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robin_is_me's reviews
96 reviews
The Twin's Bodyguard by Veronica Forand
I loved Noah. He’d been sidelined to a desk job after taking a bullet on his previous assignment, and being out in the field, guarding Zoe and being active in this investigation, is his chance to prove himself. Close quarters and facing danger together often leads to attraction, but the author allowed their feelings for each other to build up slowly. Of course the events take place over a fairly short period of time, but the relationship still did not feel rushed.
The supporting characters were never wasted in this tense and engrossing story. Once the action ramped up it was nonstop, and for awhile it all felt pretty hopeless, as I had no idea what would happen next or how Zoe would survive. I was riveted from beginning to end.
*Received from the author and voluntarily reviewed*
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I don’t usually like to read series books out of order, but I also know with Harlequin category romance series the books can usually be read as standalones, so when the author offered ARC copies of this, the second book in her Fresh Pond Security series, I jumped at the chance and was very excited to receive a copy. And while I subscribe to the author’s monthly newsletter, I will confess a little secret – I’d not ever actually read any of her books before now.
I’m happy to say that I was thoroughly impressed. It’s very well written, with fully developed and fleshed out characters. When we meet Noah, who other readers had already met in the first book, enough information about the events of that book was seamlessly woven into the narrative that I didn’t feel lost or wondering what I had missed. On the contrary, I was very intrigued by Fiona and especially Jason, who occasionally seemed like a bit of a jerk here, that I’ve already ordered the first book in the series and look forward to diving into their story.
But back to Zoe and Noah. We meet Zoe as she’s on her way to her sister’s apartment to check on her dog, and we quickly learn that Zoe has spent most of her adult life looking out for her twin. It’s obvious that Zoe is the nurturer in the family. When she is attacked in her sister’s apartment, Noah, who works for Fresh Pond Security, happens to be stationed outside the building doing surveillance, and rushes to her rescue. Thinking, of course, that she is Allison, a hard hitting television news journalist working on a corruption expose which has put her life in danger.
Allison. I didn’t much like Allison. She and Zoe may be twins, but they and their lives are worlds apart. Zoe is a schoolteacher, and is thoughtful and considerate. Allison seemed to be thoughtless and inconsiderate, walking all over Zoe. Indeed, at one point her selfish actions put Zoe and the others in even more danger. Of course we don’t get to know Allison as well or get inside her head the way we do with Zoe, but I very much admired Zoe. Noah’s boss wants her to impersonate Allison and go to the television studio, with Noah along pretending to be Allison’s boyfriend, so that Noah can do some covert spying/information tracking. Zoe is naturally afraid, and I really liked that her responses, her feelings and fear, were portrayed realistically for a civilian who does not have any training, security, self-defense, or otherwise. But she does have guts.
I loved Noah. He’d been sidelined to a desk job after taking a bullet on his previous assignment, and being out in the field, guarding Zoe and being active in this investigation, is his chance to prove himself. Close quarters and facing danger together often leads to attraction, but the author allowed their feelings for each other to build up slowly. Of course the events take place over a fairly short period of time, but the relationship still did not feel rushed.
The supporting characters were never wasted in this tense and engrossing story. Once the action ramped up it was nonstop, and for awhile it all felt pretty hopeless, as I had no idea what would happen next or how Zoe would survive. I was riveted from beginning to end.
*Received from the author and voluntarily reviewed*
One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery
I've only previously read one book by Susan Mallery (The Vineyard at Painted Moon), which I very much enjoyed. So when this book arrived as part of my Harlequin Reader Service subscription, and a Christmas book to boot, I was excited to read it. That was in October and it took me until after Christmas to actually get to it, but it was worth the wait. I'd always thought of Ms. Mallery as a romance author (which I have no problem with as I read a lot of romance), but this book was more than that.
There's a large cast of characters, from Julie Parker, the main focus, to her adult children, the 12 years younger man she's been seeing and his young children, and various other partners, exes, friends and family, all coming together for the holiday at Julie's cabin. At it's heart, the story is about relationships. Good ones, bad ones, strained ones, messy ones. One of my favorite characters is Blair, Julie's daughter-in-law, with whom I felt a bit of a kinship.
In her next life she wouldn't know the location of every "safe" bathroom between work and home or home and the grocery store. Her activities wouldn't be defined by whether or not she was going to have a "good" day or if she would be suffering.
Blair has IBS, and if the author's description of that are realistic then it does not sound quite like what I have, but I do have issues for which I'm currently seeing doctors and trying to get a diagnosis and treatment. And if that's TMI for you, I apologize.
A heartwarming read, with lots of great dialogue, lots of moments that made me smile and some that made me laugh, a couple that made me tear up, and of course lots of Christmas spirit. I'm definitely a Susan Mallery fan.
There's a large cast of characters, from Julie Parker, the main focus, to her adult children, the 12 years younger man she's been seeing and his young children, and various other partners, exes, friends and family, all coming together for the holiday at Julie's cabin. At it's heart, the story is about relationships. Good ones, bad ones, strained ones, messy ones. One of my favorite characters is Blair, Julie's daughter-in-law, with whom I felt a bit of a kinship.
In her next life she wouldn't know the location of every "safe" bathroom between work and home or home and the grocery store. Her activities wouldn't be defined by whether or not she was going to have a "good" day or if she would be suffering.
Blair has IBS, and if the author's description of that are realistic then it does not sound quite like what I have, but I do have issues for which I'm currently seeing doctors and trying to get a diagnosis and treatment. And if that's TMI for you, I apologize.
A heartwarming read, with lots of great dialogue, lots of moments that made me smile and some that made me laugh, a couple that made me tear up, and of course lots of Christmas spirit. I'm definitely a Susan Mallery fan.
Honor Bound by Erin St. Claire, Sandra Brown
3.0
WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS INFORMATION THAT SOME MAY CONSIDER SPOILERS.
Ms. Brown has come a long way since writing this drivel. Oh, the writing is decent enough. But the story.
First off, when I read the back cover synopsis, I thought this was going to be an historical romance. I mean, Indian (in the days before the term Native American was the norm) kidnaps white woman and takes her to his reservation. But then the first line of the first chapter talks about a refrigerator door being open, and I was a little jolted. Lucas constantly says things like "I'm sure an Anglo virgin like you can't imagine anything worse than having an Indian between her lily white thighs" and "...you'd want to die before having your pure Anglo body tainted by an Indian", and so on and so on, me big bad Indian, you rich white privileged Anglo woman. Was there really so much prejudice and racism towards Native Americans in 1986? I don't remember that, nor do I remember ever actually hearing a white person referred to as an Anglo. But then, I was only twenty-three then and living in my own little world. I do remember hearing stories of the racism my half Choctaw grandmother experienced when she was young - how she and her siblings had to go to another town for school because the whites didn't want them at the local school and the Indians didn't want them at the Indian school - but that would have been in the 30's/40's.
Then when Lucas discovered Aislynn had given birth to his baby while he was in prison there was the whole I'm taking my son to live on the reservation with me cuz I won't have him brought up in the Anglo world and you either marry me and come along or say goodbye to your son. I like the marriage of convenience trope, and I even often like the forced marriage trope, but this one left bad taste in my mouth.
Of course everything comes out roses in the end, but it wasn't always a pleasant journey getting there.
Ms. Brown has come a long way since writing this drivel. Oh, the writing is decent enough. But the story.
First off, when I read the back cover synopsis, I thought this was going to be an historical romance. I mean, Indian (in the days before the term Native American was the norm) kidnaps white woman and takes her to his reservation. But then the first line of the first chapter talks about a refrigerator door being open, and I was a little jolted. Lucas constantly says things like "I'm sure an Anglo virgin like you can't imagine anything worse than having an Indian between her lily white thighs" and "...you'd want to die before having your pure Anglo body tainted by an Indian", and so on and so on, me big bad Indian, you rich white privileged Anglo woman. Was there really so much prejudice and racism towards Native Americans in 1986? I don't remember that, nor do I remember ever actually hearing a white person referred to as an Anglo. But then, I was only twenty-three then and living in my own little world. I do remember hearing stories of the racism my half Choctaw grandmother experienced when she was young - how she and her siblings had to go to another town for school because the whites didn't want them at the local school and the Indians didn't want them at the Indian school - but that would have been in the 30's/40's.
Then when Lucas discovered Aislynn had given birth to his baby while he was in prison there was the whole I'm taking my son to live on the reservation with me cuz I won't have him brought up in the Anglo world and you either marry me and come along or say goodbye to your son. I like the marriage of convenience trope, and I even often like the forced marriage trope, but this one left bad taste in my mouth.
Of course everything comes out roses in the end, but it wasn't always a pleasant journey getting there.
Heart Like a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
4.0
My first Delores Fossen, and I liked it. Though it was a little irritating how often characters either mumbled or snarled, and "spelled out", as in instead of "blah blah blah, she said", it's "she spelled out". I'm not sure the author really understands the context of what it means when you use "spelled out".
Fall Inn Love by Elise Kennedy
Both characters are so well written. Iris is not your typical slender svelte heroine. In high school she was a little self-conscious about her size, but as an adult she’s learned to embrace herself and she’s confident and comfortable in her own body, which was refreshing. She’s smart, she’s funny, and she’s passionate about her work. And Sam! I loved Sam from the get go. At one of the inns the proprietor offers Iris one of her chicory root or bark-infused teas, commenting that they’re great appetite suppressants, and Sam’s furious and immediate reaction was glorious.
*Received via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed*
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This was an absolutely delightful little novella! One of my favorite tropes is enemies to lovers. This wasn’t quite that, as Iris and Sam weren’t really enemies, but rather had been antagonistic rivals in high school and all through college, competing for everything from debate team captain to class president. Iris is now a journalist for a leisure magazine, and excited for a two week assignment visiting seven different Vermont inns to write an article about the three most romantic places to stay. She and Jo, the photographer, the female photographer, were supposed to travel incognito, pretending to be a couple, but at the last minute Jo can’t make it, and sends Sam in her place. Sam, the very male, very hot, photographer. Who she will now have to share a bed with every night, unless she wants to sleep on the floor.
Both characters are so well written. Iris is not your typical slender svelte heroine. In high school she was a little self-conscious about her size, but as an adult she’s learned to embrace herself and she’s confident and comfortable in her own body, which was refreshing. She’s smart, she’s funny, and she’s passionate about her work. And Sam! I loved Sam from the get go. At one of the inns the proprietor offers Iris one of her chicory root or bark-infused teas, commenting that they’re great appetite suppressants, and Sam’s furious and immediate reaction was glorious.
And the inns! As they left each inn, I couldn’t wait to learn about the next one. Each one was unique in it’s own way, and I loved the author’s imagination and descriptions of each one, and of the staff working there.
This was an engaging and enjoyable read, with lots of humor, and plenty smexy tension thanks to the bed sharing, eventually leading up to some very hot scenes. I can’t wait for the next entry in the series!
*Received via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed*
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
5.0
This was a little different than the author's usual books, and not just because it's so short (only 93 pages). I never got around to reading the synopsis on the dust jacket, and had only read one review that was a bit negative, so I didn't really know what to expect. Except that I love just about everything I've read from Peter Swanson, which is why I bought it without bothering to read the synopsis.
If you, on the other hand, have read the synopsis, I don't want to tell you anything else about it, other than it does contain the usual Swanson twist halfway through. I'm glad I knew nothing going in, and I think that's the best way to approach it, so I don't want to inadvertently provide any spoilers.
You just can't go wrong with a Peter Swanson book.
If you, on the other hand, have read the synopsis, I don't want to tell you anything else about it, other than it does contain the usual Swanson twist halfway through. I'm glad I knew nothing going in, and I think that's the best way to approach it, so I don't want to inadvertently provide any spoilers.
You just can't go wrong with a Peter Swanson book.
The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche
In 2003, Jade is eight years old, and I struggled a little with her narration. If I hadn’t known she was eight I might have thought she was only five or six. But I’m not sure if her narration really came off that way, or if I just don’t remember what an eight year old is like, not having been around one since my now adult daughters were that age.
Adult Jade, however, along with Benny, both her younger self and her current day elderly self, and Bridger, her foster son, were all beautifully written. Bridger is a very quirky character who often made me laugh. In her Author’s Note, Ms. Rosche tells us that she traveled all 2,448 miles of Historic Route 66, and it shows in her writing. She packs in so much interesting and descriptive detail about the road and the towns along the way that THE ROAD BEFORE US could serve as a travel guide.
I very much enjoyed traveling along with this trio, and was sorry to part company with them. Bridger and Jade were about to embark on a new journey when I turned the last page, and I desperately wanted to accompany them.
*Received via the Revell Reads Blogger Program and voluntarily reviewed*
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I’ve never felt any desire to travel the old Route 66. I have traveled a very small portion of it, though not in many many years. But traveling along with Jade, Bridger, and Bernie made it sound like a worthwhile journey to take.
The trio are traversing Route 66 while shooting a documentary about Benny, who traveled the same route in 1956, headed to Hollywood to become a star. Along the way, they visit landmarks, both well known, and personal to Benny, such as motels where she and Paul, the love of her life, stayed on their journey, or other places they stopped to visit. But the journey is also personal for Jade, who has bittersweet memories of traveling with her father in the summer of 2003. The narrative bounces between those two times and the present day, with each section told in first person POV. I enjoyed Benny’s sections the most, as she and Paul fall in love on the way. I probably would have been happy with a book just about the two of them.
In 2003, Jade is eight years old, and I struggled a little with her narration. If I hadn’t known she was eight I might have thought she was only five or six. But I’m not sure if her narration really came off that way, or if I just don’t remember what an eight year old is like, not having been around one since my now adult daughters were that age.
Adult Jade, however, along with Benny, both her younger self and her current day elderly self, and Bridger, her foster son, were all beautifully written. Bridger is a very quirky character who often made me laugh. In her Author’s Note, Ms. Rosche tells us that she traveled all 2,448 miles of Historic Route 66, and it shows in her writing. She packs in so much interesting and descriptive detail about the road and the towns along the way that THE ROAD BEFORE US could serve as a travel guide.
I very much enjoyed traveling along with this trio, and was sorry to part company with them. Bridger and Jade were about to embark on a new journey when I turned the last page, and I desperately wanted to accompany them.
*Received via the Revell Reads Blogger Program and voluntarily reviewed*
About a Boy by Nick Hornby
5.0
Very much enjoyed this, my first Nick Hornby book. It made me want to see the movie again, which I did, and which was very faithful to the book other than partially changing the ending.
A Gamble of the Heart by K.T. Raine
*Received via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed*
4.0
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from Ms. Raine, so when I saw this was available to request on BookSirens I snapped it up. I’ve previously described Ms. Raine’s books as breezy, fun, and heartwarming, with well written characters, and A GAMBLE OF THE HEART delivered on those expectations. But when I say breezy I don’t mean frivolous, as her books also touch on deeper subjects, and there is usually an element of danger to the heroine, with the hero being a protector (one of my personal catnips). Here we have Becca and her young son traveling across the state seeking refuge, after a loan shark appears at her door, demanding money to pay off her ex-husband’s gambling debt. From there, the physical danger is minimal, and the story is more about Becca finding herself again, finding friends and acceptance in her new home, and of course, since this is a romance, finding love again.
That’s not to say her ex isn’t involved in the story, and we even get some sections told from his point of view. It would have been easy for the author to write him off in the end, but she gave him some character development and a chance at redemption instead.
This is a quick read, with some tense moments towards the end, and a happy, satisfying resolution. It’s the first in a new series, and with four more brothers besides Tony I’m already looking forward to more of the Ragin’ Moon Refuge! And I highly recommend Ms. Raine’s Huckleberry Ridge series, as well as the first book of hers that I read, HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL.
That’s not to say her ex isn’t involved in the story, and we even get some sections told from his point of view. It would have been easy for the author to write him off in the end, but she gave him some character development and a chance at redemption instead.
This is a quick read, with some tense moments towards the end, and a happy, satisfying resolution. It’s the first in a new series, and with four more brothers besides Tony I’m already looking forward to more of the Ragin’ Moon Refuge! And I highly recommend Ms. Raine’s Huckleberry Ridge series, as well as the first book of hers that I read, HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL.
Only Pleasure by Lora Leigh
5.0
My first time reading Lora Leigh. I knew that she wrote steamy romance, but I was pleased that there was also an actual story, with a plot, and with well written characterization.
This is book ten in the Bound Hearts series. I normally like to read series books in order, and I definitely felt I would have benefited from reading book nine, about the hero's brother. I went to Goodreads and ready the synopses of all the books after this one in the series, and was sorely disappointed that Khalid, who played a big part in this story, was not the hero of any of those books. The epilogue seemed to be setting him up for the next book. I will have to hunt down the first book so I can start at the beginning now.
This is book ten in the Bound Hearts series. I normally like to read series books in order, and I definitely felt I would have benefited from reading book nine, about the hero's brother. I went to Goodreads and ready the synopses of all the books after this one in the series, and was sorely disappointed that Khalid, who played a big part in this story, was not the hero of any of those books. The epilogue seemed to be setting him up for the next book. I will have to hunt down the first book so I can start at the beginning now.