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?