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.

Her Unbridled Cowboy

Her Unbridled Cowboy (Harland County Series) by Donna Michaels is the second in this series.  It's an indie published book and boy did the "big boys" publishing houses miss out!!  The message, I believe, is a simple one.  We must learn to trust, and in the case of this story, relearn to trust, in order for our relationships to work.  Everyone has or will go through painful relationships, that make us want to protect our hearts and emotions, by keeping people at bay.  It's only natural to be more guarded after being hurt.  However, until we release the past, we won't be ready to move forward and receive what just may turn out to be a great future.

Free Book!

A Seal's Seduction by Tawny Weber is free Harlequin book on Amazon, and let's face it who doesn't like free?!   The story is from Harlequin's Blaze series, which is marked by their strong leads and of course steamy love scenes.  This plays off of the current fascination America has with seal's right now.  The story touches on some of the mental and emotional scars are military men and women deal with and how that affects their relationships.  Both the hero and heroine, of this story have emotional and mental issues resulting from military life they need to overcome.  Although each one from a different aspect of said life.  Go grab it, after all it's FREE!!

The Right Wrong Number by Barbara Delinsky

It's easy to see why Barbara Delinsky is a New York Times Bestselling Author.

While the last story I reviewed, was supposed a full length story, as I said I felt there was plenty of missed opportunity.  However, this short story while it left you definitely wanting more, it wasn't for lack of depth.  It left you wanting to read more but in a good way.  In fact, I kind of liked, the not knowing if it would be "happily ever after".  Sometimes the romance is about the journey not necessarily the ending.  The Right Wrong Number by Barbara Delinsky is actually available for a free download through amazon.  I recommend grabbing it while you can.  If you're looking for something to read during a coffee break or quick lunch then this is it.

Becoming a Lady by Marie Higgins

I'm back from vacation, and being the queen of procrastination, I have several book reviews.  The first is Becoming a Lady by Marie Higgins.  This is actually a re-publish.  It was originally published under the pen name - Phyllis.  It was quirky fun read.  I could relate to the basic story though.  I think I'm drawn to the historical romances because I love women being "ladies".  But like the lead in this story,  I know I could probably benefit from some etiquette lessons.  Oh, I don't believe I'll embarrass myself or those with me, but I'm no Jackie O. sigh.
 However, I think there was opportunity for the author to provide more depth of character.  The story was entertaining if not predictable.  I'd be interested, though, in reading more on some of the supporting characters.  Sequel anyone?   That actually begs the question, is there a supporting character that you'd love to see get their own story?  I'd find it interesting to know, which character,  in what book,  and why?

Waking up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly

Waking up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly is part of the Harlequin's Kiss line.  So naturally, it has all that we've come to expect from a Harlequin novel.  It's a fun quirky read and although it's a cute little fantasy, I wonder if in today's world would we want to encourage women to make as many potentially dangerous choices as those made by the leading lady?  Though, now that I think about it, that's part of the fun isn't it? The danger.

Your Husband or Mine by Nikkea Smithers

Normally, I try to find SOMETHING positive to say but this time I'm sorry I simply, 

The title has NOTHING to do with the story.  The story was completely unbelievable and the dialog trite.   This was my first read for this author and while I won't write her off completely, I hope her other works are marked improvements.  It was so bad that I'll refrain from posting the link.

Playing for Keeps

Playing for Keeps (A Novel of Family and Love)  by Kate Perry has the makings of a "Hallmark Channel Original Movie"

But what struck me the most, is the main character's struggle with fear. We have all struggled with fear, but how  much do we allow that fear to keep us from achieving are dreams?  In the case of the book, that fear was keeping her from a relationship and a career, but what about you?  What's your fear?  Is it fear of getting hurt, making your self vulnerable, that inevitable rejection letter?  Or perhaps it's fear of actually succeeding, and then what?   

My fear of rejection with my writing is only surpassed by my fear of NOT writing.  For my writers out there, don't let your fears keep you from pursuing your dreams. (Today's inspirational blog brought to you by all those sappy sayings online!  I'm sure it's only temporary, and I'll be back to my cynical self in no time! ;) )

Passion's Tide

I love to read works from new authors.  This latest read did not disappoint and I see a future in romance books for this young lady.  The book is Passion's Tide by Sarah West.  I was pretty impressed with the quality of story for such a novice author.  There were a couple of side story lines that I would have liked to see developed further but I suppose they leave Ms West with potential fodder for future books.   This was a fun quick historical romance. I was so impressed that I looked up the author.  I wonder which is more delicious, the characters in this book or the food she's got pictures of on her blog?  Since I've never tasted the food, I'm going to have go with the characters!  I look forward to forward to, hopefully, future stories from her.

The marriage list

It's been a while since I lasted posted but the holiday season seemed to take me by surprise this year.  That doesn't mean though that I haven't been reading. As a matter of fact, I recently finished a sweet, quick romance called The Marriage List, by Dorothy McFalls.   This is my first read of this fairly new author's work but she seems to be off to a great start.  I'm sure as she continues evolve in her craft, we can expect to see great works in the future.  I loved that the characters weren't "perfect", though, I'm disappointed that she seemed to "fix" them in the end.  I know that one of the attractions to romance books is the "happily ever after", but every once in a while I'd like to see the characters content in there "imperfections".  For my romance readers out there; do you prefer to escape to a world where everything always works out in the end or something a little closer to reality?

Promising start, disappointing finish

Well to pick up where I left off, I finished Love's Portrait (Historical Erotic Romance) by Monica Burns.  In the end, the author tried to get the reader to see how a bondage situation can go from degrading to enjoyable  with the right person in the right situation.  It didn't work for me.  I just found it hard to believe that a woman who'd been as victimized as this character was supposed to be would put herself in that situation, regardless of the man.  That is not to say, that a woman who's been victimized in the past can't learn to let go and learn to love and enjoy again but those types of scars are not easily overcome and so the situation wasn't a believable one for me.

Passion Remembered or Wished for?

The best stories are those that evoke a strong feeling in us whether good or bad.  They disturb something inside us.  The word disturbs often carries with it a bad connotation but in this case that would be false.   If a stories does not move you in some way then it was merely words on a page.  A good romance novel will also evoke some sort of emotional reaction as well.  Granted those emotions tend to be on a lighter or more uplifting tone but it's an emotional response nonetheless.
I have found, though, that the emotion a good romance inspires can be put into one of two categories.  (Feel free to disagree.)  Either the story will have you remembering your own similar experience or it will having you wishing or yearning for such an experience.  I believe that this can also have an effect as to which romance books you tend to gravitate too.  (Which ones do I gravitate to?  Well that would be like kissing and telling now wouldn't it!)  For example,  I would say that those who generally reach for the more innocent and simplistic romance of say a Pride and Prejudice are probably going for the remembrance of a feeling, while those who gravitate  to say the Fifty Shade of Grey trilogy are more apt to be looking to vicariously live such an experience.    This is not to say that one can't enjoy both. But merely, the reading experience is at opposite ends of the spectrum.
The book currently on the kindle is Love's Portrait (Historical Erotic Romance) by Monica Burns which tries to straddle the line and incorporate both a side that many would wish for while trying to maintain the simple purity of love at it's core.  I'm about half way done and aside from getting annoyed at the mistakes a mediocre editor should have caught (red sheets on one page are suddenly white on another), the story is still intriguing enough to keep my attention.  At this point, it has me feeling...reckless is the word that comes to mind. But we'll see, the night is still young!  

Excuse Me While I Climb Onto My Soapbox

We interrupt this blog, so I may say a few words about a romance related matter.  I LOVE romance stories.   However, I recognize that, at least the ones most featured on this blog, are FICTION.  That means not real! Most, if not all of you, are probably now thinking, "well, duh!" and "What's your point?".  The point is this:  If we recognize that these are beautiful but fictional stories, why do we approach are real life relationships as though they should mimic fiction?!?  Many women believe, or behave as though they believe, that the relationship should always be about the passion and/or sexual attraction.  There is no such thing as a perfect man, but you can have a wonderful beautiful relationship as long as your willing to put forth the effort.  Relationships take hard work!  There will be dark times in every relationship.  The trick is to get through it TOGETHER!  How often have we heard someone say they have fallen out of love??  That's crap!  What it means is I no longer want to put the effort into making this relationship work!  It takes two and it takes a dose of reality mixed with even bigger helpings of hope and prayer.   Trust and Communication are the biggest factors in determining how well a relationship will hold up under pressure.  We need to stop expecting some man to magically know what we are thinking and to have all the answers and start being real with ourselves and acknowledging that we all have a responsibility and role that we play in our relationships.  To all the young ladies out there this is not intended to make you despair but rather to encourage you.  There is a prince charming out there for everyone but he won't come without flaws and it'll take hard work but if you are both willing to put forth the effort you can have the kind of relationship that romance writers write about.  

Walking in a character's footsteps

So I've been a tad lax on my posts as of late, so I was told.  However, I've been on vacation which has actually afforded me an opportunity to finish quite a few books.  Currently on the kindle though is a classic, Victor Hugo's Les Miserables.  I've decided to go back and re-read some of the classics.  This book, though reminds me of why I'm such a romance fan.  Probably for the same reason that I'm a Disney fan, it's the "Happily Ever After" part.  While Les Miserables is a great book, I don't need to be reminded about the pain and suffering in the world.  That's what the evening news is for.  Rather, books are my escape from reality.  Of course that's just my perspective and I know plenty of you like a little more realism in your books.  Which do you prefer?  Speaking of not stories that are not too realistic.  One of the books I've read while on vacation is a fantasy romance called "Suddenly a Bride" by Ruth Ann Nordin. It was a perfect vacation book in that it was short and sweet.  Coincidentally,  the story took place in the Florida pan handle which is where I went on vacation.  A book takes on a whole other dimension when you find yourself in the very places the story references.  I was in Pensacola which also happens to be where Ann Rice had a condo (she has since sold it) and wrote Blackwood Farm there.  Ever read a book in which you found yourself walking in the same places as the character?  I'll follow up with some of the other books I've read on this trip in the future, but for now the pool is calling!