Normally, I enjoy Marie Force's work, but I've had problems with her Fatal series for a while now. Ever since I read the entire Eve Dallas series, I cNormally, I enjoy Marie Force's work, but I've had problems with her Fatal series for a while now. Ever since I read the entire Eve Dallas series, I can't help but compare the Fatal series to that one and it never measures up for me. Sam's antics smack of desperation, and moreover, they aren't realistic at all! It really feels as if she doesn't give a fig about supporting Nick politically. The story was a bit convoluted and I felt as if it was easy to see the mastermind from a mile off. I'm interested in seeing the political fall out from the events of this book, but I'm glad I'm getting them from the library....more
I thought I knew what I was getting into with this story, but it wound up with several twists in it! I loved Emma and Ryan's chemistry, but hated RyanI thought I knew what I was getting into with this story, but it wound up with several twists in it! I loved Emma and Ryan's chemistry, but hated Ryan's insistence that he shouldn't get involved with Emma because of his promises to her brother. I also didn't care for how Emma kept thinking that she needed to have a walk on the wild side to gain confidence. Seemed like she had plenty of confidence to me! All things considered, this was a quick and engaging read, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!...more
Most of the time, I enjoy Nora Roberts' standalone Romantic Suspense titles, but lately they haven't been that great, and this one is no exception. I Most of the time, I enjoy Nora Roberts' standalone Romantic Suspense titles, but lately they haven't been that great, and this one is no exception. I hated the fact that half of this story was told in flashbacks, and I found myself wishing that things had just started out with Alice's story, then moved into the present day events. I think it would have flowed better that way, as the way it was written currently, the story moved very slowly, even with how intrigued I was by Alice's ordeal. The romance between Bodine and Callen took a back seat to Alice's story, and I didn't really mind it because I really had a hard time liking Bodine, due to her attitudes about certain things. All things considered, I'm glad I got this from the library, as it is worth reading once, but not owning....more
I've heard this author hyped quite a bit around reading circles, so I was somewhat anticipating reading this book. However, it didn't live up to my anI've heard this author hyped quite a bit around reading circles, so I was somewhat anticipating reading this book. However, it didn't live up to my anticipation.
I enjoyed the characterization and descriptiveness of the story, but hated the fact that the whole impulsive reason that Jessica was in town in the first place was practically ignored! Relationships moved a little too fast for my tastes, and yet the story was as slow as molasses in January! The situation with Cooper's ex felt forced and thrown in for dramatics only.
I doubt I will read the author again, or continue with this series....more
This is more of a 2.5 star read that I was feeling generous enough about to round up the three star rating, due to the fact that I really had to drag This is more of a 2.5 star read that I was feeling generous enough about to round up the three star rating, due to the fact that I really had to drag myself through this book. The small town setting coupled with the Amish background really attracted me to this series, at first, but it just didn't gel for me by the end of things. It wasn't a bad book, per se, but it wasn't a great one either. I felt that the writing was mediocre, plodding over the same territory over and over again. I had a hard time connecting with or liking any of the characters, even Kate. I have to say that things were well detailed, to the point where I could imagine myself in the town and surrounding area, which worked in its favor enough to have me round up my rating, instead of down. All things considered, I'm not sure that I'd continue the series....more
I have to say, I wasn't that impressed with this installment. While I did like the idea of Gin going up against a bona fide serial killer, it wound upI have to say, I wasn't that impressed with this installment. While I did like the idea of Gin going up against a bona fide serial killer, it wound up being rather anti-climactic at best. The clues were spelled out for the reader, so much so that I was yelling at Gin for being so thick headed with regard to figuring the mystery out. It was just so predictable! Even the overall story arc wasn't furthered that much, and the books are getting rather repetitive. At this point, I am very grateful that my library is carrying them, because I'm not so sure I'd want to spend money on them!...more
I'd never read anything by this author before, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. I have to say the story was a bit unique, andI'd never read anything by this author before, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. I have to say the story was a bit unique, and definitely kept me engaged with it, but something felt off with it, to the point where I couldn't justify giving it a 4 star rating.
Rebecca and Tad were both impulsive characters that shouldn't have suited each other, but did in a very roundabout way. Their marriage was definitely one filled with confusion, but I felt that it was all rather manufactured. Rebecca also focused too much on her idea of safety and security, rather than trusting the Lord.
I did like the cast of characters in the story, and the story did move at a good pace throughout it, so I think it was more of this was just not a good fit for me....more
I'd never heard of this author before now, and having received a newsletter offering a copy of the second book in the series, I thought I'd go back anI'd never heard of this author before now, and having received a newsletter offering a copy of the second book in the series, I thought I'd go back and read this story before that one to see if I would like the author's style. While this was a good enough story, there were some holes in things that made it difficult for me to truly enjoy it.
Adrienne Jeffries was a bit of a unique heroine, but also a bit of an unlikable one. Descriptions of her abilities weren't accurate, nor was her ability actually given a name, and thus was not believable for me. She held herself aloof for much of the book, so her romantic feelings weren't as believable either.
Connor Perigo was a complete jerk, so it was hard for me to believe his transition to love interest. In addition to that his ability to dampen Adrienne's ability was never explained, which left more questions than answers.
The suspense plot didn't feel fully developed, and I would have liked to seen more in the killer's mind. I do have to give the author credit here, because what was there of the suspense was actually very entertaining, full of twists and turns.
Seeing as how this was a first effort by this author, I am definitely willing to give her a second chance and see if she hones her craft any more than this....more
I was actually rather surprised by this book! Normally, I am not a fan of New Adult Romances, but this one actually had me caring about the charactersI was actually rather surprised by this book! Normally, I am not a fan of New Adult Romances, but this one actually had me caring about the characters and their problems. I could actually relate to some of what Willa was going through, and Shane immediately drew me in to wondering why he was such a grump. Their relationship was actually extremely well developed for how quickly it formed, it was also very believable as well. I was cheering for them by the end of the story! While this book is a bit on the short side, the story does not suffer for it, as it felt like the readers get a fully fleshed out and cohesive story. While I got this from the library on a recommendation, I will definitely be looking to pick up a copy!...more
This was my first introduction to this author, and I wasn't that impressed by it. Vivian and Seth had a one night stand when their siblings were gettiThis was my first introduction to this author, and I wasn't that impressed by it. Vivian and Seth had a one night stand when their siblings were getting married to each other. Life moved on and ten years later, they both are back in town, each of them having done some growing while apart. However, now Seth is having a baby with a woman who is too young for him, and the timing still isn't right for him to get together with Vivian. Then we get another twist and stuff happens that I won't spoil that allows the two of them to get together. Problem was, I barely felt or could get into the romance. I had a hard time connecting to either Seth or Vivian! They both seemed very shallow! Their relationship felt rushed, and also kinda skeezy due to the timing of when they do hook up again. I found this to be a very average read, and I am in no hurry to read anything else by the author....more
This was so much better than the previous book in the series! While I no longer read much historical romance, I do enjoy them upon occasion. I was immThis was so much better than the previous book in the series! While I no longer read much historical romance, I do enjoy them upon occasion. I was immediately drawn into this story, and was unable to put it down!
Carmela was a multi-faceted character stuck in horrible circumstances. I appreciated her fortitude and unwillingness to give up or complain about things. She was an inspiring character. Freeland seemed to be a good and honorable character, one who looked past Carmela's past to who she was trying to be. I was sad to hear about what happened to the brother that tried to bring the two of them together. The story wasn't preachy at all for being an inspirational romance, and the faith was actually very believable.
The main problem I had with it was that there really wasn't enough interaction between Carmela and Freeland to warrant declarations of love and proposals of marriage. I would have preferred to see a bit of a courtship between the two of them before marriage was proposed, honestly, but it didn't detract much from my enjoyment of the story overall. I am very eager to read the next book in the series!...more
I was quite surprised by this story! While it was the longest of all the books in the series, it didn't wind up dragging at all! I loved Mike and HailI was quite surprised by this story! While it was the longest of all the books in the series, it didn't wind up dragging at all! I loved Mike and Hailey together! Their relationship grew and evolved in a well paced and believable manner. There was plenty of conflict, and Danica was a character that you loved to hate! We got to see the next events for the band, and peek in a bit on the relationships that have formed over the course of the series. It was such a great ending to a wonderful series, and I'd love to see a series that follows the "Cutting the Line" band!...more
This is not my first foray into books of this nature, but this is my first time with this particular author. I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant to startThis is not my first foray into books of this nature, but this is my first time with this particular author. I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant to start this series, and this was not a good introduction for me overall.
I truly hated Priscilla as a heroine! She had so many assumptions when she first arrived at Fort Bliss, and was so certain she knew what was best for her niece and nephew, despite the fact that she was almost a perfect stranger to them! Watching her attitudes change was akin to pulling teeth, that's how much her beginnings colored the book for me.
Elliot was trying to do the best he could with the children in a less than ideal circumstance, but it seemed like he was just as rigid and condescending as Priscilla herself! I get that this was to create tension in the book, but I found their verbal sparring boring and uninspired.
I did like the characterization of the secondary characters in the book, and the descriptions of Army Fort life during that time period, so the book earned an extra star because of them. While the series is off to a rocky start, I am willing to continue with it, as the subsequent books are written by different authors. I just know I'll be avoiding this one in the future....more
This one was a bit of a miss for me. I'm not as much of a gamer as my husband is, so while I hadn't played this game, I was familiar with it through wThis one was a bit of a miss for me. I'm not as much of a gamer as my husband is, so while I hadn't played this game, I was familiar with it through watching him play it. It struck me as I was reading this just how much the author seemed to have "phoned it in".
The early third of the book was so laughingly obvious that the early video game levels were attempting to be described as a story that it really wasn't working for me. It does lessen a bit the more one gets into the book, but never fully dissipates. Characterization was done in such broad strokes that we never get true motivations on anyone, and thus can't get close to them. There were a few interesting plot points and characters, but everything was underdeveloped and I couldn't really dig deeper and understand them, so it was a missed opportunity for me as a reader.
I think I'll stick to watching my husband play through this one and it's sequel, as they don't really work as books....more
After reading the author's A New Dawn, I was very eager to read this book! Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations, but I believe it was aAfter reading the author's A New Dawn, I was very eager to read this book! Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations, but I believe it was a case of it's not the book/author, it's me.
I really enjoyed the exploration of character shift, from Obi-Wan to Ben, but hated the fact that he was absent for most of the book. Sure, reading his private meditations was a nice addition, but it never really lead to anything. He was trying to contact his old master, and it was pretty much a one way conversation. That got old, very fast! The narrative focused a lot on the settlers, and I found them very boring! I felt as though all the other characters were expendable and only there as plot devices for Obi-Wan’s transformation. I really just wanted to see more of the character I had gotten the book for! Personally, I agree with another reviewer who thought that this would have worked much better if it was told exclusively in the first person format from the perspective of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, especially seeing Star Wars in a Western light, seeing as how I don't enjoy Westerns, but I thought it could have been much better....more
I have to say that this was my first time reading a book by this author and I'm wondering what took me so long in finding her! This book was hilariousI have to say that this was my first time reading a book by this author and I'm wondering what took me so long in finding her! This book was hilarious! I loved the byplay between Lucas and Avery, and the characterization of the secondary characters was very well done as well. Brooke was the kind of sister you loved to hate, and Lucas' parents were crack-you-up crazy! The only thing I didn't care for was some of Lucas' attitudes about cheating, but I understood that we had to see them to watch his emotional journey to love. All things considered, a great introduction to the author's writing style and I'm eager to read more by her!...more
I've had a hard time with the previous two books in this series, but I am pleased to say that this book has finally lived up to the potential of the pI've had a hard time with the previous two books in this series, but I am pleased to say that this book has finally lived up to the potential of the prequel novella!
Eva was a great heroine, so kind and caring, and I didn't figure her for a vegetarian. I loved the glimpses we got to see of her relationship with her grandmother, even though she was grieving the loss of her grandmother. Eva's "innocence" was a little unrealistic for living in New York, and that was evident with how her friends and even Lucas treated her. Lucas was a bit of a miserly hermit type, and I liked how we got to see his attitude change with regard to needing Eva in his life. He came off as a realistic character, and a troubled one as well.
I had a hard time putting the book down when I read it, and was very glad to see the potential finally realized in this series!...more
Unfortunately, there's not much to recommend this book. Both Ella and Cord have had problems in their past relationships, and they use those issues toUnfortunately, there's not much to recommend this book. Both Ella and Cord have had problems in their past relationships, and they use those issues to avoid getting close to one another. I found Ella to be a bit of a doormat of a character, and Cord was too clueless to actually be enjoyable as a hero. The faith message got lost in the shuffle here, and didn't feel as important as it should have been. However, the story was an entertaining read, so earned an extra star from me....more
I have somewhat mixed feelings about this book. I haven't seen Rogue One, so I really can't do a comparison between book and movie. I do realize that I have somewhat mixed feelings about this book. I haven't seen Rogue One, so I really can't do a comparison between book and movie. I do realize that you get much more of an insight into a character's thoughts in a book, which is more difficult to portray in a film. However, there was way too much telling instead of showing, because the book assumes that you've seen the movie and have it running through your head as you're reading it, I'm guessing. That being said, I felt like I came away with a good understanding about the thoughts and emotions of each individual character than I would have if I had seen the movie first. The writing was fairly average and boring, which was the biggest disappointment for me, as I had heard good things about the author and this book in particular. I'm thinking Rogue One is definitely better viewed than read. Freed tries his best to narrate the battle sequences and expand on characters' thoughts, but it became rather droll and repetitive unfortunately....more
This story was amazing! It made me cry at all the tender feelings between Shawn and Kit, and I loved her big family! I was able to connect very well wThis story was amazing! It made me cry at all the tender feelings between Shawn and Kit, and I loved her big family! I was able to connect very well with Kit, not so much with Shawn, but I was able to empathize with his feelings some. While the story has moved forward some in time, we don't get many glimpses of the previous couples, as they have a plausible reason for not joining the band while on tour. The story was very entertaining, and highly enjoyable!...more
