March 16th, 2010 — 3 Stars, Book Review, Clumsy Heroine, Contemporary, Love Triangle, Paranormal, Stephenie Meyer, United States of America, Vampire, Virgin Hero, Virgin Heroine, Werewolf, Young Adult
The second book in the Twilight saga is entitled New Moon and if the first book was about finding true love, then this book is about losing true love. I am not particularly fond of this book. It is because it contains so little Edward. We are introduced to the other paranormal group just up the road however. We meet those that live La Push Reservation, home to the Quileute Tribe. Some we've been introduced to before, like Jacob Black. Others are new.
If you couldn't wait for the library to hand you this next book in the series, you read the beginning chapter that was at the end of Twilight. A teaser that leaves you wondering what happens to Bella when she cuts herself at the Cullens house. Her blood makes them thirsty, none more so than Jasper who has the least control. Edward gets Bella to safety but the damage is done.
The next few days he becomes more and more distant to Bella. She's desperate to break through to Edward when suddenly he starts to talk to her again. Only she wished he wouldn't. I wished he hadn't too. He breaks it off with her at the edge of the forest. It is better than the sewers Angel dumped Buffy in, but I was heartbroken and Bella more so. Here it is, I thought, the end of a good story (but just you wait... keep reading).
So deep is her grief over losing Edward she loses herself and becomes a walking shell. It isn't until half a year later that she can even stick her head above the water. She does it only because Charlie is running scared and pulling ultimatums about going to Florida to live with her mother. Bella can't do that. Doing that means leaving the magic of Forks behind and relegating Edward to a memory and not a reality. So she asks a friend to the movies... anything without romance. She couldn't handle that. It's after the movies that the story gains interest again. She hears Edwards voice... in her head. His voice is a beautiful hallucination warning her of the danger ahead.
What follows next is a series of stupid reckless moves as Bella fights to hear his voice. She turns to Jacob Black to help her fix motorcycles, thinking the danger in riding them would provide her with Edward's voice. She becomes Jacob's friend, and over the hundreds of pages left he becomes the sun to warm the desolation of her life. I don't like Jacob. He keeps pushing the friend boundary, so certain of Bella turning to him and forgetting about Edward despite her repeated warnings that she'll never love anyone but Edward.
But then the story changes again and it's like sweet music playing in your mind because you just know Edward's coming back into the picture. And like Bella, you fear you are going to miss him, lose him again. The book ends on the sweetest note imaginable and you close this sad book feeling ridiculously happy. The ending is four and a half stars.
Rating: 3 Stars
Originally posted 2008-11-19 04:13:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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March 3rd, 2010 — 3.5 Stars, Contemporary, G-I, Guest Reviews, Pilot, Survival, United States of America, Widow or Widower
By: Marcia, guest reviewer
Bailey Wingate is living what many would believe to be a charmed life in Seattle, but she has problems. Not that she is complaining. She knows that she is fortunate. Having grown up impoverished, she became the personal assistant to James Wingate, a wealthy businessman and father of two extremely self absorbed, spoiled, greedy, adult children. After James' wife died, he realized that his own will had not been updated since his children where very young. He also realized that turning over large estate to these two irresponsible people was not advisable. While in the process of setting up trust funds for his children, James found out he was terminally ill. He then approached his assistant, Bailey.
Bailey is now the widow of James in full control of all of his assets and his children's trust funds. She did not inherit any of the estate, but is paid a very handsome salary. She also has use of several homes. Seth and Tazmin Wingate are unaware of all the particulars of the father's arrangement with Bailey. All they know is that she controls their money.
Cameron Justice is part owner of J&L Executive Air Limo along with his best friend, Bret. Their largest client is the Wingate Group. He is a former Air Force pilot, calm and steady when under fire. Due to a series of unfortunate events, he is awakened early in the morning and asked to fly Bailey to Colorado where she is scheduled to meet her brother and sister-in-law and go on a white water rafting vacation. Early morning call not withstanding, Cam is not happy about having to fly Bailey anywhere. He thinks that she is a cold, haughty snob. Bailey thinks the same of Cam and they get off on the wrong foot when, while loading her luggage onboard, he appears to be critical of all the supplies she has brought with her.
As they are approaching snow-capped mountains in Idaho, the plane's engines shut down. Only Cam's flying ability keeps them from slamming into the rocky peaks. He is able to bring the plane down to the tree line hoping to cushion their fall. The wing is torn off and tree limbs come into one side of the plane. Both Bailey and Cam are knocked out. When Bailey regains consciousness, she discovers that Cam's injuries are worse then hers. The temperature is below freezing and she must take care of Cam and build them shelter until Cam recovers. Not surprisingly, all the clothing and supplies she packed come in handy. They have to put their differences aside to survive and having to sleep together in order to conserve heat doesn't hurt the road to love.
Linda Howard has researched her subject thoroughly. The detailed airplane crash and survival scenes add realism and drama to a humorous and sensual romance combining into a great summer read.
Rating: 3 ½ Stars
Buy: Up Close and Dangerous
Writing a review is easy! Submitting one is even easier! If you would like to write LRP a critique on a novel that you've read check here for submission guidelines.
Originally posted 2008-12-05 17:04:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 6th, 2010 — 3.5 Stars, Book Review, Comedy of Manners, Counts, Marquis, Viscounts, France, Georgette Heyer, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Kidnapping, Mistaken Identity, Regency, Virgin Heroine
Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer is enchanting and will assuredly transport you to another world. Georgette Heyer, praised to be the new Jane Austen, was born in 1902 and her tales are quite old but hold the same classic feel as any one of Austen’s novels. I can picture the whole novel as a movie and am surprised that I’ve not seen it made into one. Of course I haven’t checked in at IMDB so I could be quite wrong about its silver screen status.
This is my first time reading Heyer and such I found it tough to start (as such it's affected my rating). The writing while at first difficult to read and to get into because of the level of vocabulary and particular word phrasing which is unusual for today’s standard’s. However it gets easier the more you read. By the end of the book you’re practically flying through the pages trying to get to the end of the story and see the leads get their happily ever after.
In the true spirit of a Regency novel, this novel includes a secondary romance to entertain us. Neither romance goes to the bedroom, in fact the first and only kiss mentioned is at the very end of the tale. My one fault with the story was there was much too much time spent on ditherings going on around the leads and not nearly enough time focused on them. They were more thrown together in the beginning when Dominic kidnapped poor Mary than later.
Mary Challoner is determined to save her sister from scandal and intercepts a letter from Marquis of Vidal to her sister Sophie arranging an illicit tryst. A daring scheme to take her sister’s place and fool Vidal comes to her and Mary rushes through with it, barely thinking out the consequences.
When Vidal finds out he’s most upset and assuming her to be like her untoward and loose sister, Vidal forcibly takes her the rest of the way to France. Once there, Mary is able to make her true nature known and flummoxed Vidal is forced to do the one thing he never thought to do – propose marriage. Imagine his surprise when Mary refuses! What’s a Marquis to do?
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Buy: Devil's Cub
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Originally posted 2008-09-02 05:43:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 5th, 2010 — Australia/New Zealand, Guest Blogger, Lycanthrope, M-O, Paranormal
by Shelley Munro, guest blogger and author of Scarlet Woman.
Hi, my name is Shelley Munro, and I write paranormal and contemporary romance for Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. Thanks for having me to visit today to talk about my feline shapeshifter book Scarlet Woman.
Middlemarch is a small town in the South Island of New Zealand. A few years ago, there was a special interest item on our news. The town of Middlemarch had a shortage of marriageable females, and in an effort to combat the problem, the locals decided to organize a dance to bring women into the area. A special train traveled from Dunedin. Dubbed the “Love Train”, it arrived packed with single women to attend the dance.
The first dance was a great success, and the next singles ball will take place at Easter 2011. For those who are interested, there’s a contact address on the Middlemarch website. www.middlemarch.co.nz Who knows who you’ll meet during the journey on the Love Train from Dunedin or at the actual dance???
The story of the dance and history behind it fascinated me. When I was looking for a place to set my feline shifter series, I decided Middlemarch would be perfect. In my Middlemarch world, both feline shifters and humans occupy the town. They face a similar problem, having a shortage of females. Saber is the oldest Mitchell brother, and his younger brothers are out of control. The feline council decides to arrange a dance, and Saber hopes to marry off his brothers to keep them out of trouble. Unfortunately, Saber is the one caught in the romance trap, much to the amusement of his brothers.
What do you think of the town’s plan to entice women to Middlemarch? Can you think of any other ways to entice women of a marriageable age to a small country town?
Author Bio:
Shelley Munro lives in New Zealand and loves to write about feline shapeshifters. To learn more about Scarlet Woman and the other stories in Shelley’s Middlemarch Mates series, read excerpts, see family trees and other background information visit her website at www.shelleymunro.com
Excerpt: Scarlet Woman
“Oh, man. Look at the tits on her.” Felix made kissing noises deep in his throat. “I’ve died and gone to heaven. Oh, man. She winked. Yep, heaven.”
Sly thumped his brother on the back. “Don’t think it’s heaven, bro. Can’t be with all that sinful lust shining on your face.”
“Cut it out, the pair of you,” Saber said, trying to scowl his boisterous younger brothers into obedience. Despite laying down the law this afternoon, the four were out of control. He had to get them settled before one of their harmless pranks boiled over into something that threatened them all.
“Yeah, gotta remember, this is punishment,” Leo chided, humor dancing in his dark eyes.
Joe let out a low whistle. “I vote the lady in red administers my punishment.”
Saber relaxed a fraction. Good. His plan was working already. If he managed to get each of his brothers mated, they’d cut out the mischievous shenanigans and settle down to raise a litter or two. And he wouldn’t have to worry about articles in the paper like the one he’d seen last month.
Black panther sighted again.
At least the article had lit a match under the council elders. Finally. Agreement that they needed to do something to help the younger males settle. Saber’s mouth firmed in introspection as he recalled the heated meeting. The council had discussed the lack of females of marriageable age. They knew the causes—the feline families tended to have male offspring while the human females seemed to enjoy the lifestyle offered in the city of Dunedin or farther afield. They attended high school and university in the city and never returned to their birthplace. The human males left too, but they tended to return after exploring a little of the world outside Middlemarch. Until the reporter’s story had appeared, no one had tried to solve the problem of a lopsided gender ratio. The article in the paper had been the catalyst. They’d all swung into action to organize a dance they hoped would benefit both the young shifter and human males living in Middlemarch. The task they’d called impossible suddenly became imperative.
Saber eyed Felix and Leo, the brothers standing closest to him, feeling the tension brought about by responsibility coalesce into a solid lump in his chest. They both strenuously denied taking part in the prank, but Saber wasn’t so sure. He knew his brothers—where there was fun to be had, they were in the thick of it.
Felix nudged Sly. “Big bro’s looking serious. He’s got Mission Mate on his mind again.”
Joe leaned closer and whispered, “Can’t have shape shifters roaming around Middlemarch for the humans to see.”
“Enough,” Saber snapped. His brothers sobered, knowing they’d pushed him far enough tonight. Dammit, he had to find them mates. It was too late for him. But not for them. None of his brothers remembered how it had been between their parents. They’d been too young when they died, but Saber remembered how they’d laughed and played together, how they’d made everything seem like a game, even the work on the farm. Yes, he remembered the intimacy between his parents, and that’s what he wanted for his four brothers.
http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-5674-127-scarlet-woman.aspx
Giveaway: Shelley has kindly offered one winner a chance to choose any one ebook download from her Middlemarch Mates series. There are eight books to choose from. Here's a link to the entire series beginning with Scarlet Woman. http://www.shelleymunro.com/series-guide/. To enter, answer her question. Ends February 28, 2010.
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January 29th, 2010 — 4 Stars, A-C, Book Review, Counts, Marquis, Viscounts, Great Britain, Heiress, Historical Romance, Mistaken Identity, Science, Spinster, Virgin Hero, Virgin Heroine
I literally couldn’t put Vexing the Viscount down. I devoured the book in just two days. For those on Twitter, this was the book I was talking about not too terribly long ago. So what's it about?
Romance treasure, naughty sculptures, and pagan adventures are the pursuits of the impoverished Viscount Rutland and curious Miss Daisy Duke. But even more scrumptious than the thrill of finding lost treasure is watching Daisy Duke attempts to win over the reluctant Viscount.
The man won’t budge! Ever since Lucian Beaumont's run-in with her pike while playacting when they were younger. (Despite the past acquaintance they are not childhood friends.) If her deadly aim weren’t enough of a detraction, clearly there must be something dreadfully wrong with her as she is a lovely unwed heiress… must mean she is nothing less than socially unacceptable. He needs a fortune, but he does not need hers! As if his own reasons weren't enough of a deterrent his father’s particular disliking for the Dukes, especially her uncle, must be taken into consideration.
Still, Daisy remains undaunted. Adventure she craves and adventure is what she's going to get. The girl takes the mistaken identity plot device and runs with it - playing herself by day and courtesan by night. It's wicked good fun! Plus Lucian Beaumont is a virgin hero. Yes, that means what you think it does… a virgin hero going to a virgin heroine for love lessons. Squee!
Vexing the Viscount is engaging, spicy, and delightfully intricate... a must read for the adventurous at heart.
Rating: 4 Stars
Originally posted 2009-03-28 11:58:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 29th, 2009 — 2.5 Stars, A-C, Artist, Book Review, Category, France, Friends, Gentry, Regency, Rogues and Rakehells, Spinster, Travel, Virgin Heroine
This was one of those books where I had to slug my way through it. I don’t know why I had to slug but I did. I started and stopped this three times and finally finished it. Woohoo. I feel very accomplished.
One of the parts about this book that bothers me is that it’s first cousin romance. I’m not sure why this had to be the case. They grew up for the most part away from each other – so could they not have been childhood friends or perfect strangers? I suppose it is historically accurate as first cousin marriages took place among royalty of the time so why not the gentry, but it was more than a bit off putting.
Elinor is a dowdy bluestocking spinster. She acts as her mother’s secretary and artist as a way to escape the endless parade of pointless ballroom attendance. On a trip in France to study religious houses Elinor runs into Theo Ravenhurst. At first she doesn’t recognize him as her cousin, but pretty quickly that is sorted out.
As the two fight attraction, Theo is on a mission to recover an artifact that he purchased from a late Duke in the area. Theo manages to get himself, Elinor, and her mother invited to the new Duke’s chateau and conducts midnight searches. A near brush with death and subsequent flight throw the two into a night of wild passion but of course everything between them is so screwed up they only hear the words the other is saying not the meaning.
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Buy: The Disgraceful Mr. Ravenhurst
Buy eHarlequin: The Disgraceful Mr. Ravenhurst
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November 6th, 2009 — 4 Stars, Book Review, Category, Contemporary, D-F, Enemies, Love Triangle, Ranching, United States of America, Virgin Heroine, Western
If you’re looking for a wonderful older romance, Boss Man From Ogallala
is just what you need.
With her father in hospital recovering from broken hip, Casey Gilmore is forced to accept the arrival of Flint McCallister to manage the family ranch. She does not want him there and is extremely put out by the attitude of the bank that forced the situation to happen. Any slight comment about female capability burns her hotter than a stick of dynamite about to explode.
Ranching is in the blood for Casey and Flint. They understand each other when it comes to passion for the land and way of life. When Casey finally accepts Flint’s presence the subdued attraction suddenly flames and both aren’t quite sure what hit them. Things won’t come easy though as Flint is sure Casey wants her childhood flame and she’s sure he doesn’t want her at all.
There’s a short scene where Casey and Flint argue and quite out of the blue (as you don’t see action like this in mainstream romances much anymore) Flint ends the argument by hauling Casey aside and spanking her. It was very jarring in the middle of an otherwise excellently written and delivered romance.
In addition, for all the ups and downs and verbal sparring in the novel, the end is a tad weak. While it was pretty good, I wanted and expected more fireworks as the hero and heroine worked their way through everything. As it were Dailey delivered sparks. A good gut-wrenching phrase or two would have picked the rating of this novel up.
Rating: 4 Stars
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October 25th, 2009 — 4 Stars, Book Review, Category, Contemporary, Great Britain, M-O, Travel, Writer
First off I don’t get the title. I suppose I’m missing something, but nevertheless it’s very strange and I couldn’t spot a correlation to the story.
This book is another Harlequin Presents oldie. The hero is two years younger than the heroine’s father and more than double the heroine’s age. The author made a strong case for their romance while she built up the hero’s uncertainty and self-disgust until it fractures and breaks apart in a shower of pretty sparkles. It’s very rewarding.
Our heroine is seventeen and made a point early on in the novel about the arrival of a new stepfather. She’s no longer really welcomed. Her mother in a few short pages makes it plain in several ways that Tamsyn is an intruder in her own home. (She ignores Tamsyn or sends her from the room. She talks to Charles and doesn’t talk to Tamsyn the way she used to, etc.)
She’s leaves for Wales when her mother and stepfather take off for their honeymoon. This is the first time the heroine has ever really spent time with her father. She’s surprised to find her stepmother ten months pregnant (joke). She’s taken from the airport in Wales to her father’s home by her stepmother’s cousin, Hywel Benedict. He’s a writer and a preacher (after a fashion, he stands up and gives sermons in place of a real one because the town is so small.) Tamsyn finds him fascinating and frustrating and the rest as we say is history.
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: Chase a Green Shadow
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October 15th, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, ARC, Great Britain, Guest Reviews, J-L, Knight, Medieval, Rape/Abuse, Scarred Hero, Science, Time Travel, United States of America
by Susan Sigler, guest reviewer
Wish for the Moon is a beautiful story with elements comparable to Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, complete with medieval knights and tournaments.
Jones’s story contains medieval and feudal terms, which left me feeling a bit confounded for the first half of the story. I found myself resorting to a list of medieval terminology which I printed from the internet. For the second half of the read, I applied my own inferences and conjectures deciding to forego my list altogether.
As a result, there is an adjustment period for modern readers. Some terms you’ll find within the book are: atavistic, barbican, bread trenchers, garderobe, hauberk, I trow, supercilious, God’s teeth, for certes, and cantankerous.
I found myself empathizing more with a secondary character, rather than the main characters. I found (Giles) both earl and brother to our hero (Matthias) quite refreshing. I enjoyed Gile’s character very much. He is honest and forthcoming, whereas Matthias is dishonest and unforthcoming. They are at odds, and their brotherly dynamics are at the heart of this plot.
The setting where most of our story unfolds, takes place inside a castle during the Middle Ages.
Caroline Greer (heroine) will travel alone from South Carolina in the states, to Wales in the U.K. She visits Matthias Thorne, a professor of medieval studies at Cardiff University. Matthias may have knowledge of a plant, known for its abilities to help inhibit seizures. This is critical to Caroline who’s not only an herbalist, but suffers from epileptic seizures.
When Matthias turns her away refusing to help, Carrie must take matters into her own hands.
In his attempt to stop her from uncovering a dark truth, they will travel back in time into the Middle Ages.
Once there, they will encounter a terrible betrayal, lies, and deceit. When the truth is revealed, will Carrie and Matthias have enough trust in themselves to forge a life together? Or will the betrayal be too painful to overcome.
Wish for the Moon is book one of Circle of Destiny, which leads me to surmise, it may very well be part of a trilogy.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Time Travel Romance, eBook, The Wild Rose Press, Copyright 2008, 375 pages.
ISBN# 1-60154-554-1
Buy: Wish for the Moon
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October 7th, 2009 — Movie Reviews
Everyone has movies that they tend to watch over and over and over again. We watch them because they make us happy, because we love the acting and the story. Yesterday I saw for the first time a movie that came out in 2007. It was stunning and has without a moment's hesitancy, entered my favorites list. That movie was Arranged
. Look out for a formal review as I will be writing one.
My Top Ten Favorite Romance Movies
(In order by release date.)
- Beauty and the Beast
(1991) It's easy to see that this is most girls' first introduction into paranormal romance. The Beast and castle are clearly enchanted through magic. The castle itself is very Gothic, and our poor hero is as shaggy as any werewolf, though he certainly cleans up nice!
- Walk in the Clouds (1995) This lovely postwar romance follows a young soldier as he attempts to sell chocolates and winds up rescuing a damsel in distress. The grandfather makes this movie and the scene in the vineyard during a frost warning is breathtaking.
- Ever After (1998) I am surprised I haven't worn the finish off this DVD. I used to watch it every day or two many many years ago. Prince Henri is a charming rascal in desperate need of a love match to stop his father's political matchmaking.
- Bridget Jones's Diary
(2001) Colin Firth as Marc Darcy. Clearly this is an awesome romance. Very strong language warning, but other than that it's very delightful. If you haven't seen it, you're going to love the fight scene. Sigh!
- North and South (2004) Four hours is not nearly enough Mr. Thornton or Richard Armitage. I would like more please. Is there an unedited eight hour version hiding somewhere? No? Drat! I guess I will have to settle for one, "Look back at me!"
- Pride and Prejudice (2005) My favorite version of Jane Austen's classic. I know I said Colin Firth and Marc Darcy and it's true. Colin is great as Darcy, but this version with Keira and Matthew and Donald really yanks at my heart. The scenery is gorgeous too.
- Outsourced (2006) This movie is a call center and technical support romance between one yuppy American male and one spunky Indian female. Culture shock to say the very least and wickedly entertaining.
- Arranged (2007) One Orthodox Jewish girl and one Muslim girl are getting matched. They know each other from their teaching positions at the same school and as they go through the process of meeting men under watchful family eyes they become fast friends. Very satisfying ending!
- Enchanted
(2007) I just love the songs in this film, especially "How does she know that you love her?" Patrick Dempsey is devilishly handsome and a treat to watch as he struggles against falling for a loopy girl who thinks she's in love with a prince. Amy Adams is perfection.
- Lost in Austen (2008) Be honest, who hasn't wanted Mr. Darcy to herself? One English miss from today's world manages to get stuck in Jane Austen's 'fictional' Georgian England at the start of the story and the rest as they say is history!
So there's my list. What movies are on yours?
Photo Credits: http://weheartit.com/
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September 17th, 2009 — Contests
Sorry some of these are late, it plum left my mind, but I’m on top of my game now! The last three contests and their winners:
Terry Spear’s It’s Not Just About the SEX! winner is…
#9 chris swan
Prize: 1 set of 2 books: Heart of the Wolf and To Tempt the Wolf.
Rebecca Ann Collins’ Regency: Love, Romance, and Passion! winner is…
#1 Andrea and Jennifer who kindly gave up their prize to ... BETH!
Prize: 1 set of 2 books: The Pemberley Chronicles (Book 1) and My Cousin Caroline (Book 2).
My: BBAW: Reading Meme winner is…
#5 Alicia H
Prize: 2 Surprise Harlequins.
Congratulations! I will be contacting the winners about their prizes. If you miss the email mine is reviewromancenovel@yahoo.com
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September 5th, 2009 — 4 Stars, A-C, ARC, Contemporary, Cowboy, Cursed Lead, Friends, Mistaken Identity, Ranching, Secret Baby, United States of America, Western
Lucky in Love is a riot. Brown had fun putting phrases together that read like classic stereotypical western and modern feisty romance rolled into one. You’ll find expressions like: “my hide tacked to the smokehouse door,” “she belongs like a horse apple in a church social punch bowl,” and “heartache bigger than Dallas” to name a few. They were probably my favorite part of the book and never failed to make me smile or laugh out loud when they appeared.
Anthony “Beau” Luckadeau is lucky at everything but not lucky in love. He plans to prove them all wrong by proposing to Amanda, though his heart has long been lost to Amelia Jiminez, a one night stand at his cousin’s wedding. When he does propose everyone forces a smile and shakes his hand but nobody is congratulating him (not that he notices) because Amanda is the worst wife Beau could have picked. She hates ranching, barns, his friends, his workers, his home, and his nickname. It’s not classy enough for her.
Amelia Jiminez on the other hand is none other than sassy Camellia “Milli” Torres. She’s in Oklahoma to help her Granny and Poppy out on their ranch while Poppy is healing from surgery. She and her toddler Katy would never have stepped a foot out of Texas if she’d known Beau was Poppy’s neighbor. If making him dance in the dirt under fire of a .22 rifle doesn’t force him to keep his distance nothing will… and part of her doesn’t want him to stay away which makes him all the more dangerous.
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: Lucky in Love
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August 28th, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, A-C, ARC, Business, Contemporary, Handicap, Medical, Poor Eyesight, Scarred Hero, United States of America
Healing Luke is a modern day retelling of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. It’s quick and lighthearted with a few gems revealed towards the end on love and relationships.
Luke Morgan was on a boat when it blew up leaving him with burns, one eye, and no thumb on one hand. He feels his life is ruined forever and is scarred to go to his occupational therapist for fear of failing. Angry and bitter, Luke is sinking fast and his brother and dad have no idea how to help him cope.
Abby Stanford is visiting Florida on what should have been her honeymoon. She’s doing all the trips and outings they had planned, including snorkeling alone. She meets Luke and is surprised and hurt by his antagonism. An occupational therapist herself, albeit with a different focus than what Luke needs, Abby longs to be useful and to help.
Luke watches his brother Aaron flirt with Abby and jealousy rears its ugly head. He wants Abby for himself but is no longer confident of his appeal to women and to one woman in particular.
I loved the workings of the Morgan family: Luke, withdrawn and wounded; Aaron, flirtatious and outgoing; Bart, quiet and unassuming. Abby was such a great fit with them and I really enjoyed seeing that in a romance.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Buy: Healing Luke
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August 21st, 2009 — About, Love Triangle
They are always two men and one woman.
I have never come across a Love Triangle in romance involving two women loving one guy where it’s a matter of serious deliberation for the hero. If there are two women, the non-heroine woman is easily distinguished by being a nasty piece of work. She’s possessive, catty, whiny, and more. As the scorned woman she almost always tries to get the heroine back for stealing the hero from her.
The question I ask and attempt to answer today is why is that the case?
The most obvious answer of course is that it is women who predominantly write romance and the two men/one woman plot is a common (enough) fantasy. The Love Triangle when set up this way is one of those type of plots that appeals to a number of our gender.
What (heterosexual/bisexual) female hasn’t at some point wished to be intensely desired by not one but by two gentlemen? You might be uncomfortable with the situation in real life, but the idea fuels your imagination in private. Their possessiveness, jealousy, and male posturing are a big turn on and the angst of having to choose the right one, of hurting the other is one, of messing everything up is secretly thrilling.
The other answer on why we prefer our Love Triangles to have the ratio they do is because we'd rather have two heroes over two heroines. For you see, the hardest part about reading a Love Triangle is that we didn’t write it ourselves. We don't know who the main lead will end up with and it drives us batty.
In the two men/one woman triangle set up the biggest challenge as the reader is choosing the hero the heroine will pick. We hold different opinions on what makes a good partner or the perfect hero. It’s quite possible as readers we’ll be split down the middle. Half will pick one hero and half the other.
If you pick the one the heroine doesn’t go for in the end you’re literally tearing your hair out and cursing the author as you turn the pages. If you pick the right hero and the heroine deliberates too long and too much you’ll be cursing the heroine for being a blind ninny and want to throttle her to get her to stop whining about having to choose being two great catches.
If the triangle was reversed with two women/one man we would struggle in a much different sense. As a reader I tend to identify with the heroine (other times I identify with the hero, read Bosoms to find out why). With two potential heroines to pick from, I would most likely choose the heroine that was closest to my own personality. Now suppose the author picked the other heroine for the hero... we get upset when we think the wrong hero is chosen, what would be our feelings if it was our chosen heroine who got thrown over? Yikes! Run and ducks for cover!
That’s why I think it takes a strong and gutsy writer to create and establish a feasible Love Triangle. It is easily the plot that causes the most wallbanging, head thumping, and under your breath muttering. Not to mention the death threats in the mail... 
What are your favorite romances involving a love triangle?
Photo Credits: Steve Wampler
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August 2nd, 2009 — A-C, Music and Video, News, V-Z
I can name four!
