I am always a little skeptical about Blaze books. You never know when you buy one, if you're getting a real romance or just a contrived sex-fest. And often, the requirement for early sex scenes leads to a contrived plotline. However, I have read some good Blazes so I don't want to dismiss them out of hand - but I only buy them when I have a specific recommendation. I occasionally will pick up a Superromance or a Special Edition if it just looks appealing (since so many series books are never reviewed, it's hard to find them otherwise), but usually not a Blaze.
Amorous Liaisons by Sarah Mayberry (HB 425)
(2008, Contemporary Series) 12/10/08
Grade: 3.5
When an injury forces ballet dancer Maddy Green to retire prematurely, she turns to an old friend, Max Laurent, a ballet dancer who also had to leave his career early, to take care of his father. She needs a shoulder to cry on, but she’s always been attracted to him, and hopes that it leads to more. But Max only wants to be a friend... or does he?
I really liked parts of this book, but in the end, it fell short. I found the hero and heroine compelling characters - Maddy’s frustration and grief at losing her career was well portrayed, as well as Max’s insecurity about his new career as an artist. The sometimes contrived Blaze sex scenes made me roll my eyes at times, but overall, the characters had great sexual tension and the attraction between them felt real. I also loved the setting in Paris and characters who weren’t American (she’s Australian, he’s French). But, the “big misunderstanding” that kept them at odds for most of the book felt very contrived and annoying. She likes him but thinks he wants to be just friends. He likes her but thinks she wants to be just friends. That’s fine for a start, but after the first 100 pages, I wanted to say “just get over it already!” It was particularly irritating in the last section of the book, when it felt like a contrivance just to pull the hero and heroine apart again. This book was good, but it could have been much better.
Just a random comment - although I didn't love the cover, I was impressed that the artist replicated a dress that is described specifically in the book.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas
I decided to go ahead and read the next book in this series right away, while the characters were still fresh in my mind.
Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas
(2008, Victorian) 12/7/08
Grade: 3.5
Win Hathaway has been drawn to Kev Merripen since childhood, when her family rescued the Gypsy boy from death. But her poor health kept them from anything but friendship. Now that she has returned home, healthy enough to make a new life, Win is determined to overcome Kev’s barries and make him admit his feelings for her - despite their differences.
Although this book was more successful than the previous one, I still felt that the book lacked emotional intensity. Kev is a compelling hero, and I was fascinated by the glimpse into Gypsy life and his struggles to live in the gadjo world. But somehow, the romance between Win and Kev didn’t come together. It felt like the author was telling me they were in love, rather than showing me, and the barriers between them felt forced. Also, there was a lot of space devoted to the secondary characters - revisiting Cam and Amelia and setting up the future romances for other Hathaway siblings. It took away from the main story. I can’t really say why this book wasn’t compelling to me - it just felt predictable, despite the unusual setting and characters.
Why can one author write a book with a well known plot and characters, and make it seem fresh and new? And another author can write a book with characters that seem unique - Gypsy heroes are not that common - and yet, every move the characters make seems blah and predictable? I guess if I knew the answer to that, I'd be a writer instead of a chemist.
Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas
(2008, Victorian) 12/7/08
Grade: 3.5
Win Hathaway has been drawn to Kev Merripen since childhood, when her family rescued the Gypsy boy from death. But her poor health kept them from anything but friendship. Now that she has returned home, healthy enough to make a new life, Win is determined to overcome Kev’s barries and make him admit his feelings for her - despite their differences.
Although this book was more successful than the previous one, I still felt that the book lacked emotional intensity. Kev is a compelling hero, and I was fascinated by the glimpse into Gypsy life and his struggles to live in the gadjo world. But somehow, the romance between Win and Kev didn’t come together. It felt like the author was telling me they were in love, rather than showing me, and the barriers between them felt forced. Also, there was a lot of space devoted to the secondary characters - revisiting Cam and Amelia and setting up the future romances for other Hathaway siblings. It took away from the main story. I can’t really say why this book wasn’t compelling to me - it just felt predictable, despite the unusual setting and characters.
Why can one author write a book with a well known plot and characters, and make it seem fresh and new? And another author can write a book with characters that seem unique - Gypsy heroes are not that common - and yet, every move the characters make seems blah and predictable? I guess if I knew the answer to that, I'd be a writer instead of a chemist.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
It must be hard, to be an author who wrote a well-loved book early in her career. Every time I read a review of a book by Lisa Kleypas, it usually starts, "this book can't compare to Dreaming of You". How can you live up to that? It must be frustrating. I try to look at books with a fresh eye and not compare them to their past successes too much, but still, I can't help thinking, "I know you can do better than this."
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
(2007, Victorian) 12/5/08
Grade: 3
Amelia Hathaway has her hands full dealing with her younger sisters and her wayward elder brother, who just inherited a title. But when Cam Rohan, a Gypsy who has made a life on the edges of civilized society, enters her life, she can’t stop thinking about him - and he finds her unforgettable as well, although he longs to return to his Gypsy roots.
An oddly unemotional book. I’m not sure if the problem was that I hadn’t read the earlier books in this series, or if the characters were just undefined and underwritten. I enjoyed reading about the Hathaways and their problems, but Amelia wasn’t particularly unique - she was the managing spinster older sister that I’ve seen in dozens of books. Cam should have been a delightfully unique character, but I found him even more of an enigma. We get hints of his life, but there’s a lot of “tell” instead of show. I didn’t find their love story particularly emotional, or believable - it just seemed like the author was going through the motions. The hint of a paranormal subplot also didn’t work, and felt tacked on. Kleypas is always readable, so I didn’t have any trouble finishing the book, but I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.
This book is a good example of why I get frustrated with never-ending series. Technically, this book is the first book in a new series about the Hathaway family. But it's related to many of the author's previous books - the Wallflower series for a start, but it's also related to bunches of her other books, going all the way back to Dreaming of You. I've read some of the previous books by Kleypas, but evidently not enough of them to keep track of all of her interlocking characters - I was left feeling like I'd walked into the middle and didn't know what was going on. (Would Cam have been a more compelling hero if I'd read all the previous books?)
I'm left with a dilemma - I don't really want to waste my time reading books that are soggy and uninteresting and contain plot points that I hate. All series contain some books like this. (No author writes a winner every time, especially for a picky reader like me.) But if I pick and choose and only read some of the books in a series, I'm left feeling lost. I'm beginning to wonder if I should just skip series books altogether. but that doesn't leave much to choose from, since romance authors are just ga-ga about endlessly long series. It's frustrating. I gave up on a Liz Carlyle book last week for the same reason.
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
(2007, Victorian) 12/5/08
Grade: 3
Amelia Hathaway has her hands full dealing with her younger sisters and her wayward elder brother, who just inherited a title. But when Cam Rohan, a Gypsy who has made a life on the edges of civilized society, enters her life, she can’t stop thinking about him - and he finds her unforgettable as well, although he longs to return to his Gypsy roots.
An oddly unemotional book. I’m not sure if the problem was that I hadn’t read the earlier books in this series, or if the characters were just undefined and underwritten. I enjoyed reading about the Hathaways and their problems, but Amelia wasn’t particularly unique - she was the managing spinster older sister that I’ve seen in dozens of books. Cam should have been a delightfully unique character, but I found him even more of an enigma. We get hints of his life, but there’s a lot of “tell” instead of show. I didn’t find their love story particularly emotional, or believable - it just seemed like the author was going through the motions. The hint of a paranormal subplot also didn’t work, and felt tacked on. Kleypas is always readable, so I didn’t have any trouble finishing the book, but I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.
This book is a good example of why I get frustrated with never-ending series. Technically, this book is the first book in a new series about the Hathaway family. But it's related to many of the author's previous books - the Wallflower series for a start, but it's also related to bunches of her other books, going all the way back to Dreaming of You. I've read some of the previous books by Kleypas, but evidently not enough of them to keep track of all of her interlocking characters - I was left feeling like I'd walked into the middle and didn't know what was going on. (Would Cam have been a more compelling hero if I'd read all the previous books?)
I'm left with a dilemma - I don't really want to waste my time reading books that are soggy and uninteresting and contain plot points that I hate. All series contain some books like this. (No author writes a winner every time, especially for a picky reader like me.) But if I pick and choose and only read some of the books in a series, I'm left feeling lost. I'm beginning to wonder if I should just skip series books altogether. but that doesn't leave much to choose from, since romance authors are just ga-ga about endlessly long series. It's frustrating. I gave up on a Liz Carlyle book last week for the same reason.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt
Most romance readers are author loyalists. They have a list of favorite authors, and they'll buy every book by that author. If they try a new author, they'll either add that author to their auto-buy list, or drop her. I was like that when I first started reading romance, but I've since become a promiscuous reader. Even if I like an author, I won't auto-buy her books. I'll pick and choose, only buying those books that have plots and characters that appeal to me, even if I end up reading the middle book in a series. I guess that makes me disloyal - I'm more interested in an appealing plot or type of story than I am in a particular author. On the other hand, I think it makes me more willing to give authors second chances. I hated an earlier book by Elizabeth Hoyt, almost to the point of wall-banging. I thought I'd never read another book of hers. But when I read the description of this book, and when I skimmed a few sections of the book in the store, I could see that this was a very different type of book, much more my style. So I was willing to give it a chance. And happily, I was rewarded!
To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt
(2008, Georgian) 11/26/08
Grade: 4.5
After Jasper Renshaw, Lord Vale is left at the altar, Melisande decides to take a chance and asks him to marry her instead. To her surprise, he agrees. Melisande has loved Jasper from afar for years, but as she gets to know him better, she finds his carefree attitude hides deep secrets - and he finds that the shy and quiet Melisande has hidden depths as well.
From the beginning, this book pulled me in. The characters were immediately appealing - shy but resolute Melisande, teasing, open-hearted Jasper. The book focused primarily on getting to know these two, and building their relationship, and it was delightful to read. (I also loved the stalwart terrier, Mouse. The secondary relationship between the maid and the valet felt recycled and cliched, though.) The spy plot was not that original, but it was in the background most of the time, and the setting of the French and Indian war was unusual. And Jasper’s haunted past was very touching, and I appreciated that the heroine didn’t magically fix him. I wasn’t thrilled with the sex scenes - they were certainly hot, but the early ones felt too acrobatic and exotic for Melisande, even if she wasn’t a virgin, and I just don’t find certain words appealing, even in context. But that was a minor problem. Overall, this was a lovely book, and I enjoyed all of it.
I don't know if it's a coincidence or a trend, but I'm very happy with all the books I've read this year with "nice guy" heroes. Heroes who genuinely like and respect the heroines and want to get to know them. These are the heroes that I love, and I hope this run of nice heroes is a real trend. (Maybe all the authors who write alpha jerks have moved over to paranormals?) I never understood the appeal of the hero who treats the heroine like dirt for 300 pages and then declares his love - that's romance? Not for me. Give me a nice hero every time. Vale isn't a nerd or a wimp - but he doesn't need to wipe his feet on the heroine to be a man.
To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt
(2008, Georgian) 11/26/08
Grade: 4.5
After Jasper Renshaw, Lord Vale is left at the altar, Melisande decides to take a chance and asks him to marry her instead. To her surprise, he agrees. Melisande has loved Jasper from afar for years, but as she gets to know him better, she finds his carefree attitude hides deep secrets - and he finds that the shy and quiet Melisande has hidden depths as well.
From the beginning, this book pulled me in. The characters were immediately appealing - shy but resolute Melisande, teasing, open-hearted Jasper. The book focused primarily on getting to know these two, and building their relationship, and it was delightful to read. (I also loved the stalwart terrier, Mouse. The secondary relationship between the maid and the valet felt recycled and cliched, though.) The spy plot was not that original, but it was in the background most of the time, and the setting of the French and Indian war was unusual. And Jasper’s haunted past was very touching, and I appreciated that the heroine didn’t magically fix him. I wasn’t thrilled with the sex scenes - they were certainly hot, but the early ones felt too acrobatic and exotic for Melisande, even if she wasn’t a virgin, and I just don’t find certain words appealing, even in context. But that was a minor problem. Overall, this was a lovely book, and I enjoyed all of it.
I don't know if it's a coincidence or a trend, but I'm very happy with all the books I've read this year with "nice guy" heroes. Heroes who genuinely like and respect the heroines and want to get to know them. These are the heroes that I love, and I hope this run of nice heroes is a real trend. (Maybe all the authors who write alpha jerks have moved over to paranormals?) I never understood the appeal of the hero who treats the heroine like dirt for 300 pages and then declares his love - that's romance? Not for me. Give me a nice hero every time. Vale isn't a nerd or a wimp - but he doesn't need to wipe his feet on the heroine to be a man.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb
I love watching procedurals on TV - I can't get enough of Law & Order, CSI and The Wire. But for some reason, I don't usually find procedural mysteries as appealing in book form. I guess I'm looking for something different when I'm reading than when I'm watching TV. Although I read a lot of mysteries when I was younger, I don't find them all that appealing any more. However, I was drawn to the first J.D. Robb books. The first few books in this series combined a great relationship between Eve and Roarke with a heroine who had a real feeling for the victims, because of her own past as a victim of violence. But that aspect of the books seems to be fading away as the series continues. The passion isn't there (depsite the energetic sex scenes between Eve and Roarke). I guess no author (even Nora Roberts) can sustain that over 29 books. Too bad.
Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb
(2008, Suspense) 11/18/08
Grade: 3
When a well-loved priest is poisoned during a funeral, Eve quickly discovers that he’s not what he seems. Is Father Miguel Flores really who he claimed to be? And when a similar killing fells an evangelical minister, is she looking at a serial killing? Or does it all go back to the supposed priest’s old neighborhood and a 20 year old crime?
I can’t help wondering, was I too distracted to give this book my full attention? (I read it during chemotherapy.) I don’t think that was the problem. I recently reread one of the early J.D. Robb books during an equally distrating hospital visit, and it kept my attention completely. In her last few books, the focus has been on the mystery, with only brief interludes of personal relationships (and even those have become routine). I don’t get the personal attachment that Eve had with her earlier cases. (And it doesn’t help that everyone in this case is unsympathetic - Eve has more passion for her cases when she has a strong feeling for the victim and finding justice for him or her.) I never really got a feeling for the “victim” here until the very end, and even then, it was hard to reconcile his initial description as a caring priest with the revelations of who he really was and what he was doing. Overall, this was a fairly blah entry in the series.
While I was waiting at the drug store, I picked up a copy of Suite 606, which has a short story by J.D. Robb. And interestingly, I found the first 15 pages of that story a lot more appealing than this full-length book. I didn't get a chance to finish, but I was more interested in that story than in finishing the longer book that I had in my bag. (Not enough to pay full price for an anthology that only had one story I wanted to read, but still...)
Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb
(2008, Suspense) 11/18/08
Grade: 3
When a well-loved priest is poisoned during a funeral, Eve quickly discovers that he’s not what he seems. Is Father Miguel Flores really who he claimed to be? And when a similar killing fells an evangelical minister, is she looking at a serial killing? Or does it all go back to the supposed priest’s old neighborhood and a 20 year old crime?
I can’t help wondering, was I too distracted to give this book my full attention? (I read it during chemotherapy.) I don’t think that was the problem. I recently reread one of the early J.D. Robb books during an equally distrating hospital visit, and it kept my attention completely. In her last few books, the focus has been on the mystery, with only brief interludes of personal relationships (and even those have become routine). I don’t get the personal attachment that Eve had with her earlier cases. (And it doesn’t help that everyone in this case is unsympathetic - Eve has more passion for her cases when she has a strong feeling for the victim and finding justice for him or her.) I never really got a feeling for the “victim” here until the very end, and even then, it was hard to reconcile his initial description as a caring priest with the revelations of who he really was and what he was doing. Overall, this was a fairly blah entry in the series.
While I was waiting at the drug store, I picked up a copy of Suite 606, which has a short story by J.D. Robb. And interestingly, I found the first 15 pages of that story a lot more appealing than this full-length book. I didn't get a chance to finish, but I was more interested in that story than in finishing the longer book that I had in my bag. (Not enough to pay full price for an anthology that only had one story I wanted to read, but still...)
Sunday, November 09, 2008
The Price of Desire by Jo Goodman
This year, I'm determined to actually read some 2008 books in 2008. It's nice to finally find some current books that are worth reading - for a while, I was having a hard time finding any books that were worth buying.
The Price of Desire by Jo Goodman
(2008, Regency Historical) 11/9/08
Grade: 4
After her brother Alistair loses heavily in a card game, Olivia Cole finds herself turned over to the owner of the gaming hell, Griffin Wright-Jones, Viscount Breckenridge. Griffin isn’t at all what she expected - he’s intelligent and considerate, and allows her to live under his roof unmolested. Olivia begins to wonder, is it worth taking a chance on him?
Although I liked the characters well enough, I found this book very hard to get through, particularly in the first half. The pace was very slow, and the hero and heroine are both hard to understand. The author seemed to be deliberately keeping their motives from the reader, and it got frustrating after a while. I got about 150 pages into the book and then put it down for almost a week. Once I got past the first half, the book definitely improved, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Both of them are wounded, especially Olivia, and seeing her come into her own was satisfying. But sometimes the author’s writing left me a little confused - it’s as if she tried to make things difficult to understand. However, I did enjoy the book overall, I just think it needed better pacing, and maybe a little editing in the first half.
Several people who share my taste in romance have recommended Jo Goodman to me, but this is the first time I've read her books. (I still have a few in my TBR pile.) I'm not sure if I'm going to seek her out or not - something about her writing style just didn't grab me. Although she's a good writer, it left me feeling somewhat aloof from her characters. I'll have to try another book by her before deciding one way or the other, but it was a little disappointing.
The Price of Desire by Jo Goodman
(2008, Regency Historical) 11/9/08
Grade: 4
After her brother Alistair loses heavily in a card game, Olivia Cole finds herself turned over to the owner of the gaming hell, Griffin Wright-Jones, Viscount Breckenridge. Griffin isn’t at all what she expected - he’s intelligent and considerate, and allows her to live under his roof unmolested. Olivia begins to wonder, is it worth taking a chance on him?
Although I liked the characters well enough, I found this book very hard to get through, particularly in the first half. The pace was very slow, and the hero and heroine are both hard to understand. The author seemed to be deliberately keeping their motives from the reader, and it got frustrating after a while. I got about 150 pages into the book and then put it down for almost a week. Once I got past the first half, the book definitely improved, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Both of them are wounded, especially Olivia, and seeing her come into her own was satisfying. But sometimes the author’s writing left me a little confused - it’s as if she tried to make things difficult to understand. However, I did enjoy the book overall, I just think it needed better pacing, and maybe a little editing in the first half.
Several people who share my taste in romance have recommended Jo Goodman to me, but this is the first time I've read her books. (I still have a few in my TBR pile.) I'm not sure if I'm going to seek her out or not - something about her writing style just didn't grab me. Although she's a good writer, it left me feeling somewhat aloof from her characters. I'll have to try another book by her before deciding one way or the other, but it was a little disappointing.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
The Soft Touch by Betina Krahn
This one was in my trade pile, but I pulled it out and gave it a try. It wasn't bad, but I wouldn't have been heartbroken if it had ended up at the UBS.
The Soft Touch by Betina Krahn
(1999, Victorian) 11/4/08
Grade: 3.5
Baltimore heiress Diamond Wingate has a reputation for being a “soft touch”. She gives away millions to causes and inventors, but her inability to say “no” has left her with three fiancées. Bear McQuaid is hoping to persuade Diamond to invest in his Montana railroad, but he discovers there’s more to her than her millions...
Although the characters were sympathetic and the style was pleasant, this book offered few surprises. It just didn’t have the zest of Krahn’s earlier books (or some of her later ones). There were hints that Diamond had more psychological reasons for giving away her money, but they weren’t given a lot of attention. (And the name was a bit much - Diamond?) I enjoyed the first half of the book, when Diamond was in Baltimore and trying to give away her money, more than the second half, which was a pretty typical Western romance. However, the book was enjoyable and easy to read, just not very memorable. It just didn’t rise above its predictable plot.
I read a lot of Betina Krahn's books in my early days of romance (before I started keeping my database). I have fond memories of them, but it's hard to remember without my records to jog my memory. I wish I'd started my reading record a few years earlier!
The Soft Touch by Betina Krahn
(1999, Victorian) 11/4/08
Grade: 3.5
Baltimore heiress Diamond Wingate has a reputation for being a “soft touch”. She gives away millions to causes and inventors, but her inability to say “no” has left her with three fiancées. Bear McQuaid is hoping to persuade Diamond to invest in his Montana railroad, but he discovers there’s more to her than her millions...
Although the characters were sympathetic and the style was pleasant, this book offered few surprises. It just didn’t have the zest of Krahn’s earlier books (or some of her later ones). There were hints that Diamond had more psychological reasons for giving away her money, but they weren’t given a lot of attention. (And the name was a bit much - Diamond?) I enjoyed the first half of the book, when Diamond was in Baltimore and trying to give away her money, more than the second half, which was a pretty typical Western romance. However, the book was enjoyable and easy to read, just not very memorable. It just didn’t rise above its predictable plot.
I read a lot of Betina Krahn's books in my early days of romance (before I started keeping my database). I have fond memories of them, but it's hard to remember without my records to jog my memory. I wish I'd started my reading record a few years earlier!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
A Man in a Million by Jessica Bird
I'm not generally fond of leather-jacket-motorcycle-riding heroes, because they're usually alphas, but I was definitely enchanted by Spike. I wonder if there are any other French chef heroes who ride motorcycles and have tattoos?
A Man in a Million by Jessica Bird
(2007, Contemporary Series) 11/1/08
Grade: 3.5
When professional sailor Madeline Maguire sees Spike at an engagement party, she can’t help but think “yum!”. His black jacket, his motorcycle, his tattoos - but would he take a second look at her? Spike is equally smitten with Mad, but he knows that once she finds out about his past, she’ll disappear, just like everyone else...
Although the characters in this book were great, the author spent far too long dragging out the misunderstandings between them. Almost half of the book goes by while we’re still stuck in “I like him but he’ll never like me” and “I like her but she’ll never like me”. These are strong, decisive people, and the endless dithering just annoyed me. Especially since both characters had such serious issues and they really needed more space to deal with them. Jessica Bird has a smooth writing style, and she created two great characters in Madeline and Spike, but why was the plot so predictable and tedious? They needed more.
I know that Jessica Bird is busy writing uber-alpha vampires as her alter-ego, J.R. Ward, but it would be nice if she came back and revisited the contemporary romance now and then. Although this book wasn't perfect for me, it definitely had potential, and I loved The Billionaire Next Door. (Didn't the hero in that one have brothers?) Speaking for the non-vampire readers, I'd like to see more books by Jessica Bird
A Man in a Million by Jessica Bird
(2007, Contemporary Series) 11/1/08
Grade: 3.5
When professional sailor Madeline Maguire sees Spike at an engagement party, she can’t help but think “yum!”. His black jacket, his motorcycle, his tattoos - but would he take a second look at her? Spike is equally smitten with Mad, but he knows that once she finds out about his past, she’ll disappear, just like everyone else...
Although the characters in this book were great, the author spent far too long dragging out the misunderstandings between them. Almost half of the book goes by while we’re still stuck in “I like him but he’ll never like me” and “I like her but she’ll never like me”. These are strong, decisive people, and the endless dithering just annoyed me. Especially since both characters had such serious issues and they really needed more space to deal with them. Jessica Bird has a smooth writing style, and she created two great characters in Madeline and Spike, but why was the plot so predictable and tedious? They needed more.
I know that Jessica Bird is busy writing uber-alpha vampires as her alter-ego, J.R. Ward, but it would be nice if she came back and revisited the contemporary romance now and then. Although this book wasn't perfect for me, it definitely had potential, and I loved The Billionaire Next Door. (Didn't the hero in that one have brothers?) Speaking for the non-vampire readers, I'd like to see more books by Jessica Bird
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
His Dark and Dangerous Ways by Edith Layton
Edith Layton is an author that's been around for many years, and she's written some wonderful books. But I wonder what's going on with her books lately. They seem very "trendy" and lacking the historical background that she's so good at.
His Dark and Dangerous Ways by Edith Layton
(2008, Regency Historical) 10/28/08
Grade: 3.5
Jane Chatham is barely surviving, teaching dance to the young daughters of the ton. When she’s approached by Simon Atwood, Lord Granger, she’s not sure what to think - the money would certainly help, but why does he want her to spy on her employer? Simon survived a year in a French prison, and now he’s just spying for a friend - or is it more than that?
This book was frustrating. On one hand, the plot was interesting, and gave the hero and heroine a lot of chances to be together. I enjoyed many of their interactions, especially as they get to know each other. On the other hand, I never really believed in them, particularly the hero. The characters just seemed like pieces on a chessboard, to be moved around. The book felt erratic and choppy - it never engaged my emotions. And in the last few chapters, the plot became far too convoluted. (Why was the villain out to kill Simon? It made no sense.) There were some good parts to it - I liked the heroine, and she rang a lot truer than the hero - but overall it was a disappointment. Readable, but frustrating.
I always wonder why an author introduces a "tortured" hero, and then barely uses that in her book. Although Simon was supposed to be traumatized from his time in a French prison, it didn't ring true at all - it's mentioned once or twice, and used as an excuse for him not to get involved with the heroine, but it could have been left out with no real change in the hero's personality. Why tease readers with a nice tortured hero if you're not going to deliver? That's one reason I was frustrated by this book - it promised something it didn't give.
His Dark and Dangerous Ways by Edith Layton
(2008, Regency Historical) 10/28/08
Grade: 3.5
Jane Chatham is barely surviving, teaching dance to the young daughters of the ton. When she’s approached by Simon Atwood, Lord Granger, she’s not sure what to think - the money would certainly help, but why does he want her to spy on her employer? Simon survived a year in a French prison, and now he’s just spying for a friend - or is it more than that?
This book was frustrating. On one hand, the plot was interesting, and gave the hero and heroine a lot of chances to be together. I enjoyed many of their interactions, especially as they get to know each other. On the other hand, I never really believed in them, particularly the hero. The characters just seemed like pieces on a chessboard, to be moved around. The book felt erratic and choppy - it never engaged my emotions. And in the last few chapters, the plot became far too convoluted. (Why was the villain out to kill Simon? It made no sense.) There were some good parts to it - I liked the heroine, and she rang a lot truer than the hero - but overall it was a disappointment. Readable, but frustrating.
I always wonder why an author introduces a "tortured" hero, and then barely uses that in her book. Although Simon was supposed to be traumatized from his time in a French prison, it didn't ring true at all - it's mentioned once or twice, and used as an excuse for him not to get involved with the heroine, but it could have been left out with no real change in the hero's personality. Why tease readers with a nice tortured hero if you're not going to deliver? That's one reason I was frustrated by this book - it promised something it didn't give.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Wooing of Miss Masters by Susan Carroll
I was never a big fan of the comedic Regency. They often end up seeming silly to me. I always take the characters seriously, even when they're supposed to be funny, and I end up feeling sorry for the characters who are being ridiculed, instead of laughing. But one exception is Susan Carroll. Her Regencies were witty, but her humor comes out of the characters. I've always been surprised that her longer historicals don't have the wittiness that was so much a part of her Regencies.
The Wooing of Miss Masters by Susan Carroll
(1991, Regency) 10/23/08
Grade: 3.5
The Duke of Raeburn is looking for a biddable wife, but why does he keep thinking about his spinster neighbor, Miss Audra Masters? She’d rather step on his toes than dance with him, and swears that she will never marry, but Simon would rather have a feisty wife than one who bats her eyes at him and agrees with everything he says.
This was a charming and amusing book that was fun to read, but was somewhat forgettable. I enjoyed the characters, although they were familiar types. There were a few unique touches - the hero’s grief over his brother’s death, the heroine’s frustration with her absent mother - although there wasn’t enough space to really go into them in any detail. But Carroll’s writing was witty and the story enjoyable, even though it was predictable. The only other criticism is that the book ended too quickly, with the hero and heroine only getting together on the last page. But overall, a nice Regency confection.
I hate to see my collection of unread Regencies dwindling. Although I've read historicals that have the sensibility of a Regency, they rarely have the same witty humor that characterized Regencies.
The Wooing of Miss Masters by Susan Carroll
(1991, Regency) 10/23/08
Grade: 3.5
The Duke of Raeburn is looking for a biddable wife, but why does he keep thinking about his spinster neighbor, Miss Audra Masters? She’d rather step on his toes than dance with him, and swears that she will never marry, but Simon would rather have a feisty wife than one who bats her eyes at him and agrees with everything he says.
This was a charming and amusing book that was fun to read, but was somewhat forgettable. I enjoyed the characters, although they were familiar types. There were a few unique touches - the hero’s grief over his brother’s death, the heroine’s frustration with her absent mother - although there wasn’t enough space to really go into them in any detail. But Carroll’s writing was witty and the story enjoyable, even though it was predictable. The only other criticism is that the book ended too quickly, with the hero and heroine only getting together on the last page. But overall, a nice Regency confection.
I hate to see my collection of unread Regencies dwindling. Although I've read historicals that have the sensibility of a Regency, they rarely have the same witty humor that characterized Regencies.
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Homespun Regency Christmas (Anthology)
Signet is a bit sneaky with this collection. Although I read the back cover and didn't recognize any of the stories, I'm not sure I would have bought it if I'd known they were all reprints. The copyright says 2008, with a small disclaimer: "Author copyrights for individual stories can be found on page 329". So, it's only on the very last page that the truth is revealed. However, I should have seen it coming, when the front cover proclaims "Four Classic Holiday Stories". I don't mind reprints, but I wish they'd be more honest about it! (And of course, I wish Signet had come out with a new Christmas anthology this year.)
A Homespun Regency Christmas (Anthology)
(2008, Regency) 1020/08
An Object of Charity by Carla Kelly ~ Grade: 3.5
The Wexford Carol by Emma Jensen ~ Grade: 3
Mistletoe and Folly by Sandra Heath ~ Grade: 3
Once Upon a Midnight Clear by Amanda McCabe ~ Grade: 3
Four stories, by Carla Kelly (a lonely naval hero meets an orphaned young woman and her brother, and goes home for the first time in 20 years); Amanda McCabe (a scarred sea captain finds unexpected acceptance from the daughter of a slave); Emma Jensen (a young woman is desperate to save her home) and Sandra Heath (misunderstandings abound.)
As usual, the quality is mixed. Unfortunately, none of the stories are really exceptional. The Carla Kelly story (An Object of Charity) is best, although it lacks romance. The hero is wonderful, but the heroine is a cardboard cutout, and it felt like the hero fell in love with the idea of her, more than the person. But it had moments of emotion, especially when the hero looks back on his long estrangement from his family and lonely years at sea. The Amanda McCabe story (Once Upon a Midnight Clear) is second best - although it was a bit superficial (and the paranormal element out of place), it was interesting to read about an unusual heroine, who is of mixed race and dealing with her place in society. But the romance was far too rushed. The Emma Jensen story (The Wexford Carol) has the same problem - maybe in a full length book, it would have worked, but in short story form, it was just too abrupt, and the romance a convenience. The Sandra Heath story (Mistletoe and Folly) was the worst of the bunch - one misunderstanding after another, completely tedious. Overall, not the best collection of stories.
Dear Author recently reported that some paranormal authors are selling short stories individually as e-books. Although the price was a bit high, I think it's a good idea. I don't have the shelf space to save anthologies for a single story, but I'd gladly buy my favorite Mary Balogh, Carla Kelly and Mary Jo Putney stories as e-books. They're all out of print, so why aren't the publishers jumping on this? The anthology collections by Balogh and Putney were nice, but didn't include all the best stories. And if some of the old Regency authors were to publish new Christmas stories and sell them electronically, I might buy - if the price was right.
(Which makes me wonder - why the high prices for e-books? I was considering buying an e-book from Cerridwen Press, but the $6.99 price just drove me away. $6.99 for an unknown author, that I can't check out in advance, and that I can't trade when I'm done? That's just too much. (I know, e-books have excerpts, but excerpts are always picked to make the author sound as good as possible. Like movie trailers, they don't necessarily reflect the book as a whole. I like to skip through and look at several points in the book, to get a more representative sample. And to see if the book includes any of the plot points that annoy me.) Between the price of e-readers and the price of the books, I just don't see any advantage to switching.)
A Homespun Regency Christmas (Anthology)
(2008, Regency) 1020/08
An Object of Charity by Carla Kelly ~ Grade: 3.5
The Wexford Carol by Emma Jensen ~ Grade: 3
Mistletoe and Folly by Sandra Heath ~ Grade: 3
Once Upon a Midnight Clear by Amanda McCabe ~ Grade: 3
Four stories, by Carla Kelly (a lonely naval hero meets an orphaned young woman and her brother, and goes home for the first time in 20 years); Amanda McCabe (a scarred sea captain finds unexpected acceptance from the daughter of a slave); Emma Jensen (a young woman is desperate to save her home) and Sandra Heath (misunderstandings abound.)
As usual, the quality is mixed. Unfortunately, none of the stories are really exceptional. The Carla Kelly story (An Object of Charity) is best, although it lacks romance. The hero is wonderful, but the heroine is a cardboard cutout, and it felt like the hero fell in love with the idea of her, more than the person. But it had moments of emotion, especially when the hero looks back on his long estrangement from his family and lonely years at sea. The Amanda McCabe story (Once Upon a Midnight Clear) is second best - although it was a bit superficial (and the paranormal element out of place), it was interesting to read about an unusual heroine, who is of mixed race and dealing with her place in society. But the romance was far too rushed. The Emma Jensen story (The Wexford Carol) has the same problem - maybe in a full length book, it would have worked, but in short story form, it was just too abrupt, and the romance a convenience. The Sandra Heath story (Mistletoe and Folly) was the worst of the bunch - one misunderstanding after another, completely tedious. Overall, not the best collection of stories.
Dear Author recently reported that some paranormal authors are selling short stories individually as e-books. Although the price was a bit high, I think it's a good idea. I don't have the shelf space to save anthologies for a single story, but I'd gladly buy my favorite Mary Balogh, Carla Kelly and Mary Jo Putney stories as e-books. They're all out of print, so why aren't the publishers jumping on this? The anthology collections by Balogh and Putney were nice, but didn't include all the best stories. And if some of the old Regency authors were to publish new Christmas stories and sell them electronically, I might buy - if the price was right.
(Which makes me wonder - why the high prices for e-books? I was considering buying an e-book from Cerridwen Press, but the $6.99 price just drove me away. $6.99 for an unknown author, that I can't check out in advance, and that I can't trade when I'm done? That's just too much. (I know, e-books have excerpts, but excerpts are always picked to make the author sound as good as possible. Like movie trailers, they don't necessarily reflect the book as a whole. I like to skip through and look at several points in the book, to get a more representative sample. And to see if the book includes any of the plot points that annoy me.) Between the price of e-readers and the price of the books, I just don't see any advantage to switching.)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Power Play by Deirdre Martin
I'm always looking for a good contemporary, but I think I'm even pickier about my contemps as I am about my historicals. I think it's also harder to find emotional reads in a contemporary setting - modern characters seem less likely to bare their souls, oddly enough.
Power Play by Deirdre Martin
(2008, Contemporary) 10/19/08
Grade: 3.5
Monica Geary is a soap opera actress, nervous about being replaced by a younger co-star. Eric Mitchell is a professional hockey player, trying to impress his new team mates. They can’t stand each other, but a public romance could help both their careers. But what happens when the fake romance becomes all too real?
Even though I liked the backdrop of soap operas (and, surprisingly, pro hockey), I didn’t find the characters all that convincing. Neither one was particularly sympathetic at the beginning, but even though I grew to like the two characters separately as the book went on, I didn’t find them convincing as a couple. Although the words said that they were falling for each other, it just didn’t ring true. The book was certainly readable, and I especially enjoyed the behind the scenes soap opera plot, but overall, I found it rather blah.
I was in Borders the other day and saw a soap opera tie-in written by Julia London. (Based on Guiding Light, my old favorite!) Maybe that means soaps are getting more acceptable? I'd love to see more romances with a soap opera setting - Kathleen Gilles Seidel did it so well in Again, and it would be fun to see more of it.
Power Play by Deirdre Martin
(2008, Contemporary) 10/19/08
Grade: 3.5
Monica Geary is a soap opera actress, nervous about being replaced by a younger co-star. Eric Mitchell is a professional hockey player, trying to impress his new team mates. They can’t stand each other, but a public romance could help both their careers. But what happens when the fake romance becomes all too real?
Even though I liked the backdrop of soap operas (and, surprisingly, pro hockey), I didn’t find the characters all that convincing. Neither one was particularly sympathetic at the beginning, but even though I grew to like the two characters separately as the book went on, I didn’t find them convincing as a couple. Although the words said that they were falling for each other, it just didn’t ring true. The book was certainly readable, and I especially enjoyed the behind the scenes soap opera plot, but overall, I found it rather blah.
I was in Borders the other day and saw a soap opera tie-in written by Julia London. (Based on Guiding Light, my old favorite!) Maybe that means soaps are getting more acceptable? I'd love to see more romances with a soap opera setting - Kathleen Gilles Seidel did it so well in Again, and it would be fun to see more of it.
Friday, October 17, 2008
His Captive Lady by Anne Gracie
I'm feeling particularly hopeful about romance at the moment. There seems to be a small resurgence of character-based, emotional stories - I've read several this year, and I have a few more in my TBR pile. For a while, I despaired about the future of romance - it seemed like character-based books were being abandoned in favor of suspense, erotica, "kick ass" heroines and evil-fighting vampires. It's so nice to see emotional stories making a comeback.
His Captive Lady by Anne Gracie
(2008, Regency Historical) 10/18/08
Grade: 4.5
When Harry Morant sees a wet but lovely young woman in the back of a wagon, he impulsively gives her his hat and gloves. To his surprise, he finds out that she is Lady Helen Freymore, the daughter of the former owner of the house he is buying. He is immediately attracted to her, but Nell is bound for London, and is hiding a secret that she cannot reveal.
A lovely, emotional book with two strong characters. I particularly loved Harry, who was strong and kind and unwavering in his love for the heroine. (I particularly liked the scene where Nell tells him her secret, and he accepts it and loves her all the more.) Nell was somewhat less developed than Harry, because she spent so much of the book driven to find Torie, but she’s also a strong and loving heroine, and a good match for Harry. The secondary characters were also delightful, although there was a bit of “old home week” during the last few chapters, setting up characters for their own books. Overall, the book was focused on the relationship between the hero and heroine, and even the external focus (the search for Torie) grew out of the characters, rather than coming from outside. The problems were minor - I thought the sleepwalking bit was pretty contrived, and the ending was tied up a little too neatly. But overall, it was a wonderful, enjoyable read - just the kind of book I love reading!
My one question about this book - who picked the title? The heroine is never a "captive", unless it's meant in the metaphorical sense (she's a captive of her past, or something like that?) It's very misleading, and I probably would have avoided this book if it hadn't been recommended, since I hate captive romances.
His Captive Lady by Anne Gracie
(2008, Regency Historical) 10/18/08
Grade: 4.5
When Harry Morant sees a wet but lovely young woman in the back of a wagon, he impulsively gives her his hat and gloves. To his surprise, he finds out that she is Lady Helen Freymore, the daughter of the former owner of the house he is buying. He is immediately attracted to her, but Nell is bound for London, and is hiding a secret that she cannot reveal.
A lovely, emotional book with two strong characters. I particularly loved Harry, who was strong and kind and unwavering in his love for the heroine. (I particularly liked the scene where Nell tells him her secret, and he accepts it and loves her all the more.) Nell was somewhat less developed than Harry, because she spent so much of the book driven to find Torie, but she’s also a strong and loving heroine, and a good match for Harry. The secondary characters were also delightful, although there was a bit of “old home week” during the last few chapters, setting up characters for their own books. Overall, the book was focused on the relationship between the hero and heroine, and even the external focus (the search for Torie) grew out of the characters, rather than coming from outside. The problems were minor - I thought the sleepwalking bit was pretty contrived, and the ending was tied up a little too neatly. But overall, it was a wonderful, enjoyable read - just the kind of book I love reading!
My one question about this book - who picked the title? The heroine is never a "captive", unless it's meant in the metaphorical sense (she's a captive of her past, or something like that?) It's very misleading, and I probably would have avoided this book if it hadn't been recommended, since I hate captive romances.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Way Home by Jean Brashear
If only I was a writer! There are so many storylines in romance that I would love to do differently. Amnesia is one of them. There is so much romantic potential in a couple learning to love each other again, but I haven't read a book that really tells this story with the depth of emotion it deserves. (I remember reading a real-life version of the story that was far more romantic than any romance novel treatment I've come across.) Alas, I'm not a writer, so I have to keep waiting for a romance author to do it justice.
The Way Home by Jean Brashear (HSR 1505)
(2008, Contemporary Series) 10/15/08
Grade: 3
Alone and unable to remember anything about her former life, Bella is confused and afraid. Even after her husband and children recognize her, she can only remember bits and pieces of her old life. James is determined to have his free spirited wife back, but will she still want him, if she remembers the betrayal that nearly destroyed their marriage?
I had high hopes for this book, but it proved disappointing. The first half was frustratingly choppy. The characters jumped from one thought to another, the book jumped from one character to another, and the setting jumped from the present to the past. There wasn’t a coherent story holding all of this together, and I felt disconnected from the characters. I wanted to know who they were and why I should care about them, and I didn’t get that until well into the book. It was refreshing to read about characters in their 50’s (despite the image on the cover!) and once the book settled down into one storyline, it did improve. But it just felt unsatisfying, and it never really lived up to the promise of two characters learning to love each other again.
Just wondering, who created this cover? Did they have any idea that the characters were supposed to be in their mid-50's?
The Way Home by Jean Brashear (HSR 1505)
(2008, Contemporary Series) 10/15/08
Grade: 3
Alone and unable to remember anything about her former life, Bella is confused and afraid. Even after her husband and children recognize her, she can only remember bits and pieces of her old life. James is determined to have his free spirited wife back, but will she still want him, if she remembers the betrayal that nearly destroyed their marriage?
I had high hopes for this book, but it proved disappointing. The first half was frustratingly choppy. The characters jumped from one thought to another, the book jumped from one character to another, and the setting jumped from the present to the past. There wasn’t a coherent story holding all of this together, and I felt disconnected from the characters. I wanted to know who they were and why I should care about them, and I didn’t get that until well into the book. It was refreshing to read about characters in their 50’s (despite the image on the cover!) and once the book settled down into one storyline, it did improve. But it just felt unsatisfying, and it never really lived up to the promise of two characters learning to love each other again.
Just wondering, who created this cover? Did they have any idea that the characters were supposed to be in their mid-50's?
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Lost Duke of Wyndham and Mr. Cavendish I Presume by Julia Quinn
I have a mixed history with Julia Quinn. I have really enjoyed some of her books, especially The Duke and I and some of the others in that series. But some of her other books have been less satisfying - her humor doesn't always work for me, and many of her books have been disappointing. Still, when I read the premise of these two books, I was excited. I'm fascinated by historicals that deal with the privileges and drawbacks of titles - what does it mean to be a Duke, and what does it mean to have that taken away? Intriguing...
The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn
(2008, Regency Historical) 10/9/08
Grade: 4.5
For the past five years, Grace Eversleigh has been the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham, a thankless job. But when a highwayman holds up their coach, she is oddly attracted to the mysterious stranger - and when it turns out that Jack Audley may be the dowager’s grandson, and perhaps the Duke himself, Grace knows her attraction is futile - or is it?
The premise is a little far-fetched, but the author makes it work here. Although this book has a lot of plot exposition, the focus is on the growing relationship between Jack and Grace. They spend a lot of time together, and the author does a great job in showing how and why they’re attracted to each other (not just lust). I love a hero who falls hard for the heroine, and Jack definitely qualifies. He could have been a stereotypical rogue, but the author made him three dimensional. There’s a lot more to him than a standard alpha hero. Grace is also a great heroine, with a dry and sarcastic sense of humor. In the end, this book may have bitten off a little more than it could handle - the hero’s dyslexia, in particular, is almost an afterthought - but overall, the real strength of this book was the intense yearning that develops between the hero and heroine - much sexier than just jumping into bed - and it gave the book a romantic intensity that is lacking in so many books these days.
Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn
(2008, Regency Historical) 10/10/08
Grade: 3.5
When an unknown cousin appears out of nowhere, Thomas, the Duke of Wyndham, must face the loss of everything he’s known and worked for - his title, his home, his way of life. Perhaps even his fiancée. A few weeks ago, that would have been the least of his problems, but now, as he begins to see Amelia as a real person, that’s the deepest loss of all.
I expected to like this book a lot more than I did. The premise intrigued me, and I wasn’t bothered by the setup (this book takes place at the same time as the previous one, and many scenes are repeated). I was hoping that seeing the same story from another perspective would be refreshing. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. The book felt choppy and unfinished, and it just didn’t have the flow of the previous book. It felt like the author wrote the first book, then had to fit the second story in with the first one, and it didn’t work. The hero and heroine weren’t well defined, and they didn’t spend enough time together. Every time they started getting closer, the book returned to the plot manipulations, which stopped the momentum. There were individual moments that were good - I wanted to know more about Thomas’s difficulties in adjusting to life without a title, and Amelia’s tentative steps toward independence - but it felt like the author was so constrained by the plot of the previous book, that she couldn’t develop these moments into a coherent, fully developed story. Too bad. The potential was there, but it just didn’t gel.
It's interesting - the first book has terrific sexual tension. It builds and builds, but the hero and heroine don't go to bed until almost the end - at which point, you are invested in these characters, and because of that, the love scene really meant something. I found this book much more "sexy" than books where the characters jump in bed early on (i.e. the recent Mary Balogh series).
The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn
(2008, Regency Historical) 10/9/08
Grade: 4.5
For the past five years, Grace Eversleigh has been the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham, a thankless job. But when a highwayman holds up their coach, she is oddly attracted to the mysterious stranger - and when it turns out that Jack Audley may be the dowager’s grandson, and perhaps the Duke himself, Grace knows her attraction is futile - or is it?
The premise is a little far-fetched, but the author makes it work here. Although this book has a lot of plot exposition, the focus is on the growing relationship between Jack and Grace. They spend a lot of time together, and the author does a great job in showing how and why they’re attracted to each other (not just lust). I love a hero who falls hard for the heroine, and Jack definitely qualifies. He could have been a stereotypical rogue, but the author made him three dimensional. There’s a lot more to him than a standard alpha hero. Grace is also a great heroine, with a dry and sarcastic sense of humor. In the end, this book may have bitten off a little more than it could handle - the hero’s dyslexia, in particular, is almost an afterthought - but overall, the real strength of this book was the intense yearning that develops between the hero and heroine - much sexier than just jumping into bed - and it gave the book a romantic intensity that is lacking in so many books these days.
Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn
(2008, Regency Historical) 10/10/08
Grade: 3.5
When an unknown cousin appears out of nowhere, Thomas, the Duke of Wyndham, must face the loss of everything he’s known and worked for - his title, his home, his way of life. Perhaps even his fiancée. A few weeks ago, that would have been the least of his problems, but now, as he begins to see Amelia as a real person, that’s the deepest loss of all.
I expected to like this book a lot more than I did. The premise intrigued me, and I wasn’t bothered by the setup (this book takes place at the same time as the previous one, and many scenes are repeated). I was hoping that seeing the same story from another perspective would be refreshing. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. The book felt choppy and unfinished, and it just didn’t have the flow of the previous book. It felt like the author wrote the first book, then had to fit the second story in with the first one, and it didn’t work. The hero and heroine weren’t well defined, and they didn’t spend enough time together. Every time they started getting closer, the book returned to the plot manipulations, which stopped the momentum. There were individual moments that were good - I wanted to know more about Thomas’s difficulties in adjusting to life without a title, and Amelia’s tentative steps toward independence - but it felt like the author was so constrained by the plot of the previous book, that she couldn’t develop these moments into a coherent, fully developed story. Too bad. The potential was there, but it just didn’t gel.
It's interesting - the first book has terrific sexual tension. It builds and builds, but the hero and heroine don't go to bed until almost the end - at which point, you are invested in these characters, and because of that, the love scene really meant something. I found this book much more "sexy" than books where the characters jump in bed early on (i.e. the recent Mary Balogh series).
Friday, October 03, 2008
Shores of Desire by Tracy Grant
It's been a while since I read a history textbook, but I don't remember much about the Napoleonic wars from the French viewpoint. Even in the U.S., most European history is taught from the British point of view. (Interesting, since we were more closely allied with the French for much of that period.) It's certainly the standard in Regency romance - the British are good, the French are evil. Which is accurate from the point of view of the English characters, but it's surprising the folks of liberté, egalité and fraternité don't get more props from American authors. (Even if it all ended in tragedy.)
Shores of Desire by Tracy Grant
(1997, Regency Historical) 10/2/08
Grade: 4
When Captain Robert Melton comes to Scotland, widow Emma Blair can’t help her attraction to him... and where it leads. But she doesn’t know that he’s actually a French officer, Robert Lescaut, who is searching for his wife’s killer. When they reunite in Brussels on the eve of Waterloo, and later in Paris after the fall, their family secrets continue to keep them apart.
It was fascinating to read a Regency that deals with the other side, and get at least a glimpse of how the French viewed the war, and the ideals that led them there. The first section of the book, in Scotland, was a bit slow, although necessary for the plot. But I had a hard time slogging through it. The book really hit its stride in the next section, in Brussels and Paris. The setting was fascinating, and the dilemma facing Robert and Emma was very emotional and gripping. Unfortunately, the plot was so convoluted toward the end of the book, it was hard to keep track of it all. Between incest and spies and cross-and-double cross, the love story took a back seat to all of the intrigue. Still, the book was exciting and romantic, I just wish the author had focused a little more on the hero and heroine toward the end, rather than on French spy games.
Like many historical authors, Tracy Grant has moved into historical mysteries. I can't blame her, but it's frustrating for someone like me, who likes historical romance. Mysteries just leave me frustrated - I want more focus on the relationship and less on the tedious mystery plots. There aren't many authors still writing historicals that use history as more than wallpaper. The ones that did, all seem to be writing mysteries these days! (Or writing straight histories with little-to-no romance.) Alas...
Shores of Desire by Tracy Grant
(1997, Regency Historical) 10/2/08
Grade: 4
When Captain Robert Melton comes to Scotland, widow Emma Blair can’t help her attraction to him... and where it leads. But she doesn’t know that he’s actually a French officer, Robert Lescaut, who is searching for his wife’s killer. When they reunite in Brussels on the eve of Waterloo, and later in Paris after the fall, their family secrets continue to keep them apart.
It was fascinating to read a Regency that deals with the other side, and get at least a glimpse of how the French viewed the war, and the ideals that led them there. The first section of the book, in Scotland, was a bit slow, although necessary for the plot. But I had a hard time slogging through it. The book really hit its stride in the next section, in Brussels and Paris. The setting was fascinating, and the dilemma facing Robert and Emma was very emotional and gripping. Unfortunately, the plot was so convoluted toward the end of the book, it was hard to keep track of it all. Between incest and spies and cross-and-double cross, the love story took a back seat to all of the intrigue. Still, the book was exciting and romantic, I just wish the author had focused a little more on the hero and heroine toward the end, rather than on French spy games.
Like many historical authors, Tracy Grant has moved into historical mysteries. I can't blame her, but it's frustrating for someone like me, who likes historical romance. Mysteries just leave me frustrated - I want more focus on the relationship and less on the tedious mystery plots. There aren't many authors still writing historicals that use history as more than wallpaper. The ones that did, all seem to be writing mysteries these days! (Or writing straight histories with little-to-no romance.) Alas...
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Barefoot in the Grass by Judith Arnold
I'm a great fan of the "issue romance". I know a lot of people don't like them, but I find it very rewarding, reading about a heroine who has overcome a real-life obstacle (like breast cancer in this book), and is still able to find love and happiness. To me, that makes the book all the more satisfying and emotional, and leaves me with a happy feeling. But, I guess that's not a common response among romance readers, because I've only read 2 or 3 other books that dealt with this issue (and unfortunately, the other ones were not that great). I know there are "women's fiction" books that deal with this topic, but I prefer to read romance - where I'm guaranteed my happy ending.
I'm always terribly picky when it comes to romance, but the reluctance of romance readers to read books like this has always baffled me. It seems like a natural fit for romance, in my opinion. What's more romantic than a hero who loves you no matter what?
Barefoot in the Grass by Judith Arnold (HSR 715)
(1996, Contemporary Series) 9/27/08
Grade: 4
After losing a breast to cancer, Beth Pendleton leaves New York for the calm of small town New Hampshire. She plans to buy a house, get a dog, walk barefoot in the grass. She didn’t expect to meet contractor Ryan Walker, or to be so attracted to him. Ryan can’t stop thinking about Beth, but how will he react when he finds out the truth?
This was a heartfelt story with a very sympathetic heroine. She was strong and smart and sarcastic - a real person. Ryan was a bit less developed, but his instant attraction to Beth was depicted very well - he just can’t stop thinking about her, almost despite himself. And when the truth of Beth’s secret finally comes to life, his reaction is not perfect bliss - he struggles with it. However, I felt the book had a major problem with pacing. It takes far too long in the first part of the book - the book is more than 2/3 over before Beth reveals her secret. It was just a bit too slow and plodding in the first section. After a while, I felt like the author was dragging her feet. And then, once the truth comes out, although it’s very emotional, it’s just a bit too short. I think the book would have been better if the big reveal had occurred earlier in the story. However, it was still very good, and I enjoyed it and found it quite moving.
I haven't heard much from Judith Arnold lately, although she wrote a Harlequin Everlasting last year that I enjoyed. I've enjoyed many of her books, and it's too bad that she hasn't written more recently.
I'm always terribly picky when it comes to romance, but the reluctance of romance readers to read books like this has always baffled me. It seems like a natural fit for romance, in my opinion. What's more romantic than a hero who loves you no matter what?
Barefoot in the Grass by Judith Arnold (HSR 715)
(1996, Contemporary Series) 9/27/08
Grade: 4
After losing a breast to cancer, Beth Pendleton leaves New York for the calm of small town New Hampshire. She plans to buy a house, get a dog, walk barefoot in the grass. She didn’t expect to meet contractor Ryan Walker, or to be so attracted to him. Ryan can’t stop thinking about Beth, but how will he react when he finds out the truth?
This was a heartfelt story with a very sympathetic heroine. She was strong and smart and sarcastic - a real person. Ryan was a bit less developed, but his instant attraction to Beth was depicted very well - he just can’t stop thinking about her, almost despite himself. And when the truth of Beth’s secret finally comes to life, his reaction is not perfect bliss - he struggles with it. However, I felt the book had a major problem with pacing. It takes far too long in the first part of the book - the book is more than 2/3 over before Beth reveals her secret. It was just a bit too slow and plodding in the first section. After a while, I felt like the author was dragging her feet. And then, once the truth comes out, although it’s very emotional, it’s just a bit too short. I think the book would have been better if the big reveal had occurred earlier in the story. However, it was still very good, and I enjoyed it and found it quite moving.
I haven't heard much from Judith Arnold lately, although she wrote a Harlequin Everlasting last year that I enjoyed. I've enjoyed many of her books, and it's too bad that she hasn't written more recently.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh
Books in a series always create a dilemma for me. If I read them as they come out (often, a year or so apart), then I will forget all the secondary characters. A particular problem for Balogh, since you will be completely lost if you don't have a complete geneology of the Bedwyns and all their various relatives and acquaintances at your fingertips. Even reading these close together, I was often confused by the many appearances of Lord X and Lady Y and Lord Z and Lady Q - who we were expected to recognize and know. But, when you read too many books by the same author in a row, the similarities become more apparent - especially in a series like this, with very similar storylines.
Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh
(2008, Regency Historical
Grade: 4
Claudia Martin has made a life for herself as the headmistress of a school for girls, but she remains suspicious of the aristocracy. But when the Marquess of Attingsborough comes to her school, hoping to find a place for his illegitimate blind daughter, Claudia softens a bit, especially as she gets to know Joseph better, and finds he’s not the stuffy aristocrat he appears.
This book had its good points, and bad ones. I enjoyed the characters, and I appreciated that the plot threw them together a great deal and allowed them to get to know each other. The hero’s love for his daughter was very touching and sympathetic. However, the book never really took off for me. The daughter became a little too cutesy after a while, and there were a lot of similarities between this book and the previous books in this series. The characters seemed to spend a lot of time going over and over the same issues. I just wasn’t moved, the way I was in the last book. And of course, there were gaggles of Bedwyns and other relatives - by this point, I’ve given up trying to keep them all straight. Still, overall the book was enjoyable to read, it just wasn’t as wonderful as some of the other books by Balogh. It was a decent ending to this series - although I can’t help hoping, no more Bedwyns, PLEASE.
After reading this series, I have mixed feelings - on one hand, I'm relieved that Balogh is still writing books that I can enjoy. I was really wondering after the previous series. On the other hand, for the most part, the magic of her Regencies isn't quite there any more. Oh well, I suppose no author can sustain that.
Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh
(2008, Regency Historical
Grade: 4
Claudia Martin has made a life for herself as the headmistress of a school for girls, but she remains suspicious of the aristocracy. But when the Marquess of Attingsborough comes to her school, hoping to find a place for his illegitimate blind daughter, Claudia softens a bit, especially as she gets to know Joseph better, and finds he’s not the stuffy aristocrat he appears.
This book had its good points, and bad ones. I enjoyed the characters, and I appreciated that the plot threw them together a great deal and allowed them to get to know each other. The hero’s love for his daughter was very touching and sympathetic. However, the book never really took off for me. The daughter became a little too cutesy after a while, and there were a lot of similarities between this book and the previous books in this series. The characters seemed to spend a lot of time going over and over the same issues. I just wasn’t moved, the way I was in the last book. And of course, there were gaggles of Bedwyns and other relatives - by this point, I’ve given up trying to keep them all straight. Still, overall the book was enjoyable to read, it just wasn’t as wonderful as some of the other books by Balogh. It was a decent ending to this series - although I can’t help hoping, no more Bedwyns, PLEASE.
After reading this series, I have mixed feelings - on one hand, I'm relieved that Balogh is still writing books that I can enjoy. I was really wondering after the previous series. On the other hand, for the most part, the magic of her Regencies isn't quite there any more. Oh well, I suppose no author can sustain that.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Simply Magic by Mary Balogh
I'm faring much better with this new series by Balogh than I did with the last one, although I think Mary Balogh is far too enamored of her beloved Bedwyns. They just keep popping up, over and over and over again. I hope her next book (or series) deals with some other group of people - surely even in Mary Balogh's world, every person in England wasn't a close relative of a Bedwyn!
Simply Magic by Mary Balogh
(2007, Regency Historical) 9/22/08
Grade: 4.5
Once a charity student, Susannah Osborne is now a teacher at a girl’s school. When she meets Peter, Viscount Whitleaf, she thinks he’s frivolous and without depth, but as she gets to know him better, she finds that he’s more than he appears. Surprisingly, they become friends - but can their relationship survive when Susannah’s past comes between them?
This was my favorite of this series so far, mostly because the hero and heroine were so appealing. Peter is the nice guy hero rarely seen in romance, a hero who puts everyone else’s needs before his own. Susannah was strong and warm as well. And the book gives them a lot of time to simply be together, and spend time talking and getting to know each other. (Although the teacher’s at St. Martin’s are awfully quick to jump in bed with their heroes, at least this time the heroine waited until she got to know the hero.) There is a little bit of Bedwyn overdose towards the end, but thankfully, it’s kept at a minimum. Overall, this book was just a joy to read - there wasn’t a lot of plot, but the characters were just so delightful, I enjoyed every page.
I guess I've accepted that romances today all take place in a slightly fantasized historical setting, where heroines don't need to worry about the consequences of sex. I like a good sex scene, but you lose a bit of historical accuracy when heroines don't seem bothered by the prospect of unwed motherhood.
Simply Magic by Mary Balogh
(2007, Regency Historical) 9/22/08
Grade: 4.5
Once a charity student, Susannah Osborne is now a teacher at a girl’s school. When she meets Peter, Viscount Whitleaf, she thinks he’s frivolous and without depth, but as she gets to know him better, she finds that he’s more than he appears. Surprisingly, they become friends - but can their relationship survive when Susannah’s past comes between them?
This was my favorite of this series so far, mostly because the hero and heroine were so appealing. Peter is the nice guy hero rarely seen in romance, a hero who puts everyone else’s needs before his own. Susannah was strong and warm as well. And the book gives them a lot of time to simply be together, and spend time talking and getting to know each other. (Although the teacher’s at St. Martin’s are awfully quick to jump in bed with their heroes, at least this time the heroine waited until she got to know the hero.) There is a little bit of Bedwyn overdose towards the end, but thankfully, it’s kept at a minimum. Overall, this book was just a joy to read - there wasn’t a lot of plot, but the characters were just so delightful, I enjoyed every page.
I guess I've accepted that romances today all take place in a slightly fantasized historical setting, where heroines don't need to worry about the consequences of sex. I like a good sex scene, but you lose a bit of historical accuracy when heroines don't seem bothered by the prospect of unwed motherhood.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Simply Love by Mary Balogh
One problem with a long-running series is that many authors seem to think that readers are as familiar with the books and the characters as the author is. Maybe the fan girls can recite Bedwyn family genealogy back three generations, but I've read a lot of other books, in between reading the Balogh books, and my memory isn't that good. So, when an author starts throwing in characters that date back 8 or 10 books ago (including secondary characters), I only have the vaguest memory of who they are. It's like being at someone else's family reunion and having Aunt Tallulah run up and grab you, saying "you remember me, don't you?" Uhhh, no.
Simply Love by Mary Balogh
(2006, Regency Historical) 9/20/08
Grade: 4
After having a child out of wedlock, Anne Jewell was relieved to have a job as a teacher. But when she takes her son to visit the Bedwyn family in Wales, she is unexpectedly attracted to Sydnam Butler, the steward who was badly injured in the war. He lives almost as a recluse, hiding his injured face and body from the world. But Anne makes him dream of more.
When I read the description on the back of the book, I knew where this book was going, and I almost decided not to read it. But I went ahead anyway, and I’m glad I did, although the book wasn’t as wonderful as it could have been. I really loved the hero and heroine. Both of them were well characterized, particularly Sydnam. (Although, the heroine was treated in a pretty modern way - I find it hard to believe that an unwed mother would be accepted as readily in Regency England.) The book gave them a lot of time to simply talk and explore their relationship, my favorite kind of book! However, the main problem with the book was the “Bedwyn family reunion” atmosphere. The author managed to shoehorn in just about every character from her previous books (even the most minor), and this crowd of characters intruded on the story (and even though I read most of the previous books, I had a hard time remembering who was who. It was annoying.) This became such a distraction from the main story that it made me mark down the grade. But still, it was a lovely romance.
How realistic do we want our historicals to be? In the last book, I was a little put off by the imperious way the hero and heroine treated the servants at the beginning of the book. And yet, that's surely realistic to the times. Here, the realism was a little Disney-fied. Would an unwed mother really be treated so kindly, at a girls school for the upper classes? Even as little as 40 years ago here in the U.S., unwed mothers were considered so scandalous that the mothers were almost always pressured to give up their babies. (I was adopted under such circumstances.) It's a nice thought, that "single mother" Anne would be loved and accepted by all, but I suspect it's a fantasy.
Simply Love by Mary Balogh
(2006, Regency Historical) 9/20/08
Grade: 4
After having a child out of wedlock, Anne Jewell was relieved to have a job as a teacher. But when she takes her son to visit the Bedwyn family in Wales, she is unexpectedly attracted to Sydnam Butler, the steward who was badly injured in the war. He lives almost as a recluse, hiding his injured face and body from the world. But Anne makes him dream of more.
When I read the description on the back of the book, I knew where this book was going, and I almost decided not to read it. But I went ahead anyway, and I’m glad I did, although the book wasn’t as wonderful as it could have been. I really loved the hero and heroine. Both of them were well characterized, particularly Sydnam. (Although, the heroine was treated in a pretty modern way - I find it hard to believe that an unwed mother would be accepted as readily in Regency England.) The book gave them a lot of time to simply talk and explore their relationship, my favorite kind of book! However, the main problem with the book was the “Bedwyn family reunion” atmosphere. The author managed to shoehorn in just about every character from her previous books (even the most minor), and this crowd of characters intruded on the story (and even though I read most of the previous books, I had a hard time remembering who was who. It was annoying.) This became such a distraction from the main story that it made me mark down the grade. But still, it was a lovely romance.
How realistic do we want our historicals to be? In the last book, I was a little put off by the imperious way the hero and heroine treated the servants at the beginning of the book. And yet, that's surely realistic to the times. Here, the realism was a little Disney-fied. Would an unwed mother really be treated so kindly, at a girls school for the upper classes? Even as little as 40 years ago here in the U.S., unwed mothers were considered so scandalous that the mothers were almost always pressured to give up their babies. (I was adopted under such circumstances.) It's a nice thought, that "single mother" Anne would be loved and accepted by all, but I suspect it's a fantasy.
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