From the streets of 19th-century Boston to the harsh frontier--she wove a web of deception to ensnare her man! Lovely,
fiery-tempered Anna Reardon was forced to lie to get out of the street
urchin's life that shamed her ... to become Karl Lindstrom's mail-order
bride in the beautiful, treacherous Minnesota wilderness. Karl
forgave Anna for her deceptions--but there was still one shameful,
burning secret that she had to hide from him, knowing its revelation
would destroy the love that had become her very life!
Comment: This is another one of the books I had to read by the author. The previous one I've read, Morning Glory, was beautiful and everything a romance should be. I had high hopes for this one as well, considering the good reviews out there about it. In this book we have the story of Anna and her younger brother James. They are very poor and don't come from the best family. After seeing an ad in the paper, they decide to embellish their story a bit in order for Karl Lindstrom to send them money to marry Anna and thus making a change in their dead end lives. Throughout the letter exchange, Karl made up an idea of how Anna should be like and when meeting her he finds out many truths. With time they will get to know each other completely to reach happiness. But will some truths be harder to accept than others? Well, my expectations were met so I can't complain. I started this book with the idea it wouldn't be as thrilling as the other one and I was right. This story is enjoyable but it's not as special as the other one. The relationship between Anna and Karl starts based on lies, but Anna did this for good reasons. It's very hard to tell people certain things about our lives, especially if it's something shameful or that makes us feel unworthy. In Anna's case, she lied not only to leave the place of bad memories but mostly to look for a future for herself and her brother. I can't imagine what it must have been like in the past centuries where people didn't have social welfare help and the sort of conditions we have nowadays to escape the ind of troubles Anna had to go through. I think she had difficult choices to make and she did hat she thought best. Of course, from Karl's POV things could be done in another way but we are always wiser when it's not about us or after we had time to think again. Karl is a very likable character, he is a true gentleman towards Anna and his reactions after knowing the whole truth can be seen as too harsh but there's also a bit of reality we can use to justify that, after all he was led to believe certain things and he was deceived. I guess the biggest lesson in this book is that not always the things we are told are what really happened but we should learn to forgive and accept and help the others to feel worthy human beings. Obviously easier said than done.
After Karl and Anna face their ideals about what their new life should be, the usual obstacles show up to spice up the story, jealousy, feelings of inadequacy, attempts to be better in the other's eyes... I think the stronger part of the story happens until the confrontation where Anna tells everything about her past to Karl. After that we know a HEA is coming so I had the feeling the story lost some steam from then on. The secondary characters offer the expected support when needed but no one stands out enough to be very strong. There's Anna's brother that, with some POV scenes here and there, gained the best supporting role status and his scenes offered some development to the plot, but in a way I wished we could have more of him, for a young 13 year old he's quite brave. The plot is a very normal romance and nothing outside the mark happens. Still, I had a good time seeing how the romance would develop and how two people with not much in common in the beginning could make a good live together. In the end I had some good times with the book but it didn't have any wow factor nor did it have anything to make me amazed or surprised or even glued to it. It was simply good and that was all. Grade: 7/10
Next year I've decided to join the same challenge I've tried this year that's ending. I had lots of fun not only picking books for myself but to look out at some of the other people's choices. I've added a few more titles to my own pile because of that! Still, I can't wait to chose next year's books. Here's Wendy's site, where everything happens! In the following days I'll write a post about this experience and about the books I picked and my overall impression of them. Nothing big, just a sort of conclusion. I'll also fix the page about the challenges. As for the 2014 schedule. I know Wendy says themes are optional all the time but I kind of like to follow instructions on these things, that's the challenge, otherwise...I mean, reading anything isn't a challenge for me ever, so...the fun thing is to actually think and pick a book for that month's theme. I know many people don't feel this, but for me, it's how I like things. So I'll try to find books in my piles to suit each month. Here's the link in Wendy's blog about the challenge
Here are the themes Wendy suggested for 2014:
January 15 - We Love Short Shorts! (Short stories, Novellas, category romance) February 19 - Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on) March 19 - New-To-You Author (an author you've never read before) April 16 - Contemporary romance May 21 - More Than One (An author who has more than one book in your TBR pile) June 18 - Romance Classics (classic book, classic author, classic trope/theme etc.) July 16 - Lovely RITA (past RITA winners or nominees) August 20 - Luscious Love Scenes (erotic romance, erotica, a "sensual" read - leave those "just kisses" books alone this month!) September 17 - Recommended read (a book recommended to you by someone) October 15 - Paranormal or romantic suspense November 19 - Historical romance December 17 - Holiday themes (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, it's all good!) I can't wait to start!
Dear Readers, I want to wish you all a great Christmas time, many joyous moments and happiness! I hope you can spend this holiday with your family in safety and peace. Also, a happy new year, I hope it brings health and success to you all! Happy holidays!! :)
To avoid marriage, Merry Vance has concocted a sinfully scandalous
scheme: to pose for Nicolas Craven, London's most sought-after artist.
No man in his right mind would marry a woman who posed nude for this
notorious rogue. But Nicolas has his own plans for the fiesty young woman. And Merry has no idea how hot it can get in an artist's studio.
Comment: This is the sort of sequel to Beyond Innocence, a book I've read last month. This one features a known character from that book, Merry Vance. I thought Merry was very bold in trying to get her way out of marriage and she thought a plan that wouldn't make any man want to marry her, but she didn't think things through and her family had to deal with her actions. However, Merry falls in love with Nic, the painter she "uses" to help her without his knowledge of everything. Of course many situations come from Merry's bold but reckless actions in particular related to her own feelings. I liked this story, it had all the elements to work out just like the previous story, but it didn't captivated me as much and I thought it was more centered in the sexual side of things before they fell in love for real. It was good, especially the surrounding things but overall, weaker for me then the first. Grade: 7/10
* * * * *
Sweet-natured Etienne
LeFevre must give up his birthright and flee into the snow-covered
forest to
save himself from the murderous greed of his brutish elder
brothers. When Etienne ends up alone and hungry, with a ramshackle
cottage his only shelter and a feral cat his only friend, he believes
himself doomed to a sad, cold death. But out of the shadows of
the night arrives a visitor who brings comfort. He presents himself as a
servant, but the man called “Jacques” spends the long hours instructing
Etienne in the cruel delights of a disciplined passion. Jacques
is gone with the morning light, but Etienne thinks he knows the
stranger’s secret. Will Etienne tame the beast that lurks within his
lover? Or will he find himself a victim of the bitter rage that rules
Jacques’ heart? Based on the classic French fairy tale, “Puss In
Boots,” this story explores what happens when the servant becomes the
master, and the master lives to serve...
Comment: This is a sort of version of the Puss in Boots tale. It's obviously very sexual and not very romantic in my opinion. I thought it would be interesting to see how the author would play the story with two gay men but this was more like a exaggerated story on some D/S relationship. I wasn't very fond of the story neither did I think the plot had much to it. The major elements were there but I didn't feel any affinity towards the main characters. Their relationship was weird and lacking important things. Very weak this story, for me. Grade:3/10
This is my favorite Christmas song...I like the original a lot, but this version by the Portuguese singer David Fonseca is wonderful as well. I hope you like it too... and merry Christmas!
Welcome to New York City
- a troll under the Brooklyn Bridge, a boggle in Central Park, and a
beautiful vampire in a penthouse on the Upper East Side. Most humans are
oblivious to the preternatural nightlife around them, but Cal Leandros
is only half human. His father’s dark lineage is the stuff of
nightmares – and his entire otherworldly elf race are after Cal. His
half brother, Niko, gave up college to keep them on the run for four
years, but now the Grendel monsters are back. And Cal is about to learn
why they want him. He is the key to unleashing their hell on earth. The
fate of the human world will be decided in the fight of Cal’s life..
Comment: I've had this book to read for more than two year surely. Why I got it, well it was said to be similar to that TV show, Supernatural, with two brothers. Well, I never watched the show myself but I have a friend and she's a huge fan of one of the characters and she used to talk endlessly about that and it was around that time I knew about this book. My friend's buzz added to a good opinion here and there prompted me to get this but as you all must deal with in your own book piles, this one stayed behind until now.
This is the story of Cal Leandros, he's half human, half something and all he knows is his brother Niko and himself have been on the run forever, since Cal had an experience with his father's species, which he isn't even sure of it was. The brother's lives seem to be safe enough until Niko sees a being like Cal's father in the park and they start to work on their run but things don't go as smoothly as they wished and from unsuspected allies to unlikely foes, the two guys have a lot to deal with...
Ok, so I enjoyed this enough...but I have to admit I wasn't as impressed as that. I wanted something more definitive and apparently this series is long and things seem to work a determined way, but not the way I imagined, meaning the guy's lives will be always like this, on the run, meeting new enemies and facing challenges all the time...? Ok, I'll go to the point, will they ever have a home, a safe place, a routine, maybe love lives? I would keep reading if I knew these things would appear and work out for them. Just adventures while learning life lessons can be fun but it will bore me after a while...so, anyone there a fan of this who can give me some unspoiled ideas about what is to come? Cal is an interesting character. I liked his POV and how he felt things an how he used humor to diffuse some of his fears and doubts. But I was really interested in Niko and wanted to see more of him, so I kind of wished this would be two narrators instead so I could have Niko'c voice too. I was intrigued the better part of the time until that thing happened to Cal. Who read it knows about the mirror thing. I didn't like that change of things and did count the pages until that was solved. I can see the appeal but to be honest I wanted to scream at the poor book because that happened. The rest of the story was actually interesting and the beginning is easy to follow and to read. I found the pace of the story appropriate for a new story with so many things to know about and for a reader not inside the world yet. I liked the structure around this story, the supernatural beings humans have no idea are there and it would have be fun to learn more but I guess it would feel too much in just a book, plus half way through I realized this could only mean a premeditated series concept by the author, because we have clues, we have situations not completely told or explained and it's obviously to come again in future stories. I just think the end itself could have been more definitive, especially about the involved characters' future. I think this is an interesting book and perfect for those who like different world, who want to be distracted. It's full of little things, both character's traits and sentences teaching something, and these things help shaping the world created and our perception of what happens, Still, I think there's also an aura of doom in the works, that something might not work as we want. This isn't a romance and I guess part of my mix up feelings about it is the knowing things might keep up in this somewhat grey tone, no matter the funny comebacks exchanged between the characters. Overall, I liked this. I don't now at this point if I want to read more. Right now no, but I confess I want to know what happens to Niko, in particular. He's mysterious and I really wanted him to offer some more stability to Cal and prove him happiness can happen. But it doesn't seem likely, considering his personality. Still, what fun it would be... I hope someone can give me some pointers, but I won't read more this soon. Grade: 6/10
Small town Christmas--Three big proposals "Christmas in Red Willow" by Cheryl St. John Chloe
Hanley must save the town church. But only if she can convince
reclusive carpenter Owen Reardon to help repair the broken heart of the
community and open his own up again-- in time for Christmas "The Sheriff's Housekeeper Bride" by Jenna Kernan Running
from her past and a crime she didn't commit, Eliza Flannery bumps into
her future--all rugged six-foot sheriff of him Single father Trent
Foerster mistakes her for his housekeeper, but there's no mistaking his
desire for a mistletoe kiss from this mysterious miss.... "Wearing the Rancher's Ring" by Charlene Sands Cooper
Garnett is shot and left for dead near Double J Ranch when widow Rachel
Bodine comes to his aid. Could his unexpected arrival be the best
Christmas gift ever-- a second-chance family for Rachel and her little
son?
Comment: This is the last challenge post of the year, but in 2014 there'll be more as I've signed up for another year. A post about this to come soon. Anyway, this month the theme is holidays and obviously it's easier to jut pick something Christmas, being in the air all around and all that. I chose a book about Christmas exactly for that reason and it had the words in the title, otherwise it would be difficult as I don't have many of these laying around. I was convinced about this one because of Cheryl St John's name, an author Ive read and liked before, but overall I was curious to read the three stories in this anthology. So, this being an anthology, it has different stories about a certain theme, this being marriage proposals on Christmas. I was curious to read them and most importantly, to see how each author would present a short story that could deliver everything a full length one does in a shorter amount of time. Besides the marriage proposal at the end, these stories also had in common the little detail of their possibilities. I mean, for shorter stories having to be told with a certain amount of pages, they worked quite well and I was impressed by how the authors made an effort to write in a way to time go by so things didn't look as rushed as they were. But the three stories have potential to be bigger stories and I think all of them could be a full length book with no problems. Many authors write shorts in such a way it's difficult to see them bigger, but not these ones; these stories feel well structured and despite the rules they had to abide, they still managed to be a sort of special little Christmas' sweet. As for the each story in particular... "Christmas in Red Willow" by Cheryl St. John This story was the weaker of the lot for me. I knew about the author so I expected something romantic, but I thin too much detail was paid to the surroundings instead of the romance and I thought they didn't have much chemistry. I was happy for Owen and Chloe but I wasn't eager to see them together because it looked like it wasn't the most important thing. Besides, this story is a version of the friends to lovers trope and I don't like it that much, probably my second least favorite trope in a romance, right after lover's reunited. I prefer my books to have the thrill of finding out that special person for the first time. Anyway, this story provided an interesting setting and it had its moments, but everything together felt rather too plain.
"The Sheriff's Housekeeper Bride" by Jenna Kernan This one was my favorite, I love the situations where one of the protagonists aren't who they say and how part of the conflict comes from there. In this case, Eliza had reasons to hide her identity and the story developed with the expected situations in these cases, the not knowing about past conversations, the lack of particular skills, among other things. But the relationship between Eliza and the sheriff was funny to watch, I liked them together and the scenes with the sheriff's daughter were sweet. I also liked how Eliza had to struggle and had had troubled experiences in her past and she needed as much love as he sheriff and his daughter. I'm a sucker for stories with little children and couples that find in each other the love and acceptance they didn't had before. This story was spot on for these things and it made it my favorite. I'll have a look at the author's other work too.
"Wearing the Rancher's Ring" by Charlene Sands In this story we have a very traditional theme in romances, the I don't deserve you but eventually I'll stay with you. Cooper lost his family and is looking for the man responsible. He is robbed though and later on rescued by Rachel. Rachel is a widow left with a young son but after getting to know Cooper she starts having feelings for him. They have to overcome some obstacles, mostly emotional ones, and they get their HEA. This is the most sensual story but still very sweet. I liked how the main couple didn't seem to care what the other thought at first but things changed. I agree with some readers it was a bit too fast and at times it looked like they just couldn't wait to be intimate, which didn't sit well with the tone of the story in my opinion. However, their reasons were exploited and reasonable enough for me. I thin they were two people waiting to be loved again and in the end the kid and the hope sealed the deal, although I think this is the story with more potential to be stronger. Overall, I liked the three stories but each one made me feel interested for different reasons.I thin each author has done a good job, with space left to much improvement nevertheless. On their own I don't know which grade to give, but as a set of stories featuring Christmas and hope and warm thoughts, this guarantees a few hours with a smile on your face, so... still, the bigger portion of my grade goes to story #2, very good indeed! Grade: 7/10
Lady Cory has carved out a
life for herself not just as a wife to three husbands but also as one
of the rulers of the supernatural communities of Northern California--
and a college student in search of that elusive degree. When a
supernatural threat comes crashing into the hard-forged peace of Green's
hill, she and Green determine that they're the ones in charge of
stopping the abomination that created it. Their vow to protect leads
Cory, Bracken and Nicky to Redding--where a tight-knit family of
vampires threatens the people Cory loves to keep a terrible secret. It
also leads them to a conflict of loyalties, as Nicky's parents threaten
to tear Nicky away from the family he's come to love more than his own
life. Cory has to work hard to hold on to her temper and her life as she
tries to prove that she and Green are not only leaders who will bind
people to their hearts, but also protectors who will keep danger from
running RAMPANT.
Comment: This is the fourth book in the Little Goddess series by this author and so far, th last one, I've asked ms Lane if she's planning to write more, but I'm still waiting for a reply. Anyway, I'll consider this one to be the last book after four months reading the series. I've started this just to get four more books out of my TBR pile so I wasn't really expecting to be amazed. Still, I've read them all now and my opinion grades this with an average of three starts in GR mainly because the main character annoyed me in three of the four books. Oh well... This fourth book continues the story of Cory, a new goddess-like person who got to know her powers after the touch of another god, which led to a succession of happenings that changed her life, her perspective of life in general and how to see herself and others. In this book Cory and her new family have to deal with a threat to her family and to anyone else because a predator is turning children into monsters. While dealing with this they also meet Nicky's parents and a guest that will prove quite the challenge... I was thinking how best to write about this story...the thing is, I did like the book and the others before for there's something special about it, some little thing in there that makes me want to read, there's an interesting lesson as well, but at the same time I find many passages boring and too slow to fully enjoy this. Besides, the books demand a lot of time and I had some struggles with this one, for it took me practically a week to finish it. It's not that it is bad or stupid. It does have, like I've said, some interesting elements and lessons in how to accept others and their relationships and how to be open minded and in reality the only thing we have to protect is our family and our beliefs, just letting go of all the others prejudices and fears we might have. But good sentences and ideals aside, I found the story to be...slightly boring. Oh and I really don't see the attractiveness in the female protagonist. The series revolve around her so there's no avoiding her, but while I warmed up to her in the first book, now she's annoying and it get on my nerves how she suddenly is the holy grail of everything in the series. Also there's too much speculation, what ifs about a thing or two and I just wanted some more objectivity at some points. I found Cory to be really annoying now. In the first story sh was just someone with potential finding out about her powers, her life, the possibilities, she got to know others and herself and the story felt like a whole new existence to all the characters. Now, Cory is a different person, she's still a bit timid and she does power related stuff because she has to..but I don't like her voice anymore, she is too much in a position of power and focus. Yes, I know it's all about her, but I no longer like that, I'd have preferred to see her as someone important but did the others have to bow all th time (metaphorically and figuratively speaking) to her and her sudden new take on life? At some parts I just agreed with some of the antagonists were they spoke badly about her because at those moments it seemed she was just too much the know-it-all and a bit arrogant too. It annoyed me immensely. All the other characters that like her usually let her do and talk like she's the only one who matters and although she claims she doesn't see herself that way, the author has written things in such a way, it's right there in the face of the reader and it gets tiring and annoying. As for this book's plot, I thought it was interesting enough to see things develop but it took forever and it ended in a thrilling cliffhanger. If the series is to end this way I don't mind I thin it's artistic and leaves a lot of space for the imagination, but I guess I see why many readers would like a follow-up. This book is so long I could spend many more lines talking about several subjects, like how Nicky's parents weren't exactly what I thought, how we had characters playing an important role but whose main story is in another series and must we read everything, but to be honest those things feel like secondary. I enjoyed reading the series overall, but this book in particular was harder for the reasons I've mentioned. If there are more books to come I really hope they're better and not as Cory oriented or done in a way that only shows how wonderful others see her or how perfect she seems to act even when she isn't. Too much of her gets too much, period. Still, many elements to think about. Grade: 6/10
As a surgeon in the
Royal Navy, Lieutenant Philemon Brittle has proved his bravery countless
times. But he's never known the thrill that comes with falling in love.
Until he meets the beautiful Lady Laura Taunton, who has turned to
nursing the wounded as solace from her unhappy past.Philemon will need
to draw upon every bit of his strength and determination to convince the
marriage-shy Laura that establishing a life together is the truest path
to love and happiness...
Comment: Since I've read my first book by this author, Marrying the Captain, I've immediately saw this is an author whose work I feel I'll appreciate quite a lot, mainly because her heroines are very in tune with what I like in a heroine. Since then I've tried to get more books by her, namely the rest of the series. This is why I picked this book now. This is the story of widow Laura Taunton. She's a sister to the heroine from the other book and took care of her husband for a long time before he died. She had no tender feelings for him, so after finding her courage, she visited her sister at last. She also met Lt Brittle, someone we've know from the previous book too and casually he asks if she wants to work for him at the naval hospital where he works as a surgeon. Amazingly, Laura says yes and a journey for the both of them starts with many little adventures on the way... I liked this story a lot! I think it's really special how the author can write about a romance, a tender and modest one, but still very romantic on its own way, and inserting it in a story that feels real, feels well done and solid. This isn't a silly historical or a sensual one where everything besides how fast the main couple has sex is just decorative. Although those novels can be worthy in their own level, this isn't like that. This is a strong story featuring many details from those days but from a romantic point of view. The story shows the reader how men would recover after accidents, diseases or other medical problems and how the surgeons dealt with those challenges in a time without many comfort or easiness. Surgeons didn't have the facilities and the medicines to best treat their patients and many times they had to be creative. I liked how this book focused so much on that side of war, of medicine and how Lt Brittle was a character highlighted to show that side that many times isn't much detailed in romances. I really liked all those things, and how both Brittle and Laura had to find a way to make things work in a job that doesn't always end the way we'd like to. The romance was so cute and sweet. I think something rushed would go against the feel of the story, the way both protagonists were wired. I found their romance wonderful and with the prefect slow pace in those cases where the heroine just puts aside her fears and gets it on. People don't work that way and I thought the slow take on this to be believable. Both main characters were interesting and we could see their good and worse moments. Nobody is perfect but in this case even the not so good things had a reason and were presented in a way that allowed the reader to weight everything. I thought Laura was convincing and very nice. She was a bit shy and had things she wanted to keep for herself but she found love without expecting and I love those situations. Lt Brittle is a good man, his attitude towards Laura was respectful but he also demanded action from her, he asked for her help and expected it, he didn't make excuses for her apart from the usual ones in those cases at the time. considering the woman's role in society then. His character is wonderful, he should be real. The secondary characters didn't get in the way, didn't steal the show and offered the help needed to better present the romance and the storyline. I thin this author is very talented and her stories (at least these two I've read) show not only a good story, very well structured, but also a good feel, I have the feeling she thought about how to make things work the best and she did it. It's a nice feeling. I can't wait to read more by her. Grade: 8/10
In the dual-gendered
realm of Ylandre, the great divide between the high-born True Bloods and
the lower-ranked Half Bloods is deemed impassable by most. Rohyr
Essendri dared to cross it when he took young Lassen Idana from his
provincial town and made him his paramour. Lassen perforce learned how
to navigate the intricate byways of life at court. What he never
expected, however, was to fall in love with Rohyr, a most inadvisable
and impractical thing to do when one’s lover is sovereign ruler of the
land. But anything worth having is worth fighting for, both figuratively
and, as Lassen discovers, literally speaking.
Comment: I picked this book because it was in my tbr list for a long time. I thought it would be an interesting read for this moth so I added it to this month's readings a couple of months ago. I was very curious to see what kind of story it was and I was away from reviews. Besides, the cover was cute, I like draws as covers, they're so much better than the computer digitalized... This is the story of Rohyr and Lassen, two different men from two different backgrounds. They live in a place where women no longer exist and their species has become hermaphrodite. Still, the difference among classes and poverty vs wealth remains. There is a lot of political intrigue and Rohyr, being the king of Ylandre has a lot of protocols to follow but he puts that aside when he chooses Lassen for his lover, someone unsuited because he is a half blood, thus not being in the same class as Rohyr. But their relationship soon evolves to commitment and love, even when duty gets in the way... So, this book shows us a new world where the men are hermaphrodites which means they can have their own babies. It may sound weird and I admit at times it sounded too much like a guy playing woman but the way things work biologically is different enough to make us put that thought aside. I've started with this because it surely would be the biggest issue most people would have with the story. Personally I wasn't that surprised as I've read before stories with this theme. I think that, if we thin about this from a romance point of view, it can be....sweet. The way a family works is there as well, so...and the beauty is there's no shame in two men together, just the expected class difference. What made me struggle the most with this new world was the geography. We would get detailed geography lessons about what is where but it was everything very confusing...and the made up names didn't help because both the personal names as the topography were very different from what we are used to, so it made more difficult the reading of those parts. As for the two main characters, they're very different in all levels but their falling in love is almost believable..I say almost because I felt they took too long to say it and to show it to the other. At some point there's some angst moments that allow their confessions so I guess I would have preferred them to say it at a time where such pressure wasn't there. Still, it shows in those little moments we see throughout the book. Being from two different environments, of course their relationship isn't as easily accepted and there's some obstacles to overcome, very similar to those old stories of arranged marriages, but I've decided to read this more like a fantasy romance than something realistic so some elements were to be expected, mostly in terms of romance clichés and solutions. Still enjoyable anyway. In the end, I finished the book with a smile, not sure if due to the silliness of some things or just because it has a HEA that makes you smile, but I also got curious enough to want to read the following story. I think if one puts aside most expectations about it, it can be enjoyable and fun. Grade: 7/10
Colin Riordan came to
Virgin River to recuperate from a horrific helicopter crash, the scars
of which he bears inside and out. His family is wonderfully supportive,
but it's his art that truly soothes his troubled soul. Stung
personally and professionally by an ill-advised affair, PR guru Jillian
Matlock has rented an old Victorian with a promising garden in Virgin
River. She's looking forward to cultivating something other than a
corporate brand. Both are looking to simplify, not complicate,
their lives, but when Jillian finds Colin at his easel in her yard,
there's an instant connection. And in Virgin River, sometimes love is
the simplest choice of all.
Comment: Another Virgin River series installment. Since the beginning of the year, I've been reading a book a month and every time I get amazed by how special and warm these stories are. Even the ones I don't like as much are still wonderful in their own way. This is the 14th story, but only the 12th full length book and this is why I've read it in December. This is the story of Jillian Matlock, we've met her when she and her sister plus two friends visited Virgin River in a trip. Now she's back after a problem with her job and a tip from someone at Jack's bar puts in her head the idea of cultivating vegetables for the six months she hopes to spend there. Colin Riordan has had problems after his helicopter crashed and now he's painting in Virgin River to let tension go until the time to travel to Africa comes. These two meet and are proud of the other's efforts to be someone else but at the same time they fall in love and in the end, perhaps what they thought they wanted isn't exactly what they feel they have to do... Once again, I loved a book in this series...I think this is right after Noah and Ellie's, still my absolute favorite of them all. That one is a perfect ten, this an almost, but either way, both are wonderful examples of a beautiful story. This story focuses on Jillian and Colin but we also have scenes with other beloved characters, Jack for instance plays an important role in this story as well and a couple of scenes with him were very emotional, but nothing tragic, just feeling's related. The community of Virgin River is prospering and it shows with all the little scenes apart from the main storyline. I really like the sense of unity and family we get from books like this, where we see everyone being part of the small town, being interesting in helping and offering a hand. It's really something we don't see everywhere. As for the main story, both Jillian and Colin seek in Virgin River a new start for their lives even if they don't see it that way at first. Their romance has an expiration date but this doesn't stop them from getting together and I admit some of my favorite parts were when we would see them sharing their lives so easily that I doubt many people in the real world feel and live like that. Jillian aimed for six months but her agricultural enterprise grows big and I enjoyed all the steps she goes for in her new adventure. I guess in real life things wouldn't happen as fast and as easily as that, but part of the charm and the beauty of a fictional romance is to see a bit of fantasy happening, so... Colin only wanted to recover and go for new experiences after that. He didn't count on falling in love but even when both of them recognized that, Colin still went and Jillian let him because she rather know he didn't feel pressured than to feel guilty. I liked the balance in their relationship, once again a bit too perfect, but it didn't put shadows on the novel, I still appreciated it a lot. The HEA is wonderful and it kind of teaches us a lesson because sometimes we let difficulties win and perhaps we should try something else to have a better life...the scary part is trying and being afraid of failure and in this the book is a bit unrealistic because both with Colin's painting and Jillian's business, things surely wouldn't be dealt as easily, but like I said a bit of fantasy doesn't hurt and in the end, this books shows how wonderful love and trust are and they are worthy of any effort. I really enjoyed this romance and can't wait for more stories, at least there are still six more to be read...I do recommend this to any romance reader. Grade: 9/10
The invitation to spend
Christmas in Angle, on the Pembrokeshire coast, is one that Lyn
Ravenshaw is only too happy to accept. To escape London and the
pressures of her literary agency is temptation enough, but the prospect
of meeting Booker Prize nominee James Swift - conveniently in search of
an agent - is the deciding factor. On holiday she encounters the
disturbing Elen Vaughan, recently widowed and with an eight-month-old
son whose paternity is a subject for local gossip. Elen's baby arouses
painful memories of Lyn's own dead child/ and strange, haunting dreams,
in which a young woman in blue repeatedly tries to hand over her child
to Lyn for safekeeping. Who is the father of Elen's baby? What is
the eerie, monstrous creature of Elen's dreams that tries to ensnare
her son, and what makes her so sure that Lyn has been sent to protect
him? As she begins to untangle the truth behind the stories, the secret
she discovers leads Lyn to an encounter with the past that will change
her life forever.
Comment: This is another book by this author that I had to read. I'm a fan of her style and by norm she comes up with an intriguing story with some mysterious elements to make the reader captivated. I had hopes for this one. This is the story of Lyn Ravenshaw, she's a literary agent and she agrees to a holiday with one of her writers at the house of another writer she might bring to her list. Still, this isn't Lyn's main goal, only to escape her family during a time where she's reminded about what he lost. While there Lyn meets several people, among them Elen, a young mother that brings memories to Lyn and someone who asks her for help although they just met. Something strange is happening but will Lyn follow her instincts and help? I enjoyed this book. It's one of the author' first works, but it's already obvious her talent for storytelling. The opening paragraph is wonderful and evocative, which I really hoped would be indication of a good story. I wasn't wrong, because I felt immediate empathy towards her and her past. She is a character that had some bad experiences but in this holiday some of her fears will be over for she's going to battle them in order to help someone. At the same time, some mystery is going on and the plot is focused on poetry and the meaning of some things. The poetry mentioned in the book is directly related to what is happening and it's interesting to see how the author uses real poetry and information to suit the developments in her fictional story and how well these two thing work out. Lyn is a likable character. She's just a normal person dealing with many issues, but she doesn't let what is around her to shape her. I liked her personality and thoughts. As always, this story has a romance and I found it slightly better than the romances in previous books (except Shadowy Horses, still my favorite book by her) because is was more obvious at times and the end, despite not being detailed, was enough indication to make the reader dream of a HEA, while in some of the other books this would be harder to see. Like I said, there's a lot of poetry talk in the book. Being a story about writers, I was quite happy with what we could learn and nothing was said in such a way the reader would feel bored or out of his depth. I liked how the little things, like simply the character's names weren't left to chance an were actually picked especially for this novel. It feels like nothing is random and this, in a way, makes the story feel more constructed, elaborated, like th author really wanted to put it in the best way to be experienced. The plot follows a certain path and at some point we believe something to be obvious, but apparently it wasn't. Someone was against a person and I was quite surprised to see the identity of the guilty part. I didn't expect that, so even better, the mystery solution wasn't as obvious as that. This book was good, enjoyable, had all the elements to work out and it's the author's trademark in style and prose. I was happy with it. Grade: 8/10
Christian Thydell's dream has come true: his debut novel, The Mermaid,
is published to rave reviews. So why is he as distant and unhappy as
ever? When crime writer Erica Falck, who discovered Christian's talents,
learns he has been receiving anonymous threats, she investigates not
just the messages but also the author's mysterious past. Meanwhile, one
of Christian's closest friends is missing. Erica's husband, Detective
Patrik Hedstrom, has his worst suspicions confirmed as the mind-games
aimed at Christian and those around him become a disturbing reality.
But, with the victims themselves concealing evidence, the investigation
is going nowhere. Is their silence driven by fear or guilt? And what is
the secret they would rather die to protect than live to see revealed?
International bestseller Camilla Lackberg delivers a chilling and
suspenseful mystery that will grip the reader right until its staggering
final twist.
Comment: This is the sixth book by Camilla Lackberg where the heroes are Patrick and Erica. This couple has been involved in some mystery adventures with crime in the mix. The previous book ended with a happy surprise and I was curious to see how further along in this one we'd see that included in the plot. This book is centered in Christian Thydell, a librarian and writer, often helper of Erica in her researches. Christian wrote a successful book but something isn't well in his private life. At the same time, a body is found in the ice and is the man reported missing, someone beloved in the community. Are these things related and if so, who would want to hurt that man and why is Christian Thydell suddenly weird and what is he keeping secret? I am completely amazed by this writer's talent. I've told every time I talk about this author how well she mixes and balances the crime and the domestic sides of her novels. There's always a mystery and crime investigation but her books are much more than this because we see the personal side of many characters, especially the ones not involved in the mystery. So, we have two blocks, both serious in their own level, to oppose each other and making it more easy on the reader. Not many authors manage this well. Anyway, this time the author has kept this and I love how both sides seem to come together and although the crime parts are obviously more explored, I feel so happy to see she isn't letting go of the other parts and they keep being an important aspect of her books. Very good. But what really got me this time was how engineered this plot was! I wasn't expecting the solution to this crime to be that one! I was really surprised, not for the identity of the guilty one, I rarely try hard to find out who is, I prefer to carry on and be swept away every time, but this book really is amazing because not only the guilty one is a surprise but the reasons behind the whole thing are such a surprise too, I never imagined that or thought it could be! I don't have words, I was completely caught by surprise and from beginning to end I couldn't let this book go, I only stopped when I was forced to. The crime is very focused on the psychological side, but in a way all of them are. Still, I think the author did an interesting job because she didn't dump all the information about the subject which even someone not very knowledgeable about it can understand there's a lot ore about it to explain. But we have the necessary and the reader can make their own ideas about things, I thought this to be a smart move on her part and I think it's one of the reasons she is so successful. The characters don't act weirdly and the ones we root for are still a big part of the action and we see them playing their part as usual. The end can be quite the suspense but I'm not afraid of what is to come, but really eager to know what happens. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book! This book was perfect for me. I really didn't find any fault, anything to change or to point to another direction. This is perfection for me and I really recommend it to everyone because even if others don't see it as I do, I still think it's a good thriller and an interesting read, wonderful to read all day long while is raining/snowing/windy outside. Enjoy! Grade: 10/10
Juliana St. John was
raised to be very proper. After a long engagement, her wedding day
dawns—only for Juliana to find herself jilted at the altar.
Fleeing the mocking crowd, she stumbles upon Elliot McBride, the tall,
passionate Scot who was her first love. His teasing manner gives her an
idea, and she asks Elliot to save her from an uncertain future—by
marrying her… After escaping brutal imprisonment, Elliot has
returned to Scotland a vastly wealthy yet tormented man. Now Juliana has
her hands full restoring his half-ruined manor in the Scottish
Highlands and trying to repair the broken heart of the man some call
irredeemably mad. Though beautiful and spirited, Juliana wonders if that
will be enough to win a second chance at love.
Comment: This is the fifth full length story in the historical series about the Mackenzies by Jennifer Ashley. This story features not the Mackenzies but two people close to them, via Ainsley Mackenzie, the heroine from the third book. I was very curious to see a story with two main characters not directly connected to those we've met before. This is the story of Elliott McBride, Ainsley's brother, and Juliana St John, a family friend who's been left in altar waiting for a groom that eloped with another woman. In a crazy outburst, Juliana asks Elliott to marry her and he accepts. They marry and start their lives together, but along with Elliott comes a great deal of past issues that can be a challenge for Juliana but something she accepts because she always worshiped Elliott. Will love be strong too? I was quite confident that this book would be a good read and I'd spend some good times reading it. I wasn't wrong but I confess I didn't enjoy this story as much as the previous ones. This story focuses on two characters we weren't as familiar with, not like we were with all the Mackenzies from one book to another. But I ended up liking them, more so Elliot and the secondary ones. Juliana was OK but that was it. I didn't see nothing in her to be amazing. I felt sorry for some of her disappointments in life but overall, she wasn't a memorable character for me. I get she was special for Elliott but to be really honest, the whole marriage thing was to fast and impulsive and when we got a sort of explanation as to why Elliott agreed so promptly it just wasn't credible for me and for the feel of the story. It suited Elliott's behavior but at the same time it was too easy to justify and I didn't believe it that much. Or should I say, to me it didn't make sense. The main couple seem good together but it seemed to me there was always a certain sense of distance between their relationship and me, the reader. I don't exactly know how to explain and this didn't happen with the other books, but I felt that this couple's romance wasn't as alive as the others..perhaps just my impression. Juliana accepted several things and I applaud her sense of justice and fairness. But like I said, she wasn't that vibrant as I imagined she could be. Elliott,on his side, suffered from PTSD - not called this at the time obviously - and his actions were believable. I ended up liking him more than Juliana. Still these two never amazed me as much as other beloved characters did in the previous books. The secondary characters were interesting and I wouldn't mind knowing more about them, Taste is relative and I know many people loved this...but for me it was weaker than the other books and while I was reading it I managed to feel I wasn't as engrossed in it as I could. The overall story seemed good, the scenes and settings helped, but considering it all, I think it was a bit disappointing, Anyway, I have hopes for the next... Grade: 6/10
After being rescued
from the Underworld, Gryphon is plauged by strange voices and an evil
foreboding. He believes that his only hope for salvation is to track
down the goddess who cursed him...until he meets Maelea. A prisoner
with no bars, Maelea encounters Gryphon on her quest to find Olympus.
He's about to test her loyalty to the gods, and she's ready to find out
if he still has a heart worth saving...
Comment: This is the fifth installment in the Eternal Guardians series by the author. This is the story of another Argonaut in the quest to secure a special relic and keep the world safe from the Titans. This story also takes place right after the happenings in the previous one, Enraptured. I was curious to see how the story would develop. Gryphon is an Argonaut who's had a terrible experience in the Underworld and now he lives with the memories of those days until he was rescued. He doesn't feel very worthy and only wants to kill Atalanta, the woman who tortured him. Maelea is the daughter of two gods but she isn't welcome in either of their places, she really want to go to Olympus but for centuries that hasn't happened. The two of them join forces to run from the Misos colony where they are in order to reach their goals without putting those they care for at risk. But things go a little differently... Well, as soon as I've finished the book I immediately thought it wasn't as good as the others and I wasn't as dedicated to their story like I was in other books, which is bothersome. Even more so because something major happens in this book, I guess because the author set things for this to be the last book with her publisher...I suppose part of why it doesn't feel as well shaped is due to that. The book after this one is a self publication, which I haven't got yet, but I hope the stories after can have the same intensity my favorite story in the series, the third book, Tempted, had.... My biggest issue with this story is how everything is more than seen in the genre. Everything happens the same way and I didn't have the same vibe of freshness and difference which the other books gave. The storyline keeps up, the characters and the mythology is there as well, but the special things that made these books interesting seems to be missing here. The main couple runs away and in the trip they seem to be at odds but they fall in love and in the end they defend each other before their friends and they try to save the other. How many times have we seen this? But the way it was told just didn't grab me, it was like a repetition of the same movie we've seen countless times. In the end there's a twist I didn't see coming, but I don't think it was enough to save the day. It almost looks like I didn't like the book, but I did. It was a good story, not amazing, but still it provided what was needed to keep up the plots at game. It just wasn't innovative, addictive or full of special details. A bit of a letdown. The two main characters suit each other too well. I have some trouble believing the veracity of true feelings like everlasting love while the two of them are running for their lives. In this cases, I almost wished some more time could pass so we could believe their love is real. What do I know, I've never been in love, but it feels so rushed, another romance rule I never really went for, but sometimes it is believable, in this case it felt as much of a trick as the plot line was. Gryphon had his issues, I felt for his troubles and really wished he found happiness. Maelea as well, in particular once I've read about her past. I thin they look well together, this isn't the issue, but it was fast...very obviously so. Still, it was nice to see them both making some changes in their choices and expectations to suit a new feeling and a new person in their lives. Especially Maelea's, which I felt was a real sacrifice what she gave up, not in real terms, but when it came to her life dream. In the end, a nice story, but very lacking when compared to the others and not as passionate or attractive as the others. I hope the next one is more intense. Grade: 5/10
From the streets of 19th-century Boston to the harsh frontier--she wove a web of deception to ensnare her man!
