by Robert Goolrick
While in Seattle I wondered into a small locally owned bookstore and browsed the shelves. The kind of bookstore that has staff recommendations on every shelf and in every category and all of them make every book sound amazing. That’s how I ended up with A Reliable Wife. A rave review and a list of endorsements on the back had me. Not to mention the cover. However, I discovered early on that this isn’t my type of book.
Robert Goolrick has a definitive writing style which I have discovered some people love. I found it annoying and boring. I love lush writing but I was just put off. It took me until the end of the book to care what was going to happen and even then I really didn’t care that much.
Catherine, a complex woman, with a master plan to marry and destroy the wealthy widow Ralph Truitt. As Catherine’s plan to murder her new husband comes to fruition complex memories surface for herself, Ralph, Alice and Antonio. Can she slowly poison the only man who has ever cared for her?
Ralph gives up on love, life and redemption. As he lies in bed debilitated I grew infuriated with his lack of caring for himself or for his family. Can a man who knows the sins of wife really be that forgiving and listless? Only as he witnesses Antonio’s crime against Catherine does he show the emotions of a man who cares. But for me it was too late to care about anyone in the book.
Bottomline, if you love romances this is not the book for you. Even if you like to read something a little bit different now and then this still might not be the book for you.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Beautiful and Damned
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This has been on my booklist for a long time. A classic I’ve always wanted to read. F. Scott Fitzgerald is a literary genius. He has the gorgeous ability to clothe the English language in a way that is accessible yet beautiful. I had never had the pleasure of reading anything by F. Scott Fitzgerald however after reading such an exquisitely written book I am clamoring to read The Great Gatsby.
Quite simply an insight into early romantic love and its tender kisses and words, marriage, alcoholism, greed, ambition, and squandered talent. Succumb to the dialogue of the early 20th century and you will not be disappointed in the incredible linguistic abilities of Fitzgerald to enrapture you in the decadence and liveliness of the age and the portrayal of two flawed characters, Anthony and Gloria Patch.
Anthony Patch, Harvard educated, expecting a rather large inheritance from his grandfather meets the unobtainable and gorgeous Gloria with whom he has absolutely nothing in common. Despite the obvious incompatibilities Anthony decides he must have her. Anthony, of no particular skill or ambition except to socialize with friends and discuss philosophical matters and Gloria with no particular ambition except to join him.
Fitzgerald expertly portrays early romance where kisses are remembered through each action and you can’t wait to see the other person. Together, they embark on fantasies where they live in far off places with gobs of money and no worries. However, soon after the ceremony realization hits them and slowly descend into a life or parties, alcohol and desperation.
The fierce arguments about finances. They spent their life striving for money and friends and music and more alcohol until the life they imagined was a distant memory. The inheritance never comes and the fight for material things has ruined their lives. Fitzgerald is a master at communicating the lifestyle of the privileged at the turn of the century and that is part of the book’s charm. As someone who doesn’t drink very often there are a lot of mentions of different types of alcohol in the story.
Fitzgerald says: Happiness is only the alleviation of some especially intense misery. This is such a heartbreaking and truthful look at relationships. It makes you think of the relationships in your own life. I read they are making this book into a movie with Leo Dicaprio as the lead. Should be an interesting adaption if done right. Treat yourself and pick this book up next time you see it.
This has been on my booklist for a long time. A classic I’ve always wanted to read. F. Scott Fitzgerald is a literary genius. He has the gorgeous ability to clothe the English language in a way that is accessible yet beautiful. I had never had the pleasure of reading anything by F. Scott Fitzgerald however after reading such an exquisitely written book I am clamoring to read The Great Gatsby.
Quite simply an insight into early romantic love and its tender kisses and words, marriage, alcoholism, greed, ambition, and squandered talent. Succumb to the dialogue of the early 20th century and you will not be disappointed in the incredible linguistic abilities of Fitzgerald to enrapture you in the decadence and liveliness of the age and the portrayal of two flawed characters, Anthony and Gloria Patch.
Anthony Patch, Harvard educated, expecting a rather large inheritance from his grandfather meets the unobtainable and gorgeous Gloria with whom he has absolutely nothing in common. Despite the obvious incompatibilities Anthony decides he must have her. Anthony, of no particular skill or ambition except to socialize with friends and discuss philosophical matters and Gloria with no particular ambition except to join him.
Fitzgerald expertly portrays early romance where kisses are remembered through each action and you can’t wait to see the other person. Together, they embark on fantasies where they live in far off places with gobs of money and no worries. However, soon after the ceremony realization hits them and slowly descend into a life or parties, alcohol and desperation.
The fierce arguments about finances. They spent their life striving for money and friends and music and more alcohol until the life they imagined was a distant memory. The inheritance never comes and the fight for material things has ruined their lives. Fitzgerald is a master at communicating the lifestyle of the privileged at the turn of the century and that is part of the book’s charm. As someone who doesn’t drink very often there are a lot of mentions of different types of alcohol in the story.
Fitzgerald says: Happiness is only the alleviation of some especially intense misery. This is such a heartbreaking and truthful look at relationships. It makes you think of the relationships in your own life. I read they are making this book into a movie with Leo Dicaprio as the lead. Should be an interesting adaption if done right. Treat yourself and pick this book up next time you see it.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Deep Waters
by Jayne Ann Krentz
Elias Winters and Charity Truitt are two powerful business executives in Seattle, WA who surrender their lucrative careers for a quieter and simpler life in Whispering Waters Cove, WA. Creating sparks from their first meeting Charity and Elias are an enjoyable couple to read.
However, the small town of the Cove isn’t what it appears. Their longed for quieter life is disrupted by a disruptive cult and a series of mysterious deaths to locals. The mystery of the book doesn’t last for long. I figured it out long before the end but really you’ll read this book for the chemistry between the two main characters.
Charity and Elias are both flawed. Elias must deal with his feelings of guilt and remorse for the toll his revenge plots have taken on himself and others. Charity must learn to trust others and her emotions before she can be successful with someone else. Their romance is unconventional especially since they are brought closer by murder, break-ins and danger lurking at every corner. If you enjoy a man’s man who has a lot of muscles and knows how to fight and break people’s noses then you will love Elias Winters.
The supporting characters are colorful ranging from the space ship cult followers to the local shopkeepers. They are charming and add significantly to the setting and tone of this Krentz story.
Elias Winters and Charity Truitt are two powerful business executives in Seattle, WA who surrender their lucrative careers for a quieter and simpler life in Whispering Waters Cove, WA. Creating sparks from their first meeting Charity and Elias are an enjoyable couple to read.
However, the small town of the Cove isn’t what it appears. Their longed for quieter life is disrupted by a disruptive cult and a series of mysterious deaths to locals. The mystery of the book doesn’t last for long. I figured it out long before the end but really you’ll read this book for the chemistry between the two main characters.
Charity and Elias are both flawed. Elias must deal with his feelings of guilt and remorse for the toll his revenge plots have taken on himself and others. Charity must learn to trust others and her emotions before she can be successful with someone else. Their romance is unconventional especially since they are brought closer by murder, break-ins and danger lurking at every corner. If you enjoy a man’s man who has a lot of muscles and knows how to fight and break people’s noses then you will love Elias Winters.
The supporting characters are colorful ranging from the space ship cult followers to the local shopkeepers. They are charming and add significantly to the setting and tone of this Krentz story.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Rock Star
by Rosylyn Hardy Holcomb
After tragedy in his life, Bryan, the heavy metal rock star, escapes to a small town in Alabama for a break from the media attention in LA. He doesn’t count on meeting a young, beautiful intelligent black woman unlike most women he meets.
After a brief run-in with Callie at her bookstore Bryan incorporates himself into Callie’s life and they become friends who enjoy each other’s company. Soon Callie and Bryan are spending every day together until Bryan has to return to his life and fulfill his publicity commitments. Will Callie choose the young rocker or stay safe in her small home town and give up on her chance at love.
I found this book enjoyable. It was easy to read and was perfect while I decide what book I want to read next. The love scenes were romantic and I enjoyed the closeness of the relationship between Callie and Bryan. However, I had a few problems with it. The author brings up the themes of interracial relationships several times without really getting into the issue deeply. I feel if she really wanted to discuss the difficulties or some of the issues black women and white men face while dating she could have used the entire book to flush those issues out instead of a few lines here and a few lines there.
Also, call me a snob but a part of the book happens in LA and involves the “celebrity” scene. I’ve lived in LA forever and even know a thing or two about the “scene” and I just felt that the author didn’t really know that much about it. Which makes sense since she lives in Alabama. It’s never good as a reader to doubt the authenticity of what is going on in the story.
This is the first book for Roslyn Hardy Holcomb. She lives in Alabama and is involved in an interracial relationship. I think Rock Star is a solid first effort and is perfect for an afternoon at the pool or beach.
After tragedy in his life, Bryan, the heavy metal rock star, escapes to a small town in Alabama for a break from the media attention in LA. He doesn’t count on meeting a young, beautiful intelligent black woman unlike most women he meets.
After a brief run-in with Callie at her bookstore Bryan incorporates himself into Callie’s life and they become friends who enjoy each other’s company. Soon Callie and Bryan are spending every day together until Bryan has to return to his life and fulfill his publicity commitments. Will Callie choose the young rocker or stay safe in her small home town and give up on her chance at love.
I found this book enjoyable. It was easy to read and was perfect while I decide what book I want to read next. The love scenes were romantic and I enjoyed the closeness of the relationship between Callie and Bryan. However, I had a few problems with it. The author brings up the themes of interracial relationships several times without really getting into the issue deeply. I feel if she really wanted to discuss the difficulties or some of the issues black women and white men face while dating she could have used the entire book to flush those issues out instead of a few lines here and a few lines there.
Also, call me a snob but a part of the book happens in LA and involves the “celebrity” scene. I’ve lived in LA forever and even know a thing or two about the “scene” and I just felt that the author didn’t really know that much about it. Which makes sense since she lives in Alabama. It’s never good as a reader to doubt the authenticity of what is going on in the story.
This is the first book for Roslyn Hardy Holcomb. She lives in Alabama and is involved in an interracial relationship. I think Rock Star is a solid first effort and is perfect for an afternoon at the pool or beach.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Castles
by Julie Garwood
Castles is witty, sexy and romantic with enough danger and suspense to keep the story going-in short everything a good romance should be.
Enchanting Princess Alesandra and her hero Colin embark on an unlikely and amusing partnership to protect her from the turmoil in her homeland and the thugs who want to kidnap her. Colin’s 5 year plan does not involve marriage…to any woman. But when Princess Alesandra is nearly kidnapped at the theater there really is no other choice to keep her safe but to marry her and allow her to live under his roof. Immediately, it becomes obvious that Colin and Alesandra are made for each other.
Colin is strong, sexy and confident with a touch of arrogance. He’s just lovable enough so Alesandra can love him even if she doesn’t realize it herself. But he never realized that he would ever be in love with a woman so much that he could be so vulnerable.
Alesandra is beautiful, intelligent and clever with an odd habit of making lists for everything. Including a master list which is a list of her lists. She is likable and you root for her and Colin throughout. She loves Colin and doesn’t know how to get him to love her back before the end of his five year plan. They fit together fabulously as people and lovers. Their love is charming and funny and sexy…and isn’t that what we are all looking for.
The love scenes are well-written. Reading them you will be taken on a ride that is filled with charm, heat and love. Alesandra charms her way into Colin’s heart and leaves him burning with desire so much that the reader can easily imagine him naked on her bed.
The conflict that brings these two together is the main conflict of this story. It is fast paced with enough gotcha moments that you never know what is going to happen.
Castles is witty, sexy and romantic with enough danger and suspense to keep the story going-in short everything a good romance should be.
Enchanting Princess Alesandra and her hero Colin embark on an unlikely and amusing partnership to protect her from the turmoil in her homeland and the thugs who want to kidnap her. Colin’s 5 year plan does not involve marriage…to any woman. But when Princess Alesandra is nearly kidnapped at the theater there really is no other choice to keep her safe but to marry her and allow her to live under his roof. Immediately, it becomes obvious that Colin and Alesandra are made for each other.
Colin is strong, sexy and confident with a touch of arrogance. He’s just lovable enough so Alesandra can love him even if she doesn’t realize it herself. But he never realized that he would ever be in love with a woman so much that he could be so vulnerable.
Alesandra is beautiful, intelligent and clever with an odd habit of making lists for everything. Including a master list which is a list of her lists. She is likable and you root for her and Colin throughout. She loves Colin and doesn’t know how to get him to love her back before the end of his five year plan. They fit together fabulously as people and lovers. Their love is charming and funny and sexy…and isn’t that what we are all looking for.
The love scenes are well-written. Reading them you will be taken on a ride that is filled with charm, heat and love. Alesandra charms her way into Colin’s heart and leaves him burning with desire so much that the reader can easily imagine him naked on her bed.
The conflict that brings these two together is the main conflict of this story. It is fast paced with enough gotcha moments that you never know what is going to happen.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Night Sins
by Tami Hoag
A small, quiet Minnesota town where crime doesn’t happen just experienced its worst nightmare- the disappearance of a young boy without witnesses or clues with only a taunting note left behind by the perpetrator.
Tall and trim Police Chief Mitch Holt is the local cop who escaped the big evils of the city only to have them reemerge in his small home town. Agent Megan O’Malley is a tough hard-willed investigator on her first big case. Together they hunt for a kidnapper to protect the families of a united town. Immediately engaging and engrossing I couldn’t put it down. About mid-way through the book I guessed who the suspect would be and for me the rest was just filler until I got to the end.
From the moment they meet, Mitch and Megan engage in an undercurrent of sex and tension that follows them throughout the case. Agent O’Malley was brash and annoying. She decided early on to not sleep with the Chief of Police because it’s hard on the streets for a woman. For the duration of the case O’Malley wavers back and forth and back and forth. I guess it wouldn’t be a story if she stuck to her guns but I found it grating. If a woman doesn’t want to sleep with a man to the detriment of her career then she shouldn’t do it. If a woman decides to sleep with a man knowing the career ramifications then she should accept it and move on. The cat and mouse game these adults play was frustrating for this reader of romance novels.
The characters of Deer Lake, Minnesota are well described especially the family dynamic between the parents of the kidnapped boy. The struggles that they’ve had as a working couple who are unhappy with were they’ve ended up was well written. Hannah and Paul Kirkwood are characters whose story I cared about. Demands of work, marriage, infidelity and anger make them a couple that is complicated and intriguing.
This was my first time reading a Tami Hoag novel. I felt the ending was predictable and anti-climatic with an improbable ending. It wasn’t big on romance and started off fast-paced with suspense but ultimately Ms. Hoag couldn’t maintain that pace throughout.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Midnight Bayou
by Nora RobertsMs. Roberts has done it again. She’s created a fast and fun read with a bit of the paranormal thrown in for the perfect summer read. Set in lively New Orleans, the city is the perfect backdrop for haunted souls, Creole history and modern day romance. Roberts has created an infectious spirit with her dialogue littered with French phrases and descriptive imagery of the people and quarters of the city.
Declan Fitzgerald, arriving in the Big Easy to escape his Yankee upbringing, Ivy League law degree and a fiancée whom his mother whole-heartedly approves of, purchases Manet Hall. Situated on the bayou outside of New Orleans Declan sets about restoring the dilapidated plantation and discovers a haunted past shared between this world and the next. Declan is the man that most women are searching for. He is kind, has a tender nature and a big heart of gold.
I loved the supernatural aspect of the story involving the Creole history of the bayou and the rich plantation families. Exploring their feelings for each other, Declan and Lena share visions of a past life with a ferocious intensity. Are the visions merely clues to solve a past murder or are they a pathway to finding love and happiness in this life?
I felt like I knew where the story was going but I think Ms. Roberts did it with skill interweaving the stories between present and past. Definitely a must read if you love romance or Nora Roberts.
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