And Then She Fell

So for those who don't know, I'm an avid reader of all books by Stephanie Lauren.  My latest read on about Cynster family is And Then She Fell by Stephanie Lauren.  Unfortunately for her faithful readers, this one should have been titled "and then they were disappointed."  One of the things that has captured so many of Stephanie Laurens readers is the passion and sensuality that she weaves into her stories.  It just wasn't there in this book.  The spark never really flared for me between the main characters.  I don't want to make false accusations but it felt more like the work of a ghost.  Either that, or Ms. Lauren has hit a serious slump.  I know that in the literary world those can be fighting words, but I'm just calling it like I see it.  I just hope that she gets her mojo back for the next one!

The Maid's Daughter by Janice Maynard

We love free books don't we?!  Well this latest offering by the Harlequin Desire line  is:  The Maid's Daughter by Janice Maynard.   This is very much a modern cinderella.  However, in this version, "the prince" also has issues of his own.
The story touches on the very serious subject of child abuse and the lingering effects it can leave on a person.  However, I think I would have liked to see it addressed a little further within the scope of the story.  I personally believe the author missed an opportunity to weave greater attention to such an issue, as this, into a beautiful love story.  Because to me personally the most beautiful love stories aren't alway the "and they lived happily ever after" with perfect endings but rather those stories where they love through the scars.  Where one leaves the story knowing they will continue to love through the difficult areas ahead.

Heartbreaker part 3

Finally, the last story in the book, Heartbreaker, is Kandy Girlz by Nichelle Walker.  This story was not as shocking or exciting as the other two and so the book suddenly fell flat.  I think the publishers should have considered rearranging the stories in the book.  The redeeming point in this story, however, is that the main characters shows a bit on a conscious at the end.  Of course, the argument can be made that the only reason she showed any hint of remorse for her actions is that her manipulations finally caught up to her.

So there you have it.  If you are a regular reader of Urban fiction, I'd love to hear your take on both the genre and these stories in particular.

Heartbreaker part 2

The second story in the book is Put 'em in Their Place by Erick S. Gray.  This story has a couple of twists at the end, that definitely make this a must read! The story started out "just okay" for me but the ending makes up for it.  

Cha is hardcore and will not allow anyone or anything to get in the way of what she wants. However, things take a turn when she runs into her father's murderer and plots the ultimate payback.  

I don't want to give anything away, but this is one of the few stories where I can say: "I didn't see it coming!"  It's rare for a story and author to catch me off guard but that's exactly what this author did.  It's the type of story that makes me want to look for and read his other books and stories. 

Heartbreaker by De'nesha Diamond, Erick S. Gray, and Nichelle Walker

This book came to me on the recommendation of a friend.  This is not my usual genre but I promised I'd read and review it.  First of all it's an urban literature book a.k.a. street lit book.  For those unfamiliar with this genre, it's pretty much what the name implies.  It's fiction categorized by it's gritty "no holds barred' depiction of the seedier side of urban living.  As a whole, the book's title is very appropriate.  This book is actually comprised of 3 short stories.    For those who like the genre, you won't go wrong with this one.  For those who've never read any of these type stories, this book represents the genre well.

Personally, I don't tend to gravitate to these books.  Romance books for me are appealing because they are filled with love, hope and a pleasant escape from reality.  Street lit is the opposite.  For me, they tend to be a depressing reminder of what is reality, for way too many people. For those unfamiliar with that life the stories can be shocking and exciting.  For those currently living that life, they may appreciate being able to relate to some of the characters and situations.  But for those who are trying to leave that world behind, it's simply depressing.

To be fair to the authors, I've decided to review each story separately.  The first is Slippin' by De'nesha Diamond.   The story is of a young man hustling his way through the day to day only to find himself hustled in a big way by someone he thought was the love of his life.  The author tries to write the story from a guys perspective but it comes out forced at times.  Despite that the lead character is supposed to be a street smart womanizer, he comes across a bit effeminate at times.  The dialogue with the police officers was unrealistic and stereotypical.  The author needs to do a little more research  into that arena, in my opinion.  Over all decent but with a little tweaking could be even better.

Spectre of the Sword by Kathryn Le Veque

I know I was a little absent last month but I by no means stopped reading. As a matter of fact, the book of choice was one of the more impressive works of historical romance that I've read in a while. Spectre of the Sword by Kathryn Le Veque is full of romance, of course, but also of adventure.

For Lady Elizabeau Treveighan and Sir Rhys du Bois, life has just handed them the most difficult of challenges. Do they sacrifice their chance at the kind of love that comes only once in a lifetime for the good of a country and thousands of others that would be affected by your decision? Or, do they snatch the only chance they have at love so rare?

England is counting on Lady Elizabeau to marry another and thereby take her place as the next queen and ending a reign of tyranny by her uncle.  However, no one could foresee her falling in love with knight sent to protect her until she could reach the altar, least of all the said knight.   Sir Rhys du Bois develops feelings for his charge that would fly in the face of his duty as a knight.  But how can they be so selfish with the future of an entire country hanging in the balance?  

The characters were extremely well developed. The story line kept you turning the page; and the story was so well written I had to run to my encyclopedia to look up which parts were fact and which were fiction.

Before I'd even finished the book, I had a discussion with a friend and put the question forth:  "Love or duty?"   Now I'll ask you the same, which would you choose?  Love or duty?

The Virgin's Auction

The Virgin's Auction by Amelia Hart brought out an interesting plot. The characters were well defined but the story could have used more actual dialogue between the parties instead all of their thoughts.  The subject matter is by no means light and can be even considered by the more conservative readers to verge on offensive.  I was, therefore, surprised to learn that the author claims to be a feminist who dislikes the degradation of female characters.  What can be more degrading than being forced to sell your "wedding night"?!?  Selling sex, regardless of the reason behind it, or whether or not the  John (and in the case of this story, James) treats you well after he's bought you, is prostitution.  And personally, I don't know many more things more degrading than that.
Despite the author's hypocrisie,  the story was a good one but can be better with a little tweaking.  I'd like to see the author develop her craft to a point where she can describe the thoughts and emotions of the character through dialogue and not lengthy "thought monologues".  All things considered, not bad read.