Julie Mathison was a foster child in trouble with the system and headed for more when she was taken in by a minister and his wife. The love she received from her adoptive family gave her the security she longed for and she's determined never to do anything to make them regret the chance they gave her. She's a respectable teacher in the small Texas town were she was raised, working hard to make a difference in the lives of her neediest students and to make her family proud.
Zachary Benedict was an Academy Award-winning actor turned director, living a charmed life until his wife was murdered and he was convicted of the crime. After exhausting his options he gave up on the system and decided to find his own way out of prison. With the help of a friend he broke out, intending to leave the country and never look back. Unfortunately bad weather and bad timing force him to abduct Julie and use her and her car to get away.
Julie is first scared and then furious about being forced to help an escaped felon, but in spite of her best intentions and Zach's terrible attitude something draws her to him. The problem is that she can't be sure if he's really innocent or if he simply calls to a part of her that she left behind years ago. If he's innocent and she doesn't help him she'll regret it forever. If she trusts him and she's wrong the perfect life she's built for herself will be irrevocably damaged.
I found Zach interesting as a character, but the details about his life in Hollywood rang false. There's a lot of name dropping, but instead of lending authenticity it simply made the book feel dated (it was originally published in 1994). I understood and sympathized with Julie's reasons for valuing her reputation so highly. However, at times the fact that she was wound so tight made it difficult to relate to her.
In spite of that, the real problem with this book was that it dragged. At 677 pages in paperback, this is a long book and unfortunately there were times when it felt even longer. There was a lot of detail and story, but no surprises. Everything felt predictable, right down to Julie's inevitable crisis of faith in Zach. I was even able to figure out who the real killer was even though McNaught withheld critical information until the end.
It wasn't a bad book, but iI ultimately didn't feel that it was worth the amount of time it took to read. I would have liked it much better if it had been a couple hundred pages shorter.
Grade: C-
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
2009 TBR Challenge for September: Magnate's Make-Believe Mistress by Bronwyn Jameson
September Challenge" Chose one from the Author List or read a book by a new-to-you author
I won this book during a recent "Save the Contemporary" contest at Smart Bitches Trashy Books.
When it arrived in the mail a couple of weeks ago I was buried in library books that needed to be read by their due dates, so I set it aside. Since I'm now caught up on my borrowed items and I've never read anything by Bronwyn Jameson this book seemed perfect for the September TBR challenge.
Cristo Véron is an airline executive living in England. He's wealthy and privilaged, but he also has problems. As is the case for many people they're mostly caused by his family. His main source of trouble is currently his sister Amanda. She's a nice enough young woman, but she's rather spoiled at the best of times and it's not the best of times. Amanda is getting married and by her own admission organizing the huge wedding has turned her into a bit of a bridezilla. Cristo initially disapproved of Amanda's fiancé Hugh because of his reputation as a hard-partying playboy. However, over time he became convinced that Hugh's love for Amanda was real and agreed to not only support the marriage, but pay for the wedding. As a result Cristo finds himself not only footing the bill, but acting as general fix-it person for all the many problems that arise with the planning.
Keeping the caterers in line is one thing, but the situation becomes much worse when Hugh comes to Cristo looking for help with a possible blackmail attempt. A woman named Isabelle Browne has called Hugh from Australia claiming to be pregnant with his child. Hugh claims that he's never met anyone named Isabelle Browne and that he's been completely faithful to Amanda. However, with only weeks to before the wedding he doesn't want Amanda to find out about the situation unless it's absolutely necessary. Cristo isn't sure what to believe. Hugh seems sincere, but Amanda's happiness is at stake so he agrees to go to Australia, track Isabelle down and find out the truth.
Isabelle works has a housekeeper for At Your Service, a concierge service for wealthy visitors to Melbourne. Cristo hires her for the week and plans to use the time to ferret out the truth about her supposed pregnancy. For her part Isabelle is suspicious of the fact that Cristo requested her by name and was willing to pay double her usual rate to get her to reschedule her vacation to take the job. In spite of their mutual distrust they're drawn to each other and enjoy spending time together. By the time the truth comes out about the pregnancy their attraction is undeniable, but some real problems remain. Cirsto has no interest in commitment and Isabelle is not a party girl. She also isn't sure how a housekeeper can possibly fit in, even temporarily, in the life of such a wealthy man.
If I hadn't won this book I probably would never have read it. In the recent discussion at Dear Author about money in romance novels I came down on the side of generally not liking books about "billionaire tycoons". I can't relate at all and it doesn't really work for me as a fantasy since I don't like the implication that huge amounts of money are necessary for an HEA. In spite of that I enjoyed this book. Cristo comes across as genuinely nice, even when he's being cynical about love. Isabelle is impressed by him, but not so much that she loses her good sense. I really appreciated the fact that the book presents their attraction as just that, attraction. Their physical chemistry isn't treated as love, it's just the thing that brings them together. They fall in love because they enjoy being together. The only thing that I didn't like was that Cristo's conversion from totally cynical to proposing marriage felt sort of abrupt, but that's one of the hazard's of category-length books.
Grade: B-
I won this book during a recent "Save the Contemporary" contest at Smart Bitches Trashy Books.
When it arrived in the mail a couple of weeks ago I was buried in library books that needed to be read by their due dates, so I set it aside. Since I'm now caught up on my borrowed items and I've never read anything by Bronwyn Jameson this book seemed perfect for the September TBR challenge.
Cristo Véron is an airline executive living in England. He's wealthy and privilaged, but he also has problems. As is the case for many people they're mostly caused by his family. His main source of trouble is currently his sister Amanda. She's a nice enough young woman, but she's rather spoiled at the best of times and it's not the best of times. Amanda is getting married and by her own admission organizing the huge wedding has turned her into a bit of a bridezilla. Cristo initially disapproved of Amanda's fiancé Hugh because of his reputation as a hard-partying playboy. However, over time he became convinced that Hugh's love for Amanda was real and agreed to not only support the marriage, but pay for the wedding. As a result Cristo finds himself not only footing the bill, but acting as general fix-it person for all the many problems that arise with the planning.
Keeping the caterers in line is one thing, but the situation becomes much worse when Hugh comes to Cristo looking for help with a possible blackmail attempt. A woman named Isabelle Browne has called Hugh from Australia claiming to be pregnant with his child. Hugh claims that he's never met anyone named Isabelle Browne and that he's been completely faithful to Amanda. However, with only weeks to before the wedding he doesn't want Amanda to find out about the situation unless it's absolutely necessary. Cristo isn't sure what to believe. Hugh seems sincere, but Amanda's happiness is at stake so he agrees to go to Australia, track Isabelle down and find out the truth.
Isabelle works has a housekeeper for At Your Service, a concierge service for wealthy visitors to Melbourne. Cristo hires her for the week and plans to use the time to ferret out the truth about her supposed pregnancy. For her part Isabelle is suspicious of the fact that Cristo requested her by name and was willing to pay double her usual rate to get her to reschedule her vacation to take the job. In spite of their mutual distrust they're drawn to each other and enjoy spending time together. By the time the truth comes out about the pregnancy their attraction is undeniable, but some real problems remain. Cirsto has no interest in commitment and Isabelle is not a party girl. She also isn't sure how a housekeeper can possibly fit in, even temporarily, in the life of such a wealthy man.
If I hadn't won this book I probably would never have read it. In the recent discussion at Dear Author about money in romance novels I came down on the side of generally not liking books about "billionaire tycoons". I can't relate at all and it doesn't really work for me as a fantasy since I don't like the implication that huge amounts of money are necessary for an HEA. In spite of that I enjoyed this book. Cristo comes across as genuinely nice, even when he's being cynical about love. Isabelle is impressed by him, but not so much that she loses her good sense. I really appreciated the fact that the book presents their attraction as just that, attraction. Their physical chemistry isn't treated as love, it's just the thing that brings them together. They fall in love because they enjoy being together. The only thing that I didn't like was that Cristo's conversion from totally cynical to proposing marriage felt sort of abrupt, but that's one of the hazard's of category-length books.
Grade: B-
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
2009 TBR Challenge for August: My Sweet Folly by Laura Kinsale
August Challege" Chose one from the Author List or read a book by a new-to-you author
Folie Hamilton is the young second wife of a widower with an eight year old daughter. Her husband never got over the death of his first wife, which leaves Folie neglected and lonely. Life in Toot-above-the Batch is rather dull and Folie struggles to make a life for herself and fill her days productively . The problem is exacerbated by her difficult relationship with her stepdaughter Melinda. The only thing that really interests Folie's husband is his rose garden and he leaves most everything else to Folie. That includes communication with his cousin, Robert Cambourne, who is serving as a lieutenant in the Bengal Infantry in India.
Robert is the son of one of the directors of the East India Company, but he has never fit into his fathers life or lived up to his expectations. Robert's father bought him a commission, but Robert is a failure as a soldier. His simply has no talent for it. His family's social standing protects him from being punished so he is given trivial tasks and allowed to fill the rest of his time in his own pursuits. He spends his days studying native spiritual practices under the tutelage of a "guuruu" with the idea of someday writing a book on the subject. He loves India, but he is lonely and profoundly unhappy with his life. When Folie's letter arrives it's like a breath of fresh air and Robert can't resist writing her back. Thus begins the seven year correspondence that makes up the first chapter of the book.
Via a series of letters, often with long time gaps because of the distance, Folie and Robert share their lives, their hopes and their dreams. Folie comes to see Robert as a knight out to slay dragons. Robert's feelings for Folie are made clear when he begins one of his letters, "My Sweet Folly, If you were mine . . ." They each realize that their correspondence has gone beyond the bounds of propriety, but neither one can stand the idea of letting the relationship go. That is until Folie receives Robert's last letter in which he makes a confession that destroys Folie's picture of him and breaks her heart.
Five years later Folie is a widow and has developed a close and loving relationship with Melinda. It's time for Melinda to have her coming out and Folie is determined to provide her with the best possible season. Robert is in charge of the money left to Melinda and Folie, but all issues have been handled by solicitors and Folie expects that will continue to be the case. Much to Folie's chagrin things take a drastic turn when Robert returns to England and insists that she and Melinda join him at his isolated estate.
When they arrive Folie is stunned to find that Robert is nothing like she imagined and that his life is not at all what she expected. At first she is merely confused and disappointed, but she soon comes to fear that Robert is actually mad. Unbeknownst to her Robert shares her fears for his sanity and has hired guards to protect them from enemies he isn't even sure exist. They clash when Robert demands that they remain at his home and Folie insists that Melinda must be allowed to have her season. Folie wins the argument, but once they're in London the mystery of Robert's mental state grows deeper and more dangerous. The two are forced to help each other and find themselves navigating complex social and political waters while coming to realize that feelings they believed where long dead are more alive than either one of them is prepared for.
This book languished on my TBR for a long time, mostly because it takes place during the Regency. I realize that the era is adored by many romance readers, but I just don't feel the love. It has never been a particular favorite historical period for me and there are so many Regencies that I burnt out on them long ago. As a result I rarely read them any more. Because so many people mention My Sweet Folly as one of their favorite Kinsale books I decided to make an exception, and I'm glad that I did. It doesn't focus on the elements that I associate with Regencies. For example, Folie maneuvers to get Melinda an invitation to Almack's, but the story isn't about the social issues of Melinda's season. Instead the book focuses on Robert and Folie, characters that would be unique in any genre.
I found both of them interesting and admirable and frustrating at different points in the story. I loved that they were both complex and layered enough to inspire all those feelings. I especially liked the way that Folie was able to use her experience developing a relationship with Melinda as a source of insight into how she should approach Robert. She was able to understand that he was lashing out due to fear without becoming a doormat in the face of his temper.
There were points in the story when it was difficult to imagine that these two people could have a HEA. For me that made the end all the more satisfying.
Grade: A
Folie Hamilton is the young second wife of a widower with an eight year old daughter. Her husband never got over the death of his first wife, which leaves Folie neglected and lonely. Life in Toot-above-the Batch is rather dull and Folie struggles to make a life for herself and fill her days productively . The problem is exacerbated by her difficult relationship with her stepdaughter Melinda. The only thing that really interests Folie's husband is his rose garden and he leaves most everything else to Folie. That includes communication with his cousin, Robert Cambourne, who is serving as a lieutenant in the Bengal Infantry in India.
Robert is the son of one of the directors of the East India Company, but he has never fit into his fathers life or lived up to his expectations. Robert's father bought him a commission, but Robert is a failure as a soldier. His simply has no talent for it. His family's social standing protects him from being punished so he is given trivial tasks and allowed to fill the rest of his time in his own pursuits. He spends his days studying native spiritual practices under the tutelage of a "guuruu" with the idea of someday writing a book on the subject. He loves India, but he is lonely and profoundly unhappy with his life. When Folie's letter arrives it's like a breath of fresh air and Robert can't resist writing her back. Thus begins the seven year correspondence that makes up the first chapter of the book.
Via a series of letters, often with long time gaps because of the distance, Folie and Robert share their lives, their hopes and their dreams. Folie comes to see Robert as a knight out to slay dragons. Robert's feelings for Folie are made clear when he begins one of his letters, "My Sweet Folly, If you were mine . . ." They each realize that their correspondence has gone beyond the bounds of propriety, but neither one can stand the idea of letting the relationship go. That is until Folie receives Robert's last letter in which he makes a confession that destroys Folie's picture of him and breaks her heart.
Five years later Folie is a widow and has developed a close and loving relationship with Melinda. It's time for Melinda to have her coming out and Folie is determined to provide her with the best possible season. Robert is in charge of the money left to Melinda and Folie, but all issues have been handled by solicitors and Folie expects that will continue to be the case. Much to Folie's chagrin things take a drastic turn when Robert returns to England and insists that she and Melinda join him at his isolated estate.
When they arrive Folie is stunned to find that Robert is nothing like she imagined and that his life is not at all what she expected. At first she is merely confused and disappointed, but she soon comes to fear that Robert is actually mad. Unbeknownst to her Robert shares her fears for his sanity and has hired guards to protect them from enemies he isn't even sure exist. They clash when Robert demands that they remain at his home and Folie insists that Melinda must be allowed to have her season. Folie wins the argument, but once they're in London the mystery of Robert's mental state grows deeper and more dangerous. The two are forced to help each other and find themselves navigating complex social and political waters while coming to realize that feelings they believed where long dead are more alive than either one of them is prepared for.
This book languished on my TBR for a long time, mostly because it takes place during the Regency. I realize that the era is adored by many romance readers, but I just don't feel the love. It has never been a particular favorite historical period for me and there are so many Regencies that I burnt out on them long ago. As a result I rarely read them any more. Because so many people mention My Sweet Folly as one of their favorite Kinsale books I decided to make an exception, and I'm glad that I did. It doesn't focus on the elements that I associate with Regencies. For example, Folie maneuvers to get Melinda an invitation to Almack's, but the story isn't about the social issues of Melinda's season. Instead the book focuses on Robert and Folie, characters that would be unique in any genre.
I found both of them interesting and admirable and frustrating at different points in the story. I loved that they were both complex and layered enough to inspire all those feelings. I especially liked the way that Folie was able to use her experience developing a relationship with Melinda as a source of insight into how she should approach Robert. She was able to understand that he was lashing out due to fear without becoming a doormat in the face of his temper.
There were points in the story when it was difficult to imagine that these two people could have a HEA. For me that made the end all the more satisfying.
Grade: A
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Hannah's Vow by Pam Crooks
Hannah Benning was raised by her con man father after her mother died when she was young. He taught her the tools of his trade and forced her to help him with his schemes. Eventually he was caught stealing and killed by an angry mob. After that Hannah's only wanted to be safe and to have a chance to make up for the crimes she had committed, so she joined a convent intending to become a nun. She spent most of her time in prayer until one day the Mother Superior requests that she accompany the local priest and one of the other sisters to the notorious local prison to check on rumors that the inmates are suffering some type of sickness and not receiving appropriate care. Hannah is loath to leave the convent, especially to go to such a horrible place, but she musters her courage and does as she is asked. When the trio arrive they find that the situation is worse than they ever imagined. When the inmates rebel against their mistreatment Hannah's companions are killed and she is take hostage by a man with nothing to lose.
Four years ago Quinn Landry was betrayed by his brother and sentenced to life in prison for a murder he didn't commit. The only thing that has kept him alive is his thirst for revenge and his determination to regain control of the Texas ranch that is his birthright. He has no desire to hurt a nun, but he needs a hostage in order to get away and can't afford to release her until he's back home. Hannah is horrified to find herself once again hunted by the law and is determined to escape. However, when she realizes that Quinn is sick and helpless she can't bring herself to abandon him. By the time he's strong enough to be on his own the warden is convinced that Hannah was part of the escape plan and she's in as much danger as Quinn is.
They make a pact to help each other with an agreement that Quinn will help Hannah return to the convent as soon as he has cleared his name. Their situation becomes even more complicated when they are captured by an outlaw couple who have their own reason to hate the warden. Circumstances force Hannah and Quinn to depend on each other to survive and as they grow closer they find themselves fighting an attraction that may put them in more danger than they can handle.
I enjoy western historicals which is how this book, set in 1895 New Mexico and Texas, ended up on my TBR. I pulled it out when I was looking for books for last month's TBR challenge. I didn't chose it was my official challenge book, but I was intrigued enough to keep it on the top of the pile and I'm glad that I did. There were quite a few elements of this book that were pretty standard fair. The beautiful young woman who is isn't quite a nun yet, the handsome man wrongly accused and bent on revenge, the evil brother consumed by jealousy and the evil warden consumed by greed. However, I enjoyed Ms Crook's writing style and she threw in enough unique elements to keep me interested. This is my first book by Ms Crooks and I look forward to reading more.
Grade: B+
Four years ago Quinn Landry was betrayed by his brother and sentenced to life in prison for a murder he didn't commit. The only thing that has kept him alive is his thirst for revenge and his determination to regain control of the Texas ranch that is his birthright. He has no desire to hurt a nun, but he needs a hostage in order to get away and can't afford to release her until he's back home. Hannah is horrified to find herself once again hunted by the law and is determined to escape. However, when she realizes that Quinn is sick and helpless she can't bring herself to abandon him. By the time he's strong enough to be on his own the warden is convinced that Hannah was part of the escape plan and she's in as much danger as Quinn is.
They make a pact to help each other with an agreement that Quinn will help Hannah return to the convent as soon as he has cleared his name. Their situation becomes even more complicated when they are captured by an outlaw couple who have their own reason to hate the warden. Circumstances force Hannah and Quinn to depend on each other to survive and as they grow closer they find themselves fighting an attraction that may put them in more danger than they can handle.
I enjoy western historicals which is how this book, set in 1895 New Mexico and Texas, ended up on my TBR. I pulled it out when I was looking for books for last month's TBR challenge. I didn't chose it was my official challenge book, but I was intrigued enough to keep it on the top of the pile and I'm glad that I did. There were quite a few elements of this book that were pretty standard fair. The beautiful young woman who is isn't quite a nun yet, the handsome man wrongly accused and bent on revenge, the evil brother consumed by jealousy and the evil warden consumed by greed. However, I enjoyed Ms Crook's writing style and she threw in enough unique elements to keep me interested. This is my first book by Ms Crooks and I look forward to reading more.
Grade: B+
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Open Season by Linda Howard
The morning of her 34th birthday small-town librarian Daisy Minor wakes up and realizes that her life is slipping away. Everything about her is boring---her hair, her clothes, her job. All boring. Worse, she's lonely and hasn't had so much as a date in forever. She still lives at home with her mother and her aunt. She loves them, but knows that if she ever wants to have a family of her own she's going to have to make some changes. She decides that in a small town she can't afford to wait for Mr. Right to just show up so if she wants a man she's going to have to go out and find one. She decides to do a total make-over. She moves into a place of her own and enlists the help of the only gay man she knows to transform her clothes, hair and make-up from frumpy librarian to sexy party girl.
Jack Russo is the town's new sheriff. He was brought to run things after a corruption scandal ousted the previous sheriff. He's still getting to know the town and it's residents and he doesn't make a very good impression on Daisy. She considers him rude, demanding and more than a little intimidating. Of course he's also the sexiest man she's met in a long time. In spite of that she decides that she would be better off ignoring him and going ahead with her plan to visit local clubs to meet men. Her first try is less than a complete success, but she's willing to keep trying. She finds herself with worse problems than bad dates when she witnesses a crime and becomes a target in need of Jack's protection.
This is not one of Howard's more intense books. The mood is similar to the lighter parts of Mr. Perfect, although I preferred that book to this one. In this book the mystery works well enough, the characters are basically likable, and there are a few funny scenes. However, there were several things about Daisy and Jack's relationship that bothered me.
Soon after they started sleeping together Jack considered the possibility of not using a condom and getting Daisy pregnant so that she would marry him. I would consider that unacceptable no matter what, especially because they barely knew each other. What made it worse was that at that point Jack's motive was simply to stop Daisy from dating other men. He wasn't thinking about commitment as much as he was thinking about possession. Later Daisy and Jack do have unsafe sex, with the usual idiotic conversation about how they're sure it will be OK. Soon they were actively trying to get pregnant even though they had known each other only a couple of weeks and had been sleeping together only a few days. I found that so ridiculous that it ruined the end of the book for me.
Grade: C-
Jack Russo is the town's new sheriff. He was brought to run things after a corruption scandal ousted the previous sheriff. He's still getting to know the town and it's residents and he doesn't make a very good impression on Daisy. She considers him rude, demanding and more than a little intimidating. Of course he's also the sexiest man she's met in a long time. In spite of that she decides that she would be better off ignoring him and going ahead with her plan to visit local clubs to meet men. Her first try is less than a complete success, but she's willing to keep trying. She finds herself with worse problems than bad dates when she witnesses a crime and becomes a target in need of Jack's protection.
This is not one of Howard's more intense books. The mood is similar to the lighter parts of Mr. Perfect, although I preferred that book to this one. In this book the mystery works well enough, the characters are basically likable, and there are a few funny scenes. However, there were several things about Daisy and Jack's relationship that bothered me.
Soon after they started sleeping together Jack considered the possibility of not using a condom and getting Daisy pregnant so that she would marry him. I would consider that unacceptable no matter what, especially because they barely knew each other. What made it worse was that at that point Jack's motive was simply to stop Daisy from dating other men. He wasn't thinking about commitment as much as he was thinking about possession. Later Daisy and Jack do have unsafe sex, with the usual idiotic conversation about how they're sure it will be OK. Soon they were actively trying to get pregnant even though they had known each other only a couple of weeks and had been sleeping together only a few days. I found that so ridiculous that it ruined the end of the book for me.
Grade: C-
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
2009 TBR Challenge for July: Hearts of the West
Wrongly Accused/Just Released from Jail
Hearts of the West is a double volume containing two full length novels, both of which feature main characters who have recently been released from prison.
Rocky Mountain Rancher by Pamela Toth
Luther had an unhappy marriage to an unfaithful wife. When her lover was killed he was wrongfully convicted and sent to prison. While he was there his ex sold his ranch and left the state. While driving away she got into a car accident and both she and their son were killed, leaving Luther with nothing.
After 8 years another man confessed to the crime and Luther was released. That didn't convince his neighbors of his innocence. When the man was killed in prison many people became convinced that Luther had called in favors to have him murdered in order to prevent him from recanting his, supposedly false, confession. The only thing Luther had to hang onto was the idea of getting his ranch back. To do that he hired on as a hand to the new owner.
Maddie has had her share of problems. She's a widow raising her 15 year old stepson and her 8 year old daughter and trying to run the ranch after losing her husband to cancer. She's as warm and open as Luther is closed off. They become lovers fairly easily, but getting to the point of admitting that they're in love is much more difficult, especially with the issue of the ownership of the ranch hanging between them. When a series of robberies in the area casts new suspicion on Luther he has to decide if he should stay and fight, risking Maddie's reputation, or give up and move on.
I liked this one quite a bit. It's my favorite sort of story---two people who have each had a hard time meet, fall in love and make things better for each other. I like people who have really earned their HEA and Luther & Maddie certainly did. I also liked the fact the the children were good kids, but in a realistic way, not overly cute as is so often the case in books.
Grade: B+
The Last Chance Ranch by Ruth Wind
Tanya Bishop fell in love and married young only to find herself in an abusive relationship. She stayed until after she gave birth to her son Antonio, then she ran to protect herself and her baby. She got a divorce but her ex, Vic, wouldn't leave her alone. She moved repeatedly and got a restraining order, but he always tracked them down. Finally Tanya realized that hiding would never keep them safe, so she bought a gun. When Vic came after her again she took her son to a babysitter and waited for Vic to return to her house. When he tried to kill her, as she knew he would, she shot him. As a result she was sent to prison for murder.
Her husband's family hated her and fought her over custody of Antonio. In order to keep him from being raised by people who hated her she asked that Antonio be allowed to live with the only one of Vic's family who had ever been kind to her---his cousin Ramon. Vic's sisters agreed on the condition that she allow Ramon to adopt the boy and that Tanya never have any contact with him. While she's in prison her only way of feeling a connection to Antonio is to write him letters which she never sends.
After eleven years Tanya gets out of prison and contacts Ramon. He agrees to modify the custody order and allow her to meet Tonio. However, the boy is bitter that his mother “abandoned” him and Ramon is concerned that he won't give Tanya a fair chance. Ramon is raising Tonio at the ranch he runs for juvenile offenders. He suggests that Tanya work at the ranch as a cook to give Tonio a chance to get to know her as a person before they tell him that she's the mother he resents so much.
Tanya agrees, but finds it difficult to be with Tonio without telling him who she is. Things are further complicated by the reawakening of the attraction that Ramon & Tanya felt for each other many years ago and by the troubled boys living at the ranch. When Tonio accidentally discovers Tanya's identity his anger threatens to destroy the the new life Tanya is struggling to build.
This was a solid story with likable characters. It was easy to root for Tanya to rebuild her life. While still in her teens she made one common, easy mistake when she fell for the wrong guy and she paid a high price for that mistake. Ramon has demons of his own and Tonio's struggle to understand what happened to his parents is understandable. All the elements came together to make a story that was heart-warming without being sappy.
Grade: B-
Hearts of the West is a double volume containing two full length novels, both of which feature main characters who have recently been released from prison.
Rocky Mountain Rancher by Pamela Toth
Luther had an unhappy marriage to an unfaithful wife. When her lover was killed he was wrongfully convicted and sent to prison. While he was there his ex sold his ranch and left the state. While driving away she got into a car accident and both she and their son were killed, leaving Luther with nothing.
After 8 years another man confessed to the crime and Luther was released. That didn't convince his neighbors of his innocence. When the man was killed in prison many people became convinced that Luther had called in favors to have him murdered in order to prevent him from recanting his, supposedly false, confession. The only thing Luther had to hang onto was the idea of getting his ranch back. To do that he hired on as a hand to the new owner.
Maddie has had her share of problems. She's a widow raising her 15 year old stepson and her 8 year old daughter and trying to run the ranch after losing her husband to cancer. She's as warm and open as Luther is closed off. They become lovers fairly easily, but getting to the point of admitting that they're in love is much more difficult, especially with the issue of the ownership of the ranch hanging between them. When a series of robberies in the area casts new suspicion on Luther he has to decide if he should stay and fight, risking Maddie's reputation, or give up and move on.
I liked this one quite a bit. It's my favorite sort of story---two people who have each had a hard time meet, fall in love and make things better for each other. I like people who have really earned their HEA and Luther & Maddie certainly did. I also liked the fact the the children were good kids, but in a realistic way, not overly cute as is so often the case in books.
Grade: B+
The Last Chance Ranch by Ruth Wind
Tanya Bishop fell in love and married young only to find herself in an abusive relationship. She stayed until after she gave birth to her son Antonio, then she ran to protect herself and her baby. She got a divorce but her ex, Vic, wouldn't leave her alone. She moved repeatedly and got a restraining order, but he always tracked them down. Finally Tanya realized that hiding would never keep them safe, so she bought a gun. When Vic came after her again she took her son to a babysitter and waited for Vic to return to her house. When he tried to kill her, as she knew he would, she shot him. As a result she was sent to prison for murder.
Her husband's family hated her and fought her over custody of Antonio. In order to keep him from being raised by people who hated her she asked that Antonio be allowed to live with the only one of Vic's family who had ever been kind to her---his cousin Ramon. Vic's sisters agreed on the condition that she allow Ramon to adopt the boy and that Tanya never have any contact with him. While she's in prison her only way of feeling a connection to Antonio is to write him letters which she never sends.
After eleven years Tanya gets out of prison and contacts Ramon. He agrees to modify the custody order and allow her to meet Tonio. However, the boy is bitter that his mother “abandoned” him and Ramon is concerned that he won't give Tanya a fair chance. Ramon is raising Tonio at the ranch he runs for juvenile offenders. He suggests that Tanya work at the ranch as a cook to give Tonio a chance to get to know her as a person before they tell him that she's the mother he resents so much.
Tanya agrees, but finds it difficult to be with Tonio without telling him who she is. Things are further complicated by the reawakening of the attraction that Ramon & Tanya felt for each other many years ago and by the troubled boys living at the ranch. When Tonio accidentally discovers Tanya's identity his anger threatens to destroy the the new life Tanya is struggling to build.
This was a solid story with likable characters. It was easy to root for Tanya to rebuild her life. While still in her teens she made one common, easy mistake when she fell for the wrong guy and she paid a high price for that mistake. Ramon has demons of his own and Tonio's struggle to understand what happened to his parents is understandable. All the elements came together to make a story that was heart-warming without being sappy.
Grade: B-
Thursday, June 18, 2009
TBR Challenge for June: Play Dirty by Sandra Brown
June TBR Challenge---Tortured Heroes
Griff Burckett had a difficult childhood, but thanks to a talent for football and the help of a mentor he was able to make something of himself. He was the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, a job that gave him money, fame and access to all the toys and women, he could want. Unfortunately the scars of his early life left him isolated and self-destructive. The thrill he got from playing football soon wasn't enough and he turned to gambling to get the rush he craved. When he fell behind on his payments to his bookie he threw games in order to pay off his debt. His whole life fell apart when he was caught and sent to prison.
After five years in prison Griff is happy to be out, but he has nothing to go home to. His condo and most of his possessions had to be sold to pay fines and legal fees. He's banned for life from the only job he ever had and he's so notorious that it will be almost impossible to find any other kind of job. With no money and no prospects it will be difficult to abide by the terms of his parole, but Griff has to find a way because he is determined never to go back to prison. Just as Griff begins to realize exactly how desperate his situation is he receives a call from eccentric millionaire Foster Speakman.
Speakman has been a paraplegic since a car accident several years ago. What no one realizes is that his injuries also left him impotent and infertile. He and his wife Laura want a child, but Speakman refuses to consider adoption. In fact, he never wants anyone to know that the child isn't his. Because Griff shares basic physical characteristics with him Speakman wants him to act as a sperm donor. He's willing to pay handsomely for Griff's services and a lifetime of his silence. The deal sounds great to Griff until he finds out that there's a catch---Speakman insists that the child must be conceived naturally. Griff knows that this arrangement is trouble, but he has no other prospects and the money is too good to turn down.
His encounters with Laura create complications that Griff doesn't need. The detective who arrested Griff five years ago is determined to pin an unsolved murder on him and terrorizes Griff and those close to him in the hopes of getting him to lose his temper and implicate himself. Griff holds it together until Foster Speakman is found dead and Griff's feelings for Laura make him the prime suspect. Griff doesn't trust the police to find the truth so he has to track down the one person who can clear him.
I have mixed feeling about this book. One the plus side, I found Griff an interesting character because he wasn't falsely accused. He was guilty of the crime that sent him to prison. Beyond that, he simply wasn't a nice guy. He treated the people in his life quite badly and discarded them when they were no longer useful to him. His time in prison, and the circumstances in which he finds himself when he is released, cause him to do some serious soul-searching. His growth felt real to me and so did the steps that he took to try to redeem himself and make a new life.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book didn't work nearly as well. The plot was convoluted and unbelievable and I didn't find Laura anywhere near as interesting as I found Griff. My main problem though was that the circumstances that brought Griff and Laura together were so skeevy that it was hard for me to root for them to end up together. This was definitely not one of my favorite of Sandra Brown's books.
Grade: C-
Griff Burckett had a difficult childhood, but thanks to a talent for football and the help of a mentor he was able to make something of himself. He was the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, a job that gave him money, fame and access to all the toys and women, he could want. Unfortunately the scars of his early life left him isolated and self-destructive. The thrill he got from playing football soon wasn't enough and he turned to gambling to get the rush he craved. When he fell behind on his payments to his bookie he threw games in order to pay off his debt. His whole life fell apart when he was caught and sent to prison.
After five years in prison Griff is happy to be out, but he has nothing to go home to. His condo and most of his possessions had to be sold to pay fines and legal fees. He's banned for life from the only job he ever had and he's so notorious that it will be almost impossible to find any other kind of job. With no money and no prospects it will be difficult to abide by the terms of his parole, but Griff has to find a way because he is determined never to go back to prison. Just as Griff begins to realize exactly how desperate his situation is he receives a call from eccentric millionaire Foster Speakman.
Speakman has been a paraplegic since a car accident several years ago. What no one realizes is that his injuries also left him impotent and infertile. He and his wife Laura want a child, but Speakman refuses to consider adoption. In fact, he never wants anyone to know that the child isn't his. Because Griff shares basic physical characteristics with him Speakman wants him to act as a sperm donor. He's willing to pay handsomely for Griff's services and a lifetime of his silence. The deal sounds great to Griff until he finds out that there's a catch---Speakman insists that the child must be conceived naturally. Griff knows that this arrangement is trouble, but he has no other prospects and the money is too good to turn down.
His encounters with Laura create complications that Griff doesn't need. The detective who arrested Griff five years ago is determined to pin an unsolved murder on him and terrorizes Griff and those close to him in the hopes of getting him to lose his temper and implicate himself. Griff holds it together until Foster Speakman is found dead and Griff's feelings for Laura make him the prime suspect. Griff doesn't trust the police to find the truth so he has to track down the one person who can clear him.
I have mixed feeling about this book. One the plus side, I found Griff an interesting character because he wasn't falsely accused. He was guilty of the crime that sent him to prison. Beyond that, he simply wasn't a nice guy. He treated the people in his life quite badly and discarded them when they were no longer useful to him. His time in prison, and the circumstances in which he finds himself when he is released, cause him to do some serious soul-searching. His growth felt real to me and so did the steps that he took to try to redeem himself and make a new life.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book didn't work nearly as well. The plot was convoluted and unbelievable and I didn't find Laura anywhere near as interesting as I found Griff. My main problem though was that the circumstances that brought Griff and Laura together were so skeevy that it was hard for me to root for them to end up together. This was definitely not one of my favorite of Sandra Brown's books.
Grade: C-
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