Black Hills

by Nora Roberts

If you’re looking for a reliable, fun, summer read then Black Hills will surely bring enjoyment to your reading. Having moved in with my mom and no love life to speak of Black Hills put me in the mood for romance and reading.


Cooper Sullivan is an 11 year old boy sent to spend his summer in the quaintness of his youth on his grandparents’ ranch where he meets the girl next door, Lil Chance. Theirs is a sweet, saccharine friendship that only exists before you’re a teenager. And I loved it.

But everything changes as Lil and Coop get older and give in to the attraction and become lovers who are separated by life. However, they are forever bonded by the site of a rare cougar close-up and a murdered hiker in their beloved Black Hills.

As adults, Coop is brought back to Black Hills (and Lil) after his grandfather becomes injured. Childhood resentments and the distant feelings of long lost lovers percolate the relationship between Coop and Lil who is now owner of a Wildlife Refuge. As their relationship works itself out Coop and Lil are faced with murders in their beloved community as well as threats to the Lil’s beloved wildlife refuge.

I admit I am a Roberts fan. If you’ve ever read Nora Roberts than this book holds few surprises. The characters are interesting, sweet and perfect. The suspense is a bit lacking due to knowing who the killer is fairly early in the plot. And Roberts could have cut the book by about 50-100 pages. BUT, she knows how to tell a story. And she knows how to tell romance that resonates with he reader. I liked how she brought the wild cats to life as well as the workings of a wildlife refuge. If you’re a Roberts junkie and need your fix pick this up. It’s enjoyable and fun. You won’t be disappointed. Now it’s on to…The Search.

L'amour, les fleurs et des bonbons

Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day. Everywhere I go-grocery store, Starbucks, gym- all I hear are proposed plans for the day of romance and love. After Valentine’s Day last year I’ve become a misanthrope who believes the day of love and romance is only for those who have something to prove. I’m a misanthrope about love on this day especially after a bizarre and outlandish tale that occurred last Valentine’s Day.

I had a crush on a tall, dark, handsome, educated, athletic man who happened to have a girlfriend. I admired him from afar for two years. While at work we always exchanged the usual pleasantries: Hello, how are you? Hope things are well. Talk to you later.

Four days before Valentine’s Day my crush called me at my desk to flirt and then ask me who I was dating. No one special. This tempting, naughty man proceeded to vividly explain his Valentine’s Day plans with his girlfriend. They included his homemade lasagna, wine and candles for a quiet romantic evening in. As I sat at my desk listening to the details I wondered if this was a new form of courtship. Michael Stirling would never seduce a woman this way. Thinking I need to get off the phone immediately this boorish man said he said he wanted to meet for drink later.

Fascinated by unavailable, confident, saucy men I met him for a drink on February 13th. I had a good time flirting and enjoying his sexiness and taut muscles. It’s late. I need to get home. I have to work in the morning. He dropped me off and five minutes later I received a text from this daring man asking if he could rest his tired body in my bed. I didn’t t savor the idea of being second to any woman despite lust and desire so of course I had to say no…this time.

Nora Robert’s would never have a romantic hero try and sleep with another woman at midnight on Valentine’s Day. I want a man who can seduce me with frilly things, dinner, trips, a man who wants no one else but me. I’m on the search to find just that.

Northern Lights

by Nora Roberts

I decided to read this book after having watched the Lifetime movie with Leann Rimes and Eddie Cibrian. The book was entertaining but about 100 pages too long (sorry Ms. Roberts). Towards the end I felt Roberts just wanted to write because she could and I grew bored. However, before the last 100 pages I was engrossed. Roberts paints such an idyllic scene in Lunacy, Alaska, I decided for a few days I should move to a charming town in the brisk, isolated state to find my own Nate Burke.

Nate is a city man who comes to Lunatic for a fresh start after a tragic accident. Nate immediately discovers that his new town is full of eccentric characters led by the aggressive and abrasive Meg. Meg is not like many women in romance novels or ones that I have encountered in my everyday life. Meg uses sex as sport and the words she uses to convey her desire for sex sometimes seem a bit harsh and unrealistic. I’ve never approached a man like Meg does Nate but it works for her. It seems as though Meg lives her life through a series of one night stands, but her language about it can be a bit off putting.

Nate Burke, the real guy fantasy hero of Northern Lights is emotional, tall and a man who loves his job (and he knows how to use a gun, sexy!). I had no trouble imagining warming up to him in the snow covered Alaska. I still can’t figure out why he fell in love with Meg but then again we can’t choose who we fall in love with or why for that matter. Because I love cops, who are strong, have feelings and are a bit jealous, Nate Burke is definitely on # 4 on my Sultry Six.