Just when I was lamenting the books that seemed like same-old, same old, here comes a book that takes a familiar storyline, and yet, makes it work. Always a delight to discover one of those.
Room... But Not Bored! by Dawn Atkins (HT 945)
(2003, Contemporary Series) 2/26/09
Grade: 4.5
Ariel Adams hasn’t had a good week... her business partner ran off with her lover, and left her with no job and only a few contacts. And a dilapidated beach house, complete with a live-in handyman. Ariel just wants Jake out of the house, but Jake is convinced he can show Ariel how to live for the moment and stop planning everything in her life.
Surprisingly satisfying! The hero and heroine jumped off the page, they were so well written. Ariel has to always be in control, but she’s tempted by the relaxed life that Jake lives. Jake is living the life of a beach bum, but he’s starting to wonder if that’s really satisfying. The conflict between them isn’t manufactured, it goes to who they are as people - and happily, neither one has to completely change for the other (although they both learn to compromise). I particularly liked Ariel’s enthusiasm about her work, which made her more than the stereotypical “uptight heroine”, but Jake’s background with his military Dad made his attitude believable as well. Overall, this was a book that didn’t necessarily break new ground, but made the familiar story sing with great writing and vivid characters.
I wasn't sure how to grade this book. It wasn't as deep as most of the books that I grade this highly, but it was just enjoyable from start to finish, and that's a rare thing. Had to give it a grade up for that.
This book reminded me of Kathleen O'Reilly, who also writes determined heroines who love their work. (That's surprisingly rare in contemporary romance.) But I think this book benefitted from less sex, since it's a Temptation and not a Blaze. There were a couple of wonderful love scenes, but the characters didn't jump into bed in the first 50 pages, and that felt a lot more natural, and gave the characters more time to get to know each other. After reading this book, I looked up Dawn Atkins at Amazon and I noticed all her other books are Blazes. I have to admit, that made me a bit reluctant to look up her other books.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Breaking the Rules by Ruth Wind
I have a couple of Ruth Wind books on my keeper shelf, although I've been reluctant to reread them. I'm afraid that what seemed new and exciting in late 1990's might feel old and cliched today. But I remember them with fondness - it's still rare to find a contemporary author who writes with such emotional intensity. The "women's fiction" books that she writes now just don't affect me the same way.
Breaking the Rules by Ruth Wind (SIM 587)
(1994, Contemporary Series) 2/24/09
Grade: 3
Mattie O’Neal is on the run, and she has no time for a man... even an incredibly sexy man who rides up on his motorcycle. But when she has to run for her life, it’s Zeke who rescues her, and shows her another side of the hard man he pretends to be. He says he only wants a short-term affair, but can Mattie persuade him otherwise?
Ruth Wind’s writing is always impressive, but this book didn’t quite work for me. I found the characters appealing, but a lot of the book was devoted to an endless dance of will-they-or-won’t they. It got tedious after a while. There were moments that were well done, but for the most part, I found the storyline cliched, and it didn’t really rise above the familiar plot. She’s the good girl in trouble, he’s the bad boy who’s overcoming his abusive childhood - most of the time, it just seemed too familiar. (Not to mention the very standard series romance ending. The minute he “forgot” the condoms, I knew what was coming.) Still, there were flashes of the Ruth Wind brilliance, just not enough of them to really make the book work.
This is a familiar lament of mine, but there are some authors who can write a familiar story and make it new - but more examples where it doesn't work, and I'm not sure quite why. The tortured hero finding love is one of my favorites, but here, it just left me feeling blah.
Breaking the Rules by Ruth Wind (SIM 587)
(1994, Contemporary Series) 2/24/09
Grade: 3
Mattie O’Neal is on the run, and she has no time for a man... even an incredibly sexy man who rides up on his motorcycle. But when she has to run for her life, it’s Zeke who rescues her, and shows her another side of the hard man he pretends to be. He says he only wants a short-term affair, but can Mattie persuade him otherwise?
Ruth Wind’s writing is always impressive, but this book didn’t quite work for me. I found the characters appealing, but a lot of the book was devoted to an endless dance of will-they-or-won’t they. It got tedious after a while. There were moments that were well done, but for the most part, I found the storyline cliched, and it didn’t really rise above the familiar plot. She’s the good girl in trouble, he’s the bad boy who’s overcoming his abusive childhood - most of the time, it just seemed too familiar. (Not to mention the very standard series romance ending. The minute he “forgot” the condoms, I knew what was coming.) Still, there were flashes of the Ruth Wind brilliance, just not enough of them to really make the book work.
This is a familiar lament of mine, but there are some authors who can write a familiar story and make it new - but more examples where it doesn't work, and I'm not sure quite why. The tortured hero finding love is one of my favorites, but here, it just left me feeling blah.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Trio of Regencies
I had a craving for a Regency, and I ended up reading three in a row. None of them really outstanding, unfortunately, but the last one was quite charming.
Winter Wedding by Joan Wolf
(1990, Regency) 2/12/09
Grade: 3
Miss Clara Christopher spends most of her time visiting one relative or another, and now she’s staying with cousins during a wedding. She’s pleased to find out that Lord Allingcote will be there - they seemed to have a connection when they met earlier, but it never led anywhere. Now she has a chance - if not for Nel Muldoon, who is determined to make trouble.
This book had a lot of fun Regency ambiance, but unfortunately, the story left a lot to be desired. I enjoyed the background of preparing for a Regency wedding, especially in the hands of skinflint Lady Lucker, and the back and forth of the house party and various guests. But the plot about Nel and her determination to run off with her lover just felt tedious, and it took time away from the more interesting romance between Clara and Allingcote. As a result, I never felt like I got to know the main characters, and the book was a disappointment.
Birds of a Feather by Allison Lane
(1999, Regency) 2/17/09
Grade: 3.5
Joanna Patterson has her hands full trying to find a suitable, wealthy husband for her flighty charge, but she keeps running into Lord Sedgewick, who considers himself the arbiter of fashion and manners in London society. Joanna has little respect for someone she thinks of as shallow, but perhaps he has hidden depths.
This was not a very romantic book. Although there are a lot of sparks of attraction between Joanna and Sedge, they spend most of the book misunderstanding each other, and there’s more time spent on the doings of the ton than on the relationship. Allison Lane’s view of the ton is more Lord of the Flies than sweet romance, but it’s rather fascinating - everyone has hidden agendas, and the author doesn’t stint on the faults - Joanna’s charge Harriet is “hysterical” and not too bright, everyone’s parents are judgemental and horrid, Sedgewick worries over the terrible burden of giving fashion advice to the tasteless, and Joanna seems like the only sensible one (when she’s not jumping to conclusions). It’s kind of like reading a very snarky gossip page, although things got a little repetitive in the last third of the book.
Miss Maitland's Letters by Martha Kirkland
(2000, Regency) 2/18/09
Grade: 3.5
Lorna Maitland, the daughter of a wool merchant, has agreed to marry Paul Clement, the son of a baron. It was originally an arrangement - her money for his title - but she fell in love with his letters from the battlefield. Only Paul didn’t write the letters - his friend Steven Rutledge did, and he’s determined to make Lorna see who Paul really is.
This was a charming romance, although it became a bit repetitive towards the end. But there was a sweet attraction between Lorna and Steven, and his careful wooing of her was nicely done. The deception about the letters went on for far too long, though, and eventually I got a bit impatient to have it done with - and the tie-it-up-with-a-bow ending was a bit much. The book wasn’t all that memorable, but it was a nice, enjoyable read.
Thankfully I still have quite a few Regencies in my TBR pile - they aren't always great, but they just have a different tone from today's Regency historicals.
Winter Wedding by Joan Wolf
(1990, Regency) 2/12/09
Grade: 3
Miss Clara Christopher spends most of her time visiting one relative or another, and now she’s staying with cousins during a wedding. She’s pleased to find out that Lord Allingcote will be there - they seemed to have a connection when they met earlier, but it never led anywhere. Now she has a chance - if not for Nel Muldoon, who is determined to make trouble.
This book had a lot of fun Regency ambiance, but unfortunately, the story left a lot to be desired. I enjoyed the background of preparing for a Regency wedding, especially in the hands of skinflint Lady Lucker, and the back and forth of the house party and various guests. But the plot about Nel and her determination to run off with her lover just felt tedious, and it took time away from the more interesting romance between Clara and Allingcote. As a result, I never felt like I got to know the main characters, and the book was a disappointment.
Birds of a Feather by Allison Lane
(1999, Regency) 2/17/09
Grade: 3.5
Joanna Patterson has her hands full trying to find a suitable, wealthy husband for her flighty charge, but she keeps running into Lord Sedgewick, who considers himself the arbiter of fashion and manners in London society. Joanna has little respect for someone she thinks of as shallow, but perhaps he has hidden depths.
This was not a very romantic book. Although there are a lot of sparks of attraction between Joanna and Sedge, they spend most of the book misunderstanding each other, and there’s more time spent on the doings of the ton than on the relationship. Allison Lane’s view of the ton is more Lord of the Flies than sweet romance, but it’s rather fascinating - everyone has hidden agendas, and the author doesn’t stint on the faults - Joanna’s charge Harriet is “hysterical” and not too bright, everyone’s parents are judgemental and horrid, Sedgewick worries over the terrible burden of giving fashion advice to the tasteless, and Joanna seems like the only sensible one (when she’s not jumping to conclusions). It’s kind of like reading a very snarky gossip page, although things got a little repetitive in the last third of the book.
Miss Maitland's Letters by Martha Kirkland
(2000, Regency) 2/18/09
Grade: 3.5
Lorna Maitland, the daughter of a wool merchant, has agreed to marry Paul Clement, the son of a baron. It was originally an arrangement - her money for his title - but she fell in love with his letters from the battlefield. Only Paul didn’t write the letters - his friend Steven Rutledge did, and he’s determined to make Lorna see who Paul really is.
This was a charming romance, although it became a bit repetitive towards the end. But there was a sweet attraction between Lorna and Steven, and his careful wooing of her was nicely done. The deception about the letters went on for far too long, though, and eventually I got a bit impatient to have it done with - and the tie-it-up-with-a-bow ending was a bit much. The book wasn’t all that memorable, but it was a nice, enjoyable read.
Thankfully I still have quite a few Regencies in my TBR pile - they aren't always great, but they just have a different tone from today's Regency historicals.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Just The Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
I've been a bit slow to update my blog - I haven't been reading as much (right now, all I feel like doing is watching Law & Order reruns) but I've also been a bit lazy. I actually read this a couple of weeks ago.
Just The Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
(2008, Contemporary) 2/11/09
Grade: 4
Lawyer Taylor Donovan is busy with a high profile court case, and she has no time to deal with arrogant Hollywood star Jason Andrews. Jason is accustomed to everyone catering to him, and he can’t help but be intrigued by this smart and sexy lawyer who is far from his usual bimo dates.
Fun and smart and easy to read. I enjoyed both the hero and heroine and found them well rounded (Hollywood heroes in particular are often full of cliches, but Jason seemed real - not too plastic, not too perfect). The interplay between the hero and heroine was a lot of fun. The book wasn’t exactly deep, and it fizzled out a bit at the end, just when I wanted more, but overall, I had a great time.
Probably the best contemporary I read from 2008. It might have even made my top ten list if I'd read it earlier, although it didn't really hit me on an emotional level. But, this is an author that I'll definitely be watching.
Just The Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
(2008, Contemporary) 2/11/09
Grade: 4
Lawyer Taylor Donovan is busy with a high profile court case, and she has no time to deal with arrogant Hollywood star Jason Andrews. Jason is accustomed to everyone catering to him, and he can’t help but be intrigued by this smart and sexy lawyer who is far from his usual bimo dates.
Fun and smart and easy to read. I enjoyed both the hero and heroine and found them well rounded (Hollywood heroes in particular are often full of cliches, but Jason seemed real - not too plastic, not too perfect). The interplay between the hero and heroine was a lot of fun. The book wasn’t exactly deep, and it fizzled out a bit at the end, just when I wanted more, but overall, I had a great time.
Probably the best contemporary I read from 2008. It might have even made my top ten list if I'd read it earlier, although it didn't really hit me on an emotional level. But, this is an author that I'll definitely be watching.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Broken Wing by Judith James
I'm a sucker for the tortured hero, so I was looking forward to this book. I was happy to find it at my local Barnes & Noble. Normally I don't mind ordering books online, but I have been trying to cut back. I'm pleased that B&N has finally learned that romance readers buy books - the salesperson who helped me find Broken Wing was an avid romance reader and very enthusiastic about expanding the romance section at her store.
Broken Wing by Judith James
(2008, Regency Historical) 2/3/09
Grade: 3.5
Raised in a French brothel, Gabriel St. Croix has known nothing but pain and abuse. His only tenderness was for a young boy that he protected, Jamie. When Jamie’s family rescues him, they also rescue Gabriel, who is immediately drawn to the unconventional Lady Sarah Munroe. But can he overcome the nightmares of his past, and build a new future?
This book was a frustrating combination of fascinating characters and a compelling plot, along with flawed writing and a meandering structure. Gabriel is a wonderful hero, and the author doesn’t sugarcoat his past, or his struggles to recover from it. He drinks, he cuts himself, he finds it nearly impossible to reach out. And Sarah is a fitting match - she’s strong, able to offer Gabriel the friendship he’s never known, and doesn’t shy away from his flaws and weaknesses. But the author drove me nuts with her writing style (something I normally don’t notice). She often tells the reader what the characters are feeling, rather than showing us. There are abrupt switches in POV, and odd jumps in time. And then, in the last third of the book, Gabriel ends up as a pirate and mercenary, and it’s like we’re in a completely different story, while the romance disappears. And yet, despite the problems, the book was compelling, even if it was flawed. I just wish the author had fixed some of these things, since it could have been even better.
As a reader, I don't care that much about beautiful writing. In fact, some authors who are known for their lovely prose don't work for me - the focus on style seems to put a barrier between me and the characters. But sometimes, I just can't ignore the flaws in the prose. It was frustrating, because there were so many good things in this book! I hope that the author can fix some of the problems here, because she definitely has talent, and I look forward to her next book.
Broken Wing by Judith James
(2008, Regency Historical) 2/3/09
Grade: 3.5
Raised in a French brothel, Gabriel St. Croix has known nothing but pain and abuse. His only tenderness was for a young boy that he protected, Jamie. When Jamie’s family rescues him, they also rescue Gabriel, who is immediately drawn to the unconventional Lady Sarah Munroe. But can he overcome the nightmares of his past, and build a new future?
This book was a frustrating combination of fascinating characters and a compelling plot, along with flawed writing and a meandering structure. Gabriel is a wonderful hero, and the author doesn’t sugarcoat his past, or his struggles to recover from it. He drinks, he cuts himself, he finds it nearly impossible to reach out. And Sarah is a fitting match - she’s strong, able to offer Gabriel the friendship he’s never known, and doesn’t shy away from his flaws and weaknesses. But the author drove me nuts with her writing style (something I normally don’t notice). She often tells the reader what the characters are feeling, rather than showing us. There are abrupt switches in POV, and odd jumps in time. And then, in the last third of the book, Gabriel ends up as a pirate and mercenary, and it’s like we’re in a completely different story, while the romance disappears. And yet, despite the problems, the book was compelling, even if it was flawed. I just wish the author had fixed some of these things, since it could have been even better.
As a reader, I don't care that much about beautiful writing. In fact, some authors who are known for their lovely prose don't work for me - the focus on style seems to put a barrier between me and the characters. But sometimes, I just can't ignore the flaws in the prose. It was frustrating, because there were so many good things in this book! I hope that the author can fix some of the problems here, because she definitely has talent, and I look forward to her next book.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
The Genuine Article by Patricia Rice
I had a craving for a traditional Regency - thankfully I still have a good selection of those in my TBR pile.
The Genuine Article by Patricia Rice
(1994, Regency) 1/30/09
Grade: 3
Lady Marian Oglethorp is desperate for a wealthy husband to save her family from ruin, and she’s set her sights on Lord Darley. She will just have to keep her intelligence and wit hidden until after the wedding. The only obstacle is Darley’s best friend, Reginald Montague, who is skeptical of Marian and vows to protect Darley - even if it means kissing her himself!
The first half of this book was quite promising. I enjoyed the interplay between Marian and Reginald, and it was fun to watch two people who clearly belonged together, even if they were both fighting it. And I found Reginald intriguing - a younger son who ends up in trade and finds that he likes it. Unfortunately, the book made an abrupt detour in the second half, when the story turns to a missing necklace. We get a confusing story about a mysterious American cousin, a thief who’s secretly in cahoots with the cousin, and jewels disappearing and reappearing. The love story gets pushed onto the back burner, and that was a great disappointment. If only the author had continued the story she’d started, the book would have been a real gem.
Even though I didn't care for this book in the end, it makes me want to look up other Regencies by Patricia Rice. She's written a lot of single title books, of course (I've read some of them), but the wittiness and character interaction in the first half of this book makes me think that she might have a great Regency in her. But I'm not sure if she wrote that many Regencies - as far as I remember, she switched over to single titles pretty quickly.
The Genuine Article by Patricia Rice
(1994, Regency) 1/30/09
Grade: 3
Lady Marian Oglethorp is desperate for a wealthy husband to save her family from ruin, and she’s set her sights on Lord Darley. She will just have to keep her intelligence and wit hidden until after the wedding. The only obstacle is Darley’s best friend, Reginald Montague, who is skeptical of Marian and vows to protect Darley - even if it means kissing her himself!
The first half of this book was quite promising. I enjoyed the interplay between Marian and Reginald, and it was fun to watch two people who clearly belonged together, even if they were both fighting it. And I found Reginald intriguing - a younger son who ends up in trade and finds that he likes it. Unfortunately, the book made an abrupt detour in the second half, when the story turns to a missing necklace. We get a confusing story about a mysterious American cousin, a thief who’s secretly in cahoots with the cousin, and jewels disappearing and reappearing. The love story gets pushed onto the back burner, and that was a great disappointment. If only the author had continued the story she’d started, the book would have been a real gem.
Even though I didn't care for this book in the end, it makes me want to look up other Regencies by Patricia Rice. She's written a lot of single title books, of course (I've read some of them), but the wittiness and character interaction in the first half of this book makes me think that she might have a great Regency in her. But I'm not sure if she wrote that many Regencies - as far as I remember, she switched over to single titles pretty quickly.
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