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tsukikomew 's review for:
Hot Summer Nights
by Jaci Burton, Carly Phillips, Erin McCarthy, Jessica Clare
This review was posted at Tsuki’s Book Blog on August 15, 2013.
Hope Smolders (Hope Bk .5) by Jaci Burton
I tend to be a bit hesitant when it comes to novellas containing kids. They often end up being placeholders for conflict and this one was sort of half-and-half. The premise followed Jane, a divorcee, with two kids. While working her second job she runs into an old friend of her husband's. Will is a sexy, highwayman who suddenly notices Jane and her kids after avoiding her for a few years. Now he decides to date her, show her a good time, and try to make her happy. It was a romantic little story.
I really liked Will and how he subtly manipulated the situation so Jane would have fun. They had a history so I could get behind the relationship. I hate novellas that are about 80 pages and have a couple meet and practically commit for life in the matter of a few days. In this case they at least had a history. The romance was flawless but by the time I got to the major conflict, I found it contrived.
Honestly I understood Jane acting in self-defense and looking for an excuse to get rid of Will. I understood her anger towards her ex. Truthfully I got it. My issue was, the unnecessary quality of the conflict in a short novella. When it came up I sort of thought, "Predictable. It was about that time." I hate when the moment of conflict is predictable. I'd rather it be implemented in an interesting or unusual way. When I can call it two pages out, it's not implemented well.
Overall I enjoyed my first foray in Jaci Burton's romances but it wasn't my favorite in the anthology. The hero and heroine were interesting individuals but they were more suited to a full romance. I wanted closure with the ex. I wanted her to get her chance to punch him in the face. I wanted to the kids to get some justice. I wanted all of it. Instead I got a fight and tentative let's be together. I was disappointed.
3 Stars
Perfect Strangers (Serendipity Bk 3.5) by Carly Phillips
As another first I'd never read anything by Carly Phillips. The premise was interesting enough. Alexa, an overworked doctor, goes to a bar one night to cheer up her friend when she runs into football star Luke. Luke is fascinated by the cool, sexy Alexa and decides to show her a good time while he's in town. He quickly discovers she's miserable and dealing with a boss who's her father. The father is a bastard and continues to work her to the bone. Problematically he's leaving town in a few days.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one. Alexa was cool and collected and just trying to get through the day. I couldn't help but respect her drive. She desperately wanted to do well in front of her father but she didn't know how to get out of it. She was miserable. I loved her interactions with Luke as he started to coax her out of her shell.
I was pleasantly surprised by Luke. I thought he would be a bit more stereotypical jock but he was very sensitive and caring. I loved the way he was a family man who made it clear he would not go to an awards show but he would never miss a family birthday. I don't typically make 'aw' sounds but I'll admit I did. He was so adorable and I wanted one of my own. He was there pulling her out of her misery and he was sexy and sweet? Seriously, sign me up.
The conflict was expected yet implemented well. I knew the conflict would come down to her job and it did. Luke wanted her to access her life and get out from under her father's thumb. At the same time, she was scared. Naturally they fought and she had a showdown with her father. Go her! After that it was a matter of the happy ending.
I loved the open ended quality of this novella. A lot of novellas try to wrap everything up in 80 pages and it is a bit unrealistic. Luke and Alexa only knew each other for about a week. Realistically babies and weddings were not on the table. Sure they reconciled but they had a future to work out. I liked that.
4 Stars
Legend of Jane (Bluebonnet Bk 2.5) by Jessica Clare
This was the funniest novella in this anthology. I had sub-par feelings about Ms. Clare's first Bluebonnet book but I figured I'd try the novella regardless. I'm glad I did. I spent a great deal of time laughing over Luanne's antics. The premise followed blogger "jane"/Luanne coming to Bluebonnet to live with her sister. While trying to go 'cowtipping' for her vlog she gets arrested by hunky cop, Hank. As they begin to date, both wrestle with her vlog and her future as "Legend of Jane".
Luanne was hilarious. She did crazy, crazy things all while saying exactly what was on her mind. I always love a character who is willing to speak her mind at all times. She just went for it. She recognized the attraction with Hank and she threw herself into it. She was light, fun, and enjoyable to read.
Hank, on the other hand, was a little stick in the mud. Sure he was sexy and romanced Luanne just right. The problem was he was way too concerned about what others thought of him. Every single bit of conflict in the story surrounded his fear others would lose respect for him. I personally wanted to reach through the book and shake him a bit. I absolutely detest conflicts about appearances.
Understandably Luanne was unsatisfied with her job so it was a natural conflict. My major problem was over his unwillingness to recognize his idiocy. Yes her job could be embarrassing but he basically told her, quit or they were done. I hate ultimatums and I particularly hate them when they are ridiculously one-sided and unjustified. I can understand protection and I can understand the person wanting her to do something she loved but he was more worried about his appearances. I was just disgusted by it. I loved Luanne but I couldn't stand Hank.
Unfortunately this is another strike against Ms. Clare in my book. Hopefully any of you reading this will try it out and let me know what you think.
2 Stars
Ice Princess by Erin McCarthy
I always like a cute little snow story and this certainly fit the bill. Chelsea is the fifth wheel on a ski weekend and is feeling the loneliness. When she gets stuck on the balcony of her room she tries to climb down and is rescued by Brody. Later, surprise surprise, her rescuer ends up being her ski instructor.
The romance was light and fluffy and all sorts of wintery goodness. I loved the damsel in distress routine from the strong, capable woman. I'm partial to rescue stories as long as the woman isn't a damsel the whole time. Chelsea was a strong, independent woman and she tried her hardest to succeed in everything she was challenged to. I loved the scenes of her trying to ski and being terrible at it. She just kept trying. Brody was equally interesting. He was, naturally, an injured olympic skier who now taught lessons to stay on the mountain.
Their romance was spicy but realistic. They had just met each other and it seemed realistic they would want a future but recognized their shortcomings. They weren't together long enough for weddings or babies to enter the plans and they knew it. Their biggest issue was the distance. She lived miles and miles away but as their romance grew they had to decide whether or not to try over the distance.
It was a cute, fluffy story and worth the time for a short novella. While not the best story in the set, I enjoyed it and would probably read another novella by Ms. McCarthy.
3 Stars
OVERALL
3 Stars
Published by Berkley Sensation
343 Pages
July 2, 2013
Provided by--the Library
Hope Smolders (Hope Bk .5) by Jaci Burton
I tend to be a bit hesitant when it comes to novellas containing kids. They often end up being placeholders for conflict and this one was sort of half-and-half. The premise followed Jane, a divorcee, with two kids. While working her second job she runs into an old friend of her husband's. Will is a sexy, highwayman who suddenly notices Jane and her kids after avoiding her for a few years. Now he decides to date her, show her a good time, and try to make her happy. It was a romantic little story.
I really liked Will and how he subtly manipulated the situation so Jane would have fun. They had a history so I could get behind the relationship. I hate novellas that are about 80 pages and have a couple meet and practically commit for life in the matter of a few days. In this case they at least had a history. The romance was flawless but by the time I got to the major conflict, I found it contrived.
Honestly I understood Jane acting in self-defense and looking for an excuse to get rid of Will. I understood her anger towards her ex. Truthfully I got it. My issue was, the unnecessary quality of the conflict in a short novella. When it came up I sort of thought, "Predictable. It was about that time." I hate when the moment of conflict is predictable. I'd rather it be implemented in an interesting or unusual way. When I can call it two pages out, it's not implemented well.
Overall I enjoyed my first foray in Jaci Burton's romances but it wasn't my favorite in the anthology. The hero and heroine were interesting individuals but they were more suited to a full romance. I wanted closure with the ex. I wanted her to get her chance to punch him in the face. I wanted to the kids to get some justice. I wanted all of it. Instead I got a fight and tentative let's be together. I was disappointed.
3 Stars
Perfect Strangers (Serendipity Bk 3.5) by Carly Phillips
As another first I'd never read anything by Carly Phillips. The premise was interesting enough. Alexa, an overworked doctor, goes to a bar one night to cheer up her friend when she runs into football star Luke. Luke is fascinated by the cool, sexy Alexa and decides to show her a good time while he's in town. He quickly discovers she's miserable and dealing with a boss who's her father. The father is a bastard and continues to work her to the bone. Problematically he's leaving town in a few days.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one. Alexa was cool and collected and just trying to get through the day. I couldn't help but respect her drive. She desperately wanted to do well in front of her father but she didn't know how to get out of it. She was miserable. I loved her interactions with Luke as he started to coax her out of her shell.
I was pleasantly surprised by Luke. I thought he would be a bit more stereotypical jock but he was very sensitive and caring. I loved the way he was a family man who made it clear he would not go to an awards show but he would never miss a family birthday. I don't typically make 'aw' sounds but I'll admit I did. He was so adorable and I wanted one of my own. He was there pulling her out of her misery and he was sexy and sweet? Seriously, sign me up.
The conflict was expected yet implemented well. I knew the conflict would come down to her job and it did. Luke wanted her to access her life and get out from under her father's thumb. At the same time, she was scared. Naturally they fought and she had a showdown with her father. Go her! After that it was a matter of the happy ending.
I loved the open ended quality of this novella. A lot of novellas try to wrap everything up in 80 pages and it is a bit unrealistic. Luke and Alexa only knew each other for about a week. Realistically babies and weddings were not on the table. Sure they reconciled but they had a future to work out. I liked that.
4 Stars
Legend of Jane (Bluebonnet Bk 2.5) by Jessica Clare
This was the funniest novella in this anthology. I had sub-par feelings about Ms. Clare's first Bluebonnet book but I figured I'd try the novella regardless. I'm glad I did. I spent a great deal of time laughing over Luanne's antics. The premise followed blogger "jane"/Luanne coming to Bluebonnet to live with her sister. While trying to go 'cowtipping' for her vlog she gets arrested by hunky cop, Hank. As they begin to date, both wrestle with her vlog and her future as "Legend of Jane".
Luanne was hilarious. She did crazy, crazy things all while saying exactly what was on her mind. I always love a character who is willing to speak her mind at all times. She just went for it. She recognized the attraction with Hank and she threw herself into it. She was light, fun, and enjoyable to read.
Hank, on the other hand, was a little stick in the mud. Sure he was sexy and romanced Luanne just right. The problem was he was way too concerned about what others thought of him. Every single bit of conflict in the story surrounded his fear others would lose respect for him. I personally wanted to reach through the book and shake him a bit. I absolutely detest conflicts about appearances.
Understandably Luanne was unsatisfied with her job so it was a natural conflict. My major problem was over his unwillingness to recognize his idiocy. Yes her job could be embarrassing but he basically told her, quit or they were done. I hate ultimatums and I particularly hate them when they are ridiculously one-sided and unjustified. I can understand protection and I can understand the person wanting her to do something she loved but he was more worried about his appearances. I was just disgusted by it. I loved Luanne but I couldn't stand Hank.
Unfortunately this is another strike against Ms. Clare in my book. Hopefully any of you reading this will try it out and let me know what you think.
2 Stars
Ice Princess by Erin McCarthy
I always like a cute little snow story and this certainly fit the bill. Chelsea is the fifth wheel on a ski weekend and is feeling the loneliness. When she gets stuck on the balcony of her room she tries to climb down and is rescued by Brody. Later, surprise surprise, her rescuer ends up being her ski instructor.
The romance was light and fluffy and all sorts of wintery goodness. I loved the damsel in distress routine from the strong, capable woman. I'm partial to rescue stories as long as the woman isn't a damsel the whole time. Chelsea was a strong, independent woman and she tried her hardest to succeed in everything she was challenged to. I loved the scenes of her trying to ski and being terrible at it. She just kept trying. Brody was equally interesting. He was, naturally, an injured olympic skier who now taught lessons to stay on the mountain.
Their romance was spicy but realistic. They had just met each other and it seemed realistic they would want a future but recognized their shortcomings. They weren't together long enough for weddings or babies to enter the plans and they knew it. Their biggest issue was the distance. She lived miles and miles away but as their romance grew they had to decide whether or not to try over the distance.
It was a cute, fluffy story and worth the time for a short novella. While not the best story in the set, I enjoyed it and would probably read another novella by Ms. McCarthy.
3 Stars
OVERALL
3 Stars
Published by Berkley Sensation
343 Pages
July 2, 2013
Provided by--the Library