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| # | cover | title | author | isbn | isbn13 | asin | num pages | avg rating | num ratings | date pub | date pub (ed.) | rating | my rating | review | notes | recommender | comments | votes | read count | date started | date read |
date
|
date purchased | owned | purchase location | condition | format | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 077832768X
| 9780778327684
| 4.20
| 3,233
| 2010
| Mar 02, 2010
|
Opening Line: "In the two weeks Aiden Riordan had been in Virgin River, he's hiked over a hundred miles and grown himself a pretty hefty dark red bear...more
Opening Line: "In the two weeks Aiden Riordan had been in Virgin River, he's hiked over a hundred miles and grown himself a pretty hefty dark red beard." Erin Foley’s character was first introduced to the Virgin River series way back in book #4 A Virgin River Christmas now she’s back and a whole lot nicer for book #10 (if you‘re counting) After raising her younger siblings then watching them marry and settle into their own lives Erin is now without any responsibilities for the first time in her adult life and subsequently is suffering empty nest syndrome at the ripe ole age of 35. She’s at a crossroads and with no idea how to face her future she puts her career on hold, renovates her brother in law Ian’s cabin and settles in for the summer. Planning on doing all those fun things she’d never had time for before. The only problem is Erin doesn’t know how to just sit back and watch the sun set. But this is Virgin River after all and before long a scruffy looking, machete welding former navy man and now unemployed Doctor comes crashing through the bush and into her garden. Sparks don’t fly immediately with this pair as Robyn Carr always has her heroines thinking the hero is someone he’s not before he shaves off the beard and reveals his true self. But through circumstances they manage to find their way together and begin a sweet summer romance. However when Aiden’s crazy ex-wife suddenly turns up, claiming they’re still married it quickly buts a kink in their affair. Virgin River fans will appreciate trips to Jacks Bar and the many cameos/updates from past characters. Yes Mel, the one we all love to hate (or have just plain had enough of) is also back with a substantial subplot involving a uterus, in-vitro fertilization and adoption. Yup theres still lots of woman talk here. Theres also a sweet story involving mentally challenged adults and marriage. Unfortunately I never felt a real connection between Erin and Adien, their romance seemed lukewarm to me which could be due in part to the fact that Aiden is a gynaecologist (did I forget to mention that?) Anyways that kind of took the sexy out of their love scenes, listening to Aiden anatomically describe Erin’s girl bits while helping get her ‘there’ for the first time with a man sure ruined the moment. I also honestly don’t remember Erin ever telling Aiden she loved him. As with all Carr books a couple of babies are born and here I could really have done without the graphically described, medically correct, breach, episiotomy getting home birth. This may just have scarred me for life. Yikes. Carr also decides in the closing chapters that its time for a little suspense and ups the crazy factor with Aiden’s ex-wife and while this was fun it also felt thrown in, rushed and slightly over the top. Still I think fans of the series will be happy to come home to Virgin River. (less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Dec 17, 2010
| Dec 29, 2010
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Dec 14, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1426851065
| 9781426851063
| 3.45
| 302
| 2003
| Jul 01, 2003
|
Opening Line:"Traffic on route 95 was a snarl again" This book had everything that I hate in my romances so I’m at a loss to explain why I enjoyed it s...more Opening Line:"Traffic on route 95 was a snarl again" This book had everything that I hate in my romances so I’m at a loss to explain why I enjoyed it so much. Maybe because this fluffy, saccharine sweet romance was barely 200 pages long, I just didn’t have a chance to get as frustrated as I usually would with this kind of formulaic plot line. More the reason is I read this on my e-reader during a power outage and it was easier to see with the built in reader light then with candles. Anyways as you can guess this isn’t the greatest Brockmann going, it is however enjoyable, short and shamefully addictive with a friends to lovers theme, interesting, somewhat complex hero, the usual bland Brockmann heroine that you want to slap on occasion, more subplots then necessary and except for the heroines little brother a ton of nasty secondary characters to hate. The story here went in many different directions with things happening quickly (due to page limitations I guess) fake marriages, real marriages, annulments, I love you, I hate you, you’re a liar, I can’t live without you, lets take a bath together, what do you mean you do/don’t have cancer, how am I going to get my inheritance/save my fathers company, no I didn’t sleep with your sister, yes I look great with a mullet, lets break up in the last couple of chapters and you will think I’m a liar and I won’t do anything to change your misconceptions of me until you feel super guilty then because its Brockmann the hero will cry a few tears and voila HEA-ville. All of this has been tied together with a community theatre storyline and a really mean director. Ha,ha yes really. Speaking of the director since when does community theatre require random drug testing for its actors? Anyways that has nothing to do with anything it just annoyed me, he also makes our hero (jungle man) cut his sexy long hair and that’s when I decided I really hated him and that I would never do a musical. LOL (less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Nov 23, 2010
| Nov 25, 2010
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Nov 23, 2010
| ebook
| |||||||||||||||
| 155470314X
| 9781554703142
| 3.14
| 37
| Sep 04, 2010
| 2010
|
Wow, what an unbelievable, epic life ~review to follow~
| Notes are private!
| Catherine
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1
| Nov 08, 2010
| Dec 17, 2010
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Oct 06, 2010
| ||||||||||||||||
| 1439176671
| 9781439176672
| 4.06
| 6,686
| Jun 11, 2004
| Sep 29, 2009
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Opening Line: "January 1st 0358 hrs. Happy New Year to me" Wow, this was a surprise! Before I begin I should tell you that I’ve never read a Zombie boo...more Opening Line: "January 1st 0358 hrs. Happy New Year to me" Wow, this was a surprise! Before I begin I should tell you that I’ve never read a Zombie book in my life and I’m not a fan of the genre (although I did think Shawn Of The Dead was hilarious.) I generally read romance novels with the occasional biography thrown in. So you can imagine my surprise when I became absolutely engrossed in a book about surviving a plague of walking dead. Day By Day Armageddon was unputdownable and had me alternating between being really freaked out,(checking doors and windows) despairing for the future of mankind (also afraid of the dark) and getting my personal survival kit (weapons, food, Band-Aids, Gin) ready for “that day” -Could I really kill my undead friends and neighbours? Simply put this is more then just a zombie novel and this romance reader loved every minute of it. DBDA has been written from the first person and in the form of a journal which for me increased the suspense factor. Because our unnamed hero sometimes starts out an entry with things like “0430 hrs- I’m still weak from blood loss” before going back and explaining. As the reader you’re like, holy shit what happened last night? The narrator is a US Navel officer who begins his journal as a New Years resolution. It all starts out rather mundanely with day to day life stuff and a few ominous mentions like this one "It seems that something is going on in China; the local news reported some type of influenza virus sweeping them over there.” The flu is of course the Zombie virus and it spreads to apocalyptic proportions within months. I found these parts really interesting; how the author saw the realistic(?) breakdown of society, media blackouts and the extents the US government ultimately took to eradicate the disease. In the early entries our hero spends a great deal of time describing (in a very calm manner) how he safe guards his home; locating and stockpiling weapons and ammunition, collecting food and water and having an alternate power/communication plan in action. He’s a super smart guy and although the military jargon and descriptions of guns got to be a bit much I’d definitely want him on my side. With swarms of undead now parading through the streets our barricaded hero eventually teams up with his neighbour John and with no options left the pair flees the city, picking up other survivors along the way and dealing with a multitude of post apocalyptic problems. The futility of it all really got to me here as they struggle to stay alive under ridiculous odds. I had a hard time seeing a point to it all. (Good bet I wouldn’t survive) This book is full of action and also a ton of well written suspense although it wasn’t as gory as I was I expecting. Don’t get me wrong though, it has its moments but its not gore for gores sake, all the kills are warranted. (Can’t believe I just said that) As silly as this sounds this book really made me think; what would I do? How could I prepare myself? Could I survive? I should also warn you that this is addictive reading and that the ending is well… more than a cliff-hanger. Just make sure you have book 2 Beyond Exile: Day by Day Armageddon on hand because the war on Zombies isn’t over yet. Highly Recommended for lovers of apocalyptic fiction, Zombie fiction, horror, adventure, disaster stories, military buffs, survivalist fiction and the occasional romance reader. Cheers! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Aug 27, 2010
| Aug 29, 2010
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Aug 08, 2010
| Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0345504127
| 9780345504128
| 3.64
| 407
| 2008
| Mar 31, 2009
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Opening Line: "I am a fisherman, an Alaskan fisherman, and a Bering Sea crab fisherman with thirty-seven years on commercial boats." As a long time fan...more Opening Line: "I am a fisherman, an Alaskan fisherman, and a Bering Sea crab fisherman with thirty-seven years on commercial boats." As a long time fan of TV’s The Deadliest Catch and an avid biography reader it was a given that I’d read Time Bandit, I just didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did or be given such candour into Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand’s lives. Now thanks to the boys I also know just about everything I’d ever want to about; Alaskan weather, rogue waves, hypothermia, what happens when you party naked, ice flows, never quitting, how many groceries you need to feed 7 hungry men for two weeks, the coast guard (coasties), eagles, seagulls, the Bering sea, red gold, flares, silly string wars, crab pots, survival suits, cod, salmon, the fishing industry in general and how to get out of jail in Mexico. If you’re a fan of The Deadliest Catch then you’ll love this even though you will have already seen some of the stories played out on TV. However all the behind the scenes details and the intimate look into Andy and Johnathon’s lives really make this worthwhile. Exhilarating, anguished and often hilarious these modern day pirates give a first hand account on what its like to face death on the Bering Sea with stories that are in turn riotous and often sadly reflective. They talk here just like they do on TV too so expect the F-bombs, a general feeling of unruliness and a hell of a lot of fun. Ghost written by Malcolm Macpherson, he cleverly takes an assortment of the Hillstrand brother’s tales, adds some facts and then layers them all within a gripping adventure. Starting with Johnathan drifting alone in his 38 foot fishing vessel 'Fishing Fever'. He has lost power, doesn’t have a radio and is quickly running out of cigarettes however by the end theres still 1 flare left and he hasn’t cracked the Crown Royal. Jonathans narrative takes us through the Hillstrand brothers rough and tumble childhood, the tempestuous relationship they had with their father and onto the Time Bandit into 2008. He provides a great deal of humour throughout, none of which I can repeat here but sure made me laugh and is without a doubt the “bad boy of the Bering Sea” A couple of chapters in we switch to Andy’s POV on his horse farm in Indiana. He has just received the call that his brother’s gone missing while salmon fishing. Andy’s narrative is less personal and places a lot of emphasis on family, marriage and having a life away from fishing. And although the more reserved of the pair make no mistake Andy has a wild streak too Macpherson takes us back and forth between the two brothers with Andy waiting and worrying at the ranch and Jonathan drifting into Shelikof Strait, eating raw salmon and rationing cigarettes. The ending of this true life adventure is well…just another day in the life of a Hillstrand. There’s also 16 pages of photographs.(less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Sep 2010
| Sep 11, 2010
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Aug 07, 2010
| Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1553650646
| 9781553650645
| 3.88
| 33
| Aug 03, 2004
| Jul 26, 2004
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“I was aware that we are all stronger than we can possibly imagine and that strength is gained from pushing beyond what is known, what is comfortable”...more
“I was aware that we are all stronger than we can possibly imagine and that strength is gained from pushing beyond what is known, what is comfortable” Warren Macdonald was an avid outdoorsman, experienced Mountaineer and environmentalist when he set out for what was supposed to be a two day (there-and-back) climb up Mount Bowen on Hinchinbrook Island in Australia. Little did he know these would be his last steps he would ever take as a “complete” human being. His little jaunt up the mountain turns suddenly into a nightmare when a massive 1 ton slab of rock breaks free and in a “wrong place, wrong time” moment traps Warren beneath it. Along with flashbacks into Warren’s life the majority of this memoir alternates POV’s between Warren’s 48 hour struggle for survival beneath the rock and his hiking companion Geert van Keulen’s harrowing 11hour race back down the mountain to find help. With a broken pelvis and barely able to move Warren manages to fight off drowning (as the creek bed he’s lying in fills with water) the elements, pain, fear, insanity and even death. And just when you think it can’t possibly get any worse, as Warren puts it “A bad movie gets worse” Near the end of his ordeal Warren ends up using a stick to fight off yabbies (Australian crayfish) that have started eating his dying legs and feet. Not long after he feels a stinging sensation in his groin and chest area, and realizes a colony of ants has found a new and delicious home, “one with a steady food supply…him.” At this point I don’t know how Warren maintained his sanity, it was hard enough to read. I should add that his companion Geert’s journey back down the mountain is equally gripping and added a great perspective to the story. I won’t be spoiling anything (he lets you know on the very first page) by telling you that Warren is rescued yet ultimately looses both his legs. A large part of this read also deals with his time in hospital, rehab and learning to deal with his new reality. Which I might add he exceeds. Warren’s road to recovery was equally as motivating and uplifting as his survival story. I’m always amazed at what the human spirit is capable of enduring when it comes right down to it And this is a fascinating example of courage, strength of spirit and sheer determination. Now a motivational speaker Warren has since become the first above knee amputee to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. He also swims, surfs and has learned to walk again. The writing and editing here is good unlike a lot of survival memoirs I’ve read although towards the end we do get a ton of name dropping which is great for Warren’s friends I suppose but not so interesting for the reader. Also contains 4 pages of photographs and a map of Australia showing Hinchinbrook Island and Mt Bowen.(less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Aug 03, 2010
| Aug 07, 2010
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Aug 03, 2010
| Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1551665743
| 9781551665740
| 4.21
| 5,880
| Apr 1989
| Mar 01, 2000
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Opening Line: He needed a woman. Bad." I had a ton of problems with this book and I’m finding it really difficult to review because as much as this sto...more Opening Line: He needed a woman. Bad." I had a ton of problems with this book and I’m finding it really difficult to review because as much as this story confused me, annoyed me and downright offended me, in the end as much as I wanted to I just didn’t hate it. I did however breathe a sigh of relief when I finished. Written in 1989 Mackenzie’s Mountain is a contemporary romance however it reads, and for the first 100 pages I thought it was a historical, taking place around 1890-1910. It takes place in small town Wyoming and has a Little House On the Prairie feel to it along with lots of prejudice and small minded gossip. The heroine is a schoolteacher who has just moved to teach in their school house. She is plain in appearance with her hair in a bun, horn rimmed glasses, a shapeless dress, sensible shoes and zero life experience having been raised by her old fashioned Aunt (presumably in a cave). Mary in fact has never worn a pair of jeans and has definitely never been kissed. She is however clichéd with thoughts like this one; "Only shameless hussies would wear a skirt without a proper petticoat underneath" Yes she also speaks like she’s from the 1900’s and her character seemed stranger to me still when I realized it was meant to be 1989 (don’t know many people that wore petticoats then) Anyways Mary is concerned that one of her better students has quit school and goes to his home to find out why where she meets Wolf Mackenzie and this is when I started to get offended and these are the authors words Not mine. Wolf is an Indian and an angry Indian because he spent time in jail for a crime he didn’t commit and everyone in town hates and distrusts him. To make matters worse (in the authors mind) Wolf is also a half breed and Howard drills this into the readers head every couple of pages in case we forget our hero’s heritage. Now honestly… its 1989, do people really use words like half-breed anymore? Could the average person tell the difference? Have I just been living in happy land my entire life? This is uncomfortable. Wolf feels his son doesn’t need schooling because he’s an Indian (cringe) Now after all the racist remarks which I somewhat forgave because I thought it was a historical this is when Joe, the heroes son suddenly declares that he wants to join the Air Force academy and fly jets. What?! Damn this really is a contemporary. Mary then decides to tutor Joe and feels that even though (cringe) he’s a half breed he still has a pretty good chance of getting into the Air Force. Remember its 1989 in this backwards little town. For some weird reason Wolf is attracted to the mousy Mary and the meat of this story revolves around their growing relationship, him giving her savage looks and bedding her and the hunt for the man responsible for attacking women in town which Wolf is initially blamed for. Now I could go on and on about all my issues with this silly/strange/offensive story but because its also such a reader favourite (I’m assuming with historical romance fans) I will also say that Wolf is a fantastic, sexy alpha hero and as annoying and clichéd as Mary is they still manage to share some steamy love scenes together. I also really liked Joe the wanna-be pilot son and it’s my understanding that his story is up next in Mackenzie's Mission. As this was my first Linda Howard book I don’t know if writing historical characters in modern times is a trait of hers and as offensive as some of her writing was I did still enjoy her love scenes and easy flowing writing style. Howard just needs to pick one time genre and stick with it. (less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Sep 06, 2010
| Sep 07, 2010
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Jul 23, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0778320146
| 9780778320142
| 3.88
| 2,052
| Aug 1998
| Mar 01, 2004
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Opening Line: "It was extremely likely that she was going to die" Harlan "Cowboy" Jones is the 4th SEAL to get his story told in Suzanne Brockmann's Ta...more Opening Line: "It was extremely likely that she was going to die" Harlan "Cowboy" Jones is the 4th SEAL to get his story told in Suzanne Brockmann's Tall Dark and Dangerous series. And while as a whole I am loving these well written, addictive stories and their delicious alpha male heroes this one was a letdown. It starts out with a ton of potential; exciting action, suspense, a decent heroine and a larger then life Navy SEAL hero coming to her rescue. Unfortunately Brockmann then pulls out the secret baby card and for the last 3/4's of the book I couldn't stand the heroine, lack of storyline or the ongoing (and going) conflict between them. Luckily we get some great supporting characters and lots of interaction with the rest of Alpha Team 10 to carry us through. When the American embassy Melody Evans is working in is overtaken by terrorists it doesn't take long for the Navy SEALs to come to their rescue however it does take them 2 days to reach the Middle Eastern border and a flight to freedom. During those tense few days Melody comes to trust her daring and charismatic rescuer with her life. Blaming the extreme circumstances on the ensuing week of passion they share together in Paris. However Melody doesn't want a relationship with a hero who risks his life on a daily basis and is never home, she plans on settling down with an everyday, average man. So when Jones gets called back to duty she thanks him for the laughs and breaks things off. And this is when things fell apart; 7 months later Jones gets reassigned to the east coast and because he hasn't been able to forget about Melody he looks her up. Shocked to discover that she's pregnant but being an honourable guy Cowboy Jones dons his dress whites and asks her to marry him. The only thing is she doesn't want him, in fact she's got everything worked out so that she doesn't need him either and no amount of coercion on his part will change her mind. This storyline goes on and on with Melody not giving an inch and Jones setting up a tent in her backyard then doing normal suburban type things in the hopes that she will at least put his name on the birth certificate. He's kind of like a dog waiting to be thrown a bone and this got old, fast. One interesting thing about this story is that (except for one) all of the love scenes are spoken of or thought about in past tense. Now I usually like to be in on the action but this really worked here and I found the memories and sexual tension to be just as sexy as if it were taking place. I just don't know what happened to our heroine because she became very unlikable. Even at the very end I didn't ever and get the feeling that this couple loved each other, I just felt that Jones was going to be in for a lifetime of supplication, diaper changing and begging for sexual favours. So, my least favourite from the series so far, but still a worthwhile quickie romance and I should mention that the entire TD&D series is in the process of being re-released (with fancy new covers) and this one can be found in Tall, Dark and Fearless: Frisco's Kid\Everyday, Average Jones along with the excellent tortured hero in Frisco's Kid (Tall, Dark and Dangerous #3).(less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Nov 03, 2010
| Nov 07, 2010
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Jul 22, 2010
| Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0440243653
| 9780440243656
| 3.54
| 904
| Jul 1997
| Aug 29, 2006
|
Originally published in 1997 and at just 215 pages LADIES MAN is your average stand alone romance. Not my favourite of Brockman’s however it’s a quick...more
Originally published in 1997 and at just 215 pages LADIES MAN is your average stand alone romance. Not my favourite of Brockman’s however it’s a quick read and stands up fine today. I enjoyed all the characters and while the plots quite basic it is helped along by a plausible enough stalker mystery and some hot older woman-younger man lovin. Of course I should mention that the first 5 chapters (1/4 of the book) is taken up exclusively by ‘the limo ride’ and that’s reason in itself to read this book. Yum. Ellen Layne is in the airport newsstand glancing over the bestsellers when she see’s him; “From the back he was a living breathing advertisement for Buns of steel” All faded jeans, blond hair and impossibly handsome. According to Ellen he looks even better from the front too. Unfortunately for Ellen he’s also at least 10 years younger then she is. But what, oh he’s seen her looking, checking him out. He’s coming over now, flirting with her with those blue eyes, dimples and perfect teeth. Damn even his voice is sexy. I wonder how old he really is? So I absolutely loved the beginning of this book. It is just the perfect fantasy, older woman meets younger gorgeous man and through mistaken identity and happenstance they wind up sharing a limo together. Sam the ‘ladies man’ puts the moves on Ellen as they tour around New York drinking champagne and taking in the sights. Ellen in a moment of recklessness allows herself to give in to the fantasy and experience a night of unbridled passion. A little something to remember because surely this player won’t want anything more then that? Sam however in an uncharacteristic move phones her the very next day hoping to see her again and in a ‘this is how the other side must feel’ move Ellen turns him down cold. Unfortunately after chapter five the whole feel of the book changes and it’s no longer great --it’s okay. As it turns out Ellen is recovering from a divorce, has 2 precocious (see annoying) children and although a professor wants to try her luck at acting over the summer. She’s staying with her Uncle Bob, a famous talk show host when the phone calls start. They are soon accompanied by hate mail and then of course the police get involved. Fate intervenes here because who do you think is a member of the NYPD? Well it’s Sam the ladies man of course and he’s got some unfinished business with Ellen but first he’s got to figure out who the increasingly violent stalker is and possibly step in front of a bullet in the name of love. So the ending is pretty exciting, oooh who’s the stalker? Who’s the stalkers intended victim? And the beginning…sigh. But the middle part as well as being so different from the beginning floundered to me. And as much as I liked Sam, he was supposed to be a ‘ladies man’ (hell that’s what the books called) yet as much as I was told this I never saw it from him. He was just a nice guy who seemed to be searching for someone to settle down with. Maybe if his character had been flushed out a bit more. Cheers!(less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Aug 15, 2010
| Aug 30, 2010
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Jul 22, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0553591436
| 9780553591439
| 3.51
| 664
| 1998
| Feb 26, 2008
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This is another great Brockmann quickie that although originally published in 1998 and just 229 pages still feels fresh and complete. I’m just loving...more
This is another great Brockmann quickie that although originally published in 1998 and just 229 pages still feels fresh and complete. I’m just loving her older, stand-alone romances which can be finished in an afternoon and give you everything you’re looking for in a contemporary romance. FREEDOM’S PRICE is the companion book to Forbidden (which is also great) and here we get the other Bartlett brothers story. We first met Liam when his older (sexy cowboy) brother Cal went all trouble-shooterish and rescued him out of a third world prison. Since then I’ve been very curious about how Liam’s story would unfold. Plus I have a thing for complicated, tortured heroes and after years in prison I knew he was going to be one of those fabulous heroes. I also knew that it would take a very special woman to reach him and in former freedom fighter Marisala, he gets his match. Because of the first book I’d expected Liam’s story to be a romantic suspense. So I was a little surprised when Brockmann set this up as a somewhat comedic, category romance with our heroes meeting in Boston and Liam posing as guardian to Marisala while she attends college. Liam and Marisala shared a past in war torn San Salustiano and she was partly responsible for keeping him alive however at the time she was a teenager. I guess I expected their story to revolve around Liam rescuing Marisala from the jungle and in-between dodging bullets and bad guys he’d realize that she was a woman and he loved her--or something like that. Instead they order pizza, go shopping and apartment hunting all the while pretending that they’re not attracted to other. What about the war I wondered? What about my tortured hero? Anyways once I came to terms with what this story was going to be about I really enjoyed it (and I still got a tortured hero) Five years have passed since Liam’s rescue form the jungle and although his injuries have healed he is still scarred and tormented on the inside. Suffering from nightmares, claustrophobia and writers block this is one journalist on the edge. The last thing he needs is to have the past forced back on him and of all the people to be entrusted with it just had to be Marisala. He’s never forgotten the beautiful solider and its all he can do to keep his hands to himself. Of course she’s not helping matters, determined that they would make fabulous lovers. Marisala is a fantastic alpha heroine; she’s spunky, aggressive and feels that life is worth yelling about unlike Liam who is suffering in silence. Between all the angst there is also a great comedic undertone with Marisala bringing stray dogs and misplaced people into Liam’s once tranquil home. The sexual attraction between our couple is palpable however we of course get several misunderstandings before they can find their HEA including a couple of sigh and oh no she/he didn’t moments. A recommended read. Cheers(less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Aug 14, 2010
| Aug 15, 2010
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Jul 12, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1565125606
| 9781565125605
| 4.05
| 629,224
| May 26, 2006
| May 01, 2007
|
In the beginning of Water For Elephants Jacob Jankowski tells us that he is ninety or ninety-three. One or the other. He's not really sure anymore. Hi...more
In the beginning of Water For Elephants Jacob Jankowski tells us that he is ninety or ninety-three. One or the other. He's not really sure anymore. His body betrayed him years ago and Jacob now fears that his mind isn’t far behind. Shuffling along miserably behind his walker, he’s living out his final days in the nursing home and hating every minute of it. Just another invisible senior citizen who’s family and the world as a whole has forgotten about. When the circus comes to town and sets up its Big Top tents across the street Jacob comes alive and through a series of flashbacks begins to tell us his life’s story. Taking us back to when he joined the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show On Earth, a traveling circus he toured with during the great depression. So step right up folks because this old man has quite the story to tell. At the age of 23 Jacob had a predictable future set out ahead of him, one that certainly didn’t involve joining the circus. However with his parents untimely death and the bank foreclosing on his family home Jacob soon finds himself homeless, heartbroken and mentally quite unable to sit his final veterinary exams. When an exotic, animal filled train steams toward him Jacob doesn’t even think. Flinging himself aboard the boxcar and inadvertently changing his destiny forever. I absolutely adored this book, alternately falling in love with both Jacob, the crotchety old man and Jacob, the young, moral and penniless circus veterinarian. Water For Elephants transported me to another time and quickly became one of those books I never wanted to end. Author Sara Gruen has researched the depression era circus life down to the smallest of details and I feel that this captivating and vivid story will appeal to almost anyone. Filled with action, adventure and a sweet forbidden romance there is also a fascinating sideshow of secondary characters including a clever Polish Elephant, a grouchy little person as Jacob’s roommate and a cruel and schizophrenic animal trainer whose wife Jacob just happens to fall in love with. All of this has been wrapped together with a compelling and innovative behind the scenes look aboard a travelling circus train. Showing us more often then not the darker side of circus life after the big top closes down. This is a love story, a life story, an animal lover’s story but above all it’s a circus story and who of us hasn’t dreamed about running away and joining the circus at some point in our lives? And the ending… *sigh* I can't say enough good about this book, its easily one of my favourite reads this year and with Robert Pattison now taking on the upcoming movie role version of Jacob, I was able to picture him while reading, making it all the more sweeter. Cheers! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Jul 03, 2010
| Jul 06, 2010
|
May 22, 2010
| Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0373276311
| 9780373276318
| 3.78
| 50
| Apr 25, 2009
| May 01, 2009
|
There was nothing particularly wrong with this book and I wish I could give it a higher rating because it did have everything I look for in my romance...more
There was nothing particularly wrong with this book and I wish I could give it a higher rating because it did have everything I look for in my romances. Including a complex tortured hero, a heroine that wasn’t stupid or useless and tons of action, suspense and adventure in a foreign country. The love scenes are hot too, filled with soul baring looks and a couple that doesn’t play games on their way into bed. They also don’t have a silly clichéd break up towards the end which I appreciated. So what’s not to like? I can’t put my finger on it but despite everything NIGHT RESCUER just didn’t ever grab my attention. So while I do recommend this to others and won’t rule out reading Cindy Dees in the future, in the end I was left under-whelmed. We begin with Major John Hollister commander of an elite special ops unit attempting to hang himself in the back storeroom of Pirate Pets delivery service, which is a front for their covert little organization. He is suffering PTSD and has finally reached the end of his rope (pun intended) still reeling and blaming himself for the death of his team a year earlier, His remaining squad has been trying unsuccessfully to reengage him in life but to John he’s guilty times 8, a waste of space and shell of a human being. John’s personal lynching is interrupted by a woman who needs a package delivered to Lima Peru. She is of course beautiful and there is something in her eyes that matches Johns own tortured, desperate and vacant baby blues. The package as it turns out is Melina herself who is trading herself to a drug dealer in exchange for the release of her family. It is a suicide mission to be sure and who could be better suited to take her to the execution then a man with his own looming death wish. It’s a match made in … a therapists dream. The beginning chapters are really good here, leaving just enough unanswered questions to keep you guessing why our characters are doing and feeling what they are. It’s also darkly funny. John and Melina catch a charter flight into Peru, each keeping secrets from the other about the intent of this mission. Spending a couple of days in a hotel before they begin their trek into the Peruvian mountains and the drug lord/hostage takers lair. They hop into bed pretty quickly both wanting to feel something before the end. Melina eases John’s pain and John gives Melina hope in love and a future. What she doesn’t realize is that despite their connection John has no intention of coming back from this mission alive. See what I mean, sounds super good right? And I think for most of you it will be unfortunately it just didn’t work for me.(less) | Notes are private!
| 1
| Nov 09, 2010
| Nov 12, 2010
|
May 15, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||||
| 0425150984
| 9780425150986
| 4.20
| 18,200
| 1995
| Dec 01, 1995
|
Opening Line: "The dead were her business." I originally started JD Robb’s In Death series because it was recommended to me by well… everyone. And Yes...more Opening Line: "The dead were her business." I originally started JD Robb’s In Death series because it was recommended to me by well… everyone. And Yes it is good. In fact I ended up liking this 2nd instalment even more then the first however (except for Roarke) I don't totally love it either. The writing is top notch and Robb spins an easy to read dark mystery filled with lots of interesting suspects(including Roarke again) But I’m just not a fan of the police procedurals and therefore large parts of this book dragged for me. Particularly when Eve very dryly and very frequently interrogated the many suspects (these parts read like furniture assembly instructions) and in the end I couldn’t have cared less about whodunit. I was reading strictly for the romance and a certain someone named Roarke. Sigh… Irish lilting, button carrying, patient, unwaveringly romantic, sexy, mystery man Roarke. If only he existed in the real world. Yes I have developed a serious literary crush on him and he’s what keeps me coming back to this series. I love how he is tough yet tender with Eve while accepting her unconditionally just the way she is. Speaking of Eve, although I still find her character very difficult to like she does soften here some, allowing herself to gradually except the little pockets of peace Roarke creates for her. I’m also beginning to realize that Roarke is equally as damaged as Eve and that’s what draws the two of them together, making their developing relationship worth watching. One of my favourite parts of this book would be the afterwards of an explosive confrontation when Eve finally, finally lets Roarke in. (Well that and their little moonlit trip to casa del Roarke in Mexico) The future aspect (its New York 2058) which I found unnecessary and gimmicky in the first book has been expanded slightly and while not distracting it does provide an interesting aspect that I enjoyed this time. (I really want an Autochef) There are also some great secondary characters here; and I particularly liked Eve’s troublesome relationship with Roarke’s man-servant Summerset and her wild, no excuses nightclub singing girlfriend Mavis. GLORY IN DEATH sees Lieutenant Eve Dallas searching for a serial killer of prominent career women. Eve follows the clues and interrogates a lot of suspects, getting her thick skin bruised in the process. As the clues take her closer to those she cares about like Roarke and her boss, Eve becomes relentless in her search for the killer, putting everything else secondary. Its Roarke who sees how tired and overworked she is and forces her to step back and recharge (in his spa tub!) In the end everyone’s bloody, the killers caught (I never did guess that one but then again I wasn’t really trying) and damn if Roarke hasn’t set things up so I just have to read the next book Immortal in Death. Cheers! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| Aug 21, 2010
| Aug 25, 2010
|
May 15, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1605043192
| 9781605043197
| 3.73
| 1,318
| Aug 19, 2008
| Jul 01, 2009
|
Opening Line:"Straight. The word popped into Will's head." With a sweet, moving and emotional story The Handyman was a pretty good read however definit...more Opening Line:"Straight. The word popped into Will's head." With a sweet, moving and emotional story The Handyman was a pretty good read however definitely more on the sweeter side of the erotica scale. The set up here reminds me very much of Faith & Fidelity and its basically a character driven M/M romance with more sexual tension then actual sex scenes. In fact it’s like 150 pages of really good foreplay before we get any serious action. (Although a couple of the kissing scenes are off the chart hot) However I enjoyed the slow, realistic pace Claire Thompson set for our virgins who are each as confused as the other, only in very different ways. Will is a player with a reputation for using and discarding lovers as easily as he earns his money on Wall Street. Handsome, sexy and confident Will is used to getting what he wants however he is still a virgin when it comes to matters of the heart, never having allowed himself to open up and fall in love before. You can imagine his surprise when he can’t stop obsessing about the older by 10 years Handyman he’s just hired to remodel his kitchen. Jack has been a widower for two years, he never thought of himself as gay especially after some fumbling with his best friend in high school sent him running. However he’s lonely and confused and his deep hidden desires are just now starting to come to the surface, all in Will’s fancy new kitchen. As Will and Jack gradually grow more aware of each other there is of course lots of angst, miscommunication and finally shy tentative touches, meaningful glances and excited longing. These parts were very well written with the physical intimacy slowly escalating and I enjoyed the pace, it felt realistic. Bit by bit Jack opens up to Will’s advances and although shy scared and unsure the pair come to trust each other. Will is exceptionally patient and this is a new emotion for a man used to taking what he wants. During this time we are also given several long flashbacks into both of their lives which I quite enjoyed as I felt like I really got to know and understand their characters. There is also a ton of dialogue which didn’t bother me I just wondered where these men that talk so openly about their feelings have been hiding? When we finally get to the sex scenes they’re well written, erotic and full of love, just the way I like them. There aren’t many secondary characters here, however we do get to meet Will’s booty call buddy and towards the end are also introduced to Jacks two grown sons in a rather disquieting manner. This entire scenario is played out well and I really liked the boy’s realistic approach to dad’s new status. A well written and recommended read.(less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| Aug 27, 2010
| Sep 2010
|
Apr 27, 2010
| Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0553590928
| 9780553590920
| 3.57
| 887
| 1997
| Sep 25, 2007
|
This was a great read, although originally published in 1997 and just 245 pages, Brockmann still manages to spin a surprisingly deep adventure story....more
This was a great read, although originally published in 1997 and just 245 pages, Brockmann still manages to spin a surprisingly deep adventure story. Our hero here is a true-blue Montana cowboy, that doesn’t stop him however from going all Troubleshooter-ish in the hunt for his imprisoned brother. Throw in a corrupt foreign government, assorted spies, bad guys and a heartbreaking romance, that although doomed from the beginning exudes so much sexual chemistry you just gotta hope, maybe, somehow… Well lets just say its unputdownable. When Kayla Grey learns that her fiancé might not have been killed while on assignment in war-torn San Salustiano but is in fact being held prisoner, she travels to Montana to enlist the help of Liam’s older brother Cal Bartlett. In the hopes of if not rescue then at least closure. Caught in a freak snowstorm on her way to the Bartlett ranch, Kayla’s first meeting with Cal is during her own rescue. As she thaws out in front of the fireplace the pair are immediately and inexplicably drawn to each other and this is one sexy scene. Quickly extinguished however when Cal learns that she was engaged to his brother. Now Cal only see’s Kayla as ‘forbidden’ This doesn’t stop the sparks from continuing to fly between them though. Because Kayla’s information is based on a rumour from a stranger Cal is initially resistant to the idea that his brother might still be alive. He also doesn’t know if he could bear the pain of losing Liam all over again if the reported sighting are false. Of course the bottom line is he can’t let Kayla go on her own. This is when the story really takes off; with motorcycle chases through the jungle, bullets flying and palpable sexual tension. Yeehaw, this is one cowboy I enjoyed seeing on a motorcycle. As our pair grows closer to each other and finding Liam, Cal becomes increasingly torn between guilt and longing. If they do somehow find his brother alive now, he’ll lose the woman he loves. And isn’t it heartbreaking to see a hero not afraid to cry. My only problem with this book was the abrupt resolution to a great story. It would have been nice if we’d been allowed another 20 pages to flesh out what could have been a super exciting ending. (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| Jul 12, 2010
| Jul 15, 2010
|
Apr 26, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0553591657
| 9780553591651
| 3.59
| 958
| 1998
| May 20, 2008
|
Opening Line: "The electronic ring of the telephone shrilled through the darkness of the bedroom." Originally published in 1998 BODY LANGUAGE is a ligh...more Opening Line: "The electronic ring of the telephone shrilled through the darkness of the bedroom." Originally published in 1998 BODY LANGUAGE is a lighthearted, and amusing friends to lovers story. Touted as romantic comedy this is a quick read that for the most part I enjoyed, especially during the ending chapters when there were less misunderstandings between our couple and a few surprises. Sandy and Clint have been best friends since they were kids. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks they learned early on that they could always depend on each other. Sandy’s now the successful owner of a video production company and Clint’s award winning photography keeps him in demand, drifting from one exotic job location to the next. However at the end of the day, no matter where he is, his thoughts always return to Sandy. By the time Clint realizes that he’s actually in love, jumped on his Harley and roared back into Sandy’s life to declare himself she has (of course) set her sights on another man. And oh the irony, now she’s asked for his help in landing this new ultimate dream man. Somehow Clint’s going to have to teach Sandy the art of seduction and body language all without giving himself away in the process. To complete the comedy of errors we soon learn that Sandy’s also secretly in love with Clint but doesn’t want to risk losing her best friend and knows his free spirit can’t be tamed. So begins a series of mixed messages and wrong impressions as our pair set about seducing each other under false pretences. I usually find poor communication as a plot device tiresome but this was handled well and never taken too far. The dialogue however does tend to get a little cheesy at times and for some weird reason halfway in Clint’s starts saying “mercy” or “lord have mercy” every couple of pages. This not only didn’t suit his character but just plain annoyed me. Clint as our drifting badboy in leather is a fun and sexy hero though and I liked the fact that he wasn’t written as the stereotypical biker boy either. This metrosexual also knew a thing or two about women’s clothes, hair and makeup (from shooting fashion models) and seeing him apply Sandy’s make up and coif her hair was fun albeit slightly strange. I was bothered though by the fact that Sandy kept trying to change Clint even though she supposedly loved him the just way he was. She got him to cut his hair, shave off the beard and then dressed him in LL Bean and collared shirts when I just wanted him to keep wearing those delicious faded jeans and leather jacket. I’ve noticed that Brockmann spends an obscene amount of time talking about hair and clothes. I’m new to her writing so I don’t know if this is a trademark or just particular to her category romances? All in all though a quick, enjoyable and easy read. Cheers(less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| Jul 15, 2010
| Jul 16, 2010
|
Apr 25, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0373766947
| 9780373766949
| 3.42
| 12
| Dec 13, 2005
| Dec 13, 2005
|
TRUST ME will appeal to those looking for a shot of pure romantic junk food to the brain, which lets face it we all crave from time to time. This quic...more
TRUST ME will appeal to those looking for a shot of pure romantic junk food to the brain, which lets face it we all crave from time to time. This quick, uncomplicated romantic-suspense is at times clichéd to the point of eye rolling, with descriptions of butterfly soft kisses, manly chests, tight abs, and hot sweaty jungle sex. However there’s plenty of action to keep things moving along and a reunion romance to deal with(complete with flashbacks to our couple’s unrequited young love) As well as every daring rescue scenario you could possibly think of. All of which are performed flawlessly by dark, dangerous and impossible to resist ex-US Navy Seal turned bodyguard for hire and incredibly handsome perfect man with a super cool name, Dominic Steele. Awesome! Dominic Steele’s latest mission is pretty routine, (for someone as awesome as himself) He’s been hired to extricate a woman wrongly accused and locked up in a third world prison using any means necessary. Just another day on the job until he sets his sights on who the beautiful woman in the cell is. The fates are cruel indeed because the imprisoned woman is none other than the very wealthy and spoiled Lilah Cantrell also known as heartbreaker or the one that got away and he’s never quite been able to forget. Lilah can’t believe her eyes, she hasn’t seen Dom in 10 years and now he’s come to her rescue, what a friggin relief. All she has to do now is resist his smooth words, rippling muscles and those pesky re-emerging feelings of love long enough to; tunnel through the wall and escape from jail, jump off a cliff into the ocean, evade the bad guys and their dogs while traipsing through the jungle for days on end, survive drowning, engage in car chases, shootouts and a night in a seedy cantina hotel and then finally, escape the island using a stolen sea plane in a death defying, movie worthy take off. (I actually quite liked this scene) If our girl Lilah can achieve all this without getting so much as one bug bite and still manage to look alluringly fantastic (albeit artfully dishevelled )as well as getting Mr perfect to fall for her and proclaim that he needs her in his life forever. Then I must concede that she is equally as awesome as Dominic and that this couple is perfect for each other right down to the last sentence “And then he lowered his head and kissed her, and all was right in her world.” *sigh* Awesome! This book is part of the super fun Men of Steele series which means of course that theres more awesome men coming to the rescue. So turn your brain off, and enjoy the ride… “She set about examining him. Careful to keep her touch as light as a kiss of sunlight.” (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| May 24, 2010
| Jun 02, 2010
|
Apr 24, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0425148297
| 9780425148297
| 4.11
| 50,334
| Jan 01, 1995
| Jul 01, 1995
|
Opening Line:"She woke in the dark" ~ANOTHER CONFIRMED ROARKE GROUPIE~ What can I say about NAKED IN DEATH that hasn’t been said already? Well obviousl...more Opening Line:"She woke in the dark" ~ANOTHER CONFIRMED ROARKE GROUPIE~ What can I say about NAKED IN DEATH that hasn’t been said already? Well obviously I don’t need to go into the plot because that’s been done to DEATH (sorry) I will say though that because so many people recommended this book to me and because my friend Lokster eventually gave me a copy I did feel somewhat obligated to read it. Robb’s 'Death' series is 30 books long now (and counting) which is somewhat daunting when starting a new series, so a part of me really didn’t want to get hooked on this and for the first hundred pages or so I can honestly say that I didn’t. But then something happened, or I should say someone happened. Someone in the form of a charming, mysterious and utterly addictive Irish billionaire and murder suspect named Roarke. Yes, damn his sweet button carrying self but my new literary boyfriend saved this book because quite frankly detective Eve Dallas on her own isn’t very likable and I’m also not really a fan of the police procedurals. It’s the sweetness, romance, patience and delicious mystery of Roarke that will keep me coming back. I also had a hard time understanding why Robb chose to set this in the future (sort of) I say sort of because she never went all the way with her future aspect. Sure she mentions in passing a few cool gadgets (an autochef would really come in handy) and theres flying cars, robot servants, off world business meetings and plenty of clever new cop toys but except for the legalized prostitution and gun prohibition it’s still the New York we know of today. I just feel that if Robb was going to go for the whole future angle then she should have gone all the way or just not bothered because her BladeRunneresque vision was gimmicky and rather pointless to the story. But that’s just my opinion. Of course theres a lot to like here too; obviously Robb’s (Nora Roberts) writing is top notch and she spins a well planned, easy to read, dark mystery here. Her characters have also been completely fleshed out, in particular Eve. Who although crass, hands off and by the book has enough flaws and skeletons in the closet that you can’t help but sympathize with her and hope she loosens up a bit and lets a certain someone in. Which brings me back to Roarke. Maybe this quote describes him best, Cheers! “You got a button fetish Roarke?” “I’ve been carrying this around like a schoolboy carries a lock of his sweetheart’s hair.” Her eyes came back to his, and something sweet moved through her. Sweeter yet as she could see he was embarrassed. “That’s weird.” “I thought so, myself.” But he slipped the button back in his pocket. “Do you know what else I think, Eve?” “I don’t have a clue.” “I think I’m in love with you.” *Sigh* Yeah so I’m starting book 2 Glory in Death as we speak(less) | Notes are private!
| Lokster
|
1
| May 06, 2010
| May 12, 2010
|
Apr 11, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0446548502
| 9780446548502
| 3.70
| 285
| 2010
| Apr 28, 2010
|
Opening Line: "I was snuggled in my mother's arms in the backseat of the old Buick. My Dad's Air Force buddy was at the wheel, driving us from Fort Di...more
Opening Line: "I was snuggled in my mother's arms in the backseat of the old Buick. My Dad's Air Force buddy was at the wheel, driving us from Fort Dix Air Force Base to Colarado, where Dad was being transfered." Unlike most people reviewing this book, I actually knew next to nothing about 70’s B-movie and Blaxploitation star Pam Grier before I began. I’d only ever seen her in Jackie Brown and knew that Quentin Tarantino had written the role exclusively for her. However after receiving this book in a giveaway from the publisher (Thank you Goodreads First reads) I can now say that I’ve become an admirer of Ms Grier and her remarkable life. As far as biographies go this one is well written and flows easily with Pam telling her life story here in three “acts.” Starting with; ACT ONE:THE EARLY YEARS. This was surprisingly my favourite part of the memoir. Pam tells of her childhood growing up in 1950’s Colorado as a tomboy and an army brat. Spending time riding horses on her grandparent’s farm, hunting and singing in a gospel choir. Pam always felt inferior because of her skin color and I found the details of racism and segregation during that time eye opening and frankly shocking.When her Air Force father gets transferred Pam also spends a fantastic year living in England and faces equality for the first time in her life. Throughout we get a feeling of Pam’s deep admiration for her mother, who as a strong, modern woman helped shape Pam’s work ethic and independent outlook for her entire life. In the early 70’s Pam’s beauty is discovered and after winning several pageants Hollywood calls her name. ACT TWO:FRO'S AND FREAKS. Pam worked hard after arriving in Los Angeles. Holding down 3 jobs she goes on auditions and learns everything she can about the movie business. Along the way becoming a successful back up singer and model which leads to her eventual discovery and first movie role in The Big Doll House and a concurrent string of B exploitation movies. It was also during this time that Pam began dating a tall basketball star named Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr or Lew. Lew of course goes on to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after converting to Islam. This part of the book was totally intriguing, as I knew very little about the religion and could definitely feel Pam’s heartbreak as she watched the man she loved change and although she tried couldn’t bring herself to convert and therefore couldn’t marry Kareem. We also gain insight into her relationships with Freddie Prinz Jr and Richard Prior, both of which ended because of the mens well documented drug use. Pam does a fantastic job here of discussing her relationships without giving away any of the dirty little details which I respected. Labelled one of the most beautiful women alive Pam’s career continues to flourish during the 80’s with numerous TV appearances, awards and magazine covers. A particularly humorous event is recalled wherein Pam and John Lennon are kicked out of club Troubadour. In ACT 3: FINDING THE BALANCE we enter the 90’s through to present. Which to me represents Pam‘s strongest time as she battles cancer and journeys into self discovery, yoga and alternative medicine. Pam now knows who she is and has few regrets (although she still struggles to find a decent man.) This is also when Pam re-emerges as a Hollywood A-lister with the release of Jackie Brown and later the L Word. One of my only issues with Pam’s memoir would be that she tends to come off a little self righteous. I can’t honestly believe that every relationship she had failed because of the other person’s wrong doing or that she never drank or did drugs yet lived with Richard Pryor and hung out in the 80’s cocaine culture. She also tends to name drop. A lot. But I got to thinking about that and I guess if all your friends are famous directors, musicians and movie stars and that’s who you’re hanging out with then its not really name dropping is it? Although instead of just saying out of the blue, Snoop Dogg dropped by for lunch you might give us a few details about the lunch, that way it doesn’t sound like you’re trying to impress us, were already impressed, you‘re Pam Grier. If your up for a good biography then I recommend this one. Cheers!(less) | Notes are private!
| First
|
1
| Apr 25, 2010
| May 18, 2010
|
Apr 11, 2010
| Hardcover
| |||||||||||||||
| 0373793944
| 9780373793945
| 3.71
| 192
| Apr 01, 2008
| Apr 01, 2008
|
“It was the best sex she'd had in months. The only sex. Which wouldn't be such a bad thing except that the elusive O came courtesy of a red vibrator c...more
“It was the best sex she'd had in months. The only sex. Which wouldn't be such a bad thing except that the elusive O came courtesy of a red vibrator called the Big Tamale rather than some hot, buff cowboy with a slow hand and an intoxicating smile.” So with an opening paragraph like this you know you’re in for a fun ride and for the most part DROP DEAD GORGEOUS doesn’t disappoint. This is book 2 from Kimberly Raye’s sexy and hilarious Love At First Bite trilogy. Set in Skull Creek Texas these quickie romances follow the small town antics and love connections of some rather eccentric but completely likable women as they get their groove on and find true love with gorgeous Texan cowboys who also just happen to be Vampires. Dillon Cash used to be the biggest geek in Skull Creek until he inadvertently got between two warring vampires, losing his human life in the process. Now he’s back and better than ever, in fact except for whole burning to a crisp in the sun thingy and a small aversion to garlic, his new life rocks. This former nerdy computer tech’s been transformed into a hunka, hunka burning vampire love and every woman in town wants a piece of him. Meg Sweeny or “Manhandler Meg” as she’s been known since high school, can’t believe the changes in her old friend Dillon. Now not only does she want his body but she wants his secret as well. You see Meg is a closeted geek and if Dillon can suddenly morph into a stud then theres a chance that with a little of his instruction she can become the much desired sex kitten she’s always wanted to be too. All Dillon wants to do is erase his geeky reputation and blaze a trail as the towns studliest guy, possibly even emerging #1 on the coveted "Randiest Rooster" list. But theres something about his old pal Meg he can’t refuse, she see’s past his new muscles and heartthrob status and damn if he hadn’t always thought she was irresistible anyways. Our couple engage in a cat and mouse game of who’s seducing who and of course lose their hearts in the process. Although I didn’t enjoy this as much as Dead Sexy this was still a good read. My only real problem being that geek heroes just don’t do it for me and regardless of his hot vampire makeover I never felt much of anything for Dillon. Even the love scenes (which are plenty spicy) didn’t work for me. But that’s just me. However the truly great thing about this series (besides the fact that it’s frigging hilarious) is the awesome cast of unconventional townsfolk and the crazy adventures they manage to get themselves into. Raye has written this in such an endearing, fun way that I find myself wanting to move to Skull Creek just so that I can spend Friday nights at Joe Bob’s Bar and Grill and buy my groceries at the local Piggly Wiggly. Not to mention the fact that I might bag myself a cowboy Vamp and make it onto the Gazette’s hot chicks list. Cheers(less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| May 20, 2010
| May 23, 2010
|
Apr 06, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0373764650
| 9780373764655
| 4.07
| 29
| Oct 01, 2002
| Oct 01, 2002
|
Written in 2002 I picked up this quickie Harlequin romance because I’m such a huge fan of Cindy Gerard’s Bodyguard and BOI’s series. Unlike her newer...more
Written in 2002 I picked up this quickie Harlequin romance because I’m such a huge fan of Cindy Gerard’s Bodyguard and BOI’s series. Unlike her newer stuff, TAMING THE OUTLAW is a straight up contemporary romance, theres no real suspense here, no bad guys and nobody gets kidnapped. Gerard’s hero also doesn’t get shot at or blow anything up. Instead we get a sexy, somewhat emotionally tortured rodeo star, a jaded single mother and a reacquainted lovers theme, all set in Sundown Montana’s cattle country. Initially this story didn’t grab me, it was just kind of blah (please, somebody shoot something) but then about halfway in the heroine grew a back bone, got some personality and made things interesting. And Cutter the hero, well he let his emotions loose, big time and in a couple of “awww” moments captured my heart, as all of Gerard’s men eventually do. Damn she’s good with the anguished/I’m too damaged/not good enough for you heroes. So even though this wasn’t the Gerard I’m used to it was still a sweet, uncomplicated little read with a handsome cowboy, some hot lovin and lots of horses. Cutter Reno always knew that one day he’d drift back into Sundown Montana; he just never expected it to be as grand marshal of the Forth of July parade. But after 6 years on the rodeo circuit and a recent winning streak he’s now a local celebrity. Unfortunately the one person he really wants to see again wants nothing to do with him. It seems pretty Peg Lathrop hasn’t forgotten about that intoxicating summer they spent together either, however she’s older and wiser now and darn if she ain’t a mama too. Peg knew that forever wasn’t in the cards with someone as wild and untameable as Cutter Reno, his spirit belonged to the open road and the rodeo. But a little goodbye would have gone a long way because when Cutter left he unknowingly took her heart with him and left a little piece of himself behind. Peg’s never healed from those wounds and there ain’t no way she’s letting his smooth talkin cowboy ass back into her life, never mind into her bed. Yet Cutter swears he’s a changed man, ready to settle into a home on the range complete with wife and child. Only thing is Peg can still see the flight reflex written all over his face, even if he can’t. Will Cutter cowboy up and become the kind of man both Meg and her daughter need? Or will this footloose freebird hit the road again without ever realizing that he is worthy of love and that together they can break the cycle of desertion and loss that has already altered both of their lives. Oh it’s a heartbreaker of a ride folks. “He’s just wanted to kiss her. Just once, for old times sake. Just once, to see if his memory had been bigger than the reality.”(less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| May 18, 2010
| May 20, 2010
|
Mar 31, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0373753144
| 9780373753147
| 4.08
| 36
| May 19, 2010
| Jun 08, 2010
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Walker The Rodeo Legend was a big ole tease. Although it could just be that I’ve been reading far too much erotica lately. This was my first Harlequin...more
Walker The Rodeo Legend was a big ole tease. Although it could just be that I’ve been reading far too much erotica lately. This was my first Harlequin American romance and also my first by author Rebecca Winters so little did I know going in this was going to be a “clean” romance. In all honesty I’d never even heard that term before (again possibly too much erotica being read) so you can imagine my disappointment when I realized I wasn’t ever going to get to see Walker the sexy, military cowboy stud naked. *sigh* Anyways, this turned out to be an okay read (meaning I finished it) that I’d originally picked up because I’m a fan of dark tortured heroes, military men and cowboys. On the surface this ticked all my boxes and started out great however after the introductions the story never really went anywhere. The rodeo aspect, which was supposed to be a big deal (come on its in the title) was unfortunately only ever told to us (repeatedly mind due) but the author never showed us an actual rodeo scene. And the heroine, don’t even get me started. The best I can say about her is that she’s the kind of girl who wears sensible shoes. Of course then we also have her young son and if I had to read one more sentence about ear infections, Pedialyte or Cheerio’s I was going to scream. Walker’s initial struggles with PTSD are well done however theres a really silly plot thread involving his father and the fact that he’d cheated on his mother some 20 years earlier. Apparently this horror left bigger scars on Walker then the war or any IED ever did. It’s a good thing he finally comes to terms with it so he can concentrate on healing those skin grafts. I’m guessing the message here is that infidelity is worse then war!? There were moments of this book however that I enjoyed and I think others (with cleaner minds) will probably really like this touching contemporary romance so I’ll stop the bashing and just give you a brief summery. Cheers. Walker Cody has returned to Wyoming a changed man. Recovering from his war injuries and still suffering debilitating flashbacks all he wants now is to isolate himself at his grandfather’s cabin and avoid his affluent rodeo family. On his way through town he happens upon a parade and without thinking rescues a child from the clutches of some crazed dog. Before the young mother can thank him though Walker has disappeared. Paula is recently widowed, having lost her husband in Iraq she’s just now starting to get her life back on track and the last thing she needs is to be thinking about is the dark and dangerous cowboy who rescued her son, yet she can’t seem to stop herself. With a war between them our couple forge into a wary friendship. Walker is hesitant and Paula is afraid of falling in love again. When Walker returns to the dangerous life of the rodeo circuit (which runs deep in his blood but not on the page) Paula fears she may just lose him forever. (less) | Notes are private!
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| Jul 16, 2010
| Jul 25, 2010
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Mar 30, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
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| 031612558X
| 9780316125581
| 3.54
| 97,206
| Jun 01, 2009
| Jun 05, 2010
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Opening Line: "The newspaper headline glared at me from a little vending machine: SEATTLE UNDER SEIGE--DEATH TOLL RISES AGAIN." I was surprised by how...more Opening Line: "The newspaper headline glared at me from a little vending machine: SEATTLE UNDER SEIGE--DEATH TOLL RISES AGAIN." I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this, I mean Bree's character only has a tiny part in Stephanie Meyers Twilight world so she and the rest of the newborns can’t really have much of a story to tell can they? Well as it turns out the answer is Yes. At 178 pages this novella manages to also give up some new revelations regarding Jane and the "dark cloaks" (Volturi) -jeez, that Jane is evil! And I absolutely loved seeing Carlisle, Jasper, Bella and “the red headed mind reader” from an outsider’s perspective. There was more violence here then I would have expected from Meyer, as the newborns pillage Seattle and dispose of their drained food sources. I was also freaked out by a scene involving the armies seizure of a passenger ferry in the Puget Sound and the insuring carnage as the dine on their human buffet (I live on an island in the pacific northwest) We are also introduced to a couple of fantastic new characters; Diego as Bree’s love interest and in particular Freaky Fred, who I really hope to read about again someday. Because we all know the outcome there is a building level of suspense throughout the story. And as the inevitable Eclipse battle approached I found myself wishing for a different ending to Bree’s short second life as I'd come to genuinely care about her which I believe was Meyer's point. Bree Tanner can barely remember a life before the relentless burning thirst took over. Now as a newborn Vampire this 15 year old runaway lives a precarious existence, trying not to draw attention to herself while her and her fellow newborns fight amongst themselves, killing each other as often as their prey. Her only other constants would be Riley, who as their leader the army follows submissively and without question and a horrifying creator known only as "her". After 3 months Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego when the pair discover that they can in fact go out in the daylight without turning into a pile of ash (a stake through the heart is pretty useless too) They quickly begin to wonder what else Riley’s been lying about and question his agenda as a whole. However as their friendship blossoms Bree and Diego soon realize that they’re nothing but pawns in a war that has little to do with them. But when everything you know about yourself as a vampire is based on a lie how do you find out the truth, who do you trust and how do you get yourself free? With such an insignificant character like Bree getting her story told I realized that the novella possibilities here are endless. Now if we could only convince Stephanie Meyer to finally finish Midnight Sun. *sigh* "Don't watch" the redheaded mind reader whispered. I closed my eyes." (less) | Notes are private!
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| Jun 27, 2010
| Jun 29, 2010
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Mar 30, 2010
| Hardcover
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| 0778303764
| 9780778303763
| 4.37
| 15,942
| May 21, 2010
| May 21, 2010
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Opening Line:"They Don't seem to care that they're dying." THE DARKEST PASSION is book #5 in the fantastic and addictive Lords Of The Underworld series...more Opening Line:"They Don't seem to care that they're dying." THE DARKEST PASSION is book #5 in the fantastic and addictive Lords Of The Underworld series and this time its all about the winged and tattooed immortal Aeron. A warrior cursed (along with several others) after opening Pandora’s box and bound ever since to a demon, his being Wrath (sort of like a devilish alter ego you can’t ignore) Recently Aeron has sensed an invisible female presence around him and here we learn that she is in fact an angel-demon assassin sent to kill him. Of course nothing is as it seems with this series and when Aeron confronts this angel, Olivia claims that she means him no harm, that she couldn’t kill him and has in fact fallen. Giving up immortality and her life in the clouds to experience her now earthly life with him. It’s a match made in Heaven/Hell right? What could be easier then a demon lord and a fallen angel hooking up? Throw in Lucifer, Shadow girl and Aeron’s altered little venom spitting girlfriend Legion, more deals and bargains with Greek gods then I could keep track of, a continuing war with the ‘hunters’ and you’ve got yourself the makings of a perfect romance. This was a great read and an excellent addition to the series as a whole and really is worthy of 5 stars however because I didn’t read Heart of Darkness first which (who knew) contained Lords Of The Underworld 4.5 there were major plot holes and a whole lot of confusion in the beginning chapters along with certain details that were never filled in. For example how and when did one of the immortals get both of his hands cut off? I just hate it when authors put semi-important details or move along an ongoing series within an anthology. I’ve been burned too many times with them, spending the money to read 75 pages and usually only enjoying or bothering with the one story by the one author. I won‘t be reading HOD on principle alone now. Anyways enough with my rant. Did I mention how frickin sexy this book is? Yeah sexy and erotic too, that Showalter can sure write a love scene. Aeron as our hero is awesome he's also the one most in harmony with his demon (now) and as the protector, the one that keeps the others safe. Covered in gruesome tattoos from top to bottom he also sports a pair of wings, flying around during battles and in one instance during love making (that was a new one for me, sex while in flight!) And as improbable as it seems his and Olivia’s romance is a perfect match, once the pair get out of the bedroom that is (I just have to say why does Showalter deem it necessary to lock every one of her heroines in a warriors bedroom for a period of time while one or the other recovers and until the warrior and demon both declare “mine” Its done in almost every book and frankly its getting boring.) Our couple face insurmountable odds with exciting twists, kidnappings, double crossings and in the end the ultimate sacrifice in the name of love. The ending is …well you’ll get your HEA but at what cost? The Darkest Lie is up next and it has been set up perfectly for Gideon and his long lost----- also because of events in the last couple of chapters many new and exciting doors have been opened up for this series as a whole. Cheers. (less) | Notes are private!
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| Sep 30, 2010
| Oct 09, 2010
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Mar 26, 2010
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| 0439023513
| 9780439023511
| 4.03
| 840,161
| Aug 24, 2010
| Aug 24, 2010
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Opening Line:"I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather." Real or not real; I finally finished Mockingjay?...more Opening Line:"I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather." Real or not real; I finally finished Mockingjay? Thankfully real, because this just didn’t hold my attention like the fantastic and innovative The Hunger Games or leave me gasping as Catching Fire did. In the end though I still loved Suzanne Collins violent, bloody and utterly defeated conclusion to this series, it just took a bit (lot) of effort to get through to it. We aren’t left hanging where the love triangle is concerned though, with Collins giving us a realistic and satisfactory glimpse twenty years into Katniss’s future and who she finds herself there with. All told Mockingjay is a brutal and despairing ride as Katniss, Peeta, Gale and just about every other character we’ve met so far wages war on the Capital and its President Snow. Yes a lot of people die here and I’ll be honest at times Mockingjay lost me. In fact I actually put it down more than once with no real ambition to pick it up again, as it just seemed to drag with endless battles, hospital visits and politics and if it hadn’t been for my curiosity about who Katniss ends up with I probably wouldn’t have bothered finishing it at all. This is due in no small part to the fact that our heroine spends most of the book either waking up in hospital after being injured or recovering in a drug induced haze from one thing or another. This became monotonous, stalling the story. And while I appreciated Katniss’s battered state of body and mind -especially in the closing chapters I also found it overkill and wondered where that strong, take control girl from previous books had gone. On the other hand after what she’d been through its a wonder she didn’t just keep hiding in the closet, taking 'morphling' and shutting out a world gone mad where no one is who they seem anymore. I was also very let down by the final climactic battle which for the most part we are told not shown because Katniss is again unconscious, even Snow became rather a non-issue here. And one if my biggest personal disappointments would have to be that we didn’t get to see Gale’s character fleshed out more. I had really been hoping that this would be his book, his time to shine and show us why Katniss loves him. Instead he remaines frustratingly vague. I believe Suzanne Collins probably had the outcome to this series in her mind from the very first page of Hunger Games, unfortunately with this book she just wasn’t sure how to get us there and fumbled along with her conclusion. The ending chapters and epilogue are amazing though and almost make up for the bumpy, tiring ride that is Mockingjay, almost. And after all was said and done it was Buttercup the cat that had me crying and I'm not even a cat person. (less) | Notes are private!
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| Sep 08, 2010
| Dec 24, 2010
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Mar 26, 2010
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| 1551666804
| 9781551666808
| 3.95
| 2,127
| Oct 1996
| Feb 04, 2003
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Opening Line: "Lieutenant Blue McCoy was the point man, leading the six other men of SEAL Team Ten's Alpha Squad across the marshlike ground." Carter "...more Opening Line: "Lieutenant Blue McCoy was the point man, leading the six other men of SEAL Team Ten's Alpha Squad across the marshlike ground." Carter "Blue" McCoy is the 2nd of Brockmann's Navy Seals to have his story told in the Tall Dark and Dangerous series and I have to say I am loving these men. Feeling a little bit like dessert these well written romances are short, super addictive and each just different enough that the stories always feel fresh. With delicious alpha male heroes, fantastic dialogue and just the right amount of suspense, action and melodrama to keep you coming back for more (sometimes even before dinner) While each of these can be read as a stand alone as with all romantic series they seem to work best when read in order due to the continuing or evolving story arcs. Blue McCoy has just returned to his hometown of South Carolina to attend his stepbrothers wedding. He hasn't been back to Hatboro Creek since he graduated and joined the Navy and in all honesty doesn't relish being back here now especially since his stepbrother Gerry is marrying his high school sweetheart, the fluffy, perfect Jenny Lee. It's a little awkward to say the least. However awkwardness soon becomes the least of Blue's problems as later that night at a pre-wedding party he and Gerry get into a heated argument and by morning his stepbrother is dead. Of course Blue becomes the primary suspect due to their very public fight and because Gerry's neck has been broken in such a way that only someone skilled in hand to hand combat could have done it. Soon witnesses are coming out of the woodwork and the whole towns convinced Blue's guilty, everyone that is except for his old friend and rookie police officer Lucy Tait. I really liked the heroine this time around, usually I find Brockmann's females kind of bland and unmemorable but Lucy had spirit and personality. She's had a crush on Blue since she was 15 and he rescued her from some bullies, never quite able to forget him she`s learned all she can about the SEALs program and is aware of how Blue lives his life and what it took him to get there, she also knows he's not a killer. As a rookie Lucy's first big assignment comes when she's made chief investigative officer to Blue's case. And despite the hero worship she's suffering and the palpable sexual tension between them Lucy is determined to play by the book to prove Blues innocence and find the real killer. But what will she do when she finds out Blue is not the hero she thought he was? And as for Blue well he's never had a friend who was his lover before, who knew that was possible? Unfortunately with this instalment there isn't much interaction with the rest of Alpha Team but it's still a great story, complete with several car chases and a police pat down that will make you blush. Once again Brockmann's dialogue draws you in, making the whole falling in love within days theme plausible. The love scenes are soft yet still erotic (just without the dirty words and more imagination needed) Here we even get some underwater action, and just wait till this SEAL chokes! (less) | Notes are private!
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1
| Oct 27, 2010
| Oct 31, 2010
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Mar 25, 2010
| Paperback
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| 0886775825
| 9780886775827
| 3.79
| 2,728
| Nov 01, 1993
| Nov 01, 1993
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BLOOD PACT is the 4th offering from Tanya Huff’s Blood (Ties) series. As a fan of the TV show I was thrilled to discover this series of books which no...more
BLOOD PACT is the 4th offering from Tanya Huff’s Blood (Ties) series. As a fan of the TV show I was thrilled to discover this series of books which now have the added benefit of visual references for our 3 main characters as they continue to battle both the supernatural and each other in their ongoing love triangle. My favourite character here remains romance writing, bisexual vampire Henry Fitzroy. As the 450 year old illegitimate son of King Henry VIII turned modern day romance writer he’s both fascinating and swoon worthy. And with our love triangle finally coming to its shocking conclusion I fell even harder for him. Private Investigator Vicki Nelson is as inflexible and tough as ever and even though she’s still managing to sleep with both of them it’s a mystery to me why either Henry or blue collar cop Mike Celluci would love her because she’s not really a very likeable person. I was again impressed by Huffs writing as she weaves together multiple POV’s and gives us a gruesome and truly horrifying story. This one creeped me out big time. Full of thought provoking moral issues, it’s a fantastic mixture of romance, horror, fantasy and suspense. The closing chapters are heart pounding and although many disliked the controversial ending I loved it, finding it to be the perfect and really only logical conclusion to the series. Vickie’s been avoiding her mother’s phone calls so when she suddenly dies from a heart attack Vicki is not only grief stricken but wracked with guilt. Vicki travels to Kingston for the funeral and because both Mike and Henry are concerned for her fragile mental state they follow her. However the situation goes from bad to unthinkable when her mother’s body goes missing from the funeral home and later turns up outside the living room window, dead yet somehow horribly alive. Knowing that the Ontario police aren’t going to invest much time in looking for a body Vicki sets out on her own to find her Frankenstein mother. Refusing to grieve Vicki’s nastier than ever, which pairs Henry and Mike on the same team and watching them put their jealousies aside and become friends of a sort added a very sexy dynamic. The real monsters in this story aren’t the zombies at all but the scientists experimenting and reanimating the dead and it’s with this discovery that our trio find themselves in dark and dangerous territory. Soon Henry’s trapped, starving and at the mercy of the scientists, Vicki’s about to lose her mind and zombies and mad, drunken scientists are running around killing each other in an abandoned hospital. Yup this is quite the ride.(less) | Notes are private!
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| Jul 22, 2010
| Aug 2010
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Mar 16, 2010
| Paperback
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| 0886775302
| 9780886775308
| 3.76
| 3,066
| 1992
| Jan 01, 1993
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BLOOD LINES is the third offering from Tanya Huff’s Blood (Ties) series. As a fan of the TV show I was thrilled to discover these books which now have...more
BLOOD LINES is the third offering from Tanya Huff’s Blood (Ties) series. As a fan of the TV show I was thrilled to discover these books which now have the added bonus of visual references for our 3 main characters and their ongoing love triangle. I particularly enjoy romance writing, bisexual vampire Henry Fitzroy. Who as the bastard son of King Henry VIII also comes complete with flashbacks from his 450 year long existence and remains my favourite character. Private investigator Vicki Nelson continues her struggle with degenerative eye disease while also battling the supernatural and a revolving door love life. And blue collar Cop, Mike Celluci just tries to keep up with the events taking place in his ever broadening paranormal world. Once more I was impressed by Huff’s writing as she weaves together multiple POV’s and here gives us a unique story and great antagonist with one regenerated Egyptian priest wondering around Toronto as a modern day mummy, absorbing Ka’s (souls) and hypnotizing people in a quest for Canadian and eventually world domination. The Royal Ontario museum is thrilled to obtain a mummy the only issue being the sarcophagus they receive is empty, or is it? Staff members are suddenly dropping dead as the newly awakened Anwar Tawfic begins to feed. Absorbing life forces and growing stronger with each victim as he prepares for his new reign on earth. Mike is sent to investigate the museum deaths and soon realizes that this is no normal case so he enlists ex partner Vicki’s help. Meanwhile Henry is being haunted by dreams of the sun (which is not a good thing for a vampire to be dreaming about) Fearing for his sanity and afraid he is being driven to suicide Henry also goes to Vicki for help. Tawfik soon takes to the streets and discovers that the younger the victim the better and in a couple of very creepy scenes we witness Anwar 'recharging' on children and even a baby. Soon our evil Mummy has taken over the police department, turning Vicki and Mike into fugitives and becoming obsessed with obtaining Henry’s immortal Ka. One of the creepiest parts of this book was witnessing Vicki’s time locked up in a special needs prison; abused, drugged, beaten and blind without her glasses I was surprised at the level of violence involved here. I’ve also noticed that all the books seem to stall out in the middle section and as much as I’m enjoying this series I generally struggle to get through to the always exciting closing chapters. Another unfortunate factor is that the love scenes remain fade-to-black. I find this is a damn shame because with Henry and Tony’s continued relationship and Vicki bouncing beds with both Henry and Mike (sometimes in the same day) I wanted details. And lastly you gotta love the fact that this takes place in Canada. How much fun is it hearing Yonge street, the Leafs and the CN tower mentioned in a paranormal.(less) | Notes are private!
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1
| May 13, 2010
| Jun 22, 2010
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Mar 16, 2010
| Paperback
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| 1596328363
| 9781596328365
| 4.16
| 3,675
| Sep 2008
| Jan 01, 2009
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Opening Line:"Matt Haight sat in his car, watching the entrance of the Stag Bar with butterflies in his stomach." I don’t even know how to put into wor...more Opening Line:"Matt Haight sat in his car, watching the entrance of the Stag Bar with butterflies in his stomach." I don’t even know how to put into words how much I loved this story and I’m having trouble writing a review that will do it any form of justice. I can tell you that author Tere Michaels has so hooked me with her unforgettable characters, heart wrenching love story and poignant writing that I’m now looking into spending several hundred dollars on an e-reader just so I can find out what happens next because for some reason the following two books aren't available in print form yet. I think what struck me most about FAITH AND FIDELITY was the fact that this is about two men is completely incidental to the story. This is so much more than just a gay romance and truthfully all the same sex issue does here is add another degree of difficulty to Matt and Evan’s already complicated struggle to find happiness. This could be the story of any couple that’s taken a few hard knocks from life then along with their skeletons managed to find their soul mate. I should warn you that if you’re looking for graphic and gratuitous sex scenes every second page with a cheesy plotline to carry them along you’ll be disappointed. What you will find however is an emotional journey between two men that never expected to find love with anyone much less another man. This story is heart wrenching, beautiful, funny, compassionate, intimate, sad, realistic, tender and ultimately unputdownable. Honestly one of the best romances I’ve ever read. As you can guess this isn’t a light-hearted read however I was immediately drawn in, starting with the tragic death of Evan’s high school sweetheart wife. Sherri’s the only person Evan’s ever loved or slept with and with her gone he’s now somehow got to find the strength to get up each day, continue with his job as a New York City Vice Detective and raise four children. Within the first chapter we’re also introduced to Matt; a 40 something former homicide detective and ladies man who’s having a minor mid life crisis of his own. Lonely and depressed Matt quickly becomes the perfect non-judgemental drinking buddy for Evan, each finding a form of solace in the others despair. Matt and Evan’s relationship starts out as honest friendship. Somewhere along the way though the lines begin to blur and a mutual physically attraction takes hold, shocking confusing and exciting both men. There are some very sweet scenes here as each tries to deal with these new feelings of desire and learns how to be with another man, because as much as they want each other neither of them knows how to scratch the itch. The sex scenes here are explosive and sexy without being explicit and I enjoyed their path to discovery. On some level I could even relate because we’ve all faced the exciting and unknown at one time or another. Before long Matt and Evan have fallen in love and must face the reality of what effect their relationship is going to have on children, friends and coworkers, however its Evan’s still palpable grief that causes the most damage during this time and brings in a third party. Damn if this part of the book didn’t read like a suspense and brought me to tears as events moved forward, backed off and went forward again. All with this white knuckled reader saying no, no, no, don’t do it. I just didn’t foresee this happening. I also just have to mention how awesome all the secondary characters are here, adding realistic levels of depth to an already incredible story that I can‘t recommend enough. Cheers I’m off to buy my e-reader.(less) | Notes are private!
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2
| Oct 02, 2011
| Oct 06, 2011
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Mar 07, 2010
| Paperback
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| 1439153612
| 9781439153611
| 4.21
| 1,606
| May 18, 2010
| May 18, 2010
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Opening Line: The old cargo van caught Sophie's attention the moment she stepped outside the Baylor Middle School's double front doors." Yippee kiy yay...more Opening Line: The old cargo van caught Sophie's attention the moment she stepped outside the Baylor Middle School's double front doors." Yippee kiy yay… Welcome to the fifth instalment of Cindy Gerard’s fast paced and thrilling Black-Ops series. Fans won’t be disappointed as this is another great ride, filled with action, adventure, passion and top notch writing. Gerard whisks us away to yet another exotic South American location where we engage in ridiculously exciting shootouts, multiple explosions and the occasional kidnapping. Oh and then theres that little helicopter thingy. Somehow our newest couple; Sophie and Wyatt “Papa Bear” Savage also get time for some sweet loving, and with their substantial back story (complete with flashbacks) you’ll feel particularly invested. Of course the entire wise-cracking team is back for this mission (loved catching up with them) and with a charming secondary romance taking root there was plenty going on here to hold my interest. After twelve years of chasing bad guys around the globe Wyatt Savage is bone tired and beginning to get a little worried about his humanity. However when the woman he loved, lost and was never able to forget tracks him down from El Salvador he doesn’t hesitate to jump the first flight and rush to her rescue. Now why her husband isn’t the one doing the rescuing is a question Wyatt probably should have asked before he left, but he’s never been able to resist Sophie, so answers will have to wait. Sophie is grateful it wasn’t her daughter taken in the kidnapping, but she won’t be able to rest until the girl who was mistakenly abducted is returned. Calling Wyatt though may have been a mistake because his arrival has made her realize that she never should have let him go in the first place and with an outrageous ransom demand to pay, unknown terrorists and the entire BOI’s team using her living room as a bachelor pad/mission headquarters, life just got mighty complicated. This is another great read from a fantastic series that I can’t recommend enough. Wyatt as our hero is lovely, closing ranks as another one of my literary boyfriends with his honourable, angsty and believable character. Even with the amount of special ops stuff going down he never goes OTT and Gerard never gets too technical either even though it’s obvious she knows her guns. I also liked her less obvious choice of having the kidnapped child not be Sophie’s as it allowed for a more believable romance to develop. The flashbacks were another fun aspect; seeing Sophie make the choice between Wyatt or Hugh, then witnessing Wyatt’s heartache as he steps aside and watches his best friend marry the woman he loves. Sigh. And even though you’ll guess the bad guy early on the actual outcome still surprised me. All completed here of course with Gerard’s signature poker playing ending. Now though with only 2 single BOI’s left I’m starting to get a little antsy. Hopefully we’ll see some hunky new men introduced to Black-Ops soon or maybe Gerard will thrill us with another awesome spin off? "He'd been in the country for roughly 2 hours. So far he'd gotten caught in a terrorist attack, killed 2 men, saved a mother and a child and bled all over his favourite shirt. And it was still more than an hour before noon. A typical day in the life of Wyatt Savage"(less) | Notes are private!
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1
| May 25, 2010
| May 29, 2010
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Mar 07, 2010
| Mass Market Paperback
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