Theresa Weir was one of those authors who always seemed to have a lot of potential. She wrote about unusual characters, and she was one of the few authors who wrote serious, thoughtful contemporaries. But her books were wildly inconsistent. Often, they have moments of greatness, interspersed with questionable plotting and characterization. But I wish she'd kept writing romances - I kept thinking she had a great book in her somewhere.
Cool Shade by Theresa Weir
(1998, Contemporary) 8/29/08
Grade: 3
After Maddie’s sister disappears, she decides to take a trip to Nebraska to find her - it’s the perfect chance to get away from her dead-end life. Her first suspect is the mysterious Eddie Berlin, who might have hired her sister as a prostitute, but attracts Maddie even though she can’t quite trust him.
There was a good book lurking in here somewhere. Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by a lot of not-so-good. For the first half of the book, I couldn’t figure out either the hero or the heroine. They hate each other, no, they boink like bunnies. She distrusts him, no, she wants to tear her clothes off every time he walks in the room. It made very little sense. There was nothing to these characters other than their overheated hormones. Finally, in the last third of the book, the characters actually started talking, and things improved drastically - for the first time, I started to care about what happened to them, especially Eddie. His characterization was much more consistent than Maddie’s, and I would have liked to know more about his agoraphobia and his past. But it was a long slog to get to that point.
I've now worked my way through the Weir backlist - the two best ones, in my opinion, were Long Night Moon and Forever.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Date Next Door by Gina Wilkins
The Date Next Door by Gina Wilkins (SSE 1799)
(2006, Contemporary Series) 8/21/08
Grade: 3
When Nic’s widowed neighbor, Joel Brannon, needs a date to his high school reunion, she’s glad to accept - as a friend. But once they start spending time together, she starts wondering, is being “just friends” enough? And can he accept her job as a small town police officer?
This book was well written, with some interesting conflicts (instead of the hero being a police officer, it’s the heroine - and it’s the hero who finds it difficult to deal with her job). But overall, it was kind of boring. I found myself losing interest in it fairly quickly. The characters were well drawn, the situation realistic and well written - but after a while, it just felt too predictable, without much pep or passion to make it unique.
I debated about how to grade this one, because I can't really say anything bad about it... but it just felt totally predictable.
(2006, Contemporary Series) 8/21/08
Grade: 3
When Nic’s widowed neighbor, Joel Brannon, needs a date to his high school reunion, she’s glad to accept - as a friend. But once they start spending time together, she starts wondering, is being “just friends” enough? And can he accept her job as a small town police officer?
This book was well written, with some interesting conflicts (instead of the hero being a police officer, it’s the heroine - and it’s the hero who finds it difficult to deal with her job). But overall, it was kind of boring. I found myself losing interest in it fairly quickly. The characters were well drawn, the situation realistic and well written - but after a while, it just felt too predictable, without much pep or passion to make it unique.
I debated about how to grade this one, because I can't really say anything bad about it... but it just felt totally predictable.
Delicious by Sherry Thomas
After all the praise the author has received, I had high hopes for this one... alas...
Delicious by Sherry Thomas
(2008, Victorian) 8/20/08
Grade: 3.5
After the death of Bertie Somerset, her onetime lover, renowned cook Verity Durant isn’t sure what will happen next. She has a history with the new heir, Stuart Somerset, once illegitimate and now a rising politician, but she’s not sure if she wants him to know that she’s the same woman he loved ten years ago... or that she’s hiding a secret past of her own.
This is a hard book to grade. On one hand, it has lovely, lyrical writing, and a story that kept my attention through most of the book. On the other hand, I often felt manipulated by the author - that she was arranging the plot in ways that felt unrealistic and frustrating. (For example, the long delay before Stuart realized his cook was also his former lover - it was strung out far too long, and after a while, I just felt like the author was pulling the reader’s strings.) The sex felt titillating rather than arising from true emotion, and by the time we reached the ending, I just felt tired of all the pushing and pulling, rather than caught up in the emotions of the main characters. I found the secondary romance intriguing (although I would have liked to know more about these characters - again, the author seemed more interested in wry word games than emotion). And the food was wonderfully described, especially in the first half of the book. But overall, this was a book that just didn’t do much for me as an emotional reader - it felt more like an intellectual exercise than a romance.
I am an unabashedly emotional romance reader. I want to throw myself into a book and be carried away with the emotions of the characters. Unfortunately, I've often found that more "literary" writing and plotting put a barrier between me and this emotional experience. I've seen it with Judith Ivory, for example. It's too bad, because I do admire lovely writing - there were some beautiful passages, especially in the first half of the book where there was more of an emphasis on the food - but it's not enough. If I don't feel like I'm there with the characters, feeling what they feel, experiencing what they experience, then the book just isn't successful to me - and that seems to be hard to fit in with a more literary writing style. The only author that can do that for me is Laura Kinsale (and even she isn't always successful).
Delicious by Sherry Thomas
(2008, Victorian) 8/20/08
Grade: 3.5
After the death of Bertie Somerset, her onetime lover, renowned cook Verity Durant isn’t sure what will happen next. She has a history with the new heir, Stuart Somerset, once illegitimate and now a rising politician, but she’s not sure if she wants him to know that she’s the same woman he loved ten years ago... or that she’s hiding a secret past of her own.
This is a hard book to grade. On one hand, it has lovely, lyrical writing, and a story that kept my attention through most of the book. On the other hand, I often felt manipulated by the author - that she was arranging the plot in ways that felt unrealistic and frustrating. (For example, the long delay before Stuart realized his cook was also his former lover - it was strung out far too long, and after a while, I just felt like the author was pulling the reader’s strings.) The sex felt titillating rather than arising from true emotion, and by the time we reached the ending, I just felt tired of all the pushing and pulling, rather than caught up in the emotions of the main characters. I found the secondary romance intriguing (although I would have liked to know more about these characters - again, the author seemed more interested in wry word games than emotion). And the food was wonderfully described, especially in the first half of the book. But overall, this was a book that just didn’t do much for me as an emotional reader - it felt more like an intellectual exercise than a romance.
I am an unabashedly emotional romance reader. I want to throw myself into a book and be carried away with the emotions of the characters. Unfortunately, I've often found that more "literary" writing and plotting put a barrier between me and this emotional experience. I've seen it with Judith Ivory, for example. It's too bad, because I do admire lovely writing - there were some beautiful passages, especially in the first half of the book where there was more of an emphasis on the food - but it's not enough. If I don't feel like I'm there with the characters, feeling what they feel, experiencing what they experience, then the book just isn't successful to me - and that seems to be hard to fit in with a more literary writing style. The only author that can do that for me is Laura Kinsale (and even she isn't always successful).
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
An Honorable Rogue by Carol Townend
I'm not usually a big fan of the "road romance". Often, road romances feel more like a series of episodes rather than a story, and they often have a lot of external "stuff" going on. But in this case, the road section was the best part of the book - it was only when the journey ended that the book ran into problems.
An Honorable Rogue by Carol Townend (HH 229)
(2008, Medieval) 8/19/08
Grade: 3.5
Rose Kerber is determined to go to England, despite the political turmoil of 1067. After an unhappy marriage, she has the chance to marry a knight who can give her the stability she crave. But why does she have such warm feelings for childhood friend Ben Silvester, a flirtatious minstrel? She may need him on her journey, but she must resist his kisses...
It was interesting to read a medieval that, for the most part, wasn’t set among lords and castles. Rose and Ben were ordinary people - a seamstress and a minstrel - and it was fascinating to see the medieval world from a different perspective. I also enjoyed these two characters - Ben was very attractive, the rogue with a heart, and I also liked practical Rose. I’m not a huge fan of road romances, but this one worked fairly well. However, even though the initial attraction between Ben and Rose worked well, I felt that the book took a long time getting started, and then kind of fizzled out at the end. The fun chemistry between the hero and heroine got lost in the last few chapters, so that the author could deal with all the plot points that needed to be wrapped up. I ended up a little bit disappointed.
Even though this wasn't the best book, I'm grateful, as always, to Harlequin Historicals, for publishing books that might not be flashy enough or trendy enough to be published as single titles.
An Honorable Rogue by Carol Townend (HH 229)
(2008, Medieval) 8/19/08
Grade: 3.5
Rose Kerber is determined to go to England, despite the political turmoil of 1067. After an unhappy marriage, she has the chance to marry a knight who can give her the stability she crave. But why does she have such warm feelings for childhood friend Ben Silvester, a flirtatious minstrel? She may need him on her journey, but she must resist his kisses...
It was interesting to read a medieval that, for the most part, wasn’t set among lords and castles. Rose and Ben were ordinary people - a seamstress and a minstrel - and it was fascinating to see the medieval world from a different perspective. I also enjoyed these two characters - Ben was very attractive, the rogue with a heart, and I also liked practical Rose. I’m not a huge fan of road romances, but this one worked fairly well. However, even though the initial attraction between Ben and Rose worked well, I felt that the book took a long time getting started, and then kind of fizzled out at the end. The fun chemistry between the hero and heroine got lost in the last few chapters, so that the author could deal with all the plot points that needed to be wrapped up. I ended up a little bit disappointed.
Even though this wasn't the best book, I'm grateful, as always, to Harlequin Historicals, for publishing books that might not be flashy enough or trendy enough to be published as single titles.
The Chef's Choice by Kristin Hardy
I have become a huge fan of chefs and cooking - from watching them on Iron Chef America and Top Chef to reading books like Kitchen Confidential or Cook Like a Chef, I just love it. I'm surprised there aren't more romances about chefs, considering how trendy they are at the moment.
The Chef's Choice by Kristin Hardy (SSE 1919)
(2008, Contemporary Series) 8/16/08
Grade: 4
Damon Hurst was once a well regarded chef, but after being fired, he needs to find his way back, and taking over the restaurant at the Compass Rose Inn in rural Maine might be his chance. Cady McBain has been part of her family’s inn since childhood, and she won’t let some celebrity chef ruin it - but maybe Damon is more than his bad boy reputation.
I love chef heroes, and this book does a better job than most in creating a realistic working environment. I loved hearing about Damon’s concern about his dishes, his frustrations at finding produce, his attitude in the kitchen. His attraction to Cady was well done. I also liked Cady as a character, and the conflict between them was realistic. However, overall the book was a bit forgettable. By the next day, I didn’t remember much about the romance, although I remembered the descriptions of the cooking and kitchen work. That’s what made it stand out - otherwise it could have been any other book. Enjoyable and easy to read, but not all that unique.
I have to admit, if this book hadn't featured all the great scenes in the kitchen, I would have probably found it pedestrian.
The Chef's Choice by Kristin Hardy (SSE 1919)
(2008, Contemporary Series) 8/16/08
Grade: 4
Damon Hurst was once a well regarded chef, but after being fired, he needs to find his way back, and taking over the restaurant at the Compass Rose Inn in rural Maine might be his chance. Cady McBain has been part of her family’s inn since childhood, and she won’t let some celebrity chef ruin it - but maybe Damon is more than his bad boy reputation.
I love chef heroes, and this book does a better job than most in creating a realistic working environment. I loved hearing about Damon’s concern about his dishes, his frustrations at finding produce, his attitude in the kitchen. His attraction to Cady was well done. I also liked Cady as a character, and the conflict between them was realistic. However, overall the book was a bit forgettable. By the next day, I didn’t remember much about the romance, although I remembered the descriptions of the cooking and kitchen work. That’s what made it stand out - otherwise it could have been any other book. Enjoyable and easy to read, but not all that unique.
I have to admit, if this book hadn't featured all the great scenes in the kitchen, I would have probably found it pedestrian.
His Secret Past by Ellen Hartman
When I go to the bookstore and see the endless rows of babies and cowboys and billionaires in the series romance section, I sometimes despair of ever finding something I'll enjoy! It's nice to know there are still some series books that I can enjoy.
His Secret Past by Ellen Hartman (HSR 1491)
(2008, Contemporary Series) 8/15/08
Grade: 4
Documentary filmmaker Anna Walsh wants to make a film about rock band Five Star - and hopefully find out what ended the career of lead singer Mason Star. Mason is finally clean and sober, and has devoted his life to his son and Mulligans, a community devoted to second chances. The last thing he wants to do is relive his past. But there's something about Anna...
The author does a great job creating a group of realistic, heartfelt characters. By the end of the book, I felt like I’d really gotten to know all of them, from Anna and Mason to Joe, Christian, Stephanie, and the others. I wanted to know what happened to them in their pasts, and where they were going in the future. However, although there was strong chemistry between Anna and Mason, their relationship was just one thread among many. The romance could have been more front and center. But this is a fairly minor criticism. Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, and found the book rewarding.
I'm grateful to review sites for bringing books like this to my attention - I can't remember where I first heard about this one, but I probably wouldn't have picked it up without a review.
His Secret Past by Ellen Hartman (HSR 1491)
(2008, Contemporary Series) 8/15/08
Grade: 4
Documentary filmmaker Anna Walsh wants to make a film about rock band Five Star - and hopefully find out what ended the career of lead singer Mason Star. Mason is finally clean and sober, and has devoted his life to his son and Mulligans, a community devoted to second chances. The last thing he wants to do is relive his past. But there's something about Anna...
The author does a great job creating a group of realistic, heartfelt characters. By the end of the book, I felt like I’d really gotten to know all of them, from Anna and Mason to Joe, Christian, Stephanie, and the others. I wanted to know what happened to them in their pasts, and where they were going in the future. However, although there was strong chemistry between Anna and Mason, their relationship was just one thread among many. The romance could have been more front and center. But this is a fairly minor criticism. Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, and found the book rewarding.
I'm grateful to review sites for bringing books like this to my attention - I can't remember where I first heard about this one, but I probably wouldn't have picked it up without a review.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
To Love A Stranger by Adrianne Byrd
When I was in college, I was assigned The Return of Martin Guerre by Natalie Zemon Davis. The book describes the historical record of the Martin Guerre case, but it also asks the question: in an age when portraits were limited to the wealthy, how closely could you remember how someone looked? If a husband was gone for 10 years or more, how would you know it was him, when he came home? People today say, "of course I would know" but we live at a time with photography everywhere. My Mom died 15 years ago, and when I remember her, am I remembering what she really looked like, or the photos I've looked at since then?
I always thought that would be an intriguing premise for a romance, although it takes a lot of handwaving to make it work in a contemporary setting.
To Love A Stranger by Adrianne Byrd
(2007, Contemporary) 8/1/08
Grade: 3.5
Six years after her music mogul husband was lost at sea, Madeline Stone is happier without him. She is using her inheritance to fund her fashion career, and she doesn’t have to deal with his infidelities and disrespect. But when Russell seems to have returned, she’s not sure what to think - how can this kind and loving man be the same person?
I’ve always thought this plotline would be a great premise for a romance novel (with a happier ending, of course!) But although I’ve read a couple of books with this idea, none of them have really worked well, and unfortunately, although this one is the best of the lot, it doesn’t really stand out either. The book was smoothly written, but it felt superficial, without a lot of emotional involvement with the characters. Although there was some attempt to explore Madeline’s mixed feelings about Russell’s return, and Russell’s emotions when connecting with his children, they just didn’t move me. Maybe it was because so much of the book was taken up with the details of the plot (is he or isn’t he) and descriptions of the characters’ wealth, or perhaps it was just because the book wasn’t long enough, but it just didn’t work for me. I just didn't feel emotionally involved with the characters. It wasn’t bad, just predictable and a bit dull.
This is one of those books that's hard to grade. I can't point to anything in particular that was "wrong" with it, but it just left me unmoved. I can enjoy a book with a familiar plotline, but the author has to do something to make the characters stand out, and I just didn't find that here.
I always thought that would be an intriguing premise for a romance, although it takes a lot of handwaving to make it work in a contemporary setting.
To Love A Stranger by Adrianne Byrd
(2007, Contemporary) 8/1/08
Grade: 3.5
Six years after her music mogul husband was lost at sea, Madeline Stone is happier without him. She is using her inheritance to fund her fashion career, and she doesn’t have to deal with his infidelities and disrespect. But when Russell seems to have returned, she’s not sure what to think - how can this kind and loving man be the same person?
I’ve always thought this plotline would be a great premise for a romance novel (with a happier ending, of course!) But although I’ve read a couple of books with this idea, none of them have really worked well, and unfortunately, although this one is the best of the lot, it doesn’t really stand out either. The book was smoothly written, but it felt superficial, without a lot of emotional involvement with the characters. Although there was some attempt to explore Madeline’s mixed feelings about Russell’s return, and Russell’s emotions when connecting with his children, they just didn’t move me. Maybe it was because so much of the book was taken up with the details of the plot (is he or isn’t he) and descriptions of the characters’ wealth, or perhaps it was just because the book wasn’t long enough, but it just didn’t work for me. I just didn't feel emotionally involved with the characters. It wasn’t bad, just predictable and a bit dull.
This is one of those books that's hard to grade. I can't point to anything in particular that was "wrong" with it, but it just left me unmoved. I can enjoy a book with a familiar plotline, but the author has to do something to make the characters stand out, and I just didn't find that here.
Friday, August 01, 2008
The Discarded Duke by Nancy Butler
I'm not usually worried about "spoilers". I read a lot of reviews, looking for new books and new authors, and for the most part, I want the review to give me a good understanding of what the book is about, even if that means revealing spoilers. For example, I remember picking up a book based on reviews that said the heroine was infertile, and implied that she and the hero would have to deal with that issue in their relationship. In actuality, the heroine becomes pregnant very early in the book, and the book turned into a very typical "cutie patootie baby book". Not what I was expecting, and not a book I would have bought if I'd known. I felt like the reviewer should have said something, rather than giving a misleading impression of the book in an attempt to avoid "spoilers". (And I have never bought that author again, even though she is now a big name - I still feel like she stole my money under false pretenses.)
However, sometimes spoilers really do "spoil" a book. I read a review of this book that revealed a huge secret that was a big part of the book's plot, and I just didn't think it was necessary to give a clear idea of what the book was about. When I started reading this book, I immediately remembered the review, and it changed my view of the book, since I knew from the start what was going to happen. Would my experience with this book have been different if I'd come into it cold?
(By the way, I am not revealing any spoilers in my review!)
The Discarded Duke by Nancy Butler
(2002, Regency) 7/30/08
Grade: 4.5
Widowed and deeply in debt, Ursula Roarke sees her chance when she meets the Duke of Ardsley. But when she visits his estate, where he hopes to set up a stud farm, she finds herself unaccountably attracted to the baliff, William Ridd. After suffering abuse, Will has turned his sheep into the best in England - but a romance with a well born lady is impossible, isn’t it?
This book had wonderful, compelling characters and an emotional core that made me care about them. All of the four main characters - Ursula, Ardsley, Will and the duke’s onetime love, Judith - were sympathetic and well drawn. Even in a fairly short book, the author was able to make me believe in the attraction between Ursula and Will, and feel the yearning that kept drawing them together. There was a lot going on in this book, between the love story, the sheep farm and the “big secret”, but I thought Butler was able to explore all of them without feeling rushed, at least up until the end. The only flaw was the ending, which wrapped up the stories a little too quickly. Will’s choice made sense, but it was such a monumental decision in his life, and it felt rushed. I guessed the “big secret” very early in the book, but I felt that it was handled well, and I never felt like the author was dragging it out. All in all, an excellent book with real, heartfelt emotion.
When I think of the "casualties" of the elimination of the Regency, I think Nancy Butler's name has to be on the list. I don't know what she's doing now, but she hasn't published since Signet went under. Although I haven't loved all of her books, I saw a lot of promise in them - they had the deep characterization and heartfelt emotion of Mary Balogh or Mary Jo Putney. But I guess this style of writing just doesn't fit with the current trend of lusty historical romps, and she didn't have the name recognition to continue to publish her quieter, more thoughtful books in the single title format. It's too bad, and I hope I see her books again someday.
However, sometimes spoilers really do "spoil" a book. I read a review of this book that revealed a huge secret that was a big part of the book's plot, and I just didn't think it was necessary to give a clear idea of what the book was about. When I started reading this book, I immediately remembered the review, and it changed my view of the book, since I knew from the start what was going to happen. Would my experience with this book have been different if I'd come into it cold?
(By the way, I am not revealing any spoilers in my review!)
The Discarded Duke by Nancy Butler
(2002, Regency) 7/30/08
Grade: 4.5
Widowed and deeply in debt, Ursula Roarke sees her chance when she meets the Duke of Ardsley. But when she visits his estate, where he hopes to set up a stud farm, she finds herself unaccountably attracted to the baliff, William Ridd. After suffering abuse, Will has turned his sheep into the best in England - but a romance with a well born lady is impossible, isn’t it?
This book had wonderful, compelling characters and an emotional core that made me care about them. All of the four main characters - Ursula, Ardsley, Will and the duke’s onetime love, Judith - were sympathetic and well drawn. Even in a fairly short book, the author was able to make me believe in the attraction between Ursula and Will, and feel the yearning that kept drawing them together. There was a lot going on in this book, between the love story, the sheep farm and the “big secret”, but I thought Butler was able to explore all of them without feeling rushed, at least up until the end. The only flaw was the ending, which wrapped up the stories a little too quickly. Will’s choice made sense, but it was such a monumental decision in his life, and it felt rushed. I guessed the “big secret” very early in the book, but I felt that it was handled well, and I never felt like the author was dragging it out. All in all, an excellent book with real, heartfelt emotion.
When I think of the "casualties" of the elimination of the Regency, I think Nancy Butler's name has to be on the list. I don't know what she's doing now, but she hasn't published since Signet went under. Although I haven't loved all of her books, I saw a lot of promise in them - they had the deep characterization and heartfelt emotion of Mary Balogh or Mary Jo Putney. But I guess this style of writing just doesn't fit with the current trend of lusty historical romps, and she didn't have the name recognition to continue to publish her quieter, more thoughtful books in the single title format. It's too bad, and I hope I see her books again someday.
My Only Love by Katherine Sutcliffe
I've been reading romance for a long time (since my high school years in the 80's) and maybe that makes me a bit jaded. Plot twists that might have surprised me ten or twenty years ago now seem obvious and dull. There are still some authors who can make the "big secret" or the "big misunderstanding" work, but it's more difficult now that so many of these plots have been done over and over. That doesn't mean that I can't still enjoy an "old fashioned" romance - give me well written characters and well drawn emotions, and I will fall in love with romance all over again - but I have a lot less patience for the games that some authors play.
My Only Love by Katherine Sutcliffe
(1993, Victorian?) 7/29/08
Grade: 3
Olive Devonshire danced naked for gypsies, had a tattoo, and bore a son out of wedlock. Miles Warwick knew the shame of illegitimacy, but Olivia’s money was his one chance to redeem himself and make him respectable. And he couldn’t help being intrigued by someone who broke society’s rules so eagerly...
This book was a mix of good and bad. The characters were compelling, but it had two major flaws. First, why did Olivia “love” Miles? The plot depends on Olivia having this great love for Miles and wanting to save him, but he comes across as an irresponsible jerk who slept with her sister and treated everyone around him like dirt. I didn’t get it. Secondly, the “big secret” in the book was obvious (at least to me) from the first chapter, and after a while, the delays and interruptions just became frustrating. I knew how it was going to turn out, and I just wanted them to get over the “big reveal” and go on with the story, but the author put it off until almost the end of the book. I kept reading because I wanted to find out how the story would be resolved (unfortunately, exactly as I’d predicted) and the writing was compelling. But there’s a reason the big misunderstanding went out of style, and it just doesn’t work here.
I read several Katherine Sutcliffe books back in the 90's (A Heart Possessed stands out in particular) but unfortunately, I think the big misunderstanding plots haven't aged well. It's too bad, because I did find the hero and heroine compelling. If they'd spent more time together, instead of dithering about the big secret, the book might have worked a lot better.
My Only Love by Katherine Sutcliffe
(1993, Victorian?) 7/29/08
Grade: 3
Olive Devonshire danced naked for gypsies, had a tattoo, and bore a son out of wedlock. Miles Warwick knew the shame of illegitimacy, but Olivia’s money was his one chance to redeem himself and make him respectable. And he couldn’t help being intrigued by someone who broke society’s rules so eagerly...
This book was a mix of good and bad. The characters were compelling, but it had two major flaws. First, why did Olivia “love” Miles? The plot depends on Olivia having this great love for Miles and wanting to save him, but he comes across as an irresponsible jerk who slept with her sister and treated everyone around him like dirt. I didn’t get it. Secondly, the “big secret” in the book was obvious (at least to me) from the first chapter, and after a while, the delays and interruptions just became frustrating. I knew how it was going to turn out, and I just wanted them to get over the “big reveal” and go on with the story, but the author put it off until almost the end of the book. I kept reading because I wanted to find out how the story would be resolved (unfortunately, exactly as I’d predicted) and the writing was compelling. But there’s a reason the big misunderstanding went out of style, and it just doesn’t work here.
I read several Katherine Sutcliffe books back in the 90's (A Heart Possessed stands out in particular) but unfortunately, I think the big misunderstanding plots haven't aged well. It's too bad, because I did find the hero and heroine compelling. If they'd spent more time together, instead of dithering about the big secret, the book might have worked a lot better.
Kiss The Cook by Jacquie D'Alessandro
When it comes to series books, enjoyable characters and charm go a long way for me. Things that might wear thin in a longer book work perfectly in a shorter, lighter read. Sometimes it's just relaxing to enjoy a charming, well written story about likeable people.
Kiss the Cook by Jacquie D'Alessandro (ZB 46)
(2000, Contemporary Series) 7/28/08
Grade: 4
When caterer Melanie Gibson double parks in front of an office building, she has no idea she's about to meet the man of her dreams! After years of taking care of his family, Chris Bishop is ready to live the life of a carefree bachelor - but that was before he met Mel. Something about her makes his thoughts of swinging bachelor life disappear.
This was a cute and charming romance that was easy and fun to read. I really liked the hero and heroine, who were both likeable and came across as real people that you'd like to know. There was also a lot of sexual tension, even though the book wasn't very explicit. (I could have done without the constant references to the hero's erection, though.) The book lost a little bit of momentum in the second half, simply because there wasn't much conflict - the attraction between the two is immediate and there's really nothing keeping them apart, and the author doesn't belabor their doubts for too long - but it was a nice way to spend a couple of hours. I found myself speeding through this book and enjoying myself thoroughly (even in a cramped airplane seat!) My only regret was that it was over too soon.
I discovered that this book was re-released as a single title in 2006. It might be a little thin for a single title book, but I'm glad it didn't get lost when Zebra Bouquet disappeared.
Kiss the Cook by Jacquie D'Alessandro (ZB 46)
(2000, Contemporary Series) 7/28/08
Grade: 4
When caterer Melanie Gibson double parks in front of an office building, she has no idea she's about to meet the man of her dreams! After years of taking care of his family, Chris Bishop is ready to live the life of a carefree bachelor - but that was before he met Mel. Something about her makes his thoughts of swinging bachelor life disappear.
This was a cute and charming romance that was easy and fun to read. I really liked the hero and heroine, who were both likeable and came across as real people that you'd like to know. There was also a lot of sexual tension, even though the book wasn't very explicit. (I could have done without the constant references to the hero's erection, though.) The book lost a little bit of momentum in the second half, simply because there wasn't much conflict - the attraction between the two is immediate and there's really nothing keeping them apart, and the author doesn't belabor their doubts for too long - but it was a nice way to spend a couple of hours. I found myself speeding through this book and enjoying myself thoroughly (even in a cramped airplane seat!) My only regret was that it was over too soon.
I discovered that this book was re-released as a single title in 2006. It might be a little thin for a single title book, but I'm glad it didn't get lost when Zebra Bouquet disappeared.
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