All U Can Eat by Emma HollyI've read Emma Holly's historicals. I quite liked Beyond Seduction but didn't care so much for Beyond Innocence. I've yet to read her paranormals and this is the first contemporary of her's that I've tried. I don't think it will be the last if she writes more. I think her previous books are more erotica than romantica and I like the HEA. I had read other positive reviews of AUCE and was looking forward to reading it. (Thanks Tara). I'm now joining the ranks of readers who like this one.
From the back blurb:
Frankie Smith's longtime boyfriend just left her for another woman. But she doesn't have much time to nurse her broken heart - her diner is as popular as ever, and the people of Six Palms want their appetites satisfied...
When the body of a weathy local woman is discovered in a nearby alley, Frankie's troubles sudenly don't seem so terrible. That is, until she realizes she's one of the Chief Jack West's prime suspects. The truth is, Jack's attraction to the sexy proprietor of All U Can Eat is all-consuming - though he knows hauling her into police custody isn't going to iprove his chances to catch her eye.
What neither of them realize is that this little town is full of secrest, some of which would shock even Six Palm's raciest residents. Determined to clear her name - and to get to know the ultra-responsible police chief better - Frankie joins Jack and a few other dishy locals, on a roller-coaster ride of an investigation. As the twists and turns unfold. letting go of their inhibitions begins to seem like the most natural thing in the world....
I was very pleasantly surprised at the amount of character development in this book. This is one hot book (very, very hot) but despite the numerous sex scenes, Ms. Holly created realistic characters. Frankie was great. Although she had been hurt by Troy, her boyfriend of five years, she still was able to be friendly with him. And I really liked the intriguing character of Mike. While I was reading about those two, although I knew Jack was the guy she would end up with, I quite liked her and Mike. I thought the mystery was quite well done. I never guessed who it was. All in all, I really liked this one.
Grade: 4 1/2 out of 5
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
I'm sure everyone knows by now that this is the one that The Two Ja(y)nes of Dear Author picked for their experiment. And they made a most excellent choice!!! There are a number of reviews popping up on this one now that we are finding it in the stores so I won't do a rehash of the storyline. Instead I'll just go with what worked for me. I loved the character of Sascha Duncan. She is a member of the Pys class in a rather alternate kind of universe. The Pys pride themselves on feeling no emotion but Sashca is different. She feels things and is terrified she will be discovered and sent for "rehabilitation", a process that would pretty much make her a vegetable. And one of the things she feels most is an attraction to Lucas Hunter, the "alpha" of the Darkriver clan and a "Changeling" another class. Lucas is also a wonderful character. Very alpha, he is still tender and loving and protective of those he loves. As he works with Sascha on a project between the two classes and tries to discover the serial killer who has been stalking the Changleling class, he discovers that there is much more to Sascha than he thought. The only problem I had with this one is I got pretty confused towards the end of the book when she goes on the Pys net in order to help Lucas. But once I just decided not to try and analyze and just enjoy - that's what I did. Now with everyone else, I'm very much looking forward to the next book in this different and intriguing world.
Grade: 4 out of 5
Lawless by Patricia PotterNow that I have unpacked so many of my babies I haven't seen in years, I'm going to start a reread marathon. With talk of the Western around Blogland, I figured this one would be a good book to start with. This is one I always recommend even though I haven't read it for a while. And now that I have, I know how right I am to do so *g*. From the back blurb:
Her name was Willow...Strong and determined, she survived in a tough land, taking on the challenges of the Wild West as she worked her ranch with the small band of outcasts she claimed as her family. There was nothing she couldn't handle on her own - until a silent and mysterious gunman came to town and haunted her with his piercing gaze and his fiery touch....
His name was Lobo...The notorious Apache-raised gunslinger was hired to scare a lady rancer off her land using his dangerous reputation and his cold eyes - and worse, if it was necessary. He thought it would be the easiest bounty he'd ever earned until he came face-to-face with Willow Taylor. No woman had ever touched his heart before, and now Lobo faced the toughest challenge of all. Did he dare to reveal his true self to this spirited, giving woman?
What can I say? I love Westerns and I LOVE THIS BOOK!. I love everything about it! Even the cover doesn't bother me - maybe because it was first published in 1991, before this kind of cover started bothering me. Willow is a wonderful heroine. She is a teacher who creates a family out of strays. Ms. Potter manages to make each character come so alive. And Lobo! Ahhhhh what a wonderful hero he is. He doesn't want to take on the job he is hired for because he was lied to and it involves scaring women and children. He thinks he is cold and unfeeling - that's the way he has had to be because of his heartbreaking past. But he finds himself, much to his dismay, helping Willow and her family. The humour is gentle and heartwarming in these scenes. And although it isn't that explicit, the heat between Lobo and Willow just sizzles. Even though this is a reread and I know how it ends, I found myself rooting so much for their seemingly impossible HEA. There are also a couple of secondary romances in the book that have just enough to them that they are satisfying yet they don't take away from the main romance between Lobo and Willow. I love the storyline of the tough gunslinger being brought low by his love of the heroine - and this is one of the best!! This books is simply wonderful!
Grade: 5 out of 5
'til later
15 comments:
Glad you're able to get into books again!
I know what you're saying about the end of Slave to Sensation. It gets a little too much like the Matrix movies (I never really understood those--they made me feel stupid!)
I have read very few westerns, so maybe I'll put Lawless on my tbr. :)
Jennie: As to STS - I think I tried to hard to figure it out before I just let go and enjoyed the book. And if you like Westerns even a little - this is one to try. I'm going to have to get another copy as the one I have is a bit worn now. Not by me - I bought it used. When I get a book new, even after 4 or 5 reads, it's still hard to tell if it's been read :)
Kristie(J)...well when you get back to reading you do it in a big way!! I haven't tried a Patricia Potter book in ages. The only one I can remember reading years ago is a viking book...can that be right?
I'm glad you are enjoying turning the pages again.
Happy to hear you are out of the book funk. I hate those. Especially when there are so many good books beging to be read.
Oh and I have to be honest, that second book, I was cracking up!
Lobo!!! OMGawd, that was just too clicheish for me. But I am glad you love the book!
I read Holly's victorians and liked them well enough, just can't seem to get into her porn *eh hem* I mean contemps. (Not that there's anything wrong with porn. :P)
I'd like to ger Slave to Sensation sometime soon!
Oooo that western looks like fun! Might have to hunt it down!
Rosie: I have so many books to catch up on!! I used to read 3 or 4 a week. I have most of Patrica Potter's books but I don't remember a Viking one. It could be one I missed though. I'll have to check her backlist
Mailyn: LOL about the cliched name. But since it was published back in '91 it was one of the originals back then :)
Zeek: STS does seem to be making the rounds now doesn't it - along with Lover Awakened. And if you find this one and give it a try, I'd love to know what you think of it :)
I bought Slave to Sensation last week ~ still haven't read it, though. I will ~ I just don't know when.
A complete coincidence ~ All U Can Eat and Lawless are on my library wishlist. I'm hoping to get them sometime within the next week.
I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately. Nothing's holding my interest and it's really ticking me off. But, I did start Real Women Don't Wear Size 2 by Kelly St. John. I'm halfway through it ~ I'm still undecided on it.
Holy crap, more to add to my list!!! Enjoyed your reviews, will definitely check out that last one you blogged about..that sounds GOOD!
OMG, Lawless!!! Haven't reread that one in years, I think it's my favorite Patricia Potter.
I'm glad you liked All U Can Eat, it was a fun and entertaining book. I've got some of her other contemporaries, are you interested?
As to Slave to Sensation, the entire thing requires you to just go with it, I didn't try to figure it out. I'm barely computer literate so the whole PsyNet thing was out there.
I just finished STS and loved it! Also bought All U Can Eat from work.
Kristie, take Tara up on her offer of Emma Holly's contemps. They're excellent!
Devonna: Cool about the library books coming in!!! You will have to let us know what you think of them! And STS is very good. Just let yourself go and go with it when you get to the confusing part :)
Dylan: there can never be too many on our list can there *g*. They're all good but the last is my fave.
Tara: Yes!!!! Someone else who love Lawless. Isn't it grand?? And since Rosario told me to - I'll take you up on your offer.
Nicole: And did you like STS as much as the rest of us do???
Rosario: Thanks for the rec on her other contemps. I wasn't sure how good they were - but if you say they are, I'll go for it :)
Yeah, you finally got your hands on StS. I hope it continues to sell like hotcakes. :)
Jane: yes I did!!! And a most excellent book it was. I'm so glad you and Jayne picked it :)
Love Lawless! Great book! I have her newest book but ten to one I read another of her westerns before I ever get to it.
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