A Useful Affair, by Stella Cameron

August 26, 20097 Comments

Finished 8-24-09, rating 2.5/5, historical romance, pub.2004

“You are extraordinary,” he said as if he hadn’t heard a word she said. “I have never seen hair quite the color of yours. Not red, not brown, not blond. Amazing.”

Hattie bent over her paint box. What would such a man see in her? And why would he go out of his way to flatter her when he could have almost any woman he fancied. And he knew she was married! Unless he had an ulterior motive…Surely not.

Chapter 3

John Elliot, the Marquis of Granville, escaped from being murdered at sea and managed to also save his small cousin, although not her parents. As the two escape to Bath John plans revenge against Bernard Leggit by having a very public affair with Bernard’s wife, Hattie. Hattie is is 40 years younger than Bernard and was forced to marry him to save her parents and she thinks an affair with John might suit her purposes as well. The two do not count on falling for each other or how dangerous and twisted Bernard really is.

I did not care for this historical romance even though I picked it off my shelf because I was in the mood to be swept away and off my feet. I did not like or feel any sympathy for John or Hattie. They were cold fish to me and I never did warm up to them. There were a lot of characters in the book and there was quite a bit going on, but I was bored. I almost gave up on it a hundred pages in, but I have a hard time doing that. I will say that my reading pace picked up not because I couldn’t wait to get to the next page, but because I couldn’t wait to get to the last page.

Now that I’ve bashed it I can say that it earned a 2.5 because the plot was decent and I liked the secondary character, Snowflake. The insipid writing (see quote I chose) dragged the plot down but I did want to know what happened and there was one secondary plot that was a payoff in the end.

Comfort & Joy, by Kristin Hannah

June 4, 2009June 4, 20097 Comments

Finished audio 6-2-09, rating 3/5, romance, pub. 2005

Joy is facing her first Christmas since she came home one day to find her sister in bed with her husband. As she is trying to come to terms with the holiday her sister, Stacey, shows up at her house, pregnant and offering a wedding invitation. Instead of facing the betrayal of the two people she has loved most marrying each other she heads to the airport, ready to hop on a plane to anywhere. She chooses a charter flight to Canada and the plane adds to her run of bad luck by crashing.

Joy walks away from the crash and takes refuge in an old fishing resort in the rain forest of the Pacific Northwest. There she is befriended by a boy who has just lost his mother and develops a crush on the boy’s father. Joy faces the truth of life back home and coming to terms with her sister.

I found this novel a bit tedious for the first few discs, but it was easy to follow (you could almost say too easy) and so it worked out okay for car listening. Then about halfway through there was an interesting twist that awakened my curiosity and imagination. Unbelievable, yes, but romantically appealing.

My biggest problem with the book was Joy’s relationship with her sister. It was completely unbelievable. I don’t have a sister, but if this sister says she loves you and is your closest friend and then not only sleeps with your husband, but continues the relationship, even starting a new family with him, well, I’d have to say your sister may not love you all that much. But somehow Joy attempts to forge ahead with a relationship and it seems so silly. It seemed like the moral of the story and yet it was completely unbelievable.

It was very uneven storytelling. I didn’t mind listening to it in the car, wouldn’t really recommend it.

Fox River, by Emilie Richards

May 10, 2009May 10, 20097 Comments

Finished 5-8-09, rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 2001

“It’s a fork in the road,” Maisy said, stroking her daughter’s hair. “And you don’t even feel up to walking a straight line. But you will. You can. You’ll get through this honey, and make all the right choices. There’s no question.”

For once in her life Julia was profoundly grateful to be suffocated in her mother’s soft arms. But as she sobbed, she wondered who was comforting Christian. Who would tell Christian that at this critical fork in the road he would take the right path? Who would hold him and reassure him?

She knew, without a doubt, it should have been her.

Chapter 11

This grand sweeping romance will draw you into the world of horses and fox hunting and the privileged people who live there. Julia, who comes from the most respected of horsemen families, is a woman who has had to deal with a lot of tragedy in her almost 30 years and it all culminates with a fall off a horse that leaves her blind. Her father died when she was too young to remember, her best friend was murdered, her boyfriend was sent to prison for the murder, and the last of the foursome was killed in a car crash. And this is all before she begins to think her nine year marriage may be over.

Christian was released from prison when another inmate confessed to the murder, but nine years is a long time to serve for a crime you didn’t commit. He is welcomed back to Virginia horse country by the man who had taken him in as a teenager and had never stopped believing in his innocence. Now he just has to face down locals who still believe he’s guilty and face up to Julia, whose trouble on the stand helped send him to prison.

Julia’s mother, Maisy, is a wonderful character who takes in her daughter and granddaughter and shares a novel she’s writing which becomes another story within Fox River. There is no shortage of action and it all weaves together perfectly for a wonderful family saga full of life and death, lies and betrayal, love and revenge.

I adored this story. I think if you are interested in horses or fox hunting you might appreciate it more, but it is certainly not a necessity. This is my first Emilie Richards novel, but it won’t be my last! Read my interview with her here.

Blue Smoke, by Nora Roberts

May 2, 20095 Comments

Finished 4-26-09, rating 4/5, romantic thriller, pub. 2005

“Something else I need to talk to you about.” He set down hos fork, looked into her eyes. “Pastorelli’s out.”

“He–” She drew herself in, glanced around to see if any of her family could overhear. “When?”

“Last week. I just got word.”

Chapter 5

Reena was only 11 years old when she watched her family restaurant burn to the ground. She had been attacked by a boy in her class and their two fathers had come to blows, causing the other father to take a match to their family livelihood. Years go by as Reena studies to become a member of the arson unit and she returns home to the Little Italy area of Baltimore. She is welcomed with open arms by her large Italian family and life settles into family, fires, and the occasional boyfriend. She is a strong woman who has a hard time finding a man who admires her determination and when she does the relationships end in death or abuse.

I really liked this book. I liked Reena, although I didn’t love her. The secondary characters were fun and lovable and well developed. I’d love to read another story involving the Hale clan. I think it is the large family with so much love and loyalty that made this book feel so cozy. The hero, Bo Goodnight, was a dream and easy to fall for. Who doesn’t want a well-built, handsome carpenter who fell in love with you at first sight and has spent years trying to find you?

I’m not sure I would classify this as a thriller. It is more of a family/romantic drama? There was a mystery, but it really wasn’t that hard to figure out. Actually, my biggest complaint is that for a smart woman, Reena was a little slow in seeing the obvious.

I’m not a Nora Roberts fan, but I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for a fun, fast-paced read.

Storm Rider, by Cassie Edwards

April 29, 2009April 29, 20092 Comments

Finished 4-22-09, rating 2/5, romance, pub. 2002

Storm Rider was that man!

Soon the Snake’s evil deeds would be a thing of the past. Then, and only then, could Storm Rider think of other things…most important, having a woman in his blankets to love, to cherish.

And then there would be children!

Chapter 2

Tabitha Daniel became Talking Rain the day her parents were killed and she was taken in by the Chief of the Crow tribe. She was accepted as a member of the tribe, even though her blonde beauty and independent spirit set her apart. Then Chief Storm Rider shows up wanted to reach a compromise with the Crows and Talking Rain finds herself drawn to him. When a stunt goes too far Talking Rain finds herself a captive of Storm Rider and she is at his mercy.

I found the story melodramatic and the writing tedious. They were obssessed with one another at the very first look and there were pages and pages filled with alternating lustful and resisting thoughts and feelings without any real action. And, while I love a good exclamation point ! there were so many that it was distracting. (Have you ever watched the Seinfeld episode where Elaine edited a book and used an ! every other sentence? Then you know what I’m talking about.)

Cassie Edwards is a New York Times Bestselling Author, so I have to think I just read one of her less successful titles. I don’t think I’d read another by her, but if you have a favorite, leave a comment.

The Inn at Eagle Point, Sherryl Woods

April 23, 20094 Comments

Finished 4-20-09, rating 4/5, romance, pub. 2009

“Come on, Trace, be reasonable,” Abby pleaded. “I need to get back to New York. I have a job. Jess knows what has to be done. I trust her.”

“You’re her sister. I’m her banker,” he said. “Unless you agree to my terms, we’ll proceed with the foreclosure.”

He looked from Abby to Jess, then back again. “Well, what’s it going to be? Will I see you tomorrow?”

Chapter 4

Book 1 in the Chesapeake Shores Trilogy

Abby O’Brien is a successful portfolio manager on Wall Street and the oldest of 5 siblings. When their mother left them it was up to Abby to take care of the family. The Dad, Mick, lost himself in travel for work and Gram moved in to help care for the kids. Now Abby must return home to Chesapeake Shores to help her baby sister, Jess. She has her twin daughters in tow and a torch for her lost love, Trace Riley. Trace is back in Chesapeake Shores due to a summons by his father, but finds he wants to stay when Abby shows up. He just has to find a way to keep her there. Abby and Trace are wonderful characters full of strength and love.

Although this is the central story, there is so much more going on. The O’Brien’s are a dysfunctional, but loving family and the town of Chesapeake Shores sounds like a great place to live or, at least, visit for a few weeks. We get to know the feisty Jess and melancholy Mick as well as the mother who left them all those years ago.

This was Abby and Trace’s story, but I am looking forward to the next installment about the O’Brien clan, Flowers on Main. I took this to Mexico and it was the perfect beach read. Now if I could only get back to the beach when the next one comes out next month…

Come back tomorrow for my interview with the author, Sherryl Woods.

What I Did for Love, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

February 22, 2009February 22, 20093 Comments

Finished 2-20-09, rating 3.5/5, romance, pub. 2009

She dropped the tabloid and turned to flee, but they’d trapped her. She tried to back up, but they were behind her, in front of her, surrounding her with their hot strobes and heartless shouts. Their smell clogged her nostrils – sweat, cigarettes, acrid cologne. Someone stepped on her foot. An elbow caught her in the side. They pressed closer, stealing her air, suffocating her… (Chapter 1)

Georgie York grew up in front of the camera becoming the darling of sitcom tv. Her life in the eight years since has become a circus. She married Lance, a hugely successful action star, and he left her for the icy do-gooder, Jade. He spread lies after their break-up, but his betrayal only cemented Georgie’s title of America’s sweetheart. But her movies have tanked and she has become a paparazzi magnet, making her life a game of cat and mouse.

Bram had spent eight miserable years rescuing Georgie from thorny situations, but his days of playing gallant Skip Scofield to Georgie’s spunky Scooter Brown were long behind him. This time Scooter Brown could save her own ass – or, more likely, wait around for Daddy to do it. (Chapter 1)

Bram Shepard was wildly popular when he and Georgie played Skip and Scooter, but he had ruined that opportunity with drinking, drugs, and a sex tape. Now, he received only small offers in B movies and he was trying to find a way to reform himself in the eyes of studio execs who didn’t trust him.

Georgie and Bram hated each other, but a few drugged drinks, a marriage certificate, and a sleazy paparazzi forced them to come to terms with each other, literally. Georgie could not endure another scandalous marriage so soon after Lance, so she made a deal with the devil. Bram would stay married to Georgie for a hefty fee and use her to gain respectability.

There are great secondary characters in this book. Georgie’s father, Paul, appears heartless and his slow thaw was a wonderful story. I loved Bram’s young cook, Chaz, and Georgie’s confidence lacking assistant, Aaron. The only problem may have been that at times they, especially Chaz, overshadowed Georgie and Bram.

Anyone who knows the Brad, Jen, Angelina story will recognize it here. And if you need last names you may not be interested in this celebrity culture story. I think the story is very current in that that tabloid reporters are taking greater and more dangerous steps to get the money shot, and it was interesting to see it from the other side.

I have read every one of Phillips’ books and while I really liked this one it was not my favorite. Bram and Georgie had chemistry and sass, but the end became sentimental mush. I think she’s great, but if you have never read her, this is not the book to start with.

Working Stiff, by Tori Carrington

January 29, 2009Leave a comment

Finished 1-28-09, rating 3.5/5, fiction, pub. 2008

Book 4 of the Sophie Metropolis series

“I’d been so busy questioning the restraints on my life, I haven’t had a chance to focus on the possibilities.

My parents’ fault? Or my own?

The jury was still out on that one. Although the verdict wouldn’t matter…

Now it was up to me to convince myself that there wasn’t a thing out there I couldn’t do.”

Chapter 27

Sophie Metropolis is turning into quite the successful private investigator. She has a few big cases under her belt, but is far from esteemed in her Astoria, Queens community. Now she is asked to find a dead body that has disappeared from her Aunt Sotiria’s funeral home and hired to prove an alleged murderer innocent. Her assistant is as sassy as ever and her pseudo reformed cousin is proving helpful.

While business is booming, her personal life is getting complicated. Her dog, Muffy, is acting weird and when a stray black cat takes up residence in her apartment the high-jinks ensue. Sexy Greek, Dino, is warming Sophie’s bed until a chance encounter leaves her questioning their relationship. And when hot Aussie, Jake Porter, rolls back into town he knows just how to make Sophie forget about Dino.

Sophie seemed a little more introspective and perhaps a little depressed this time around. Maybe is was her messed up romantic life and her fight with her sister, but Sophie was less irreverent in this book. And I missed her nosy Greek family. I did love that her relationship with Muffy is evolving. Overall, I liked the book, but maybe not as much as the previous ones.

I’ve mentioned before that this series reminds me of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, but with more heart. The characters are comical without being cartoon characters and there are fewer (okay, none) outrageous shootouts. This was my least favorite Sophie Metropolis mystery and I still prefer it over Stephanie Plum.

A Gentle Rain, by Deborah Smith

January 22, 2009January 22, 20091 Comment

Finished on 1-20-09, rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 2007

Shakey pointed a fake finger at me. “You and that scar-faced mare? You’re racin’ for all of us who are missin’ a part or two. You probably won’t win, but at least you’ll get in the game. You’re proof that God needs even the angels who are missin’ a wing.”

Chapter 20

Kara was raised as one of the elite. Worth millions, with powerful friends in all the right places, she always felt inferior to her very successful relatives. When her parents die she discovers she had been adopted and decides to find her bith parents. Mac and Lily are still together and living on the Thocco Ranch. Kara changes her name and heads to Florida where she ingratiates herself into the lives of everyone at the ranch.

Ben Thocco has come up the hard way. Born dirt poor he lost his parents at a young age and had to escape to Mexico with his younger brother so the courts would not separate them. Now, in his late 30’s, he is a successful Florida ranch owner still caring for his younger brother who suffers from Down’s Syndrome and a serious heart condition. His ranch hands are special needs adult who contribute to the ranch and form a makeshift family of society’s outcasts.

This story of mentally challenged adults and a love between two people who need each other really touched me. The theme of being different and being loved and accepted anyway is one that we should all be reminded of from time to time. The book drew me in because of the people, but there was also so much story to tell. Ben is fighting to save his ranch and his brother’s life and Kara is trying to come to terms with her wealth and what is best for her birth parents.

I thought the last section of the book had more story than it really needed and I wish I could say more, but it might spoil it. The end was too tidy and that is the only reason this didn’t rate higher for me.

This book will appeal to many people. Jane Austen fans will love the quotes sprinkled throughout the book. Floridians, ranchers, and horse racing fans will enjoy the story. Anyone interested in the emotional impact of finding out you’re adopted will not be disappointed. And, of course, anyone who has someone in their life that is different will appreciate the story of the Thocco Ranch.

The Angel, by Carla Neggers

January 21, 20094 Comments

Finished 1-18-09, rating 4/5, romantic suspense, pub. 2008

This is not a sequel, but it is book 2 of the Boston PD-FBI series.

She joined him at the table, her cheeks flushed as she buttered a small piece of bread. “Once upon a time,” she said, laying on her Irish accent, “there were three brothers who lived on the southwest coast of Ireland–a farmer, a hermit monk and a ne’er-do-well, who was, of course, everybody’s favorite…

Prologue

And so begins the magical tale of the three brothers and the Stone Angel. This Irish legend is the basis of Keira’s impending six-week trip to Ireland. She is a successful folklorist and illustrator who is researching Irish stories for an upcoming conference and the trip to Ireland is both professional and personal. Her mother, now a religious recluse, had gone to Ireland in her youth and returned home pregnant with Keira.

Keira’s uncle, Boston homicide detective Bob O’Reilly, was concerned about her, even more so when she discovers a man dead the night before she leaves. When he doesn’t hear from her in Ireland he calls a search-and-rescue expert to find her. When Simon finds her the sparks fly and Simon stays by her side as they head back to Boston. Once back in Boston a wide range of characters and mishaps prove that the legend may have some truth and every one who knows about it is at risk.

This book really does have a magical feel to it. There are angels, fairies, Satan, and evil, all fighting an ageless battle. I’ve never really been interested in fairy tales or folktales, but I must admit there is something very romantic and mystical about them that I’ve never really appreciated. Also, I fell in love with Ireland even though most of the action was in Boston. The mystery and rugged beauty appealed to me and now I might have to put Ireland on my list of hopeful vacation destinations!

This is not a sequel, but I think you will not fully appreciate this story without reading the first, The Widow. My review is here. Abigail, Owen, and Abigail’s father all play significant roles and I appreciate that she incorporated them into the story instead of them being relegated to a mere mention here and there.

Book 3, The Mist, will be released this summer. I am looking forward to it 🙂

Stacy's Books

books, movies, and boy

Tag: romance