Oh dear. I just let go and wrote a favorable review of a romance novel and then decided to try another. Bad decision.
This book, although light on the Oh dear. I just let go and wrote a favorable review of a romance novel and then decided to try another. Bad decision.
This book, although light on the flowery sex scenes that usually decorate such fodder, was as predictable as any romance novel could be. Julie is a poor little girl, product of a broken foster care system, who alights on a magical island in Florida that reeks of Mayberry (anyone remember Andy Griffith’s small town?). She makes two life-long friends of the single-women-who-have-given-up-on-men-and-now-own-their-businesses variety and falls in line, opening a bakery of her own.
Everything changes when handsome and wealthy Reed shows up on vacation. He’s everything any woman would want, with the exception of his crippling guilt over the death of his beloved wife and soulmate.
Can Julie and Reed overcome the obstacles in their way? Will friends Tally and Susan allow him to dump his anxieties all over their precious ward? Will lightning strike twice? I hate spoilers, but I think we can all predict what happens even if the author takes the long way to her conclusion.
Just hearing the words “romance novel” makes me envision tearing bodices and throbbing manhoods. So why is it I just gave 4 stars to a romance novel? Just hearing the words “romance novel” makes me envision tearing bodices and throbbing manhoods. So why is it I just gave 4 stars to a romance novel? I couldn’t help enjoying this quick little beach book about a witch who knows nothing of her family or background until her two aunties send a mysterious assistant to give her a surprise quiz that proves she has a healthy dose of her mother’s genes.
Lily is convinced to join them on an island conjured by the spooks of the world (witches, vampires, shape shifters, etc.) as a haven from the hostile mortal world. It’s paradise, that is until someone turns up dead after Lily has performed her specialty magic and mixed him a drink to cure his hypochondria. All witches have their own brand of magic and Lily is destined to be a mixologist like her mother before her, that is if she lives long enough.
As all eyes focus on Lily with suspicion, she’s forced to try to uncover the identity of the real murderer. With the help of the aforementioned aunties and a couple of spunky girl cousins, as well as the sexy Ranger, she needs to find her powers before someone turns her into the next “late” mixologist.
The book is fast paced and fun to read, with a quirky plot that’s entertaining. There are several more books in the series and I intend to make a meal of them shortly. Go on, have some fun and join me!...more
I’m giving this book a four rating although it’s really more of a 3.5 because I enjoyed the trilogy as a whole. The combination of steam punk and magiI’m giving this book a four rating although it’s really more of a 3.5 because I enjoyed the trilogy as a whole. The combination of steam punk and magic was smoothly meshed with highly enjoyable results. Fold together werewolves and warlocks, sprinkle in some angels and demons, then whip up a unique breed of peacekeepers called Shadow-hunters and you have one tasty story.
The novel moved at a brisk pace and held my interest throughout. There were plenty of sparring and fight scenes to satisfy action lover, while romantics could swoon over the heroine’s dual suitors. Frankly, my 3.5 rating is due in large part to the number of pairings running simultaneously through this last book. Pretty much every character of note fell in love which was overkill to me. It was a veritable Shadow-hunter E-Harmony fest.
The characters were well drawn with both likable and entertaining good guys and an equal amount of irritating or downright loath-able villains. The evil automatons were pure steampunk even if their existence sprung from a magical source. The author did an excellent job of bringing contradictory elements together into one delightful read. Bravo, Ms. Clare!
Do yourself a favor and pick up the trilogy. You’ll be rewarded with hours of Goodreads....more
A man obsessed with discovering a formula that will allow him to bring people back to life when mixed with their dying breaths? I'm in.
This book is a A man obsessed with discovering a formula that will allow him to bring people back to life when mixed with their dying breaths? I'm in.
This book is a amalgam of historical fiction (Catherine de Medici is one of the main characters), the history of mixing fragrances, and the science of alchemy, with a dash of spiritualism and reincarnation to add spice. Sounds like a hodgepodge but the various elements are woven together into a surprisingly pleasant story of love and loss.
Rene Bianco, known as Rene le Florentin, has been trained in medical plant lore and alchemy by the monk that mentored him. He uses this knowledge to create unforgettable scents which brings him to the attention of the young Catherine de Medici. She becomes his patron and brings her with him to France where she is to become Queen. But Rene was also left with a secret task by the monk; he was to continue the man's life work and find an elixir that, when mixed with a dying breath, could retrieve a soul after death.
In present day France, Jac L'Etoile is given the same task by her dying brother who had been hired by Melinoe, a fabulously wealthy heiress, to solve the mystery where Bianco had left off five hundred years ago. Jac has a secret that draws her to the project: she is able to see glimpses of the past lives of herself and those close to her. On arrival at Melinoe's country estate, Jac discovers that it was previously owned by Rene Bianco. She begins to have visions of the alchemist's life and learns how and why he became involved with collecting the breaths of the dying.
Yes, there is also the romance factor. Jac and her former lover struggle to work together while dealing with the issues that split them apart. Rene falls passionately in love with one of Catherine's ladies, a relationship which relies on the goodwill of the Queen to reach fruition.
Ms. Rose weaves a beautiful tale of love, family, duty, and spiritual awakening that sweeps the reader along on a sensual journey spanning five centuries. Rene is a tragic figure that I wanted to comfort. Jac is an intelligent young woman trying to live her life in the present while being haunted by events long past. This was a delicious read that will leave you immersed in the scent of flowers and exotic spices....more
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. It has an interesting premise: a young music executive is sent to Majorca to convince a famous songwriteI received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. It has an interesting premise: a young music executive is sent to Majorca to convince a famous songwriter to complete his contract for new songs. Exotic location - check. A beautiful woman and an attractive man in a fabulous mansion - check. Romance - not so much.
Although the book is described as a romance, the relationship between Lionel and Juliet is prickly. He has major beef with her boss, who did him wrong and caused much heartache. He doesn't want to write any more love songs to enrich the man who stole his one chance at happiness. Juliet is career driven and won't give up on her task. She has a brief flirtation with a tennis star but doesn't feel strongly enough to commit to him.
What this book is mainly about is labels. Lionel is incessantly described in detail by what ridiculously expensive clothing he's wearing. I learned more about designers of men's blazers and shoes than anyone needs to know. The women are described by their dresses (colored or floral) and their sandals.
Every character has either brilliant blue or stunning green eyes. The women have long legs, full breasts and tiny pink mouths. I lost track of how many times "Juliet stood on the balcony." And the details of every meal consumed, which are many, were better suited to a recipe book than a romance novel.
In short, the promised romance was drowned in unnecessary details about everything and everyone. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. The repetition of certain phrases and descriptions became mind-numbing after a few chapters.
The one saving grace for this story was the location. The beauty of Majorca and the friendliness of the people there made me want to visit. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to save this book....more
I'm a sucker for Jane Austen, even modern day adaptations. While this is okay as a young adult romp, any resemblance to the original is purely fictionI'm a sucker for Jane Austen, even modern day adaptations. While this is okay as a young adult romp, any resemblance to the original is purely fictional.
Sheltered Cat, a home-schooled minister's daughter from a small country town, gets her shot at the big time at the giant Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. Amazingly, on her first trip away from home she becomes the most popular girl in town, with girls and men alike vying for her attention. She's immediately sucked into the orbit of the Thorpe family, a group of selfish and grasping siblings who will use Cat to advance themselves in society.
Cat, however, is drawn to the Tilney's, particularly the strapping young Henry. She's fascinated not by the family's obvious wealth and position, but by the creepy old abbey they call home. She loses herself in a fantasy of being courted by Henry and swept away to his haunted, vampire-ridden abode. Unfortunately, Johnny Thorpe has set his sights on Cat and, in a particularly crude and obnoxious manner, proceeds to force himself between her and the juicy Henry at every opportunity.
This is all great fun, but it gets a bit hard to believe that Cat is really as ditzy as she appears. She's an intelligent girl with absolutely no grasp on reality. She also falls for the tripe the Thorpes are feeding her, allowing them to manipulate her into falling in with their plans to marry golddigging Bella to Cat's brother James.
Finally, when Cat is evicted in the middle of the night by Henry's father, old General Tilney, the reason for his abrupt about-face in feelings toward her stunned me. Really, this is what you came up with Val?
A good, quick bit of fun for a weekend read, but in no way comparable to our beloved Jane's original.
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. While I do enjoy YA (in spite of my age), I'm not usually drawn to romances. After reading tI received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. While I do enjoy YA (in spite of my age), I'm not usually drawn to romances. After reading this novel I will have to make an exception.
I really enjoyed this story. Part of my connection was probably due the setting in Southern California, practically in my backyard. But I was also pulled in by Eden, a young girl with limited social experience suddenly dropped into the lifestyle of wealthy teens in a beach town dominated by parties, intoxicants, and hook-ups. Basically a good kid, Eden tries to keep herself grounded while hanging with a group of girls who grew up privileged and unsupervised. Her troubled relationship with her absentee father leaves her to her own devices in navigating the string of parties her new friends take her to where everyone is drunk and/or drugged and pairing off for sex.
So what's a nice girl like Eden doing with her temperamental stepbrother Tyler? Why is she the only one who wonders why he has anger-management issues, self-medicates himself to the point of passing out, and maintains a relationship with a bitchy girlfriend he admits he really doesn't like at all? The development of a rapport between Eden and Tyler is handled very delicately and I, for one, was on the edge of my seat waiting for the big reveal. Much was made of the impropriety of a couples relationship between step-siblings, a point that I fail to understand as there's no biological connection and they had just met as teenagers.
Overall, this was an accurate portrayal of teenagers today. I've seen some complaints that there was too much partying and sex, but I find that view naive. These kids were doing what most teens I know of, even in my day, do for entertainment. The fact that Eden stayed true to herself and was resistant to the peer pressure she was under made me like her even more. I would recommend this to all YA readers as a fun, fast read....more
Oh, boy. Finally I've reached the end. End of this book, end of my patience, end of any romance novel ever ending up in my hands again.
Pierce and JohnOh, boy. Finally I've reached the end. End of this book, end of my patience, end of any romance novel ever ending up in my hands again.
Pierce and John are in love. So in love that they spend this entire book talking to each other about it, flirting, sharing sly innuendos, and basically ignoring everything that's going on around them. Such as Pierce's cousin being killed by their schoolmates, then being brought back to life by our dynamic duo. Such as the Underworld falling apart, storms of falling ravens, and an epic ferry crash that would take all the waiting souls with it. While this happens, Pierce is concentrating on John undressing. The girl has the attention span of a flea.
Let's cut to the chase: John dies (how does a Death Deity die? beats me), Pierce goes to a drunken party during a hurricane to find his soul (logic, anyone?), and Pierce's Dad helps John buy new ferries and wants to go into business with the Lord of the Underworld. Any questions? Why did I read this book? Like the chicken that crossed the road, I was hoping to get hit by a truck and end it all.
On a lighter note, the book ends with Pierce and John deciding to buy a nice little house topside where they can have a baby. Just in time for Teen Mom, Season 17! If there's a fourth book in this series coming, I don't want to know about it....more
Considering I had a pile of questions after finishing the first book in this series, I decided it would be a good idea to read the second. Now my quesConsidering I had a pile of questions after finishing the first book in this series, I decided it would be a good idea to read the second. Now my questions is, why would I put myself through this again?
When last we saw them, Pierce and John were young and in love. Well, Pierce was young and John has been 19-years old for about 250 years. After spending a total of about 1 hour together over several years, they've decided they can't live without each other (talk about whirlwind romances). Not that this could be dubbed a classic romance as John is intent on controlling every aspect of Pierces life and has no problem withholding vitally important information to keep her with him. Pierce is a self-proclaimed healer of broken things; she met John when she begged him to bring a dead bird back to life when she was 7 (he did), then ran in to him again in the Underworld after she had drowned trying to save an injured bird (she's a slow learner). He's her latest pet project, pun intended.
John and Pierce are the reigning royalty of the Underworld and are under attack by the Furies, angry spirits of the dead who want to harm Pierce and, through her, John. Unfortunately, the Furies aren't the only ones who are angry with the couple. In her hurry to get into John's bed, Pierce has forgotten that her family has no idea where she's disappeared to and assumes she was kidnapped by the tall, dark and violent stranger she was last seen with (yes, that would be John). When the couple travels to the land of the living to check up on her cousin Alex, another hot-headed young fool, they find that the police are looking for them and that Pierce's father has posted a $1 million dollar reward (she's filthy rich, but has thrown all that away to spend eternity in the land of the dead -- who says kids don't know how to have fun anymore?).
One thing did make me happy in this book: we are finally filled in on who John is and how he became Lord of the Underworld at the ripe age of 19. We also gain a bit of insight into his anti-social personality and I was able to feel some empathy for him as a character. Not so for Pierce, who is still an empty-headed little twit who is guaranteed to say and do exactly what it takes to cause everyone pain and trouble. A typical 17-year old girl then.
I feel now the same way I felt at the end of book two of the Twilight saga: I despise Pierce/Bella for the worthless waste of skin she is and I feel for John/Edward for loving someone so self-centered and stupid. On to book three....more
I picked up this book on my daughter's recommendation. I'd never read anything by Ms. Cabot, but her YA credentials appeared impeccable. I loved the iI picked up this book on my daughter's recommendation. I'd never read anything by Ms. Cabot, but her YA credentials appeared impeccable. I loved the idea of a story based on the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone.
Unfortunately, this turned out to be a rather soppy romance novel, probably the one genre that I never read (for good reason). Our heroine and modern day Persephone, Pierce, lacks dimension and spends the bulk of the book either running from or running to John, a cross between Hades and a rather dull and violent rock star. The author keeps us in suspense (yawn) for most of the book as to a traumatic experience in Pierce's life, and I for one didn't understand at all how John became the Lord of the Underworld.
Pierce is the poor little rich girl we all love to hate. Young, attractive and fabulously wealthy, she is a loner who has trouble making friends. After a NDE (near death experience, as the author notes repeatedly throughout the book), she finds herself in the Underworld and meets John, a man of few words but plenty of physical attributes. Always a bit slow, Pierce doesn't seem to realize where she is or what's happened to her. She bats her eyes at the hunky man in charge and is immediately whisked to his bedroom, where he tells her she will be his consort and can never leave. So much for courting, or even dating. She does what anyone would do; she swoons at his touch, then runs away.
Back in the real world, no one will believe her story of dying (yes, Pierce finally catches on to that detail) and escaping death's grip, literally. A battery of expensive psychiatrists are paid to convince her that it was all in her mind. Except for the fact that the dark man keeps appearing in times of need to save her from many fates worse than death, as Pierce seems to have a knack for getting herself into dangerous situations involving men (hmmm, I sense a pattern here).
After her parents divorce, in no small part due to Pierce's "accident" and apparent mental illness, she moves with her mother to mom's home town in Florida. Coincidentally, the town and the island it's located on happen to be directly over the portal to the Underworld that John uses to visit the land of the living via his cemetery vault. Pierce, who loves nothing better than to go for bike rides in the local cemetery (hey, who wouldn't) naturally runs into John. An awkward scene ensues where no one says what they really mean, they both become confused as to what the other party wants, and Pierce manages to irritate John (doesn't take much, but she is an annoying ditz) to the point where he throws her out of the cemetery. Of course, later that night he strews flower petals all over her yard.
Enough said: the book continues with Pierce lying to everyone to conceal what's going on and John appearing to clock anyone who tries to touch her. Of course at the end of the story we discover they are madly in love with one another. The book was a quick read, which probably explains how I got to the end without realizing I'd actually slogged through the whole thing....more
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I was intrigued by the story of young lovers in Pakistan trying to overcome the obstacles thI received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I was intrigued by the story of young lovers in Pakistan trying to overcome the obstacles that keep them apart.
Mariyum is a bright girl and avid reader who is unable to attend secondary school and get the education she desperately desires due to family circumstances. Her father has all but abandoned his wife and four daughters in his disappointment at not having a son. He undermines the family's position in their small village by drinking and whoring, which are strictly forbidden, until his own family disowns. He deals with this blow by being physically abusive to his wife and children on the rare occasions when he's at home and not out seeking his own base pleasures.
Faisal has also been dealt a harsh blow: his parents have died and left him with nothing but his wits to support himself. He finds work with the kindly owner of a local tea shop, but yearns to open his own restaurant someday.
Childhood friends, Mariyum and Faisal soon realize that they are in love and want to marry. But Mariyum's father has promised his beautiful and intelligent daughter to Murad, the spoiled son of the local landlord. Murad is a bully and brute who desires Mariyum for her beauty alone. Desperate to avoid marriage to Murad, Mariyum and Faisal run away to seek their fortune in the big city. But the rigid male-dominated society in Pakistan, combined with a system steeped in greed and corruption, make it impossible for the young lovers to achieve their dream.
While the story is intriguing and the details of life for the average Pakistani kept me reading, the events were predictable. The only part that surprised me was the climax, which I found shocking and rather over the top.
The writing also made this a difficult read for me. The prose is simplistic to the point of being vapid, and the author overuses repetition, of names, places, titles, etc., to the point where I was forced to skip passages that gave me the same information four or five times.
A somewhat likable story, but definitely not the best read I've ever had....more
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway and was not disappointed. A romance set in Paris whose main character is a fan of classic movI received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway and was not disappointed. A romance set in Paris whose main character is a fan of classic movies, it had all the earmarks of a fun read.
Alain has inherited an beautiful old movie theater from his uncle, who also imbued him with a love of old movies, and particularly love stories. His theater is pristine: no popcorn of soft drinks are sold, only wonderful films that his loyal clientele enjoy as much as he does.
Alain is captivated by a young woman in a red coat who frequents the theater for his Wednesday night romance series. Finally working up the courage to invite her to dinner, they have a magical first date ending with a chaste kiss and the promise of further meetings after she returns from a trip to visit her aunt. However, when the time for her return arrives, the mystery woman fails to appear. It's only then that Alain realizes that in his excitement over the possibility of true love he has failed to get any information about her other than her first name, Melanie.
With the help of an American filmmaker (a thinly disguised Woody Allen) and his seductively attractive female star, Alain sets out to find his lost love. Coincidentally, the filmmaker is searching for his estranged daughter who he believes lives in Paris. Coincidences abound in this story, and if it weren't so charming and well told it would be farcical. Fortunately, Barreau creates a bittersweet story of lost loves and relationships gone awry that make this a very entertaining read.
The book is short and sweet, easily devoured in one sitting. For anyone looking for some light entertainment with a happily-ever-after vibe, this is the book for you....more
This is a story of teenage cancer patients. Spoiler alert: someone will die.
That said, it is one of the funniest and most entertaining books I've reaThis is a story of teenage cancer patients. Spoiler alert: someone will die.
That said, it is one of the funniest and most entertaining books I've read with such a serious subject. Hazel and Augustus are bright, witty and extremely likeable. They're the type off fictional characters you would love to be friends with. They take their illness in stride and make the most of every day. It's a joy to read their story.
There are, however, some highly emotional moments; when their friend Isaac loses his remaining eye and must learn to face total blindness; when Hazel and Augustus visit the Anne Frank house; the pain Hazel's parents can't hide as she struggles to fight the disease that is destroying her lungs. But the characters face these traumas realistically rather than heroically. Dying is never portrayed as glorious, just tragic.
This is a beautiful novel filled with spirit and heart. I highly recommend it, but keep the tissues handy....more
I received both volumes of this novel via a Goodreads First Reads giveaway and am so grateful I did! Although this is possibly one of the longest bookI received both volumes of this novel via a Goodreads First Reads giveaway and am so grateful I did! Although this is possibly one of the longest books I've read so far at 1,550 pages, it was well worth the time it took to read.
A wonderful historical novel set in the Regency Period in England, this is the story of Mr. Edmund Percy, or Edmund Persuader as he was dubbed at Oxford for his facility at mediating disputes between his classmates. Edmund is the third son of a wealthy landowner, an unenviable position in a world where strict entitlements bound such properties to be strictly passed to the eldest male relative in the family. Subsequent sons were honor bound to take up professions in the military, clergy, or other professions where a position could be bought or earned, living a life far different from the one lucky son who became lord of the manor after the death of his father.
Edmund is destined for the Church and takes up his calling with determination and fortitude. He never complains of his circumstances, even in the face of the obvious unworthiness of his older brother, Christopher, a selfish, egotistical layabout who wastes no opportunity to lavish their father's money on loutish entertainments for himself, all the while lording it over his younger, more responsible brothers. Edmund remains ever gracious and loving to his family, shouldering responsibilities that should be carried by his father and brother.
While visiting his favorite Aunt Andromeda at her estate, Edmund makes the acquaintance of the local lord of the manor, Cato Esquith de Foye, and his children, Tarquin and Mariah. Percy's fine qualities and noble temperament endear him to the family and he becomes best friend to the heir apparent, Tarquin. Unfortunately, he also falls in love with the lovely Mariah, a lady far above his prospects for marriage as a 3rd son seeking a living as a parrish preacher.
Many lovable and entertaining characters fill the village of Broadbridge where Edmund hopes to be awarded the position of rector when the elderly and ailing current rector, Mr. Maugham, passes away. The author leads us through the many twists and turns of fate that conspire to keep Edmund from obtaining his living, as well as the hand of his lady.
The language and tone of the novel hit the mark historically, and the story of unrequited love is both timeless and eloquently told. For fans of historical romance in the traditional vein, this is your novel. I loved it and highly recommend it....more
1. I read and loved Brackston's The Witch's Daughter. 2. It's about a witch (or two). 3. It's set in 19th century Wales. 4What attracted me to this book:
1. I read and loved Brackston's The Witch's Daughter. 2. It's about a witch (or two). 3. It's set in 19th century Wales. 4. There are Corgis in the story!
Unfortunately, none of the above were enough to keep me interested in this story. I found this to be one of those books where two people are destined to fall in love but are constantly prevented from doing so by miscommunication, lack of understanding, and the interference of others. After about a hundred pages of Morgana and Cai sending and receiving all the wrong messages I was more than a little frustrated.
Okay, I get it. Morgana can't speak and that can certainly be an obstacle between two people who barely know each other. But the point is beaten to death by constant, annoying, and willful misinterpretations by each of the other's intentions. Get it together kids!
It was also frustrating that Morgana took so long to figure out who meant her harm and why so many awful things were happening around her. We're told she's not stupid but she certainly is dense.
For the amount of actual action that occurs in this book it should have been about a hundred pages shorter. Even then, I don't think I would give it a higher rating. It's a very predictable romance story with a bit of magic and some adorable dogs thrown in....more
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