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.
Monday, January 31, 2005
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.
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