After reading The Earl's Prize, I had to run out and find Juliana's story, although I read a few books between the two!
Wayward Widow by Nicola Cornick
(2003, Regency) 8/26/07
Grade: 3
Wicked widow Juliana Myfleet is notorious among the ton for her gambling and outrageous stunts. But underneath it all, Juliana is lonely and uses “fun” to divert her from the emptiness of her life. When she meets serious aspiring politician Martin Davencourt (after a childhood acquaintance) she can’t take him seriously - but also can’t help but be attracted.
Surprisingly disappointing, considering how much I enjoyed the previous book. I love an experienced heroine, but there was something about Juliana that just didn’t ring true, especially when it came to her relationship with Martin. I can’t put my finger on it exactly, but there just weren’t any sparks between them. Martin, in particular, didn’t seem to have a lot of personality other than his devotion to his siblings. But still, I would have graded it a bit higher if it hadn’t been for a “twist” in the final chapter, which came out of nowhere and didn’t add anything to the story other than a big “huh?” It made no sense and ended the story on an odd, almost creepy note.
Sometimes I feel sorry for authors. Why does one couple sparkle together, while another couple just fizzles? It's a factor that will make or break a book for me, and yet I can't explain exactly why one book works and another doesn't, even by the same author! I'll stick to my chemistry in the laboratory... it's more reliable!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
All Or Nothing
I've read a couple of Claire Cross's medievals, but I wasn't even aware that she'd switched to contemporary until a read a review of this book. It seemed like a good fit for my current situation (I'm moving and running arround trying to get things ready, so light hearted books are appealing at the moment) so I splurged.
All Or Nothing by Claire Cross
(Contemporary, 2007) 8/20/07
Grade: 3.5
When Jen needs a date for Thanksgiving with her family, she decides to invite a corporate suit, who’ll annoy her family and get her off the hook. But she makes the wrong choice with Zach, the onetime black sheep of his family who is trying to make a new life for himself, and would like to do it with Jen! But is she willing to start a new life as well?
A pleasant surprise. Although I was expecting this book to be light and fun (as advertised), it dealt with some surprisingly serious themes - Jen’s recovery from cancer, Zach’s past with drugs and his guilt over his father’s suicide - while still keeping a light-hearted tone. The author excels in creating interesting and unique characters, from the hero and heroine to the many secondary characters (especially Jen’s family). The book was just enjoyable and fun to read. However, there were some flaws, especially in the last section. The “joke” about Zach and Jen getting married went on for too long, and it shortcut a real discussion about the future of their relationship (because any time they started to address it, they would just fall back on “oh, it’s just a joke, ha ha”) It got old. Also, the last quarter of the book was overstuffed with characters from previous books, and it seemed like they were only there to update readers of the series. Minor flaws, but I had to drop my grade just a bit because of that.
I understand that publishers need to make money. But at least for this romance reader, the increasing use of trade-size paperbacks is backfiring. I was very reluctant to buy this book at this price, and I only splurged because I had an Amazon gift certificate I had to use right away. I'm just not likely to take a chance on an author if I have to pay $14 for the privilege, and I rarely find trades at the library or the used bookstore. And I never know if a trade-size book is going to come out in regular paperback - most of them don't ever make it to mass market, or it takes several years. So it's "all or nothing" - I have to pay full price or I can't buy the book at all. I enjoyed this book, but will I pay $14 for her next one? Doubtful. It wasn't that great. I probably would buy it if I could pick it up for $6 or $7 (or even $8). Trades may attract the non-romance reader who thinks a trade size book is more "respectable" than a regular paperback. But this book was a fairly traditional contemporary romance, and I'm afraid a lot of romance readers have the same attitude toward trades that I do - will the non-romance buyers make up for the loss of romance readers?
All Or Nothing by Claire Cross
(Contemporary, 2007) 8/20/07
Grade: 3.5
When Jen needs a date for Thanksgiving with her family, she decides to invite a corporate suit, who’ll annoy her family and get her off the hook. But she makes the wrong choice with Zach, the onetime black sheep of his family who is trying to make a new life for himself, and would like to do it with Jen! But is she willing to start a new life as well?
A pleasant surprise. Although I was expecting this book to be light and fun (as advertised), it dealt with some surprisingly serious themes - Jen’s recovery from cancer, Zach’s past with drugs and his guilt over his father’s suicide - while still keeping a light-hearted tone. The author excels in creating interesting and unique characters, from the hero and heroine to the many secondary characters (especially Jen’s family). The book was just enjoyable and fun to read. However, there were some flaws, especially in the last section. The “joke” about Zach and Jen getting married went on for too long, and it shortcut a real discussion about the future of their relationship (because any time they started to address it, they would just fall back on “oh, it’s just a joke, ha ha”) It got old. Also, the last quarter of the book was overstuffed with characters from previous books, and it seemed like they were only there to update readers of the series. Minor flaws, but I had to drop my grade just a bit because of that.
I understand that publishers need to make money. But at least for this romance reader, the increasing use of trade-size paperbacks is backfiring. I was very reluctant to buy this book at this price, and I only splurged because I had an Amazon gift certificate I had to use right away. I'm just not likely to take a chance on an author if I have to pay $14 for the privilege, and I rarely find trades at the library or the used bookstore. And I never know if a trade-size book is going to come out in regular paperback - most of them don't ever make it to mass market, or it takes several years. So it's "all or nothing" - I have to pay full price or I can't buy the book at all. I enjoyed this book, but will I pay $14 for her next one? Doubtful. It wasn't that great. I probably would buy it if I could pick it up for $6 or $7 (or even $8). Trades may attract the non-romance reader who thinks a trade size book is more "respectable" than a regular paperback. But this book was a fairly traditional contemporary romance, and I'm afraid a lot of romance readers have the same attitude toward trades that I do - will the non-romance buyers make up for the loss of romance readers?
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Are You A Blue Cow?
I've picked up a bit of Regency cant over the years, but "blue cow" is a new one to me. I'm not sure what this one means, but the heroine is called a "blue cow" several times...
Wife Errant by Joan Smith
(1992, Regency) 8/18/07
Grade: 3
Tess is at her wit's end. Her father is running around with a notorious widow, and her mother is threatening divorce. No one is considering how the scandal will affect Tess and her younger sister Dulcie! In desparation, Tess approaches Lord Revel, a neighbor and rake, to give her parents a wake-up call. This relationship is just supposed to be an act... isn’t it?
A perky Regency, by an author who knows far too much about Regency cant, and is determined to throw it into any scene she can. The story itself is fluff, and the characters rather stereotypical, but still, the characters are entertaining, and it was fun for a while. I got tired of it by the end - the characters just didn’t have a lot of depth, and the story got repetitive by the last chapters.
I suppose this would be considered an "old style Regency" although Joan Smith continued writing this type of book well into the 1990's. This one had a definite zest, although it needed a better plot to keep the characters interesting.
Wife Errant by Joan Smith
(1992, Regency) 8/18/07
Grade: 3
Tess is at her wit's end. Her father is running around with a notorious widow, and her mother is threatening divorce. No one is considering how the scandal will affect Tess and her younger sister Dulcie! In desparation, Tess approaches Lord Revel, a neighbor and rake, to give her parents a wake-up call. This relationship is just supposed to be an act... isn’t it?
A perky Regency, by an author who knows far too much about Regency cant, and is determined to throw it into any scene she can. The story itself is fluff, and the characters rather stereotypical, but still, the characters are entertaining, and it was fun for a while. I got tired of it by the end - the characters just didn’t have a lot of depth, and the story got repetitive by the last chapters.
I suppose this would be considered an "old style Regency" although Joan Smith continued writing this type of book well into the 1990's. This one had a definite zest, although it needed a better plot to keep the characters interesting.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
What Makes A Book Sexy?
I've had mixed results with Lisa Cach - she wrote a short story that was a keeper for me, but her longer books haven't been very successful so far. But based on her previous works, I thought she might be able to to write something fun and sexy.
The Erotic Secrets of a French Maid by Lisa Cach
(2006, Contemporary) 8/17/07
Grade: 3
In order to make ends meet while trying to find a job as an architect, Emma took a part-time job cleaning houses. But she didn’t expect to meet a sexy client like Russ! Workaholic nerd Russ thinks Emma is out of his league. But when she suggests that she might like to be his mistress - and when Russ mistakenly takes her up on it - things begin to get interesting.
At first, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and unique, and the author took a lighthearted approach to the sex scenes that made them fun and erotic. But instead of the sex getting more fun and enjoyable as the book went on, it became awkward and joyless instead. (Supposedly they found more satisfaction as they fell in love, but the sex scenes just became more tedious instead of sexier.) I got frustrated as the hero and heroine persisted in their misunderstandings, and pushed each other away, long past the point when it made sense. I was really hoping that Lisa Cach could write an erotic novel that was both heartfelt and fun, but this one just fell flat.
I keep hoping that some author will write an erotic novel that has sex scenes that are fun and joyful. Even though sex is supposed to be enjoyable, most sex scenes in erotica seem more like work, even when the characters are purportedly happy. Most erotic authors just don't capture the playful, fun aspects of sex. One of the sexiest books I've ever read was a Harlequin Temptation from 1991 - Forbidden Fantasy by Tiffany White. The characters don't actually have intercourse until almost the end of the book, but the whole book is extended foreplay - scenarios that make sex lighthearted and teasing and fun. I find that much more appealing than the approach of most erotica, which seems to take all the fun out of sex and turns it into homework.
The Erotic Secrets of a French Maid by Lisa Cach
(2006, Contemporary) 8/17/07
Grade: 3
In order to make ends meet while trying to find a job as an architect, Emma took a part-time job cleaning houses. But she didn’t expect to meet a sexy client like Russ! Workaholic nerd Russ thinks Emma is out of his league. But when she suggests that she might like to be his mistress - and when Russ mistakenly takes her up on it - things begin to get interesting.
At first, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and unique, and the author took a lighthearted approach to the sex scenes that made them fun and erotic. But instead of the sex getting more fun and enjoyable as the book went on, it became awkward and joyless instead. (Supposedly they found more satisfaction as they fell in love, but the sex scenes just became more tedious instead of sexier.) I got frustrated as the hero and heroine persisted in their misunderstandings, and pushed each other away, long past the point when it made sense. I was really hoping that Lisa Cach could write an erotic novel that was both heartfelt and fun, but this one just fell flat.
I keep hoping that some author will write an erotic novel that has sex scenes that are fun and joyful. Even though sex is supposed to be enjoyable, most sex scenes in erotica seem more like work, even when the characters are purportedly happy. Most erotic authors just don't capture the playful, fun aspects of sex. One of the sexiest books I've ever read was a Harlequin Temptation from 1991 - Forbidden Fantasy by Tiffany White. The characters don't actually have intercourse until almost the end of the book, but the whole book is extended foreplay - scenarios that make sex lighthearted and teasing and fun. I find that much more appealing than the approach of most erotica, which seems to take all the fun out of sex and turns it into homework.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Reaching But Not Finding
What is Harlequin trying to do with Harlequin Everlasting? I can't quite figure it out. In theory, I like the idea of exploring long term relationships. It's a nice change to read about an established couple, rather than the typical courtship story. But I'm not sure if this series line is the answer.
The Marriage Bed by Judith Arnold (HE 7)
(2007, Contemporary Series) 8/11/07
Grade: 3.5
37 years after Drew Foster left Joelle pregnant and alone, he’s come back, asking for help to save his son. Joelle married childhood friend Bobby DeFranco, and they built a happy life together, but they never told their daughter that she wasn’t Bobby’s biological child. Will their family survive the secrets that Drew stirred up with his unexpected visit?
An interesting book that tries to do too much in a relatively short space. (A problem that plagues many of the Harlequin Everlasting titles.) The book is split between the present and flashbacks of Joelle and Bobby’s early life together. These flashbacks are important and poignant, but they take up a lot of space in a 270 page book, which leaves the present-day scenes feeling shortchanged. I also found the family’s reactions to the revelation a bit overwrought (maybe because I’m adopted and it just didn’t seem that earthshattering to me). The over-the-top reaction sometimes seemed more of a plot device than a real emotional response. And yet, the connection between Bobby and Joelle is always there, and it holds together the book even when the structure feels forced. This book was definitely flawed, but the strong characterization of the hero and heroine made it worth reading despite those flaws.
I'm reminded of a series book from the 1990's, A Husband By Any Other Name by Cheryl St. John. The premise has some similarities to this book - a long married couple is rocked by a secret from the past - but somehow, Cheryl St. John was able to make the story work despite the short length. (But, then, Cheryl St. John can do most anything, so maybe it's an unfair comparison. :->)
The Marriage Bed by Judith Arnold (HE 7)
(2007, Contemporary Series) 8/11/07
Grade: 3.5
37 years after Drew Foster left Joelle pregnant and alone, he’s come back, asking for help to save his son. Joelle married childhood friend Bobby DeFranco, and they built a happy life together, but they never told their daughter that she wasn’t Bobby’s biological child. Will their family survive the secrets that Drew stirred up with his unexpected visit?
An interesting book that tries to do too much in a relatively short space. (A problem that plagues many of the Harlequin Everlasting titles.) The book is split between the present and flashbacks of Joelle and Bobby’s early life together. These flashbacks are important and poignant, but they take up a lot of space in a 270 page book, which leaves the present-day scenes feeling shortchanged. I also found the family’s reactions to the revelation a bit overwrought (maybe because I’m adopted and it just didn’t seem that earthshattering to me). The over-the-top reaction sometimes seemed more of a plot device than a real emotional response. And yet, the connection between Bobby and Joelle is always there, and it holds together the book even when the structure feels forced. This book was definitely flawed, but the strong characterization of the hero and heroine made it worth reading despite those flaws.
I'm reminded of a series book from the 1990's, A Husband By Any Other Name by Cheryl St. John. The premise has some similarities to this book - a long married couple is rocked by a secret from the past - but somehow, Cheryl St. John was able to make the story work despite the short length. (But, then, Cheryl St. John can do most anything, so maybe it's an unfair comparison. :->)
Can't Win Them All
I try to keep a record of all the books I read, as long as I make it through at least half the book. (Maybe I should keep a record of all the books I start and toss within the first couple of chapters, but it's just too depressing.) It's a joy to write about a book that I loved - and it's even fun to write about a book that had noteable flaws. But when a book is just blah... what can you say?
Undiscovered Hero by Stephanie Doyle (SIM 792)
(1997, Contemporary Series) 8/9/07
Grade: 3
Trying to save a student from a gang initiation, teacher Delany Sheridan ends up in the hospital, unsure if she’ll ever walk again. The only bright spot in her life is Zach Montgomery, the man who saved her - or did he? Zach is actually an undercover DEA agent, but he’s not sure he can live with his guilt over Delany’s injuries, and build a life with her.
Surprisingly boring. This book has all the elements that I like - a tortured hero, tortured heroine, recovery from an illness, etc. - but I just couldn’t get into it for some reason. I could barely force myself to finish (and I did a lot of skimming toward the end.) I never really understood why these two characters fell in love in the first place, other than proximity. It’s always difficult to explain why some books fall flat despite having all the right “pieces”, but this one definitely fell into that category. Nothing terribly bad about it, it was just dull.
Blah books are one reason I don't write official "book reviews" any more. I used to write reviews for the now-defunct Bookbug site, and it was so difficult to try and explain why I found a book boring. I spent more time trying to write about the blah books than I did writing about the good ones, and it was just too frustrating.
Undiscovered Hero by Stephanie Doyle (SIM 792)
(1997, Contemporary Series) 8/9/07
Grade: 3
Trying to save a student from a gang initiation, teacher Delany Sheridan ends up in the hospital, unsure if she’ll ever walk again. The only bright spot in her life is Zach Montgomery, the man who saved her - or did he? Zach is actually an undercover DEA agent, but he’s not sure he can live with his guilt over Delany’s injuries, and build a life with her.
Surprisingly boring. This book has all the elements that I like - a tortured hero, tortured heroine, recovery from an illness, etc. - but I just couldn’t get into it for some reason. I could barely force myself to finish (and I did a lot of skimming toward the end.) I never really understood why these two characters fell in love in the first place, other than proximity. It’s always difficult to explain why some books fall flat despite having all the right “pieces”, but this one definitely fell into that category. Nothing terribly bad about it, it was just dull.
Blah books are one reason I don't write official "book reviews" any more. I used to write reviews for the now-defunct Bookbug site, and it was so difficult to try and explain why I found a book boring. I spent more time trying to write about the blah books than I did writing about the good ones, and it was just too frustrating.
And A New Version
A cheer of thanks for Harlequin Historical. Although their quality is somewhat spotty, I have to give a lot of credit to Harlequin for continuing to publish Harlequin Historicals - and keeping alive the Regency, the Western, and many other types of books that have been lost in the sea of fluffy Regency-set historicals and paranormals that fill the shelves these days.
The Earl's Prize by Nicola Cornick
(2002, Regency) 8/9/07
Grade: 4
After her father ruined the family with his gambling, Mary expected a future of genteel poverty. She’s intrigued by her brother’s friend Joss, the Earl of Tallent, despite his scandalous reputation. But when she wins a fortune in the lottery, her life changes overnight - but will it change her character as well? Can she be happy with a supposed gambler like Joss?
A delightful book. The characters had that ineffable “something” that made them a joy to read about - I found myself smiling all through the second half, just because I was so glad they found each other. The storyline wasn’t particularly new - winning money in a lottery was new but not that different from inheriting from a relative - but it was the well-drawn and sympathetic characters that made the story worth reading.
It's hard to explain why this book was so appealing, but something about it just made it a joy to read. I got the same feeling from the first half of Nicola Cornick's recent book, Deceived (which unfortunately, fell apart in the last half.) I enjoyed The Earl's Prize so much that I ran out today and bought the sequel.
The Earl's Prize by Nicola Cornick
(2002, Regency) 8/9/07
Grade: 4
After her father ruined the family with his gambling, Mary expected a future of genteel poverty. She’s intrigued by her brother’s friend Joss, the Earl of Tallent, despite his scandalous reputation. But when she wins a fortune in the lottery, her life changes overnight - but will it change her character as well? Can she be happy with a supposed gambler like Joss?
A delightful book. The characters had that ineffable “something” that made them a joy to read about - I found myself smiling all through the second half, just because I was so glad they found each other. The storyline wasn’t particularly new - winning money in a lottery was new but not that different from inheriting from a relative - but it was the well-drawn and sympathetic characters that made the story worth reading.
It's hard to explain why this book was so appealing, but something about it just made it a joy to read. I got the same feeling from the first half of Nicola Cornick's recent book, Deceived (which unfortunately, fell apart in the last half.) I enjoyed The Earl's Prize so much that I ran out today and bought the sequel.
More Blasts From The Past
Most Regency lovers cut their teeth on Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. Although I'm a huge fan of Regencies, I started out reading more modern authors like Mary Balogh and Mary Jo Putney - authors that focus primarily on the emotions of the hero and heroine, even though they're writing within the Regency format. I sometimes find it hard to read older Regencies, because they don't focus on the hero and heroine's emotions - I've never been able to read Heyer, for example, because I find her characters too remote and unemotional. I want more insight into the characters' hearts.
The Regencies from the early 1980's are a bit of a hybrid. Some of them are the traditional "comedies of manners" while others are beginning to develop the emotionalism of later authors.
The Lady Next Door by Elizabeth Neff Walker
(1981, Georgian) 8/8/07
Grade: 3.5
Marianne Findlay has mostly retired from York society, after a scandal in her past. She lives quietly with her aunt and takes in boarders. But when the Earl of Latteridge takes residence next door, Marianne finds her life turned upside-down, even though he’s the son of the woman who caused her disgrace years before.
A surprisingly enjoyable “slice of life” story. It was interesting to read a book in the Regency “style” that was set in the earlier Georgian period. (After hundreds of books about Empire dresses and the ton, it was fun to read about lace cuffs, coffee houses and wigs.) This isn’t exactly a typical romance - the relationship between Marianne and Pressington is only part of the story, and we barely get a glimpse of their emotions. They’re one pair in a large set of secondary characters. But the author does a great job in depicting all of the secondary charcters with great vividness, and bringing them to life in an entertaining way. The second half of the book was less enjoyable than the first half - once all the wheels had been set in motion, it was clear how everything would play out and it was just a question of watching all the couples come together - but the well written characters made it worth reading.
(I include this as a "Regency" because it's written in the same style and format as the traditional Regency - just set a few years earlier.)
The American Duchess by Joan Wolf
(1982, Regency) 8/10/07
Grade: 4
When American Tracy Bodmin arrives in England, she has no intention of staying. She’s an American and a republican, through and through! But her dying father wants her to marry the Duke of Hastings, and she’s not indifferent to His Grace either. But it’s only after they’re married that she realizes just how much her American life has changed...
A well written and intriguing Regency. I was a little bit skeptical of Tracy’s super-Americanism (the US in 1800 wasn’t as classless as Tracy insists, and she’s also lived a privileged life) but the author shows Tracy’s gradual understanding of her husband’s position and responsibilities. She also depics Adrian as a truly dukely Duke. I wasn’t sure how to grade this book, because it didn’t have the emotional resonance of other Regencies, and there was a misunderstanding that marred the last section. But it was very readable, and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Although it's hard to draw a bright line between the "Regency" and the "Regency Historical", there's definitely something different about a book like The American Duchess and the typical Regency-set historical that you find on the shelves today. Although Harlequin Historical is keeping the Regency alive to some extent, I think the romance world has lost something valuable with the demise of the Regency.
The Regencies from the early 1980's are a bit of a hybrid. Some of them are the traditional "comedies of manners" while others are beginning to develop the emotionalism of later authors.
The Lady Next Door by Elizabeth Neff Walker
(1981, Georgian) 8/8/07
Grade: 3.5
Marianne Findlay has mostly retired from York society, after a scandal in her past. She lives quietly with her aunt and takes in boarders. But when the Earl of Latteridge takes residence next door, Marianne finds her life turned upside-down, even though he’s the son of the woman who caused her disgrace years before.
A surprisingly enjoyable “slice of life” story. It was interesting to read a book in the Regency “style” that was set in the earlier Georgian period. (After hundreds of books about Empire dresses and the ton, it was fun to read about lace cuffs, coffee houses and wigs.) This isn’t exactly a typical romance - the relationship between Marianne and Pressington is only part of the story, and we barely get a glimpse of their emotions. They’re one pair in a large set of secondary characters. But the author does a great job in depicting all of the secondary charcters with great vividness, and bringing them to life in an entertaining way. The second half of the book was less enjoyable than the first half - once all the wheels had been set in motion, it was clear how everything would play out and it was just a question of watching all the couples come together - but the well written characters made it worth reading.
(I include this as a "Regency" because it's written in the same style and format as the traditional Regency - just set a few years earlier.)
The American Duchess by Joan Wolf
(1982, Regency) 8/10/07
Grade: 4
When American Tracy Bodmin arrives in England, she has no intention of staying. She’s an American and a republican, through and through! But her dying father wants her to marry the Duke of Hastings, and she’s not indifferent to His Grace either. But it’s only after they’re married that she realizes just how much her American life has changed...
A well written and intriguing Regency. I was a little bit skeptical of Tracy’s super-Americanism (the US in 1800 wasn’t as classless as Tracy insists, and she’s also lived a privileged life) but the author shows Tracy’s gradual understanding of her husband’s position and responsibilities. She also depics Adrian as a truly dukely Duke. I wasn’t sure how to grade this book, because it didn’t have the emotional resonance of other Regencies, and there was a misunderstanding that marred the last section. But it was very readable, and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Although it's hard to draw a bright line between the "Regency" and the "Regency Historical", there's definitely something different about a book like The American Duchess and the typical Regency-set historical that you find on the shelves today. Although Harlequin Historical is keeping the Regency alive to some extent, I think the romance world has lost something valuable with the demise of the Regency.
Books From The Vault
I had some fun, digging out some old relics from my TBR "pile". (Actually, 28 boxes.) Some of my finds were unsuccessful, but I found some interesting books, hiding in the depths of my TBR. First, two Hollywood books:
I Know My Love by Vivian Connolly (THH 10)
(1983, Contemporary Series) 8/7/07
Grade: 3.5
Three years after their impulsive marriage, Irish actor Brian and American up-and-comer Katie seem to have the perfect marriage. But as Katie’s career takes off (and takes her to Hollywood), they both begin to wonder if their marriage can take the strain of separations and doubt, especially as Katie’s career begins to eclipse Brian’s.
The story was somewhat predictable (cue A Star Is Born) but the author did an excellent job at showing the hero and heroine as a real married couple - a lot of “marriage in trouble” books just focus on the problems and don’t ever show their underlying connection. Brian and Katie have an underlying rapport (as well as sexual atttraction) that makes the reader believe in them. She also makes their love of acting seem real, instead of the unreal “romance novel actors” that you often see in books. Their problems aren’t huge, but the author shows how the small things begin to add up and take them apart from each other. Even though the story was somewhat predictable, it’s one of the stronger entries in this series line (which never really found its voice, unfortuately).
Fantasies by Pamela Wallace (SIM 24)
(1983, Contemporary Series) 8/8/07
Grade: 4.5
Devon O’Neill has spent her career working her way up the ladder as a producer, and now she’s been named the head of UFS studios. Although it’s a dream come true, she quickly runs into problems, especially when it comes to producer Spencer Tait. Although she’s attracted to him and admires his work, her position means she can’t openly admit her feelings.
An intriguing and seemingly realistic view of life in Hollywood. Although Devon is perhaps a bit young for her job, the author shows how she worked her way up and her skills at managing the studio. I found both characters extremely well written and real. The book deals with some interesting issues about women in the workplace, becoming your friends’ boss, and balancing career and love - all things that are just as relevant today as they were in 1983. I was afraid the relationship would turn into a typical “I hate you - I love you” story, but Wallace sidesteps that romance cliche and builds a relationship built on mutual respect - how refreshing! She also deals head-on with the career vs. family problem, and doesn’t automatically have the heroine choose love while throwing aside everything else. All in all, this was a wonderful surprise - I wasn’t expecting such a mature, satisfying book, but I’m so glad I found it!
What fun to find buried treasure from the early 80's. One thing that always amuses me, though. Whenever romance writers have their characters appear in movies, they always appear in sweeping historical epics. This always seems like wishful thinking more than reality - the kind of movies that romance writers think Hollywood should produce, rather than what they really do. Not that historical epics don't come out every now and then, but if you based your view of the movies on romance novels, you'd think they were the most popular films in Hollywood.
I Know My Love by Vivian Connolly (THH 10)
(1983, Contemporary Series) 8/7/07
Grade: 3.5
Three years after their impulsive marriage, Irish actor Brian and American up-and-comer Katie seem to have the perfect marriage. But as Katie’s career takes off (and takes her to Hollywood), they both begin to wonder if their marriage can take the strain of separations and doubt, especially as Katie’s career begins to eclipse Brian’s.
The story was somewhat predictable (cue A Star Is Born) but the author did an excellent job at showing the hero and heroine as a real married couple - a lot of “marriage in trouble” books just focus on the problems and don’t ever show their underlying connection. Brian and Katie have an underlying rapport (as well as sexual atttraction) that makes the reader believe in them. She also makes their love of acting seem real, instead of the unreal “romance novel actors” that you often see in books. Their problems aren’t huge, but the author shows how the small things begin to add up and take them apart from each other. Even though the story was somewhat predictable, it’s one of the stronger entries in this series line (which never really found its voice, unfortuately).
Fantasies by Pamela Wallace (SIM 24)
(1983, Contemporary Series) 8/8/07
Grade: 4.5
Devon O’Neill has spent her career working her way up the ladder as a producer, and now she’s been named the head of UFS studios. Although it’s a dream come true, she quickly runs into problems, especially when it comes to producer Spencer Tait. Although she’s attracted to him and admires his work, her position means she can’t openly admit her feelings.
An intriguing and seemingly realistic view of life in Hollywood. Although Devon is perhaps a bit young for her job, the author shows how she worked her way up and her skills at managing the studio. I found both characters extremely well written and real. The book deals with some interesting issues about women in the workplace, becoming your friends’ boss, and balancing career and love - all things that are just as relevant today as they were in 1983. I was afraid the relationship would turn into a typical “I hate you - I love you” story, but Wallace sidesteps that romance cliche and builds a relationship built on mutual respect - how refreshing! She also deals head-on with the career vs. family problem, and doesn’t automatically have the heroine choose love while throwing aside everything else. All in all, this was a wonderful surprise - I wasn’t expecting such a mature, satisfying book, but I’m so glad I found it!
What fun to find buried treasure from the early 80's. One thing that always amuses me, though. Whenever romance writers have their characters appear in movies, they always appear in sweeping historical epics. This always seems like wishful thinking more than reality - the kind of movies that romance writers think Hollywood should produce, rather than what they really do. Not that historical epics don't come out every now and then, but if you based your view of the movies on romance novels, you'd think they were the most popular films in Hollywood.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Hazards of the Love Triangle
I'm always wary of "love triangle" books. More often than not, I end up sympathizing with the "wrong person" in the triangle and end up disappointed when the heroine ends up with the "other guy". This book wasn't a typical romance love triangle story, but I had the same experience - I wanted the heroine to end up with the wrong hero.
Broken by Megan Hart
(2007, Contemporary) 7/31/07
Grade: 3
Sadie lives vicariously through Joe and his sexual conquests. Every month she meets him for lunch, and imagines that she’s the one having uninhibited sex with a stranger. In real life, Sadie is struggling to hold things together, taking care of her quadriplegic husband and dealing with their changed relationship. Her fantasies with Joe are her only outlet.
Megan Hart is an excellent writer, but I find her books extremely frustrating. The endless sex scenes may be inventive, but I didn’t find them all that interesting, and in this book, I didn’t even think they added to the character development. They just seemed “titillating”. I was about to give up on the book, when I finally got to the scenes between Sadie and her husband Adam. These were a revelation - tender, honest, aching and even brutal - but real and touching, in a way the sex scenes were not. I ended up reading the book for the interludes between Sadie and Adam. Unfortunately, unlike Dirty, this book was not really about the relationship between Sadie and Adam. Adam is just an obstacle to be overcome. (I was especially annoyed that - spoiler alert - Adam’s death seemed to be the result of Sadie taking time for her own life and emotional needs.) I came away frustrated, because for me, the emotional heart of the book had nothing to do with Joe, but he was the focus of the “happy ending”.
I don't know what Megan Hart's intentions are. Maybe she likes writing sex scenes, and character development is only secondary for her. But I can't help thinking, when I read her books, that she's a victim of the "erotica craze". Her books would be so much better if she wasn't so focused on how many ways her characters can f***, and used some of the "sex scene page count" to explore other aspects of their lives. The scenes with Adam and Sadie were so good, they took my breath away. She was addressing a situation that I've rarely seen addressed in other books, and without the gauzy unreality that you find in most romances with disabled characters. If that part of the story had been in the forefront, I would have given this book a 5. But she kept shifting away, to more blah scenes of boinking. Why, why, why?
Broken by Megan Hart
(2007, Contemporary) 7/31/07
Grade: 3
Sadie lives vicariously through Joe and his sexual conquests. Every month she meets him for lunch, and imagines that she’s the one having uninhibited sex with a stranger. In real life, Sadie is struggling to hold things together, taking care of her quadriplegic husband and dealing with their changed relationship. Her fantasies with Joe are her only outlet.
Megan Hart is an excellent writer, but I find her books extremely frustrating. The endless sex scenes may be inventive, but I didn’t find them all that interesting, and in this book, I didn’t even think they added to the character development. They just seemed “titillating”. I was about to give up on the book, when I finally got to the scenes between Sadie and her husband Adam. These were a revelation - tender, honest, aching and even brutal - but real and touching, in a way the sex scenes were not. I ended up reading the book for the interludes between Sadie and Adam. Unfortunately, unlike Dirty, this book was not really about the relationship between Sadie and Adam. Adam is just an obstacle to be overcome. (I was especially annoyed that - spoiler alert - Adam’s death seemed to be the result of Sadie taking time for her own life and emotional needs.) I came away frustrated, because for me, the emotional heart of the book had nothing to do with Joe, but he was the focus of the “happy ending”.
I don't know what Megan Hart's intentions are. Maybe she likes writing sex scenes, and character development is only secondary for her. But I can't help thinking, when I read her books, that she's a victim of the "erotica craze". Her books would be so much better if she wasn't so focused on how many ways her characters can f***, and used some of the "sex scene page count" to explore other aspects of their lives. The scenes with Adam and Sadie were so good, they took my breath away. She was addressing a situation that I've rarely seen addressed in other books, and without the gauzy unreality that you find in most romances with disabled characters. If that part of the story had been in the forefront, I would have given this book a 5. But she kept shifting away, to more blah scenes of boinking. Why, why, why?
Not Quite Enough
I was casting around for something to read, and I realized that I never read one of Mary Balogh's last Regencies, A Christmas Bride. Surprising, since it's the sequel to one of my all-time favorite books, A Precious Jewel. So I reread two of the prequels - The Ideal Wife and A Precious Jewel, and then finally read A Christmas Bride.
I read The Ideal Wife many years ago, so I had vague memories of it. The opening setup is almost identical to The Temporary Wife. I know several people who prefer The Ideal Wife, but for me, it doesn't have the emotional depth of The Temporary Wife. (Perhaps it's unfair to compare, but it's hard not to, when the situations are so similar.) It's a fine book, but not something I'd turn to again and again, the way I do with some of Balogh's books.
A Precious Jewel was lovely, as always. I've read it at least half a dozen times, and every time, it touches my heart. One of the things I liked best about A Christmas Bride was the reunion with Gerald and Prissy. In most cases, I don't really need to know what happens after the "happily ever after" but I wanted to know more about what happened to Gerald and Prissy, and I was pleased that Balogh acknowledged what they sacrificed (acceptance in society) for each other.
A Christmas Bride by Mary Balogh
(1997, Regency) 7/29/07
Grade: 3.5
Balanced between the worlds of cit and ton, Edgar Downes has decided to find a wife. Although he intends to marry a suitable young ladies, he ends up in bed with 36 year old widow Helena Stapleton - and when that night has unexpected consequences, he finds himself with a Christmas bride - a prickly, unhappy bride who needs his help to find forgiveness.
Although I normally like Regencies, this story could have used more space. The setup for the story (Edgar and Helena going to bed together) doesn’t really work. Supposedly Helena was carried away, but it didn’t seem consistent with their emotional states - the author didn’t really convince me that Helena changed her mind so abruptly, or that she was overwhelmed by lust. Helena wasn’t a particularly likeable character, and it took Balogh such a long time to set up the situation that I didn’t feel that I got to know either the hero and heroine until over half the book was over. It definitely got better in the second half, althogh Balogh has done the “charming rural Christmas” scenes in a lot of other books. The final reconciliation between Helena and Gerald was very touching, and because of that, I gave this book a slightly higher grade. But I think Balogh could have done more with these characters, if she hadn’t spent so much of the book setting up an “interesting situation”.
Helena's character was frustrating in this book. On one hand, I like characters who aren't the typical "nicey-nice romance heroine". But I had a hard time warming up to Helena, maybe because so much of the book was taken up by other things. I just felt like this book was missing something.
I read The Ideal Wife many years ago, so I had vague memories of it. The opening setup is almost identical to The Temporary Wife. I know several people who prefer The Ideal Wife, but for me, it doesn't have the emotional depth of The Temporary Wife. (Perhaps it's unfair to compare, but it's hard not to, when the situations are so similar.) It's a fine book, but not something I'd turn to again and again, the way I do with some of Balogh's books.
A Precious Jewel was lovely, as always. I've read it at least half a dozen times, and every time, it touches my heart. One of the things I liked best about A Christmas Bride was the reunion with Gerald and Prissy. In most cases, I don't really need to know what happens after the "happily ever after" but I wanted to know more about what happened to Gerald and Prissy, and I was pleased that Balogh acknowledged what they sacrificed (acceptance in society) for each other.
A Christmas Bride by Mary Balogh
(1997, Regency) 7/29/07
Grade: 3.5
Balanced between the worlds of cit and ton, Edgar Downes has decided to find a wife. Although he intends to marry a suitable young ladies, he ends up in bed with 36 year old widow Helena Stapleton - and when that night has unexpected consequences, he finds himself with a Christmas bride - a prickly, unhappy bride who needs his help to find forgiveness.
Although I normally like Regencies, this story could have used more space. The setup for the story (Edgar and Helena going to bed together) doesn’t really work. Supposedly Helena was carried away, but it didn’t seem consistent with their emotional states - the author didn’t really convince me that Helena changed her mind so abruptly, or that she was overwhelmed by lust. Helena wasn’t a particularly likeable character, and it took Balogh such a long time to set up the situation that I didn’t feel that I got to know either the hero and heroine until over half the book was over. It definitely got better in the second half, althogh Balogh has done the “charming rural Christmas” scenes in a lot of other books. The final reconciliation between Helena and Gerald was very touching, and because of that, I gave this book a slightly higher grade. But I think Balogh could have done more with these characters, if she hadn’t spent so much of the book setting up an “interesting situation”.
Helena's character was frustrating in this book. On one hand, I like characters who aren't the typical "nicey-nice romance heroine". But I had a hard time warming up to Helena, maybe because so much of the book was taken up by other things. I just felt like this book was missing something.
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