there’s more to life than the ton. She meets dedicated Major Sam Reed, who is looking for a wife - and after a scandal, finds herself married to him! But can they build a marriage together, as they travel from London to his home in Northumberland?
As always, Carla Kelly illustrates the gritty life of soldiers and war. Her depiction of the hospital at St. Barnabas and the dying soldiers there is painful and real. But I never warmed up to the hero and heroine, even though they were both noble and brave. It was interesting to read about the heroine growing stronger and more confident, but the relationship between the hero and heroine never really took hold. The story is more like a series of episodes that don’t completely hang together. It’s a strong and original look at a different side of Regency life, but I didn’t find it convincing as a romance.
Although I admire Carla Kelly's depiction of a side of life that's rarely shown in Regency romance, I'll admit I prefer her more romantic stories.
With This Ring by Carla Kelly
(1997, Regency) 1/8/05
Grade: 4
Lydia is tired of giving in to her pretty sister and nasty mother - and when begins nursing to dying soldiers, she finds there’s more to life than the ton. She meets dedicated Major Sam Reed, who is looking for a wife - and after a scandal, finds herself married to him! But can they build a marriage together, as they travel from London to his home in Northumberland?
As always, Carla Kelly illustrates the gritty life of soldiers and war. Her depiction of the hospital at St. Barnabas and the dying soldiers there is painful and real. But I never warmed up to the hero and heroine, even though they were both noble and brave. It was interesting to read about the heroine growing stronger and more confident, but the relationship between the hero and heroine never really took hold. The story is more like a series of episodes that don’t completely hang together. It’s a strong and original look at a different side of Regency life, but I didn’t find it convincing as a romance.
Although I admire Carla Kelly's depiction of a side of life that's rarely shown in Regency romance, I'll admit I prefer her more romantic stories.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Blast From The Past
What was I reading on this date in previous years?
(By the way, I sometimes include spoilers in my reviews)
Last year - A Merry Little Christmas by Martha Shroeder
(2002, Victorian) Grade: 4.5
Priscilla has spent her whole life as a pampered and air-headed debutante. Under pressure from her mother to marry the “right” man, she doesn’t know what to do, when she meets American Nick Cannon - who doesn’t act like any man she’s ever known, and who makes her want to show another side of herself. Will he see who she really is inside?
An interesting book with compelling characters - Priscilla’s growth from pampered airhead to a thoughtful and resourceful woman is perhaps unrealistically fast, but it’s compelling. Unfortunately, this book contains a lot of references to earlier books in the series, which makes it somewhat hard to follow. (Note, rereading it after reading books one and two doesn’t really help - the secondary characters don’t seem anything like they were in their own books.) I liked the characters and even though the situations were somewhat cliched (and at one point, too dependent on a misunderstanding), it was well worth reading.
Two Years Ago - Falling For You by Julie Ortolon
(2002, Contemporary) Grade: 4
When unconventional free spirit Rory discovers that the old family mansion on an island in Galveston is up for sale, she is determined that her family will get it back and turn it into a successful bed-and-breakfast. But she needs help with the business plan - and she turns to old school friend Oliver Chancellor, a stuffy bank manager who has his whole life planned.
This book was somewhat hard to read - for some reason, I kept putting it down, it took a long time for it to hold my attention. The characters were interesting, though, and as I continued reading I began to enjoy it more. Seeing the stuffy Oliver slowly unwind was fun, and it was nice to read about a “nice guy” hero. Rory managed to be a free spirit who wasn’t an idiot or TSTL. Overall, this book lacked something - it just wasn’t all that memorable - but the characters made it worth reading.
Three Years Ago - With Hope by Dorothy Garlock
(1998, 20th Century) Grade: 2.5
Henry Ann is struggling to make a life for herself and her two half-siblings when her father dies, leaving her alone on an Oklahoma farm in the middle of the Depression. She tries to hold things together, but she can’t help her attraction to her neighbor, a man with a young son who is married to an increasingly insane wife.
At first, I liked it, Garlock is very good at depicting a time and place. But after I got about a third of the way in, I started getting bored. It was just one terrible thing and another terrible thing and another terrible thing, on and on and on. The relationship between the hero and heroine was so low key that it seemed like an afterthought, and the problems of the hero just seemed to go on and on. There was one intriguing storyline that involved two secondary characters that was actually quite unique. I like angst, I like torment, but this book was just TOO depressing for me! This wasn’t emotion, it was unrelieved bleakness.
Ten Years Ago - A Precious Jewel by Mary Balogh
(1993, Regency) Grade: 5
Prissy has been forced to work as a high-class prostitute, so she’s glad to become the mistress of Gerald. But both are surprised when they find each other perfectly suited - for love.
A very different Regency. It portrays very vividly the other side of the Regency world - of mistresses and prostitutes. And for once, the hero is only a minor aristocrat, so marriage to his mistress wouldn’t be ridiculous. The characters in this one are wonderfully well drawn, and not perfect. Such a wonderful surprise that everything isn’t magically made better at the end. This one stayed in my mind.
What a nice memory from 10 years ago - I can only wish I had A Precious Jewel to read as new today.
(By the way, I sometimes include spoilers in my reviews)
Last year - A Merry Little Christmas by Martha Shroeder
(2002, Victorian) Grade: 4.5
Priscilla has spent her whole life as a pampered and air-headed debutante. Under pressure from her mother to marry the “right” man, she doesn’t know what to do, when she meets American Nick Cannon - who doesn’t act like any man she’s ever known, and who makes her want to show another side of herself. Will he see who she really is inside?
An interesting book with compelling characters - Priscilla’s growth from pampered airhead to a thoughtful and resourceful woman is perhaps unrealistically fast, but it’s compelling. Unfortunately, this book contains a lot of references to earlier books in the series, which makes it somewhat hard to follow. (Note, rereading it after reading books one and two doesn’t really help - the secondary characters don’t seem anything like they were in their own books.) I liked the characters and even though the situations were somewhat cliched (and at one point, too dependent on a misunderstanding), it was well worth reading.
Two Years Ago - Falling For You by Julie Ortolon
(2002, Contemporary) Grade: 4
When unconventional free spirit Rory discovers that the old family mansion on an island in Galveston is up for sale, she is determined that her family will get it back and turn it into a successful bed-and-breakfast. But she needs help with the business plan - and she turns to old school friend Oliver Chancellor, a stuffy bank manager who has his whole life planned.
This book was somewhat hard to read - for some reason, I kept putting it down, it took a long time for it to hold my attention. The characters were interesting, though, and as I continued reading I began to enjoy it more. Seeing the stuffy Oliver slowly unwind was fun, and it was nice to read about a “nice guy” hero. Rory managed to be a free spirit who wasn’t an idiot or TSTL. Overall, this book lacked something - it just wasn’t all that memorable - but the characters made it worth reading.
Three Years Ago - With Hope by Dorothy Garlock
(1998, 20th Century) Grade: 2.5
Henry Ann is struggling to make a life for herself and her two half-siblings when her father dies, leaving her alone on an Oklahoma farm in the middle of the Depression. She tries to hold things together, but she can’t help her attraction to her neighbor, a man with a young son who is married to an increasingly insane wife.
At first, I liked it, Garlock is very good at depicting a time and place. But after I got about a third of the way in, I started getting bored. It was just one terrible thing and another terrible thing and another terrible thing, on and on and on. The relationship between the hero and heroine was so low key that it seemed like an afterthought, and the problems of the hero just seemed to go on and on. There was one intriguing storyline that involved two secondary characters that was actually quite unique. I like angst, I like torment, but this book was just TOO depressing for me! This wasn’t emotion, it was unrelieved bleakness.
Ten Years Ago - A Precious Jewel by Mary Balogh
(1993, Regency) Grade: 5
Prissy has been forced to work as a high-class prostitute, so she’s glad to become the mistress of Gerald. But both are surprised when they find each other perfectly suited - for love.
A very different Regency. It portrays very vividly the other side of the Regency world - of mistresses and prostitutes. And for once, the hero is only a minor aristocrat, so marriage to his mistress wouldn’t be ridiculous. The characters in this one are wonderfully well drawn, and not perfect. Such a wonderful surprise that everything isn’t magically made better at the end. This one stayed in my mind.
What a nice memory from 10 years ago - I can only wish I had A Precious Jewel to read as new today.
LOS: Worth The Hype?
My first read of the new year - the big kahuna. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. Currently the "in" book among romance readers - it topped both the AAR and Regency lists this year. I've had it in my TBR for years and never read it. Until now. Can any book live up to this buzz level?
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
(1995, Regency Historical) 1/5/05
Grade: 4.5
Since his mother left him at age eight, Dain has been determined to avoid emotional entanglements. If he wants a woman, he pays her. But when he meets Jessica Trent, he is immediately thrown into a tailspin. She doesn't fit any of his preconceptions about women. Proper spinster Jessica finds herself in the same situation - lusting after a man who is so wrong, but so right. What can she do but shoot him - and then marry him?
Snappy and fun, but with some emotional heft. Chase is the master of snappy dialogue - the book is full of laugh-out-loud lines. Both Jessica and Dain are witty and tough, but vulnerable. Classic characters and story, but this is why they're classic. The first part of the book gets somewhat bogged down after a while. It's fun, but there's too much mental lusting and too much self-flagellation by Dain. (I get it already, stop whacking me over the head!) It became tiring. The book gets better after Jessica and Dain get married, and is then delightful (and more emotional) up until the end. The "cute kid" denoument is predictable, but still heart warming. Not quite a keeper, but worth reading.
The Final Word: Although I prefer the more straightforward emotionalism of Balogh or Kinsale, Lord of Scoundrels was a fun read. It's not surprising it's so popular - it merges the classic tortured hero story with the humorous style of current authors.
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
(1995, Regency Historical) 1/5/05
Grade: 4.5
Since his mother left him at age eight, Dain has been determined to avoid emotional entanglements. If he wants a woman, he pays her. But when he meets Jessica Trent, he is immediately thrown into a tailspin. She doesn't fit any of his preconceptions about women. Proper spinster Jessica finds herself in the same situation - lusting after a man who is so wrong, but so right. What can she do but shoot him - and then marry him?
Snappy and fun, but with some emotional heft. Chase is the master of snappy dialogue - the book is full of laugh-out-loud lines. Both Jessica and Dain are witty and tough, but vulnerable. Classic characters and story, but this is why they're classic. The first part of the book gets somewhat bogged down after a while. It's fun, but there's too much mental lusting and too much self-flagellation by Dain. (I get it already, stop whacking me over the head!) It became tiring. The book gets better after Jessica and Dain get married, and is then delightful (and more emotional) up until the end. The "cute kid" denoument is predictable, but still heart warming. Not quite a keeper, but worth reading.
The Final Word: Although I prefer the more straightforward emotionalism of Balogh or Kinsale, Lord of Scoundrels was a fun read. It's not surprising it's so popular - it merges the classic tortured hero story with the humorous style of current authors.
How Do I Grade?
- 5 = A Keeper. A Rare Gift. Personally satisfying. (I only give 1-2 of these a year.)
- 4.5 = Highly Recommended. An excellent read, but not quite a keeper.
- 4 = Recommended. A good book, worth reading, but lacks that special something.
- 3.5 = Above Average. Enjoyable, but ordinary.
- 3 = Average. Kind of blah. Not particularly good or bad. Forgettable.
- 2.5 = Poor, but with some redeeming quality.
- 2 = Why Did I Even Bother?
- 1 = Offensive. A Wall Banger.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)