This book has all the plot devices I usually hate....amnesia, estranged spouses, a main character who is an invalid for part of the book, an orphaned ...moreThis book has all the plot devices I usually hate....amnesia, estranged spouses, a main character who is an invalid for part of the book, an orphaned main character, and there are a couple more. However, all of these devices are woven together into a great story. I found it witty, with a strong hero and heroine, and a strong "supporting cast". While the story was rich and entertaining, it was also a quick read. It gets four stars because I was very satisfied with the ending, and how the hero & heroine resolved their issues. This novel can be read as a stand-alone, and not a part of the series. I did not realize that it was a part of a large series until I finished the book.(less)
**spoiler alert** I was very excited to get this book as the next installment of a series, however this one fell flat. It wasn't a bad story, by any ...more**spoiler alert** I was very excited to get this book as the next installment of a series, however this one fell flat. It wasn't a bad story, by any means, but I had higher expectations after the build up of the previous novel. The fine balance between the mystery of the missing jewels and adults reconnecting after a childhood friendship just wasn't there. I wanted more memories, more profound revelations about the mystery than I got. I applaud London for not having the usual setting for the characters to profess their love for one another, however, she seems to pick awkward moments for them. I would also use the term "awkward" to describe the hero & heroine's relationship in general. It never seemed like they got thing ironed out to my satisfaction.
As a side note, the Duchess of Darlington reappears in this novel. Her novel was a DNF for me. She becomes friends over two pages with the heroine. I just don't think friendships develop over two pages, as with relationships. That is why we have whole novels devoted to these things.
I never heard of Tucker Max before I found this for free on amazon.com. I missed out on all the warnings before picking up this book. I should have ...moreI never heard of Tucker Max before I found this for free on amazon.com. I missed out on all the warnings before picking up this book. I should have realized that a cover that can't be shown here isn't just graphic art, but is a real picture, though blurry, of the author's peanuts. I didn't pick up on these clues, so it is my fault that I actually read this. Now, I have to give it 4 stars because it made me laugh. I'm the nerd he spends so much time making fun of, and yet I laughed at the other nerds he writes about. However, this nerd agrees with Max that sexting is stupid. Yeah, I liked the book in all of it's offensive glory. But I don't want to. (less)
I downloaded this book from kindle when it was free. This is a good anthology, although, I skipped the last story which involved zombies. Also, this ...moreI downloaded this book from kindle when it was free. This is a good anthology, although, I skipped the last story which involved zombies. Also, this is not one to read back-to-back, as each author started the story from the same introductory material. I enjoyed the short, compact, quick and easy to read stories. I enjoyed reading the creative twists and turns each author took. (less)
I'm hesitant to write a review of this book. I'm not a military reader, nor do I usually delve into autobiographies. But, I saw Kyle on a tv intervie...moreI'm hesitant to write a review of this book. I'm not a military reader, nor do I usually delve into autobiographies. But, I saw Kyle on a tv interview, and liked how he appeared there. I have come away from the book with a better understanding of what the guys on the ground experienced vs. what the news media has shown us here at home. A long time ago when I was studying political science, I studied a mission that failed back in the '70's. I read first hand accounts from the military commander in charge, all the way up to de-classified White House stuff. I walked away from that assignment thinking that the Colonel who planned the mission and then had to answer to that "failure" had a better understanding of human nature, goals, and obstacles than the politicians even wanted to think about. I walked away from Kyle's book with the same attitude.
I wouldn't classify this book as "literature". Literature implies someone who studies and learns a craft then writes a novel. This book is a story. It's value doesn't lie in big words or fancy phrases. The value is in the fact that is has come out so recently after the events have taken place that memories are still fresh. The value of this book is that Kyle wrote the story himself and did not leave it to historians in dusty libraries. With time, the matter-of-fact approach will be invaluable to all the poor rubes who will study political science. They will have an excellent first-hand account to draw from.
Most of all, I've walked away from this book with a sense of gratefulness that I can be sitting here behind my computer with my dog writing a commentary on a warrior's story while my family is safely at work and school. Thank you Mr. Kyle and military personnel. (less)
I'm not usually one for historical western romance. My usual reading vein lies in England with ball gowns. However, this provided a lot of action, g...moreI'm not usually one for historical western romance. My usual reading vein lies in England with ball gowns. However, this provided a lot of action, graphic details that were emotionally wrenching, and tragedy all to often played out on the frontier. The writing was tight, the characters stayed true to their personalities and natures, which is always a plus. The story flagged a lost momentum about 3/4 the way through, and then picked up in a way I wasn't expecting. According to amazon.com, this title was released in 1998, and has since been re-released. When reading the older romances, it is easy to see the way the genre has changed over the years. There was an almost-rape, that was left over from earlier years where it was common in romances. The hero prevented the rape, and in this book we can see today's archetype hero start to emerge. The hero totally makes the story. His emotional journey through meeting the heroine is a great line in the story. However entertaining this book was to me, the heroine displayed a type of emotional dependency that romance readers today won't tolerate. It was border-line creepy, but given the plot, totally justified. I've read on other blogs that sometimes go retro for reviews that there are two systems of grading. By today's standards, this gets a 2-2.5 stars. By 1998 standards, this would be a 4 star read. (less)
I found this to be an excellent quick (for me) read. The characters were engaging, the mystery held me to the end. I would caution mystery readers t...moreI found this to be an excellent quick (for me) read. The characters were engaging, the mystery held me to the end. I would caution mystery readers that it was pretty easy to figure out the bad guy, but it worked for me in the context of the romance. Overall, this was a nice contemporary romance escape read.(less)
**spoiler alert** I got this book for free from the beta test of our state library's free digital service. This would have earned three stars, howeve...more**spoiler alert** I got this book for free from the beta test of our state library's free digital service. This would have earned three stars, however, there were some issues with plot devices. The author built up the hero in the beginning of the story, overcame a marriage based on lies, and then, threw in two foundling children that reads like the part in the movie "Titanic" when Leo is carrying around a kid for no apparent reason. These kids didn't add to the story, nor did they bring any change to any characters that would affect the plot in a significant way. I'm wondering why to even have them there. The story has a great start, but I"m disappointed that the hero couldn't see past his own nose when it comes to dealing with people. He is supposed to be this awesome self-made man, but for someone who is that independent, he threw a lot of fits where his brother was concerned. I'm really not sure how he found the gumption to start his own company. The heroine is another matter. She is written as strong in her own way, but seriously lacks an economic bent. She gives away her medical services to the small community she lives in for free. Dude, girl needs a job! She has a skill, but she will not trade on her skill to make her life a little more comfortable.
These plot devices aside, Maxell is a good writer, and it was a very engaging story. However, it is one that needs serious revision and an editor who is awake.(less)
This is one in the Bastion Club series. I'm not sure which one, but I believe it is the second. I usually like Lauren's rather heavy style of writin...moreThis is one in the Bastion Club series. I'm not sure which one, but I believe it is the second. I usually like Lauren's rather heavy style of writing, but this one has too much introspection. Perhaps it was the ereader program I was using, but by the time I felt like I was ready for the story to take off, there it went off into introspection land again. This is one of those reads that if the hero & heroine had a good, honest, conversation with one another instead of bed hopping, then this book would be shorter, have a better pace, and be a lot more satisfying. The plot had excellent tones, and I was drawn to the action. The mystery was good, but with better pacing would have made for a more interesting read. I liked the characters, but I was more drawn to the other members of Bastion Club and will give other stories in this series a try.(less)
This story had an excellent plot, however, the female characters' personalities seemed to change about half way through. A spoiled heiress suddenly f...moreThis story had an excellent plot, however, the female characters' personalities seemed to change about half way through. A spoiled heiress suddenly found honorable backbone instead of whiny recklessness, a step-mother who seemed deep at the beginning of the story suddenly turned shallow. Bigger themes of grief were remarked upon, however, they weren't really explored in a manner where I really believed the hero & heroine had their HEA. There was a villain who was too easily vanquished, and the sibling themes were heavy, when there was no in the story to explore and iron out these differences. While these are the issues with the story, the hero's personality and positive traits stayed true though the whole book. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.(less)
This was a free download from amazon.com. Every once in a while, a book comes along that is just good, despite the title. The title and cover leads o...moreThis was a free download from amazon.com. Every once in a while, a book comes along that is just good, despite the title. The title and cover leads one to believe that this is a fluffy piece with lots of magic and mainly a witch with love life trouble. It is not. It is a witch with love life issues and a broader plot. For those who have read Kim Harrison's Hallows series--I would call this Kim Harrison Lite. The characters are complex, engaging, but the plot and twists are not as complicated as Harrison's writing. But, the story was tight and enjoyable enough to award 4 stars. (less)
This is a DNF. I'm half way though and still wondering what the point of it is, and wondering about the plot. I picked up "Juliet" based o...moreThis is a DNF. I'm half way though and still wondering what the point of it is, and wondering about the plot. I picked up "Juliet" based on a review by some bloggy people who usually steer me in the right direction. Plus, I liked the movies "High Fidelity" and "About a Boy" by the same author. However, this read just isn't for me. I would be done by now if the characters actually did more than introspect for long periods of time, which woud cut the work in half. Some of the internal dialogue is about art and what it means to individual people. Ironic, as this particular work slogs along with no real direction for at least half the book. I'm not willing to waste more time with this book to figure out where, if any, turning point takes place with the characters and the plot. No, I'm not invested in these fictional people enough to really care what happens to them to get to the end.(less)
This is another romp with Stephanie Plum. I read "One For the Money" back in 1995, so in the ensuing 16 years, Stephanie hasn't gotten any ...moreThis is another romp with Stephanie Plum. I read "One For the Money" back in 1995, so in the ensuing 16 years, Stephanie hasn't gotten any better at capturing the bad guys, the tension between Ranger and Morelli is still not resolved, and hairspray works just as well as pepper spray. That said, it is another good time that made me snigger, chuckle, and laugh out loud (lol for those of you who text). So, it gets five stars because it is still good fun. Even after 16 years. Wham!(less)
I downloaded this for free from one of Amazon.com's daily deals. I found the premise to be somewhat believable, the villan believable, and the heroin...moreI downloaded this for free from one of Amazon.com's daily deals. I found the premise to be somewhat believable, the villan believable, and the heroine well rounded with classical piano training. However, I had trouble with the hero as a perfect adonis. Sure, he had his baggage, but this really didn't add to the story or how the plot unfolded. There was enough suspense to keep me entertained (I have a low suspense threshold) and plenty of romantic pheromones flying. However, the story ended too neatly, and this was an ok read. I would recommend for a rainy day if it is free again.(less)
This is the forth book in the series, and while I've read the books in order, it has been some time since I read the last one. That said, Force keeps...moreThis is the forth book in the series, and while I've read the books in order, it has been some time since I read the last one. That said, Force keeps the characters from previous books alive and well in the series, but, the series must really be read in order to keep from confusing characters. The story was a bit shallow, while the story line was interesting. The teaser for the next book was great, and I will continue reading.(less)
I have to give Hoyt kudos for this novel. She made a villan from a past novel into a hero. We come to the story prepared to not like him, but he is ...moreI have to give Hoyt kudos for this novel. She made a villan from a past novel into a hero. We come to the story prepared to not like him, but he is balanced by the complexity of his character and basic human decency that he manages to hang on to, though raised in the slums. The heroine, Silence, stays true to her convictions and raises Charming Mickey to a higher standard. Overall a great read and one that I would recommend.(less)
This is a paranormal romance. While I usually don't do paranormal, something about this caught my eye. Perhaps it was the premise that it is an Iris...moreThis is a paranormal romance. While I usually don't do paranormal, something about this caught my eye. Perhaps it was the premise that it is an Irish/American story and that crossing the two cultures was easy for me to bridge. I really enjoyed the romance, the plot and sub-plot, complete with a nosy big sister that didn't take well to her brother dating anyone. The paranormal parts were believable. I wouldn't describe the romance as "heavy", but there was a nice balance between tensions, paranormal, and romance.(less)
I found this read to be good, and to send a modern message set in a historical manner. I found the hero, Ash, to be sympathetic, charismatic, and a g...moreI found this read to be good, and to send a modern message set in a historical manner. I found the hero, Ash, to be sympathetic, charismatic, and a guy that I would like to know. Most important, he lets Lady Margaret, the heroine, know that she matters. When someone is forced into duty and not truly able to to choose their own path, one can forget that they are more than the person that shoulders all of the responsibility when putting others' needs before their own. For that reason, Ash makes the perfect hero. I also like the tension of people forced to make hard choices, and then to live with those choices. Overall, this more than a one-dimensional romance read. I would recommend it to anyone.(less)
This is the second in a series, and for some reason, this story grabbed me. It is one of my new favorite contemporaries. The characters are intellig...moreThis is the second in a series, and for some reason, this story grabbed me. It is one of my new favorite contemporaries. The characters are intelligent (there was some Amazon discussion about how the author beat us over the head with this fact, but that seems to be a theme with her other titles as well), and faced morally questionable situations. I found the banter witty and I really like how the hero and heroine come out changed for the better on the other side. I found the situation that brought them together in the first place believable. I like how h/h stay together and find out that they really like each other. Sometimes, characters just stick with you, and for some reason, this fictional people and their story have stayed with me.(less)
This is a DNF. First, this is a Christian romance. While there is a market for that, I'm not a member. I like my romances gritty and to have some se...moreThis is a DNF. First, this is a Christian romance. While there is a market for that, I'm not a member. I like my romances gritty and to have some sex in it. Otherwise, what is the point of reading??? Anyway, I am really upset that this was not marketed as having a Christian slant, because I don't think that historical dukes really gave a rat's ass about their immortal souls in that particularly Calvinistic way we have today. I also don't mind heroes looking for redemption/spirituality, but I'm pretty sure the Anglican church at the time wasn't about "saving" people as we are today. In short, the book is preachy, and if I wanted to hear a sermon, I'd actually go to church. (less)
I think Asher did a great job researching and understanding the common threads that make us teens. It brought back a lot from high school, and in som...moreI think Asher did a great job researching and understanding the common threads that make us teens. It brought back a lot from high school, and in some ways, I was Hannah. I think he channeled my parents when Hannah states that she "....needs to trust people more...." and "....quit being pessimistic..." I want to highlight that it is the quiet ones that you have to watch out for. Being a former quiet one, I think he nailed it.
I had trouble with the whole audio cassette thing. A twenty-something friend started a conversation with us last spring about cassette tapes. The conversion started with "do you remember?" Remember, Yes! What progressed was a description of the technology, the importance of mixed tapes, and the inconvenience of the tapes coming un-wound in the player and the annoyance it was to reel them back in. That said, I don't know that a kid today with all of our technologies would have thought or even conceived the idea of leaving a message on audio tapes.
Other than the whole tape deal, it was a well thought out and great read. I think this one is going to stay with me for a while. (less)
I finished this book in one sitting. It is a YA, and it is great. There are many emotional topics facing teens (and the rest of us humans) today. I...moreI finished this book in one sitting. It is a YA, and it is great. There are many emotional topics facing teens (and the rest of us humans) today. It had raw descriptions of drug abuse and the effects on the family; small town small-mindedness, and homosexuality. There are many other issues addressed in the book, and it is done very well. I know it has gotten a lot of bad press about the issues addressed, and all I can say is that it seems like kids today are already seeped in these issues and it is nice to have a novel about finding strength.
An aside....the only other YA I've read recently is "The Hunger Games". The only similarity between the books is the heroine who are named "Cat" and "Katniss". They both have extraordinary experiences, but it is nice to read a YA that doesn't take place in an alternate world.(less)
The hero was a class-A jerk, and it was real hard to get over his jerky-ness for a HEA. The sub plot of a child with the hero suddenly taking an inte...moreThe hero was a class-A jerk, and it was real hard to get over his jerky-ness for a HEA. The sub plot of a child with the hero suddenly taking an interest kind of didn't work for me. But, the witty dialogue, pace and all the other great writing aspects of Gibson were there. It just didn't have the punch that I was looking for.(less)
I don't usually like the second book in the series, but something about the characters drew me in. I liked the ideals that each character had, and ho...moreI don't usually like the second book in the series, but something about the characters drew me in. I liked the ideals that each character had, and how each showed courage in ways they never thought possible. I also liked the contrast between doing something for love and sacrificing for each other. This will be a re-read.(less)
I really enjoyed the tension between the characters, and how each had to come to terms with their own goals and demons. A great illustration that a ...moreI really enjoyed the tension between the characters, and how each had to come to terms with their own goals and demons. A great illustration that a little honesty can go a long way, and that we as people can get caught up in noble intentions and lose sight of what is most important.(less)
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