What do you think?
Rate this book
Stars of Mithra #1-2
Fonkelende sterren: Jonkvrouw in nood / Wilde avonturen
Jonkvrouw in nood
Wanneer een radeloze vrouw bij detective Cade Parris aanklopt, aarzelt hij niet haar te helpen. De vrouw herinnert zich niets meer, maar heeft wel een koffer met meer dan één miljoen dollar bij zich én een gigantische diamant. Hij gelooft niet dat de vrouw dit alles gestolen heeft, daarvoor is ze te open en te eerlijk. Dat ze ook onweerstaanbaar is, probeert hij te negeren – dat leidt hem maar af van zijn werk…
Wilde avonturen
M.J. O'Leary schrikt zich dood wanneer ze wordt overvallen, maar omdat ze de zwarte band in karate heeft, kan ze terugvechten. De strijd is nog onbeslist wanneer ze beiden worden aangevallen door een gewapende man. Noodgedwongen kiest ze de kant van de eerste overvaller, en samen gaan ze ervandoor. Deze Jack Dakota blijkt bedrogen te zijn, en het lijkt erop dat het allemaal draait om de schitterende diamant die M.J. van een vriendin heeft gekregen…
Wanneer een radeloze vrouw bij detective Cade Parris aanklopt, aarzelt hij niet haar te helpen. De vrouw herinnert zich niets meer, maar heeft wel een koffer met meer dan één miljoen dollar bij zich én een gigantische diamant. Hij gelooft niet dat de vrouw dit alles gestolen heeft, daarvoor is ze te open en te eerlijk. Dat ze ook onweerstaanbaar is, probeert hij te negeren – dat leidt hem maar af van zijn werk…
Wilde avonturen
M.J. O'Leary schrikt zich dood wanneer ze wordt overvallen, maar omdat ze de zwarte band in karate heeft, kan ze terugvechten. De strijd is nog onbeslist wanneer ze beiden worden aangevallen door een gewapende man. Noodgedwongen kiest ze de kant van de eerste overvaller, en samen gaan ze ervandoor. Deze Jack Dakota blijkt bedrogen te zijn, en het lijkt erop dat het allemaal draait om de schitterende diamant die M.J. van een vriendin heeft gekregen…
446 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
35 people are currently reading
1341 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,227 books60.3k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
December 22, 2023
A great trilogy by Nora Roberts. I love how we "see" the villain and his thinking but don't know who he is yet.
April 10, 2022
I get this is a romance, and from 2007, but there were so many HR violations in the first few chapters, I couldn't finish reading. C'mon. Get with the times. When a trembling female needs a male protector, especially when she's in a bathrobe, she doesn't need sexual advances. On a professional level, when you are hired by a woman, you don't call her honey, etc. Above all, how DARE he take sexual advantage of a woman who has lost her memory. That's not love or romance, that's abuse. A true man would step back and give her respect and time to remember if she is married, in a relationship, etc.
SO MUCH HEAD HOPPING! In the middle of a scene there's another POV without line breaks. I wish the editors were more vigilant, not only with the physical edits, but with the changing times of what is sexually appropriate.
SO MUCH HEAD HOPPING! In the middle of a scene there's another POV without line breaks. I wish the editors were more vigilant, not only with the physical edits, but with the changing times of what is sexually appropriate.
March 13, 2018
I really liked both of these books and am chomping at the bit to read the last. Can't wait to see how it turns out. Great characters, love their personalities, strength and courage, suspense, a bit of action, some really tough spots, humor and endings that leave you quite ready for the next book. This had me turning pages, holding my breath, ready to knock some heads and rolling my eyes. Dig in!
May 7, 2018
This book was amazing!!! I recommend it to anyone who loves drama and a big diamond chase!!!
September 12, 2022
Always love this author. She can really tell a story. Really good read.
November 16, 2019
2.5 stars.
The writing in this book is fine though nothing particularly impressive and definitely not Roberts‘ best work but my larger Issue with this Set of Novelas Is that I simply was not a fan of the heroes, finding them overbearing and pushy in ways that were distinctly unappealing and the heroines didn’t redeem the books for me. These stories Also featured the sort of instalove I often find hard to swallow without He sort of relationship building that makes The devotion of two characters feel earned by the end of the book.
The writing in this book is fine though nothing particularly impressive and definitely not Roberts‘ best work but my larger Issue with this Set of Novelas Is that I simply was not a fan of the heroes, finding them overbearing and pushy in ways that were distinctly unappealing and the heroines didn’t redeem the books for me. These stories Also featured the sort of instalove I often find hard to swallow without He sort of relationship building that makes The devotion of two characters feel earned by the end of the book.
September 30, 2025
2.5 /5
I read the Dutch version and apparently it was the first two books together in one book.
At the first 50-100 pages I convinced myself to not to stop reading this book. Here I tell you why: There is a woman who lost her memory of everything including who she is and she hires a detective to find out who she is. The story starts out with an interesting plot but then this detective (Cade) take advantage of her emotions and approach her sexually. She was emotionally vulnerable what was expected her to do? Too much detailed sex scenes. Some of the dialogues and the fact that she got triggered due to current events and remember somethings from her past was good written.
The second part of the book was much better in terms of character depth and dialogues between MJ and Jack. In the english version the second book is where it tells about M.J. and Jack. But also they have met just that day and started making out. I would expect much more resistence from Jack’s side. He had no healthy connection throughout his lifetime and lived as a wanderer but somehow he got to know M.J since three days and they decided to get married.
If you want to park your logic to somewhere and read a sexually loaded romantic-crime (?) book, then this is the one; but if you search a logic behind the story then this is a very weak book. Since I also read it as Dutch practice and I was curious about the ending I kept reading to the end. Turns out there was a third book and nothing has been revelaed about the “bad guy” until the end of the second story and what we only got was: he was a “he” and he was angry. Some dialogues felt so real but the big picture (needing hot strong men to rescue them, getting engaged over 2 days without knowing people, blah blah) felt too much pretending and unreal.
I read the Dutch version and apparently it was the first two books together in one book.
At the first 50-100 pages I convinced myself to not to stop reading this book. Here I tell you why: There is a woman who lost her memory of everything including who she is and she hires a detective to find out who she is. The story starts out with an interesting plot but then this detective (Cade) take advantage of her emotions and approach her sexually. She was emotionally vulnerable what was expected her to do? Too much detailed sex scenes. Some of the dialogues and the fact that she got triggered due to current events and remember somethings from her past was good written.
The second part of the book was much better in terms of character depth and dialogues between MJ and Jack. In the english version the second book is where it tells about M.J. and Jack. But also they have met just that day and started making out. I would expect much more resistence from Jack’s side. He had no healthy connection throughout his lifetime and lived as a wanderer but somehow he got to know M.J since three days and they decided to get married.
If you want to park your logic to somewhere and read a sexually loaded romantic-crime (?) book, then this is the one; but if you search a logic behind the story then this is a very weak book. Since I also read it as Dutch practice and I was curious about the ending I kept reading to the end. Turns out there was a third book and nothing has been revelaed about the “bad guy” until the end of the second story and what we only got was: he was a “he” and he was angry. Some dialogues felt so real but the big picture (needing hot strong men to rescue them, getting engaged over 2 days without knowing people, blah blah) felt too much pretending and unreal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
Disappointing and disconcertingly unrealistic. Usually adore a good Nora Roberts, but this was pretty rubbish. The storyline was the only thing that kept it altogether. The protagonists had superficial depth and no character development and the interactions were rushed and weird.
Will absolutely read more of her books, but this series totally failed for me, so much so that I may skip the last book.
Will absolutely read more of her books, but this series totally failed for me, so much so that I may skip the last book.
January 4, 2019
Yes, this was an engaging story. From the first chapter on I was comparing this book to those written in the era of Dashiel Hammet. Of course, I will finish the series. I hate to leave anything unfinished.
July 28, 2021
I normally love Nora Roberts, although my reading tastes may have changed... but this was awful to read. I'm sorry! I feel bad saying it. But the instant head over heels in love for two different couples, the ridiculous banter during intimate moments and the over the top sex scenes had me rolling my eyes while reading. I wanted to quit it so many times but I didn't want to feel my already invested time was wasted, so I finished. And I still won't know how they solve the mystery but I don't care enough to find out.
October 1, 2017
This was an unexpected guilty pleasure! I'm not one for romance but I don't mind a little chick lit here and there (I was genre-ly confused by the blurb), so I took this along for my island holiday and it was quite enjoyable! I mean, maybe it was because I was in a good mood from soaking up paradise solo, but I let myself get carried away by these characters and I found them quite delightful. Devoured both stories pretty fast!
The second was my favourite of the two, and while I (as always with my delayed reviews) remember impressions more than actual happenings, I seem to recall a bad boy that set my heart a-flutter. I remember feeling pretty ripped off that there was a third story I didn't have (and to this day, still have not read).
It's no literary genius but it tugs at the heart a little and should be an enjoyable read for those with high levels of openness and low levels of expectations. I'm sure the cynical me would throw all kinds of criticisms at this on a re-read but as it stands I'll allow this as my dirty little romance secret.
The second was my favourite of the two, and while I (as always with my delayed reviews) remember impressions more than actual happenings, I seem to recall a bad boy that set my heart a-flutter. I remember feeling pretty ripped off that there was a third story I didn't have (and to this day, still have not read).
It's no literary genius but it tugs at the heart a little and should be an enjoyable read for those with high levels of openness and low levels of expectations. I'm sure the cynical me would throw all kinds of criticisms at this on a re-read but as it stands I'll allow this as my dirty little romance secret.
August 21, 2025
Stars by Nora Roberts contains two novellas featuring the stolen rare diamonds that are worth killing for...and someone is definitely hunting them down. The diamonds were found and then separated. Each one with one woman friend to keep safe. But the dangers they face and the killer who won't stop until he gets them makes for a fantastic ride. Suspenseful, thrilling, and fun Nora Roberts should have her books made into movies. These stories would sell out fast. The second novella in this duo is a continuation of the stolen diamonds with the second woman. The first diamond ends up in a museum therefore the killer can't reach it. But he's still hopeful he can obtain the second diamond. The third novella is not included in this book only the first two novellas in the series are. I highly recommend this for all romantic suspense and crime fiction fans.
I bought this book from my library's used book sale. This is my voluntary review.
I bought this book from my library's used book sale. This is my voluntary review.
January 24, 2020
Thank the Gods I have the 3rd book in this series because I need to know how it ends. I was dubious about keeping the few Nora Roberts books that I have because they're somewhat dated and I didn't know if I'd really care all that much. Then I read the first page of the first book in this bind-up, and I was sooooooo glad I decided to give her a try and didn't get rid of the rest that I own. I get why she's so popular - yes it's a little dated, but I can honestly forgive that, and I cannot wait to start Grace's story.
June 29, 2025
Maybe it’s bc I don’t like romance but I couldn’t stand this book LOL. The women needed a strong stubborn hot stranger man to help them solve their problems and save their lives? They meet and fall in love over 2 Days and then both couples end up engaged… after knowing these men for 2 days.. and in times of distress the guys would just cup their face and say “let it out sugar” BLEH. And MJ was such a pick me girl I couldn’t stand it. I pushed on just to finally finish it then realized the end of the trilogy isn’t even included… will not be reading the last part lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2017
I never can get enough of Nora Roberts's books; they're all amazing! This one contains two stories in one and both were great. I found myself wishing that the third one was included as well just because I wasn't ready to put the book down yet. It's safe to say that I know what I'll be combing the book shelves for next!
May 16, 2018
This book had 2 books out of the star trilogy (Hidden Star and Captive Star) They were good, but when I got to the end I was left wondering what about Grace and the third star? That’s when I did some research realized there is a third book called Secret Star. I will add that to my want to read list.
March 10, 2020
Love,love,love this book, it brings out the childish nativity of fairytale romances and combines them with a dark plot, while not taking out the seriousness of the prose, shortly put it's a great book and i can't wait to read #3 only problem is i don't know where to get it, I've searched but nothing.
October 16, 2025
The two stories were fast paced... Enough to trigger the "you can't fall in love with someone you just met" spiel but I enjoyed the plot. For Hidden Star, Bailey's amnesia was an interesting plot device whereas in Captive Star the forced proximity between MJ and Jack was deliciously spicy. Still, I highly doubt this is something that could happen in reality but that's what romance fiction is for.
February 28, 2019
You can tell it was written in the late nineties, what with the medical cd that came with the computer, but I really did enjoy these two stories. And I like how they are structured, so you get the satisfaction of an ending, but there is the back plot yet to complete.
January 5, 2020
Two very interesting storylines with excellent character development. A mystery with a romantic twist. I enjoyed and recommend these five star reads. Looking forward to part 3 and reading more from this author.
October 9, 2024
I like the book and it was a fun read but found it a bit of a stretch that all of the main characters fell in love in just one day?
Also, it would have been nice to have closure on what happened to Grace but I guess answers are in the third book of the series.
Also, it would have been nice to have closure on what happened to Grace but I guess answers are in the third book of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
Really tempting to be snobby about these books as they’re such easy reads but in reality I kept turning the pages to find out what happened and enjoyed the adventure. Not her best but still entertaining
June 14, 2017
Love it, great read filled with romance and suspense.
January 27, 2019
Only read the Hidden Star portion of the story
June 19, 2019
Good book
July 21, 2019
I liked Hidden Star more than Captive Star. I wish they had put all three books in one volume instead of just the first two.
Read
December 31, 2019Oh okay I just thought of something—how dare they republish TWO THIRDS OF A TRILOGY in one book? Where the hell am I supposed to find the third one? This is criminal.
June 26, 2022
This is the 3rd time I'm reading this trilogy and it still slaps! Love it! ❤️
December 18, 2023
Two awesome stories
December 11, 2024
Totally wasn't expecting this type of story the fast falling in love was a bit much but I did enjoy the story & relationships
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews